1)# ’The Lord will be a refuge for his people.’
Joel 3:16 (14-17)
A refuge, or shelter, provides protection for the vulnerable. It protects from harm, gives relief from struggles and enables strength to be regained. The prophet spoke God’s promise to his people as they faced troubled times, just like you and me today, and even more so as we move closer to Christ’s return. A refuge is what the Lord becomes for all who will come to him, whatever troubles there might be. Through Bible reading, through prayer, through other people, by divine intervention, the help of the Lord is far more than just words.
For all the developments in science and artificial intelligence, we are still very vulnerable, and maybe even more so. as much of life depends on technology. Whether it’s the latest virus outbreak, an economic or environmental crisis, the latest cyber attack, or the growing unrest around the world, we are living in troubled and uncertain times. So it is important for us to experience the security that Jesus offers (Matt 11:28). Jesus said that we would face troubles of all sorts in this world (Jn 16:33), but he has overcome the world, so we do not need to be fearful. Whether we are struggling spiritually, emotionally or physically, we can find the help that we need as we take shelter in the Lord. He is our refuge.
2)# ’The voice of the Lord is powerful … is majestic.’
Psalm 29:4 (3-9)
It was the voice of the Lord that created all things. It was the voice of the Lord that spoke to the boy Samuel. It was the voice of the Lord that calmed the storm and brought Lazarus back to life. It is the voice of the Lord that declares ‘I am coming soon.’ But the voice of the Lord doesn’t need words. He speaks through creation, through circumstances, through the stirring of our hearts. It’s this ‘voice’ that the psalmist describes here.
Powerful and majestic, this is not just about noise and devastation. It’s the authority, glory and omnipotence of the Lord that is spoken of in these verses. Today’s society wants to ignore the voice of the Lord, so as to avoid being held accountable. But as we are experiencing, it results in destruction and despair, not the desired freedom and prosperity. Much better to recognise his voice and live in obedience to him as Lord and King (v10). As we do so, then we will know his strength and peace (v11). So today, let God speak to us and through us as we declare his power and majesty and cry, with the psalmist, ‘Glory to the King!’
3)# ’Refresh your memory.’
2 Peter 1:13 (5-15)
This is not about our computers, but about our lives. Peter recognises the need to remind us of what we have been saved from (v9) and what we are saved for (v11). He speaks of ‘adding to’ and ‘increasing measure’ because we need to remember that we’re getting ready for that ‘eternal kingdom’. He says that if we don’t develop in this way then we are ‘short-sighted and blind’ and have lost sight of what we’ve been saved from and what we’ve been saved for.
Remembering where we’ve come from can encourage us to keep going and not give up. Looking forward to what is ahead gives us the motivation for the hard work required to get there. Reminding ourselves and each other of these things is much needed and will keep us from getting lost on the way. The Christian life has been described in many ways but one thing is for sure - it’s not easy and as Peter makes clear, ‘every effort’ will be required, so every encouragement we can give to one another today, will help.
4)# ’She despised him in her heart.’
2 Samuel 6:16 (12-16 & 20-23)
This is a warning for us all. The joy and celebration of David was in sharp contrast to the reaction of Michal. It seems that the bitterness and resentment of King Saul towards David had been passed on to his daughter. Instead of joining in with delight, she looked on in disgust. Instead of rejoicing with her husband she criticised his behaviour. From what we read, it seems that these deeply-held feelings affected her physically for the rest of her life (v23).
Bitterness, resentment, malice, jealousy, anger, selfishness, greed must all be dealt with as one would deal with a virulent virus. Drastic action will be required. If nothing is done, they will grow and have a deeper impact on our lives than we might think. Much better to seek the cleansing of the Holy Spirit and encourage his fruit to develop in our lives. His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. These things will provide the best immunity against destructive attitudes.
5)# ’But in your thinking be adults.’
