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1)# ’She (Martha) went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.’

John 11:20 (20-32)

The ‘but’ highlights an interesting contrast between Martha and Mary. Something of their different characters is revealed. Martha takes the initiative and goes to meet Jesus, even before he’s arrived in the village. She is confident and takes a lead in the conversation, getting straight to the point. Then it is she who goes and tells Mary that Jesus wants to see her (v28).

On the other hand Mary seems more pensive, reserved and sensitive. She stays at home until she is called. Then she falls at Jesus’ feet, weeping. On another occasion, it seems that their different personalities caused a bit of friction between the two sisters (Lk 10:40).

Within the Church of Jesus, there are many differences. Different characters, different ways of doing things, different gifts and abilities. Sometimes these differences can cause tension between individuals or groups. But instead, let’s appreciate our differences and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, let them strengthen our witness for Christ, rather than cause upset.


2)# ’Barzillai returned home.’

2 Samuel 19:39 (31-39)

Recognising when it is time to hand over to others can be difficult for us all. Barzillai had been a blessing to David and his men, providing for all their needs (ch 17:27). David obviously appreciated his friendship, but now Barzillai realises his limitations and the need for another, Kimham, to take his place in the king’s service. What a wonderful example he provides.

Enabling others to get involved may mean we have to give way, step back or change our role. This isn’t easy, especially if, like Barzillai, we’ve invested time and resources in a particular area of God’s work. But that’s the key - remembering that we are part of God’s work, his plan, his kingdom - not the other way round. So let’s look to help others find their place in God’s work, even when it means us letting go. We can be sure that the Lord will have something else for us to do.


3)# ’One thing I do know, I was blind but now I see!’

John 9:25 (24-33)

This is what Jesus does. He gives sight to the blind, speech to the dumb, hearing to the deaf, strength to the lame and freedom to those imprisoned, physically and spiritually. So why are we surprised when it happens? Like the Pharisees, we can get bogged down in discussion and debate over who did what, where, how and when and miss the reality of what the Holy Spirit is doing in people’s lives today.

Whilst we need to be aware of counterfeit acts (which the Bible helps us identify), let’s not simply dismiss things outside our denominational or theological confines. Thankfully the Lord is not restricted by our insecurities or limitations. Indeed, like the blind man, let’s seek a fresh experience of the Lord today that will give us something to get excited about!


4)# ’But never drove them out completely.’

Judges 1:28 (27-30)

Because Israel did not drive out all the Canaanites from the land, they were tempted by foreign gods and as a result compromised their commitment to follow the Lord. It can be the same for us today. If we allow old habits and influences to hang around in our lives, then our walk with Jesus will be compromised. Like the Israelites, we’ll cause ourselves many struggles and heartaches if we let certain practices of today’s society creep into our lives.

In 2 Cor 5:17 Paul underlines the reality that in Christ we are new creations, the old has gone and the new has come. But we need to act accordingly and put off, get rid of things that are of the sinful nature and put on, clothe ourselves, with the new nature given by the Holy Spirit (see Col 3). Keeping the enemy out of our lives is an ongoing challenge, but one that we are able to do, with the help of the Holy Spirit.


5)# ’Don’t cry.’

Luke 7:13 (11-17)

Here was a widow who’s only son had died leaving her all alone. Without her husband and without her son, she was on her own and facing destitution. Her tears were from a heart that was crushed with grief and pain, and knowing this, Jesus’ ‘heart went out to her’. Telling her not to cry may seem futile given her situation, but Jesus anticipates what is about to happen. The tears of sadness were replaced with tears of joy as the mother received her son back from the dead.

Many tears are shed today, in secret as well as in public at the loss of life, the loss of homes and jobs, the loss of hope within the world today. Crushed and broken lives need the comfort of Jesus now and the light of his life to dispel the overwhelming darkness, for those who trust in him.

