1)# ’You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning.’
Psalm 18:28 (25-29)
It helps if we have a reason to get up in the morning. It helps if we have a purpose for living. It helps if we know we are not on our own. There can be times for each of us when we are overwhelmed by circumstances and it becomes hard to keep going, but David reminds us that it is the Lord who gives us a reason and purpose for life, and he is with us whatever we face.
‘You, O Lord…’ Here we acknowledge the sovereignty of God and his Lordship over our lives. He is the LORD God Almighty. ’Keep my lamp...’. The Lord Jehovah takes a personal interest in our lives. He sustains our daily walk with him and provides all we need day by day. ‘Burning’ - alive and kicking! Whatever life may throw at us, it cannot extinguish this flame, because it is fuelled by the Holy Spirit. ’Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.’ (2 Cor 4:16).
There’s a strength that comes from the Lord, even in the most difficult of times, that lifts us up and keeps us going. So let’s draw on his strength again, today.
2)# ‘He took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd.’
Matthew 27:24 (24-26)
Pilate’s gesture has become synonymous with shirking responsibility. Did Pilate really think that washing his hands publicly would absolve him from responsibility for his actions? Yet, in so many situations, when things go wrong, we also look for excuses or scapegoats, rather than accept responsibility. It was first done in the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve and has become our default response. We’re all given to ‘washing our hands’, so to speak, when we mess things up. But deep down we know it’s not our hands that need to be washed, but our hearts.
This is not just when we first come to Christ for salvation (our justification) but the day by day work of the Holy Spirit in our lives (our sanctification). Running out of excuses is not a problem if we continually let Christ be Lord of our lives, because excuses won’t be needed. A clean heart will produce clean hands - that is right actions - so that we can enjoy a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.
3)# ‘God himself will provide the lamb.’
Genesis 22:8 (1-12)
Little did Abraham realise what he was saying as he tried to avoid the awful reality of what lay ahead. Yes, God did provide a ram, caught in the thicket in place of Isaac, but a greater provision was to come. Many years later John the Baptist declared Jesus to be, ‘the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’ (Jn 1). Even before the foundation of the world the plan of salvation, the provision of ‘the Lamb’, was in place (Eph 1:4), so Abraham’s declaration was revealing something of God’s eternal plan.
What happened all those years ago on Mount Moriah was to be ultimately fulfilled on Mount Calvary as Christ, the Lamb of God, laid down his life for the sheep (Jn 10). Paul wrote that ‘God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ’ (2 Cor 5:19). His sacrifice on our behalf may be beyond our comprehension, but it is not beyond our experience. Because of what Christ has done for us, we can know forgiveness for sin and be at peace with Almighty God, as we trust in Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. So whether for the first time, or yet again, let’s thank God for his provision, and then live for his glory.
4)# ‘Torn in two from top to bottom.’
Matthew 27:51 (45-54)
Torn, not cut. Not by man, but by God. The same word is used to describe the earthquake (rocks torn apart) that also happened when Christ died. The death of Jesus had a dramatic impact on man’s relationship with God. That which had separated sinful man from Holy God was removed. Sin had been atoned for, not with the blood of animals, but with the blood of Christ. Not pulled down, but torn apart, in two, never again to hinder access to the LORD God Jehovah.
Now everyone can come to God through Jesus Christ, the new and living way. The literal translation of our verse is ‘torn from above to below’. Our salvation is from above. Christ came from heaven to earth in order to redeem fallen man. Now we can enjoy the reality of that living relationship with Almighty God. Let’s not ignore what God has done for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Let’s not miss out on this salvation.
5)# ‘It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.’
Acts 2:24 (22-28)
For the first time, death couldn’t do what it had always done. Christ had truly died, the Roman soldiers saw to that. The centurion confirmed the fact to Pilate; and Joseph and Nicodemus had buried a lifeless corpse. Satan had done his worst and death had claimed its prize victim.
