Shawn on 19 April 2005

John 8, Acts 15, 16

Scripture

(MkJV)
Act 16:27 And being awakened, and seeing the doors of the prison being open, drawing a sword, the jailer was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
Act 16:28 But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.
Act 16:29 Then asking for a light he rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
Act 16:30 And leading them outside, he said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved, and your household.
Act 16:32 And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his household.
Act 16:33 And taking them in that hour of the night, he washed from their stripes. And he was baptized, he and all his, immediately.
Act 16:34 And bringing them up to the house, he set a table before them and rejoiced, believing in God with all his household.
Act 16:35 And day coming, the judges sent the floggers, saying, Let those men go.
Act 16:36 And the jailer spoke these words to Paul: The judges have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.
Act 16:37 But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly, men who are Romans and uncondemned, they threw us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! But coming themselves, let them bring us out.
Act 16:38 And the floggers reported these words to the judges. And hearing that they were Romans, they were afraid.
Act 16:39 And coming they begged them. And bringing them out, they asked them to depart out of the city.

Observation

Here, the jail that Paul and Silas were in was split open. A chance for them to escape! However, they stayed and managed to convert their jailer and his family. The next day, Paul and Silas were quietly released by the officials but boldly asked the Judges themselves to come free them.

Application

Wow. I see a situation where I would have acted differently. Instincts tell me what I should escape when I get the chance to. Paul and Silas had a chance to escape from jail but instead chose to minister to the jailer. Instincts tell me to leave when given the chance to, but instead Paul and Silas chose instead to confront the judges and demanded they personally brought them out. God defies convention. He acts when people least expect it and His acts are acts of boldness. I need that sense of daring.

Prayer

God. Impart a sense of daring and ‘can-do’ in me. I want to be like Paul and Silas. Unafraid, bold and deeply convicted in faith. Let me defy convention and the expected. Use me in ways that surprise people and as a result, come to know you. In your name I pray, Amen!

Jonathan on 18 April 2005

Scripture
Acts 13:14-16
On the Sabbath they went to the meeting place and took their places.
15After the reading of the Scriptures--God's Law and the Prophets--the president of the meeting asked them, "Friends, do you have anything you want to say? A word of encouragement, perhaps?"

16Paul stood up, paused and took a deep breath, then said, "Fellow Israelites and friends of God, listen…"


Observation
Here we see Paul seizing an opportunity. With his in depth knowledge of the Scripture as a Pharisee, his encounter with the Message of Jesus Christ, and his preparedness to witness to the total life change, Paul makes an incredible speech, arguing the case for Christ with confidence
and quoting scripture as his authority. All the people respected what he said and he is invited back 3 weekends in a row before they were forced to leave. Many come to know the Lord.

Application
How does Paul do it? He finds the perfect opportunity and utilizes language and history and his knowledge and the crowd's eagerness to paint a picture of Jesus and his resurrection; the essence of God's work.

Should I expect myself to do so well? I'm not as studious as Paul but that can change. I'm afraid of public speaking but that too is nothing permanent. I look for opportunities but only spot them after I miss them. People don't seem as interested in the things of the Spirit anymore but maybe I don't go to the right places.

Prayer
Father God, How does Paul do it? How did Jesus do it all? What standards would you have me set for myself and what sort of results do you expect from my life? Teach me Lord to speak you Message and do so with full confidence, integrity and love. And help me to be content doing the best I can do, leaving the rest to you. Grant me your Holy Spirit that I may play my part in your big plan. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Jonathan on 14 April 2005

Scripture
John 7:7
7On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says." 39(He said this
in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)

Observation
Jesus is at the early stages of his ministry. He lingers quietly on the sidelines, not wishing to draw any attention to himself. No one, not even his brothers, are sure who he really is, and as he teaches, nobody understands a thing. Finally on the last day of the feast, Jesus makes this proclamation and his words polarizes the rest of the people to those who believe him to be a criminal, just another prophet, or the true messiah.

