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1)# ’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 of Arimathea, 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 stayed 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 others 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 our experience of Jesus, however small or insignificant it might seem, let’s use it to bring others to know the risen Christ.


2)# ’Come and see the place where he lay.’ 

Matthew 28:6 (1-8) 

This is an invitation that is still available. Many people have gone to what is said to be the site of the empty tomb of Jesus and looked in. Yet all they see is an empty tomb. But this is an invitation that needs faith, not a tour-guide. With faith, we don’t see an empty tomb, but a risen Saviour! Listen again to what the angel says. ’He is not here. He has risen, just like he said.’ Hallelujah! 

In his resurrection, just as before, Jesus invites all who have need to come to him. It’s personal. ‘You’ is implied. You come, you see, because encountering the risen Jesus has to be personal. The place where he lay is no longer occupied. Not lying on cold stone, but now risen, ascended and glorified, Jesus is seated on the throne of heaven. From there he will come again to bring resurrection life for all who wait for him. So let’s come, let’s look and let’s live in the reality of his resurrection today.


3)# ’If I perish, I perish.’ 

Esther 4:16 (12-17)

This is not resignation, but a willingness on Esther’s part to sacrifice herself for the sake of her people. Her meteoric rise to become Queen had not been by accident, but was part of God’s eternal plan. Mordecai recognised this and encouraged Esther to seize the moment to fulfil a God-given role. But let’s not pretend that the choice was simple. Esther counted the cost and then was willing to pay it, in order to save her own people. 
 
What a lovely picture of Jesus Christ. Whilst the possibility of death was there for Esther, the certainty of death on the cross was there for Jesus. Yet out of his great love for us, Jesus went to the cross to save us from sin, from death and from an eternity away from God. ‘Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). It’s as true today as it ever has been. Let’s make sure we don’t miss out on this salvation.


4)# ’Discovered a woman lying at his feet.’ 

Ruth 3:8 (7-13)

What was a surprise 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 Ruth as to what she should do. However embarrassing 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 others find salvation in Jesus.


5)# ’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 has become our eternal redeemer-kinsman. 

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.


6)# ’Christ Jesus … our righteousness, holiness and redemption.’ 

1 Corinthians 1:30 (26-31)

Paul gives us three aspects to our complete salvation in Christ. 

Firstly there is our righteousness in Christ, which deals with our past. The mark of sin is to leave us unrighteous before a Holy God. But through his death on the cross, Christ has dealt with our past. We can be forgiven, we can be set free from slavery to sin, and through re-birth we can be clothed in the righteousness of Christ - right before God and accepted by him. 

Secondly there is our holiness (sanctification) in Christ, which provides for our present. This is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within us, making us more like Christ and preparing us for the new heaven and earth - a holy people for a holy place. The fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5) is the visible expression of the invisible power working within us.

Then lastly there is our redemption in Christ, which assures us of our future. This will happen when Jesus comes again and when our bodies as well as our spirits are transformed into his likeness. Christ’s coming again will bring complete salvation to those who are waiting for him (Heb 9:28). It’s something we can look forward to even now. Hallelujah. Come Lord Jesus.


7)# ’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. Make the most of this joy, his joy, today.


8)# ’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 ask. 

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 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.


9)# ’Do not worry.’

Matthew 6:25 (25-34)

Three times in these verses, Jesus says ‘do not worry.’ So it’s clear, he means it. 

Worry comes in all shapes and sizes and stress-related illnesses are a big issue for people today. So Jesus’ advice 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 a 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 don’t worry.


10)# ’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 this 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. 


11)# ’I prayed to the God of heaven and I answered the king.’  

Nehemiah 2:4 (1-6)

This is the Christian’s equivalent to ‘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 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.


12)# ’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 we say and do.


13)# ’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 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 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 others. So let’s make the most of the time we have to be ready and help others to be ready too.  


14)# ’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 others and for us, in his time.


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 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)# ’Who has been a mother to me too.’ 

Romans 16:13 (1-16)

Surrogate motherhood is nothing new. Rufus’ mother had taken on a motherly role for Paul in his life and ministry, which he clearly valued. It could be easily missed amongst all the other greetings from Paul, but it is important for us to take note. The role of mothers is highly regarded in scripture. Timothy’s mother and grandmother had passed on their ‘sincere faith’ to him. Paul wrote to both Timothy and Titus of the importance to have women serving as mothers in the Church. 

How we need these spiritually mature ‘mothers’ today. But that motherly ministry is not limited to those with children or even those who are women! Paul was gentle with the Thessalonian Church ‘like a mother’. Godly ‘mothers’ are a blessing to the Church. Let’s appreciate their ministry and follow their example as the need requires.


17)# ’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 available here is sourced in an omniscient God. 

