Famine

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord GOD,“That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD."  Amos 8:11

Famine is a terrible thing.  Most of us will be familiar with the heart-wrenching pictures of starving children in foreign lands but that is the closest we may ever come to famine.  I think the closest I have seen in my small sphere would have been drought-affected cattle in Australia.  That too is a sad picture.

We are truly blessed to live in a land of abundance, but there may be a different kind of famine in our land.  I believe there is.  A famine because people are not experiencing the life-giving properties of hearing God's word.  In their comfortable lives they often do not realise that they are actually starving for something which is much more life-sustaining than food.  And it may not only be 'unchurched' people who are lacking this food.  Many Christians do not make God's word a regular part of their diet, and in neglecting it they miss out on much more than they realise.

Bible reading does not have to be difficult and dry.  There are so many readable versions available, a recent favourite of mine is The Passion Translation which is still a work in process but available in smaller parts as they are finished.  I was recently reading Psalm 19 in this translation in which King David overflows in praise to God's splendour seen in the universe.  He then goes on to praise God's Word which he says, "is perfect in every way, reviving our souls, leading us to truth, making us wise." (Vs 7).  He goes on.... "His teachings make us joyful and give us light, his commands challenge us to keep close to His heart .... and makes my spirit radiant!" (Vs 8). In verse 10 he continues..."The rarest treasures of life are found in His truth.  I prize God's word like others prize the finest gold.  Nothing brings such sweetness as seeking His living words."  He rounds this section off by saying, "For they warn His servants from following the wicked way, giving a lifetime guarantee: great success to every obedient soul!" (Vs 11).

As you read those inspired words are you challenged to look again for this kind of food that satisfies your innermost being and keeps it filled with eternal truth, hope, peace and joy?  It's worth it!  Not to do so is like having a banquet nearby and not partaking of it.  To neglect our spiritual food leaves our spirit looking like the photo above, parched and cracked, unable to give life-giving food to others.

Jesus, you said that you are the bread of life and the living word.  Help me to remember that you told us that it is by feeding on you only will we be satisfied.  Stir up a hunger in me for your Word.  Amen.

Pollution

It’s not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart. Mark 7:15

I recently heard a speaker refer to our lovely country as paradise.  He lives in a large city in Asia where the pollution is shocking.  It's hard for most of us to even imagine the kind of pollution he spoke of but as  I remembeed back to our days in Hong Kong and the pollution that challenged us and the health of many people, I knew exactly what he was talking about.  Sometimes the pollution was very obvious and sometimes it was virtually unseen, but the meters that measured the pollution did not lie; it was there visible or not.

Jesus talked about pollution of another kind, the kind that pollutes our inner lives.  The religious people of his day followed many rules and regulations about foods and washing of vessels, hands etc but when they challenged Jesus about his disciples not adhering the the rules Jesus had more important things to discuss.  He told them that it's not what goes into a person's stomach that pollutes them as much as what resides in their heart or spirit.  James 4:1 speaks of problems among God's people..... What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? 

If things are not going right in our personal world it's time to look within and see what's going on inside of us. Sometimes God seems far away and that often happens because of inner pollution which grieves the Holy Spirit.  In his grace God is always wanting to bring us into a broader and richer place in our relationship with him,  but before this can happen we need to come into this uncomfortable place which will make us cry out to him.  A place where we become desperate and 'hungry' for his presence again.  

The Lord spoke these words through the prophet Hosea in chapter 2:14-15 which give us a glimpse into his way of process with us.....

...... I will lead her into the desert

and speak tenderly to her there.

 I will return her vineyards to her

and transform the Valley of Trouble 

into a gateway of hope.

She will give herself to me there.....

Often God will allow us to come into a desert place to get our attention.  He doesn't do it so he can 'give us a good talking to', he does it to get our heart.  He wants to speak tenderly to us and bring us into a broader place.  It is then that he transforms what seems to be our 'Valley of Trouble' into a gateway of hope.  It's in the valley of trouble that we see things that have been hidden in our heart that we need to repent of.  Things that have polluted our attitudes and drawn a veil between God and us.  Perhaps there will be things that need to be worked through to bring healing to our minds and hearts.  He knows that we often lose sight of him in the busyness of life but he wants to draw us back to him because it's only in his presence that we find fullness of joy.  Our Heavenly Lover wants our heart.

Father God, draw me back to yourself.  Speak your life-giving words to my heart that it might lean towards you and find joy in your presence again.  Amen.

Prayer

I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one.
John 17:15 (NET)

I had a mix of thoughts when I read this verse: firstly, how precious that Jesus prayed in such a way for his disciples: those with him at the time. But his prayer was also for all of us who would believe and receive his gift of salvation down through the ages. My second thought was how good that we can remain in this world and enjoy its beauty that God originally created for us to enjoy.  But on the other hand Jesus knew what it would mean for his followers to be left on this earth....temptation, persecution, heartbreaks, frustrations, pain, grief and trials of various kinds.  That's why he prayed as he did, "that you would keep them safe from the evil one."  Jesus himself interceded for us. Yes, you and me!