One day Jesus will wipe away all tears as resurrection life becomes a reality for all who know him as Lord and Saviour. In the new Jerusalem God’s promise is that there will be no more death, no more suffering, no more parting, no more sorrow - so no more tears (Rev 21:4). Whilst our pain and grief now are very real, this promise can bring us comfort and reassurance that one day, things will be very different.


6)# ’Devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord.’

Ezra 7:10 (8-10)

Devotion takes time and requires discipline and effort. It’s more than just feelings or emotions and survives testing times. It indicates priority and importance. It’s a quality required of all who follow Jesus - devotion to him and to his Word. Ezra had to devote himself to the study of God’s Law, not have someone else to do it for him. He read it, he checked it out, he put it into practise. It became part of him and made a difference to his life. The same should be true for us.

God has given us the Bible, his Word, for us to read, study and put into practise. It will take time and needs discipline on our part, but it will make a difference to how we live - and affect other people. Ezra passed on to others what he had learned, and we can do the same. In a society given to following fashion and trends, which are changing all the time, let’s make sure that we, like Ezra, keep God’s unchanging Word in our hearts and put it into practise in our lives.


7)# ’Even the dogs ... eat the children’s crumbs.’

Mark 7:28 (24-30)

Here is a lady who will not be put off. Jesus has both tested and encouraged her faith as well as addressed social and religious prejudices. She is a Gentile woman coming to a Jewish Rabbi, a social and religious taboo. She recognises him as Messiah - ‘Lord, Son of David’ (see Matt 15). And even though Jesus affirms his primary mission to the Jews (‘children’), he uses the occasion to teach that the gospel is available to Gentiles as well - including women.

Whilst Jews may have seen Gentiles as no better than ‘dogs’, this woman’s persistence enables Jesus to show that even so called ‘dogs’ can become ‘children of God’. It’s as true today as it was then, so let’s make sure it is heard loud and clear. As Paul states in Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. So let’s not allow our differences or social stigmas to exclude any from being part of the Church of Jesus.


8)# ’Even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!’

Ecclesiastes 9:4 (3-6)

Two contrasts are combined here to make the point. First we have ‘live’ contrasted with ‘dead’ and then ‘dog’ contrasted with ‘lion’. In both pairs, the first contrast makes all the difference to the second. For both a dog (which was despised) and a lion (which was esteemed), it’s better to be alive than dead. Whilst this verse is about physical life and death, is there not also a deeper truth?  

In 1 Cor 1:26ff Paul explains that God has chosen the ‘foolish, weak, despised’ (dogs) of this world to shame the ‘wise, strong, influential’ (lions) of this world, through the power of the death and resurrection of Christ. Being a Christian may not give us much standing in the eyes of the world but, as Paul says, we are alive in Christ rather than dead in our sins. It’s obvious which position is better.


9)# ”Go now and leave your life of sin."

John 8:11 (3-11)

An alternative lifestyle was now possible because Jesus had set this woman free. Until now this lady, like us, had been a slave to sin and stood condemned (Rom 6). Those who dragged her before Jesus used the Mosaic law to condemn her to be stoned to death, but ended up under the same condemnation, just as we all would. ‘If any one of you is without sin let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Their guilt made them drop the stones and walk away.

The Mosaic law had been given to provide guidance for holy living, but ended up pointing out where people were going wrong and so condemned them before God (Rom 7). But now Jesus does what the law had been unable to do. ‘God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him’ (Jn 3:17). This salvation not only forgives the sin, but also removes the condemnation and sets us free to live an alternative way. ‘Neither do I condemn you …’ It became true for this lady and can be true for us. Let’s claim what Jesus says for ourselves. However habitual the sin, let’s come to Christ who can forgive us and set us free to live differently.


10)# ’For Adam was formed first, then Eve.’

1 Timothy 2:13 (8-15)

This is a statement of fact. There is pattern and order to God’s creation. However long it took, creation was not an accident, but divinely planned and ordered. This should be reflected in how Christians act, with respect and responsibility for living God’s way. ’First’ followed by ‘then’ is not about superiority or inferiority, but about recognising God’s way of ordering things from the start and accepting our responsibilities accordingly. If we kick against it or even re-order it, then we will be the losers as is often seen in today’s ‘progressive’ society.

