Issue 10 - Day 6

Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5:17-19
17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18)  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

An often misquoted passage here, but packed with truth. Do you understand what is God’s will? In short his will is that we should walk in the light, in his ways. Do you sing to yourself? If you can’t sing you are given a get-out clause here. SPEAK the songs, and sing in your heart. But of course this is speaking of how we live our lives, not what we do on a Sunday morning.

The first comparison here is between being unwise, and understanding God’s will. Certainly it is unwise to ignore God’s will, but it really is the opposite. If you are unwise then you only seek personal gratification, often at the expense of others, and usually with disastrous results to yourself. The opposite is not being sensible, but understanding God’s will. This will change your motivation to following his will not your own. Unlike our ideas that have been thought through for five minutes on a good day, God’s ideas have been planned for eternity and have certain success.

The second comparison is between physical drunkenness and excess, compared to being filled with the Spirit. These again are opposites. When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, being focused on spiritual things, you will not be filled with physical gratification such as getting drunk. One replaces the other. Equally, when filled with the Spirit excessive behavior will cease, as you will be controlled by a desire to do God’s will, not your own. Look always to God, and his will, and he will take care of the physical.

Issue 10 - Day 5

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4:22-26
22)  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23)  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24)  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25)  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26)  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Do you find yourself continuing to act in the same way as you did before you became a Christian? Or, when comparing your life to non-believers around you, do you realise there is little difference in the way you live your life? These are sure signs that you have not put off the old man.

Many times believers do put of the old man, but he comes back! This is for a simple reason. Nature abhors a vacuum, and so if you take something out the resulting gap will be filled. Therefore, fill it with God. we are given a new creation in us, created by God, in righteousness and holiness. We do not have to continue doing the old things, we do not need to be angry, lie, hide truth, and so on. How then do we put on the new man? By being renewed in the spirit of our minds. The way we think needs to change. Our way of thinking is in turn defined by what we read, watch and hear. Instead of continuing to feed your mind with the old rubbish, feed it with the word of God, with prayer, and with the encouragement of your fellow believers.

Finally, it is okay to get angry, but only with righteous anger. Anger generally however leads to hatred, violence and sin. Any anger therefore must be dealt with immediately. Go and sort out the problem, don’t brood over it.

Issue 10 - Day 4

Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3:16-19
16)  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17)  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18)  May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19)  And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Another prayer of Paul here, and he really pulls no punches! In the following verse he says this is asked of Christ who can do even more! Strengthened, rooted and grounded. I am seeing this all over scripture at the moment, which is a sure sign that God really wants us to get it, or that someone is not paying attention. I was struck just now by the realisation that like trees and plants, the only part we play in this is to take in the nourishment given to us, and put it into growth, producing fruit. It is the farmer that puts in good soil, waters us, cares for us and strengthens us. Ask God to water your life.

God has given us his Spirit in us, and we need to open our lives up so that he can dwell in us, not just pay a visit. For a while, a few years ago, I lived, and worked in Slough. To shop I headed for a big supermarket, and never got to know the local shops. For church we travelled to another nearby town. We made no friends locally, but kept up with our friends from further afield. Not having children at that point we did not get involved in the local schools, carnivals, fetes and so on. So I lived there, I worked there, but I did not dwell there. Here in Bermondsey it is a different story, and we have become part of the community. That is how God wants to be in us, an integral part of every area of our lives.

Issue 10 - Day 3

Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2:8-10
8)  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I think this is one of the better known passages in the bible, and I am always reminding people of verse ten. I am always reminded of a Peanuts cartoon where Linus and Charlie Brown see Snoopy shivering in the snow. They go over and tell him, “Be of good cheer”, and then walk away. Snoopy quite rightly, as he continues to shiver has one thought. “?”

