Reflections and the future

And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that He may take away the serpents from us. So Moses prayed for the people.

And the Lord said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent [of bronze] and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.

And Moses made a serpent of bronze and put it on a pole, and if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked to the serpent of bronze [attentively, expectantly, with a steady and absorbing gaze], he lived. Numbers 21:7-9 AMP

The Israelites had again been complaining about their circumstances. They knew they had sinned. God gave them a way out of their circumstance - a way to live. They had to look, attentively and expectantly at what God had provided for them.

We are the same. We complain. We sin. We need to not look at our circumstances, but to look attentively and expectantly at what God has provided for us. An opportunity to have life, life forever.

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must [so it is necessary that] the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross],

In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever!

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. John 3:14-16

As 2015 ends and 2016 begins, we can reflect on many things that have happened, or not happened, within the year. One thing that I am reflecting on this year, is how often did I look to Jesus for help, and how often did I choose to wallow in self-pity, fear and doubt? How often did I let my devotion to Christ wain?

But [now] I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted and seduced from wholehearted and sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 

2 Corinthians 11:3 AMP

And furthermore when in those times of self-pity, fear and doubt, how long did it take me to shift my mind back to Jesus? How long did I let myself get distracted by the things that are not of God? 

Thankfully, by the grace of God, after time reading His word, prayer and worship I was eventually able to return to that place of looking to Jesus. And then His peace returned to my mind.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

In 2016 I know there will be times of that self pity, fear and doubt, but my prayer is that they will be fewer, and I will be quicker to return my focus to Jesus. 

Question for today, when you reflect on 2015 and the place you gave Jesus in your life, how would you like to see that change in 2016? Let's take a moment now to ask God to help us with that change in 2016. We cannot make that change alone, rather only under His guidance and in His strength.

​THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 AMP

In the wilderness

In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God] came to John son of Zachariah in the wilderness (desert). Luke 3:2 AMP

Where was John when he heard from God about salvation through Christ? He was in the wilderness. We all have times in our lives when our life seems like the wilderness - overwhelmed with circumstances, directionless, obstacles everywhere we look. 

We don't normally choose to go into the wilderness, as Jesus did after He was baptised by John in the Jordan. 

Immediately the [Holy] Spirit [from within] drove Him out into the wilderness (desert). And He stayed in the wilderness (desert) forty days, being tempted [all the while] by Satan; Mark 1:12-13a AMP

We then read how the devil tried and tested Jesus. But we also read that He was not alone in the wilderness. 

and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him [continually]. Mark 1:13b AMP

For us, it may seem as though we have stumbled into the wilderness. It is difficult at the time to see it as part of a bigger picture that God has for our lives, and often the lives of others. God can do wonderful things in us and for us when we are in the wilderness. 

Marvelous things did He in the sight of their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan [where Pharoah resided]. He divided the [Red] Sea and caused them to pass through it, and He made the waters stand like a heap. In the daytime also He led them with a [pillar of] cloud and all the night with a light of fire. He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as out of the deep. He brought streams also out of the rock [as Rephidim and Kadesh] and caused waters to run down like rivers. Psalm 78:12-16 AMP

Our challenge is to lift our eyes off our circumstances in the wilderness long enough, to see what God is doing. And to remember what He has done. Not like the Israelites.

They remembered not [seriously the miracles of the working of] His hand, nor the day when He delivered them from the enemy, how He wrought His miracles in Egypt and His wonders in the field of Zoan [where Pharoah resided] Psalm 78:42-43 AMP

Our challenge, when in the wilderness, is to stop and listen to the Holy Spirit. Listen and obey His direction for our lives.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as [happened] in the rebellion [of Israel] and their provocation and embitterment [of Me] in the day of testing in the wilderness Hebrews 3:7-8 AMP

Questions for today, does it seem like you are in the wilderness, alone, with no one to help you? Why not take some time right now to call out to God and ask Him to help you see His provision for you? 

Do you want to hear from God as John did? Why not right now, stop, be still, and listen. Wait for the revelation to come. 

Does the situation seem hopeless, with no good to come from it? Again, why not ask God to help you trust Him, and fill you with confidence in Christ.