1 Corinthians 14:20 (13-21)
A couple of phrases earlier the apostle Paul had said, ‘Stop thinking like children’. Childish thinking is when we focus on ourselves. We may disguise it, but it’s fundamentally thinking about ‘me’ and satisfying my desires and my needs. It seems that many in the Corinthian Church were acting selfishly, engaging in a lot of speaking in tongues without regard for the impact it had on other people. The result was a mixture of chaos and confusion. A lot of noise without much substance - or interpretation. Some people were being excluded whilst other people were busy with doing their own thing.
As Christians, adult thinking is when we consider other people above ourselves, so that everything is done for the strengthening of the church as a whole (v26). In a world that is so often about ‘self’, the Church has to guard against following suit. Paul encourages all-member-ministry with sensitivity to both the Holy Spirit and to one another. Jesus came, not to be served, but to serve and he calls on his Church to do the same. So let’s be grown up in our thinking and actions, so that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are used well and for the common good.
6)# ’We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.’
2 Chronicles 20:12 (5-13)
What a humble admission and what an important ‘but’! King Jehoshaphat and the Israelites faced a ‘vast army’ (vs 12). The odds were heavily stacked against them and in favour of their enemies. Just before this admission is another one - ‘we have no power…’. King Jehoshaphat was humble enough to acknowledge their collective weakness. But, instead of panicking or giving up, they turned to the Lord for help. We read that ‘All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD.’ It was time to wait for the Lord to act.
There are times in all our lives when ‘we do not know what to do’. However old or young we might be, however much of life we have come through, there are times when you and I are up against it with seemingly no way out. Well, let’s follow the example of Jehoshaphat and the Israelites. Let’s get alone with the Lord, stand before him, admit our weakness and look to him for help. Then let’s wait and ‘see the deliverance the Lord will give’ (v17) as he shows us the way forward.
7)# ’The church was earnestly praying to God.’
Acts 12:5 (4-10)
Two things to notice in this response to a crisis. Firstly, the church prayed. Not only was Peter in prison, but he was lined up for trial and likely execution the very next day. Time was running out. The church’s response was not to panic or seek a royal pardon. Instead they turned to God in prayer. It was the same for Daniel and his friends when King Nebuchadnezzar ordered their execution, along with all the other wise men (Dan 2:17). Maybe this is why the Lord allows times of crisis in our lives. It reveals who we really think can help and make a difference, especially when time is running out.
Secondly, the crisis brought the church together. Young and old, male and female, leader and follower were equal before God through prayer. Each person’s prayer mattered, however long or short, however loud or quiet; all were heard by the Lord. You and I may have different gifts, but we can all pray and by praying together we can all share in seeing God’s power at work. Let’s not leave prayer as a neglected aspect of our Christian life, but instead let’s make it the no.1 go-to for all situations.
8)# ’She took him to Pharaoh’s daughter.’
Exodus 2:10 (5-10)
This can’t have been easy. Moses’ mother knew that this moment would come one day. A very young Moses was moving out from an Israelite community into Egyptian royal society. His mother, Jochebed, would have been well aware of the influences and attractions that Moses would face, yet she let him go. Jochebed is mentioned only once more in passing. Her work had been done, a God-centred foundation had been laid for Moses’ life, which was of eternal significance.
For any parent, the time comes when we have to let our children go, out into the world with all its challenges. But the same Lord who kept Moses, through good and bad times, can keep our children too, even over many years. As in the case of Moses, it may be hard and they may make mistakes, but the Lord can use their Christian upbringing to remind them of their true identity. Let’s make the most of the time our children are ‘under our roof’ and then keep praying for them as they go out into the world. I’m sure Moses’ mum didn’t stop thinking about him and praying for him, especially when he was on the run from Pharaoh.
9)# ’Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die.’
Revelation 3:2 (1-6)
The church in Sardis was well-off in many respects. It had a reputation for being ‘alive’ and probably drew people from afar for church meetings. No doubt there was lots happening and being in a wealthy city, it probably wasn’t short of funds. But outward success is no guarantee of spiritual life. Complacency had led to compromise (‘soiled clothes’) and the church had fallen asleep spiritually. There were lots of leaves, but very little fruit (cf Matt 21:19).