Yet out of the gloom and despair would come a moment of unparalleled triumph as God raised Jesus from the dead (Acts 13:34). There was no way that the Lord of life could be held by the grip of death. It may have got a hold, but it couldn’t hold on. This was the time when death lost its sting and its victory (1 Cor 15:55), and as a result all who trust Christ as Saviour do not need to fear that last enemy. Death itself is defeated and swallowed up in Christ’s victory. So now we can celebrate the reality of life after death. Christ is risen, hallelujah - what a Saviour!
6)# ’The women…saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.’
Luke 23:55 (50-56)
Some would argue that when the women saw the empty tomb, they had in fact gone to the wrong one. But Luke makes it clear that the women had made a point of following Joseph, seeing where the tomb was and noticing how Christ’s body had been laid in it. This became an important part of verifying the resurrection. The other disciples had fled, but these women had hung around and became key witnesses for the early Church.
Sometimes it’s the small things that can count for so much. It’s those personal experiences of Christ in our lives that can help other people to know him too. God uses times of pain and suffering to become a point of contact with other people. Acts of kindness in the face of hostility allow Christ’s love to be visible. Whatever we’ve ‘seen and heard’, let’s use it to bring other people to know the risen Christ for themselves.
7)# ’Stand firm.’
1 Corinthians 15:58 (50-58)
As in Paul’s day, belief in a physical resurrection today, is often dismissed as fanciful, even ridiculous. But Paul has gone to some length to explain why we can be confident that a physical resurrection is fact, not just wishful thinking. The resurrection of Christ has assured the same for all who trust in him and as a result the fear and sting of death is gone. What a difference that makes to life now, however hard it might be. It’s on this certainty that Paul encourages us to stand firm.
Standing firm on what we believe can be difficult, especially in the face of persuasive argument and clever reasoning. If we are going to cope, then we must have something firm on which to stand.
Jesus spoke of his teaching as being like a rock on which we can build our lives securely. Paul speaks of the resurrection of Christ as firm evidence of our future heavenly dwelling. The Holy Spirit is a guarantee of what is to come. A living relationship with the Lord can be our daily reality. Standing firm is not about words, but about experience. Let’s keep our faith in the Jesus we know, and stand firm today.
8)# ’Let nothing move you.’
1 Corinthians 15:58 (50-58)
This is the companion to standing firm. It’s not speaking about being knocked over, but more about not being diverted away from where we are heading. It’s like taking a detour off the main road and driving around the country lanes, taking up time and potentially getting lost. Paul has been teaching about the resurrection for believers and the reality of a new heaven and earth that awaits. This was to counter the distorted teaching that was creeping into the early Church that denied the resurrection and so discredited the gospel of Christ.
Jesus warned against false prophets coming into his Church, and they are around today. People who are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15). People who reinterpret the teaching of scripture to make it more acceptable or those who edit out anything that speaks of God’s wrath and judgement for fear of causing offence. Such false teaching must be refuted and avoided if we are to know the saving power of the gospel of Christ.
9)# ’Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.’
Isaiah 1:17 (15-20)
These words follow a harsh rebuke from the Lord to his people of Judah and Jerusalem. Their ‘acts’ of worship were just that. They were going through the motions, but their hearts were far from the Lord. They had become no better than Sodom and Gomorrah. This is a wake-up call from God to his people. ‘Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!’ And to do right is to ‘seek justice, encourage the oppressed,’ especially those on the margins of society, such as orphans and widows. It’s a call that is still relevant for us, the Church of Jesus, today.
There will always be injustice in this world - until Jesus comes again. There will always be those who are oppressed as a result of injustice. But that doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye, or simply give up. Our worship of God is about addressing these issues and doing what we can to obey the Lord’s command. Determination and persistence are required. It’s about relieving the oppression that other people have caused. It’s about making do with less, so that others might have something. Whether it’s helping those in our neighbourhood or supporting organisations working further afield, there’s plenty of opportunity for us all to fulfil what God has asked us to do.
10)# ’I prayed to the God of heaven and I answered the king.’
Nehemiah 2:4 (1-6)
This is the Christian’s equivalent of ‘think before you speak’. It’s what some would call an ‘arrow prayer’. Nehemiah was put on the spot by the king and he didn’t have time to call a prayer meeting. Nehemiah was in the middle of a working day and an answer was required straight away. The answer Nehemiah gave opened the way for God’s city and his people to be restored.