Application
I find this passage speaks to me in two ways. Firstly, I'm challenged to match myself up against Jesus, to see if I dare to be as irrelevant as him. He speaks with confidence (just like Peter and John in Acts 7) though he may not be very educated. I'm usually too concerned about what others think and keep silent about what Jesus is all about and why humanity needs him so. At the other times I'm too tired and prefer to linger at the sidelines till it's all over.

Secondly, the words point to my own insufficiency; I don't feel like I am brimming and spilling over with the living waters of the Holy Spirit. Am I not drinking from the source that Scripture speaks about?

Prayer
Father by the daily infilling of the Holy Spirit, make me more like your son Jesus, who walked the earth in strange ways , always a citizen of your kingdom, representing you in all your character. Amen

Steve on 15 April 2005

Scripture

Acts 9: 4-9

4. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’

5. ‘Who are you Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘ I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 6. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’

7. the men traveling with Saul stood there speechless’ they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

Observation

In this scripture it talks about Saul’s conversion and how he was confronted by Jesus and sent to Damascus. After Jesus spoke to him he became blind and did not eat or drink. In this scripture we begin to see a change in Saul who began to preach in the Synagogues.

Application

It amazing how the Lord has so much power to change a man like Saul, from a person who was seen as an evil and torturous man to a person of the Lord. A lot of people in today’s world will not believe in something unless they have proof or evidence that it exists. As in Saul’s case the only time he believed that Jesus exists was when he heard his voice without actually seeing him. A lot of people will question our religion asking, how can you believe in something that you can’t see. As Christians although we cannot actually see the face of the lord we can see Him in the actions of people. Such as the way Christians deal with every day to day things in a positive manner (well we try any way), and be considerate and loving to those around us.

Prayer

Lord I know sometimes it can be hard to be patient and considerate to every circumstance in every day to day event. But I know with you help I can learn to become more a better person and serve your purpose in my life. In Jesus name I pray amen.

Shing Fuh on 15 April 2005

Soap Devotion
John 6, Acts 9,10

Scripture
Acts 10:44-46

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Observation

Actually, the whole of Acts 10 is talking about how two very different man get to know each other through God. Cornelius was a Roman, which meant that he represent the absoulte opposite of Jewsish culture and religion. A good Jew could never enter the house of Roman and so on. Believers who had come with Peter were shocked by the fact that even the Holy Spirit can
fill the Gentiles.

Application

As I was dong this devotion, so many things spoke to me. Even a person like Cornelius, who probably is the least likely person to be converted into Christian, so faithfully prayed and believed. Who else cant the Lord moved and convert in our modern soceity. This just
made me think of the people in the flemington community where the Pita Bread bunch served the Lord every week. There were muslim, Hindus and many other people with different race and religion. The Lord can surely touched their heart through people serving. For my family, I used to think that it is impossible to bring God into their life. My mother is a very devoted
buddist, and my family is quite supersitious. But right now, I just felt God telling me to take things slowly and he will show me what to do, nothing is impossible.

Prayer

Father, I want to thank you for today, thank you for what you had been doing in my life. Lord, I thank you for being by my side each and everyday. Lord, thank you for the passage. Lord, at times we may think that things, people are impossible to change but Lord with you around, everything is possible. Lord, I just want to uplift my family to you, uplift the people in the
flemington community to you father. Father I just pray that one day, they will come to know you. They will also not only come to know you father, they will come to seek you, seek you for more meaningful things to do in life. Seek you for life, rather than for money and earthly belongs. Father, I just pray for strength and stronger faith in all the things that we are doing.
Pray all these in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Steve on 14 April 2005

Scripture

Acts 7:59-60

59. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘ Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ 60. The he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘ Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Observation

In this chapter of acts Stephen is captured and brought to the high priest. He begins to tell the high priest. He told the story of Moses and how he freed the people of Egypt. At the end of his speech he calls the people ‘stiff necked’ and starts to abuse them. The people became furious and began to stone Stephen.

Application

In this scripture of acts an evangelist named Stephen (a powerful man, how ironic) stood up to the people and defended God’s word. To often enough, as humans we are afraid of what people may think or how they will react towards our actions. Which is why to be an evangelist of God you need courage and faith to overcome these barriers.

