1)# ’Where is the one … ?’
Matthew 2:2 (1-8)
It helps to know who or what we are looking for. Better still is to know where to look. The Magi from the east had little to go on other than their knowledge of prophetic writings and the siting of an unusual star. But drawn by the Holy Spirit, they came in search of the promised Messiah. With help from some unlikely people, they found who they were looking for and were included in God’s plan of salvation.
Today there are people searching for the One who alone can satisfy the longings of the human heart. Yet many do not really know who they are looking for or where he can be found. They can spend many years looking in the wrong places for the wrong people. Their search for happiness, purpose and peace in life, are in vain. The broken cisterns of the world will never provide the living water that satisfies our spiritual thirst. As the Holy Spirit stirs their hearts, so we need to be ready to help them to come to meet Christ. Getting people to church may be a start, but that’s not it. Encouraging them to be good and religious is not the answer. Like the magi, they need to encounter the One, the Messiah, the Christ, who alone can forgive sin and give peace within. Let’s be alert to those who are seeking spiritual truth and help them to meet Jesus today.
2)# ’It is time to seek the Lord.’
Hosea 10:12 (9-12)
The people of Israel had once again turned away from the Lord and were suffering the consequences. But the Lord was graciously calling them back, yet again, to turn and repent in the face of further judgement. It was time for them to seek the Lord.
There are times and seasons for different things in our lives which come and go, but now is always a good time to seek the Lord. He is ever ready to be found by those who seek him. There is no need to make an appointment; no need to form an orderly queue. Let’s not wait for things to get worse. Let’s not wait for things to get better. Let’s just come as we are, where we are, right now and enjoy all that God has for us in Christ Jesus.
It is easy to let regrets from the past keep us from coming today, but it is only the Lord who can forgive and restore. As the prodigal son discovered (Lk 15), we are never too far from home that we can’t start walking back. As we take steps to return to where we belong, we’ll be met by the open arms of a loving Heavenly Father. Let’s seek the Lord, today, whilst he may be found.
3)# ’They told Jesus about her.’
Mark 1:30 (29-34)
Peter’s mother-in-law was probably out of sight, in another room of the house, but she was not forgotten. A fever had put her out of action, so she was unable to be involved in the visit of Jesus to their home. We can imagine how she felt, especially as she was a senior member of the host family. Her disappointment and embarrassment would have added to her sickness. But other relatives told Jesus about her. He went in to her room and made her well. In response, the lady was then able to provide the hospitality that she wanted to give.
Families matter to Jesus and whatever the needs of those we know and love, we can tell Jesus about them, knowing that he cares and will help. When it might be hard to talk about things amongst ourselves, we can still talk to Jesus about our loved ones - especially those with particular needs.
4)# ’Give careful thought to your ways.’
Haggai 1:7 (2-11)
The Israelites had been preoccupied with sorting out their own homes and lifestyles and had neglected their worship of God. It had left them always wanting more and never satisfied.
God’s words to his people long ago are just as pertinent for his people today. Consumerism is one of the gods of our society. One of the biggest pastimes today is shopping, especially on-line with its ease and convenience, but however much we have, there is always more we want and more on offer. It’s easy for us all to be sucked into this way of living, and neglect more important aspects of life. All too quickly, looking after ourselves becomes a, if not the, priority and this is incompatible with living for Christ.
God calls his people to live with a different mindset, different priorities from those of the world (Col 3:1&2). If we do, then he has promised to provide for all our needs (Matt 6:33). The way we live, whether we have much or little, should indicate our love for the Lord above all else. True worship is not just about gestures, but about lifestyle. Careful thought may lead to necessary change.
5)# ’Remember those in prison … those who are ill-treated.’
Hebrews 13:3 (1-6)
It can be easy to forget those in prison. Out of sight, out of mind. People are sent to prison to keep them out of the way. Locked gates and high walls allow the outside world to forget about them and carry on as if they do not exist. But Hebrews tells us not to forget, but to remember.
It’s easier to ignore the ill-treated, than to get involved. Life is busy and we have matters closer to home to deal with. But Hebrews tells us to care ‘as if … you were fellow-prisoners … were suffering’. Not detached, but concerned.
