1)# ’I am the Lord’s servant.’
Luke 1:38 (35-38)
Twelve years later, Mary had to be reminded of her role in God’s plan. When Jesus stayed behind in the temple (Lk 2), Mary and Joseph felt unfairly treated. They had come to think of Jesus as one of the family, expecting him to fit in with their plans. Parenthood had become more important than servanthood and at that time, a re-ordering had to take place.
We can make the same mistake. We see our life as an entity in itself, rather than a part of God’s bigger plan. Inadvertently, in our enthusiasm, we come to expect the Lord to fit in with us rather than us fitting in with him. Like Mary, we start with a servant heart, but gradually we come to expect the Lord to recognise and reward our service. We can feel unfairly treated when, having put in years of service, whether at home, work or in the Church, we don’t feel recognised and someone else gets the promotion, the credit and benefit, and not us. In a society that is all about me, it can be hard to be a servant, but that’s what we are called to be. Faithful service for the Lord, will gain an eternal reward that will far outweigh anything we’ve had to forgo on earth (Rom 8:18).
2)# ’Give us a king to lead us.’
1 Samuel 8:6 (1-9)
God had called his people, the Israelites, to be his kingdom, under his rule, here on earth, but now they took the opportunity of Samuel’s old age to become like the kingdoms of the world. Samuel’s sons had already led the way in rebellion and, as we read, ‘did not walk in his (Samuel’s) ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.’ This provided the excuse to make changes, but betrayed a yearning for the ways of the world, rather than for the ways of God.
The same dangers face the Church of Jesus today as the influence of society puts pressure on us to conform to their standards. It can all seem reasonable, especially if it helps us to appeal to outsiders. We can convince ourselves that it is the better thing to do, just like the Israelites, who wanted to fit in with the nations around them. But allowing human reasoning to supersede divine revelation is a trick of Satan and we must be on our guard so as not to be taken in. Let’s keep Jesus on the throne of our lives and of his Church, today.
3)# ’Led by the Spirit into the desert.’
Matthew 4:1 (1-11)
It’s not the most popular destination, but a desert experience can be what God calls us to go through at times. Prior to beginning his earthly ministry, Jesus was ‘led by the Spirit into the desert’. It was a time of fasting and testing, which led to Christ laying down some ground rules in both the heavenly and earthly realms. The vulnerability of God incarnate could still withstand the assault of Satan.
Desert experiences come to us all, physically, emotionally and spiritually. And they can happen at all times of life, even when things seem to be going well. Without warning, things can change and we find ourselves in a dry and barren place. Yet, often, when we are vulnerable, we can experience something more, something deeper from God the Holy Spirit. When things that we rely on are removed and distractions are taken away, then our focus on the Lord can become sharper. As one refugee who’d lost home and family in civil war once said, ‘I never knew Jesus is all I needed, until Jesus is all I have.’ It might be tough, but let’s not rebel against those times when the Holy Spirit leads us into the desert place. It can help us re-focus on the important things of life and strengthen our reliance on the Lord Jesus.
4)# ’Enough for three years.’
Leviticus 25:21 (18-24)
In the year of Jubilee, this was a mark of God’s blessing on his people. The Lord would so bless their harvest in the sixth year, that it would last them for three years so that they could rest from planting and harvesting in the seventh year.
A generous God provides over and above our needs if we live in obedience to his word. The world is under the compulsion to work 24/7 so as to maximise profits and increase wealth. The result is greed and selfishness, stress and anxiety, insecurity and uncertainty. Those who have what they want only want more and those who don’t have what they want resent those who do.
God’s way is so very different. His concern for giving rest to the earth was matched by his care of his people. And that included regular rest from work. As Jesus emphasised, our heavenly Father will give us everything we need, and even more to share with other people, when we live his way, as part of his Kingdom.
5)# The teacher … is asking for you’
John 11:28 (20-32)
Initially Mary had stayed at home whilst her older sister, Martha, went to greet Jesus. Whatever the reason behind her staying, a difference between the sisters is noted, as Martha takes the lead in meeting Jesus. But then Martha returns to tell Mary that Jesus ‘is asking for you’. The younger sister is not ignored, not forgotten, not left until Jesus arrived in the home. Jesus waits outside the village to give Mary the same public recognition as her older sister. It also gives Mary the opportunity to show publicly her devotion to Christ as she falls at his feet.