Prayer

Lord I pray that you will give me the strength and courage to become a powerful Evangelist like Stephen. Let me talk freely of your word to those around me and develop a better relationship with you. I know sometimes due to my own fear of what people will think it is hard to tell people about Jesus, but I know that with you to guide me this fear will disappear. All this I pray in Jesus name amen.

Shing Fuh on 13 April 2005

John 3, Acts 5,6

Scripture
Act 5:38-39

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or
activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be abe to stop
these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Observation

Day after day, Peter and the other apostles never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that
Jesus is the christ. The high priests were furious and wanted to put Peter and the other apostles to death. However, a teacher who is hounoured by all the people stood up in Sanedrin and ordered the men to be put away. He said, if the men were doing human activity, they will fail. But if they are doing God's work, whoever is against them is like fighting against God!

Application

Once again, this passage spoke to me so strongly. Spoke to me about God's work. Again, it says that
God's kingdom will advance. No matter what people do, God's kingdom will advance. And whoever is fighting against the people of God, it will be like fighting against God. We will never fail in doing God's work, there will be mutiplications and so on. Sometime, God's work is so powerful that it kept me thinking: Shing fuh, whats more can I do, whats more are needed. I just hope that Im doing the right thing, and I want to be involved.

Prayer

Heavenly father, even as Im in a rush doing this devotion, Lord I just thank you for yet another quiet
time that I can learn something from you. Lord, I just want to pray for bigger picture of what you want to do in my life, pray that one day, I will see what you want me to see. Lord, I know that your will will be done regardless of me. But Lord, I want to be involved. Put me in your plan. Lord, I also want to pray for my bunch, whoever is down, Lord I pray that you will be with them, raise them up Lord. I pray for strength and wisdom as we continue to do your work. Pray all these in Jesus name.
Amen.

Vince on 13 April 2005

S

John 3: 20-21

“They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants.”

O
Nicodemus, a respected Jewish teacher came to speak with Jesus. He knows that that God has sent him to teach the people. And the miracles are signs of proof that God is with Jesus. “To see the Kingdom of God you are to be born again, of the water and the Spirit”. Nicodemus is surprised at this statement. He is told that there is no judgment for those who trust him but those who do not trust him hav already been judged for not believing.

A
When reading this passage it really stood out to me but for many minutes I didn’t know why. What was God trying to speak to me in this passage? For me, reading this made me realize where God wants me to be. I don’t regard myself as a very powerful evangelistic type of Christian where I can go up to some bum in the city and shout to him the way, the truth & the light. I think I would be quite fearful of what his next action would be =) but this passage made me realize that there are people out there no different to us that are living in the darkness, fearful of what our world thinks & expects of them. That’s some pressure. For me as a Christian it really stood out to me of how I can serve God’s people. I want to be able to live in the light and gladly show everyone how powerful God is and how he is moving through many of us. Whether it be my friends thru uni, high school and even the average person on the street let them have courage of stepping into the light.

P
Lord, I thank you for your raising in me as a 19 year old student that wants to follow you and live a life of light. Let it be shown in my life to others of what you are doing in me. I pray for your power and passion stirred in me to be raised up as a strong powerful man. Let me spread the light in me of how I use my words, of how I move around and how I live life to any simple person. May you shine light in Melbourne and use us. Thank you for your work in me & others around me. In the name of Christ, who leads me in my life, Amen.

Jonathan on 11 April 2005

Scripture
Acts 1

7He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. 8What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

Observation

Luke is writing about the Acts of the Apostles/Acts of the Holy Spirit. He is trying to communicate the power of the move of God to Theophilus, how nothing can stand in the way of the work God wants to achieve. These are Jesus'' last words to his chosen disciples before his final ascension.

Application

Like the Disciples, I want to know, "Is this the time?" I struggle with the uncertainty of representing Christ and living the life he has called not knowing what he wants to achieve, or whether anything will be achieved any time soon.