It’s good to know that the Lord is with us in our work-place just as much as when we are with our Church fellowship. In fact it’s often in those daily situations that we discover our relationship with Jesus to be most real and relevant. The God of heaven is an omniscient God, so he’s the best one to consult before we give an answer, especially when under pressure. Faith requires action and Nehemiah’s faith in a prayer-answering God is proved right as he answers the king. He sets a good example for us all to follow.
11)# ’We prayed to our God and posted a guard.’
Nehemiah 4:9 (6-15)
Throughout the book of Nehemiah we find this combination. Prayer to the Lord leads to action on the ground. Like Nehemiah and his co-workers, we must turn to the Lord first, not as a last resort. It’s easy to react to situations by getting stuck in, to sort things out. Nehemiah teaches us an important lesson. However great the pressure, come to the Lord first - and then act as he leads.
If we accept that the Lord wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives, then that will help us to be open to his leading. As Nehemiah demonstrated so often, effective prayer can be short and to the point. So just as we might ‘text a friend’, let’s keep in touch with the Lord throughout our day and be guided by him in all that we say and do.
12)# ’Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.’
Matthew 6:8 (5-8)
So what’s the point of asking?! Well, here are three things to recognise as we pray.
Firstly, making requests requires humility. Unlike those who pray ‘to be seen (and heard) by men’, we come before the Lord, in private, aware of our reliance on him, even for our daily bread. It helps us develop our dependency on the Lord and a willingness to live in obedience to him.
Then secondly we need to have a right attitude and relationship with God. We don’t need to persuade God with many words, like those ‘babblers’ Jesus speaks about. Instead we come to our Father in heaven who we can know and trust to do what is best. Maintaining a right relationship with him will enable us to learn more of his will and purpose for our lives.
Lastly, prayer helps us acknowledge his Lordship and our servanthood. As we pray, we seek his will, not ours. We offer to him our hopes and dreams, our fears and failures, our abilities and experiences, so that he can use us for his glory, not ours. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
13)# ’Do not worry.’
Matthew 6:25 (25-34)
Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian who survived a Nazi concentration camp wrote: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
Three times in these verses, Jesus says ‘do not worry.’ So it’s clear, he means it.
Stress-related illnesses are a big issue for people today. So the advice Jesus gives is very relevant. There’s a down-to-earth simplicity in what he says. Instead of focussing on things beyond our control, we’re best to focus on the One who is in control. As we saw yesterday, he will provide for all our needs, so that we don’t need to worry.
Jesus speaks of the father / child relationship which is the basis for our trust in him. The comparison with birds and lilies emphasises the practical provision for our needs. And our tomorrows are in his hands, so that we can make the most of today. We’re not called to live as if there is no tomorrow, or irresponsibly, but we are called to live one day at a time. Through good days and bad days the Lord has promised to be with us and see us through. So let’s do what he says, and do not worry.
14)# ’For the Lord gives wisdom.’
Proverbs 2:6 (1-8)
Wisdom in hindsight is one of life’s frustrations. If only we’d known beforehand … The writer of Proverbs links wisdom with knowledge and understanding. Human wisdom will always be limited by our lack of knowledge and understanding. But the wisdom spoken of here is sourced in an omniscient Lord God.
In Daniel chapter 2, human wisdom is useless in the face of King Nebuchadnezzar’s unreasonable demand. But Daniel and his friends turn to the Lord Jehovah for help. After a night of prayer, they can declare, ’There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.’ They are given the knowledge and understanding, the wisdom, spoken of here in Proverbs, to answer the king.
How often we need God-given wisdom to know what to say, how to act, what to decide. Times with family, friends, work colleagues or simply with life itself. Whatever situations we encounter today, let’s ask the Lord to guide and direct us so that we act and speak wisely.
15)# ‘Teach me your way O Lord.’
Psalm 27:11 (7-14)
Learning to walk in the way of the Lord is not about academic ability, but about a willing heart. His way is available to all.
