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1)# ’Put your hope in God.’

Psalm 42:5 (1-6)

Hope is linked with the future, and the future of this world is looking bleak for so many at this time, despite all the ‘progress’ in science, medicine and technology. Like the psalmist, many of us may have struggled in our relationship with God at one time or another and lost the ‘shouts of joy and thanksgiving’ (v4) that we used to know! We may well feel lonely, gloomy and downcast, just like the psalmist. But as he reflects and remembers, he stirs himself, and us, to hope, to be confident, in God.

God doesn’t make empty promises or let us down, but gives his people the Holy Spirit now as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. He knows the future and can help us live in the present dependant on him, rather than on the vain promises of the world around us. As Jesus explained, if God looks after the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields, how much more will he look after you and me. We can have a different attitude and a different approach to life as we put our trust and hope in the Lord. He alone can save us, now and for eternity.


2)# ’But Jesus was sleeping.’

Matthew 8:24 (23-27)

Sleeping - not because he didn’t care, but because he hadn’t yet been woken. Sleeping, because Christ was at peace, even in the storm. The disciples, being fishermen, had taken control of the boat, but a routine crossing of the lake had turned into a nightmare for them as the storm hit the water. For some time they struggled on, but things just got worse. Only then did the seasoned fishermen turn to the carpenter for help.

Life can be like that for you and me. We welcome Jesus in church times, but leave him asleep, as it were, in the back of the boat for the rest of the week. Somehow we think we ought to cope at work, with our family, amongst our friends or maybe we just don’t see how Jesus fits in to those situations. The reality is that Jesus is just as good at sailing boats as he is at fashioning wood. So let’s not leave him asleep, so to speak, during our week, but welcome him to be involved in every aspect of our life and discover the difference that he can make.


3)# ’Fear not for I have redeemed you.’

Isaiah 43:1 (1-7)

In a world where buy-outs and take-overs happen all the time, there is a lot of insecurity around. Jobs, services, investments can all be at risk under new owners. But for those who have been ‘purchased’ by the Lord God, there can be complete confidence and security. Whatever we may go through in this world, Father God will never leave us nor forsake us. The redemption of his people Israel, spoken of here by Isaiah, was a shadow of the redemption he brought about for you and me through the death and resurrection of Messiah Jesus.

In the following verses, the Lord reassures his people that, though they may go through hard and testing times, he will be with them. They will not be on their own and he will look after them. The same is true for you and me. The Lord has promised to be with us, through ‘waters’, ‘rivers’, ‘fire’ and ‘flames’. He has redeemed us not for some third party, but for himself. We are precious, honoured and loved by him. We are called, each one, by name and we belong to him. How amazing is that! Let fear be gone and let assurance take its place.


4)# ’So he went in to stay with them.’

Luke 24:29 (28-35)

This was a turning point for these two disciples. They were tired, discouraged, struggling with all that had gone on in the previous week. Such was their gloom that they couldn’t even recognise the risen Jesus as he walked along with them. Yet something had happened during their conversation on the road that caused them to want this stranger’s company a little longer. Instead of letting him go on his way, they invited him in and then recognised him as their risen Saviour as he broke the bread. They saw the nail marks in his hands.

There will be times in our Christian walk when we struggle to make sense of things. Problems come, things don’t work out, the future seems bleak and we feel tired and discouraged. But, as in this case, the Lord Jesus is there with us, during the difficult times, and will make himself known to us through the person of the Holy Spirit. As we acknowledge him, we’ll know his presence and peace for the present, and his reassurance about the future. And as we experience him at work in our lives, we will have something worth sharing with other people - just like these two disciples.


5)# ’An ever-present help in trouble.’

Psalm 46:1 (1-7)

Targets are set for how quickly the emergency services should respond to a request for help. The media carries stories of delayed response, causing critical situations to become even worse. Well, there’s no such delay with the Lord God. The psalmist tells us that he is ‘ever-present’. No need to pick up the phone or send a text. As we go through each and every day the Lord is right there with us.

The psalmist acknowledges the Lord’s help. For help to be of any value, it must be accepted so that it can make a difference. Although the Lord may not normally be seen or felt by our physical senses, it does not stop him from helping us in real and effective ways, directly or through other people. Whatever trouble we may encounter today, let’s turn to the Lord first, as he’s already present and ready to help.


6)# ’What she has done.’