Many turn to Christ whilst stuck behind bars through the ministry of Christian groups. People are freed from slavery, given food and shelter, a new start through the work of various NGOs. We can all pray for, and support these groups, especially those who work in Christ’s name. ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus said, ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' So let’s do whatever we can to help those who are in prison and ill-treated.
6)# ’On that day a fountain will be opened.’
Zechariah 13:1 (12:10-13:3)
What a promise! In the face of opposition from political factions and lethargy amongst the Jews, the re-building of the temple seemed unlikely to happen, let alone anything else. False prophets had spoken lies in the name of the Lord and the religious leaders had looked after themselves instead of looking after God’s people. But the promise of restoration was made, the date set, and one day, as dawn broke, forgiveness, healing and restoration flowed for all in the Person of Jesus Christ.
The new covenant of Christ’s blood is the fountain spoken of here and ever since his death the fountain has remained open to give cleansing from sin and impurity. It’s a fountain that Christ spoke of to the woman he met beside a well that reaches deeper than any water this world might offer. If you have not drunk from this fountain or your spirit is dry within you, then come to Christ Jesus today and know the satisfaction he gives. ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.’
7)# ’So that men are without excuse.’
Romans 1:20 (18-23)
An omniscient God knows what we are like. Ever since Adam and Eve, we have always had an excuse for our wrongdoing. From the young child to the octogenarian, we’re quick to pass the blame when things go wrong. And we are no different with God. Adam even blamed God along with Eve when he said, ‘The woman you put here with me, she gave me some fruit and I ate it.’ We do the same to excuse our failings. ‘It is how I was made. It’s in my nature.’
It’s only when we stop making excuses and admit our wrongdoing before God that we can be reconciled to him. Since the creation of the world God has made himself and his saving grace known through all that he has made and ultimately in the Person of Jesus Christ - God incarnate. As a result of his death and resurrection, there is no excuse - but there is forgiveness. Whoever we are, whatever we’ve done, let’s not hide behind excuses. Let’s repent for our wrongdoing and then know the cleansing and healing power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
8)# ’But only in pretence.’
Jeremiah 3:10 (6-10)
From the outside, everything seemed alright. The people of Judah said the right things, did the right things and under King Josiah, appeared to turn back to the Lord. But it was all show, all talk, all pretence. The Lord knew that their hearts were still going after other gods and he was not fooled by the outward appearance.
The danger of pretence for all of us is that, given the time, we can come to believe it ourselves. We can think that so long as we obey God in most things, put on a good show, that is enough. We convince ourselves that neglecting some aspects of Christian living won’t affect our relationship with God. Judah ‘had no fear’ and as a result, went after other gods. A lack of respect for the Lord can lead to a casual approach in the way we live. So let’s resolve to be honest with the Lord, with other people and with ourselves - and not to pretend.
9)# ’Why bother the teacher any more?’
Mark 5:35 (35-40)
Human logic and reasoning can squash faith. Jairus’ daughter was now dead, so why bother Jesus any more? Any hope of healing had also died. So near and yet so far. If only ... Why bother?
Here was a pivotal moment for Jairus - and his daughter. Does he listen to human logic and reasoning from those of his own household, or does he listen to Jesus? ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’ Sometimes the simple can be so hard. But Jairus had just heard a lady’s testimony about her trust in Christ’s healing power and Jesus had declared that it was her faith that had healed her. That which had caused delay, now provided the encouragement Jairus needed.
Why bother the teacher? Because the ‘teacher’ is Jesus! He is the creator of all things. In him is life; in him is resurrection; in him is hope, even in the face of death. Jairus chose to listen to Jesus and life returned to his daughter. We too must learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and pay attention to God’s Word, so that we can be ‘sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see’ (Heb 11), especially in the face of doubt and disbelief. Our faith in God’s Word will be rewarded - sooner or later.
10)# ’And told them to give her something to eat.’
Mark 5:43 (40-43)
This follows on from yesterday’s reading. It had been a long day and a lot had happened. Yet the small matter of giving this girl some food was not missed by Jesus. It shows the importance of providing for both the physical as well as for the spiritual needs. On two other occasions, after Jesus’ teaching, the disciples wanted to dismiss the crowds so that people could buy themselves some food. They discovered that they had a responsibility to look after the physical as well as the spiritual needs of those people.