Perhaps we feel overshadowed by older siblings, by friends or work colleagues. People with more ‘get up and go’ than us. People who take the initiative, People who are more confident than we are. Maybe whilst others are out and about, so to speak, we’ve stayed at home, fearing being overlooked or ignored. Well, as with Mary, Jesus recognises us for who we are - just as special, just as valued, just as important as anyone else. As with Mary, Jesus calls us by name, to be included and involved. So let’s be quick to respond to Christ’s call, to show our love for him and to play our part within his kingdom.
6)# ’Trembling with fear, (she) told him the whole truth.’
Mark 5:33 (21-34)
The bleeding had stopped. Her shame had been lifted. She had come unnoticed and planned to slip away quietly. But Jesus wanted this lady to have more than physical healing and gives her the opportunity to confess her faith publicly. She ‘told him the whole truth’, but others heard as well and it was her confession of faith, that led to an even deeper wholeness. The word for healing in v34 is the same as is used for salvation from sin.
Acknowledging Christ publicly is an important part of discipleship and brings its reward (Matt 10:32). We may struggle to find the right words; our mouth may feel dry; we may well tremble with fear, but if Jesus is our Lord and Saviour, let’s not slip back into the crowd. Christ’s forgiveness, healing and peace are things that the world desperately needs. So, let’s tell people ‘the whole truth’ about our faith in Christ, so that they too might know his salvation.
7)# ’We are God’s children.’
Romans 8:16 (12-17)
Being part of God’s family brings with it blessings and responsibilities. In the next verse, Paul speaks of being ‘heirs with Christ’, sharing ‘in his sufferings’ as well as ‘in his glory’. As God’s children we are called to grow up, to become mature and to take responsibility for playing our part in the Church, the Body of Christ. Childhood must come to an end (1 Cor 13:11), but the relationship between Father God and his children must deepen and grow.
As Christians, childish behaviour must be left behind, but a childlike trust in Christ must remain. As heirs with Christ we must identify with him by name and behaviour. Being a Christian is not about politics, race or religious duty, but about a living relationship that impacts the way we live each and every day and reflects our Godly parentage.
8)# ’Joyful and glad in heart.’
1 Kings 8:66 (64-66)
This is more than a smile on the face or a carefree attitude. King Solomon had led the Israelites in a recommitment to follow the Lord and to live his way and it was this that led them to being ‘joyful and glad in heart’. The building of the temple had been finished, the sacrifices had been made and the hearts of the Israelites had turned back to the Lord. Once again there could be fellowship between God and his people.
A joyful and glad heart is a result of being in a right relationship with the God who made us and it is not dependent on external events. It comes with the peace that Jesus promised in John chapter 14 and is available to all who live in obedience to him. A joyful and glad heart produces words of encouragement and enables acts of kindness. It lifts up, gives hope to the downcast and enables us to become a blessing to all around us. A joyful and glad heart is a gift from the Lord and well worth having - and even better when shared.
9)# ’Let us not become weary in doing good.’
Galatians 6:9 (6-10)
Weariness or fatigue can occur for many reasons. Do something enough times and we can become weary of it, however enjoyable it might have been at the start. Meet continual problems that sap our energy and we experience fatigue, worn out, ready to give up. If nothing is done to help, then we might stop all together. So how can we avoid becoming weary in doing good?
Maybe the secret is source and focus. Earlier, Paul has been speaking of the fruit of the Spirit, God’s goodness manifest in our lives. This is the source. Acts 10:38 links Holy Spirit power with doing good - as seen in Christ. ‘God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all …’ In Ephesians 6:7-8, doing good is part of our ‘serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.’ This is our focus. So with Holy Spirit power and a heart to serve the Lord and his people, our zeal for doing good will be maintained.
10)# ’Because he trusts in you.’
Isaiah 26:3 (1-7)
Trust in the Lord God results in at least two things. Stability and peace. The prophet speaks of the Lord as ‘the Rock eternal’ (v4) and as the One to ‘establish peace for us’ (v12). Having returned to the Lord their God, the people of Judah were once again secure, stable and at peace.