Matthew 26:13 (6-13)

What this lady had done, could not be undone. To those looking on, this action seemed impulsive and wasteful. What they saw was expensive perfume being poured out. Once poured out it could not be taken back. Something had to be said, so some of the disciples said it. But actions speak louder than words. This lady said nothing (as far as we know) but spoke volumes through her action. What she did out of her love for the Lord was in preparation for what he did out of his love for the world.

Perhaps those around the table felt exposed by what this woman did. Many called Jesus ‘Lord, Lord’ but did not show it in the way they lived. It’s a challenge and an encouragement for us all. Words can be impressive, but actions prove our love for Christ. The Bible tells us that God loved us, so God acted and gave his Son Jesus to be our Saviour. Now he calls us to follow his example. Let’s do something today to show our love for Jesus and not worry about what other people may think or say.


7)# ’Then Daniel returned to his house.’

Daniel 2:17 (14-19)

When things got tough in the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar, the reaction of Daniel was in sharp contrast to the reaction of the other ‘wise’ men. They pleaded with the King, whereas Daniel went home, and with his three friends, pleaded with Almighty God. They spent all the time available with the Lord, asking for his mercy and help. As they prayed, God revealed what they needed to know. ‘During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision.’

It can be a real challenge for most of us to stay calm and do the right thing when faced with a crisis. Yet what seems a crisis to us, is all under control with the Lord - if only we will trust him. When things go wrong and we are up against it, let’s not panic. Let’s come to the Lord first and seek his help. Then, as he brings us through the difficulties, let’s give him the praise and glory, just like Daniel did.


8)# ’When Jesus saw their faith.’

Mark 2:5 (1-12)

This was collective faith. ‘Their faith’. At least four people came carrying this paralysed man, encouraging one another’s faith. We might struggle on our own and doubts might hinder our faith in what God can do. So let’s join together, with other people, encourage one another and strengthen our faith in Christ, particularly during challenging times.

This was visible faith. ‘Jesus saw…’ The apostle James says that faith without action is dead. Some people speak of having a ‘private faith’, but if faith is to be recognised, then it will have to ‘go public’, at some point. Jesus saw their faith as the roof opened up and the man was let down in front of him. Actions certainly speak louder than words where faith is concerned.

This is rewarded faith. ‘Your sins are forgiven…get up, take up your mat, go home’. Jesus responds to this collective, visible faith and the man received forgiveness and healing. Faith revealed can be rewarded. May our faith in Christ be visible in us today so that other people may see and praise our Father in heaven.


9)# ’Then God remembered Rachel.’

Genesis 30:22 (17-24)

The Hebrew word translated as ‘remembered’ means to recognise. It wasn’t that God had forgotten Rachel, but now was the time for her to play her part in God’s plan. Just as God recognised Noah as a righteous man, and called him to build a boat to provide salvation for those who entered it, so Rachel gave birth to a son who would save God’s chosen family from famine. As a result, another plan of salvation was begun in Egypt, that provided a foretaste of our salvation in Christ.

Rachel had struggled for years, unable to have children, whilst her sister Leah had seven children. It had not been an easy time within the family. But now the waiting was over and she was ready to fulfil her God-given role. God’s timing is what counts and our lives are best lived according to his will, not ours. He gives us time to develop our character, our servant heart and our gifts. But we are not forgotten. We are included in God’s plan and have a part to play. As we offer our every-day lives to the Lord, let’s be available, so that we are ready to serve according to the Lord’s timing - just like Rachel.


10)# ’Your heavenly Father knows that you need them.’

Matthew 6:32 (28-34)

Panic buying can be infectious. Whether it’s food or fuel, we’ve all felt the pressure to buy more than we need when a shortage is threatened. Resisting it, requires a strength of will or, better still, confidence in our heavenly Father, even in the 21st century! Stockpiling leaves empty shelves in shops and empty cupboards in other people’s homes. Much better to trust that our heavenly Father will provide all that we need, as we need it, and be willing to share what we have with other people. Putting Christ and his Kingdom first means serving him, and other people, ahead of serving ourselves. Not easy when those around us act differently.

Jesus says that the One who gives life will provide for life. He is talking here about the very practical needs of life. The question is not whether Father God will meet our needs, but whether we will trust him - and so be a witness to the world around us. It’s a challenge, but let’s be content to have what we need for today and trust the Lord to provide for tomorrow.


11)# ’You are the helper of the fatherless.’

Psalm 10:14 (12-18)

The psalmist was probably speaking of those who have lost their father through death, but, as we know, many others are left ‘fatherless’ through divorce and family breakdowns. For some, ‘fatherless’ speaks of feeling bereft, without the strength and guidance that a father figure can provide. In these situations, people can feel vulnerable and may long for a ‘strength-filled hug’. Well, the psalmist says that our heavenly Father is our helper at these times.

