What are you afraid of? (Ch 12)

 Luke Chapter 12

SUMMARY:  Five words summarise this chapter - Fear, Foolish, Faith, Faithfulness, Friendship
Fear - v1-3 Something we often fail to fear but should - hypocrisy
Fear - v4-7 Sometimes we fear the wrong person - the Devil, rather than live in awe of our God who cares.
Fear - v8-12 Often we fear speaking up for Jesus - don't and the Holy Spirit will help us.

Foolish - v13-21 A man described as being so poor he had nothing but money - how foolish he was.

Faith - v22-34 Let worry give way to faith in our God who knows and provides.

Faithfulness - v35-48 Be faithful in using what God has entrusted to us in time, talents, finance, and opportunity.

Friendship - v49-59 Jesus brings spiritual division between those who know him and don't v51 but always seek to be reconciled when we can v58

REFLECTION:
How often am I afraid of the wrong things? I don't see the danger of my hypocritical attitudes, of favouritism, shown, of self-interest served, of saying yes to some and no to others.
How often am I more concerned about my physical well-being than for my spiritual health? I wonder how much time I spend thinking, talking and acting on each.
How often when it comes to speaking for Jesus do I hesitate because of what others might think? As our society turns from God and turns against God, will I continue to share what is becoming an increasingly strange message?

PRAYER: Loving Heavenly Father thank you that perfect love casts out all fear and that your love for me is just that - perfect. I never need to be afraid when you are with me may I know your presence today.
Father as I rest secure in your love, teach me to be aware of those things that are a danger for me and for your Glory - my hypocrisy. Lord, so often I am blind to the ways I say one thing and then do another, how I have rules for one person and different ones for another, the times when I expect more of others than of myself - open my eyes, help me to repent and to honour you with a consistent life. 
Father forgive me for the times when I am more concerned about what might affect my body and show less regard for what will affect my soul. Teach me to treasure the real world more than the physical world, to live in the light of eternity each day.
Father thank you for the Hold Spirit and that you have promised to give us the power and courage and words when we speak for you. Lord today give us the opportunity to share what you mean to us with others. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

A very powerful thing. (Ch 11)

 Luke Chapter 11

SUMMARY:  
Lessons about prayer (i) v1-4 a pattern for prayer, (ii) v5-13 persistence and expectancy in prayer.
Lessons about power (i) v14-28 Jesus is stronger than Satan, (ii) v16, 29-32 power is not used to impress but power would raise Jesus from the dead (the sign of Jonah - v29)  (iii) v33-36 the power of light.
Rebukes for the legalist (Woe...) v37-54 (i) Look inside v39, (ii) Love God and Justice v42 (iii) Seek humility v43 (iv) Life is seen v44 (v) Listen to the TRUTH v47, (vi) Point others to the TRUTH  don't take IT away v52.

REFLECTION:
Three little verses about light speak powerfully. v34-36.  
A life full of light is a beautiful picture  v36 "if your whole body is full of light, and no part of if it dark, it will be completely lighted", a life that radiates for Jesus. 
What do I let into my life? v34 "Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness."
"Your eye is the lamp of your body."
When I see God's blessing - does thankfulness fill my heart?
When I see others succeed - does jealousy grow in my heart?
When I see the hardship of others - does compassion fill my heart?
When I see impurity - does my heart dwell there?
When I see other Christians - does that longing for fellowship draw me to them?
When I see others hurt those I love - does an unforgiving spirit take over my heart?
When is see... what do I see today and how is that filling my heart?
In so many ways the eye is the lamp of your body.

PRAYER: Loving Heavenly Father thank you Jesus the light of the world who came to bring light into the darkness of this world, community, lives, and hearts. As I look to Jesus now help me to turn from every darkness and to let your light shine in its place. Forgive me for harbouring jealousy, for dwelling on impurity and for living with an unforgiving heart. Help me to turn to your light and to learn humility, purity and forgiveness and let THE LIGHT shine in my heart. I pray for those who are struggling in darkness and seeking the light, may they find Jesus and find forgiveness, life and hope today. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Where do I find my Joy? (Ch 10)

 Luke Chapter 10

SUMMARY: 
v1-16 Jesus sends the seventy-two out into the harvest like lambs among wolves. 
v17-24 They return rejoicing and Jesus reminds them of the greatest Joy.
v25-37 Jesus surprised people when asked how to enter that greatest Joy.
v38- 42 Martha is challenged to choose the one thing that is needed. Jesus. 

