Keep Christ At The Centre

Colossians 1:1-2:7 ‘In everything’ Christ is ‘pre-eminent’ (18). * In Him, there is salvation - ‘redemption, the forgiveness of sins’ (14) - , sanctification - ‘mature in Christ’ (28) - and service - making Him known (27).Everything is in Christ. * In Him are ‘all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (2:3) - all that …

The whole of life is to be arranged according to God’s perfect plan.

Numbers 35:1-36:13 The whole of life is to be arranged according to God's perfect plan. This principle underlies all the detailed instructions given here. We see it, first, in Numbers 35:1 - "The Lord spoke to Moses ... " It is repeated in Numbers 35:9 - "The Lord said to Moses ... " It is …

Christ Has Won The Victory For Us. Let Us Claim His Victory By Faith.

In Genesis 3:1, we read of ‘the serpent’. Here he is again - ‘that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan’. *He is a powerful enemy. He ‘leads the whole world astray’. He is a determined enemy. ‘Day and night’, he is busy, accusing God's children. * He is a defeated enemy. ‘They overcame him …

In all that we do, we need love.

"Christ makes me bold enough to order you to do the right thing. 9 However, I would prefer to make an appeal on the basis of love" (Philemon 8-9).  In all that we do, we need love. We learn this love from Jesus "who loved us and gave himself for us" (Galatians 2:20).

85 years old …

In the book of Joshua , there’s plenty of geography - lots of place names. There is also the spiritual emphasis on the direct connection between obedience and blessing. We see this in the life of Caleb (Joshua 14:6-9,13-14). There’s something remarkable about Caleb - “I am 85 years old” and “still as fit to …

High points and low points …

When we look back over the events of our life, we say, "This was a high point" and "That was a low point." How do we decide that this was a high point, and that was a low point? It depends very much on how we look at life. Is it a high point when …

Very important people – but the Word of the Lord didn’t come to any of them … !

"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness" (Luke 3:1-2). Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate ... They …

When I am weak, then I am strong …

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, ... 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:14,16). There are many times, in our life, when we become deeply aware of our own weakness. In such times, there's something we must never forget: "when …

In the happy times and the hard times …

In our life, we have happy times - and we, also, have hard times. When we're going through the hard times, let us remember the happy times - and let us be encouraged in the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord for our happy memories - and let us trust him to help …

Lord, give us strength to “stand firm in our faith.”

Isaiah 7:1-25We thank You, Lord, that Jesus, Your Son, is “Immanuel” – “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). We look forward to the Second Coming of Immanuel: “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them” (Revelation 21:3). When our thoughts turn to the Return of Christ, may we …

What’s love got to do with it? …

"One day Dinah, Leah’s daughter, went out to visit some of the neighborhood girls, 2 but when Shechem, son of King Hamor the Hivite, saw her, he took her and raped her. 3 He fell deeply in love with her, and tried to win her affection" (Genesis 34:1-3). Not everything that's done in the name of love is done in …

Expect the unexpected!

'When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”' (Genesis 28:16-17). Grace comes so unexpectedly! Jacob was just looking for a good night's sleep - but …

God’s Eternal Love – When the Spirit breathes upon us, we receive love, eternal love, the love of God.

It was ‘a valley of dry bones’ (Ezekiel 37:1-2). Then, the Lord changed everything - ‘I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live’ (Ezekiel 37:5). What a difference the Lord makes! ‘Breathe on me, Breath of God. Fill me with life anew’ (Church Hymnary, 103). What happens when the Spirit of the …

Why does God love us?

"The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and …

God has given us so much … How much are we giving ourselves to Him?

Joshua 18:1-19:51 'How long will you be slack to go in and take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?' (18:3). God has given us so much: 'His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness'. How much are we giving ourselves to …

Don’t continue in sin. Come to the Saviour.

To those who come to Him, the Lord Jesus says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may … go through the gates into the city.”  Let us not remain “outside” of God’s Kingdom (Revelation 22:14-15). There is a better way than continuing in sin. It is the way of coming to the …

Lord, help us to listen to all that You say to us – and not ‘only hear what we want to hear’!