The Hebrew word for ‘helper’ means to ‘surround’ or ‘protect’ and speaks of providing ‘aid’. It speaks of spiritual, emotional and practical care. It’s that all-embracing hug that touches the depths of our being. Many can testify to that experience of God in their lives, sometimes expressed through the actions of another person. Whether it’s for us or someone else, let’s call on God as our Father today, for that comfort, help and reassurance, that he alone can give.


12)# ’Refreshed the hearts of the saints.’

Philemon 1:7 (1-7 done)

How we need a few people like Philemon around today! The Greek word for ‘refreshed’ speaks of providing and encouraging rest from labour, taking time to recover and renew our strength. It seems that Philemon had a way of helping people in the Church to take time out, to re-charge their batteries without adding a burden of guilt.

With the pressures of everyday life there are many people, including ourselves, who need this ‘refreshing’ ministry. It’s all too easy for us as Christians, especially in the Church, to become busy with activities and not allow time for refreshment. Whether it’s face to face, on social media or by a phone call,  let’s look to provide refreshment and rest to people we know today, especially those who are alone and worn out.


13)# ’And he removed his sandal.’

Ruth 4:8 (5-10)

We’re told that in earlier times in Israel, this action was the recognised way for someone to transfer ownership from themselves to another person.  It was done in full view of local witnesses, not behind closed doors. The sandal was kept and remained as evidence that the transfer of ownership had been made.

In 2 Corinthians 1:22, Paul tells us that God has put his seal of ownership on us and his Holy Spirit lives within us, not only guaranteeing what is to come, but being the evidence of us belonging to the Lord Jesus now. As we know from other passages, the Holy Spirit produces fruit and gives gifts so that other people might see, and the Church might benefit from our being in Christ. Having a sandal is one thing, but having the Holy Spirit within us is something else - and a blessing to those around us. So, today, let’s live in the fulness of all that we are and have, in Christ.


14)# ’He will bear much fruit.’

John 15:5 (1-8)

This is a promise for all who are ‘in Christ’. Fruit has been described as the ‘visible expression of the invisible power working within.’ Our lives are that ‘visible expression’ of the work of the Holy Spirit, who is the ‘invisible power’ working deep within us. Fruit on a tree or bush is not hidden, but is clearly seen, and the same must be true of you and me, as followers of Jesus.

Sometimes you can’t tell a good tree from a bad tree - until the fruit comes. Then you know. In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul speaks of the good ‘fruit of the Spirit’ in all its aspects which will be manifest in our lives if we continue to remain ‘in Christ’ (v4).

Then notice the abundance - ‘more fruitful’ (v2) … ‘much fruit’ (v5). The fruitfulness of the Spirit is a blessing, for us and for other people, but comes after pruning (v2), You and I are not immune from the trials and tribulations of life, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can have a different perspective on these times of pruning, knowing that they can be used to make us more like Christ and more fruitful for God’s glory.


15)# ’You flood the Lord’s altar with tears.’

Malachi 2:13 (11-14)

These were tears of self-pity, not of repentance. The consequences of disobedience had caused the people of Judah to feel sorry for themselves rather than being sorry for their sin. They had intermarried with other nations and so broken their covenant with the Lord Jehovah. Now they hoped that much weeping and wailing would be enough to make God bail them out of trouble - yet again.

It can be just the same today. In times of crisis, when disaster looms, when our own resources fail, we might turn to God as a last resort, hope to win him over to bail us out, But the Lord is not taken in by ‘crocodile tears’ or outward show. He’s looking for a repentant heart that leads to a change of behaviour. Whether it’s individual sin or corporate neglect of God’s ways, like Judah, there are consequences. But troubled times can provoke a change of heart and 2 Corinthians 7:10 sums it up; ‘Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.’ Feeling sorry for ourselves will drag us down. Turning to Christ in repentance will lift us up. For us, for our country, for our world, it is time to seek the Lord and live his way.


16)# ’Prompted by her mother.’

Matthew 14:8 (6-12)

Parents can sometimes seek to fulfil their own goals through their children. Herodias held a long-standing grudge against John the Baptist and took this opportunity to get rid of him. Maybe the daughter would not have made this request on her own, but felt the pressure to please her mother.