Adam and Eve both rebelled against God’s pattern for living and lost out. That rebellious nature was passed down to each successive generation and today we see a society, a world, that is becoming more chaotic the more we ignore God’s pattern for life. Social, political, environmental upheaval will continue, until we submit to God’s ways for living, ultimately during Christ’s millennial reign. Maintaining God’s pattern for life today will not be easy, but is essential for all who profess to be his disciples.


11)# ’Because the Lord had put them into a deep sleep.’

1 Samuel 26:12 (7-14)

Once again, David was on the run from King Saul. David’s ‘army’ was heavily outnumbered and outclassed and Saul and his men were closing in. Humanly speaking, David did not have much, if any, chance of escape, let alone victory. But the Lord intervened. The deep sleep that came over Saul and his men allowed David not just to escape, but to show mercy and kindness towards Saul, and spare his very life.

You and I may face situations where the odds are stacked against us and there appears to be no way of escape or deliverance. But the ways of the Lord are not limited by human resources. We can trust in him to bring us through and even to give us opportunity to show kindness in return for hostility.


12)# ’To the church that meets in your home.’

Philemon 1:2 (1-7)

This is a timely reminder that church is not about buildings and busy programmes, but about people. In the New Testament the word for church - ‘ek-klesia’ - always refers to people and never to a building.

Philemon had a group of Christians who met in his family home and so they were the local church. The picture here is of a relatively small group of people meeting together regularly, in an informal setting, to share fellowship with one another and to worship the Lord Jesus. There’s the personal touch - ‘your home’ - and one can imagine Philemon and his family greeting each person as they arrive and providing some refreshment. Perhaps today’s home groups / cell groups are the equivalent.

People, a welcome and hospitality - all key aspects of being Church, wherever we meet. Let’s make sure we don’t get distracted or bogged down unnecessarily with buildings and programmes.


13)# ’He sought his God and worked wholeheartedly.’

2 Chronicles 31:21 (19-21)

At this stage in his life, King Hezekiah sets us a good example. He took instruction from the Lord and then gave himself wholeheartedly to carrying it out. In the preceding verse we read that Hezekiah did what was ‘good and right and faithful before the Lord’. There is no better way to live. Seeking God to know his way forward takes time and needs to be learned, but is well worth the effort.

God has given us both his written Word and his Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. We must not let human reasoning and persuasive arguments blur the truth of the Lord Jehovah’s way for living. Daily Bible reading and active prayer will help enormously. Then to work wholeheartedly involves effort. There’s no holding back, no compromise, no hesitation. Hezekiah went for it and achieved great things for the Lord. So can we if we follow these two principles: seek after the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly.


14)# ’Wet his feet with her tears … wiped them … kissed them.’

Luke 7:38 (36-39; 44-50)

It seems that whilst this woman had planned to come and anoint Jesus with precious perfume, these three actions were unplanned, spontaneous. As she stands behind Jesus, overwhelmed, she weeps and the tears drop inadvertently onto Christ’s feet. She sees what has happened and, without any other means, she bends down and wipes the tears away with her hair. Then, bowed in worship, she kisses and anoints Jesus’ feet.

What a beautiful sequence of events and how precious. Planning is good, but not if it stifles a spontaneous response to what Jesus has done for us. Let’s not be so organised, so controlled, that the outpouring of love for Jesus, the heartfelt adoration of him is suppressed. This tender moment, ridiculed by some, but so precious to Jesus, is recorded in the Bible as an encouragement for us all.


15)# ’Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble.’

Psalm 107:6 (1-9)

This psalm tells of the consequences that God’s people experienced when they drifted away from following him and living his way. They became lost, hungry and thirsty. They were taken into captivity and suffered afflictions. Even those who had ‘prospered’ found their businesses floundering. But all these troubles caused them to cry out to the Lord - ‘and he delivered them from their distress.’