REFLECTION: Imagine snakes trampled, the enemy defeated, nothing can harm us (v19) not even a virus. What could be better?  Jesus says rather 'rejoice that your names are written in heaven' (v20). But how can we inherit this eternal life (v25). Jesus tells us 'Love God and love my neighbour' (v27).  So often we set the bar of love too low and want to restrict who we love and how we love (v29). To show costly mercy to whoever God puts in your path is love (v33), 'do this and you will live' (v28). And when it comes to loving God, often we love to rush around and miss the one thing that is needed - to sit at the feet of Jesus (v42). Where is our Joy - spending time with Jesus, showing mercy to others, that our hope is heaven because when we trusted in Jesus our names were written there.

PRAYER: 
Heavenly Father while there are many things we are restricted from doing in these unsettling times we thank you for the opportunity to stop, sit and listen to Jesus. Help today to do this one thing that is needed.
Lord, I confess that while I might talk a lot about loving others I have much to learn. Forgive me for the times when I have walked by and failed to show mercy to those in need. Give me eyes to see the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those around me and the heart to reach out.
Lord thank you for so many things which bring joy to my heart today. As I rejoice in so many blessings, guard my heart so that it will always find the greatest Joy in the hope of heaven as I trust in Jesus. 
In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Focus on the big things? (Ch 9)

Luke Chapter 9

SUMMARY: 
v1-9 The work of teaching and healing continues as the disciples are sent out.
v10-17 The sign performed points us again to who Jesus is.
v18-27 The big question is asked and answered by Peter and Jesus explains what it means.
v28-36 The big question is answered by God.
v37-43 The big question is answered by action.
v44-45 Jesus speaks again of the big reason he came (v22) and is not understood.
v46-62 The disciples, the samaritans and three men are all sidetracked by little things. 

REFLECTION: How often is my time and energy is spent on little things.
Who is Jesus? - that is the big question.
Why was he handed over to suffer? That was the big reason he came.
Every time I argue out of pride, every time I shun someone because of where they are going, every time I say to Jesus "first let me..." I have lost sight of the big question and the big reason that shapes everything. 
Jesus is "The Christ of God" the promised Messiah, and Jesus came to be handed over, to die and to rise again. So that we might deny self, take up our cross and follow him, and so in loosing our life save it. Today will I focus on the big things? 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father we thank you Jesus you son who you sent for us. Thank you that he suffered, was rejected, killed and rose agin for us. Forgive me for the many times my mind, heart and dreams are filled with little things and big things are pushed out. Show me today what it means for me to 'deny self', 'take up my cross' and 'follow Jesus'. Lord, when I am tempted to set my heart on gaining the world, remind me that to save my life I need to loose it for Jesus. May I never be ashamed of Jesus but speak clearly for him in all I do and say. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Is your Jesus powerful? (Ch 8)

 Luke Chapter 8

SUMMARY: 
v1-3 What privilege to travel with Jesus as he preached the good news - receiving and giving to Jesus. 
v4-15 What opportunity as God's word comes to us - to have hearts like good soil producing a harvest. 
v16-18 What responsibility as we listen to God's word -  to share it like a light for others to 'see'. 
v19-21 What privilege we have when we hear and practise God's word - we are part of his family. 
v22-25 What power Jesus has over nature - the winds and the waves obey him. 
v26-38 What power Jesus has over demons - leaving the man in his right mind to share what God had done for him with his family. 
v40-56 What power Jesus has over sickness and even death itself - As the woman touched him and then he says 'My child get up'. 

REFLECTION: Do we ever think if only Jesus walked on earth today everyone would believe. I wonder would it really be easier form any to believe and to trust? 
v24 The disciples have faltering faith - It is as if they say "we have seen Jesus do amazing things, but nothing can help us in the storm we are facing right now"?
v37 The people send Jesus away v37 - They had seen a man saved from demonic possession, the power of Jesus was clear yet they did not want Jesus.
v44 The woman touches his cloak - She believes Jesus can help but wants to slip away, she did not want or perhaps feel worthy to be known by Jesus.
v53 At Jairus' house they laugh at Jesus - The very idea that Jesus could waken the girl from this kind of sleep was beyond belief.
v56 The parents are astonished - Their child had life because of Jesus.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father as we read of the power of Jesus help us to remember that he is the same yesterday today and forever. Jesus is the healer and giver of life. So we pray for those who need your touch today because of physical, emotional, mental or spiritual sickness. Lord, we ask you to graciously and powerfully say to them 'My child - get up'. Jesus is powerful over the devil and his demons. So we pray for those who are held in bondage today, who are trapped in addictions, who are slaves to sin, who have been blinded to the light, who are deaf to your voice. We ask that Jesus would powerfully break into the lives and restore them. Jesus is powerful over every storm. Lord, you know the storms that we face today, personally, at home, at work, in our community and our world. Lord. give us faith to believe we are safe with you and you are able to still the storm. Lord may we know your power today. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