Declaration and demonstration of the Christian gospel must go hand-in-hand. The ministry of the Church of Jesus must not neglect the one in favour of the other. Just as Christ ministered to the whole person, so he asks us to follow his pattern. Whether it’s providing a drink or some food, a listening ear or a helping hand, let’s attend to people’s physical and emotional needs, as well as caring for their spiritual wellbeing.
11)# ’The report I heard … is true.’
2 Chronicles 9:5 (1-6)
In today’s society where so-called spin-doctors distort, exaggerate or even deny the truth, it is difficult to know what to believe. Similarly, when the Queen of Sheba heard about Solomon’s fame, she did not believe it (v6). But her curiosity was aroused. She put Solomon to the test and discovered that the reality was more than twice what she had been told!
Many people have been told about Jesus and about the new life he gives. Claims of forgiveness from sin, peace with God, purpose and hope for the future and a new start in life now. But is it just spin? The reality can only be proved through personal experience and that comes by an encounter with Jesus Christ. Many churches run programmes such as Alpha or Christianity Explored which give opportunity to find out if what is claimed about Jesus is true.
Following Jesus is costly, but well worth it. So, if like the Queen of Sheba you are not sure about what you have been told about Jesus, why not find a church near you that runs one of the above courses and check things out for yourself. For those of us who have experienced the difference Jesus makes in our lives, let’s keep telling others about him, the One who is even greater than Solomon (Lk 11:31).
12)# ’First go and be reconciled.’
Matthew 5:24 (21-26)
Jesus knew the importance of being right with each other, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we want to be right with God, then we cannot allow disputes between us to remain unresolved. The apostle John wrote that anyone who loves God must also love his brother. This is ‘agape’ love, not based on feelings or emotions, but of our will. It can be easier to try and forget, to say it does not matter, or let the other person make the first move. But Jesus says that whether or not it is our fault, we must decide to act, to go and sort it out, as a matter of priority.
‘First’ - before we make any offering of worship to God. Otherwise our offering is in vain. Upsets unreconciled are fuel for the enemy to use and cause animosity to simmer in our hearts. ‘Go’. Effort is required and we must take the initiative. Not just willing to wait, but willing to actively find the other person in order to resolve the upset. ‘Be reconciled’. The intent of the heart must be right and nothing must deter us from achieving the goal. Reconciliation brings peace, not just with the other person, but also with God. Let’s act today as the Holy Spirit prompts us.
13)# ’From this day on I will bless you.’
Haggai 2:19 (15-19)
This promise is for all who obey the Lord. God’s words to the Israelites accompanied his call on them to return to him. Living outside God’s pattern for life had proved futile. It was time for them to think carefully and change the way they lived, so as to enjoy the blessings that God had for them.
God pours out his goodness in many ways. For the Israelites, God promised an abundant harvest. For other people, like you and me, it can include his provision for our daily needs or healthy relationships with family, friends and work colleagues. His blessing comes with assurance, joy and peace, even in difficult times. His blessing is not dependant on our circumstances or on material wealth. God’s desire to bless, reflects who he is and is not weakened over time.
His blessing is inexhaustible. ‘From this day on ...’ There is no end to what the Lord offers his people. Undeserved, impartial, unending. The Lord’s blessing is available to all who walk in obedience to him and that includes you and me. In Christ we can share in this blessing given by God, all those years ago, which still stands today.
14)# ’Return home and tell.’
Luke 8:39 (34-39)
It may not be the place we would choose, but it can be the best place to tell what Jesus has done for us. The man who had been set free from demons by Jesus wanted to go with him, to be part of Christ’s itinerant ministry. But Jesus knew that this man could be most effective back home where he was known.
An experience at the Christian convention or holiday can be dramatic and exciting, but the reality of any change in us is proved at home, where we live and work. In the everyday situations and run-of-the-mill events we must make known what Jesus has done for us. Those who know us, will be the best to see the difference Jesus makes.
The need to tell others is also key to this directive. Keep quiet and nobody needs to know. But if our experience of Jesus is real, then we will want to tell other people. It is not about either speaking or living as a Christian, it’s about both living for and speaking about Jesus. So let’s do both of these today.
15)# ’Floodgates of heaven.’
Malachi 3:10 (6-12)
This is so different from the Israelites. They had become tight-fisted, concerned that they should have enough for themselves rather than giving to the Lord God. As a result, even what they had was destroyed and their hearts were now far from God. Putting ourselves first distances us from the Lord and will always leave us short.