Jesus saw the 'big picture'.  He himself suffered much opposition, persecution and ridicule while he walked this earth.  In fact there were times that crowds would have killed him long before his ministry time was finished but God kept him until his appointed time. (Interestingly that time was the Passover, because Jesus was to be our Passover Lamb, the one sacrificed for our sins.  His death was a fulfilment of the old Law, and because God does everything perfectly and according to his plans, the sacrifice of His Son fitted perfectly into the Jewish calendar.)

Jesus knew that his disciples down through the ages would have to endure much persecution too.  In Matthew 10 Jesus spoke much of the persecution the would follow his disciples and he said in 10:24,
The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord."  We know that his disciples had taken that on board because in Acts 5:41 we find them rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer for him.

In many of our countries we are not experiencing great persecution.  (Perhaps because we are too silent in speaking out about Jesus and His love for our world, and standing up for his ideals.) However at this very moment there are thousands upon thousands of our precious brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering much persecution for their faith, in prison and out of prison.  Let us join our prayers with Jesus' prayer and pray that God will keep them strong, faithful, courageous and bold, able to count themselves worthy to suffer for His sake.  Pray as Hebrews 13:3 instructs us to pray......
"Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies."

Prayer: Father God, help me to remember to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering for your sake.  Strengthen them, encourage them, make them bold for you, send your Holy Spirit to comfort them and your angels to minister to them. In Jesus' name. Amen

Distractions

Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  Luke 10:40

These days I sometimes think that 'distraction' is my middle name.  It's a funny thing but as one ages it seems so easy to get off track with many distractions.  Yesterday I found myself in the garage and wondered why I had gone there!  At the time I was in conversation with Col and he was about to leave (through the garage) and I had actually set out to go to the kitchen.  Oh well!  I start out to do a task and find myself distracted by something else and completely forget what I had set out to do.  I don't think 'my case' is serious or anything to be concerned about.  I just have to be extra intentional about what I do....and keep a sense of humour!

This past few weeks has been full of distractions (good ones), as family and friends have visited with us to celebrate our Golden Wedding anniversary and then we went on holiday in the beautiful Deep South of this wonderful New Zealand.  These distractions have kept me from writing which I feel it is important for me to do because I want to use the gift of words that God has blessed me with so that I can encourage others.

One Bible character that many of us can identify with is poor Martha in Luke 10.  I love to have visitors and I think Martha did too, except that she failed to take time in the moment to enjoy her special visitor, Jesus.  She allowed herself to become very distracted by her preparations and serving.  I can imagine the thoughts that rushed through her head which would have then led to the resentment which caused her to rush into the midst of the guests with an angry outburst.  Oh dear!  Why do we often think food is more important than spending time with people?

Jesus gently but clearly reminded Martha that her sister Mary, who was the object of Martha's resentment at that moment, had gotten her priorities right by sitting and listening to the Master.  There will always be distractions or interruptions to our spending time with God and people but when they come, let's take a quick check on which is the most important thing.  Let's not allow the busyness of our day to rob ourselves of time with God in His word and in prayer, and let's remember to make time for people too.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, just as you chided Martha to check her priorities, would you also remind me when I am rushed and hassled about worldly things, that the most important thing is to take time with you and with your Word which can never be taken away from me.  Amen

Displaced

They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. Acts 18:2

We have all been moved in recent times by images of displaced people, refugees of politics, persecution and war.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the enormity of it all and the seeming hopelessness of the plight of many as they are pushed from pillar to post. But we can pray knowing that God often has great purpose in allowing people (and his people) to be displaced.

Such was the case of Paul, Aquila and Priscilla where we find them meeting up in Corinth in Acts 18. Aquila and Priscilla were Jews and probably already Christians since Paul went to see them and then set up business in partnership with them while at the same time taking the opportunity to teach in the synagogue every Sabbath.  This was a great partnership for work and spiritual growth.  Paul was an excellent teacher and he took Priscilla and Aquila with him on a missionary journey to Ephesus where he left them.  Then along comes Apollos who was a Jew who had a thorough knowledge of scripture but had no experience of the Holy Spirit baptism, only the baptism of John (Acts 18:25).  Priscilla and Aquila were in the right place to instruct him further.

Don't be afraid if God seems to be moving you on.  Sometimes employment dries up or diminishes.  This happened to us in 1994 and we found ourselves in Hong Kong.....for 13+ years.  It was a wonderful season in our lives and we never would have gone if things hadn't taken a downturn for us.  

Take heart, be encouraged, He has a plan, so allow yourself to be fitted into his plan.  Remember Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you a hope and a future."  We need to be brave and trust God's faithfulness and let it be proven in our own life.

