Aug 31st

1 Samuel 24     Ezekiel 3     1 Corinthians 5     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Beware blind spots

We all have blind spots in our lives where we are either not aware of the actions and behaviours that are sinful or we are aware and we have chosen a path that dishonours God in our actions, words and thinking.  Today we are shown how God exposes the sins of an individual, a church and a nation and ways that He uses people and instances to confront and return them to the right relationship with Him.

After being pursued by Saul, David has a chance to take revenge as Saul steps into the cave where David and his men are hiding.  David's conscience is touched - in the way that the Spirit convicts us today - after he cuts a piece from Saul's robe and he is made aware of how he has shown disrespect to God's anointed leader.  He confronts the issue by first apologising to Saul and then inviting reconciliation and for God to be the judge. Saul weeps and responds with love and acknowledgement of David's right response.

Paul also confronts - he confronts the people of the church of Corinth who have allowed sexual immorality to be acceptable and challenges the people to deal with it as left unchallenged it will lead to other sinful behaviours in the community illustrating it with how yeast spreads in the process of bread making. 

Then Ezekiel is called to confront the sins of the nation of Israel, a spiritually dead nation who are in exile.  His can do this with confidence as he has been prepared by digesting the Word of God, which tastes like honey to him, and he knows that as a watchman he will be given the words to speak.  He can confront but the nation may not listen.

When we see behaviours that do not reflect Christ’s love and character are we 'who live by the Spirit' prepared to 'restore that person gently' (Gal 6:1) by speaking into theirs or the community life?

(member of the PCC)

Aug 30th

1 Samuel 23     Ezekiel 2     1 Corinthians 4     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

It’s a hard, hard life.

It is a hard life following God. David is still being pursued in 1 Samuel 23.It is striking though how often the phrase, “and David enquired of the Lord” occurs. Did you notice the miracle up the mountain? As the chase takes place in the desert area in the Dead Sea region, just as Saul closes in on David, a message comes. It distracts Saul who retreats; a miracle of God’s timing. God sends the Philistine raid at the last minute to help save David’s life.

It is a hard life for Ezekiel too. God sends him, (Eze 2:3-4) to an obstinate and stubborn people. God says he must go anyway and speak his words, whether or not the people will listen. Three times in verse 6 God says “do not be afraid”. It is a message for us too, to speak God’s words whatever the response.

In 1 Corinthians 4:9f Paul describes the hard life which apostles have and will continue to face. He uses strong language, fools for Christ, v 10, and refuse of the world, v 13. Do you pray regularly for those Christians having such a hard life today, for Christians in Pakistan, Iran and Iraq for example?

We are reminded that the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power, v 20 and we are to come and approach things with love and a gentle spirit, v 21.

So if life feels hard today, enquire of the Lord, like David, don’t be afraid like Ezekiel was reminded, and approach others with love and a gentle spirit, always remembering to pray for those who are persecuted.

(member of the PCC)

Aug 29th

1 Samuel 21-22     Ezekiel 1     1 Corinthians 3     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Get things in perspective.

Today’s passages help us to get things in perspective –what is really important and what doesn’t matter.

In 1 Sam 21 Ahimelech, the priest, (and great-grandson of Eli) bends the rules. Only priests and their families could eat the consecrated bread under Jewish ceremonial law, but in response to David’s request he lets him take the bread. Jesus in Mark 2:25-26 endorses Ahimelech’s judgement as the right one.

In 1 Corinthians 3:3 there is still quarrelling and jealously about day to day matters in the church in Corinth. Arguing over which leader is deemed greatest; Paul or Apollos became far more important than following God. Paul puts things in perspective by pointing out that he and Apollos are simply servants with different roles to play. A right perspective on things reminds us we are God’s temple, v 16, and God’s spirit lives in us, v 23.

Finally we look at Ezekiel. He was a 6^th century (BC) prophet living in the Jewish community in exile in Babylon. The visions of God which Ezekiel experiences, are truly awesome and amazing, even mind – boggling. They help to put us in our right place as we see God’s majesty. The four living creatures of v 5 are reminiscent of Revelation 4:6. God is so great; our only reaction is, like Ezekiel to fall on our face before him, v 28.

So today, have the right perspective on things, ultimately all that matters is God, his glory, majesty and greatness. Earthly quarrels and arguments over law and leaders will simply fade away. Let us like Ezekiel, simply fall down before him.

(member of the PCC)

Aug 28th

1 Samuel 20     Lamentations 5     1 Corinthians 2     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Friendship and fellowship

Aren't good friends great to have? Friendship is one of life’s most enriching experiences. In 1 Samuel 20 David and Jonathan had a strong friendship but it was put under considerable strain. Jonathan warns and helps David to escape and even blesses him, v 13, “May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father.”