The call to ‘wake up’ is very apt for all Christians today. In a pluralistic society where tolerance and inclusion are promoted, the Church of Jesus must not become complacent and fall asleep. Contrary to what some religions would claim, we do not all worship the same God, and Jesus is so much more than just a prophet or good teacher. Guarding against the dangers of compromise and complacency may not be easy, especially when we are in the minority, as was the case for the few here in Sardis (v4), but if we remain faithful to Jesus and his teaching, then the promised reward is waiting for us.
10)# ’A horse is a vain hope for deliverance.’
Psalm 33:17 (12-19)
The ‘horse’ of today may have changed for something more high tech, but the ‘vain hope’ is still around. Relying on science, technology or governments to fix society’s problems will prove useless as time and again we are let down. Yet how easy it is to be taken in with the images, the promises, the presentations! We hope that things will be different this time, only to find they are not. The psalmist is right when he adds ‘despite all its great strength it (the horse, or our modern equivalent) cannot save.’
All around us is uncertainty, unease and unrest. People are questioning their identities. Fractured families can cause insecurity. Freedom of expression can result in conflict. The wounds of society are getting more severe and need more than to be covered over with sticking plasters, because sticking plasters don’t change the human heart. Our only hope for deliverance is in the Lord Jesus our Saviour. When our trust is in him, when our lives are built on his teaching, then he promises to ‘deliver (us) from death and keep (us) alive in famine’ (v18-19) for his love is unfailing.
11)# ’They laughed at him.’
Luke 8:53 (49-56)
When the odds are stacked against us, when we are faced with what appears to be a hopeless situation, having faith in the power of God may seem ludicrous. Both the crowd and Jairus saw the same lifeless body of a girl. When told she was asleep, it seemed ridiculous to those without faith, so all they could do was laugh at Jesus. But Jairus kept believing and his faith was rewarded.
Let’s not be surprised when society considers us, as Christians, foolish. Paul spoke of the foolishness of the gospel and to the world around us, that’s just what it will seem. But that same foolishness is the very power of God for salvation to those who believe. If we are put off by the dismissive attitudes of other people, then we’ll struggle to follow Jesus. But if like Jairus we’re prepared to stand firm in our faith in Christ, then we’ll see the power of God at work in and through us. If they laughed at Jesus, then we must also be prepared for them to laugh at us, as his followers.
12)# ’They will know that I am the LORD.’
Ezekiel 13:21 (20-23)
This statement occurs 54 times in the book of Ezekiel. Each time, it comes with either a warning of judgement or a promise of salvation. For the nations that had defied the Lord and oppressed his people, this revelation would come through judgement. Their pride and glory would be removed and they would be humbled and shamed. But for the Israelites they would know the Lord as their redeemer and protector.
One day Jesus is coming back to do away with sin and bring judgement on those who have rejected his Lordship. But he will bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (Heb 9:28). During his millennial reign, every knee will bow, in recognition of who Jesus is - and every tongue will confess that he is LORD, whether they want to or not (Phil 2:10-11). But until then, as the people of God today, you and I have been called to make known the salvation offered in Jesus Christ. Even to those who deny the very existence of God, we must make him known and must not stay quiet.
13)# ’As soon as she heard about him.’
Mark 7:25 (24-30)
Word had got out as to where Jesus was. This Greek woman heard and she acted immediately, because there was no time to lose. She didn’t know how long Jesus might be at this house, or whether there would ever be this opportunity again. Whatever she was doing could be left. Whoever she was with could wait. She came straight away ‘and fell at his feet’. To plead with Jesus on behalf of her daughter was now her priority and she was not going to let the opportunity pass. Everything else was secondary. Her faith was not weakened by her social status and she got her reward.
Our situations and needs may be different from this lady’s, but our ears and eyes must always be attentive to the Lord. The busyness of life can often distract us. Jobs need to be done, people need our attention and we put off time with Jesus. Later in the day often becomes tomorrow and tomorrow then has its own distractions. Let’s learn from this lady and, whether for healing or guidance, comfort or practical help, or simply to enjoy his company, let’s make time with Jesus a priority for each and every day.
14)# ’He did what was right ... but not wholeheartedly.’