Having said that, do remember those who have been displaced from their homes and lands at this time.  Pray that God will reveal Himself to them through people they meet in their plight.  Pray for those working to relieve suffering and hardship.  Pray for God's light to shine and His truth to be revealed to hearts that are wondering "Why God?"  Sometimes suffering and shaking, insecurity and great need are what it takes to make us open to receive God's Truth.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus please reveal yourself as the Lord and giver of life to those who find themselves in difficult situations at this time.  Help their hurting hearts to find peace as they hear of your great love for them and their families.  Bless those who work among them and for those who don't know you, please reveal your truth to them too.  Amen

Is it Legal?

....Jesus said to them,"Is it legal to heal on the sabbath?"  Matthew 12:10

Recently I received a fine for speeding.  Yes, a camera caught me doing 55 kph in a 50 kph area.  I usually set the cruise control but obviously I forgot on this particular day.  It's only my second ticket in my 55 years of driving because I know that rules are for the safety of ourselves and others so I am generally a law-abiding person.  But everybody makes mistakes!

When Jesus healed the withered hand on the sabbath he did not make a mistake.  He was making a statement. A statement that he made a number of times which stirred up the religious leaders to such anger that they plotted to kill him.  Why would he deliberately break their laws when he clearly stated elsewhere that he came to fulfil the law? (Matthew 5:17).  He was making a point.  His point was that they had changed lawfulness into legalism.  I heard a preacher say recently that legalism is evil.  I didn't hear the second part of his reasoning because I missed the program but I can see here, in the story of the man with the withered hand, what he probably meant.  Legalism takes pride in rule-keeping, and we see clearly what the result of legalism did.  It persecuted and finally killed Jesus.

God gave the law for our good, for our guidance and the protection of ourselves and others.  It was a law based in love; love for God and love for others (Matthew 22:36-40) .  The priests and the Pharisees had added a multitude of other rules and regulations around God's Law which made it burdensome and it lacked love and compassion. We see that so clearly in this story.

Years ago we got caught up in a very legalistic church for some years.  The worst thing was that we got blinded to the truth of God's grace.  When we left that church we lost every friend we had in that church.  They would have nothing to do with us. That is a fruit of legalism.  We had not left our faith in Jesus, we moved straight into another church, but these people believed a lie that was founded in legalism and control.  I am glad to say that in later years we have happily resumed loving relationship with some who have left that church.

For those who seek to sincerely represent Jesus Christ and his message, the question must not be "Is it legal?" but rather "Is it loving?"  Love doesn't deny or compromise God's truth as we see from Jesus' life', it is not weak and wishy washy but neither is it hard and condemning.  It is vital that the Body of Christ portray the love of Christ correctly because the essence of the One we worship is love.  God IS love.

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, help me to continually examine my heart to ensure that the love of God resides within me and overflows to those who need to know you.  Amen

Prison to Praise

And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember .......  Psalm 77:10 

If you are going through a miserable time wondering if God is there for you, please take time to read the whole of this psalm's 20 verses.  This poor man was having a miserable sleepless night, no doubt rehearsing all his troubles and totally wondering where God was in all of it,  he could not understand why God wasn't answering his prayers, he felt rejected, he wondered whether God would ever answer his prayers again, he asks "Has God slammed the door on compassion?" (Vs 9 NLT)

At this point he made a decision....to remember what God had done in the past.  He remembered his faithfulness, that he is mighty and awesome in power and so on.  I would like to say that this psalm comes to a happy ending but it leaves us in mid air.  In a way that's good because it reminds us that we are left hanging for quite awhile sometimes in our difficulties and it takes more than one night's prayer to see an answer.

What I wanted to look at here is the decision the psalmist made to change his thoughts from fear of God forsaking him and leaving him in his misery, to thoughts of remembering God's faithfulness in the past.  When we do that something changes in us and our fear is replaced with faith and our hopelessness changes to hope.  In 1 Samuel 30:6 we see David in a terrible position surrounded by grief but he made a choice and he "encouraged himself in the Lord".  No doubt he turned his thoughts towards what God had done in the past, what he had promised in his word and through the prophet.  He set his mind on a positive course.

I am not talking about "think nice thoughts, positive thoughts and it will all work out" type of thinking which we hear a lot about today.  I am talking about God-centred, God-honouring thoughts centred in His truth, the Bible, in his character and his faithfulness to his word. These are the kind of thoughts that have a foundation in something of substance, not just an airy fairy hope.

Years ago there were some books written by Merlin Carothers called Prison to Praise and Power in Praise and they gave a powerful message which I remember to this day.  We can get out of our prison of misery by turning our hearts to praise and thanks in affirming that God is faithful and he does hear our cries and we can trust that through our misery he will do a good work in us, (Romans 8:28).

Prayer:  Faithful God, thank you for the reminder that I have a choice to focus on my problems or to remember your faithfulness in times past and stir up my faith to believe you for solutions by encouraging myself in your word.  Amen