Here is the crux of the matter. Once you are saved Christ has made you a new creation. He did it. He had a purpose, which was to make someone who would do good works. Many people don’t even get that far. Are you doing good works? Even that is not sufficient, as Jesus also tells us that everything we do should be done as if it were for him. That indicates a different attitude in everything we do. These good works are not to be grudgingly, because we have to, or to earn brownie points. These things are to be done gladly, with a willing heart, out of a desire to serve God.

The final step is the end of this verse. Not only are we to do good works, but we are to walk in them. Now this is a challenge. Doing sounds like one off events, whereas walking is a continuous motion. Picture the difference between stomping in a puddle every now and then, compared to walking in the sea, following the shoreline. One is an action, the other is a way of life. God calls us to a way of life. Now walk in him.

Issue 10 - Day 2

Ephesians 1

Ephesians 1:17-19
17)  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
18)  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19)  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

What do you pray for? Paul is praying for the Ephesians, that they may increase in the wisdom, and knowledge, that they may know God’s hope, inheritance and power. We should pray for one another in the same manner.

How often have you seen a brother in Christ and thought, “They really need to grow up. Can’t they see the problem in their lives!” The reality is that instead of judging them we should be praying for them. Equally, how often have you got angry at the actions and attitudes of others. Again the answer is to pray for them to grow in wisdom and knowledge. It really is not fair to complain about someones lack of wisdom if you are not prepared to do something about it. Also, it changes how you feel about that person. When you are praying for someone it is very hard to hate them.

Do you know the exceeding greatness of God in your life? Do you know his power? If not, it is time to get on your knees and pray for yourself also. Ask God to open your eyes that you may see him more clearly. Ask him to give you the spirit of wisdom and knowledge of him. No believer is any more ignorant. The disciples were examples of this, though lacking in education God gave them wisdom and knowledge that astounded those around them. They said, these men have been with Jesus. Is that what people say of you?

Issue 10 - Day 1

Philemon

Philemon 1:10-11, 16-17
10)  I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
11)  Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

16)  Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
17)  If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

If we have one fault, and we know we have many, it is that having once been hurt by someone, or judged someone to be a problem we never change our minds. I remember a guy named Danny, from when I was seven years old. He was the village problem, roaring around on his motorbike, and later in fast cars. He will never amount to anything, I judged. It came as a shock at first to find he is now pastor of a church. times change and so do people, especially when God is at work in their lives. It is good to be wise, and not let history repeat, but at the same time God changes lives and we need to be aware of that.

How are we to treat problem people who come to know the Lord? We are to see them as a brother beloved. This is tough. If you have a brother or sister it does not matter how lazy, annoying, loud, or whatever they are, they are your brother, and you will never turn them away. I am unfortunately talking in the ideal world here because sadly our families are disintegrating here in the UK and often brothers or sisters are thrown out of the family, but even more so then do these verses apply.

Pray that God will give you the heart to love unconditionally, and the mind to see what is in the heart of those around you.

Complete in Christ

Being complete in Christ is only possible by the power of his Word. Listen now.

Issue 9 - Day 7

Colossians 4

Colossians 4:5-6
5)  Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6)  Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

The old advert used to say, "I want to be a Smiths crisp. I want to be salt and shake." Our prayer needs to be, I want to walk in wisdom, that my speech would be with grace, and salt. This is all very well, but what does it mean.

How are we to speak with grace? In this context grace means with kindness, gentleness, love. Giving help, encouragement and forgiveness. Avoiding anger, and harsh words. Many times it seems impossible to speak in this manner. We arrive in situations where people just wind us up. That old excuse, "I know it was wrong, but she made me say/do it" springs to mind. God instructs us in two ways to avoid either these situations, or to avoid responding in an ungodly manner. Firstly, we are to walk in wisdom, God's wisdom. If we try to live according to our own wisdom we will mess up and fall into arguments. If we follow God’s wisdom we will, by in large, not get into these situations in the first place. For example, you will not get into arguments as to why you are late, if you communicate and let people know you will be late. Walking in wisdom. The second instruction is to redeem the time. Don’t waste time, put it to good use. Laziness will always lead to confrontation.

