1)# ’Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.’
Hebrews 4:14 (14-16)
There are testimonies of some people who have been saved from being swept away by floods because they held on firmly to trees. They held on to what they could see (branches), in faith that what they could not see (the roots) would hold firm.
In an ever-changing world, our faith must be in the One who stands firm. As these verses in Hebrews point out, Jesus has gone through life just like us, but without sin. He has stood firm in the face of all that Satan could hurl at him, and he has defeated sin and death. So our faith in Christ is well-founded. He is our only hope for salvation. We may not see him, but we can know his Holy Spirit living within. As our high priest he has gone before us and now comes alongside us to sustain us in our times of need. If we hold firmly to what is written in God’s Word and are not persuaded to let go of what we know to be true, then we will not be lost in the storms of life.
2)# ’Women who work hard in the Lord.’
Romans 16:12 (10-16)
In these final greetings, the Apostle Paul mentions three women, by name, who are all noted for their hard work. The motivation is not about whether they receive any payment or not. It’s not done for the status of a job title or recognition by other people. This is work that is done ‘in the Lord’ - which is motivated by a relationship with Christ. Hard work involves effort, sacrifice, even struggle. What makes it worthwhile is that it is done ‘in the Lord’, for his sake, his glory, his kingdom, his people. Paul encourages the Church in Corinth with the words ‘you know that your labour (hard work) in the Lord is not in vain’ (1 Cor 15:58). It is noted and will be rewarded by the Lord himself.
Whether working for a secular business or Christian organisation, whether helping the local church or helping family and friends, our love for Jesus and desire to honour him should motivate us to work hard ‘as unto the Lord’. Irrespective of what reward we get on earth, a better reward is waiting in heaven.
3)# ’The honour will not be yours.’
Judges 4:9 (5-10)
It seems that Barak had more confidence in the company of Deborah than in the word of the LORD. As a result, the outcome of the battle was the same, but the honour for the victory went to a lady called Jael.
Other people can serve as an encouragement to us, but it is dangerous to put our confidence in people rather than in the LORD Jehovah. God’s Word and his Spirit have been given to guide and direct us through life, but we need to give time to read, listen and obey. God uses situations and other people to encourage us in decisions and actions, but they must never replace our dependency on the LORD and our responsibility for listening to him for ourselves. So let’s honour the LORD God and act in obedience to him today.
4)# ’So that we may not offend them.’
Matthew 17:27 (25-27)
There are times when we may need to put our rights to one side, so as not to cause offence. Jesus knew that his enemies would use any excuse to discredit him. To avoid unnecessary misunderstanding or becoming a stumbling block to others, the temple tax for Jesus and Peter is provided miraculously, in a fish’s mouth!
There are those today who will look for any opportunity to bring shame on the Gospel of Christ. As Christ’s ambassadors we are called to do all we can to bring him glory and help other people come to know him for themselves. Sometimes this will mean putting aside our rights, going the extra mile, putting others before ourselves. Not always easy, but as followers of Christ, we must follow his example. And following his example means always acting in obedience to God’s word - without exception.
5)# ’She went away and did as Elijah had told her.’
1 Kings 17:15 (13-16)
This lady had nothing to lose, and everything to gain. What she had was very little, but enough to offer to Elijah, the servant of the LORD God. Her faith in what the God said through Elijah was shown by her obedience to his command. Giving Elijah something to eat first, out of the little she had, made her receptive to the LORD’s provision for her and her son, until the rains came.
There may be times when you and I feel too weak to be of any further use to the LORD. Well, this lady stands as an encouragement for us all. Whatever little you and I have, however weak you and I may feel, let’s be obedient and give to the LORD first, what we have and are, and he will supply all that we need and more besides, so that we can bless other people. We can be sure that he’ll never leave us short.
6)# ’The very hairs of your head are all numbered.’