This sequence is mentioned four times in this psalm and reminds us that the Lord can use challenging times to get our attention, so that we call out to him for help. We like things to go well, but easy times and prosperity can lead to complacency and even disobedience, particularly in regard to living God’s way. This is evident in our society today and sadly, even in parts of the Christian Church. Based on what we often read in the Bible, it’s very likely that the Lord allows disasters of all sorts to happen so that people turn to him for help. When we do, then he will deliver us and give us his peace in place of distress.


16)# ’Waiting for the kingdom of God.’

Mark 15:43 (42-46)

Joseph of Arimathea was one of many who were ‘waiting for the kingdom of God’. As a specific group amongst the Israelites, they had been waiting for four hundred years. They knew the prophetic scriptures and were waiting, watching, listening for any sign of their fulfilment. Simeon and the prophetess Anna, who greeted Jesus at his presentation in the temple, were also part of this group. With Christ’s first coming, the waiting, in part, was over.

Today, we are waiting for the complete realisation of God’s kingdom. ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ is not vain repetition, but given by Jesus to help keep us ‘on our toes’ waiting with anticipation. His second coming will result in King Jesus reigning on this earth with us, his saints. It’s a kingdom that will be fully manifest over all the earth, as it is in heaven, and then on into eternity, when a new heaven and earth come into being. As we move through this year, let’s keep living in and working for that eternal Kingdom of God - until Jesus comes again.


17)# ’I have had enough, Lord.’

1 Kings 19:4 (1-9)

Here is the cry of a desperate man. Elijah had gone from the heights of Mt Carmel (in more ways than one) to the very depths of despair, sitting under a broom tree in the desert. Today Elijah would probably be diagnosed as bipolar, and it’s hard to believe that it is the same person in these two situations. Yet many of us will know of people, and we may be amongst them, who, because of a  change in circumstances, find themselves in a similar state of mind as Elijah. Well listen to how God responds.

The Lord is gentle, but firm. He strengthens Elijah physically and spiritually, lifts his eyes beyond his own situation and shows him that the work he has done will not be in vain, but is part of God’s eternal plan. It can be the same for us. Whatever we are going through, however desperate we may be, our situation is known by the Lord and he will help us as we call out to him. Corrie ten Boom, who suffered greatly at the hands of the Nazis, said ‘There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.’ So let’s accept his love and care of us today, and let him lift us up and restore us, in body. mind and soul.


18)# ’Always doing good and helping the poor.’

Acts 9:36 (36-41)

Dorcas was a lady who made a difference. Her ‘always doing good’ (lit. ‘full of good works’) and ‘helping’, was rooted in a servant heart. She thought more of other people than she did of herself. Effort was involved in both these actions and it was sacrificial. She was wanting the best for other people, even at a cost to herself. Perhaps her sickness was due, in part, to her hard work.

In his Biblical letter, James speaks of the importance of living out our faith in Christ. Putting into practise what we say we believe. Helping others, particularly the poor, can be costly and hard work. But here’s the promise and the acknowledgement, ‘your labour (hard work) in the Lord is not in vain.’ (1 Cor 15:58). So let’s follow the example of Dorcas so that we too, make a difference for good, for other people, especially the poor and the marginalised.


19)# ’Like the fool, the wise man too must die!’

Ecclesiastes 2:16 (10-16)

Recognising our mortality and being ready for death, can be more difficult when we live with the ‘wisdom’ of this world. Whether it is our knowledge, our wealth or having the latest medical help readily available, the focus of our attention can be on this life as if it will never end. As a result many people invest time and money in things of this life that will not last, but neglect consideration of their spiritual life. This neglect makes the so-called ‘wise’ person, foolish.