‘Teach me.’ David’s request indicates a willingness to learn, and that is important if we are to be obedient to Christ. And it is personal. ‘Teach me.’ Whilst we are all part of Christ’s body, each one of us is an individual member with a part to play. Let’s be ready to learn how to play the role that we’ve been given.
‘Your way, O Lord.’ It’s his way, not ours. We may not always understand or see where he is leading, but we must trust him if he is Lord of our lives. And this is not a day trip, but a day-by-day walk of obedience that we can learn. So as we move forward, let’s make this our request, even today.
16)# ’If you remain silent.’
Esther 4:14 (12-17)
Living in the palace could not be an excuse for Esther to stay quiet. Life as queen could not hide her life as a Jew. Remaining silent might avoid a confrontation, but it would not stop the plan of Haman from taking effect. The right to remain silent is not necessarily the right thing to do.
Jesus calls us as his Church, to be salt and light in an unsavoury and dark world. This is done through declaration and demonstration. Living as followers of Christ means standing up for what is right, exposing what is evil and speaking the truth. This can be costly but, like Esther, it’s a price we must be prepared to pay. The pressure to remain silent in the face of wrongdoing or injustice, can, at times, be very real, especially when our job or friendships are at stake. But, if we are followers of Christ, is remaining silent an option?
17)# ’But they could not heal him.’
Matthew 17:16 (14-20)
I wonder how we cope with failure? This must have been hard for the disciples to take. They had tried to cast out a demon and failed - publicly! They had cast out demons before (Matt 10:8) so why not now? But once Jesus had sorted things out, the disciples are willing to learn from their mistakes.
Humility and a willingness to learn are important if we are to grow in our life with Christ. Within a few months the same disciples were experiencing the power of God working in and through them as they learned to rely on the Holy Spirt’s anointing, rather than on their own strength.
You and I will experience failure and disappointment in life, but we have a loving friend in Jesus who is able to forgive, restore and help us to grow. Let’s not be burdened by disappointments or failures from the past, but live today, in the freedom of Christ’s forgiveness and the enabling power of his Spirit.
18)# ’His mother encouraged him in doing wrong.’
2 Chronicles 22:3 (1-6)
It is clear that Athaliah actively and openly encouraged King Ahaziah to do wrong. But encouragement to do wrong does not always need to be so obvious. Turning a blind eye or a deaf ear, staying quiet, making excuses, can all encourage wrongdoing to be done. Whether it is amongst our family and friends or in areas of business or politics, as children of light, disciples of Christ are called to expose the ‘deeds of darkness’. That’s what light does.
But before we jump in with both feet, let’s make sure that we live in a way that is ‘worthy of the Lord’. Setting an example for other people to follow is important. It can be easy to point out what is wrong; much more costly to help stop it and do what is right. But that’s what we must be ready to do if we are to be an influence for good because of our commitment to Jesus.
19)# ’But she did not tell her husband Nabal.’
1 Samuel 25:19 (14-20)
Nabal’s wife could have sought to reason with him, explain her plan, seek his agreement. But she knew that her words would have fallen on deaf ears. It was time for generous action if lives were to be saved, even if it was against the cultural norm.
Actions speak louder than words, they say, and sometimes, when we know what is the right thing to do, we need to get on and do it. Talking about it can complicate matters, cause unnecessary delay or even dissuade us from action. James 4:17 puts it bluntly; ‘Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.’
Everyday situations can offer us opportunities to do good and, whether we are recognised or not, acts of kindness out of our love for Christ can result in changed lives and situations. So let today be a day of generous action, not simply good intentions.
20)# ’I will not leave you.’
2 Kings 4:30 (27-30)
Here was a lady on a mission. By divine intervention her longing for a son had been granted and she was not going to let death rob her of that blessing. Her faith was such that even with a dead body in her arms, she knew life could return. She’d experienced one miracle already (the birth of her son), so why not another (the resuscitation of her son)! God had worked through Elisha the first time, so it was to Elisha that she went again. She is not deterred, but presses on until she gets to Elisha and her persistence is rewarded.