The communal lament in Lamentations 5 finishes with a plea for renewal and restoration. Note in v 21 “Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old” - only God can do that restoring, of friendship and fellowship with himself.

In 1 Corinthians 2 Paul repeatedly uses we, plural rather than I in verses 6-16. We, in fellowship, together in church, we speak of God’s wisdom, we have received the Spirit and we have the mind of Christ. Paul continues to focus on the cross, he realises intellectual persuasion doesn’t save people, v 5.

Isn’t it amazing that the same Spirit of God who searches and knows the thoughts of God is within us? The Spirit helps to restore our relationship with God so we can enjoy friendship and fellowship with him. What a friend we have in Jesus! Remember Proverbs 17:17, a friend loves at all times. Give thanks for good friends today and pray for our fellowship, renewal and restoration together at Christ Church.

(member of the PCC)

Aug 27th

1 Samuel 19     Lamentations 4     1 Corinthians 1     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

The golden years have gone.

Today’s theme is summed up in Lamentations 4:1, the gold has grown dim. How sad it is to read of people and places which have lost their lustre and past glories. Lamentations 4 is a national funeral song lamenting the siege of Jerusalem in rather graphic detail. It happened we are told in v 13 “for the sins of the prophets and the iniquities of the priests,” those who should have known better.

Saul in 1 Samuel 19 was Israel’s first king, he had been anointed by Samuel, but back in 1 Samuel 16:4 we are told that the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul and now come on David. How sad that Saul now tries to kill David but amazing that God uses two of Saul’s own children, Jonathan and Michal to preserve David’s life.

Finally in 1 Corinthians 1 Paul writes to a once great church in Corinth, a bustling cosmopolitan city in Greece. After just 9 verses Paul switches to a complaint and challenge about their party divisions, a thriving church which was now spiritually troubled. Paul is concerned their pride has led them to value outward appearance and eloquence over the genuine work of the Spirit.

So what can we do? Mourn for past triumphs and experiences or turn to Christ crucified? A weak foolish stumbling block, but Christ is the power and wisdom of God, v 24.

Let us boast today only in the Lord, verse 31, and boast only of what God has done.

(member of the PCC)

Aug 26th

1 Samuel 18     Lamentations 3     Mark 16     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Be aware of strong emotions

Some human emotions such as jealously are so strong and powerful. These 3 passages show us their power and impact; they can turn us towards God or away from God.

In 1 Samuel 18 King Saul is jealous of David who has just miraculously slain Goliath. He sees David as a younger rival and is also annoyed as his own son Jonathan and daughter Michal welcome David. Jonathan was not jealous, although Saul’s son and heir, he recognised that the Spirit of the Lord was with David and that David would eventually replace his father (signified by passing on of royal clothes and arms). Saul’s jealousy is so strong he throws a spear, not once but twice at David.

In Mark 16:8 we read the women were trembling and bewildered, overcome by deep emotion. The disciples simply don’t believe Mary’s account, v 11, were they jealous that a mere woman, and ex demon possessed one at that, had seen Jesus appear first?

In Lamentations the narrator as an eyewitness describes the results of Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BC. This lament shows how much he and all of Jerusalem suffered, again strong emotions. So what should we do when aroused by strong emotions?

Lam 3:21-23 is a key passage.

²¹ Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

This is the basis for that great hymn, Great is your faithfulness.

Why not sing it out loud now or when next in the grip of a powerful emotion?

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee,
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

(member of the PCC) 

Aug 25th

1 Samuel 17     Lamentations 2     Mark 15     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

What more can be written about this chapter of the Bible? This is the very locus of our faith. It is here in the death of Jesus that we see God's solution to sin and the climax of the salvation story which is unfolding. We also see so much of the human condition. We see cruelty; envy and injustice unfold before us with a blameless man at the centre. We see Pilate desperately trying to get out of the position into which he has been placed and at the dignity of Jesus as he endured all that was thrown at him.

Take the time to read through the chapter another time. Pause between sections and consider what is happening. Thank God for the example we see in Christ. He was condemned by those who were unworthy and yet didn't speak against them. He was mocked and yet did not retort. Even the way he died convinced a soldier that he was the son of God.

Thank God for all that he has done in Christ. Take the time to ask God to forgive you and to thank him for the certainty of this forgiveness. Above all, take the time to reflect on Jesus Christ. Ask once more that he would be the very centre of your life and that his death and resurrection would continue to inspire and change you.

(church musician)