2 Chronicles 25:2 (1-4)
Appearances can be deceptive. King Amaziah’s behaviour covered over a lack of commitment to follow the Lord Jehovah wholeheartedly. Whilst Amaziah’s reign started well, the more he succeeded, the more he became ‘arrogant and proud’ (v19) and his commitment to the Lord waned. He became complacent in his worship of the Lord, which left him vulnerable to letting his heart be given to other things - and sure enough, he took a fancy to other gods (v14). His worship of the Lord was compromised and as a result his people were defeated and he was captured and then assassinated.
Complacency is easy to fall into, especially when we feel strong. It leaves us vulnerable to giving in to temptation. Adam and Eve became complacent in the Garden of Eden. Samson became complacent, playing games with the Philistines. David became complacent when he set eyes on Bathsheba. Amaziah became complacent and worshipped other gods. So let’s learn from Amaziah’s mistake and follow the advice of Psalm 119:30, ‘I have set my heart on your laws…for you have set my heart free.’ This is the best way to stay out of trouble and to stay right before the Lord.
15)# ’Do whatever he tells you.’
John 2:5 (1-10)
The wine had run out; the host faced embarrassment; so Mary asked Jesus to help. Whilst Mary had to learn that she could not interfere with divine plans, her encouragement to the servants prepared them for when the timing was right for Jesus to act. As they obediently filled the jars with water, then drew out some of it to give to the master of the banquet, the glory of Christ was revealed as it became the very best wine (v11). This sign pointed to the transformation that Christ Jesus would make possible for all who trust in his death and resurrection.
‘Do whatever he tells you.’ This simple advice applies to all disciples of Christ. Firstly we have to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, which is a challenge, especially in a noisy world where human logic and reasoning are loud. Bible time, prayer time, fellowship with other Christians can all be part of hearing God speak. So we must take time to listen. Then secondly we have to ‘do’, to act. Obedience to Christ, irrespective of how it sits with society, is necessary if we are to make the full beauty and majesty of Christ known. And as his glory is revealed, so people will be drawn to put their faith in him, just as they did in Cana (v11). So let’s listen to the Holy Spirit - and then do whatever he tells us today.
16)# ’He will take great delight in you.’
Zephaniah 3:17 (14-17)
For many of us we probably feel more like an embarrassment to God than a source of delight. We are well aware of our failings and assume that we must often be a disappointment. Yet here we’re told of God’s delight, his joy and satisfaction in his people, even going as far as to say that he rejoices over them with singing! What was true for the Israelites is true for you and me as God works out his salvation in our lives.
So how can this be true? Well, God sees us ‘in Christ’ and that makes all the difference. As Ephesians puts it, we show ‘the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus’. From rags to riches, the gutter to the palace, enemies to friends, afar off to close by, sins forgiven, relationship restored, children of God - it’s all God’s doing! No wonder he delights in us as we reflect his glory! Enjoy!
17)# ’A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.’
2 Peter 2:19 (17-22)
This is obvious, but not always accepted. You don’t have to be in chains to be a slave. The sadness is that many of us are slaves and don’t even know it. Some ‘masters’ are more obvious than others, but whatever we struggle to do without in life, may well have enslaved us. Whilst we must recognise that enjoyment is not the same as enslavement, the reality is that the one can lead to the other, unless we are on our guard. As Paul put it, speaking to believers, ‘do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature’ (Gal 5:13). It’s something we are all vulnerable to.
It can be healthy to periodically ‘fast’ from things, simply to make sure that they do not have have an unhealthy hold over us. Yet thankfully, if something has already enslaved us, Christ can set us free. As we acknowledge our weaknesses and failings, we can know his forgiveness and deliverance. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can make any necessary adjustments to how we live and if we let Christ be Lord of our lives and live in obedience to him, we’ll find that other things are kept in their right place.
18)# ’She put a cover over him.’