‘Is there any Word from the Lord?’ - ‘Yes! There is a Word from the Lord.’ Lord, Your Word wasn’t exactly what the king wanted to hear - ‘You will be handed over to the king of Babylon’ (Jeremiah 37:17). You were going to bless Your people - but they would have to be patient: …

Enough! No more!

"the devil ... was thrown into the lake of fire ... " (Revelation 20:10). The time will come when God will say to Satan, “Enough! No more!”

The eternal love of God

"The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8): Before we had sinned, God was planning for our salvation!

Prayer and the ministry of God’s Word …

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 or Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 Prayer and the ministry of God’s Word Worldly people create problems (Exodus 17:3). Moses asks, ‘What shall I do...?’ (Exodus 17:4). Indecision asks, ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’ (Exodus 17:7). He gives victory (Exodus …

The Holy City …

"The Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God - It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel" (Revelation 21:10-11).At the heart of "the Holy City", there is Jesus Christ. In Him, we see the bright shining light of God's love. He is …

God Will Have The Last Word.

Revelation is a complex book, yet it is for ordinary people. Its theme is simple and straightforward: Jesus is Victor! There are many things we don't understand, but there's one thing we do know: God will have the last word. * Satan has a great deal to say about our lives. He is "the accuser …

"What the Spirit says to the churches"

"What the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). What does the Spirit say to the churches? - He speaks the words of Christ, the risen Lord.  * We need the Spirit - "Be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).  * We need the Scriptures - "Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly" (Colossians 3:16). To …

Great Weakness, Great Strength

Daniel 10:1-11:13 Daniel came to God in great weakness- ‘I am helpless... My strength is gone...’(16-17). From the Lord, Daniel received great strength - ‘The One who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength... When He spoke to me, I was strengthened...’. Daniel’s strength came from the love of God and the …

The kingdom which rises – and does not fall …

"He is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end" (Daniel 6:26). The rise and fall of ... : In the history of the world, there have been many kingdoms, which have risen - and fallen. We wonder, "Is there a kingdom that rises - …

A Vision – For Daniel

"I, Daniel, alone saw the vision ... the men who were with me did not see the vision" (Daniel 10:7).Here, we have a vision that was intended for Daniel. The vision was not given to the men who were with him. While this was, for Daniel, a unique experience of divine revelation, it raises for …

Everlasting God, Everlasting Love, Everlasting Kingdom

Daniel 4:1-37‘His Kingdom is an eternal Kingdom; His dominion endures from generation to generation’(3). The generations rise and fall - ‘You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning... by evening it is dry and withered’; ‘As for man, his days are like grass... the wind …

Visions Of God’s Eternal Kingdom

The visions, given to Daniel, concerned God’s eternal Kingdom (Daniel 7:27). This eternal dimension must never be lost. If we have nothing to which we can look forward, with confidence in the eternal God, we are, in the words of the Apostle Paul, “of all men most miserable.” When we look, through faith in Jesus …

“Daniel saw a vision” (Daniel 8:1).

With this vision, there was the explanation. Daniel falls down. He hears these words, “Son of man, understand that the vision is about the end times” (Daniel 8:17). Daniel does not remain facedown. He is lifted up: “Then he touched me and raised me to my feet” (Daniel 8:18). Daniel 8 ends with these words …

God’s Kingdom

Daniel 2:44-47God’s Kingdom “will never be destroyed.” It “endures forever.” “The dream is true, and the interpretation is certain.”Through the resurrection of Jesus, this is more than a dream. He has triumphed over death.How are we to respond to Jesus? - “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28); “King of kings and Lord of lords” …

A time of salvation and a time of judgment

The Word of God points us forward to “the end times” (Daniel 12:4,7-9,13). There will be a time of salvation. There will be a time of judgment. Those who have believed in our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, are called to win others for Him. Along with the call to be faithful and fruitful servants …

Streams in the desert …

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. 6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion" (Psalm 84:5-7). Often, our life seems like a …

The Living God, The Loving God

Daniel 6:1-28‘He is the living God and He endures for ever; His Kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end’(26). He is the living God. He is also the loving God - ‘His love endures forever’(Psalm 136). He is the King. He is a very special kind of king. He is ‘the King …