But God loves to give and he doesn’t change. The God who wants to throw open the floodgates of heaven is the same heavenly Father who lavishes his love on his children (1 Jn 3:1). Our reluctance to put God first at times, can deny us these blessings.
God loves a cheerful giver because God himself delights in giving. As we give ourselves afresh to the Lord today, let’s give cheerfully, let’s give generously and let’s give everything. We’ll not go short; our heavenly Father will make sure of that.
16)# ’Set apart Christ as Lord.’
1 Peter 3:15 (13-17)
Setting apart is a deliberate action. A decision is taken to separate something (or someone) from everything else. A clear distinction is made.
There are many things that can have ‘lordship’ in our lives. It may be a relationship, job aspirations, a new image or a particular lifestyle. The desires of the heart can be many and varied. But for the disciple of Christ, Peter gives this advice. Just as we have been set apart unto God by the Holy Spirit, so we must make sure that Christ is set apart as Lord - first and foremost - in our hearts and lives.
There can be no sharing of first place. There can be no ‘both … and’ here. If Christ is to be Lord then all else must be subject to him. It is a decision you and I have to make, day by day, as we offer ourselves to Christ as living sacrifices.
17)# ’Remember the poor.’
Galatians 2:10 (6-10)
This is more than simply watching a news bulletin or responding to an emergency appeal. More than a passing thought and then getting on with life as usual. This is to be mindful of the poor to the point of empathising with them, feeling for them in their situation.
Remembering in this way will have an impact on our lives. It will affect the way we live, our attitudes to what we have and how we use our wealth. It will lead to action, just as it did in the early Church. Possessions and goods were sold and the money shared so that no-one was left in need. With the help of Christian relief agencies, we can still do the same today. The less we need, the more we can give to help other people.
Jesus blessed the poor and hungry and warned the rich and well-fed. Remember the poor now and it will not be forgotten by Jesus.
18)# ’What then is this … in my ears?’
1 Samuel 15:14 (12-19)
It was not the word of one of his soldiers that gave Saul away. It was the innocent bleating of the sheep and the lowing of the cattle that revealed his guilt. The ears of Samuel were not deceived and the eyes of the Lord were not blind. In his pride and with selfish motives, Saul thought he could bend the rules. So long as he did some of what God had asked, that would be enough. But obedience in part is not obedience at all. It is compromise.
Obedience to God is not always easy, especially when going with popular opinion is so much easier. But it is not worth losing God’s blessing to gain momentary approval from society. Saul learned a bitter lesson that day which has been recorded, to keep us from compromise and to encourage us to live in obedience to God’s commands. Then we will know the blessings God wants to share with us, day by day..
19)# ’Remember Jesus Christ.’
2 Timothy 2:8 (1-10)
With the pressures of everyday life, it can be easy to forget or become distracted. Paul wrote these words to Timothy as an encouragement to keep going and stay focussed. Timothy was finding out that to live as a servant of Christ was not always easy. It can be the same for you and me, and the reason to remember Jesus, is because he is the reason to keep going. Remember what he has done for us. Remember he became poor, so that we might become rich. Remember he died, so that we might live. Remember his resurrection, so that we too might be raised to new life.
Paul encourages Timothy to ‘be strong, endure hardship’ then states the reward for all who do. ‘If we endure, we will also reign with him’. Jesus gave us a simple meal to help us to remember him whenever we meet as Church. Recalling the past gives us reason to press on for the future – until Jesus comes again.
20)# ’Seek the Lord and live.’
Amos 5:6 (4-6)
The people of Israel had yet again drifted away from living in obedience to the Lord even whilst enjoying his blessing and provision. They felt secure and were spiritually smug. They had begun to add their own places for worship and took liberties with God’s law, reinterpreting it to suit their own desires. They were playing with holy fire and judgement was coming, even whilst they enjoyed a life of ease. These words from the Lord, through his prophet, were intended to bring his people to their senses and to change the way they lived rather than experience God’s judgement.
What a timely warning this is for us as the Church of Jesus today. Enjoying the blessings of our life in Christ must not become an excuse for unholy living. Some in the Corinthian Church had misinterpreted their freedom in Christ and were rebuked by Paul. It’s easy for us to do the same and allow worldly attitudes and lifestyles, that are incompatible with Biblical teaching, to become acceptable in our own lives and even within the Church. We are not called to please men or to accommodate popular culture. We are called to ‘seek the Lord and live.’ Sadly many Israelites did not heed the warnings or respond to the invitation from God, and they suffered the consequences of their sin. Let’s not be like them.