Judges 4:18 (17-22)
Sisera was lulled into a false sense of security and it cost him his life. Jael made sure he was comfortable, with a drink of milk and a place to lie down - and then ‘put a cover over him’. The warmth of the blanket matched the seemingly warm welcome, but covered his eyes to what was really going on. Irrespective of the rights or wrongs of what followed, it serves as a warning to us not be taken in by the beguiling words of today’s society.
Jesus warns us to ‘watch out’, ‘stay awake’, ‘keep watch’ as his coming again gets closer by the day. Social changes are shifting further away from Biblical truth under the warm covering of tolerance and human reasoning. Reinterpreting the Bible to accommodate incompatible lifestyles must be resisted. Living in obedience to Christ is becoming more challenging and costly. If we are called to live as ‘aliens and strangers in the world’ (1 Pet 2:11) then we shouldn’t be surprised if we don’t feel comfortable with all that is going on around us. Let’s heed the warning and not allow society to wrap us up in its blankets of compromise and conformity.
19)# ’Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’
Matthew 12:48 (46-50)
At first glance this seems an odd thing for Jesus to say given the situation, but it reveals significant truths.
Firstly, relationship with Christ is not based on human birthrights or ancestral lines, but on divine grace. All who are born again by the Spirit of God are given the right to be children of God and co-heirs with Christ.
Secondly, our relationship with Jesus can be close and personal - just like a mother or brother. We may be part of the world-wide Church of Jesus, but he knows us and calls us by name. We can now speak to God as ‘Abba’, the equivalent of ‘Daddy’. Let’s enjoy the intimacy of knowing God one-to-one.
Thirdly, our relationship with Christ is not based on achievement, but on obedience, ‘whoever does the will of my Father...’ Obedience is linked with trust, which is linked with relationship. The closer we are to Christ, the more we can trust him and the more we will walk in obedience day by day. So let’s make the most of being in God’s family today.
20)# ’Eli thought she was drunk.’
1 Samuel 1:13 (12-18)
It’s interesting how we can get wrong impressions of people. Far from being drunk, Hannah was pouring out her soul to the Lord. How often we can misunderstand one another and jump to wrong conclusions. Eli’s mistake was to sit on the sidelines, just watching. It was only when he came alongside Hannah and engaged with her that he learned of her anguish and grief. It changed his perspective and he could offer prayerful support and encouragement. It’s a lesson for all of us.
You and I can often struggle to get beyond the unusual appearance or the unconventional behaviour. It’s easy for us to observe from a distance and then get a wrong impression. Helping one another means getting alongside, putting ourselves out, getting involved. Like Eli did, we need to get up off the sidelines and draw alongside people where they are. In doing that, we’ll be following the example of Christ himself and it might just make all the difference to someone’s situation.
21)# ’I am the woman ... praying to the Lord.’
1 Samuel 1:26 (24-28)
Some time earlier Hannah had spoken of herself in general terms. ‘I am a woman who is deeply troubled’ (1 Sam 1:15). Now she speaks more specifically. ‘I am the woman ...’ The definite article is included in the Hebrew and distinguishes Hannah from other troubled women, perhaps reminding the priest Eli of their previous encounter. She had been noticed, as ‘in bitterness of soul’ she had cried out to the Lord with tears of anguish and grief. The pain of being childless was too much for her to bear. She had been provoked by Peninnah, wrongly accused by Eli, but remembered favourably by the Lord. Her persistence in prayer (v12) was rewarded and later on she gave birth to Samuel.
So how do you and I compare with Hannah? Who do we turn to in our struggles? How persistent are we in our prayer times? Who do we trust when the future is uncertain? Well, let’s be like Hannah and turn to the Lord, time and again, irrespective of what other people may say or do. He hears, he remembers, he answers and we can trust him to do what is right and for our good.
22)# ’He wanted to justify himself.’
Luke 10:29 (25-29)
This is a dangerous thing to do with Jesus. It seems that this incident happened in public and the expert in the law wanted to be seen (he stood up) and heard as he put Jesus to the test, perhaps to show why he was an ‘expert’ in the Law. Well, he got more than he bargained for as he tried to justify himself. Jesus responded with the parable of the good Samaritan and this expert’s neighbour turned out to be the very person he despised. Jews didn’t get on with Samaritans. What's more, after he acknowledged the mercy shown by the Samaritan to the Jew, the expert in the law was told to, ‘Go and do likewise.’