So this is a blunt reminder that we are mortal beings and need to have a right perspective on life - and on death. Recognising our mortality can help us invest more time in our relationships with the Lord and with other people, rather than in accruing even more creature comforts. It can help us value each day that the Lord gives us and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. Living for Christ now, assures us that one day the mortal will be clothed with immortality and the perishable replaced with the imperishable. What a difference that assurance makes to how we live - and die!


20)# ’But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

John 16:33 (25-33)

Sometimes, perhaps inadvertently, we present a gospel of ease and comfort. The reality is that Jesus says, ‘In this world you will have trouble’. The Bible has much to say about trials and tribulations for followers of Christ, and how these difficulties develop our character, even if they are painful at the time. See James 1:2 and Romans 5:3-4.

An ungodly world will not welcome followers of Christ and we see changes within society today that will discriminate against Christians more and more. The pressure to conform to the ways of this world will be very real and at times we may feel that there is no alternative but to give in. Well, for those times, let’s be strengthened by Christ’s words to us: ‘Take heart! I have overcome the world.’ His death and resurrection prove it, so that our confidence can be in him to help us overcome whatever challenges we face.


21)# ’I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’

Joshua 5:9 (4-9)

For the Israelites, this marked a new start, a new homeland, a new generation and a new opportunity to live God’s way. The previous generation had been captives in Egypt. They had struggled to shake off the burden of their old life. Even after the Lord had set them free, the mark and memory of slavery was still upon them and they carried it into the desert. Now as this new generation are sanctified, set apart, to the Lord, their connection with the past is finally broken. They are ready to enter Canaan.

As God’s people today, some of us may still be living with the mark and memories of our old sinful life, struggling to live in the freedom of new life in Christ.  Actions from the past; broken relationships; failed ventures; habitual sin, can all linger. However, through his death and resurrection and by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ can roll away the reproach of our old life. Hallelujah. It’s the work of God in Christ; signed, sealed and delivered. So let’s claim this promise and begin to live free from guilt and condemnation from the past, as we get ready for our eternal Promised Land, in the new heaven and earth.


22)# ’Your faith in God has become known everywhere.’

1 Thessalonians 1:8 (4-10)

Church fellowships can be known for many things. Their activities, their Bible teaching, their styles of music, the people who lead. But here is a group of God’s people who are known for their faith in him. Faith can’t be put in a programme or registered as a statistic. It can’t be digitalised for publicity. But it can make a huge difference when it is exercised and when its focus is on a living God.

Faith in God should make a difference to what we say and do, both individually and collectively. It can also make a difference to the lives of other people. There are many examples of this throughout the Bible as an encouragement for us all (cf Lk 5:20). In chapter 2 of his letter to the first century Christians, the Apostle James speaks about the importance of faith in action. Then in Hebrews chapter 11, we’re given a long list of people who lived out their faith in God in a variety of ways, sometimes at great personal cost. Now we have the opportunity to follow their example and let our faith in the Lord be well known as it makes a difference to how we live.


23)# ’Broken cisterns that cannot hold water.’

Jeremiah 2:13 (9-15)

In this passage, the Lord God is charging his people with forsaking him and going after the ‘gods’ of this world. Earlier in the verse, God has declared himself to be the ‘spring of living water’ which is in sharp contrast to man’s ‘broken cisterns that cannot hold water’. The Israelites had been influenced by the ways of the nations around them, and their devotion to the Lord (vs 2&3) had been replaced by a devotion to ‘worthless idols’ (v11).

It’s a cautionary word for all of us who follow Christ. Let’s not lose our devotion to the Lord. Let’s not give our hearts to other ‘gods’, however attractive they might be. In John 4 Jesus speaks of himself as the spring of ‘living water … welling up to eternal life’. Let’s not think that we can be satisfied by anything or anyone else. Broken cisterns cannot hold water. It’s only as we continue to drink from Christ, that our deepest thirst for life will be quenched. Let’s join with the woman at the well and ask Jesus to ‘give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty.’


24)# ”Rabbi, I want to see."