What is my attitude to Jesus? (Ch 7)

Luke Chapter 7

INTRODUCTION – Notice all the attitudes to Jesus in this chapter. (i) v1-5 The Jewish elders saw Jesus as a healer they could persuade to help the worthy. (ii) v7-10 The centurion saw himself as unworthy and believed Jesus had authority to speak and it would happen. (ii) v11-15 The widow knew him as the one whose ‘heart went out to her’ and her son had life. (iv) v16-17 The people declared he was a prophet. (v) v18-24 John wanted to be sure Jesus was the ‘one who was to come’ the messiah. (vi) v24-36 The ‘people of this generation’ just wanted Jesus to dance to their tune. (v36-46) Simon wanted to be seen with Jesus but didn’t love Jesus. (vii) v37-50 The sinful woman Loved Jesus.

REFLECTION: What is my attitude to Jesus today?
If I think of my prayers are they my attempt to persuade Jesus to help me because I deserve better? Or do I believe that while I am not worthy his heart is turned towards me and for my good and his glory. Teach me to pray with great faith that Jesus can speak into my life and it will happen.
If I think of my expectations of Jesus, am I unsure of Jesus because he doesn’t fit my idea of a saviour or because he doesn’t dance to the latest tune.
If I think of my heart, how much do I love Jesus? Have we acknowledged our sin (v37), come to Jesus trusting for forgiveness (v48) and not holding back with a thankful heart given Jesus our all (v37-38). When someone loves Jesus like this he says “your faith has saved you; go in peace” (v50).

PRAYER: Heavenly Father I confess that I have seen so many of these attitudes and not just in those around me, in myself.  Forgive me for thinking too little of my sin and so too little of Jesus who gave his life so I could be forgiven. He paid the debt I could not pay, thank your Jesus. Help me to grow in my love for Jesus as I grow in my awareness of his forgiveness and redeeming work in my life. Lord each day as I seek to follow you, forgive me to the time I have simply wanted you to dance to my tune or felt I needed to persuade you someone is worthy of your help. Teach me to rest in Jesus as the one whose heart goes out to people, the one with authority, who give life and peace.   In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Building on the rock or without a foundation (Ch 6)

Luke Chapter 6

INTRODUCTION – Jesus chooses the 12 (v12-16) and his work of healing continues (v17-19) However, this chapter is packed with teaching.
(i) Keeping the sabbath special should not stop you from doing works of necessity and mercy (v1-11).
(ii) Blessing is found not in ‘living for the moment’ but with eternity in view (v17-26).
(iii) The love that we show should not be restricted but shown to all (v27-36).
(iv) Be careful in your attitude to the wrongs of others, remember forgiveness and self-examination is the key (v37-42).
(v) Fruit and obedience will show we have heard what Jesus says (v43-49)

REFLECTION: There are so many ways we try to wriggle out of what Jesus is teaching us. Works of necessity and mercy might not leave much time for God on his day.  We can expect to avoid being poor or hungry or sad or hated and yet always to be blessed. We can say we love everyone but practical love is too often withheld. We can jump on the ‘judge not’ phrase to justify an unaccountable life, but skim over the “forgive and you will be forgiven”. Yet the whole chapter concludes with the challenge to show fruit and obedience or fall like a house built without foundation. The rock is Jesus, and it is only when we build our life on him, we can understand and practice his teaching.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father thank you for Jesus and his teaching. As I reflect on these passages today open my eyes, my mind and my heart to see and understand and respond to what you are saying to me. Today is your day, help me to keep it special and to show mercy. You tell me that blessing is found in the unexpected places of poverty, hunger, sorrow and being hated. While I do not seek these things, give me strength when they come that I might know your blessing in them. Heavenly Father, as you teach me about relationships, help me to love and forgive as you want me to where you have placed me today. Grant me the faith and humility to plant my feet on the rock, to build my life in Jesus by faith and obedience, so that the fruit of the spirit might be increasingly seen in my life and heard on my lips.  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Jesus is willing and able to… (Ch 5)

 Luke Chapter 5

INTRODUCTION -  What is the most important thing in our lives?
Having success?
- In v1-11 we see four fishermen catch a great number of fish and leave it all to fish for men.
The Sensational?
– In v12-16 we see a man healed of leprosy but Jesus encouraged him to keep it quiet.
Physical Health?
– In v17-26 yes Jesus heals a man who is paralysed but speaks to him first about forgiveness.
Feeling right?
– In v27-32 Jesus is found with sinners and says he can not help those who are [self] righteous.
Religious routines?
- In v33-38 Jesus points us away from rituals to living in relationship with Him.