You and I can sometimes separate our love for the Lord Jesus from our love for our ‘neighbour’, especially if our ‘neighbour’ is someone we don’t get on with. But as this expert in the law found out, the two go together. Loving the Lord means loving even our enemies and that is not easy. This ‘agapao’ love is not based on feelings, but on our will. It’s one thing to know what we should do, it’s another thing to actually do it. We might try and justify times when we don’t put theory into practise; lack of time, avoiding embarrassment, not wanting to interfere, and so on. But all these things go out of the window when Jesus says to us, ‘Go and do likewise’.
23)# ’Then shout!’
Joshua 6:10 (8-11)
There are times when confidence in the Lord must be declared. For six days the Israelite army had marched around Jericho once each day, silently, except for the sound of trumpets. Then on the seventh day they did it seven times - without a word - until Joshua gave them the nod. Then they were to SHOUT!! We’re not exactly sure what they shouted, but, whatever it was, it was a shout of faith in the Lord. It declared that their confidence was in him and not in their own strength. It was a shout that gave glory to the Lord and brought victory over the enemy.
Sometimes, as followers of Jesus, staying quiet and simply being a presence is effective enough; but at other times our trust in the Lord and belief in what is right must be declared - boldly and publicly. Sometimes the strongholds of the devil can be stubborn and can only be broken down by that bold declaration of faith in Christ’s power and victory. So, let’s live the new life in Christ, with confidence and when the Spirit prompts us - let’s shout it out!
24)# ’I will praise you, O Lord, among the peoples.’
Psalm 108:3 (1-5)
Firstly, the psalmist declares his intent, ‘I will…’ Whether he feels like it or not, whatever the circumstances, each and every day he is determined to praise the Lord. Let’s follow his example.
Then secondly, the praise is personal. ‘I will praise you’. It is rooted in a relationship. Genuine praise comes out of a living experience of God’s love and faithfulness to each one of us (v4).
Thirdly, he will ‘praise’ the Lord. The word that is used for ‘praise’ is linked to indicating with the hands. Whilst the physical raising of the hands may be included in our praise, the aim of praise is to exalt and glorify the Lord (v5). The focus is away from us and onto the Lord. When other people blaspheme the name of Jesus, let’s exalt his name as we praise him.
Lastly, the praise is amongst ‘the peoples’. It’s public; amongst work colleagues, family, friends. Praise declared in this sort of way becomes a witness and points other people to Jesus. Let’s not hold back. Let’s praise the Lord in word and deed today.
25)# Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
Matthew 4:1 ( 1-11)
The Greek word translated here as ‘tempted’, is better understood as testing and discipline. God the Holy Spirit was leading God the Son into a time of preparation for what lay ahead. As God incarnate, this was a time to strengthen his spiritual, emotional and physical resolve for what was to come. A time proved by his resisting the immediate challenges of Satan at the end of forty days and then again throughout his earthly ministry. The discipline learned in the desert was most needed when Jesus faced death on the cross and bore the wrath of Holy God for our sin.
Whilst some times in a desert place can be the result of our rebellion, such as with the Israelites after they left Egypt, other times are ‘led by the Spirit’ and become opportunities for being shaped and refined, developing a Christ-like character in readiness for what lies ahead, as with Moses. And for some Israelites, born during the years of wandering in the desert, it became a time of preparation for entering into the land of Canaan under God’s blessing.
So for you and me, when called to endure times in a desert place, spiritually, emotionally or physically, let’s be aware of the training and discipline it offers in readiness for what God has for us to do next, knowing that Jesus himself has been there before us and has overcome.
Edited to here
26)# ’So he took them off.’
1 Samuel 17:39 (33-40)
David’s fight against Goliath was not about worldly protection or power. Wearing Saul’s armour, helmet and sword were more of a hindrance than a help and David recognised this, ‘so he took them off’.