The Lord’s faithfulness remained, even when his people had been unfaithful. Time and again, when they repented and turned back to live in obedience to him, he graciously restored stability and peace into their lives. In a world where there is so much conflict and instability in all levels of society, we have a wonderful opportunity to show the difference Christ makes in our lives. When our mind is set on keeping his decrees, when our trust is in him, then we can face the inevitable troubles of life knowing that same stability and peace that God gave his people long ago.
11)# ’You give them something to eat.’
Matthew 14:16 (13-21)
The disciples were taken aback. They hadn’t expected this. Had they heard correctly? Yes. Did Jesus really understand the situation? Yes. Was he just teasing? No.
There are times when Jesus wants to stretch our faith. Times when he invites us to step out of the boat and walk on the water, so to speak. To focus on what he can do, rather than on the circumstances. Only five loaves and two fish - ‘but how far will they go among so many?’ But the little they had was enough for Jesus to use.
In John’s account we read that Jesus ‘already had in mind what he was going to do’. The disciples needed to make available what they had and be available to serve Christ’s purposes. The same is true for you and me. Let’s offer what we are and have, however little, and be ready to serve Christ today. We can leave him to sort out the details.
12)# ’Their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.’
Nehemiah 9:21 (19-21)
This is an extraordinary testimony to God’s care of his people. In forty years of desert life ‘they lacked nothing’. The natural wear and tear of physical and material things was suspended by divine intervention, and food and water were provided on a daily basis. Whilst the wilderness years were a direct result of the people’s rebellion (Num 14), the Lord remained faithful in looking after them.
In uncertain times, when you and I face rising costs and economic challenges, when ‘tightening our belts’ may be necessary, we may be tempted to look after ourselves and not be generous towards other people. It’s a good job the boy with his lunch of bread and fish didn’t have that attitude! This is a timely reminder that we can trust the Lord to provide for us and reflect his generosity towards us by continuing to share generously with other people.
13)# ’With Jesus leading the way.’
Mark 10:32 (32-34)
We read that ‘the disciples were astonished’. Jesus knew what lay ahead of him in Jerusalem, yet he stepped out to lead the way up to the city. Whilst the disciples did not fully realise what was about to happen, they knew enough to be surprised by Christ’s willingness to lead the way. But where Christ leads, he calls all his disciples to follow. The road to suffering and death had to be taken before the way of resurrection and new life could be realised.
All of us who would follow Jesus must deny ourselves and take up our cross so as to be ready to follow him. We will all face our ‘Jerusalem’ sooner or later. A time or place where personal sacrifices have to be made. The dying to self can be a struggle, but let’s not shrink back from the challenge. We must be ready to miss out on some of the pleasures of this world, in order to enjoy the fulness of new life in Christ. It may be hard, but let’s be encouraged by the words of Jesus in John 16:33; ‘Take heart! I have overcome the world.’
14)# ’Encourage one another daily.’
Hebrews 3:13 (12-19)
This is more than mere pleasantries or saying what people want to hear. More than a pat on the back. This is to urge someone on, to get alongside and keep them going and not to give up.
The encouragement in these verses is to keep us from being deceived and to keep us holding firmly on to Christ to the end. The appeal of worldly gods is just as real for us today as it was for the Israelites. Whatever is given priority in our lives can become a god. Easy to think that we can give our hearts to other things whilst still following Jesus. The truth is we cannot and we may forfeit our share in Christ’s kingdom if we do, just as it was for those Israelites mentioned in our reading. It is a daily challenge and needs daily encouragement to ‘stand firm to the end’ so as to be saved.
So let’s look out for someone that we can encourage in their walk with Jesus today.
15)# ’For she loved much.’
Luke 7:47 (40-50)
Various facts emerge about this lady. She ‘had lived a sinful life’, but she didn’t hide away. She had expensive perfume, but she was willing to give it up. She was emotional, but she was not discouraged. She acted, but she did not speak. She was despised, but not by Jesus. He knew something that others didn’t know which made a difference to everything else. She expressed her devotion to Christ and her sorrow for her past life, not with words, but with unreserved actions. It embarrassed other people, but it pleased the Lord and resulted in forgiveness and peace for this lady.
Maybe this encourages us to be more open, more ‘up-front’ in declaring our love for Christ, both through word and action. Let’s not let other people’s opinions or reserve, stifle our expression of love and service for Christ. As this lady shows us, expressing our love for the Lord openly, is worth any embarrassment and will be rewarded.