Luke 12:7 (4-7)
This may seem a petty thing for Jesus to point out, or present a picture of God as having nothing better to do than to count hairs! But Jesus is driving home the fact that we matter to Father God. We’re not just a number on some heavenly computer database, but we’re known individually. His interest in us is personal. He doesn’t just apply an ‘off-the-peg’ pattern for our life. He knows us and calls us one by one, by name.
The fact that God knows how much hair we have, means that every detail of our life and being is noticed and known by the Lord - good and bad. He cares about every aspect of life, which means that we should as well. Not only are hairs counted, but careless words are noted. In all we do today, whether in thought, word or deed, let’s honour the Lord, so that everything we say and do brings glory and praise to him.
7)# ’The Lord was with Joseph.’
Genesis 39:2 (1-5)
Slavery and imprisonment may not normally be associated with the Lord’s presence and blessing. Yet in this chapter the link is made at least four times! Whilst this was no easy ride for Joseph, God had a plan that required Joseph to become both a slave and a prisoner. Through it all, ‘the Lord was with Joseph’ resulting in blessing for other people and ultimately for him as well.
If we are expecting that life in the centre of God’s will, in this world, is all sweetness and light, then think again. The Bible is full of men and women who, as part of God’s plans and purposes, were called to go through challenging times. Yet nearly all of them stayed true to the Lord, even though they did not know how things would turn out. It’s a challenge and an encouragement for us all. Slavery and imprisonment come in all shapes and sizes, often imposed on us by other people. Demands at work, difficult relationships and much more. However, if we stay focussed on honouring the Lord through it all then somehow, we can know his blessing, his peace, his presence and even his deliverance.
8)# ’The world was not worthy of them.’
Hebrews 11:38 (32-40)
But heaven is! For the list of people mentioned in the preceding verses, their faithfulness to Jesus Christ was in the face of severe persecution. People who were willing to lose everything in this life, in order that they might gain everything in the eternal Kingdom of God.
As Christians today, we may not always face the same level of persecution as they did, but things are changing. There will be times when we are under pressure to keep quiet, to turn a blind eye, to tolerate ungodly behaviour or else ...
It will be tough, it may be costly, but let’s draw encouragement from this ‘great cloud of witnesses’ and ‘run with perseverance the race marked out for us’ so that we, with them, will enjoy that ‘something better’ that God has for all who keep going - to the end.
9)# ’For your work will be rewarded.’
2 Chronicles 15:7 (1-7)
King Asa had been given the opportunity to turn things around, but it was not going to be easy. Idolatry, civil unrest, foreign influence had blighted the people of Judah for many years. Humanly speaking, the challenge was too great. But with God’s promise ringing in his ears, Asa set to work and led the way for his people to turn back to follow the LORD God.
There are many similarities within our society today. We may not be in government or a position of great influence, but, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can make a difference where we are amongst the people that we spend time with. A little salt and light can make a significant difference when applied in the right place, and the same can be true for you and me. Doing the right thing is not always recognised or appreciated by other people but, if it’s right before the Lord, then that’s what counts and will bring reward. And it may just help other people to join in as well.
10)# ’With his wife’s full knowledge.’
Acts 5:2 (1-10)
She should have stopped him. Instead Sapphira was complicit in the deception, and both she and her husband suffered the awful consequences.
How important it is for us to take our responsibility for one another seriously. Time and again the Bible encourages us to help one another, warn one another, restore one another, so that none of us is lost to temptation.
When someone falls, through ignorance, weakness or deliberate choice, it can be easier to point the finger, rather than to lift a finger to help them back up. Correcting wrong-doing may require more effort on our part and a willingness to give time, but it’s worth the cost. So, if we know someone who is vulnerable right now, let’s do what we can to keep them from falling, even if it is hard for us to say or do what is right. And if we receive advice and correction, let’s not ignore it but listen and act.
11)# ’He did to her as he had vowed.’
