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Time with God December 2023 – January 2024

Resources for your time with God

Introduced during a time of COVID-related church closures and restrictions, our devotional pages under the Church@home banner have been very popular with many readers. But spending time with God throughout the week isn’t only a blessing when we can’t get to church on a Sunday. It’s an important boost for our faith every week. Therefore, you’ll continue to find support for your devotional life on these pages – and the LCANZ has plenty of other resources which we’ll highlight for your information, too.

–Lisa

DEVOTIONS

A kingdom of followers by Neil Bergmann

Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over (Mark 3:7).

Read Mark 3:7–19.

How good are you at sharing responsibility and delegating tasks? I admit that I’m not very good at this. I prefer to do things myself rather than trust others to do a job the way I like it. Surprisingly, when a task is just too big to do alone, and I have to rely on others, they always do a much better job than I would have! Also, when we do stuff as a team, it is much more enjoyable.

Imagine then what it was like for Jesus during his earthly ministry. Everywhere he went, crowds appeared and were hungry for his message of forgiveness and the physical and spiritual healing he offered.

But Jesus’ time was short, and he needed helpers to spread the word and continue his work after he had gone.

How could Jesus trust his disciples to continue his work when they continually seemed to miss the point of his preaching? Yet, it is what Jesus did and continues to do.

As children of the light and followers of the risen Christ, we are called to join in proclaiming the good news – the coming of the kingdom of God, here and now, on earth as in heaven. Jesus knows that we need help, and so the Holy Spirit comes to guide our words and our actions.

Jesus knows that we won’t do a perfect job, maybe not even a good job, but he still invites us, over and over again, to join his mission to proclaim his kingdom through word and action.

In today’s reading, Jesus ‘called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him’ (verse 13). He wants us and calls us today. Will you come to him?

Lord, fill me with your Spirit so that I may answer your call, come to you, and help to proclaim the good news through word and action. Amen.

An invitation you can’t refuse by Pastor Reid Matthias

For many are invited, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14).

Read Matthew 22:1–14.

Let’s face it – weddings can be a drag.

The fact that, in Jesus’ parable, the invitees to the prince’s wedding don’t want to come to the banquet resonates deeply in the 21st century. Be honest, like me, you’ve been to a wedding that is entirely about the photos. Or there is the professionally created video montage of a beautifully decorated bridal party placed in awkward poses with just the perfect lighting. The rest of the invitees engage in multiple hours of polite, if not painful, conversation with long-lost relatives or semi-inebriated friends of the bridal party.

I might be sounding curmudgeon-ish, but to me, that’s the way the invited guests sound in Jesus’ parable.

Maybe one invitee to the wedding asks another, ‘Are you going to the king’s banquet?’

The reply: ‘I thought about it, but the big game is on Saturday night. Oh, and I promised my spouse I would clean the boat this weekend. On Sunday, the kids have a birthday party to attend and …’

‘I know’, says the first. ‘It’s just one more thing … We’re just too busy.’

As the invitees do everything in their power to avoid attending the banquet (including killing the king’s servants), Jesus ends this parable with, ‘Many are invited, but few are chosen’.

In the 21st century, theologically, we might understand this parable is directed to the Jews who choose not to come to the king’s party and the Gentiles who are given the next go. In the 1st century, though, no one would turn down the invite. Thus, it’s a strange moral of the story. It feels like it should read, ‘Many are invited, but few accept’. Right? But chosen?

When someone is chosen, they are selected for a purpose or mission. Perhaps the invitation to the kingdom of heaven is an invitation to participate in God’s banquet celebrating Jesus’ love for the entire world. Perhaps Christians have been chosen to serve rather than simply attend.

What does your invitation look like? Are you too busy? What do you think you have been invited and chosen to do?.

King of the banquet, thank you for the invitation to celebrate and participate in Jesus’ work of bringing about the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

To receive the LCA daily devotion each morning in your inbox, go to www.lca.org.au/communications/enews and select Daily Devotions from the Churchwide list after entering your email address. These can also be printed off from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

LECTIONARY READINGS

Week Sunday readings
3–9 DEC Isaiah 64:1–9 Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19 1 Corinthians 1:3–9 Mark 13:24–37
10–16 DEC Isaiah 40:1–11 Psalm 85:1,2,8–13 2 Peter 3:8–15a Mark 1:1–8
17–23 DEC Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24 John 1:6–8,19–28
24–30 DEC 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 Psalm 89:1–4, 19–26 Romans 16:25–27 Luke 1:26–38
31 DEC–6 JAN Isaiah 61:10–62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4–7 Luke 2:22–40
7–13 JAN Genesis 1:1–5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1–7 Mark 1:4–11
14–20 JAN 1 Samuel 3:1–10 (11–20) Psalm 139:1–6, 13–18 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 John 1:43–51
21–27 JAN Jonah 3:1–5,10 Psalm 62:5–12 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 Mark 1:14–20
28 JAN–3 FEB Deuteronomy 18:15–20 Psalm 111 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 Mark 1:21–28

For more prayer and devotional resources, including a listing of daily Bible readings for each day of the church year, go to www.lca.org.au/wpp/prayers-devotions

Lutheran Tract Mission also provides the readings in a booklet, which can be accessed electronically at www.ltm.org.au/tract/view/70579-daily-bible-readings-for-2023 or as a printed booklet through the LTM office (phone 08 8360 7222) for a donation of 20c per copy.  

PRAYER POINTS

3–9 Dec: The millions of Australians and New Zealanders living with disabilities on the International Day of People with Disability (3 Dec)

10–16 Dec: That the world’s leaders would act with respect for the wellbeing of all citizens on United Nations Human Rights Day (10 Dec)

17–23 Dec: Graduate General Ministry Pastors Jacob Fabich and Thomas Kitson, due to be ordained this month (3 and 17 Dec)

24–30 Dec: All people to know the Christ-child, whose birth we remember and celebrate at Christmas, as our Lord and Saviour

31 Dec–6 Jan: For a new year filled with hope and opportunities to share the joy of the gospel with those around us

7–13 Jan: Organisers, leaders and campers preparing for or enjoying youth gatherings across the LCANZ

14–20 Jan: All students, teachers and school staff in Australia and New Zealand, as they prepare for the new school year

21–27 Jan: Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal Australians on Australia Day (26 Jan)

28 Jan–3 Feb: Specific Ministry Pastors Jordan Bennett, Charlie Uebergang, Julian Mazzeo, Matthew Schubert, Timothy Chen and Malcolm Willcocks, who have been ordained in recent months

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Time with God October–November 2023

Resources for your time with God

Introduced during a time of COVID-related church closures and restrictions, our devotional pages under the Church@home banner have been very popular with many readers. But spending time with God throughout the week isn’t only a blessing when we can’t get to church on a Sunday. It’s an important boost for our faith every week. Therefore, you’ll continue to find support for your devotional life on these pages – and the LCANZ has plenty of other resources which we’ll highlight for your information, too.

– Lisa

DEVOTIONS

Prayer – an oasis? by Ruth Olsen

Jesus … left the house and went off to a solitary place where he prayed (Mark 1:35b).

Read Mark 1:29–45.

As one reads these verses for today, one can sense action and movement, as if things are happening quickly. That’s a characteristic of how Mark writes. At the home of Simon and Andrew, Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. Jesus took her hand and helped her up. The fever left, and she began serving them. Mark records no words, just action – a demonstration of Jesus’ authority.

Word spreads, and people crowd in, seeking help for their loved ones. Jesus heals many, but again, silences demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew who he was – again, demonstrations of Jesus’ authority, the authority of heaven. Jesus probably wanted first to show by word and deed the kind of Messiah he was before he declared himself clearly, and he would not let the demons frustrate this intent.

Early the following morning, Jesus went to a solitary place to pray. Much had been happening, but time aside from busyness to pray was a priority. Time to listen and be still, time for heart-to-heart communication, to recharge and replenish – an oasis away from busy ministry.

Simon and his companions find Jesus, telling him, ‘Everyone is looking for you!’, to which Jesus said, ‘Let’s go somewhere else, to preach there also; that’s why I have come’. What would your response be? ‘But … but …?’ However, Jesus was focused and would not be distracted by popular demand.

A man with leprosy comes to Jesus, desperately seeking help. You can read Leviticus 13 and 14 for the regulations required for dealing with an infectious skin disease, including the seven days’ isolation (lockdown?). Imagine the isolation of being untouchable. Yet Jesus touches him, speaks to him, and the leprosy is gone! Imagine the man’s delight and joy! But he is told not to tell anyone apart from the priest. Instead, his joy bubbles over to anyone nearby. Jesus, who is not seeking popular demand, retreats to lonely places, but people continue to pursue him even there.

Lord, increase our capacity to receive from you and share from you by the power of your Spirit at work in us and through us. Amen.

How much do we understand? by Pastor Mark Gierus

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him (John 12:16).