Our situations may not be as dramatic as this lady’s, but one thing we can learn from her is not to give up hope. Sometimes, when we’ve been praying for someone or something for a long time and nothing seems to happen, we may feel like giving up, calling it a day, walking away. But let’s not do any of those things. Instead, let’s hold on to the Lord and his promises and trust him to do what is right, for other people and for us, in his time.
21)# ’Renewed day by day.’
2 Corinthians 4:16 (13-18)
As most of us know only too well, we’re not getting any younger. Despite all the creams. lotions, nips and tucks, time takes its toll on our bodies. As the Apostle Paul puts it bluntly, ‘outwardly we are wasting away’.
Yet what is true for the body does not need to be true for the soul. Our inner being can be renewed day by day by the Holy Spirit. Advancing years may limit us physically, but our spirit can still sing with joy as we follow the Lord each day. The older we get, the closer we come to receiving a new body to go with our renewed spirit. It’s something we can look forward to. And Jesus gives us a deep joy now, that makes our faces shine better than any lotion. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to give us his beauty treatment and be renewed by him today.
22)# ’Discovered a woman lying at his feet.’
Ruth 3:8 (7-13)
What was a shock to Boaz was all part of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Naomi had already perceived God’s hand upon recent events and she had instructed her daughter-in-law Ruth as to what she should do. However embarrassing or even improper it might have been for Ruth, her willingness to trust her mother-in-law’s instinct proved well-founded. As Boaz lay down to rest, he had no inkling as to what was about to happen that night.
A surprise encounter became a marriage, that ultimately led to the birth of the Saviour of the world. Boaz was the great-grandfather of King David. The ‘salvation’ Boaz provided for both Ruth and Naomi was but a shadow of the salvation provided by God himself in Christ Jesus for us all. So let’s not be surprised by what God has in store for us today as we make ourselves available for his plans and purposes. We may well help other people find salvation in Jesus.
23)# ’Spread the corner of your garment over me.’
Ruth 3:9 (7-13)
As we saw yesterday, Ruth was not backward in coming forward and sets us an example to follow. Encouraged by her mother-in-law Naomi, Ruth sought the protection of Boaz through this symbolic act. Her request was not ignored and led to a marriage that proved significant for you and me. From their family line, Christ became incarnate, and he has become our eternal kinsman-redeemer.
In her hour of need, Ruth took the opportunity that was there and sought the help of Boaz. He provided all that she and Naomi needed and more besides. The same can be true for us. Whatever the hour and whatever our needs, we can come to Jesus for salvation, protection and help. Our request will not be ignored and we can experience that covering of comfort, peace and assurance that Jesus gives to all who trust in him. So let’s take refuge in Jesus today.
24)# ’The more they kept talking about it.’
Mark 7:36 (31-37)
This is one of those wonderful moments when people were ‘overwhelmed with amazement’ at what Jesus had done and simply could not keep quiet. Jesus was aware of the dangers of having people see him just as a miracle worker and so tried to avoid too much publicity about the healings he brought to people’s lives. But when your life is transformed, it’s difficult to keep quiet.
It’s sad when the passage of time makes our experience of Jesus lose its impact or become too familiar to talk about with any enthusiasm. Perhaps it’s because our last experience of the Holy Spirit in our lives is some time ago and what we need is a fresh encounter with him today. Well, let’s come to him with open hands and a willing heart; let’s receive from him today and then get talking to other people about what he has done for us.
25)# ’You have filled my heart with greater joy.’
Psalm 4:7 (1-8)
There are many things in life that can put a smile on our faces, but only the Lord can give that ‘greater joy’ that reaches the depths of our inner being.
Four things to notice: Firstly, it is ‘you’ - the Lord, who gives this joy. It comes from him and is sourced in him. So it will make a significant difference.
Secondly, it is a joy that fills the heart. It’s more than a spring in our step, more than a warm glow. It fills the inside of our being, so it’s not easily disturbed by external events.
Thirdly, it is personal - ‘my heart’. It’s a joy that fits each individual, each situation and need, so no-one and nothing is beyond its effect.