21)# ’Right in front of Jesus.’
Luke 5:19 (17-26)
There is no better place for us to be. These four friends knew that, only too well, and so were willing to go to any lengths to get their sick friend into that place. Mary from Bethany also knew it and was willing to take the scolding of her sister, Martha, in order to sit in front of Jesus listening to what he had to say. Whatever it takes to get to Jesus, it is worth it. Some, like Bartimaeus had to shout; some, like Zacchaeus climbed trees; others, like Nicodemus came at night; but all ended up right in front of Jesus and each one experienced the healing and wholeness he gives.
Whenever we come, whatever we need, we’ll always be welcomed by Jesus and find that he has something more that we can know, learn or receive from him. So let’s aim to make it a priority each day, through Bible reading and prayer. Let’s not be distracted or put off, let’s not be discouraged. Let’s not stop until we are there, right in front of Jesus.
22)# ’We will not neglect the house of our God.’
Nehemiah 10:39 (37-39)
Neglect happens over time. Neglect the garden and the weeds will grow; not overnight, but over several weeks. It is something that can happen easily, but be hard work to sort out. The sin of the Israelites caused them to neglect God’s house, his way of living and resulted in a besieged city, broken walls and forced exile. Now, under Nehemiah’s leadership, they resolved not to let it happen again.
For all Christians, the house of God is not simply a building or our fellowship together, but our own souls and bodies. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we must guard against neglect of our spiritual well-being and give time and attention to our walk with the Lord and to living in a way that brings honour and praise to him. Time spent in prayer, Bible study and fellowship with other believers helps to keep neglect at bay. An occasional miss can become a regular habit, unless we guard against it. So let’s join with the Israelites and determine not to neglect our daily worship of and walk with the Lord Jesus.
23)# ’I will also acknowledge him.’
Matthew 10:32 (26-33)
This is no mere nod of the head. This is a specific mention by name, deliberate and personal. Just as we deliberately speak of Jesus as our Saviour and Lord to those around us, so Jesus will openly declare us to be his children to his Father in heaven. What a precious promise this is and one not to be missed.
To be mentioned by name is special. To be named by Jesus is salvation. The Shepherd knows his sheep and calls them by name. We’re not simply one of a flock, we’re individuals and Jesus speaks of us to his Father one by one, by name. If we want to have our names mentioned in heaven, then we need to speak to others of Jesus being our Lord and Saviour.
But a cautionary note follows. If we consciously disown Christ, he will disown us. To follow Christ is not passive, but active. So let’s be active in acknowledging Christ today.
24)# ’But the thing … displeased the Lord.’
2 Samuel 11:27 (22-27)
David’s plan appeared to have worked. Having arranged Uriah’s death in battle, it seemed that David had managed to get away with his adulterous affair. But the attention he gave to covering things up before men, had left him exposed to the eyes of the Lord. This became a very sad and painful time in David's life.
It is not how we are in the eyes of men that matters – it’s how we are before God. When the Holy Spirit reveals that which is not right within our lives, it is best to get it sorted straight away rather than trying to cover it up. Displeasure can be turned to forgiveness as we confess our sin. However small and insignificant we might consider a thing to be, if it grieves the Lord, then we must deal with it and sort it out, before it causes any more damage.
25)# ’Humble yourselves before the Lord.’
James 4:10 (7-12)
This is something we must do for ourselves. It speaks of an attitude of the heart. Others can humiliate us, but that causes hurt and shame. But for those who humble themselves before the Lord, the promise is that he will lift them up. Jesus said, ‘everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.’
A right view of ourselves comes as we bow before the Lord. A few verses earlier, James encourages us to submit ourselves to God. We do this knowing that God wants the best for us, long-term and will give us the necessary grace to get there (v6). His Spirit will reveal any areas of our lives that need attention and his healing and restoration is available to all who ask. And humility is a necessary quality of effective service. So let’s bow before the Lord today, then let him lift us up and reaffirm us as being chosen ‘in Christ’.
26)# ’Close to the broken-hearted.’