Read John 12:12–19.

When it comes to life, how much do we understand? How were the heavens, the earth and all things that live on earth created? Do we comprehend the intricate relationships of all living things, let alone our own human relationships? Do we understand the deep thoughts, worries, anxieties, desires and hopes of our human hearts? Do we understand the work of Jesus?

The disciples, we are told, did not understand all the events that occurred. That Jesus said that he must suffer and die and be raised again. They did not understand that Jesus came as the King of Kings, yet also a servant king. Jesus did not come as a human conqueror on a battle horse, but as a suffering servant, humble and riding on a donkey. Only after the end of all the things that Jesus had to go through did the disciples realise what was happening. The heart of the matter was that Jesus came to suffer and die and rise again on the third day for the sin of the world.

Yet, like the disciples, we may not fully understand the mysteries of the work of God. We may not fully understand the work that continues in us by the power of the Holy Spirit through the word of God planted in our hearts. We may not fully understand why things happen the way they do, but as we read the word of God, we grow in faith to see Jesus in our lives. It is by faith that we live and have meaning. Faith in Jesus, the king who came to save us from our sins, to face each day with confidence in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

When we meet Jesus on that day when he comes to take us with him forever, we will clearly see what Jesus sees. We won’t need to understand, for all that is unclear will be made clear. Some things seem wrong or out of place in life, perhaps different from how you would have done something. But it is in these very things that, by faith, we know that God works in us and through us for his glory. Jesus wasn’t weak for dying on the cross – instead of raising up an army to save him, he came as a servant to give up his life so that we might have life.

Lord, we don’t understand so many things – the wonders of your creation and the struggles we have in our own hearts. Yet, Lord, you love and shape us for your work through what we see and do. Help us trust you and remember your deep love for us, first shown by sending your Son Jesus to suffer and die for our sins and to offer us life forever with you in his name. Amen.

To receive the LCA daily devotion each morning in your inbox, go to www.lca.org.au/communications/enews and select Daily Devotions from the Churchwide list after entering your email address. These can also be printed off from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

LECTIONARY READINGS

Week Sunday readings
1–7 OCT Exodus 17:1–7 Psalm 78:1–4, 12–16 Philippians 2:1–13 Matthew 21:23–32
8–14 OCT Exodus 20:1–4, 7–9, 12–20 Psalm 19 Philippians 3:4b–14 Matthew 21:33–46
15–21 OCT Exodus 32:1–14 Psalm 106:1–6, 19–23 Philippians 4:1–9 Matthew 22:1–14
22–28 OCT Exodus 33:12–23 Psalm 99 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 Matthew 22:15–22
29 OCT–4 NOV Deuteronomy 34:1–12 Psalm 90:1–6, 13–17 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 Matthew 22:34–46
5–11 NOV Joshua 3:7–17 Psalm 107:1–7, 33–37 1 Thessalonians 2:9–13 Matthew 23:1–12
12–18 NOV Joshua 24:1–3a, 14–25 Psalm 78:1–7 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 Matthew 25:1–13
19–25 NOV

 

 Judges 4:1–7 Psalm 123 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 Matthew 25:14–30
26 NOV–2 DEC Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24 Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15–23 Matthew 25:31–46

For more prayer and devotional resources, including a listing of daily Bible readings for each day of the church year, go to www.lca.org.au/wpp/prayers-devotions

Lutheran Tract Mission also provides the readings in a booklet, which can be accessed electronically at www.ltm.org.au/tract/view/70579-daily-bible-readings-for-2023 or as a printed booklet through the LTM office (phone 08 8360 7222) for a donation of 20c per copy.  

PRAYER POINTS

1–7 Oct: Those members of the LCANZ nominated to serve as delegates to the 2024 Convention of General Synod in a year’s time

8–14 Oct: The unity of the church and the Way Forward for the office of the public ministry in the LCANZ

15–21 Oct: People working in aged or disability care around Australia and New Zealand, during Australia’s National Carers Week

22–28 Oct: Lutherans in New Zealand, on the anniversary of the signing of He Whakaputanga, the nation’s Declaration of Independence, in 1835 (28 Oct)

29 Oct–4 Nov: All who mourn the loss of loved ones and those who support them on All Saints Day (1 Nov)

5–11 Nov: The families and loved ones of those who have died in all wars and conflicts on Armistice Day (New Zealand)/Remembrance Day (Australia) (11 Nov)

12–18 Nov: The opportunity and commitment to follow Jesus’ example of showing love to our neighbours on World Kindness Day (13 Nov)

19–25 Nov: Those who support victims of violence on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 Nov)

26 Nov–2 Dec: All those who have suffered and continue to experience loss from floods, earthquakes, fires and other disasters

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Time with God August–September 2023

Resources for your time with God

Introduced during a time of COVID-related church closures and restrictions, our devotional pages under the Church@home banner have been very popular with many readers. But spending time with God throughout the week isn’t only a blessing when we can’t get to church on a Sunday. It’s an important boost for our faith every week. Therefore, you’ll continue to find support for your devotional life on these pages – and the LCANZ has plenty of other resources which we’ll highlight for your information, too.

– Lisa

DEVOTIONS

Are you listening God? by Colleen Fitzpatrick

Answer me quickly, for I am in trouble (Psalm 69:17b).

Read Psalm 69:7–10, (11–15)16–18.

In 1963, Jimmy Little recorded a song called ‘The Royal Telephone’. The words of the chorus are:

‘Telephone to glory, oh, what joy divine!
I can feel the current moving on the line.
Made by God the Father for his very own,
You may talk to Jesus on this royal telephone.’*

It’s a nice image, isn’t it? I remember back then picturing Jesus at the ready, waiting for that royal telephone to ring so he could pick it up, listen to whatever I had to say, and then he’d get busy fixing whatever was bothering me at the time.

How blessed we are to be able to talk to God any time, any day, anywhere, in any language or in no language. We don’t even have to formulate words.

I love to pray. It’s so good to be able to share whatever is on my heart and know that my heartaches and joys are shared – that someone cares about what is happening to me and that someone is bigger than me or anything that can happen to me.

How do we know our prayers have been answered? It’s not as if God sends an answer via a messenger angel. Sometimes, prayers are answered in an obvious manner – the cure of a disease or the easing of a situation. Sometimes, the answer comes from friends or strangers reaching out with words of comfort or wisdom. At other times, it may be a sense of inner peace, comfort and strength that enables us to keep going, knowing that we are not alone.

We have a prayer group at my church – actually, it is two: an online group and an in-person group. Prayer requests are shared, and it is wonderful to know that we’re not alone in taking these requests to our gracious, generous, attentive God. I also like that I can ask people if it’s okay for my prayer group to pray for them. No-one has said no to that request. It’s easy to say, ‘I’m off to my prayer group. Do you have any requests?’ And often, they do.

And back to that royal telephone. Maybe, it is an even better metaphor for our prayers now, given the constant presence of our phones, the information they contain, and the control they have over our lives. May your prayers provide the comfort and strength you need today and every day – you can pray even when you’ve left your phone at home!

Patient God, thank you for always hearing and answering our prayers. Thank you for the surprises you provide. Help us to be patient when things don’t turn out as we hope and plan and trust that all things will work together for our good – no matter what happens. Amen.

*Frederick M Lehmann (1868–1953), ‘The Royal Telephone’ (public domain), made popular in Australia by Jimmy Little

Full attention by Tom Brennen

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42).

Read Acts 2:36–42.

A note in my study Bible on this passage reminds us that to be devoted is to give rapt attention to that particular thing. So the early Christians gave rapt attention to teaching, being a community and sharing the sacrament of communion and prayer.

When was the last time you could honestly say your church had your rapt attention? More importantly, when was the last time that God had your rapt attention?

Sometimes members of younger generations are tagged as selfish. These younger generations are also generalised as always being on their phones and technology. As a teacher, I see my students struggle to manage technology use.

But they are not alone. Just last week, outside my school, I saw two of my students on their phones, joined by their parents and one of their grandparents. All five of them were sitting there on a glorious late spring day, heads down, consuming whatever was on their screen. The screens had their rapt attention.

I don’t believe that technology is more evil than good. Having a myriad of resources at my fingertips helped me write this series of devotions! But we must be careful.

We must be careful not just with technology but with all of our endeavours. Perhaps our work has more attention than our relationship with God? Maybe our hobbies have more attention than our involvement with our church community?

As Matthew 6:21 reminds us, ‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’.

The early church grew off the back of rapt attention to worshipping in word and sacrament, being a Christian community and prayer. What might your life look like if this area of your life had your full attention? What changes do you need to make so that it is?

Start small. Maybe you’ve fallen out of the habit of weekly worship or daily prayer? Perhaps you’ve not connected with a fellow congregation member for some time? Perhaps your Bible has gathered a bit of dust? Pick one area and work on that.

You – and your community – will be blessed, I’m sure.