You and I will encounter various ‘giants’ in life and whilst the world may offer some help and advice, our trust must primarily be in the Lord God Almighty. A sling and some stones didn’t seem much of a match for a sword, spear and shield, and David didn’t seem much of a match for a giant. But when our trust is ‘in the name of the Lord Almighty’, which means trusting in his might, his power and his ways of working, then even the weak and simple things can overcome the giants. Let’s depend on the Lord for our protection and power today, and make sure we get dressed in the armour of God (Eph 6:10ff) before we go out.
27)# ’If you are willing, you can make me clean.’
Matthew 8:2 (1-4)
There’s a wonderful blend of faith and respect in what this leper says to Jesus. Having knelt in front of Jesus, he is clear that his healing is fully dependant on Christ’s mercy and grace. Yet he doesn’t allow this to diminish his faith.
Sometimes our lack of control in a situation can cause us to doubt Christ’s control over a situation. Whatever our problem or difficulty, Christ is always over and above it. Yet his mercy and grace to help us are not ours to demand, but ours to request. Both in his posture and in his request, this man humbles himself before the Lord and the Lord graciously lifts him up and gives him healing and restore his dignity.
Christ’s willingness to make us clean is evident by his death on the cross for us. As we kneel before him, we can know cleansing from sin, help in our troubles and opportunity for a new life in Christ as he says: ‘I am willing, be clean!’
28)# ’Your God, whom you serve continually.’
Daniel 6:16 (13-18)
Even in the face of threats and a den of hungry lions, Daniel’s service for God did not waver. It was his service to the Lord that had got Daniel into the lions’ den in the first place. His unfaltering service was now being put to the test. We know the end of the incident, but Daniel didn’t. The priority for Daniel was not to survive, but to serve. If he’d been more concerned about surviving, then he’d have modified his service by cancelling his prayer time for thirty days.
Sometimes the society around us can feel a bit like a den of lions. Some changes in UK legislation are challenging Biblical teaching. Social views about what is acceptable or not have changed and certain beliefs can be seen as prejudice or discriminatory. Some Biblical declarations made in a public space can now be taken as inciting religious hatred and the pressure is on to compromise what we say and even believe. Like Daniel we will have to make a choice, so let’s ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to make the right choice and continue to serve the Lord our God, irrespective of the cost.
29)# ’He shut the mouths of the lions.’
Daniel 6:21 (17-23)
As we saw yesterday, lions are intimidating beasts - and so are some people. As with Daniel, we may sometimes feel intimidated by other people as we endeavour to live for Jesus at home, at work or amongst friends. Things we believe to be important are challenged or ridiculed. Things we do or don’t do can make us feel like the odd one out. But like Daniel, if we trust in the Lord, he will ‘shut the mouths of the lions’ as it were, and give us the strength and courage to withstand opposition.
Yes, we may have to spend time in amongst ‘the lions’ of this world, so to speak, smells and dirt included, but the Lord will protect us. They may walk around us, push against us and rough us up a bit, but if we stay true to Jesus, then we will be able to join with Daniel and declare ‘they have not hurt me.’ As Peter encourages us, ‘Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.’ (1 Pet 2:12).
30)# ’Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.’
1 Corinthians 15:58 (50-58)
In this phrase each word counts, so let’s consider them in turn.
'Always', not just when we feel like it or when it suits us, but even in tough times, when things are against us.
'Give yourselves'. Much better to offer ourselves for service than be pushed or pulled by others. Willing hands are more useful than reluctant feet.
'Fully', not half-hearted. It can sometimes be better to do without the help of someone, rather than have their half-hearted effort. A ‘lukewarm’ approach was repulsive to Jesus (Rev 3) and it can affect other people.
'To the work'. This is to labour; effort is involved and focus is required. The Christian life is no holiday in the sun, though some of us would like it to be. But the rewards for our service will be out of this world - literally.
'Of the Lord'. It’s his work and that puts a whole new angle on things. We may have to deal with some awkward sheep, but it’s the Shepherd that we serve by doing so, and it’s the Shepherd who will lead us, feed us and bring us safely home.
’Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.’ Why? ‘Because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’
21/08/2026