And Moses certainly was faithful in the administration of all God's house [but it was only] as a ministering servant. [In his entire ministry he was but] a testimony to the things which were to be spoken [the revelations to be given afterward in Christ]. But Christ (the Messiah) was faithful over His [own Father's] house as a Son [and Master of it]. And it is we who are [now members] of this house, if we hold fast and firm to the end our joyful and exultant confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ]. Hebrews 3:5-6 AMP

So God created man

So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 AMP

We are all made in the image of God, whether we choose to believe in Him or not. Recently I have been reading a book that has been challenging my thoughts about church and it's reflection of God's love for people. All the people He created, not just the ones that are inside the church. Not just the ones that are outside the church living 'respectful' lives. Not just the people who are 'similar' to us. But all people. Here is some of what this book, 'Crossing the chasm' by Kent Hodge has to say about this,

"We need a reviewed view of the church. We have had a Western view, a church in so many ways attached to Western culture and to our social traditions. We feel that if we open our doors to others too wide we will lose this. We forget that today the strongest growing Christian populations are in countries like India and China and in parts of Africa and South America. Western culture is not the equivalent of Christianity, despite the many benefits from its Christian heritage." P24

This statement can be challenging to us who have lived in a comfortable white middle class society for most of our lives. It can be challenging for our children who have listened to and seen the news and heard commentary about other religions. Yesterday, on Christmas Day, the celebration of Jesus birth, our family had an opportunity to step out of that comfort zone and mix in the caravan park with families of another faith. The mixing was initiated via a game of soccer. During the soccer game one of our children was injured. The love and care that was shown to our child helped our children to breakdown the stereo-typical image that had been built up in their minds from media reports. Kent Hodge talks about this in his book,

"As a young boy growing up in Sydney, I was bullied at school for having what people in those days derogatively referred to as a "WOG" friend (a friend from Italy). I didn't mind, because my friend's father cooked good fish and chips for us! Now, the social 'phobias' are against Middle Easterners, Muslims, sinners, or those of different classes. We really need to change, to open up and to see people as Christ sees them. Then, our churches will begin to look more like Jesus' mission: "Go out into the highways and byways and compel them ALL to come in." The separation of nations at the Tower of Babel has been overcome by Christ and Pentecost. We now live in a new world, where Christ's kingdom is breaking through in people's hearts." p 26

Due to various circumstances our 2015 Christmas Day celebrations had shifted from our normal white middle class world, and I am now so grateful that they did, because what God did in all of our hearts last night, could not have been done in any other way. He taught each of us a little more about the reason Jesus came to this earth all those years ago. He opened our hearts to see people more the way that He sees us all, with love. We could never have foreseen that blessing on our Christmas Day.

For God has consigned (penned up) all men to disobedience, only that He may have mercy on them all [alike].

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His ways (His methods, His paths)! Romans 11:32-33

Our challenge now is to keep growing in that understanding, looking for more ways to learn about God's love for all people, and ways to show His love to all people. To indeed grow in our understanding and ability to live out of these scriptures,

Jesus answered, The first and principal one of all commands is: Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord;

And you shall love the Lord your Godout of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (yourlife) and out of and with all your mind (withyour faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength.This is the first and principal commandment.

The second is like it and is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:29-31

Let's take time today to ask God to show us what He wants us to learn about His love for everyone that He has created on this earth. And then take it one step further and demonstrate His love.

May the Lord direct your hearts into [realizing and showing] the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 AMP

Make a joyful noise

Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth; Sing forth the honor and glory of His name; make His praise glorious! Psalm 66:1-2 AMP

Today and tomorrow all around the earth there will be a joyful noise made unto God. A declaration sung of God's love, His grace, His authority and power. This Psalm goes on to say,

Say to God, How awesome and fearfully glorious are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power shall Your enemies submit themselves to You [with feigned and reluctant obedience]. All the earth shall bow down to You and sing [praises] to You; they shall praise Your name in song. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 66:3-4 AMP

I once heard a Pastor say that he regularly prayed that, some people he knew that didn't know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, would 'see God'. The Holy Spirit has since prompted me to pray a similar prayer, especially those in the midst of very difficult circumstances, that they would see God in the midst of those circumstances. 