Lord, forgive us when we give you and your church less than our full attention. Guide us as we seek to live lives that are full and bless others. Amen.

To receive the LCA daily devotion each morning in your inbox, go to www.lca.org.au/communications/enews and select Daily Devotions from the Churchwide list after entering your email address. These can also be printed off from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

LECTIONARY READINGS

Week Sunday readings
6–12 AUG Genesis 32:22–31 Psalm 17:1–7,15 Romans 9:1–5 Matthew 14:13–21
13–19 AUG Genesis 37:1–4, 12–28 Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22, 45b Romans 10:5–15 Matthew 14:22–33
20–26 AUG Genesis 45:1–15 Psalm 133 Romans 11:1, 2a, 29–32 Matthew 15:(10–20) 21–28
27 AUG–2 SEPT Exodus 1:8– 2:10 Psalm 124 Romans 12:1–8 Matthew 16:13–20
3–9 SEPT Exodus 3:1–15 Psalm 105:1–6, 23–26, 45c Romans 12:9–21 Matthew 16:21–28
10–16 SEPT Exodus 12:1–14 Psalm 149 Romans 13:8–14 Matthew 18:15–20
17–23 SEPT Exodus 14:19–31 Psalm 114 Romans 14:1–12 Matthew 18:21–35
24–30 SEPT Exodus 16:2–15 Psalm 105:1–6, 37–45 Philippians 1:21–30 Matthew 20:1–16

For more prayer and devotional resources, including a listing of daily Bible readings for each day of the church year, go to www.lca.org.au/wpp/prayers-devotions

Lutheran Tract Mission also provides the readings in a booklet, which can be accessed electronically at www.ltm.org.au/tract/view/70579-daily-bible-readings-for-2023 or as a printed booklet through the LTM office (phone 08 8360 7222) for a donation of 20c per copy.  

PRAYER POINTS

6–12 Aug: First Nations people around the globe on the United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous People (9 Aug)

13–19 Aug: Peace among nations at war on the anniversary of the end to WWII hostilities in the Pacific (15 Aug)

20–26 Aug: Communities scarred by slavery, on the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (23 Aug)

27 Aug–2 Sept: Those who care for God’s creation, as the Season of Creation – a worldwide ecumenical movement focused on prayer and creation care – begins on 1 Sept

3–9 Sept: All fathers, those who are missing their dads and those who have longed to be fathers, as we mark Father’s Day (3 Sept)

10–16 Sept: That God will raise up workers for the harvest of souls, as the church celebrates the Season of Prayer for mission (10–24 Sept)

17–23 Sept: An end to discrimination preventing universal suffrage on the anniversary of NZ’s 1893 Electoral Act, which gave women the vote (19 Sept)

24–30 Sept: Pastor Andrew Brook, as he begins his service as bishop of the SA – NT District of the LCANZ

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Time with God June–July 2023

Resources for your time with God

Introduced during a time of COVID-related church closures and restrictions, our devotional pages under the Church@home banner have been very popular with many readers. But spending time with God throughout the week isn’t only a blessing when we can’t get to church on a Sunday. It’s an important boost for our faith every week. Therefore, you’ll continue to find support for your devotional life on these pages – and the LCANZ has plenty of other resources which we’ll highlight for your information, too.

– Lisa

DEVOTIONS

Encouraging those who labour among us by Craig Heidenreich

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you (Hebrews 13:17).

Read Hebrews 13:17–25.

Who would choose to be a leader when, so often, the outcome is ‘groaning’? It’s not easy being a leader – in fact, anyone who seeks leadership (for its own sake) probably needs their head read.

People are so different that almost any decision a leader makes will displease someone. True leadership is not a popularity contest – it is a calling to serve.

The concept of obedience and submission to other humans is less accepted today, but one way we can show a supportive attitude is to affirm our leaders.

So, who are these leaders?

When reading a verse like this, we would usually think of our pastors, as they are obvious, visible leaders, but there are various leadership roles that are important for a congregation to function well. Let’s encourage all our leaders.

One of the spiritual gifts mentioned in Romans 12:8 is the gift of encouragement, and we know that encouragement goes a long way. Our determination to be encouraging also keeps the ‘accuser of the brethren’ at bay (Revelation 12:10).

I was once sitting in a church service (just as a congregation member), and as the meeting ended and announcements were about to happen, I suddenly had a ‘prompting’ to go to the front and publicly thank the pastor for his ministry. It felt a bit risky, but the congregation got my drift and spontaneously joined in affirming the pastor (who was obviously very moved).

He later told me privately, ‘In my years of ministry, no-one has ever affirmed me publicly’.

It’s tough being a leader!

Let’s encourage our leaders so there is less ‘groaning’ and more ‘rejoicing’ among us.

Thank you, Lord, for gifting your body with key leaders who ‘keep watch’ for our welfare. Strengthen them today and bless them in their work. Forgive me, Lord, for times I criticise rather than bless – and show me how I can encourage those around me. Help me to see the moment in every day. Amen.

Sacrificial faith by Libby Krahling

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16).

Read Hebrews 13:1–16.

Hebrews reminds us that life is like a race.

We have the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ cheering us on from the sidelines, with the Holy Spirit as our coach. Submitting to the Father’s discipline is like training for the race; the more we endure, the more we are strengthened and prepared for greater challenges. We can focus on the ‘finish line’, our eyes fixed on Christ, because we are assured of God’s grace.

As a natural outpouring of Christ-like faith, in this passage we are exhorted to live Godly lives, in which we emulate Jesus’ sacrificial love for us in the way we deal with the world around us. Echoing Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, we are to show hospitality to the stranger and care for those in prison, sacrificing our comfort and possessions for the welfare of others. We should live in accordance with the commandments, keeping our marriage vows and being content with the blessings we have received from God, rather than coveting new partners or more money and possessions. Our sacrifice is letting go of our wants and desires and trusting that God has given us everything we need.

Sometimes, we might be tempted to fill our emptiness with ‘strange teachings’. Hebrews reminds us again to look to the example of faithful people before us, both the heroes of old and those who taught us the faith. Looking at their lives, we can remind ourselves again that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’. Good models of faith show us that true faith fixes its eyes on Jesus, trusts that God will provide and is able to withstand all kinds of trials for the ‘greater reward’.

When we consider everything that God has done for us, it is almost overwhelming. He gave his only Son to die for us. He sees all our dirt, all our shame, and still loves us, and calls us to join him in his banqueting hall. What can we do in response?

‘Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.’

Loving Lord, we thank and praise you for your constant love and presence in our lives. Help us to love each other as you have loved us, ready to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of your kingdom. Amen.

To receive the LCA daily devotion each morning in your inbox, go to www.lca.org.au/communications/enews and select Daily Devotions from the Churchwide list after entering your email address. These can also be printed off from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

LECTIONARY READINGS

Week Sunday readings
4–10 JUNE Genesis 6:9–22; 7:24; 8:14–19 Psalm 46 Romans 1:16,17; 3:22b–28 (29–31) Matthew 7:21–29
11–17 JUNE Genesis 12:1–9 Psalm 33:1–12 Romans 4:13–25 Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26
18–24 JUNE Genesis 18:1–15 (21:1–7) Psalm 116:1,2,12–19 Romans 5:1–8 Matthew 9:35–10:8 (9–23)
25 JUN–1 JUL Genesis 21:8–21 Psalm 86:1–10,16,17 Romans 6:1b–11 Matthew 10:24–39
2–8 JULY Genesis 22:1–14 Psalm 13 Romans 6:12–23 Matthew 10:40–42
9–15 JULY Genesis 24:34–38,42–49,

58–67

 Psalm 45:10–17 Romans 7:15–25a Matthew 11:16–19,25–30
16–22 JULY Genesis 25:19–34 Psalm 119:105–112 Romans 8:1–11 Matthew 13:1–9,18–23
23–29 JULY Genesis 28:10–19a Psalm 139:1–12,23,24 Romans 8:12–25 Matthew 13:24–30,36–43
30 JUL–5 AUG Genesis 29:15–28 Psalm 105:1–11 Romans 8:26–39 Matthew 13:31–33,44–52

For more prayer and devotional resources, including a listing of daily Bible readings for each day of the church year, go to www.lca.org.au/wpp/prayers-devotions 

Lutheran Tract Mission also provides the readings in a booklet, which can be accessed electronically at www.ltm.org.au/tract/view/70579-daily-bible-readings-for-2023 or as a printed booklet through the LTM office (phone 08 8360 7222) for a donation of 20c per copy.  