We are also to season our speech with salt. This salt is the word of God. Paul says this is the mystery of Christ. When talking to unbelievers, adding the salt of God’s word is certainly redeeming the time. First know God's word, then share that wisdom with others. God's word is powerful, and when added to graceful speech transforms your words into good food for it’s recipient.
Pray that God will use your speech today, and add his word to the mix.

Issue 9 - Day 6

Colossians 3

Colossians 3:16-17
16)  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17)  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Our walk, our lives were, and sometimes still are, controlled by the wrong things. These are the works of the flesh, and stem from ungodly attitudes.

Colossians 3:8
8)  But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

All these things will continue to be part of your walk unless you fill your life with a new attitude. That attitude is to do all thinks as if for Christ. Whether it is stacking chairs, or preparing a bible study, waiting for the bus, or making coffee. All thinks should be done as if God were right there, and the primary recipient of your efforts. In fact he is, which makes it even more amazing that we so often fail in this area.

The only way this attitude change can come about is by allowing God to have control over more, and more of your life. We should be teaching one another through word and song, and that can only come about if we read the word of God, and do what it says. if you just read, the word is not dwelling in you richly. That implies putting it into practice. Every word of scripture is profitable to us for instruction, and so on. Doing everything is a high call, and is known to be impossible as we are not perfect, however we can, and should take what we read and put it into practice to the limits of our ability.

Issue 9 - Day 5

Colossians 2

Colossians 2:6-7
6)  As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
7)  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Our current series on Sunday mornings is "Walking with God", and is from Colossians. So it should come as no surprise, as we hit the second chapter of Colossians that the focus is still on walking with God. To many Christians concentrate on finding answers in God, or getting experiences of God. God is seen subconsciously as the counselor to go to for help, and the doctor to go to for healing, or even the one to worship on Sundays. He is far more. Worship should be a way of life, and walking with God, in his ways will change your life.

Two trees got talking one day (I know I am really stretching the analogy here), one looking healthy and full of fruit, the other spindly, with dried up leaves. The second tree was moaning about how bad life is, and the first was praising the farmer. How can you keep praising the farmer, said the second tree. He never waters us, or even comes near me! That it because you are trying to grow on top of that pile of rocks there. But I like the view! You should have come down here in the soft soil. There is always plenty of water, and the farmer can easily give me fertiliser and so on to help me grow. My roots go deep where yours cannot.

When we put our roots down in the word, walking in God, we will be thankful in all things because there is much to give thanks for. If we insist on going our own way we will have little to thank God for, and no strength or fruit. Stop blaming God for your problems and start walking in his ways, then you will start praising him for his provision.

Issue 9 - Day 4

Colossians 1

Colossians 1:9-10
9)  For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10)  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

What do you pray for your brothers in Christ? What do you seek to attain in your Christian walk? There are three key areas here. Walk worthy of the Lord, be fruitful, and increase in knowledge of God. And all three have the same answer. If you are to do these things then you must spend time reading the word of God.

All to often walking with God feels like walking on a tightrope carrying a heavy bag and hoping not to fall off. We are struggling along on our hands and knees trying to hang on, but that is not what God intended. This is survival not walking. In order to be fruitful and walk in a manner pleasing to God we need to let go and stand up. Focus on the end of the rope, which is our goal, the throne of Heaven. This is the only way we can grow to know him better, and even more so, the only way we can walk properly. Then we can run, skip or turn cartwheels on that rope, just like Olympic gymnasts. To those gymnasts it may as well be a motorway, not because it is, but because their focus and confidence is is on their knowledge, not on the rope. The result is that they abound unto every good work.

As you go about your business today think on what God wants for you. How can you practically grow in knowledge of him, then do it. Knowing him better you will walk worthy of him, and become fruitful. There is no limit to what God can do with you when you stop looking down and start looking to him.