But we are able to see Jesus, Who was ranked lower than the angels for a little while, crowned with glory and honour because of His having suffered death, in order that by the grace (unmerited favour) of God [to us sinners] He might experience death for every individual person. Hebrews 2:9 AMP

My prayer is that they would sense Jesus' love for them despite their pain and loss. That they would start to know that He understands their pain.

For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. Hebrews 2:18 AMP

I know how hard it can be to make a joyful noise unto God when everything around you is making anything but joyful sounds. But that is what God tells us to do - count it all joy - and doing exactly that creates a pathway to maturity and peace.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 The Message

I know too that sometimes it can be a long very windy pathway, but sticking to the path and sticking with Jesus brings its own eternal rewards, and enables us to come to the place where we truly can say 'How awesome and fearfully glorious are Your works.'

Question for today, as we make a joyful noise today or tomorrow in celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, let's make each word a declaration from our heart of His goodness. And let's pray for those in our world who are yet to make that declaration, that they will see and receive the love of Jesus.

All together now - applause for God!

Sing songs to the tune of his glory,

set glory to the rhythms of his praise.

Say of God, "We've never seen anything like him!"

When your enemies see you in action,

they slink off like scolded dogs.

The whole earth falls to its knees-

it worships you, sings to you,

can't stop enjoying your name and fame.

Psalm 66:1-4 The Message

Let's remember who God is

And they [earnestly] remembered that God was their Rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer. Psalm 78:35 AMP

Today let's take a few moments to read some other scriptures that help us remember who God is. He is the First and the Last.

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God. Isaiah 44:6 AMP

There is no other God aside from Him. He created us. He created the heavens and the earth.

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer; and He Who formed you from the womb; I am the Lord, Who made all things, Who alone stretched out the heavens, Who spread out the earth by Myself [who was with Me]? Isaiah 44:24 AMP

He is our Saviour.

Yes I am the Lord your God from [the time you became a nation in] the land of Egypt, and you shall know or recognise no God but Me, for there is no Saviour besides Me. Hosea 13:4 AMP

Our Saviour - Jesus, the Son of God, whose birth on this earth we will celebrate in three days time.

She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Saviour], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. Matthew 1:21 AMP

Let's not be like the Israelites in the wilderness, who forgot ....

But they hastily forgot His works; they did not [earnestly] wait for His plans [to develop] regarding them, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness and tempted and tried to restrain God [with their insistent desires] in the desert. Psalm 106:13 AMP

And made their own idol ...

They made a calf in Horeb and worshipped a molten image. Thus they exchanged Him Who was their Glory for an image of an ox that eats grass [they traded their Honor for the image of a calf]! They forgot God their Saviour, Who had done such great things in Egypt, Psalm 106:19-21 AMP

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to be our Saviour. Please forgive us when we forget what You have done for us. Please forgive us when we put other things or people in front of You. Please help us to remember that You are the First and the Last, you are our Creator. Please help us to remember Jesus, our Saviour. Please help us to live the way You want us to live, as Your vessels on this earth. Amen

For the grace of God (His unmerited favour and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldy (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world, awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realisation of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be pecularily His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. Titus 2:11-14 AMP

She who believed

And blessed (happy, to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord. Luke 1:45 AMP

As I re-read the story of Jesus birth my thoughts turn to Mary and how the whole "event" would have been for her. Starting with the visit from the angel Gabriel telling her that she will become pregnant, but not by 'normal' means. How trusting is she when she replies to the angel,

Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said. Luke 1:38 AMP

The Message bible puts it this way,

And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.  Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 The Message

I wonder if I had been Mary, would I have had the trust to listen and the faith to believe what the angel said? How different was her response to Zachariah who had had a visit from the angel Gabriel a few months before? When Gabriel told Zachariah that his elderly wife Elizabeth will bear a son, Zachariah replied,

By what shall I know and be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.
Luke 1:18 AMP

He doubts and questions Gabriel's message and authority. So Gabriel states his authority quite clearly,

And the angel replied to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the [very] presence of God, and I have been sent to talk to you and to bring you this good news. Luke 1:19 AMP

And furthermore the angel Gabriel gifts Zachariah with the opportunity to be silent and ponder more on who God is and what He is doing.