Daniel in the lion’s den

Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6) - What a remarkable miracle we have here. When we read about it, our thoughts move on to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is a far greater miracle than the deliverance of Daniel. Daniel was delivered from the threat of death. Jesus …

A Faithful Follower Of The Lord

Daniel was a faithful follower of the Lord. He refused to follow a worldly way of living (Daniel 1:8). He loved the Lord. He refused to follow a way of life which would harm his walk with God. He is a great example for those who take seriously the call to live in obedience to …

Prayers based on Daniel 7 – 12

Daniel 7:1-28‘There before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven... His Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed’ (Daniel 7:13-14). We thank You, Lord, for these great words. They point us to Christ’s description of His Second Coming, the Coming of His Kingdom: ‘They will see the …

Prayers based on Daniel 1 – 6

Daniel 1:1-2:16‘Daniel resolved not to defile himself’ (Daniel 1:8). We thank You, Lord, that Daniel was devoted to You. It was not easy to live as Your faithful servant. His dedication to You was put to the test - ‘Test your servants’ (Daniel 1:12). Our faith is put to the test. We ‘suffer many trials’. …

Daniel’s Deliverance And Christ’s Resurrection

Daniel 6:1-28The deliverance of Daniel from the mouths of the lions - What a great miracle this is! It points forward to an even greater miracle - the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.Why is the resurrection a greater miracle? - It seemed almost inevitable that Daniel would be killed, but he didn’t actually die. …

I’d Rather Have Jesus Than Silver Or Gold.

Daniel 5:1-31 We are not to ‘praise the gods of gold and silver...’(4). Material possessions must never take the place of God. Seeking material prosperity is not to be the most important thing in our lives. We are to ‘seek first His Kingdom...’. We are to ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord …

“Then he touched me and made my hands and knees shake” (Daniel 10:10).

“Then he touched me and made my hands and knees shake” (Daniel 10:10). It is an awesome thing to be in the presence of the living God. What a reassuring thing it was, for Daniel, when he heard this gracious word: “Daniel, you are highly respected ... Don’t be afraid” (Daniel 10:11-12). When we are …

Jesus Asks Us, ‘Do You Love Me?’ He Waits For Our Reply: ‘I Love You.’

Daniel 3:1-30‘We want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up’(18). We have no other king but the Lord. He alone is King. He alone is to be worshipped. We are to ‘have no other gods before Him’. We are ‘not …

God is building His eternal Kingdom.

When, in Daniel 11, we read of the rise and fall of human kingdoms, we must remember this - God is building His eternal Kingdom. This Kingdom - God’s Kingdom - is the only Kingdom which will never come to an end. We put our trust in the Lord. Our trust in the Lord is …

Fire!

Daniel 3:1-30Fire - danger, heatThere is, in God’s Word, a word of warning and a word of promise.This is the way we are not to go. This is the way we are to go.* “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).* “The bush was not consumed” (Exodus 3:2).* “Our God is an awesome God” …

He is Coming With The Clouds …

"There before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven… His Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed’ (Daniel 7:13-14).These words point us to Christ’s description of His Second Coming, the Coming of His Kingdom: ‘They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the …

There Is Only One Power Able To Destroy The Power Of Satan: ‘He Shall Be Broken By The Hand Of God.’

Daniel 7:1-28There before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven... His Kingdom is one that will never be destroyed’(13-14). These words point us to Christ’s description of His Second Coming, the Coming of His Kingdom: ‘They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the …

There Is Only One Kingdom Which Stands Forever – The Kingdom Of God.