PRAYER POINTS

4–10 June: The LCA’s Qld District, which has met for its annual Convention of Synod on 2-4 June

11–17 June: Synod delegates and organisers of the Lutheran Church of NZ’s Convention held on 9-11 June

18–24 June: People displaced by war, persecution or famine on World Refugee Day (20 June)

25 Jun–1 July: Torres Strait Islander peoples, for Coming of the Light, marking the 19th-century adoption of Christianity in island communities (1 July)

2–8 July: Australian First Nations peoples during NAIDOC Week, which Recognises First Nations History and culture

9–15 July: Those who serve on the LCANZ’s commissions on worship, social and bioethical questions, and theology and inter-church relations

16–22 July: All who work to support justice and advocate for victims’ rights on International Justice Day (17 July)

23–29 July: The Lutheran Nurse of the Year for 2023, Sharon Berridge, and all who serve as nurses in a range of settings

30 July–5 August: People who are considering studying at Australian Lutheran College, with the hope of serving the LCANZ in some capacity

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Time with God February–March 2023

Resources for your time with God

Introduced during a time of COVID-related church closures and restrictions, our devotional pages under the Church@home banner have been very popular with many readers. But spending time with God throughout the week isn’t only a blessing when we can’t get to church on a Sunday. It’s an important boost for our faith every week. Therefore, you’ll continue to find support for your devotional life on these pages – and the LCANZ has plenty of other resources which we’ll highlight for your information, too.

– Lisa

DEVOTIONS

The cross is our sign of hope by Kimberley Pfeiffer

Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14b).

Read Isaiah 7:10–25.

I recently heard a Christian woman speak about a period of great suffering in her life, where she prayed for and received a very tangible sign of hope from God amid her despair. In today’s reading, we find how common it is in Scripture for God to give signs to his people in their suffering to remind them of his faithfulness. God commanded Isaiah to go to King Ahaz and urge him to remain steady in faith because war was about to erupt around him. God offered Ahaz a sign. He said it could be as big or small as he liked, but King Ahaz didn’t take God up on his offer. He said, ‘I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test’. Although King Ahaz sounds a bit stoic and slightly pious to ‘not put God to the test’, his sentiment was not a good way to respond to God. Why? Because King Ahaz didn’t want to accept God’s sign and depend fully on God. If he did, he would be required to wait in hope for that sign to be fulfilled.

Even though Ahaz lacked faith, this story reminds us of God’s character. God cannot be anything other than faithful and merciful; his graciousness is not dependent on how fickle his people are. Even when they didn’t want to receive his mercy, God overarched their story so that his name could be magnified and proclaimed on all the earth (Romans 9:17). Despite King Ahaz’s hard heart, God gave his people a sign so shocking that when it came to pass, it couldn’t be counted as anything but a miracle from God. What was this sign? ‘Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel.’

As Christians living in these end times, we know God has already redeemed us through his Son, who was born of the virgin, as Isaiah prophesied. Like King Ahaz, our faith can grow weak when we do not trust completely in God. Our hope is found by way of the cross. Through Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, he has won for us new life in him. We have hope in our own sufferings because, by our own crosses, we are encouraged because we know that through it, God is with us and for us and will be to the very end of the age.

Merciful God, grant us the faith to trust in your promises and cling to you in hope. Help us along life’s way, especially when we are suffering. Grow our faith in you so we can remain firmly grafted in your love now and in eternity. Through Christ, our Lord, Amen.

All the obstacles removed by Pastor Matt Bishop

With a scorching wind [the Lord] will sweep his hand over the Euphrates River. He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals (Isaiah 11:15).

Read Isaiah 11:10–16.

What a wet, wet year we had in 2022. John 1:16 proclaims grace upon grace. In Australia, last year was about flood upon flood. If you are a victim of these floods, you can be assured that you have been prayed for many times across the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand. Many government and community agencies are offering practical help. Hopefully, you have been able to access this. No doubt, you have faced or will face many obstacles in recovery. Yet things just take time, not least in a fully employed economy still recovering from COVID interruptions.

God’s word knows a fair bit about obstacles. Isaiah 11 is a chapter on the restoration and removal of these obstacles. It may not be directly talking about the floods, but as with all God’s words, it’s not irrelevant to the practical, and we best not only spiritualise it.

The early part of Isaiah 11 speaks of the branch coming from the stump of Jesse and paints a beautiful picture of peace: lions sitting with yearlings and the cobra not striking the child. But that picture of peace needs to be operationalised. And so, the branch, Jesus, goes about removing the obstacles. It’s picture language of drying up a sea that divides and separating a river into seven shallow, small streams (verse 15). A highway to transport us, rather than rough ground (verse 16).

The seven streams are the corollary of the seven gifts of the Spirit in Isaiah 11:2,3. These gifts at work in your own life are how Christ removes the obstacles. And they flow from the spiritual realms into the practical – even to filling out insurance claims and undertaking site works, as tedious as that is! The Lord is with us in all things.

Lord, in mercy, keep your seven gifts of the Spirit from the flood of baptism flowing in our lives: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, reverence of you and delight in the reverence of you. Rebuild the lives of all affected in Australia by floods this year and last year, use your church to assist in both spirit and practice. Amen.

To receive the LCA daily devotion each morning in your inbox, go to www.lca.org.au/communications/enews and select Daily Devotions from the Churchwide list after entering your email address. These can also be printed off from the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion

LECTIONARY READINGS

Week Sunday readings
1–4 FEB

(SUN 29 JAN)

 Micah 6:1–8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 Matthew 5:1–12
5–11 FEB Isaiah 58:1–9a (9b–12) Psalm 112:1–9 (10) 1 Cor 2:1–12 (13–16) Matthew 5:13–20
12–18 FEB Deuteronomy 30:15–20 Psalm 119:1–8

 

 1 Corinthians 3:1–9 Matthew 5:21–37
19–25 FEB Exodus 24:12–18 Psalm 2 or 99

 

 2 Peter 1:16–21 Matthew 17:1–9
26 FEB –
4 MAR		 Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–7 Psalm 32

 

 Romans 5:12–19 Matthew 4:1–11
5–11 MAR Genesis 12:1–4a Psalm 121

 

 Romans 4:1-5,13–17 John 3:1–17
12–18 MAR Exodus 17:1–7 Psalm 95

 

 Romans 5:1–11 John 4:5–42
19–25 MAR 1 Samuel 16:1–13 Psalm 23

 

 Ephesians 5:8–14 John 9:1–41
26 MAR –
1 APR		 Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm 130

 

 Romans 8:6–11 John 11:1–45

For more prayer and devotional resources, including a listing of daily Bible readings for each day of the church year, go to www.lca.org.au/wpp/prayers-devotions 

Lutheran Tract Mission also provides the readings in a booklet, which can be accessed electronically at www.ltm.org.au/tract/view/70579-daily-bible-readings-for-2023 or as a printed booklet through the LTM office (phone 08 8360 7222) for a donation of 20c per copy. 

PRAYER POINTS

1–4 FEB – Those affected by floods and those assisting them

5–11 FEB – Delegates of the LCANZ’s General Synod and the Young Adult Forum consultants

12–18 FEB – Next week’s online Festival of Learning, run by ALC

19–25 FEB – That Lent, which starts this week, will be a time of prayer, reflection and repentance

26 FEB – 4 MAR – Nurses and other medical staff as they care for the sick and injured

5–11 MAR – Those who serve on the LCANZ’s commissions on worship, social and bioethical questions, and theology and inter-church relations

12–18 MAR – People whose homes have been hit by war, famine or other crises and those who work to deliver aid and relief

19–25 MAR – People who volunteer their time and talents in their churches and communities

26 MAR – 1 APR – Genuine reconciliation between First Nations Australians and New Zealanders and other citizens of the two countries

DWELLING IN GOD’S WORD

The foundation of our hope

by Richard Fox 

Many people are looking for hope to cope with, deal with and
be set free from the things happening in their lives that may
make them feel despondent, that they have no hope.

Serving in ministry at Messages of Hope, we are contacted by many people who ask, each in their way, ‘Where is hope for me?’

Faith in God and what he has done and is doing for us is the sure foundation for our hope as Christians. The sure hope that truly helps is that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour.

But often people who need hope aren’t looking for faith in Jesus Christ because they are unaware that he is the source of the true hope they seek. I pray that many people will hear about and believe in the sure hope of Jesus Christ.

Some people might use the word ‘hope’ in place of the word ‘wish’. For example,

I wish it would rain. Or I wish it would stop raining. However, hope is so much more than what we wish for and is fundamental to who we are and how we approach life. If we don’t have hope, we can despair. Hope is a way forward. And there is only one true hope that can fill that need.

What do you hope for? You might like to list what you wish
and hope for and pray about them to God.

The next question to consider is ‘where do you put your hope?’

On a Messages of Hope program entitled ‘3 dollars in the bank’, a woman named Kerry shares her battle with hopelessness. ‘I remember sitting at church one day thinking, “What do I do?”’, she says. ‘I’ve got no job, I had an awful marriage breakdown and a nasty divorce, and I remembered my dad saying to me, “Leave it up to God”. I was sitting in church looking at the crucifix up on the wall thinking, “What am I going to do?”, and then I just thought, “You know what? That’s what I’m going to do. I’m just going to let go and just leave it up to God”.’