REFLECTION: I love the words of the man to Jesus in v12 “Lord if you are willing you can …”,  and the reply of Jesus v13 “I am willing”.
Yes, Jesus heals that man and the paralytic in 25. However, there is no doubt that what is more important than success, or health is repentance v32 and forgiveness v20. What is more significant than rituals and success is a relationship with Jesus v34 and telling others about him v10.
If this chapter was just a story about a great catch of fish, restored health, and religious people fasting then we would have missed why Jesus was there.
We need Jesus to show us today the ways that we settle for less than the most important things. Things that Jesus is willing and able to do in us and through us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father we thank you for your many blessings. The times of success and health. Thank you for your answers when we pray. As we give thanks, forgive us for the times we settle for less than what you are willing and able to do. Teach us to pray for the most important things. Thank you that Jesus came to call sinners to repentance – Lord today call many to yourself. Thank you that you have authority on earth to forgive sins because you died on the cross – lord may we know your forgiveness again today. Thank you that we can know your presence each day and that you call us to ‘catch men’ for you. Help us to live and speak in a way that draws people to Jesus.  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Responding to the good news, to Jesus (Ch4)

Luke Chapter 4

INTRODUCTION:  A chapter with different responses to Jesus. (i) v1-13 The devil is battling Jesus, (ii) v14-30 His home town is rejecting Jesus (v29), (iii) v31-37, 41 Demon are acknowledging Jesus (v34), (iv) Simon’s family are asking Jesus for help (v38) (v) v42-44 Jesus is sharing the good news which is that Jesus is the good news.

REFLECTION: It is amazing how often the good news doesn’t get a look in. Jesus is the good news he said he ‘must preach’ and the last thing Jesus did on earth was to tell us to keep sharing that good news (Mark 16v15). As we share the good news we must pray for those who are fighting with Jesus – trying to bring Jesus down rather than come to Him. Pray for those who are rejecting Jesus – having no thought or time for Jesus or having walked away from Jesus and his family. Pray for those who know who Jesus is but that is all, they have not yet trusted in Jesus. Pray for many to come and ask Jesus for his help – remember Jesus came to bring freedom, recovery and release (v18). Give thanks for so many who have come to Jesus and know him as lord and saviour as they have heard and responded to the good news.

PRAYER Heavenly Father as we thank you for Jesus and the Good news that He is. Thank you that in Jesus we can know freedom, recovery and release as we enter into the Kingdom of God. Today we bring before you by name those who are battling Jesus – bring them to that point of submission and trust in Jesus. We pray for those around us who seem to have rejected Jesus – work in their lives so that they realise their need of a saviour. For those who know who Jesus is but have not given their lives to him, we pray that you would work by the power of your spirit in their hearts and to save. And we bring those who are not part of your Kingdom and you have placed in our hearts before you praying that they would come and ask Jesus for help – and so experience freedom, recovery and release and know salvation.  In Jesus name, we pray. Amen

Repentance, forgiveness, and signs (Ch 3)

Luke Chapter 3

INTRODUCTION:  So much here about Jesus (i) Jesus is announced from heaven as the son who God loves and is pleased with (v22). (ii) Jesus is more powerful than John, who is not worthy to untie his sandals (v16). (iii) Jesus is pictured as the one who will gather the wheat but burn up the chaff (v17). (iv) Jesus the one who is God’s salvation (v6)  announced by John (v4).
So how will I respond to this Powerful Son of God who came to save but one day will Judge? It must be by repentance which leads to forgiveness v3, and transformation v8.