Judges 11:39 (34-39)
This is a warning for us all. Let’s be very careful what we promise the LORD Jehovah, whatever the situation. Jephthah was so pumped up with getting revenge on the Ammonites that he made a rash vow (promise) to the LORD. The Spirit of the LORD had been upon him and he was ready to act, but in that emotionally-charged moment, his rash promise meant he had to sacrifice his own daughter. A heartbreaking situation that left Jephthah ‘miserable and wretched’ for the rest of his life.
Wanting to influence or impress the LORD is a big mistake. He is not open to bribes, nor swayed by big promises. Being led by the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean being irresponsible. The Holy Spirit will never prompt us to act or speak in a way that dishonours the LORD or abuses other people. Let’s be available, let’s be obedient - but let’s not be rash in what we say.
12)# ’Refreshed the hearts of the saints.’
Philemon 1:7 (1-7)
Heavy hearts were made lighter by Philemon. Struggles were eased, challenges seemed manageable and the weary walker now had a spring back in their step. It’s clear that Philemon had the gift of encouragement and used it to help his fellow believers.
Philemon’s concern was for more than a quick fix. Refreshing hearts is more than a cheery word or a pat on the back as we pass by. It’s not about being popular, but about being effective. Philemon’s help met the deepest needs of people and helped them rise up and keep going. Getting alongside people to understand where they are at, then help them along, can take time and effort, but it is worth it, especially if we are channels for the refreshing work of the Holy Spirit.
13)# ’Let us go over to the other side.’
Mark 4:35 (35-39)
Travelling with Jesus can be quite an adventure. Following him will test our faith. If the disciples had known what was ahead, they may well have suggested walking round the lake to the other side!
But notice two things. Firstly, Jesus includes himself. ‘Let us...’ Whatever rough waters lay ahead, Jesus was ready to go through them with his disciples - and he will do the same with you and me. Secondly, the safety of the other side was already assured. ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Jesus made it clear that, in this world, there will be challenges for all who choose to follow him, but one thing is certain; ‘he who stands firm to the end will be saved’. Our future is secure in Christ.
Whatever storms we may encounter in life, let’s not jump ship. Stay in there with the Lord and he will see us safely across to the other side.
14)# ’He did it at night rather than in the daytime.’
Judges 6:27 (25-28)
But at least he did it! Gideon’s call to save Israel had to start with sorting things out at home. His father had joined in the worship of Baal and set up an altar that everyone could see. But worship of the Lord means false gods must go. A public declaration had to be made. Though he was scared, Gideon’s willingness to obey the Lord was stronger. What he did in the dark of the night, was seen by all in the light of the next day. From that moment on he experienced God’s strength.
There may be things in our lives, or that we are associated with, that we need to pull down, throw away or sort out. Things that may seem harmless in themselves, but could become more significant if not checked. Whether private or public, persistent or occasional, if anything gets in the way of putting Christ first in our lives, then we must deal with it. Let’s follow Gideon’s example; submit to the
Lordship of Christ and know the strength he gives to live in obedience to him.
15)# ’But if it is from God.’
Acts 5:39 (33-42)
Some things benefit from time. Even Gamaliel knew that, as he reasoned things through with the Sanhedrin. Any man-inspired movement may have its day, but one day, it will run out of steam. But anything that is from God will overcome all opposition, outlast all time and endure for all eternity. Time will tell.
As a society we are given to chasing after the latest version, the newest model. The same can be true in the Church. Whether it is a style of worship or a new wave of ministry, the fear of missing out can leave us vulnerable to chasing after things that are of people and not of God. This can change our focus and affect our priorities, which in turn can damage our walk with Jesus.
Being open to the work of the Holy Spirit is not about being first in the queue, but about having a right attitude before God. He sees the intentions of our heart and will not let us miss out on what he has for us as we seek the Giver more than the gift.
16)# ’If you can find but one person.’
Jeremiah 5:1(1-2)
Things had got so bad amongst the Israelites that not one person could be found in the city of Jerusalem who was honest and upright before the Lord. They spoke the right words and went through the religious duties, but God knew that their hearts were far from him. Yet what a difference one person could have made! If only someone had been found at this time, then God would have shown mercy to all in the city.