Now behold, you will be and will continue to be silent and not able to speak till the day when these things take place, because you have not believed what I told you; but my words are of a kind which will be fulfilled in the appointed and proper time. Luke 1:20 AMP

What a contrast to Mary, who, although initially afraid of the angel, was ready to believe and ready to serve. It makes me wonder what sort of relationship she had with God before this visitation. We know that Zachariah was serving as a priest. But we know little of Mary's background, other than she was a girl who had never been married and she was a virgin. However, when we read her response to Elizabeth, Zachariah's wife, we can see she had a great understanding of God and His heart, purpose and love.

And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour, for He has looked upon the low station and humiliation of His handmaiden. For behold, from now on all generations [of all ages] will call me blessed and declare me happy and to be envied!

For He Who is almighty has done great things for me - and holy is His name [to be venerated in His purity, majesty and glory]! And His mercy (His compassion and kindness toward the miserable and afflicted) is on those who fear Him with godly reverence, from generation to generation and age to age. 

He has shown strength and made might with His arm; He has scattered the proud and haughty in and by the imagination and purpose and designs of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. He has filled and satisfied the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty-handed [without a gift].

He has laid hold of His servant Israel [to help him, to espouse his cause], in remembrance of His mercy, even as He promised to our forefathers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. Luke 1:46-55 AMP

Question for today, has God spoken to you about something that will come to pass, and are you having difficulty believing what He said? Let's ask God to help us to be more like Mary, to trust Him enough that we can be ready to serve and let God have His way in our lives.

There is one more thing about Mary that I wanted to highlight. It relates to what Mary did (or actually didn't do) when the shepherds came to visit Jesus.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger.

And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, and all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them.

But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart. 

Luke 2:15-19 AMP

Mary heard from God via His angel, she believed what He said, she obeyed Him. She could have shouted the news from the roof tops, as it was very good news! But no, she didn't, rather she showed restraint and wisdom, letting God be in complete control of His plan including His timing and method of communication of this great news. How important was Mary's wisdom when we read of in Matthew, of Herod's plan to destroy Jesus.

So today, let's ask God to give us wisdom when He speaks to us about His plans. Wisdom to know what to share, when to share and to whom to share with. 

A shelter and a refuge

For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary. Psalm 61:3 AMP

Sometimes when a storm comes into our lives, we are in the shelter, seemingly untouched by the storm, but able to see the damage it is doing around us. Other times there appears to be no shelter and the impact of the storm penetrates our heart. At the precise moment the storm hits it appears that there is no escaping it. We are hit by it's full force. And it hurts. Really hurts.

We can't live in denial, the storms do come. They can cause deep deep pain, pain that seems like it will never go away. I am not an expert on grief, but I know someone who is. Someone that we can call out to when we are in pain. Someone that will help guide us through the pain.

God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer. When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp, I call out, "Guide me up High Rock Mountain!"

Psalm 61:1-2 The Message

And what's more He doesn't work 9 to 5. He doesn't have specific office hours. He is always available.

You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all, a lifetime pass to your safe-house, an open invitation as your guest. Psalm 3-4 The Message

And no matter how many people call out to Him, there is never a queue. We don't have to wait to be heard. He can talk to us all at the same time! Can't quite get my head around that.

Furthermore He doesn't charge for His wisdom and advice. His Son already paid the price so we could freely come to Him.

Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [the price paid to set them free]. Matthew 20:28 AMP

Question for today, have you been in a storm recently seemingly without shelter, and there is hurt and pain to process? Why not take time today to talk to your always available, always loving Heavenly Father, asking Him to help you navigate through the pain. He wants to be our shelter and refuge. He is a safe place to be.

My help and glory are in God - granite-strength and safe-harbour-God - So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a safe place to be.

Psalm 62:7 The Message

Love one another

I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. John 13:34 AMP

We are away on holiday thanks to the blessing of the Camp Quality organisation and the cabin they make available to their families. We are out of our sheltered environment of school, home, church and hospital. (Although some would say the latter isn't really a 'sheltered' environment.) 

Anyway, yesterday I was reminded of how 'radically different' it is when we, through God's grace, try to live as Jesus lived on earth, with love for each other. Our children were swimming in the pool, playing with some other children who are staying in the camp ground. One of the other children made a comment to our son, something like, 'How come your sisters are so nice to you?'.

'They just are,' replies Marshall.