REFLECTION: Key in the preaching of John is repentance (v3) which leads to forgiveness (v3) and a changed life (v8). To rely on religious heritage is not sufficient (v8b) when judgement comes (v9). A heart change is needed (v8a). Yes, we all know others who need to repent, but John had a message about repentance for everyone he spoke to. For the crowd “be generous” (v10-11), for the tax collectors “be ethical” (v12-13), for the soldiers “be honest” (v14), and for Herod “be pure” (v19-20). I need to remember that repentance is not patting myself on the back that I have not sinned like others. Repentance is asking God to show me my sin, turning from it and allowing God to change my life so that I can “produce fruit worthy of repentance” (v8)

PRAYER Heavenly Father thank you that you sent Jesus your Son who you loved into this world for my salvation. Thank you that Jesus came to gather the wheat into your barn. I confess that too often I look at the sins of others instead of asking what repentance means for me. Lord open my eyes to see my life as you see it. Teach me to stop judging myself by the standards of others or my ideas, or by comparing myself to those around me. Lord help me to listen to your voice challenging my thoughts and my words and my deeds. Show me the ways I have been selfish, unethical, dishonest or immoral. Lord grant me a humble and repentant heart that I might know your forgiveness. Work in my life and my church family by the power of your spirit, so those signs worthy of repentance will be seen in generosity, uprightness, honesty and purity. I ask this tor Your good and Your glory. In Jesus hame. Amen

Spare a thought for the parents (Ch 2)

Luke Chapter 2 

INTRODUCTION: A rich Chapter indeed. (i) v1-20 - Those wonderful and familiar verses about the birth of Jesus and the shepherds in the fields. “A saviour has been born” v11. (ii) v21-38 - Simeon and Anna those Godly seniors in the temple. Declaring Jesus as “A light for the gentiles” v32 and speaking of him to all who were looking for redemption v38. (iii) v39-52 – As this child who was born grows up strong, wise and full of grace v40.  Even the teachers were amazed at his understanding v47 and he grew in favour with God v52

REFLECTION: Behind all the events of this passage I am struck by the earthly parents of Jesus. How often did they wonder how it would all turn out? That difficult journey of some 70 miles with Mary expecting a baby who was then born in a manger (v4,7). Mary pondering all that happened in her heart (v19). Their humble obedience in naming the child and presenting him at the temple (v21-23, 39). Their faithfulness in family worship in particular that journey each year to Jerusalem (v41). How must they have felt when they lost Jesus (v45) and when they did not understand him (v50). In all the challenges of parenting Mary “treasured all these things in her heart” (v51). While there is much we don’t know about those years and how it was for Mary and Joseph we see that steady faithfulness and heartfelt love for Jesus and trust in God that all of us who are parents (or grandparents) need.

PRAYER: Lord thank you for those of the next generations that you have brought into our lives. We pray for those you have given us responsibility for and the opportunity to influence. In those times when the journey is hard, strengthen us to keep going. Help us to be an example of faithfulness to them in our worship and obedience. In those moments when we feel they are lost and we do not understand them, teach us how to keep them in our hearts. Lord work in our hearts to build that steady faithfulness and heartfelt love so we might be used by you in the lives of others. In Jesus Name we pray AMEN

Zechariah 'Real Faith' (Ch 1)

Luke Chapter 1  

INTRODUCTION: In some 80 verses Luke introduces four people and the verses that struck me were Zechariah (v18 - He had questions and doubts and faith), Elizabeth (v43 – In her great blessing she is thankful and humble), Mary (v47- She rejoices in her saviour Jesus) and John (v16 – the effect of his life bringing people back to God). Below is my reflection on Zechariah – perhaps you focused on another one or what this chapter says about Jesus the coming savour or God who is sovereign over everything. Feel free to share or comment

REFLECTION: Zechariah – Who despite the devastation of having no family v7 continued to walk close to God v6 and serve God faithfully v8. As he does God appears to him v11, yes he had faltering faith v20 but out of his continued obedience v63, he is filled with the Holy Spirit and praises God for sending a saviour v68-79

PRAYER: Lord even when life seems to be a series of shattered dreams and unanswered prayers help me to keep close to you in my walk and service. Lord, when you speak, forgive my faltering faith, help me to learn it is not the size of my faith but the God I put my faith in that matters. Today as I bring those dreams and prayers again to you open my eyes to see your answer and most of all to rejoice in Jesus our saviour as you work in my heart by the power of your spirit. In Jesus Name AMEN

Who can still the storm? - Morning Devotion - Mark 4v35-41

Friday 12th June 2020

"Who can still the storm?"

A reflection on Mark 4v35-41

By Rev Ivor Smith 

Song to Listen to - Who is he in yonder stall?

Let's Pray

Easter Blog 2020 - Readings from Holy Week

This morning in our online service as we considered different reactions to Jesus we saw that "all the people hung on his words" (Luke 19v47). 
This week to encourage us in that same reaction I plan to read part of the Easter story, give a short reflection and then pray.
The list below indicates how the four gospels cover the story of this week before Easter Sunday. You may find it helpful to choose some extra reading for each day.
Rev Dr Jonathan Curry