Psalm 34:18 (15-22)
A broken heart cannot be repaired by the surgeon’s skill or set in a plaster cast. Broken hearts don’t always show on the outside and they can last for years. Disappointments, damaged relationships, angry words, can all cause hearts to break. When the psalmist wrote these words he did so on the basis of his own personal experience, little knowing that the Lord, of whom he wrote, would one day die of a broken heart on the cross of Calvary, forsaken by his Father, for a broken world. But his wounds now bring healing and his resurrection gives hope to those who despair.
Christ knows what it is like and so can draw close to those who hurt deep inside. He alone can bind up the broken-hearted and bring healing from the past. If this is us, then let’s come to him today so that he can begin to restore us deep within.
27)# ’All she had to live on.’
Mark 12:44 (41-44)
This was in sharp contrast to everyone else. They had all kept something back for themselves, but not this widow. Unnoticed by many, she was seen by Jesus and is recorded as an example to us all.
It can be relatively easy to give, so long as we still have enough for ourselves. Far harder to give when it will leave us short or even without. This widow gave everything she had because God was everything she needed. Her very life now depended on him. It was emptied of everything else.
Only an emptied life can be filled by the Holy Spirit. What we give or keep back will be a measure of our love for God and for other things. Such was her love for God that this lady gave all she had and kept nothing back. Since God in Christ gave everything for us, let us follow this lady’s example and give everything we have and are to Jesus. It won’t come easy, so we’ll need to keep working at it, day by day.
28)# ’We have heard.’
Joshua 2:10 (8-14)
Thank God for those who told Rahab. Who was it? We don’t know. Perhaps they were unaware that she was listening or maybe she’d heard several people speak about what Jehovah God had done. We are not told. What we are told is that Rahab responded to what she had heard.
Throughout the Bible, there are certain women who make their mark because they take action when others around them don’t. Rahab is one of these women and, not only does she save her family, but she becomes an integral part of God’s bigger plan (cf Matt 1:5).
We may not be aware of who is listening, but God can take what we say about him and make it count for his glory. What you and I may say today in passing, God may use to change a person’s life forever and fulfil another part of his plan. So let’s talk about Jesus and all that he has done for us, as much as we can. It won’t be wasted.
29)# ’But now…’
Ephesians 2:13 (11-18)
Thank God for this ‘but now’! It is one ‘but’ that we cannot do without. It is a declaration of being. It announces the difference that Jesus makes. It declares freedom and forgiveness from the past, new life and new relationships for the present and the hope of a new heaven and earth for the future. Each time this phrase ‘but now’ is used in the epistles, it underlines the comparison between the past, old life and the new life in Christ. It emphasises the reality of living in Christ rather than living in sin.
So let's listen to God’s ‘but now’. It removes the doubts that come to us all, answers our questions and confirms our position before God. It banishes the old nature and welcomes the new. It lifts us out of despair and gives us hope to keep going. So come, leave the old behind, move on in Christ today and experience afresh the ‘but now’ of God.
30)# ’The heavens declare the glory of God.’
Psalm 19:1 (1-6)
They still do, despite all our pollution and destruction. God has revealed his glory for all to see, but sadly not everyone is looking. Many people study the stars, but miss the God who made them. Other people acknowledge the beauty of creation, yet look for an alternative to the Creator. The Psalmist states that creation speaks across all languages to the very ends of the earth, making known the God who wants to be known by those he created. He is not hiding away or silent.
Throughout history God has revealed his glory; ultimately in Jesus Christ. Now he calls us to join with creation and declare his praise. Let’s declare through action. Let’s declare through word. Let the glory of God be revealed in you and me today.
31)# ’That you may declare the praises of him.’
1 Peter 2:9 (4-10)
Declaring something is to make it known. It is a deliberate act. It is public and for the benefit of other people. In a society that debases the name of Christ, ours is the privilege to declare his praise.
Praise to God is in response to who he is and what he has done for us. Peter reminds us; ‘You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.’ Is that not enough to deserve our praise? Peter continues, ’Called out of darkness into his wonderful light … now you are the people of God … you have received mercy.’ Let’s think on these things. Let them overwhelm us. And as our hearts fill with thanks and gratitude, may our voices declare his praise.
Jesus told one man who had been delivered from demons, ‘Go … tell how much God has done for you.’ He did - and so can we. That is what praise is.