As Christians, looking to live for Christ, we may feel in the minority at work or amongst friends. We might be the only believer in our family. We may be struggling to keep going. Well, let’s not give up. Don’t stop living for Jesus. The Lord is looking for ‘one person’ through whom he can show his grace and mercy to other people. And, with the power of the Holy Spirit, what a difference one person can make. Let’s be that person today.
17)# ’The forgiveness of sins.’
Ephesians 1:7 (3-10)
There’s nothing like it. To know that your deepest wrongs have been forgiven brings a whole new dimension to life. Our relationship with God is restored and our relationships with other people are affected. The burden of guilt is lifted and we can walk tall in the freedom that Christ gives us. What’s more, the hold that sin once had upon us is broken and we can live a new life according to the way of the Holy Spirit living within us.
Forgiveness of sins is not just for a select few, but available for all who will trust in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. It’s not just for now - it’s for eternity. And it’s personal, so needs to be received by each one of us, through faith in Jesus Christ. Let’s live in the reality of this forgiveness and let other people know that it is still available for them today.
18)# ‘My lover is mine and I am his.’
Song of Solomon 2:16 (14-17)
This is a beautiful expression of belonging. These words are personal. There is familiarity that comes from spending time with each other. It’s about two individuals who enjoy a deep and intimate relationship. There is commitment and dedication; a tenderness and assurance. It’s a relationship that is in the present, not weakened by the passing of time or some vague hope for the future. There is a certainty and confidence that comes in belonging.
These words, written many years ago, speak of the relationship between Christ and his Church. In John’s gospel, chapter 15, Jesus speaks of the same close relationship each one of us can have with him when we are born again by his Holy Spirit. Belonging to Christ is not about keeping rules and regulations, but about living in a dynamic and deeply personal relationship with Jesus. Enjoy that relationship today.
19)# ’Since Jesus was coming that way.’
Luke 19:4 (1-10)
Little did Zacchaeus realise that this meeting was no mere coincidence. Jesus may have been passing through Jericho, but there was time for a meal and a chat with Zacchaeus. He had gone looking for Jesus, not knowing that Jesus had come looking for him. What appeared to be a chance encounter, had been planned all along. Jesus meets with people where they are, even if they are up a tree! Zacchaeus didn’t let his short stature or the animosity of the crowd stop him from getting to Jesus. Nor was Jesus put off by Zacchaeus’ bad reputation or the gossip from the crowd.
The Christian gospel is all about a Saviour who has come looking for the lost. So let’s not get in the way or try to shield Jesus from the undesirables. Instead, let’s follow his example and take the opportunities he gives us to share the good news of salvation in Christ, with anyone and everyone, today.
20)# ’She went out and began to glean.’
Ruth 2:3 (1-3)
This tentative action was an important part of God’s plan. Uncertain of their future, Ruth left her mother-in-law Naomi and went to pick up the ‘leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favour,’ As she stepped out with humility, the Lord was able to guide her to the field of Boaz and their ensuing relationship changed history. Stepping out enabled Ruth to step in to being an integral part of the next phase of God’s plan.
Ruth’s willingness to serve in the everyday tasks was what the Lord was looking for. And the same must be true of you and me. Sometimes we might wait for the ‘right opportunity’ or for something better with a little more kudos. But the Lord has called us to serve him by serving one another, and that is often in the everyday tasks. So let’s start small, start today, do it ‘as unto the Lord’ and he can make of it what he will. The first step can be the hardest, but it can lead to serving God in ways we never imagined possible - just like Ruth.
21)# ’Laid him in her lap.’
Ruth 4:16 (13-17)
This was another defining moment in the lives of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz.. As baby Obed lay in Naomi’s lap the next link in God’s plan of salvation was made. But more than this, Naomi’s action signified her adoption of Obed as if he were her own son (vs 17). What a lovely picture this is of our adoption in Christ by our Heavenly Father.