In Daniel chapter 2, human wisdom is useless in the face of Nebuchadnezzar’s unreasonable demand. But Daniel and his friends turn to the Lord 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. 

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 to act and speak wisely.


18)# ’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. 


19)# ’But their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work.’ 

Nehemiah 3:5 (1-5)

It’s sad when 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 others to rebuild the wall. 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.


20)# ’The people worked with all their heart.’ 

Nehemiah 4:6 (1-9)

This is in sharp contrast to the attitude of the nobles from Tekoa (3:5) that we read about yesterday, and it made all the difference! When you read the list of those involved in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem there’s not a ‘professional’ builder amongst them!  Yet despite physical and verbal opposition, the walls were rebuilt because the people put their heart and soul into it.

A willing heart makes someone teachable, encourages team work and will help in any way that’s required. A willing heart won’t make excuses, but will take every opportunity to serve. Providing the necessary skills and resources is not a problem for the Lord, but he needs those who have a heart to serve him to step forward. Let’s not sit on the sidelines, but let’s put our hand up and be available for the Lord to use today.


21)# ’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 others in their struggles. Then as we look back we can say with the psalmist, ‘He has been good to me.’


22)# ’Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.’ 

Isaiah 65:17 (17019)

Climate change has become one of the main concerns for people all over the world. Some will deny it, some will exaggerate it, whilst others 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 home, but it is our responsibility to live in a way that honours the Lord who, one day, will make everything new.


23)# ’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 Jewess. 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?


24)# ’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! 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.


25)# ’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 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.


26)# ’Then we shall be like all the other nations.’ 

1 Samuel 8:20 (10-20)

The longings of the eyes became the longings of the heart, and as a result the Israelites were drawn away from following the Lord. They had lost sight of what God had called them to be - different. Instead they wanted to be the same as everyone else and have an earthly king. In so doing, they were rejecting God as their King (8:7).

The pull of the world around us is very strong and living for Jesus can often be very different from living like the rest of the world. Yet the pressure to fit in, at home, at work, with friends, within society, is very real - and it can be hard to resist. For the Israelites, the problems began when they became comfortable and complacent. What they saw in other nations, they wanted for themselves and they turned away from the Lord as a result. There is a similar danger facing us, the Church of Jesus today. We must guard against the influences of the world creeping into our lives, our fellowships and affecting what we teach or how we live. Let’s heed the warning and make sure that Jesus remains as Lord and King of our lives.


27)# ’Defend the cause … plead the case.’ 

Isaiah 1:17 (15-20)

As Christians we are called to be involved in society, not removed from it. With the help of many agencies and the convenience of the internet, there is little excuse for any of us to shut ourselves off from the needs of the world. We are called to be part of standing up and speaking out for those who face struggles of all sorts. 

The fatherless and widows of Bible times represent the poor, the oppressed, the marginalised of society today. To defend and to plead, means action. It means being informed and involved rather than being ignorant and inactive. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza are just two examples, from across the world, where these words from Isaiah are relevant.  But it’s not just about those overseas, it’s also about those closer to home who need our help. Whether it’s practical help, an encouraging word, or lobbying on their behalf, let’s work together in Christ’s Name for the cause and case of others.


28)# ’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 others about what he has done for us.


29)#  ’The Lord … has not stopped showing his kindness.’ 

Ruth 2:20 (17-22)

What a wonderful testimony this was from Naomi. She had been through a devastating time, yet was able to see the Lord’s hand in all that was going on. Those who seek to follow the Lord are not immune from the struggles and heartaches of everyday life. Whether it’s the loss of a job, the loss of opportunities or the loss of loved ones, life can taste very bitter at times (see Ruth 1:20). 

Yet, somehow, as with Naomi, the Lord is able to turn tragedy into triumph. It can be easy to think that the Lord has forgotten us when things become tough, but it’s through those tough times that our trust and faith in Father God can be strengthened. Often we can look back to see how he has wonderfully used difficult times to deepen our relationship with him and increase the impact of our witness to others. So let’s acknowledge his kindness and keep trusting him, even when life tastes bitter.


30)# ’I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord.’ 

Isaiah 63:7 (7-9)

The first thing is to recognise the kindnesses of the Lord. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it’s easy to miss the Lord’s kindnesses. Things we take for granted, things we come to expect through living in a wealthy society, things we put down to coincidence. Once we begin to recognise the Lord’s kindnesses, then we can begin to tell. 

But telling is not simply about words. Actions can ‘talk’ as well, and kindness is best ‘told’ through action. As we acknowledge the kindnesses of the Lord in our own lives, it will spur us on to show acts of kindness to other people. The Lord never intended his blessing to stop with you and me. Pass it on to someone else today.