Whilst we may not have such evil intent, there is a word of warning in this incident for all of us. Whether as a parent, a friend, a work colleague or similar, we need to guard against fulfilling our own purposes through other people. It can happen in the family, in the boardroom and in the corridors of government, Influencers on social media can cause people to act out of character, but it shouldn’t happen amongst the people of God.  As Christians we must live differently and set a good example for other people to follow. Putting other people first; seeking their wellbeing above our own; doing what is right, however costly that might be. It’s what Jesus did when on earth and now it’s what we his followers should do, in his Name. So today, let’s be influencers for good.


17)# ’They were left to test the Israelites.’

Judges 3:4 (1-6)

You and I can often shy away from tests - maybe out of fear of failing. Yet a test can help to develop our character, as well as our resolve. As God’s chosen people, the Israelites were given the land of Canaan to occupy, and to establish a kingdom for God on earth. God didn’t drive out all the occupying groups, but led his people in to be an influence for good and to test the strength of their obedience to the Lord God. But sadly the Israelites were all too easily influenced by those they were meant to change, and they drifted away from living God’s way. Does that sound familiar?

Jesus prayed, not for his followers to be taken out of the world, but to be kept safe in the world (Jn 17:15). He calls us to be an influence for good, to make a difference to those we live amongst (Matt 5:14). There will be times of testing, proving our commitment to the Lord, especially when easier options are available. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, and by encouraging one another, we can stand firm and be strengthened, not weakened, by testing times.


18)# ’Not grow weary and lose heart.’

Hebrews 12:3 (1- 7)

Weariness comes upon us gradually. We don’t suddenly become weary, but it creeps over us as time goes by. Often it comes when progress is slow, or when things are against us. Weariness can be physical, emotional and mental. But it can also affect us spiritually, which affects the attitude of our heart. We lose heart when we see no end in sight, no purpose to what is happening, no change in circumstances. Well, three encouragements are given in the book of Hebrews.

Firstly, the encouragement of those saints who have gone before us (see ch 11). All of them persevered through difficult times and received their eternal reward. Then we have the example of Jesus who ‘for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame’(v2). He was looking beyond the suffering to the glory that his death and resurrection achieved for God as well as for us. Lastly, we are given a different perspective on difficult times. Somehow God uses them to develop us into the likeness of Christ and produce in us ‘a harvest of righteousness and peace’ (v11). Sharing in the joy of Christ is our goal and promise. So let’s not grow weary or lose heart - but keep going!


19)# ’You are only a boy.’

1 Samuel 17:33 (32-37)

How often we limit what we believe God can do by what we see. Saul saw what stood before him - only a boy. Across the valley he saw a giant of a warrior and a whole army of Philistines. What Saul saw made him fearful and his fear made him weak and both fear and weakness had spread throughout the army of Israel. As a result their faith in the God of Israel was undermined.

But David saw things differently. He could see no difference between a lion or a bear and a Philistine giant. It wasn’t about the size of the opposition so much as the size of his faith in Almighty God.

There can be many ‘giants’ in our lives that remain undefeated because we focus on our fears and weaknesses rather than on the Lord’s strength within us. But things can change if we face these ‘giants’ in the ‘name of the Lord Almighty’. As the Apostle Paul knew only too well, it’s in our weakness that Christ’s strength can be manifest (2 Cor 12:9). So, whatever ‘giants’ we may face, let’s trust the Lord God to help us overcome and bring praise and glory to him.


20)# ’Some of your children walking in the truth.’  

2 John 4 (3-6)

The Apostle John may have been writing to an individual lady or speaking figuratively of the local church. His comment fits either and he has ‘great joy’ in hearing that some of the ‘children’ were followers of The Way. From what John writes, it seems that this was due to the good examples of those who were more mature in their faith in Christ. They provided the help and guidance for younger believers, to make sure they were not taken in by false teaching.

John’s letter is short, but to the point. He warns against giving any time or opportunity to those who deny the deity of Christ or who add or take away from the teaching of Jesus. This is just as important for the Church of Jesus today and we must all take responsibility for keeping one another ‘walking in the truth’. Biblical truth is being challenged on all sides and human reasoning can be persuasive. But if it’s not in accord with what the Bible says, let’s not give it time or space, in our own lives or in the local Church.


21)# ’Who searches minds and hearts.’

Psalm 7:9 (6-10)

There is both a warning and an encouragement here. The psalmist is calling on the Lord for justice in the face of personal attack. He acknowledges that God is not taken in by outward appearances, by fine-sounding words or human strength. He is not influenced by popular opinion. Instead, the Lord searches the depths of our being and knows the intentions of our hearts.