Issue 9 - Day 3

Romans 16

Romans 16:17-18
17)  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18)  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

This whole chapter is full of salutations and recommendations of the saints, then slap bang in the middle we get these out of place verses. Or not so out of place maybe. When giving a list of those who are following Christ, it is wise of Paul to warn of those who are not. We do need to keep our eyes and ears open.

There are three sorts of people to watch out for, and the bible is clear as to why they are acting as they do, it is to their own benefit, even when it does not appear to be so, and even when they themselves may not realise what they are doing. The first is those who cause division. The second are those who go against God’s word, while claiming that they are not, it is just that they are interpreting scripture differently (and they believe, correctly). The third is that subtle group of people, full of good words and fair speeches.

I was recently at a service where the preacher gave a powerful message, full of testimony of what God had been doing with his life. Unfortunately it was all good words and fair speech! He used a couple of words from one verse to explain where the name for his ministry organisation came from, and used not on other word of scripture. I am certain that he is a wonderful guy, doing his best to follow the Lord and do the work God has given him, but what a waste of opportunity when he could have been sharing the gospel. The wise were indeed blessed by his testimony, but the simple were no doubt deceived. Keep your eyes open and stand strong in what you know is truth from God’s word.

Issue 9 - Day 2

Romans 15

Romans 15:1-2
1)  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2)  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

Are you strong or weak? You may think yourself weak, but the bible says you are strong. In fact the weaker we are in ourselves, the stronger we are by the power of God. Therefore, as you are most definitely strong as far as God is concerned then these verses apply to you.

The challenge then is, how do you act towards those who appear weak, and what is your attitude to those around you? We are told to bear the infirmities of the weak! A few years ago Sara was suffering rather badly to the degree that she was unable to walk from our house to the church. We borrowed a wheel chair, and I could have left her to roll herself along. Had I not insisted she would have tried to do it herself! Instead I took her infirmity upon myself and pushed that wheelchair, loaded up with Sara and all our kids. It hard work but fun working together as a family. Bearing the infirmities of the weak means taking the stress and work on yourself so that they suffer less. We are a body, the church, and are told that where one suffers we all suffer. This is only true if we put into practice these verses.

The second challenge was in our attitudes. When you help others, why do you do it? It is not to make yourself look good, or to earn brownie points with God, but should be for their good, and to encourage them.

Ask God to give you the gift of encouragement. Seek out opportunity to encourage others. Be alert to see where help is needed, and be the first to jump in when you see another struggling.

Issue 9 - Day 1

Romans 14

Romans 14:10-13
10)  But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11)  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12)  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13)  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

There are two traps we fall into on a regular basis. The first is to judge our brothers in Christ. How often have have you thought, or worse actually said, “Did you hear what he did? What an idiot, no-one in their right mind would do a thing like that!” The second trap is mode insidious, it is the wind-up. Some people we claim, are just to easy to wind up, so we do.

Every one of us will have to explain our actions to God one day, and that includes anything that others may judge about us, how we have judged others, and any wind-ups we have put into action. For our own actions, we know what we ought to be doing, and what the bible teaches, so just put it into practice. For the actions of others it matters not to you what they have done, for God will judge them. What matters is how you respond to their actions, or how you caused those actions. And if someone is easy to wind-up, all the more reason to watch your own actions do not mess them up. Also, look out for them and warn them when the actions of others may lead them into trouble. We are brothers in Christ and should look out for each other.

Ask God to help you be more tolerant of others actions, knowing that it is your tolerance you will be judged for, and that is of far more effect to you than whatever they did.

The Mystery of Christ

The Mystery of Christ, is him in us, and us in him. What are you going to do with it? Listen Now

Issue 8 - Day 7

Romans 13

Romans 13:12-14

12. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

For those of you worried that you might have been chambering without knowing it, this is literally the practice of spending the night in the same bed as someone you are not married to, and by implication having sex with them, from the french for bedroom. Everything has it's start in something innocuous and ends in sinful action. Envy leads to strife, wantonness (excessive flirtation) leads to the bedroom, and drunkenness leads to riots. We are called to the opposite.