16)# ’Just as Jesus had told them.’
Mark 14:16 (12-16)
Don’t miss the detail; it’s important. The disciples were on an undercover operation and needed to get things right. All the contacts were in place and everything had been planned and sorted. They just needed to follow the instructions given by Jesus. Even with the forces of evil rising against him, Jesus was in control. Something we all need to recognise and remember.
The Bible is full of detail about God’s bigger plan. Some of it has been fulfilled; some is unfolding now; other detail is about the future. If we ignore it, we’ll worry that things in the world are out of control and we will become fearful of what men might do. But if we pay attention, then we’ll realise that everything is under God’s control, running according to his plans. Jesus is coming back, just as he has told us, and everything is working towards his return. He has told us some of the details of what will happen leading up to his return - not to make us fearful, but to keep us ready, waiting and witnessing. Like these two disciples, we need to pay attention to what Jesus has said.
17)# ’He delivered Jesus to their will.’
Luke 23:25 (13-25)
Three powers are brought into focus here. Pilate had power given to him by the state. It was important to him and mattered more than what was right. When his position of power was threatened he went for popularity rather than truth. The power offered by this world will inevitably have strings attached and will often compromise our integrity - and it will never last.
The power of the people was blind and impulsive. Urged on by jealous religious leaders, justice and truth were trampled on. Injustice and lies became acceptable. Much the same as it can be today. As we often see, public opinion can be influential, especially when stirred up by aggressive rhetoric, but we must guard against just ‘following the crowd’.
Yet in the middle of this is Jesus with divine power. Delivered by man to Pilate, but giving himself to death (Jn 10:18 & 19:11). Christ submitted, not to the will of the people, but to the will of God (Is 53:10). His power was shown in his death on the cross. The grip of sin was broken and death itself was defeated, something no other power could ever do.
18)# ’Christ died for our sins.’
1 Corinthians 15:3 (1-8)
This is the simple truth behind the gospel of Jesus. Unless we acknowledge our part in the death of Christ, we cannot know the forgiveness his death can bring. It was his great love for us that fashioned the plan of salvation, but it was because of our sin that he died. This is not to make us run away and hide. Rather it is to lead us to the foot of the cross and receive the forgiveness that the death of Christ offers.
Because it is for my sin that Christ died, then my forgiveness has been made possible. It may not seem fair, it may not seem right, but it is the only way for us to have peace with God and know him for ourselves. Let’s thank him again today, for his sacrifice on our behalf and continue to experience the forgiveness that the death of Christ provides.
19)# ’He was buried.’
1 Corinthians 15:4 (1-8)
The burial of Christ completes his death. It was not just an act of kindness by Joseph of Arimathea. It was confirmation that the act of atonement had truly happened. The wages of sin had been paid. The wrath of God had been appeased. The work of Christ had been completed. The enemies of God had done their worst. The blackest day in all history was over.
But that’s not all. The old covenant that fell short was also buried. A new covenant was about to dawn. From the gloom of the grave the Light of the world would arise victorious. For all who will follow Christ, the old life must be dead and buried, if we are to know the new life he gives. There can be no resurrection without death and burial. Full immersion in baptism is symbolic of this reality. The old life is gone (cf Rom 6). Once we accept this fact, then we can live in the power of tomorrow’s resurrection.
20)# ’He was raised on the third day.’
1 Corinthians 15:4 (1-8)
This was an act of God. Jesus had laid down his life. His friends had buried him. But it was God who raised him from the dead and so vindicated him before all of creation. The resurrection declares that the sacrifice of Christ Jesus has dealt with sin and death once for all time. What the enemies of God feared most had now happened and the future was changed for eternity. The truth was out and no amount of spin by those opposed to God could stop it.
The Apostle Paul says that these three facts are of first importance. Christ’s death was for our sins; his burial signified the end of the old covenant; his resurrection gives new life to all who accept him as Saviour and Lord. The resurrection of Jesus is not simply a fact of history. Because he lives, we can live as well, now and in the new, eternal, heaven and earth. Worth a shout, so that others
might hear this good news. Jesus is alive! Christ has died. Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Hallelujah!
21)# ’He appeared to Peter.’
