Praise, Prediction & Promise

In Luke 1 v 67-79, the old in years but brand-new father Zechariah, overflowing with the Holy Spirit, spoke words over his new born baby boy. New babies always bring a sense of joy and endless possibility, but these words were more powerful than most. Words of praise, prediction, and promise.

Praise v 68- 75 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us— to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days”.

Prediction v 76-77 “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins”

Promise v78-79 “because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

It is good to pray over our children and grandchildren, whether new born babies, tricky toddlers or teens, those exploring life away from home or getting married. Any day is a good day to pray for them, but for these life changing moments, seek God for His words and direction over our youngsters.

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A House of Prayer for All Nations

Mark 11 v15-18

“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.”

It must have been a shocking scene – tables overturned, money (and doves!) flying about, voices raised in anger and disbelief and Jesus loudly quoting two prophets from the Old Testament – Jeremiah (7v11) and Isaiah (56v7).

The temple represented the heart of Israel’s religious and national life, where God dwelt with his people. But instead of voices lifted in prayer and worship, it was money that talked loudest – a house of prayer had been turned into a noisy marketplace. And a corrupt one. Animals bought for sacrificing weren’t the only ones being fleeced; it was a mockery of everything the temple was meant to stand for.   

Jesus was angry at what he saw and turned the whole system upside down. People were kept from getting close to God in the various areas in the Temple. There was the large outer Gentile court (where the moneychangers were), the Jewish Women’s court, the Jewish Men’s court, the Holy Place of Priests then the Holy of Holies for High Priest only (and once a year only). This action was Jesus in character, motivated by love for his Father’s name – a purposeful response to something that was so clearly wrong.   
When Jesus died, the temple curtain 3.5in thick, was torn from top to bottom allowing access to the Holy of Holies for EVERYONE – his plan of salvation.

When we see practices and attitudes in our everyday lives that don’t align with what God’s made us for, what should our response be?

Part of our purpose as followers of Jesus is to be a witness to God’s character and his priorities. Whilst we may not need to overturn tables as such, we can pray for God to show us proportionate ways to respond and act out of love.   

Inspired by LICC

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The 3 Crosses of Good Friday

Luke 23 v32-43

3 men condemned to die by crucifixion, a barbaric, humiliating, public slow death invented by the Persians in approx. 300BC.

Criminal 1 dies in sin refused to believe – his choice

Criminal 2 dies to sin because he believed – his choice

Jesus dies for sin once for all – his choice

The cross is the gateway to the Kingdom, opened for ALL people by Jesus.

1 John 2 v2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4 v10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Mark 10 v45 …the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Hebrews 7 v27 He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

The base of the cross in the earth

The top of the cross pointing to heaven

Arms of the cross stretched to embrace the world

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Paul’s Pattern of Prayer

In Colossians 1 v9-12, we find 10 things Paul prayed for the church..

May God…

1. Fill you with all knowledge of His will
2. Through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives
3. so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way
4. bearing fruit in every good work
5. gaining in the knowledge of God
6. being strengthened with al HIs power according to HIs glorious might
7. so that you may have great endurance
8. and patience
9. giving joyful thanks to the Father
10. who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.

Pray this for the church and think of what it would be like if GOd started to answer your prayers and make this stuff happen!

iinspired by Tim Matthews

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Be a Blessing

Psalm 1v3 NLT

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

I wonder what you look for in friends, work colleagues or even in yourself?

Good humour, truthfulness, professionalism maybe on your list. How about loyalty and reliability? There are characteristics which we need to establish trust in our relationships.

The image of the evergreen tree is one of constant watering, health, and fruitfulness. The Psalmist says people like this are those who are close to the Lord and live their lives according to His ways. Those who are constant and true, not blown about by popular opinion or dragged off course by ‘friends’ or even enemies. Those who do not seek recognition for themselves by putting others down. Those who base their lives on the example of Jesus. Prosperity mentioned in the verse can mean either physical or spiritual blessing or both – we are all rich in Christ!