Case in point: I want to be a witness but I don't say anything about God or his work in my life. Though I get many opportunities, I don't tell anyone anything of what I've experienced, either because I don't know how or because I can't know God's timing. I need the Holy Spirit to enable me to witness as the Apostles did, as the Holy Spirit did in the days of Acts.

Prayer

Father, let me not be frustrated by the lack of results. Teach me trust you God and your timing. When nothing I do seems to bear fruit, when the people I speak to remain unchanged by your reality in my life, help me to be steadfast as your witness. Grant me your Holy Spirit once again that I may live a life trusting in your timing, witnessing of your goodness and love. Holy Spirit fill my heart once again today. In the name of Christ who instructs me in all these things I pray, Amen.

Shawn on 12 April 2005

John 2, Acts 3, 4

Scripture

(MkJV)
Joh 2:3 And when they lacked wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, They have no wine.
Joh 2:4 Jesus said to her, Woman, what do I have to do with you? My hour has not yet come.
Joh 2:5 His mother said to the servants, Whatever He says to you, do it.
Joh 2:6 And there were six stone waterpots there, according to the purification of the Jews, each containing two or three measures.
Joh 2:7 Jesus said to them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Joh 2:8 And He said to them, Now draw out and carry it to the master of the feast. And they carried it.
Joh 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water which was made wine (and did not know where it was from, but the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.
Joh 2:10 And he said to him, Every man at the beginning sets forth good wine, and when men have drunk well, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now.
Joh 2:11 This beginning of miracles Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. And it revealed His glory. And His disciples believed on Him.

Observation

Here’s the famous story of Jesus’ first miracle. We all know that it was at a wedding (yes!) and that Jesus turned water into wine. The thing about this is that the mother of the bride was the one who asked Jesus for wine.

Jesus declined, saying that ‘his hour has not yet come’. Yet the mother went out and told the servants (in faith) to prepare for the miracle…and it happened! This was the start of miracle and scripture said that it revealed His glory and His disciples believe on him.

Application

I want to be like the mother who asked God for something and even though he initially declined, clung on in faith for it. And I want the end result: that people look at the results of the faith and have a revelation of God’s glory. I want both believers and non-believers to be empowered and strengthened in their beliefs by the ‘miracles’ that God does in my life.

Prayer

Father. Thank you simple acts of faith that empower. God, I have so many dreams. You know them all. Many of them are born out of the desire to use my gifts that you have given me. Do a working miracle. I respond, like the mother of the bride, in faith to you. Jesus. Jesus. Your miracle in my life shall be apparent for all to see! Let my life be a testament to you power and grace. Let everything I do, every word I say be of you and inspired by you. In your name I pray. Amen.

Victor on 11 April 2005

Scripture
Acts 2

Observation
The early church had one spirit living in them. They broke bread and prayed together, sold their possessions and gave to those who had need. The spirit that was in each of them were one and the same. Why is it that today there can be so many differences between those that should have the same spirit?

Application
The reason that we may have differences is because we may not be connected to the one who gives us his spirit. It is very noticeable when everyone seems to have the same spirit except you. The sense of connectedness is not there. The only way to have the same spirit is to be connected to the one who gives us his spirit.

Prayer
Lord I want to stay connected to you. I want myself and those around me to be united in one spirit. Lord help us to put you as our priority and give us compassion, help to keep us sensitive to the needs around us. Let your work be done through our lives. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Aaron on 040405

Scripture:
Isaiah 57

Observation:
This passage by Isaiah was basically talking about Israel's sinful
deeds including their idol worship of man-made gods. God was angry at
them for it, but still showed that he was a God who understands, who
loves and who forgives his people.

Application:
What people are doing today are no different from what people then
were doing. We constantly worship idols of the material world, while
God only exists when problems arise. I think one thing to do is to
prioritize things in our lives, and God should be at the top of the
list.

Prayer:
God, thank you for your everlasting mercy and love for your people.
We've taken you for granted for so many decades, yet you've never
failed to forgive us for our trespasses. Open up our spiritual eyes
and ears to see and listen to what you want to tell us, let us be
sensitive to your words as we live our daily lives. Amen.