What we can hide from the eyes of other people, is plain for the Lord to see. Whether it’s fear or frustration, confusion or anxiety, the Lord knows and he is ready to help. He can calm the troubled mind and give reassurance and peace as we call out to him. But the Lord also searches hearts. He knows the intentions and motives behind the actions. He knows the temptations we struggle with and the weaknesses we have. He sees those tears shed in secret and hears the cry from our heart. And because he does, we can trust him to do what is right - for us and for other people.


22)# ’Not far from the Kingdom of God.’

Mark 12:34 (28-34)

This is one of those statements that leaves us wondering. Wondering whether this ‘teacher of the law’ ever came into the Kingdom of God or not. But maybe this incident is recorded to remind us that being ‘not far’ is not close enough - so to speak. It seems that this religious leader had all the knowledge, but was not yet living with the experience of what he knew.

Just knowing about something is not the same as experiencing something. We sometimes make the mistake of thinking that getting people into church for them to hear about the Christian life is the same as getting them into God’s Kingdom. But the knowledge without the experience is not enough. Nicodemus was another religious leader who was told by Jesus that to ‘see’ and ‘enter’ the kingdom of God, he ‘must be born again’ (John 3). From what we know, Nicodemus made sure he experienced this for himself.

Rebirth is a work of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live a new life with Christ as King. A new nature within, makes it possible to love the Lord Jesus as we should, and to demonstrate that love for other people. Let’s do what we can today, to help people we know to enter the Kingdom of God and not be left wondering.


23)# ’They worshipped the Lord but…’

2 Kings 17:33 (27-34)

I wonder what ‘buts’ there are in our worship of the Lord. For those who had been settled in Samaria from other nations, their worship of the Lord, as taught by an Israelite priest from the northern kingdom, was mixed with their worship of other gods. Whilst they had been taught how to worship the Lord (v28), it seems that they had not been taught how to let go of other gods. In v 41 we read that ‘while these people were worshipping the Lord, they were serving their idols.’ It’s clear that their actions did not match their words.

Much the same can be true today. For all who follow Christ, we need to deliberately let go of the old ways and habits. A new nature needs to be worked out in a new way of living. Paul tells us to ‘put off’, ‘put to death’ and ‘get rid of’ things incompatible with living with Christ as Lord. This calls for a regular review of our lives followed by appropriate change in our actions. As many of us know, it’s something we have to keep working at, to get rid of those ‘buts’.


24)# ’Your frequent illnesses.’

1 Timothy 5:23 (21-25)

We’re not sure what these ‘frequent illnesses’ were that Timothy suffered from, but they were significant enough for the Apostle Paul to give some advice. It seems that both Paul and Timothy had to live with physical problems whilst serving the Lord. Perhaps, as a church leader, to avoid any hint of drinking wine to excess, Timothy had taken to ‘drinking only water’ and a lack of safe drinking water could have contributed to Timothy’s illnesses. Rather than simply praying for healing, Paul’s practical advice to ‘stop drinking only water and use a little wine’, as a medicine, would help to settle the stomach and alleviate Timothy’s suffering. It would reduce the impact of his ‘frequent illnesses’ on his ministry.

Sickness and healing of any sort can be sensitive subjects to discuss, especially when some people do and some people don’t appear to be healed. This is true for both physical and mental illnesses. Whilst prayer for God’s help and healing is a right response, it is not nullified by offering and accepting practical help and advice, including medical support. So whether we give or receive, let’s accept God’s provision of help in different ways, that honours him and enables us to continue to serve him.


25)# ’Get up and eat.’

1 Kings 19:5 (1-8)

God uses the ordinary and mundane to help us to get a right perspective on life. Elijah was on the run in something of a panic. Having faced down 450 prophets of Baal, he couldn’t face the threats of Queen Jezebel. We read that he ‘ran for his life’ until he was worn out and utterly depressed. From the heights of Mount Carmel, Elijah sank to the depths of despair and wanted his life to end. From one extreme to another - maybe just like us? So God gets Elijah to calm down, have something to eat and then see things in a right way.

Mountain-top experiences are good, but most of life is about the mundane, the everyday situations at home, at work, amongst friends. It can be hard to keep our feet on the ground, so to speak, especially after we’ve been up the mountain! But as Elijah learned, the Lord is just as real and relevant in everyday life as he is on top of the mountain - and maybe more so. Let’s make sure we recognise Christ and acknowledge him in our daily life, so that our witness to other people is effective.