Hope is where God leads us through the trials we face in life.

Read Romans 5:3–5, particularly noting verse 4.
How does God bring good things out of difficult situations?

Hope comes from God. And we know from Scripture and often learn from experience that placing our hope in him can bring many blessings.

Read Isaiah 40:31.

What happens for those who ‘hope in the Lord’?

There is a song based on Psalm 62, otherwise known as ‘My soul finds rest in God alone’, which contains the lyrics: ‘The fields of hope in which I sow are harvested in heaven.’

Read Psalm 62.

In verse 5, the psalmist speaks about where our hope
comes from. In the following verse, the reason for this
hope is explained. Why can we be hopeful?

You may like to use Psalm 62 as a regular prayer, for this week, month or even throughout the year.

Hope is not something just for us personally. God calls us to share the hope we have in him with others.

Read 1 Peter 3:15.

What does this verse tell us about our calling
as Christians? And how does Peter suggest
we live out this calling? Name two attributes
he asks of us as we share the hope of Jesus.

Whom do you know who is looking for hope
to deal with what is happening in their life?

We are like beggars, telling other beggars, where to find food. And not just physical food, but the Bread of Life, who gives us hope. Jesus Christ.

To conclude, pray Romans 15:13.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Richard Fox is the director of Lutheran Media. You can watch, listen to or read Messages of Hope at www.messagesofhope.org.au or www.messagesofhope.org.nz

Kerry’s story is at www.messagesofhope.org.au/3-dollars-in-the-bank           

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Church@Home December 2022

Nurturing our spiritual life

We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week, as well as at Sunday worship. Therefore, we include these devotional pages for every reader – not just for those who are unable to attend church services regularly. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by these reflections. You will find further prayer, devotional and Bible study resources through the Worship Planning Page from the LCANZ’s Commission on Worship at www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/prayers-devotions/ and online worship links at www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/churchhome/

Lisa

ISAIAH 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

Our lament and God’s help by Pastor Fraser Pearce

Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in heaven (Lamentations 3:40,41).

Read Lamentations 3:34–60.

God’s people know that all things are under God’s rule, and whatever happens in our world (and our lives) happens because God permits it.

This does not mean it is easy to bear suffering, or we should simply keep our mouths shut and take whatever hardship we face without any words of lament. In fact, God gives us his word so that we may take our cares to him, knowing that when we do so, we speak with the voice of his faithful people, and he will hear us in his grace and mercy.

In the Book of Lamentations, the prophet pours out his lament over the destruction of Jerusalem and his intense suffering at the hands of his enemies. More than this, the prophet also acknowledges that his own sin and the sins of the people have led to punishment from God.

But this does not lead to despair, but hope. God allows his people to suffer in this world, including the suffering that comes from our own foolish and sinful thoughts, words and actions. But God gives us his name so that we may call on him in our need and receive the forgiveness and healing only he can provide.

The name ‘Jesus’ means ‘the Lord saves’. Our Lord Jesus bore the punishment for our sins, taking on himself the suffering and abandonment we could not stand. Jesus’ love for us is stronger than death, and his life gives us hope so that we may take our lament to God, knowing he will save us as we call on him.

Have the courage to pour out your lament to God and confess when you have sinned. Put your trust in the Lord Jesus, who saves you from sin, death and hell.

Lord Jesus, you took on the burden of my sin and suffering and pray to the Father for me. Take my words of lament, and give me the joy of your Spirit so I may live life to the fullest. Amen.

A living, growing faith by Pastor Mark Lieschke

The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ (Luke 17:5).

Read Luke 17:5–10.

‘If only I had a stronger faith, then I could serve God better. Then I’d be able to give a better witness to Jesus Christ in my life!’

When we speak like that, we can think that before we can do anything worthwhile for God, our faith in him has to reach a certain level.

We may also think that only a person with a strong faith can ever be really used powerfully by God. We may even go as far as to say that only a person with a strong faith in God can really be sure of eternal life.

But none of those things is true. While we might think that measuring the strength of our faith is important, what is essential is that it is faith in Jesus Christ.

We’re saved by God’s grace through Jesus Christ. So even what we might consider a weak or faltering faith, when it’s focused on Jesus Christ, is a saving faith and a potential power for good. That’s because Jesus Christ connects us to the almighty transforming power of God himself.

God invites us to have a living, growing faith so we can be confident and cheerful about who we are. So, he invites us to look to him for strength so that we can give a good witness to others about our relationship with him.

So, we pray, ‘Lord, increase our faith’ so that we are not misled by doubts, fears, selfishness and lovelessness. And we also pray that God would move us now, as weak as our faith may be, to place ourselves at his disposal and let his power work in our lives for the sake of others.

Because of God’s work in our lives, we can say right now: ‘Lord, fill me with your power, and use me as I am and where I am to bring glory to you always’.

Lord God, thank you for the faith you have enabled us to have in your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Increase our faith in him so that we can reflect his love and grace in our lives. Transform and renew us daily into the people you still want us to become. Amen.

PRAYERS                                                                                 – Sourced from justprayer.org

CHRISTMAS PRAYER – ST AUGUSTINE              

Let the just rejoice,
for their Justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their Saviour is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

JESU JOY         

Well for me that I have Jesus,
O how strong I hold to him
That he might refresh my heart
when so sick and sad am I.
Jesus have I, he who loves me,
he who takes me as his own!
Ah, therefore I don’t leave Jesus,
Lest I should break my heart.

– A Celtic translation of ‘Jesu, Joy of
Man’s Desiring’ by J S Bach

LUKE 1:46–49
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour … for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.

Hypocrisy! by Sal Huckel

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? (James 2:14).

Read James 2:1–17.

In some circles, we are so sensitive as Christians to the idea of ‘works-based faith’, aren’t we? There has got to be a point, though, where our belief, faith and salvation move us to ‘put legs’ on our faith and love others practically.

Perhaps some criticism of Christianity – the calling out of hypocrisy – is grounded in some truth. Yes, the whole of Christianity can be judged by the attributes of Christ’s people. We still battle the selfish desires of our earthly nature.

Jesus’ words here warn against showing favouritism to those with the money, smart clothes, good car … whatever our modern-day equivalent might be. Bought the pew, made a generous donation and worked the hardest at …

Let’s remember that Jesus has no favourites. Let’s also remember that faith without action (and without love) is dead. The workers in the vineyard in Matthew 20 also remind us that the longest and most hardworking workers are not favoured over those who came late to the party (or the field).

While we know that Christians are not perfect, just saved, let us also remember that hypocrisy has no place in our faith walk, and we need to back ourselves and our claim to Jesus’ promises with a little bit of action and a whole lot of love for others.

Lord, thank you for the promise of eternal life for those who believe in you. Help me to continue to live out my faith with actions that honour you and bring glory to your name and others to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Repentance releases new vision by Kathy Matuschka

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

Read 1 Peter 5:5–11.

At times in my life, I have hoped for something special from God. I have had a bit of a vision of what God might do and have charged after it as if I could grasp it if I just tried a bit harder. But it has only been when I got to the point of saying, ‘I give up. Just do whatever you want, God’ that I have seen a breakthrough according to God’s ways and terms.

Do you think that repentance releases new vision and hope? It’s not that God requires that we repent before blessing us, but more that we seem to keep ourselves as individuals and communities bound by our limited imagination for the new things God will do.

So, when the writer of 1 Peter encourages us to humble ourselves so God may lift us up, it’s not about manipulating God but rather about learning to face the limitations of our humanity and turning to God for our vision and hope.

The National Church Life Survey, in which many Lutheran churches from Australia take part, tells us that there are three core qualities most indicative of the health of a congregation: faith sharing, empowering leadership and vision.

Through my work, I see many congregations realising the sense of vision they had in the past is no longer bearing the fruit it once was. Might growing in a culture of repentance help these three qualities to become stronger?

Are you waiting for a new vision in your circles? Do you think that repentance might help? It doesn’t matter whether we think of repentance as naming specific sins or admitting our preference for self-reliance – repentance is all about our orientation.

Dear Holy Spirit, keep reorienting me toward the love and hope you have planted within me, and expand my vision of what you will make of this hope. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

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Church@Home November 2022

Nurturing our spiritual life

We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week, as well as at Sunday worship. Therefore, we include these devotional pages for every reader – not just for those who are unable to attend church services regularly. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by these reflections. You will find further prayer, devotional and Bible study resources through the Worship Planning Page from the LCANZ’s Commission on Worship at www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/prayers-devotions/ and online worship links at www.lca.org.au/worship/wpp/churchhome/

Lisa 

Psalm 145:18
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

Worth everything by Pastor Jim Strelan

In his joy [he] went and sold all he had and bought the field (Matthew 13:44b).

Read Matthew 13:44–46.