Obed’s birth was the culmination of a series of unlikely events, unimagined by Naomi, Ruth and Boaz - but planned by the Lord. For each of us, life can take the odd twist and turn that leaves us wondering just what is going on and how things will work out. But for all who trust in Christ, how things work out is for the Lord to determine, but ultimately, it will be for good (Rom 8:28). Like Naomi, Ruth and Boaz, our part is to be obedient to his leading and ready to trust him each step of the way.
22)# ’Faith as small as a mustard seed.’
Luke 17:6 (5-6)
The disciples had asked Jesus to increase their faith. It was as if they thought Jesus was responsible for their level of faith. Jesus puts the onus back on them. It’s not so much about how much faith we have, but rather what we do with the faith that we have. Faith grows as it is exercised. But more importantly, if the little faith that we have is in a great God, then it’s surprising how much a little faith can achieve! Hence the hyperbole used here by Christ.
Faith enables us to join in with the work of Christ, by his Spirit, through his Church. But as the Apostle James points out, it has to be demonstrated, not just talked about. This means working according to the will of God, seeking his kingdom and his glory. By making ourselves available for the Lord to use each day and by taking the opportunities that the Holy Spirit gives us to witness for Christ, our faith will be in action and lives will be changed. Let’s step out today, with our faith in the Lord and let him work in and through us, for his glory and for the good of other people.
23)# ’Their gods will be a snare to you.’
Judges 2:3 (1-5)
This was a consequence of disobedience. The LORD Jehovah had clearly told his people that on entering Canaan, they were to drive out the hostile nations and their idols, so that they could serve the LORD God without hindrance or distraction. But instead they let other nations stay and even made agreements with them. As a result they turned away from the LORD and worshipped foreign gods. Things went from bad to worse and the people suffered the consequences of wrong relationships.
When we give our lives to Christ, we enter into a whole new way of living with a very different perspective on life. So let’s not allow habits or attitudes of the ‘old nature’ to still have influence. If we do, then we’ll find that worldly ‘gods’ will distract us, ensnare us and hinder our discipleship of Christ. The best thing for us to do is to ‘get rid of’, ‘put to death’ the old way of living and let the new life in Christ take over.
24)# ’He saw and believed.’
John 20:8 (1-8)
So what did the Apostle John see and what did he believe as a result? Verse five tells us; empty grave clothes. John notices that the head wrapping and the body linen were both in their respective places, separate from each other as if the body had simply emerged through them. There had been no struggle to be released, no scattered shreds of linen. There had been no theft, as it would be impossible to remove a body from the linen wrapping without tearing the cloth - and why leave the linen anyway. John believed what he saw - there had been a resurrection. Jesus had risen from the dead, on to life!
Now, by faith, we can do the same. Take another look and see not just an empty tomb, but the empty grave clothes and be reassured that just as death could not hold on to Jesus, so it will not be able to hold on to all who believe in him. A bodily resurrection awaits! Hallelujah!
25)# ’They ate of the produce of Canaan.’
Joshua 5:12 (10-12)
How special was this! What an event! For forty years the Israelites had been homeless. Throughout their wanderings in the desert the LORD had provided food and water, but it had been a limited diet; sufficient, but not excessive. Now the LORD’s provision overflowed in blessing as the people of Israel took possession of the land that had been promised as their home.
What the Israelites experienced long ago is but a shadow of what will be reality for all who belong to Christ. One day the struggles and trials of this life will be no more as the promise of a new heaven and earth becomes a reality. Then we will enjoy forever all that God has prepared for those who love him, free from sin and shame. It may be hard going now with desert experiences and limited supplies, but we are not on our own and we need to encourage each other to keep going so as to enjoy that abundant life that Jesus promised. A taster now; the full reality to come.
26)# ’Even the dogs eat the crumbs.’