'Oh I know why, it's because they are scared you will beat them up if they aren't nice to you,' was the response from the other child.

This conversation has stuck in my mind. Being kind to each other, something we are reminded about so regularly, through reading God's word, teaching at church and school, appeared to be a foreign concept to these children. Especially kindness from love in sibling relationships, rather kindness resulting from fear. Unfortunately we did see the latter play out and they eventually left the pool.

Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Romans 12:10 AMP

Now I don't want you to get the wrong idea, our children are certainly not angels, and we have experienced some ugly sibling fights, but the underlying foundation of love and kindness is there - Praise God. And praise God these other children were able to witness a different kind of interaction between siblings. 

I believe this was a direct answer to prayer, as these holidays we have been purposefully praying each morning together asking God to help us be a blessing, either to each other, or to someone He brings across our path. At the end of the day we do a debrief to share what God has done. It has been just another small way to shift the focus from the 'get, get, get' of the commercialised Christmas season. And it has been a way to help keep God at the centre of what we are doing each day, when we are out of the normal routine of home, school and church.

Question for today, what can you do today to show God's love to someone within your family, or a friend, or a 'stranger'? How can you be a sweet fragrance in someone else's life?

And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ love and gave Himself up for us, as slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. Ephesians 5:2 AMP

He will meet me

My God in His mercy and steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look [triumphantly] on my enemies (those who lie in wait for me). Psalm 59:10 AMP 

In this scripture, we have the assurance that God, in His mercy and steadfast love will meet us. He doesn't forget about us, even though circumstances may suggest that. Another version puts it this way,

In his unfailing love, my God will stand with me. He will let me look down in triumph on all my enemies. Psalm 59:10 NLT

In the difficult and challenging times, we do not stand alone. We have a God, our Heavenly Father, who meets us and stands with us. Sometimes in the midst of the trial, that is hard to see, but if we look, really look, we can find Him in the midst, often in the small things. The unexpected provision, the loving encouragement, the favour in a seemingly impossible situation,  all reminders of His presence and love for us. 

Another Bible version puts it this way,

God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin. Psalm 59:10 The Message

To say our desired timing is so different to God's timing is an understatement. This has been a lesson that God has been teaching me over many years. He has been patiently teaching me to be patient. I have been a very slow learner in this area, but now, as my trust in Him has grown, so has my ability to wait. There are still times of impatience, but much less than in the past. This continual transformation is a product of God's mercy and steadfast love. A product of God meeting with me. A transformation that I desire to see continue in my life, not only in the area of patience, but in all the fruits of the spirit.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Galatians 5:22-23 AMP

And right there in that scripture is another reminder of how God meets us - the Holy Spirit - His presence within us.  The beautiful gentle comforting Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit who intercedes for us. 

So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearning and groanings too deep for utterance.

And He Who searches the hearts of me knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God's will. Romans 8:26-27 AMP

And of course God meets us through His Son Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating now. 

(So grateful for the shopping centres that still have a reminder of the real reason for Christmas)

Jesus, who also intercedes for us. 

Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? Romans 8:34 AMP

Questions for today, are you expecting that God will meet you today, showing you His mercy and steadfast love? Are you expecting that the Holy Spirit and Jesus will be interceding for you, in the circumstances you face?

And taking this one step further, are you expecting to show God's love to someone today?  Are you expecting God to prompt you to intercede for one of your brothers and sisters in Christ? 

You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God are my my fortress, my God on whom I can rely. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.  Psalm 59:9-10 NIV

My heart is fixed.

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is steadfast and confident! I will sing and make melody.
Psalm 57:7 AMP

Fixed - to make firm or stable; fasten, secure.

What is your heart is fixed on? David had his heart fixed on God.

O GOD, my heart is fixed (steadfast, in the confidence of faith); I will sing, yes, I will sing praises, even with my glory [all the faculties and powers of one created in Your image]! Psalm 108:1 AMP

David knew who he was. He knew he was created in the image of God. He knew he could have total confidence in His creator. Why? Because he had taken the time to be with God, listen to God, and get revelation of God's love for him. He knew that God alone, was his 'go to' man.

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me [Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them]! Psalm 57:1-2 AMP

So let's ask ourselves that question again, what is our heart fixed on? What or who is it that we are putting all hope and confidence in? Are we doing as Paul tells us to, living in union with and conformity to Jesus, or are we living in union with and conformity to the world around us? 