Fourthly, it is a ‘greater joy’ than anything this world has to offer. The Psalmist compares it with the joy of an abundant harvest (worldly wealth) and declares the joy of the Lord to be far better. It reaches the parts of our being that other ‘joys’ cannot reach and will outlast them all. Let’s make the most of this joy, his joy, today.
26)# ’But their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work.’
Nehemiah 3:5 (1-5)
It’s sad when our position or status stops us from getting involved. By separating themselves from the rest of the people, these nobles became divisive, set a bad example and lost out on the blessing of working together with other people to rebuild the walls. The Apostle Paul warned against the same thing happening within the Church when some people consider themselves superior to others (1 Cor 12).
In the Church of Jesus, different ministries and roles are there for distinction, not to create distance. We may have different parts to play, but we are all involved in the same work. As Jesus made it clear we must serve one another in love, even to the point of washing feet, or today’s equivalent! Being a disciple of Christ is not about being a spectator, but about being a co-worker. Let’s make sure we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get stuck in alongside all who love and serve the Lord.
27)# ’He removed … smashed … cut down … broke.’
2 Kings 18:4 (1-8)
No one can accuse King Hezekiah of being inactive! Such was the level of idolatry in Judah that something had to be done. Drastic action was called for and Hezekiah was the man for the job. Idols and their associated items were not just removed and put into storage. Everything was rendered useless or destroyed completely. Worship of the Lord Jehovah was restored to its rightful place.
Sometimes the same thing has to happen in our own lives. It’s not enough to put things out of sight or take a break. Sometimes the hold something has over us can only be broken by drastic action. It can be difficult, but will bring freedom, and help us to put Christ at the centre of our lives. So let’s not put off what needs to be cleared out. Start today as the Holy Spirit prompts us.
28)# ’Keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.’
Matthew 25:13 (1-13)
Jesus is not suggesting that we should live nervously, but he is telling us to be attentive and ready, even whilst we wait for his return. In this parable, five young ladies had reserves of oil with them. They wanted to make sure their lamps were still burning, even after a long wait. In contrast the other five maidens were not prepared for the wait and had no extra oil with them when the bridegroom appeared. Sadly they missed out on the wedding celebration.
We may not know the day or hour of Christ’s return, but in Matthew chapter 24, Jesus provides some details about what must happen in the world, in the Church, in the Middle East and in the heavenly realms leading up to his return. These signs are given to keep us watchful and ready and to make sure that the oil of the Holy Spirit is ever present in our lives.
But keeping watch is also about our attitude as well as our actions, about our heart as well as our eyes. Our hearts and minds are to be set on eternal things, not on earthly things (Col 3:1&2). We’re to hold lightly the things of this world, but hold firmly to our life in Christ. Keeping watch also means telling other people. So let’s make the most of the time we have to be ready and help other people to be ready too.
29)# ’Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.’
Isaiah 65:17 (17-19)
Climate change has become one of the main concerns for people all over the world. Some will deny it, some will exaggerate it, whilst other people are suffering the consequences of it. The Bible is clear that this world is groaning, subject to decay, and waiting to be renewed (Rom 8). This world will not last forever and as far back as Isaiah, God promised to create a whole new cosmos - ‘heavens and earth’.
It’s a promise that gives us hope. It’s a promise that gives us a future. It’s a promise that makes us live responsibly now in readiness for reigning with Christ, on this earth, when he returns, then to live as part of what will be a new creation. This present world is not our 'forever' home, but it is our responsibility to live in a way that honours the Lord who, one day, will make everything new.
30)# ’For he has been good to me.’
Psalm 13:6 (1-6)
Like the psalmist, we can be so caught up in our immediate situation that we forget to acknowledge the goodness of the Lord. David was going through a tough time. It seemed that God was far away, his enemies were near and David was depressed. But as David turns to the Lord for help, he realises that God’s love, his salvation and goodness are not affected by David’s circumstances.
Somehow, even through times of testing and trial, our experience of the Lord can be even more real. The Lord can use these difficult times to help us to grow in our relationship with him and use us to encourage other people in their struggles. Then as we look back we can say with the psalmist, ‘He has been good to me.’