The key to life like this is in the image that the trees are planted near water, the source of life. Plant yourself in Jesus, drawing strength and joy from Him, meditating on the Word and praying and so being a blessing to others.

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Social Justice – an issue on God’s heart

Isaiah 1v 17 Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.  Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Zechariah 7 v9-10 “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

Jeremiah 22 v3 This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hands of their
oppressors those who have been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.Luke 4 v18-19 The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to preach good news to
the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.The verses above show God’s heart for all people. To speak out for those who have no voice, to promote justice and to welcome the foreigner. There is plenty of opportunity as Christians and churches to take action in our communities and in our nation. To read how to get involved, check out the Joint Public Issues Team https://jpit.uk/ A faith based grouping of denominations who work together to have a Christian voice nationally.We must remember while we are feeding, clothing and welcoming people as instructed, that we alone as the people of God have the good news to spread as in Luke 4 above. The love of Jesus, forgiveness and eternal life are the greatest gifts, the best way to help people. Let’s work with God who is still transforming
lives!

Micah 6:8 He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

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Who Jesus is

In Mark’s gospel, he tells of Jesus doing bread miracles for the crowd (chapter 6 v30-44. 8 v1-10) and boat miracles for the disciples (4 v35-41, 6 v45-51), then a miracle with both bread and a boat! (8 v10-21).

The disciples are getting to know Jesus and learning to trust him. Then the storm takes over their vision and trust starts to flounder. Jesus makes a statement in v35 saying they are going to the other side of the lake. The disciples lost focus of this while battling with the wind and waves.

Meanwhile, Jesus sleeps, demonstrating his trust in the Father. He has the authority to calm the storm and so he does, after being woken by some very frightened sailors. Interestingly, that when the storm is stilled by Jesus, we are told that the disciples are now terrified! In the silence. They were just getting their head around Jesus maybe being the Messiah, but this?

This passage is about Jesus and who He is. Notice that:

• He makes them a promise
• He is with them in the good weather
• He is with them in the bad weather
• He changes the circumstances
• He brought peace

How can knowing these things help you when you face a scary situation?

Rest in who Jesus is. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Praise Him today!

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Morning, Noon & Evening

Psalm 119 v 9-16 NLT

9 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.

10 I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

12 I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.

13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.

14 I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches.

15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.

16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

What things are done with God’s word here?

It says that if we know God’s word, it will keep us pure (unpolluted, transparent, authentic) and on track. We are called to be different, living God’s way and reading the Bible is the way to know who God is and who we are. It’s a good habit to set 3 alarms in your day, am, noon, pm.

Morning – read the Word

Noon – remember it

Evening – review the day and be thankful

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Finding Purpose in your Work

In Genesis 1, we see our creator God doing a number of things and it is probable our work (paid or volunteer) will mirror some of these.

Producing Order

Like a parent tidying up their kid’s bedroom or an administrator putting the right files in the right folder

Generating Provision

Like a farmer growing food or a fund manager growing pension pots

Bringing Joy

Like a midwife delivering a baby or a waiter serving food with a smile

Creating Beauty

Like someone tending to their garden or an artist perfectly capturing a moment in time

Releasing Potential

Like a line manager organising training for their staff or a musician passing on their passion to a new generation

Think about how your work reflects God’s work in the list above

Inspired by Joe Warton – Godmanchester BC

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Into the Next Adventure!

As we move forward on into February, we fix our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to lead us on into the next adventure He has for us.

Maybe God is saying to your church to step out and do something new to reach the lost. Maybe He is encouraging you to befriend the new mum at the school gate who no one notices. Maybe He is leading you into a new job or challenging you to stick at the one you have.

In all things, we need to listen, really listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew 6.

We are probably familiar with the NIV version:

Matthew 6 v33-34

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Good solid advice. I like the way ‘Message’ paraphrase of verse 34 is worded:

Matthew 6 v34

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Let’s also listen to Oswald Chambers who said “Beware of harkening back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.”

Step out and take a risk for God!

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