26)# ’They all ate and were satisfied.’

Matthew 14:20 (13-21)

For the thousands of men, women and children who’d gathered on the hillside, this was a meal that they would never forget. This was no illusion or trick, no figment of their imagination. You can’t eat what is not there! Not only had they all eaten, but they were all satisfied with plenty left over. They discovered that Jesus provides for the physical as well as for the spiritual aspects of life.

The same is true today. Living with our trust in Jesus means that our physical, emotional and spiritual needs will be met, even during difficult times. And Jesus is generous. The Greek word for ‘satisfied’ speaks of ‘abundance’. Enough leftovers to fill twelve baskets. What Jesus gives us will be more than enough for our own needs, so that we can share what we have with other people. Through us, Christ can provide for the needs of a broken world. As happened in the early Church, those with more than they needed gave to those who had less than they needed, so that everyone had what they needed and no-one was left without (Acts 4:34). So, let’s not let the blessing of God stop with us. Let’s pass it on to someone else today.


27)# ’And in this place I will grant peace.’

Haggai 2:9 (1-9)

Peace can be hard to find, especially in a world that is in such turmoil. But the peace promised here is not to be found, but to be received. It is linked with the presence of the Lord himself by his Spirit (v4&5).  As the Prince of Peace, God incarnate, Jesus came not simply to remove the enmity between God and Mankind, but to restore us into the place of right relationship with himself and to give us his peace, ‘shalom’.

For the Jews, the rebuilding of the temple and the return from exile marked the restoration of their relationship with God and another opportunity to live in obedience to him. For you and me, the death and resurrection of Christ has made forgiveness of sin and freedom from guilt a living reality. Peace is granted to all who are ‘in Christ’. It’s a peace that the world cannot give, nor can it take it away. Reconciled to God, we’re temples of the Holy Spirit. Living in peace with God - that’s the ‘place’ to be, as we await Christ’s return and the glory of a new heaven and earth, the eternal dwelling place of God with his people.


28)# ’A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’

Luke 12:15 (13-21)

These words of Jesus are concerning ‘all kinds of greed’. How destructive greed can be. Relationships are soured, as here in verse 13, and greed always wants more, no matter how much we have - as in the parable of a rich man (Lk 12). Yet how easy it is to succumb to the media hype, in all its formats, that having more, buying newer and building bigger is what life is about. But Jesus gives us a sharp reminder that this is a deception.

Perhaps when ‘normal’ life is disturbed, either by world events or personal situations, then we reassess what really matters in life. Possessions may make life more comfortable, but they neither guarantee life nor make us any more of a human being than other people. As God’s people we must actively guard against accumulating things for ourselves and encourage generosity towards other people. Let’s value people for who they are, not for ‘the abundance of their possessions’. As Archbishop William Temple once said, 'My worth is what I am worth to God and that is a
marvellous great deal for Christ died for me.'


29)#’From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.’

Psalm 8:2 (1-9)

Children are sometimes told to ‘sit still and be quiet’. The old saying that they should be seen and not heard is not so prevalent today, but we still expect children, more often than not, to fit in with the adult world. Sadly this can sometimes be true even within the Church of Jesus, perhaps because many adults in church services just want to sit still and be quiet!

However, we are told that praise to the Lord can be found (ordained) in the mouths of children. When children are joyful they are uninhibited and will jump as well as shout for joy. Jesus quoted this passage in response to the uninhibited praise from children that riled the chief priests and teachers of the law in Matthew 21. Jesus encourages us to become childlike, not childish, and maybe instead of us adults expecting children to become like us, we might need to become more like them, especially in regard to expressing our praise of Jesus - uninhibited joy! At least it would get us ready for the eternal praise party in the new heaven and earth.


30)# ’Each to his own work.’

Nehemiah 4:15 (10-15)

Having foiled the planned attack of the enemy, the Jews continued rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem - ‘each to his own work’. Each person had been given a section to work on and as each one did their work, so the walls were rebuilt. Different gifts and abilities were all employed working alongside each other, but clearly focused on their part of the whole. There was no panic, no confusion, no taking over or interference. Each person had a role to play and each one did their best.

What a lovely example for us as the Church of Jesus. Each one of us has been called to play a part, to work in a particular area of Christ’s Body, the Church, equipped and enabled by the Holy Spirit. So let’s not muscle in on what other people are doing, or sit back and make other people do our work. If we are part of the Body, then each of us has a responsibility to discover and fulfil our part and to encourage other people to do the same.