Matthew 15:27 (21-28)
Here was a lady who accepted her position, but was not afraid to ask. Jesus’ ministry was primarily amongst the Jews, so Gentiles, like this woman, were seen as ‘outcasts’. By emphasising this fact, Jesus not only gives the woman an opportunity to express her faith, but also for him to affirm his love for all, including ‘outcasts’. The woman is happy for ‘crumbs’ from Jesus, knowing that ‘crumbs’ will be enough to meet the needs of her daughter.
An experience of Jesus in our lives is not dependent on being one of the ‘in crowd’ or having religious pedigree. It’s simply dependent on the mercy of Christ and our boldness to come to him in faith. Let’s accept that any ‘crumbs’ from Jesus will be sufficient for our needs and let them be a blessing to other people as well as ourselves today.
27)# ’Continue in his kindness.’
Romans 11:22 (22-24)
To continue, we must have started. God’s kindness (goodness, mercy, love) has been fully shown in Christ and salvation is offered to all, both Jew and Gentile. This is the start. But Paul warns against complacency and pride (v20). We need to guard against taking our position ‘in Christ’ for granted or thinking it is ours by right (v21). We are dependent on God’s kindness day by day. Our part is to continue, to keep going - a deliberate choice to live in obedience to the Lord Jesus.
Daily discipline is required. The old nature must not hinder our progress. Reading the Bible, applying it to life and listening and talking with our heavenly Father will help us continue. Fellowship with other Christians will also help. And kindness is an element of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, manifest in us as we live under his influence. And as we continue in God’s kindness, we can share it with other people, so that they too, will be attracted to Christ.
28)# ’A left-handed man.’
Judges 3:15 (15-23)
Many years ago, in UK schools, children who were left-handed were seen as unusual and were made to learn to use their right hand as their dominant hand for writing, using cutlery and other everyday tasks. Thankfully, things have changed. And thankfully, God had no such prejudice as he used Ehud’s left-handedness to act unexpectedly and bring an end to the oppression of Israel under King Eglon. Ehud’s action brought peace and security for the next eighty years.
There may be things about us that make us feel odd or vulnerable or simply mark us out as being different. For Christians, there will be differences, on all levels, as we live according to God’s ways today. The pressure of society is to conform to popular opinions and lifestyle, even in the everyday situations. Well let’s not dismiss the impact small differences can make, especially under the blessing of the Lord Jesus as we live in a right way before him. Whatever our differences, whether visible or not, let’s offer ourselves to the Lord today, so that all we do and say is for his glory and for the good of other people.
29)# ’Children of the promise.’
Romans 9:8 (6-9)
This is what we have become through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s promise to Abraham was that ‘through your offspring (literally ‘seed’) all the nations of the earth will be blessed’ (Gen 22:18). In Galatians 3:16 the Apostle Paul clearly identifies Abraham’s ‘seed’ as Christ. So in and through the work of Christ, his death and resurrection, a share in God’s blessing is now available to all. In Christ we have become children of God and are now included in the eternal promises given to Abraham. This is not for an earthly inheritance that will fade and perish, but for a place in the eternal new heaven and earth.
The promise given to Abraham was real enough to affect the way he lived for the rest of his life on earth (Heb 11:8ff). It should have a similar effect on us. It’s a promise that still stands and is secure in Christ. It will be fulfilled when Jesus comes again. Until then, let’s be sure to walk tall in Christ and live as ‘children of the promise’.
30)# ’Seeing that she could not go unnoticed.’
Luke 8:47 (42-48)
Hidden by the crowd, this lady thought she could slip away quietly. She knew that something had happened - and so did Jesus. He knew that now was the best time for this lady to declare her faith, so he called her forward, out from the crowd, and as a result she received Christ’s inner peace as well as physical healing.
Merging in with the crowd is not an option for those who truly want to follow Christ. It may be more comfortable and it may be the easy option, but sooner or later there will need to be a declaration of faith in Christ. It may be through speaking out against injustice; it may be stepping back from what others are doing; it may be acknowledging our discipleship of Christ. Whatever it takes, a public declaration of our love for Jesus and our obedience to him, will bring true peace within. So let’s not step back - but step forward today, and tell what Christ has done for us.