What does it mean to you to know you have a God who loves you unconditionally, promises to be with you always, willingly forgives you and lets you start again, and only has open arms for you? What value do you put on that compared to many other things you might have that are of worth?

If your heart is set on something, then nothing will get in the way of you achieving it. You will make sacrifices, forego things, and persevere because you have put value on that thing, and it’s worth everything.

The man in Jesus’ parable who finds a treasure is so overwhelmed and so excited at his discovery that he willingly, with great joy, sells everything to gain it. The treasure for this man and the exquisite pearl for the second man in Jesus’ parable is worth everything.

Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like this. Where Christ is king, there is a shift in mindset. All the things in life we enjoy, all the things that are precious to us, all the things we consider to be of great value, all those things we don’t hold onto so tightly that we’re not prepared to let them go. They have great value, but when we are in the kingdom – where Christ rules – that connection means more than anything. Many things bring us joy, but there is no greater joy than being in the kingdom.

The great thing is that the treasure is already in the field, and the pearl is already there. Neither man created the treasure. Neither man actually earned it nor deserved it. But on finding it, both men recognised the value. It was worth everything.

Spend a moment reflecting on the value of the gift you have been given. Acknowledge how much poorer you would be without it. And thank God. What he gives is worth everything.

Thank you, God, for giving me the greatest gift of all and for the joy it brings. Amen.

Rejected to accepted by Sonia Hulme

Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no-one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? (Luke 17:17,18)

Read Luke 17:11–19.

In our house, we have a rule. When dinner is over, everyone who ate should stick around and help clean up. That’s how we show gratitude to the cook. It’s amazing, then, how many nights the cook can identify with Jesus’ question in today’s story of the healing of the ten lepers. In our family, it translates to ‘Were not all seven fed? Where are the other six??’. Yes, despite the rule and without us noticing, children seem to slip away and must be retrieved from all over the house to wash, dry and put away the mess of the day. The very act of coming back shows gratitude, especially if they do it without being forced (we’re still working on that!).

The leper who returned to give thanks after receiving miraculous healing from Jesus was an outsider on not one but two counts. Firstly, he was from Samaria. According to the Jews, he was not included in God’s family. Secondly, he had an illness that resulted in complete social rejection. So, he really did know about life on the edge of society, and his gratitude is correspondingly heartfelt.

Over and over, Jesus specialises in going to the margins, to the outsider and drawing them in, including them, making them whole. In response, those who have been healed of much, forgiven much and loved much respond with great gratitude. I, too, was an outsider before Jesus came to me. Perhaps I still feel on the edge, rejected by others, invisible, unlovely in my own – or others’ – eyes. I am exactly the one he comes to touch and heal and love. He is not afraid of my wounds, sins, and shame. He embraces me, makes me whole and delights in my grateful response. My gratitude is a gift to him and a witness to the world of just how much he has done for me. I truly am a recipient of amazing grace!

Before you came along, I, too, was an outsider in your kingdom. Help me look with eyes of compassion on those who are still lingering on the edge of your love. Let my gratitude show itself in my love for those who are unwelcome because they are different. Amen.

PRAYER

LORD OF LIGHT & DARKNESS      

Jesus,
Lord of light and darkness,
Find us in the darkness,
Find us in the light.

Jesus,
Lord of work and stillness,
Make our work of worth,
Make our stillness yours.

Jesus,
Lord of our past and future,
Cover our anxiety with love,
Cover our hopes with grace.

Jesus,
Lord of everything,
Fill those who have nothing,
Fill us with the right longing.

Jesus,
We are your people,
In darkness and light,
In work and stillness,
In anxiety and hope,
Having nothing,
Yet possessing everything.
Amen.
Sourced from justprayer.org

John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

Justice requires wisdom by Pastor Glenn Crouch

… they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice (1 Kings 3:28b).

Read 1 Kings 3:16–28.

We often mistakenly equate wisdom and knowledge. Of course, knowledge is very valuable and useful, but just because you know a lot, it doesn’t mean you make good decisions. Wisdom in Scripture refers to practical skills (including decision-making) that lead to living a life that glorifies God. This includes making decisions that promote justice.

In our reading, we see Solomon has no knowledge about who the true mother is, so he devises a test to discover the truth. We may gasp in horror at his proposal, as surely most did within Solomon’s court. This was not something that Israel’s king should propose! But without shedding a drop of blood, Solomon discovers who the mother really is, and she is reunited with her child.

How do you fare when it comes to making wise decisions? How much thought do you give when posting a social media post or sending an email? Do you consider whether some item you want to share is actually true and what effect it may have on those who read or hear it?

I know there are times when my decisions have lacked wisdom. I am so thankful that our Lord Jesus died for all my sins and that through my baptism, I can receive forgiveness – not just today, but every day! Forgiveness is available not only when we make poor decisions but also when we don’t listen to wise advice.

Almighty God, please forgive me for the thoughtless ways I have acted or spoken. Through your Holy Spirit, grant me your wisdom so that I make good decisions and that my words and deeds glorify your name. I ask this through your precious Son. Amen.

At the table by Dianne Eckermann

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 14:11).

Read Luke 14:1,7–14.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus dined with many different people in various places. Jesus ate with a tax collector and a Pharisee, as in the reading today. He fed a crowd with a couple of fish and some loaves of bread and dined with his friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha. He attended wedding feasts and ate more privately with his disciples at the Last Supper.

These settings have one common feature: Jesus uses these mealtimes to teach others. When he went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, we are told that he was carefully watched. Perhaps some of the other guests were interested in seeing where it was that Jesus chose to sit at the table. However, Jesus also observed that guests picked seats of honour at the table. Jesus chose this moment to talk about humility.

Our modern society generally sets little store by where we sit at a dinner table, so we are unlikely to suffer the humiliation of being moved to a less important place. However, Jesus’ words still hold a message for today, encouraging us to not overestimate our own importance but humbly accept who we are, and we know we are beloved children of God.

While Jesus understands the social hierarchy of his time, in the second part of this reading, he encourages his host to consider those in greatest need, the poor or those with disabilities, and invite them to dine. Unlike close friends and relatives, it is unlikely they can return the favour; however, humbly inviting them will provide happiness for those in need as well as their host.

This is exactly how God receives us. We will never be able to repay the grace and mercy offered to us. Humbly and thankfully, we accept.

Heavenly Father, we humbly thank you for the way in which you know us in all our imperfections yet receive us as your children. Amen.

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Church@Home October 2022

Strengthening our relationship with God

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Australia and New Zealand, some members are still missing out on worship with their local congregations due to being unwell or caring for those who are. However, these devotional pages are not just for those unable to get to church. We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week as well as at Sunday worship. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa 

John 16:22
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

When blessings become god by Eden Bishop

Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress (Judges 10:14).

Read Judges 10:6–16.

We rely on many things to provide us with ‘blessings’. These can include our own abilities, money, family and hobbies. Yet, these things are gifts from God, not things that provide us with blessings. And, if we aren’t careful, these things can start to take over all our spare time, and we can begin to give them credit for our happiness.

The Israelites worshipped other gods, falsely believing this would lead to more blessings than simply relying on the one true God. It had quite the opposite effect, bringing suffering and misery because it cut them off from God, the one true source of all blessings. This failure becomes quite apparent in their distress: the false gods cannot save them, and they must turn to God for deliverance.

In this text, we can hear God’s exasperation with his people, just like an exasperated parent. God was the one who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and provided for them in the desert, yet the Israelites continuously turned to other gods for provision. God’s response highlights how false these other gods are – we trust them to bring us good things, so why don’t we trust them to provide deliverance? Why do we call on God only in times of distress? The false gods can’t actually save us, which reveals how they also fail to provide us with good things. It is God who blesses and delivers.

This text also highlights God’s great love for us. Despite his exasperation, he still had mercy on them and delivered the Israelites when they turned back to him. God is forgiving and truly loves his people. God wants to provide for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we have turned to false gods, such as our possessions and hobbies, to bring us happiness. Please forgive us for failing to trust in you to provide us with blessings. Thank you for your mercy. Amen.

Holy glasses by Annie Duarte

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).

Read Matthew 10:24–39.

Do you have the lens of eternity? A heavenly lens is just one of many gifts you receive as a Christ-follower. When you put these special glasses on, you can see things as they ought to be. As much as the Father reveals, you can see what is happening behind the scenes.

With the lens of eternity, you are given a filter for what is important. You can look at a desert and witness springs bursting forth. You can look at dry bones and see that flesh will return to them. You can carry an umbrella during a drought in faith. You can face the bitterness of death and loss with the hope of the resurrection.

This anointed lens of eternity also empowers you to sift through deception and discern what is true, what aligns with God’s word. You can see the brokenness of a heart though it is disguised in the defences of harsh language or violent behaviour. You can see the loneliness and longing buried beneath a mask of aloofness. You can see a rotten core inside of a shiny, attractive exterior.