God calls us here to make no provision for the flesh, but instead put on the armour of light, making preparation for things spiritual. The first two warnings are against physical temptation. It is easy to avoid preparation for wantonness and drunkenness, just don’t dress provocatively or arrange to spend the entire evening in the pub. However even they have their roots in the same place as envy. It all comes back to where your mind is. Deciding to have one drink with your friends comes from a different mental attitude from planning to go out and get hammered. Paul says we should owe no man anything except to love one another. Love never wants to result in sin. Love never leaves space for envy. Renew your mind by looking to God.

Be prepared for the spiritual battle, put on the armour of God. This protects the Spirit and the mind where the battle if fought.

Issue 8 - Day 6

Romans 12

Romans 12:5-8

5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

What is your job in the church? What is your gift, or gifts? The two biggest questions we ask ourselves, and others regarding the church is, what is it that I should be doing, and I am not able to do xyz, so how can I be of any use? Many churches run whole programmes dedicated to helping you discover your S.H.A.P.E., or recognising your gifts, and so on. Sadly the gifts most discovered in this way are the ability to run courses. God has a different way of looking at things.

We are one body. We cannot operate well without the input of others. Churches where the pastor does everything are as balances as a one legged man on a mono-cycle. We need every member to do there part. Some do teach, but some are blessed in being able to give. The teacher cannot teach without the support of the giver. Some organise, and others encourage. Without the encourager the organiser would have no-one to organise.

What are the most important roles in the church? Ministering (also known as helping others), exhortation (or as we usually say, encouragement) and mercy (usually known as a peace maker). These are key, and we need more of them.

Issue 8 - Day 5

Romans 11

Romans 11:33-34

33. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

There are many things in scripture that make us confused. There are even more things that happen and we don't understand why God permitted it, or even made it happen. This is one of those passages that explain other scripture, and yet Paul's conclusion is that seeking to understand God is a task beyond any of us. Having said that, it also says in scripture that we have been given the mind of Christ, and if you have the mind of Christ, how can you fail to understand it.

For some years we have had a book on programing on the shelves in the office where I work. I put it on my desk to read it, with the intention of taking some exams. However I was to busy with work and so the book sat there on my desk. One day I was struggling to solve a problem. My colleagues tried, I searched the web, but I could not find the solution. Maybe it is impossible I said, so we left the problem and moved on to other things. Some time later I read the book and in it found the answer I had been searching for. It had been on my desk all that time.

All to often we cannot understand God, or the bible because we are trying to understand it by the power of our own minds. This will not work, as even scripture tells us the things of God are spiritually discerned, and without the Holy Spirit to explain them, they even appear foolish. But we have the mind of Christ, and we can understand his word, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray today that God would reveal to you the meaning of his word.

Issue 8 - Day 4

Romans 10

Romans 10:13-15

13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15. And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

This passage opens with the classics words, "My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." Are there people of whom you can say that? If not, then there should be. We all know people who do not know Christ, but is it your heart’s desire that they may be saved?

The problem we face all the time is that our friends not knowing Christ, also are not calling out to him. Why should they when they do not know him! The primary way in which they will hear the gospel is through your witness. We have this picture that preaching means standing at the front of a church on a Sunday morning and speaking for half an hour or so. This is one form of preaching, but another form is just witness. To preach, means to tell people about God, and about the salvation offered through his son Jesus Christ. It is true that not everyone is equipped to share the gospel, however that is one of the reasons we have churches, to equip you for the task God has set before you. This is why our mission as a church is to share, shape and send.

Are you sharing the gospel? If not, ask yourself why not and start sharing the gospel. Are you shaping others and being shaped into the shape that God wants for your life? If not then get plugged into his word and the local church. And finally, are you sending or being sent? Get out there and do it!