As you therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planed [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 AMP

God knows we aren't going to get it right all the time. He knows that we so often succumb to the influences of this world. But lets ask Him to help us make it less often. Let's ask Him to help us make daily choices to live more of our lives His way and for His purposes. Let's be people who choose to dwell daily with our creator, our Heavenly Father. Let's fix our heart on Him.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Who power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1-2 AMP

Well-founded hope

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favour), comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word. 

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 AMP

This morning I was reading about the persecution that Christians are experiencing in many parts of the world. It made me think about how blessed we are to live here, where we can so freely celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.  Here, where we can sing about Jesus and His love for us. Here, where we can openly have a conversation with a friend on the footpath, or in the shopping centre, or in a park, about what Jesus has done in our lives. Here, where we can openly pray for someone to receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and start of the path of having their life transformed by Him. Him who came to give us life and give it to the full.

And then a bit of fear crept in, what if that level of persecution comes here, and we can no longer experience the religious freedom we currently have? That freedom is already being eroded, with more restrictions being placed on Religious Instructions in schools. As my mind wandered down that 'what if' path, God drew me to this passage of scripture .....

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you by means of the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control, do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [with me] take your share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you, and do it] in the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:6-8 AMP

Yes, a stirring from within is needed, so we don't become complacent about the gracious gift of God. All He has done for us, has been done for a purpose - His purpose of drawing all people back into relationship with Him.

[For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of any merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favour) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago]. 2 Timothy 1:9 AMP

So what do we do? What can we do? Get into the presence of God, know better His heart for His people, learn how to love as God loves, pray for understanding of your part in His purpose, stay alert and pray for courage and boldness.

You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle - are they not in Your book? Then shall my enemies turn back in the day that I cry out; this I know, for God is for me. In God, Whose word I praise, in the Lord, Whose word I praise, In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Your vows are upon me, O God; I will render praise to You and give You thank offerings. For You have delivered my life from death, yes, and my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life and of the living. Psalm 56:8-13 AMP

In God, have I put my trust and reliance; I will not be afraid.

Today, by God's grace, the celebration of Christmas in Australia is an expected part of our annual calendar. In some countries that is not the case. 

Question for today, what can you do prayerfully and practically today to help show God's light in our country? To show that He is real and He loves each and every person. To show that He is a God of peace and well-founded hope.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust. Psalm 4:8 AMP

Jesus

However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves. 

2 Corinthians 4:7 AMP

Let's stop for a moment and think about Jesus. Who He is, what He did and what that means for us? 

Turn off all other noise around (internal and external), close your eyes and call out His name - Jesus - it may be a whisper, it may be a cry, it may be a shout. Just say His name - Jesus. Say it again, and again and let His spirit minister to you.

For me, repeatedly declaring the name Jesus, reminds me that I am nothing without Him. As time goes on and life experiences build, I am becoming more and more aware of this truth. It is with that understanding, that we can declare with confidence the next part of that scripture ....

We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; 

We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;

Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 AMP

So despite our circumstances, in Christ Jesus ...

We are NOT cramped or crushed

We are NOT perplexed and unable to find a way out

We are NOT driven to despair

We are NOT deserted

We are NOT struck out and destroyed

No, we live. And in Jesus we can live our lives to the full.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 AMP

Let's pray, thank you Jesus that You came to earth. Thank you that You walked among men, showing us how to live, teaching us about the power and authority we have in You, in our lives. Thank you for overcoming darkness and allowing us to be in right relationship again with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for your mercy and grace that enables us to get up each day and grow closer to You. Please help us to always put you at the centre of our lives, and forgive us when we don't. We love you Jesus, help us to be Your light in this world today. Amen

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldy draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favour to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. Hebrews 4:16 AMP

Too busy to read the Bible?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. 

Psalm 51:10-12 AMP

With all the busy-ness of the Christmas season, the temptation for me today was to just get into the busy-ness without spending time with my Heavenly Father. Thankfully the Holy Spirit kept prompting me to stop, open my Bible and read - Psalm 51. Here's how it starts ....

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love, according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions.