This is the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The same holy perspective is necessary when you face opposition and adversity especially because of your faith. I have heard it said that fear is having faith in the wrong kingdom. To fear humans – and those who kill the body but not the soul – is to have more confidence in their ability to destroy than in God’s ability to save and redeem.

You are running the marathon, bound for eternity! Place your faith in the one who can actually impact eternity, the one who has won it for you – Jesus. Slip on your lenses of eternity to see things as he sees them. Don’t waste your time and energy fearing people or fretting about earthly problems when the victory has already been won.

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Amen.

PRAYER

LORD JESUS THINK ON ME       

Lord Jesus, think on me,
and purge away my sin;
from earthbound passions
set me free,
and make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me
by care and woe oppressed;
let me your loving servant be,
and taste your promised rest.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
amid the bitter strife;
through all my pain and misery
become my health and life.

Lord Jesus, think on me,
that, when the trial is past,
I may your radiant glory see,
and share your joy at last.

– Synesius of Cyrene, (373-414AD). Translated by Allen William Chatfield.
Sourced from justprayer.org

Matthew 10:30,31
Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid.

Being prepared for an unknown deadline by Pastor Steve Liersch

It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. He will dress himself to serve, make them recline at the table and wait on them (Luke 12:37).

Read Luke 12:32–40.

Recently, my wife and I went away with friends for the weekend, sharing our return time with one of our children still at home. We had discussed coming home on Monday evening, but around 2.00pm on Sunday, we received a call ‘just checking’ to see if it was Sunday or Monday we were returning as a small number of tasks hadn’t yet been completed. For example, bringing in the washing and vacuuming the floors.

Mild panic can set in when we know we haven’t achieved all that must be done by a given deadline. Distractions abound these days – especially social media time lost, not to mention TV, friends and hobbies, along with the busyness of life. Sometimes the essentials of life can be left to the last minute, and for some, this can also include giving appropriate attention to spiritual and eternal needs.

When Jesus reminds his disciples and us that we must be ready for his return, being watchful, dressed and expectant, he is forewarning us (and the world for that matter) that he will return. He wants to find us ready and waiting for the blessings he has in store for us eternally. Only God knows when that ‘deadline’ will eventuate, and so these words help prepare us to be recipients of his grace.

There’s also something wonderful in the image of Jesus dressed to serve us in heaven, blessing us with his heavenly banquet at the table he has prepared for us.

How well prepared are you to meet Jesus should this life’s deadline come tomorrow?

Heavenly Father, thank you for your willingness to give us a place in your kingdom. Help me treasure what this world can’t provide, namely your Son Jesus as our Lord, Saviour and Servant King. Prepare my life with your Spirit and word every day. Amen.

It is time that nations honour Jesus by Craig Heidenreich

And they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles (Isaiah 66:19b).

Read Isaiah 66:18–23.

I suspect that most of us reading this today are not Jews. That means you are numbered (with me) among the Gentiles referred to in this passage.

The Lord uses Isaiah to open up some new thinking for the Israelites and begin shifting their focus to his greater purpose – to ‘win the Gentiles’. God had spoken to Abraham many centuries before, saying, ‘all the nations will be blessed through you’, but the Israelites had become habitually focused on themselves.

Thank God for the prophetic insight given to Isaiah and for men like Paul who understood that the Jews were God’s chosen people – to be priests to the nations, not just to themselves.

Most of us are old enough to have seen a dramatic shift in the ethnic mix of Australia and New Zealand over the past few decades. Are we seeing an outworking of these verses in Isaiah? Are we in a time when God is choosing to declare his glory among the Gentiles? Last time I checked, God uses his people to declare his glory!

In Exodus 33, Moses asked the Lord, ‘show me your glory’, and he responded by saying, ‘I myself will make all my “goodness” pass before you’.

Perhaps we are to show the goodness of God to newcomers in our midst so that they get to see his glory. Surely the gospel is good news and unique among the messages of the world religions. People should have the opportunity to taste it.

Lord, help me lift my eyes above my own situation and show your goodness to others who have come from afar. May we come to your holy mountain together. Amen.

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Church@Home August 2022

Strengthening our relationship with God

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Australia and New Zealand, some members are still missing out on worship with their local congregations due to being unwell or caring for those who are. However, these devotional pages are not just for those unable to get to church. We can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness during the week as well as at Sunday worship. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with God. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa 

Psalm 121:7,8
The Lord will keep you from all harm … the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

What do I have to do? by Darren Pope

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? (Psalm 15:1).

Read Psalm 15.

Alarm switched off, out-of-office reply set – hooray for holidays! Woohoo, it’s time to do nothing! As I ponder breakfast choices, the list of jobs attached to the fridge door catches my eye. Okay, that’s for later. Back in the bathroom, the squeaky door bugs me again. That’s for later, too. A check of the mailbox reminds me of the tall grass that needs taming out front. Can that wait for later, also? Hmm, I just started holidays, and I feel loaded with all the stuff I have to get done. There’s a long and impossible list of tasks. Maybe it is relaxing that will need to wait until later!

As the psalmist, David often shares beautiful imagery, lyrics or poetic prose. In Psalm 15, we read questions from David seeking clarity about needing to be blameless, righteous, truthful, do no wrong, not change his mind, give away his money and keep all his promises to be in relationship with God. So, what’s with the long list of impossible tasks? If this all relies on me, it is not going to happen. There is no way I can make and keep a promise to do all of that, all of the time. If I need to do all those things to earn God’s love, I’ll fail!

Here’s the great news. David didn’t know God’s plan yet. It’s actually Jesus that does all those things on the long and impossible list – and more. He does them for us. He lived fully human and fully God, so he understands how hard it is every day. More than this, he died and rose for us. It’s always God’s work, not ours, that matters. His love is free, unconditional and never-ending. So, what do I have to do? Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

We are saved by his grace through faith.

Lord of love, thank you for walking with me today. The list feels long, but I know you’ve got this. I live in your grace and love. Amen.

You can handle the truth by Pastor Reid Matthias

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13a).

Read John 16:12–15.

n the movie, A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson plays a passionate yet deceitful military officer, confronted by an upstart lawyer accusing him of the heinous crime of covering up the chain of command, which leads to murder. During the most iconic scene, Nicholson takes the stand, swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help him, God.

When posed with a yes or no answer as to whether he ordered the hazing of a marine, Nicholson gives an impassioned speech, criticising the lawyer and openly questioning those who don’t understand the military’s role. At the end of the monologue, his face full of fury, he iconically states: ‘You can’t handle the truth’.

There are many times in my life when I feel like that. When the next straw falls on top of the last one, our backs feel broken, and our spirits crushed, I wonder if I can handle the truthful statement that life really isn’t fair.

In our reading today, Jesus, about to be led to Golgotha, describes the unfairness of what will happen to him and the struggle the disciples will encounter afterwards. Knowing that his disciples could be overwhelmed by the entirety of the news of his death (and not listen to the good news following), he tells them, ‘I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear’.

In other words, I don’t have enough time to ease you into this and to be honest, you couldn’t handle the truth.

Thus, Jesus promises the Spirit of truth, the one who will guide them into all the promises that Jesus has for them. The Spirit of truth, the Advocate, the one who will speak to them and for them, will reveal that there is much more to this life than death and despair, pandemic and pestilence, inflation and unfairness.

There is the resurrection. And the hope. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

That is the truth they can handle.

Heavenly Father, through your Spirit who listens to the Son, please guide me into all the truth of your promises and relieve me from the fears that press in so closely. Amen.

PRAYER

THE GOLDEN CORD
Through every minute of this day,
Be with me, Lord!

Through every day of all this week,
Be with me, Lord!

Through every week of all this year,
Be with me, Lord!

Through all the years of all this life,
Be with me, Lord!

So shall the days and weeks and years
Be threaded on a golden cord,

And all draw on with sweet accord
Unto Thy fullness, Lord,

That so, when time is past,
By grace, I may at last,
Be with Thee, Lord.

– John Oxenham, (1952-1841, published in ‘Bees in Amber’ 1913). Oxenham was a novel writer, journalist, poet, and Christian teacher. Sourced from justprayer.org

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

At home with Martha and Mary by Ruth Olsen

Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her (Luke 10:42).

Read Luke 10:38–42.

Imagine being at home with Martha and Mary. Luke tells us that it was Martha who opened her home to Jesus, and she had a sister Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. In John 12:1–3, we read that the village is Bethany, and Lazarus lived with them also. In both settings, Martha is serving, probably exercising a gift of hospitality. Jesus was obviously at home with them, more than welcome to be there.

Luke says that Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She was probably feeling under pressure and increasingly frustrated doing what needed to be done. Many of us, and predominantly women, most likely, can identify with her, whether we have the gift of hospitality or not. And if we are not responsible for preparing the food, we probably don’t even give it a thought.