Issue 8 - Day 3

Romans 9

Romans 9:31-33

31. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33. As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Why is it so difficult to to the things we know to be right? In the world's eyes, and even in the church, anyone who fails to do what people call 'right' is judged by society. In the riots last year straight away the finger was pointed as youths who rebelled against the authorities causing millions in damage, and at their parents for their failure to bring up their children in the right ways. We are a world riddled with expectation to match certain standards and those who fail, if not ashamed themselves, are seen as shameful by others.

Jesus turned the world upside-down. The world finally saw a man who had never done anything wrong, who had kept every law, who was perfect in every way, and it just made them angry, because they realised that no matter how hard they tried it was impossible to match up. Then to make matters worse he tells them, "It is not enough to just not do wrong, but even thinking of it is sin!" No wonder this was a stumbling block, they just could not handle it at all. Thankfully believing on Christ will lift that shame.

Are you still trying to be worthy by your own efforts? Don't stop, as we are saved so that we can do good works, however know that it is Christ and him alone that makes us worthy of anything. What of your friends and relatives? Paul was heartbroken at the lack of faith of Israel, we need that same heart to see our friends and families turn to follow Christ.

Issue 8 - Day 2

Romans 8

Romans 8:38-39

38. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One of the great passages of Romans, and one of the most miss-quoted. What is the context? Paul has just been explaining three things. It is the Spirit (God) that sets us free from the bondage of sin, by that same Spirit we are adopted as children of God, and the Spirit again that helps us through physical and spiritual attack. With all this in place, nothing can separate us from the love of God. Normally, sin could separate us, but it has been dealt with. Normally, physical and spiritual attack could separate us, but the Spirit deals with those. And as we are now children of God, the love of a father knows no bounds.

Regardless of anything that is going on in our lives it is the Holy Spirit that keeps the lifeline, the lines of communication to God open at all times. Anyone having come to God and received his Spirit in us has full access at any time to that direct line to God.

The evangelist Billy Graham was once caught speeding, he had just been charged in court, having pleaded guilty, when the judge recognized the famous minister. "You have violated the law," he said. "The fine must be paid--but I am going to pay it for you." He took a ten dollar bill from his own wallet, attached it to the ticket, and then took Graham out and bought him a steak dinner! "That," said Billy Graham, "is how God treats repentant sinners!"

No matter what, having come to him, it is impossible to escape the love of God. Now return that love by following him with all you have.

Issue 8 - Day 1

Romans 7

Romans 7:19-21

19. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

At times, the harder we try to do the right thing, the more we mess up. New Year's resolutions are the worst. By January 6th the papers are full of articles reminding us how we said we would be up every morning jogging, and would definitely stick to the diet this time. They also point out the by this point the morning streets are once again empty and the fast food joints are full. We try to do good, yet our bodies rebel against us.

Spiritually we face the same battle. We know the things we ought to be doing, we know what the bible says, and yet we don't do it. We also know the things we are doing wrong. Most of the time we have no need to pray as David did, "Lord, reveal to me what needs to change." for we know what needs to change yet we do not change. Rightly Paul writes, "wretched man that I am!"

A man once tried to justify his actions with this statement: he said "I know what I believe, but that's different than what I had to do. I had to make a decision that had the least amount of consequences for the people involved." Sadly he had actually chosen the path of the greatest consequence. When faced with reality we often act other than the beliefs we hold so dear. This is because of the war described by Paul. Instead we must stick to what we know is right no matter the consequences, or God has given us the bible for nothing.

What is there in your life that you know is wrong? Ask God to help you defeat it. There is nothing impossible for God.

The reconciliation of Christ

Christ, by his blood made reconciliation with God possible. We now must continue in faith. Listen now

Issue 7 - Day 7

Romans 6

Romans 6:5-6

5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Are you a servant of sin? Have you crucified your old nature? How you live your life should reflect your spiritual state. If it does not then you must question your spiritual state. If you cannot tell yourself from an unbeliever by your actions then your heart is also no different, and you have grown cold toward God. We are saved unto eternal life, and that life starts now.