Mark 10:51 (46-52)

Simple, but life-changing. There were other things that the blind man needed which he could have asked Jesus for, just like he asked everybody else. Money, clothes, food, shelter, a helping hand. But all these things lasted for a short time and then he had to ask again. He would forever be a beggar. But with Jesus, he recognised a life-changing opportunity and grasped it with both hands. Having his sight restored would give him a new perspective on life. He would be able to provide for himself and offer help to other people. ‘I want to see.’ His faith was rewarded and his eyes were opened. His encounter with Jesus changed his life forever and he never looked back.

Jesus, the Light of the World, can still meet our physical needs, but also help us to see life from an eternal, heavenly, viewpoint. Whether we’re taking our first steps in following Jesus or looking to deepen our walk with the Lord, the Holy Spirit can help us to have a right perspective on the things of the world that are transient, and on the things of heaven that are eternal. That will make a difference to how we live, day by day, as well as what we see as important.


25)# ’Help us, O LORD, for we rely on You.’

2 Chronicles 14:11 (8-13)

King Asa did not know the outcome of the conflict that faced him when he said this prayer. Humanly speaking he was heavily outnumbered by the Cushites and stood no chance. But instead of looking for support from other armies, Asa simply throws himself on the Lord and relies fully on him for help and deliverance. Earlier in the same verse Asa says: ‘LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty.’
 
You and I may face situations where we are ‘up against it’, either through circumstances or through people, especially when we live in obedience to the Lord and not to men. But this is a reminder that however weak we may feel, our strength comes from the Lord and we can rest, fully rely, on him. His deliverance may not be in the way we might want or expect - but it will come, just like it did for King Asa.


26)# ’Jesus went out to them.’

Matthew 14:25 (22-25)

The disciples were struggling. The wind and waves were against them and they were in danger of being overwhelmed. It was dark, they were tired, and they felt very much on their own. How different from just a few hours earlier when Jesus’ miraculous feeding of more than 5000 people had taken place.

Like these disciples, our situations can quickly change and we too can feel abandoned and alone. But listen again - ‘Jesus went out to them.’ He doesn’t stand afar off. He doesn’t leave us to either sink or swim. He doesn’t stay on the dry land. He comes to where we are, in the storms of life, to walk alongside us in our struggles and difficulties. He doesn’t always lift us out of the trouble, but gives us an opportunity to discover his help through the trouble, so that we grow in our relationship with him. So whatever we face today, we can be assured that Christ will be with us by his Holy Spirit.


27)# ’Peter ... walked on the water and came toward Jesus.’

Matthew 14:29 (26-33)

Yesterday we read about Jesus coming to the disciples through the storm. Today we read about Jesus calling Peter to come to him - through the storm. Maybe Peter got more than he bargained for. Instead of lifting the disciples out of the situation, Jesus invites Peter to experience divine enabling to come through the situation, to overcome the buffeting wind and waves.

Whilst Peter may have wavered once the reality of what was happening hit home, it does show us that Christ can empower us to come through situations that might otherwise overwhelm us. Perhaps our troubles, tough as they are, give us that opportunity to experience something more of the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives that otherwise we might miss. Let’s copy Peter’s boldness and confidence in the Lord, but unlike Peter, let’s keep our eyes on Jesus all the time.


28)# ’Therefore turn and live!’

Ezekiel 18:32 (30-32)

Despite God’s patience and kindness towards them, the Israelites continued to rebel, choosing to live their own way and seeking selfish pleasures. Their sin deserved judgment and death, but the Lord’s mercy is greater. He graciously reasons with the Israelites and calls them to choose life rather than death. Even though the wrong is all on their side and even though they blame God for being unfair, the Lord appeals to them to turn from their sin and be forgiven and restored.

For any who would dare to accuse a loving and merciful God of not caring that people go to a lost eternity, then they should read this passage. ‘I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies.’ If this is the heart of God, then let it be our heart too, as we call people to turn and live, whilst there is still time.