From observation, Mary’s focus and priority were not on preparing food for the guests, and we can imagine there were other people in the home listening to Jesus also. Where would you be – in Martha’s shoes or Mary’s? Hospitality and food preparation are necessary parts of life. In any culture where it is expected that women do the food preparation and serving, people would agree with Martha’s frustrated plea to Jesus for him to tell Mary to help her. Do you sense the moment? Jesus heard Martha’s request, knew her heart in her frustration, but said, ‘Martha, Martha … only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’. Do you sense a shift in priorities? And that sitting at the feet of Jesus is open to women also?

What catches your attention in this Scripture passage? Are you willing for Jesus to be at home with you?

Lord Jesus, we welcome you to be at home with us also. Enable us to hear what you are saying to us, and by the power of your Spirit, enable us to change focus to pursue listening to you. Thank you!

Set your face towards the lost sheep of Israel by Pastor Tim Castle-Schmidt

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:6).

Read Matthew 10:5–23.

When God calls, we are in a privileged place to be invited into God’s mission. Sometimes that takes us along smooth paths, but more often, we get called to roads we neither expect nor might choose. That’s certainly been my experience.

And when God calls, he typically sets our faces towards the lost. Indeed, if we are honest with ourselves, we are all lost (and so terribly lost!), and until we acknowledge that, we cannot be found.

Jesus came, remember, to seek the lost.

And so, as soon as we can recognise that we are as lost as the next person, the sooner we can know that God is actively seeking us. But God never leaves us where he finds us. Whether that is to a new station in life, a new town or country, or a new mindset, God leads us to a new place.

We, the lost, are found and then sent with a new call on our lives. That may be a call to see things differently in our own backyard or a whole new backyard. Either way, we are called to set our faces towards the lost.

Lord Jesus, you set your face towards us because we were lost and then call us to seek the lost sheep of Israel. Help me acknowledge my own lostness so that you can truly find me, and then give me eyes to see the lost ones you lead me to. Amen.

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Church@Home July 2022

Nurturing faith in between Sundays

With many people still facing uncertainty, grief or economic pressures due to the COVID pandemic, plus the devastation of floods and bushfires close to home and war overseas, we can all benefit from reading or hearing some encouraging words and experiencing a sense of God’s closeness. Nurturing our faith at home through regular devotions strengthens our relationship with Jesus and helps to open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. We pray that you will be blessed by the devotional materials here and in the Church@Home resources collection online at www.lca.org.au/churchhome

Lisa

James 1:2,3
Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials, because the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

DEVOTIONS FOR HOME WORSHIP

These reflections are adapted from a collection of devotions written for our LCANZ family and friends to help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter what we face. You can find these and many others on the LCA website at www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion and you can subscribe to receive them daily via email by clicking on the link on that same page.

PTL – praise the Lord by Pastor Tim Klein

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you (Psalm 67:5).

Read Psalm 67.

I know a person, though unable to speak, who praises God with loud cries. I know another who, when singing, sings with tear-washed cheeks. And still, another who sings with arms raised high, head lifted up, heart open and eyes closed, all attention on the Lord. I know another person who, at one point, would respond to every good thing, saying ‘PTL’!

We are all called to praise the Lord. We each praise the Lord in our own unique way, for our own reasons, yet our praise is shared. This word from Psalm 67 says it: ‘Let all the peoples praise you’.

In Revelation, chapter 5, John is given a vision of millions and millions of people praising God around his throne: ‘The Lamb who was killed is worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory, and praise.’

And then there were more! ‘All beings in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, “Praise, honour, glory, and strength forever and ever to the one who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”’

Do you love to praise the Lord? What are some of your memorable times of praising the Lord? What are your reasons for praising the Lord?

Mostly, our praises to the Lord are carried in singing – from the classic hymn Praise to the Lord (LH 442) to Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Tim Tscharke’s Singing All Praises to Benjamin Hastings’ O Praise the Name (Anástasis).

Perhaps you might finish your time of reflection by calling to mind your reasons to praise the Lord and spending some time in praise.

Lord, you are gracious to us and bless us. You shine your face on us. You judge the peoples of the earth with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Your earth yields more than enough for all the world’s needs. You have truly blessed us. And so, with all the nations, we praise you, O Lord. Amen.

Home and away by Stuart Gray

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it (2 Corinthians 5:9).

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1–10.

My wife and I enjoy camping. We have the freedom to easily explore our country with relatively few encumbrances. But when camping, we are exposed to the elements, the wind and rain, the hot and cold.

So, we also enjoy our home where we feel grounded and largely protected from the elements. Home is where our community lives. But we can’t have both lifestyles at the same time.

In this passage, Paul talks about living our lives in an ‘earthly tent’ that is temporary, frail and vulnerable. But we look forward to being with God, which Paul describes as ‘an eternal house in heaven’. God’s house is permanent.

Paul says in verse one that we know if the earthly tent is destroyed, we have a building from God. In verse four, Paul says we know that as long as we are in our bodies, we are away from the Lord, but because God has given us the Holy Spirit as a deposit, a guarantee of what is to come, we are always confident of our heavenly destination.

Paul’s words, ‘we know’ and ‘always confident’, show no doubt. That’s the power of the Holy Spirit. ‘We live by faith, not by sight.’ While we are in our earthly bodies, we groan and are burdened, but by faith, we are confident that our destination is the eternal house in heaven.

So how does Paul resolve this dilemma of wanting to be with God while living in our earthly bodies? We do so by making it our goal to please God, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

And Paul says that what we do with our lives matters as we will all ‘appear before the judgement seat of Christ so that each may receive due recompense for actions done in the body, whether good or evil’.

Heavenly Father, give us the will, power and strength to do what is pleasing to you. Give us clarity about our purpose in life so that we may fully live a life that is acceptable to you. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

PRAYER

PRAYER OF PRAISE 

O God,
You alone are unutterable,
from the time you created all things
that can be spoken of.

You alone are unknowable,
from the time you created all things
that can be known.

All things cry out about you,
those which speak,
and those which cannot speak.

All things honour you;
those which think,
and those which cannot think.

For there is one longing, one groaning,
that all things have for you.

All things pray to you that perceive your plan
and offer you a silent hymn.

In you, the One,
all things abide,
and all things endlessly run to you
who are the end of all.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
– Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (330-389AD),
sourced from justprayer.org

2 Timothy 1:7
For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

A faithful spirit by Carolyn Ehrlich

‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit’, Elisha replied (2 Kings 2:9b).

Read 2 Kings 2:1–12.

Elisha was Elijah’s protégé. Elisha was transitioning to take on his job. But he recognised the faithful spirit of Elijah. Elisha asked that he take over his work and receive a double portion of his faithfulness. And it was granted.

At the same time as taking on the faithful spirit of Elijah, Elisha was different from Elijah. We recognise Elijah as a great prophet, but Elisha did more miracles, Elisha spent more time with people, and Elisha showed tenderness and ongoing compassion for others, which was quite different from Elijah’s prophetic ministry.

Even though Elisha asked for and inherited a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, he did not try and replicate Elijah. Instead, he worked with the strengths that God had given him.

So, we need to admire the faithfulness of others, and we need to replicate those spiritual gifts, but we need to do it in our own God-led way. How God leads and directs me is different to how God leads and directs you.

It is within this diversity that we can collectively act as one body of Christ.

Ask God today to lead you into realising your God-given gifts, talents and strengths to his glory

Heavenly Father, you have given each of us unique gifts and talents. Like Elisha, I pray that you will fill me with a spirit of faithfulness to you. Thank you for all that you have given me. Show me how to use my unique gifts, talents and strengths for your glory this day and always. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

There’s something about them … by Georgie Schuster

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

Read Acts 4:5–21.

We like things that make sense. One plus one equals two, and all is right with the world. But it can be confronting when something doesn’t appear to add up.

The educated men (rulers, elders, teachers of the law, the high priest etc) would have done their research on Peter and John as they sought reasons to silence them.

Initially fishermen by trade, one could expect their skillset and expertise to be confined to that profession. But then they hung around the itinerant Jesus, who challenged long-held traditions and understandings and was crucified for his troubles. Reports had been made of his resurrection, but he had since disappeared off the face of the earth.

Still, his influence seemed to be spreading. Peter and John were going around healing people using Jesus’ name! Now, these same men stood before the hierarchy and spoke with boldness. They even had the audacity and courage to quote Scripture, naming Jesus as the one whom the psalmist referenced … in front of some of the same men who orchestrated Jesus’ crucifixion.

So how did they go from being ordinary, uneducated fishermen to men of courage who performed miracles and spoke with authority? Well, they did spend time – a lot of time – with Jesus. He seemed to have a profound and life-changing impact on these two extraordinary men … and they weren’t (and aren’t) the only ones!

How does spending time with Jesus impact you and influence your words and actions?

Dear God, thank you for all the ways we get to spend time together. You share your love and refresh my soul in many different ways. You show me paths to walk and people to connect with. I look forward to what you have in store for me today! In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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