Daniel 1:1-2:16‘Daniel resolved not to defile himself’(8). Daniel was devoted to the Lord. It was not easy to live as the Lord’s faithful servant. His dedication to the Lord was put to the test - ‘Test your servants’(12). Our faith is put to the test. We ‘suffer many trials’. Why does God allow our faith …

Beyond our sufferings …

"Throw them into the burning fiery furnace" (Daniel 3:20). Life can be like a "burning fiery furnace." We are not alone in this "burning fiery furnace." Jesus is with us. He has suffered death for us - and,now, he suffers with us. Through faith in him, we look beyond our suffering to his triumph. Whatever …

The handwriting on the wall

The handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5) is a word of judgment. Numbered, Numbered, Weighed and Divided - This is the message that came to Nebuchadnezzar from God. God has numbered the days of your kingdom. He will bring it to an end. You have been weighed on a scale. You have been found to …

The servants of God and the Son of God

“Look, I see four men ... The fourth one looks like a son of the gods” (Daniel 3:25). These words of Nebuchadnezzar point beyond the servants of God - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They point to the Son of God - our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Son of God saved His faithful servants. …

What Is More Important To You – Your Own Reputation Or The Glory Of God?

2 Samuel 16:1-23What is more important to you - your own reputation or the glory of God? ‘Curse David’- This was the last thing David wanted to hear. It may, however, have been what he needed to hear. Here, we see David’s true spiritual stature. This was not a ‘feel good’ message. David recognized that …

Where did Jesus’ power come from?

Jesus makes it perfectly clear that His power comes from God. This is the power of God at work. When we understand who Jesus is, we will understand that the power we see in Jesus is the power of God. Jesus is “Emmanuel.” He is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Recognizing who Jesus is – …

What a wonderful welcome! …

"Then, far in the distance, Jacob saw Esau coming with his 400 men. 2 Jacob now arranged his family into a column, with his two concubines and their children at the head, Leah and her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3 Then Jacob went on ahead. As he approached his brother he bowed low seven times before …

Standing on the promises of God …

"Esau hated Jacob because of what he had done to him (or because of the blessing with which his father, Isaac, blessed him, Jacob)" (Genesis 27:41). The story of Jacob and Esau can be read at a purely human level. Esau's reaction to Jacob's trickery was perfectly understandable. What are we to make of all …

‘Come to the Father through Jesus the Son’ …

PROVERBS 4:1-9  –  This is ‘a father’s instructions’ to his ‘sons’ (1). The father has been a ‘son’ (3). He has wrestled with temptation. He has needed the exhortation – ‘Let your heart hold fast…’ (4) – and the warning – ‘Do not turn away…’ (5). Now, we turn to the divine Father and Son. …

Moses was called to be a servant of God’s people.

Exodus 3:1-22Moses was called to be a servant of God's people. He was to be the leader who would play an important part in bringing the blessing of God to the people of Israel. He was not to be a 'lone ranger.' He was to "assemble the leaders of Israel" (Exodus 3:16). He was to …

In our own homes – let us celebrate the love of God …

It is no secret what God can do _____ Lord, everything seems so hopeless  – when we take our eyes off You! Help us to keep our eyes on You. Fill us with fresh hope. Sometimes, we can be optimists. Often, we’re pessimists. You’re always “the God of hope” (Romans 15:13). You’re always saying to us, …

The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)

Here, Jesus is saying to us, 'There is a way that leads to fruitfulness' - and he's also saying, "There's a way that will not lead to fruitfulness.' Jesus speaks about the sower, the seed and the soils. He's speaking about God's Word. He's inviting us to think about our response to God's Word: What …

God’s Eternal Love – In the redemption of Israel, we see love, eternal love, the love of God.

God had redeemed His people. He was with them, and He was about to reveal His saving power in a mighty way (Exodus 14:13-14). There is judgment as well as salvation (Exodus 14:30). Looking to neither the ‘right’ nor the ‘left’, we must look to the Lord (Exodus 14:21-22). Rejoicing in ‘the great work’ He …

What Will We Pass On To The Next Generation?

"What You have done will be praised from one generation to the next" (Psalm 145:4).These words, from Psalm 145, are calling on us to give an answer to a most important question: What will we pass on to the next generation?Will we pass on something of permanent value? Will we pass on something that stands the test …

Come Alive In Christ And Let Your Heart Be Filled With Praise To Him.

Psalm 19:1-14 - God reveals Himself in creation and Scripture. He speaks through His created world. He speaks through His written Word. God is always speaking. He is never silent. Through His created world, God is speaking to us - every day, every night. He is showing us His glory (1-2). He makes us aware …