Jonathan on 040405

Scripture
Isaiah 57,58
v6-14
Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter –
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help and he will say, Here am I.

If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will become like the noonday.
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fail.
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called repaired of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

I you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the Lord’s day honourable,
and if you honour it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
the you will find your joy in the Lord,
and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land
and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.

Observation
This passage from Isaiah is officially just 8 verses long but it says so much more. The words come from God at a time when a primitive Israel is engrossed with her idolatry and superstitious beliefs. They persist in their worship of false gods.

Those who do seem to seek God are actually just putting on a show. They make a big deal of their fast before God, expecting him to respond to their half-hearted efforts at pleasing him while not realising that the rest of their lives are characterised by exploitation, quarrelling, strife and violence.

God sets out a paradigm shift from verse 6 onwards, to reinspire the people of Israel.

Application
When it comes to loving God, worshipping Him and doing his work here on earth, there is a line every person needs to cross. I may be living well and faithfully, but I want to live the kind of life that is described here; I want to live the kind of life where God, his glory, his voice and his reward are totally evident in my life. I feel like my efforts are falling just short of a complete breakthrough.

I believe it has something to with the way I spend my Sabbath, my times of rest.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for today, a precious day off. But God for today, and all the free-time I get, I don’t want the Sabbath to be for me; let it be your Sabbath dear Lord. Use my moments of quietness to rediscover my joy in you.
God I know you are real but my heart continues to desire greater evidence of you, at work in my world and my life. Help me to seek and do your will that all may see your glory. May my paltry acts of service pale in comparison with the shining face of the Almighty breaking through the darkness of this world.
In the name of Christ who achieved all these things I pray, Amen.

Shingfuh on 010405

Scripture
Acts 2:14-15
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:" Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning!No, this is what spoken by the prophet Joel...

Observation
Peter, a cowardly disciple of Jesus who used to denied Jesus raised up like a leader. He addresses the crowd, whom could not understand what Jesus's disciples were doing. Could not understand why they were speaking like they were speaking. Peter stood up, speak boldly
to the people about what God, through Joel has to say.

Application
What I get out from this message is that, each and everyone of us should always step out in our life as a leader. Step up to be leaders of our daily life, in the sense that whatever we do, we have control over it. If its time to study, be discipline. If its things we should not do, take control and not do it. Step up in our circles of friend, as long as we can speak confidently, people will listen. Just as Peter did, he spoke boldly about the truth of God and the Crowd listen. We can all be like Peter, speak boldly to others about the word of God, so that more and more people can be saved.

Prayer
Lord, I just want thank you for today Lord. Thank you for the basketball, thank you for being with me throughout the day Lord. Lord, I know that Im not perfect Lord, at times I still give in to temptations Lord. Lord but I pray that you will be with me, so that I can learn more about you each and everyday. Lord, use me to speak to people Lord, use me to help do what is needed Lord. Father, I also pray for each and everyone of us here Lord, pray that we will all step up in each and every different you as Leaders Lord. Use us to speak to people you want us to speak
to father. Once again, thank you for this day father. pray all this in Jesus name. Amen

Guojin on 040405

Scripture: Isaiah 52:12

" But you will not leave in haste or go in flight, for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard."

Observations:
Isaiah told the people to leave not just fumbling and quickly leaving aimlessly, but with the constant recognition that their Lord, their God, will go ahead of them, and where they're most vulnerable, their backs, will be guarded by God.

Applications:
These few weeks, i was very relunctant to move to another level of spirituallity i felt God has challenged me to, in many sense, beliving that if i was to move, it would be moving forward into a unchartered territory, aimlessly, finding that God that called me for that journey in that first place.Thinking that my vulnerability and limitations will fait me. Fear is very evident. However, i could sense God telling me move forward not aimlessly , or in haste, but in constant recognition the expedition leader that called me will go before me and guard my back and my vulnerabilities, just press on. Could really hear a voice saying: " come on, come on, i got your back, and i know where u're going next, just keep your eyes on the ball"

Prayer:
Lord father, everything i push myself to reconnect with You, You will answer, just as you have today. Oh God, i wanna move on to the next level you called me too. But Lord, i dont wanna just aimlessly charge forward like a headless chicken. Oh God, You declare that you will be ahead of me and be my "rear guard" that the future paths i stepping into will be paths that u've walked on, and my limitations and weaknesses on my back will be protected by You. Lord, thank you ,thank you for being a very patient God through my weaknesses. Father, i ask for wisdom and discipline in this phase of the journey. Lord, let not Your Spirit cease to "hunt" me down whenever my sights gone out of that "ball".