Psalm 51:1 AMP

Just reading verse one realigns our hearts and thoughts immediately with God, reminding us of His mercy and His love He has for us. All else in our lives pales into insignificance compared to His love for us.

My flesh is now saying, that's enough, get on with all the jobs now. But the Holy Spirit is saying, no keep reading My truth ....

Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.

Psalm 51:6 AMP

Wisdom, beautiful Godly wisdom, how much do we need wisdom at this time of year?? Wisdom with words, time, money, truth, grace and much more. Heavenly Father, please give us an abundance of wisdom.

I am now curious as to what else God is going to show me in this Psalm ....

Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

Psalm 51:8 AMP

Yesterday we were at the hospital for Victoria's monthly port-a-cath flush. I still have difficulty, almost five years on, believing we have to walk through the door of a Unit that is labelled 'Children's cancer and hematology Day Unit'. Once inside the Unit, a joy and gladness comes forth from our three daughters that breathes life into a place of darkness. The nurses are in fits of laughter. It is as if a hurricane of joy has entered the place. Thank you God, you have helped me to hear the joy and gladness and be satisfied.

Now I am hungry for what else God wants to say to me this morning ....

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. 

Psalm 51:10-12 AMP

Oh yes, memories come flooding back of a song I sang when I became a Christian, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me".  Thankfulness comes into my heart for a God is pursues us and doesn't give up on us.

And then, I am reminded of some very important things to keep top of mind today and over these next few weeks ......

Cast me not away from Your presence 
- Need to stick close to God
Take not your Holy Spirit from me
 - Need to listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit
Restore to me the joy 
- Need to look for the joy in everything
Uphold me with a willing spirit
 - Need to continually yield to God and His ways

Question for today, are you feeling too busy and overwhelmed with all things Christmas to not open your Bible and read it today? If like me, you thought it wouldn't matter if you missed a day, I would like to gently remind you (as the Holy Spirit did to me this morning) that God is always wanting to talk with us, encourage us, and guide us,. Let's not miss out on the opportunity to receive from Him today because of our plans.

God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile, and put a fresh wind in my sails! Psalm 51:10-12 The Message

Jesus said

And Jesus said to him, I will come and restore him.
Matthew 8:7 AMP

"Jesus said ..... "

This is not something we hear quoted on the news reports, or in newspapers or on news websites. No, in those realms we often hear or read that Prime Minister X said ...., or President X said ...., or the expert in this field said.....  .

We need to go to our Bible to read what Jesus said. Today, let's remind ourselves of some of words Jesus spoke. Before we start reading, let's take a moment to pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to minister to us as we meditate on the words of Jesus.

Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve. Matthew 4:10 AMP

And Jesus said to them, Come after Me and be My disciples, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 
Mark 1:17 AMP

And being moved with pity and sympathy, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him, and said to him, I am willing; be made clean. Mark 1:41 AMP

He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:29 AMP

Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, I have pity and sympathy and am deeply moved for the crowd, because they have been with Me now three days and they have nothing [at all left] to eat; and I am not willing to send them away hungry, lest they faint or become exhausted on the way. Matthew 15:32 AMP

But Jesus turned away from Peter and said to him, Get behind Me, Satan! You are in My way [an offense and a hindrance and a snare to Me]; for you are minding what partakes not of the nature and quality of God, but of men. Matthew 16:23 AMP

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also]. 
Matthew 16:24 AMP 

But Jesus came and touched them, and said, Get up, and do not be afraid. Matthew 17:7 AMP

But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God. Matthew 19:26 AMP

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread and, praising God, gave thanks and asked Him to bless it to their use, and when He had broken it, He gave it to the disciples and said, Take, eat; this is My body. And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you: For this is My blood of the new covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured our for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:26-28 AMP

Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; and Whoever continues to live and believes in (has faith in, cleaves to, and relies on) Me shall never [actually] die at all. Do you believe this?
John 11:25-26 AMP

And that is only a very small selection of what Jesus had to say, and doesn't even start to take into account that we can hear directly from Him today in our own quiet time, when we take time to acknowledge Him and listen.

Question for today, what are we doing to position ourselves well so we can read and hear what Jesus is saying, to us, to-day and everyday, so we can live for His purposes?

Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power in rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be). Matthew 28:18-20 AMP