1 Corinthians 15:5 (1-8)
It was Peter who said the most. It was Peter who declared truths about Christ. It was Peter who spoke words of bravery and loyalty. It was Peter who caved in under pressure - then shed tears of repentance. And it was Peter who stood and preached on the day of Pentecost and all because Peter had met the risen Christ for himself.
A personal experience of Jesus Christ is essential for our salvation. Accepting the facts is one thing, an encounter with the risen Jesus is another. In the face of opposition and ridicule, it’s the personal experience of the Holy Spirit within, that helps us to stand firm. Other people may be able to argue against us, or poke fun at what we believe, but they can’t touch that personal relationship deep within. It made a difference for Peter and it can do the same for you and me, today, tomorrow and for ever.
22)# ’Today is the third day.’
Luke 24:21 (13-24)
How often human reasoning and earthly limitations prevent us from experiencing the reality of the ‘third day’. These two disciples needed the help of the risen Jesus himself to understand the impact of the ‘third day’. Even though Christ’s body was no longer in the tomb and angels had declared he was alive, they still could not accept a bodily resurrection. They needed to learn that heavenly reality can over-ride earthly limitations. The first and second days had seen nothing happen, but ‘today is the third day’. What a difference a day makes!
You and I may well be surrounded by the laws of nature and worldly perspectives, but a new reality is available because ‘today is the third day’. Since Jesus has risen, everyday can be a ‘third day’. Sins forgiven, restored relationship with God, hope for the future. The despair and gloom of days one and two can be lifted and we can know the same joy and fire of the Holy Spirit burning within our hearts, just like these two disciples. Jesus is alive and walks along with us. So let’s enjoy his company today, as we live in the reality of ‘the third day’.
23)# “I will now arise”
Psalm 12:5 (1-8)
The psalmist tells us that the Lord will not stand by and watch indefinitely as injustice is done. He is not removed from the sufferings of the weak and needy. He hears the cries and groanings of those who are oppressed and he will act. In Jesus, God experienced for himself the injustices of this world. At different times throughout history, God has intervened on behalf of the oppressed and downtrodden. One day Jesus will return to bring justice and judgement to bear on all mankind. If God responds, then so should we.
For those of us living in the richer countries, we need to respond to those who are suffering and seek justice on their behalf. We can offer help and support through local food-banks, poverty action groups and Christian NGOs. We may also need to make some adjustments to how we live. Then for those of us who are weak and struggling, this psalm reassures us that our call for help does not go unheeded. A living God hears the cries of his people and he will arise to help those in need.
24)# ’His heart went out to her.’
Luke 7:13 (11-17)
Time and again we read of Jesus being moved with compassion as he looks on individuals and crowds and sees their deeper needs. Here he empathises with a widow whose only son has died. As the Son of Man, Jesus was familiar with the pain of life here on earth. He cried with Martha and Mary at the tomb of Lazarus. He had compassion for the sick and the marginalised as he too experienced the pain of life alongside those he had created.
But as the Son of God he was and is able to do something about it. He healed the sick, he raised the dead, he set free the demon-possessed and he proclaimed good news of salvation. Then on the cross he was crushed, bruised, afflicted as his heart was broken, for a broken-hearted world. But his resurrection now means that the same healing, freedom, forgiveness and new life is available for all who will trust in him. More than ever, we need to let people know of this Jesus, whose heart is for us, so that we can be restored.
25)# ’A young girl from Israel.’
2 Kings 5:2 (1-6)
We do not know her name, nor her age, but what we do know is that she had the interests of other people in her heart and this made her speak out. She was a captive and a servant. She had been taken from her homeland by those she now served and could easily have kept quiet. But her heart was for the good of other people, whoever they were.
Irrespective of her position in Naaman’s household, she knew where help could be found and made it known. As a result lives were changed and her part is recorded as an encouragement to us. If you and I know the One who can heal broken bodies and hearts, then let’s not keep quiet. With simplicity and sensitivity, let’s take every opportunity to share the good news about Jesus, even with those who might be considered our enemies.
26)# ’Throwing his cloak aside.’
Mark 10:50 (46-52)
Sometimes, even for a beggar, possessions can get in the way. Bartimaeus did not want to miss this opportunity for the sake of holding on to his cloak. His cry for mercy had been heard and Jesus had called him. His cloak had been his protection and comfort. It was a cushion, a bed, a coat, a mat to sit on and beg for help. But in his enthusiasm to get to Jesus it could trip him up or get caught on something. With the prospect of meeting Jesus, what he’d held on to as his security, he now threw aside.