In Jesus awesome name, Amen

Jonathan on 040405

Scripture
Isaiah 49

Observation
Isaiah is an amazing prophet. The message he brings is striking. He doesn’t harp on and on about doom and gloom or sing songs of happy thanksgiving. His book is balanced. Just as the Psalms capture the different aspects of life, in its ups and downs, Isaiah presents a complete view of God in all his glorious righteousness and tender redemptive nature.

Application
Just like an Israel living in the slavery of idolatry, despair and foreign dominance, I am not living as free as I could be. As this semester’s responsibilities pile on in church, in work and in school, I find my spirit being crushed under the weight of all the things that need to get done. I can list them all out in my head and on paper and the effect is paralysing.

v8-10
It is good to hear God’s redeeming voice:
in the time of my favour I will answer you
and in the day of salvation I will help you;
I will keep you and make you to be a covenant for the people,
restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances.
to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’
and to those in darkness, ‘Be free.’

They will feed beside the roads
and find pasture on every barren hill.
They will neither hunger nor thirst
nor will the desert heat or sun beat upon them.
He who has compassion on them will guide them
and lead them beside springs of water.

Prayer
Father, I want to live as your son; I want to live free. Not free to cast off responsibility but in the freedom to know that your favour and compassion is upon me and that your voice calls me forward to be a representative for you, and to live in communion with you. God today I trade by burdens for your burdens, not just for the sake of it, but so that I may find myself in your presence once again. Free me Lord, to live a life where I can love you with every part of my life and every part of my being. May it be that for today, you are all I need. In the precious name of Christ I pray, Amen.

Steven on 010405

Scripture

Acts 2:25-28

25. David said about him: ‘ I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27. because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.

Observation

On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came and touched the Galileans and they began to speak in tongues. Some made fun of them and described them as being drunk with wine. Peter and the disciples stood up and told them that they were not drunk but touched by the Holy Spirit and began to speak the words of the prophet Joel.

Application

My interpretation of this scripture is that as long as you have the faith and trust in the Lord nothing will bring harm to you. It is interesting to observe the people in today’s society and is clear to distinguish those with the love of God in their life and those without. To often it is easy to get distracted with all the materialistic things in the world. But in the end none of it really matters. What matters is where your heart lies with the Lord and how you live your life according to His ways.

Prayer

Dear Lord, please don’ let me be distracted with the materialistic things in this world so much that I block out the words you are trying to speak to me. Open my ears so that I may hear your word and live a life that is meaningful. With all this I pray in Jesus name Amen.

Steven on 310305

Scripture

Isaiah 50:5-6

5. The Soverign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. 6. I offered my back to those who beat me my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard;

Acts 1: 11

‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come bck in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.

Observation

Jesus spoke to his apostles over 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Jesus tells them not to leave Jerusalem for there is a gift that was promised by the Father. Jesus was then taken up into the clouds and two men in white addressed the apostles.

Application

What I feel the word of God is telling me through these scriptures is to love your enemy’s unconditionally. It is easy to talk the talk, but to actually walk the walk is a different story. The love that God has for us is unconditional, even though we may make mistakes throughout our life God will always be there and love us with out question.

Prayer

Dear heavenly father, I just pray that you will give me the strength to share your love with those around me. Allow me to show the unconditional love that you show towards me, to those whom it may be hard to do so. Lord I know I’m not the perfect person, probably far from it, but I just pray that you continue to show me the way to becoming a better person and to be more like you. In Jesus name I pray Amen.