Letting go of anything that would hinder our walk with Jesus is just as important for us as it was for Bartimaeus. We all have ‘comfort blankets’ or cloaks, of one sort or another. Things that we prioritise or rely on to make life that bit easier or more comfortable, can impede our walk with Jesus. Material possessions, personal ambitions, approval of family and friends, our dignity and reputation - can all be those ‘cloaks’ that might get in the way. Whether we see things as an ‘essential’ or an ‘excess’, a deliberate and regular spring clean of our lives is good for our discipleship of Jesus.
27)# ’Train yourself to be godly.’
1 Timothy 4:7 (1-8)
Training calls for discipline. A casual approach will not get results. Subduing the old nature and encouraging the new nature requires effort. The apostle Paul suggests two things. One is what to avoid; the other is what to pursue. Timothy is told to ‘have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales’. In our pluralistic and ungodly society there are plenty of these sort of teachings that can lead us astray if we are not careful. Avoidance is good advice.
Then what Timothy is to actively engage in, is the reading, teaching and preaching of Scripture. Regular Bible reading is crucial for all who want to be more like Jesus. We can ask the Holy Spirit to teach us as we read. Then we need to put it into action, apply it to our lives, again with the help of the Holy Spirit. No-one becomes an athlete by simply reading the manual. So too for the Christian. And whilst training ourselves, why not help to train other believers? After all, we are part of the Body of Christ, and so have mutual responsibility for one another.
28)# ’Buffeted by the waves.’
Matthew 14:24 (22-27)
The disciples had lost sight of Jesus, but he had not lost sight of them. They were in the middle of the lake with the wind and waves against them. It was dark and they had their heads down fighting to stay afloat. As far as they were concerned Jesus was some distance away, back up the hillside. They were on their own, ‘buffeted by the waves’, so it was up to them to get on with it, to sink or swim, so to speak. Thankfully Jesus comes to where the disciples are, unaffected by the wind and waves, and provides the help that they so desperately needed.
Maybe you and I last ‘saw’ Jesus at church or in the house group, but we feel somewhat alone in the rest of the week. Perhaps because of the pressures of life, we’ve now lost sight of Jesus altogether. Getting through each day has taken over and, like the disciples, it’s been head down, with gritted teeth, just trying to cope somehow - or not. Well, we may have lost sight of Jesus, but he’s not lost sight of us and comes to us wherever we are and in whatever ‘buffeting’ we may be experiencing. So let’s recognise and acknowledge his presence and welcome his help in our time of need.
29)# ’I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.’
Romans 1:16 (14-17)
Preaching about trials, nails, beatings and a cross is not attractive. To have the Saviour of the world dying the death of a criminal, doesn’t make sense. But the apostle Paul knows that what seems foolish to the ears of other people is wisdom from God. God takes that which is shameful and makes it glorious.
There is salvation from sin and death in no-one but the crucified Jesus. We can change the message to make it more appealing, but it won’t save us. Take out the bits that offend, but we will not know forgiveness from sin. Add things to do that make us feel we deserve to be saved, but it won’t give us peace with God.
Let’s not dress it up to look good; let’s not smother it in pleasantries; let’s not soften it to make it easier to digest. Let’s not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Why not? ‘Because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.’ That’s why not.
30)# ’But now he has become useful.’
Philemon 1:11 (8-16)
What a difference Jesus makes. Onesimus, the useless slave becomes a useful and dear brother to both Paul and Philemon.
When you and I have something that is useless we discard it, throw it away. There is no reason to keep it. It is rubbish, of no use. In the same way, our sin has made us like rubbish to God. Our relationship with him has been broken and we are in line for his wrath and judgement - to be thrown out onto his rubbish dump - the eternal hell.
But what a difference Jesus makes! He can recycle the rubbish that we are and make us useful and valued once again. In Christ, the sinner becomes the saint, the lost is found and the broken relationship is restored. ‘If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.’ For those of us who are ‘in Christ’, let’s tell others of the difference Jesus makes. If you do not know the forgiveness from sin that Jesus gives, then come to him today and let him make you useful, precious to and accepted by Father God.