A few years ago I tried to re-seed our lawn. I have since given up and will resort to paving it over. If it had worked the seed would have gone into the soil, buried, to all appearance dead. Then new life would have sprung up in the form of grass. What actually happened was it rained and all the seed ended up on top of the soil. It was not buried and so did not sprout and grow but actually died, except for that which the birds eat.

Our lives are often the same. We do not let the let the seed of the word of God penetrate our lives. Though we are saved, if we fail to let the word of God make a difference to our lives then we are as dead as my garden.

Put behind you any parts of your life that do not measure up to God's standards and life for him. You have been freed from sin so stop making the same old mess every day. Pray that God will put in you a new heart that beats in time with his.

Issue 7 - Day 6

Romans 5

Romans 5:7-8

7. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

What are you willing to do for someone else?

It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. The king asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" "The half of my wealth," was his reply. "And if I release your children?" "Everything I possess." "And if I release your wife?" "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you, the one who was willing to give himself for me."

Why is it that when all of us have had someone not only offer that sacrifice, but actually make the sacrifice for us many people do not notice, and keep looking to the sin that captured them. Even having seen and accepted that sacrifice we still fail to keep our eyes on Christ, the one who made that sacrifice. He paid the ultimate price before we were even born so that we could be set free.

This week, ask yourself, what can I practically do to demonstrate God's love to others? What do I need to set aside in order to keep my eyes fixed on Christ? or if you do not yet know the Lord, how can I come to experience that love and forgiveness myself.

Issue 7 - Day 5

Romans 4

Romans 4:20-22

20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

It would be easy to look at the works of Abraham and declare him righteous in the world's eyes. He took a massive step, traveling thousands of miles to the promised land. He fathered a nation. He gave to Melchizedek, the priest of God. He kept true to God in a land where God was not honoured. But all these things stem from his faith in God. he had amazing faith, and it is this faith that gained him salvation. We cannot hold on to salvation by our own efforts. Abraham nearly sacrificed his own son, he lied about his wife, claiming her to be his sister, he ran to Egypt when the going got tough, he argued with his nephew and so on. Yet, he received righteousness from God.

How sure are you that God can, and will fulfil his promises in you? Abraham was no more able to have children with Sarah at that age than we are able to lift the London Eye in one hand. It is a measure of your trust in God. However, Abraham would still not have received that promise if he had not acted in faith. He did have to physically lie with his wife so that Issac could be conceived. His trust in God led to appropriate action, doing his part to bring it about. If, for example we believe that God has a new bigger house for us, yet we do not look online for houses for sale, visit an estate agent, or look out for "For Sale" signs then we will not get any house, never mind a bigger one.

To enlarge on the well known verses: Action comes from faith, faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

The church of Laodicea

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Revelation 3:14-22

Letter From

Revelation 3:14

14. And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

• The Amen
• The Faithful
• The True witness
• The Beginning of creation

Jesus, the author of this message, is trustworthy, faithful and true. He was there in the beginning and through him were all things created. This is where we must look to find the solution to this church’s problem.

They had two problems:

1. They were Lukewarm

This is the rebuke of the pew sitter. If cold they would not even turn up. If hot then they would get more involved, yet instead they just consume resource.
The solution is of course, to be found in Christ. Knowing that he is faithful to his word, whay are we not faithful to ours.

2. They thought they needed nothing
A common thought for us especially in the western world. people who have little are grateful of everything. When we have much we lose our edge.
Rather we are to seek Gold tried in the fire.

The Promise

Revelation 3:21-22

21. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

The promise is that we may sit with Jesus in his throne. I have an instant picture of sitting on his knee like a little child. That is the special treat that all children love, to cuddle up on Dad’s lap watching TV, or whatever. For us today therefore this means, to experience his father love.
In heaven, what will this mean? Maybe we will literally sit on that throne, Though it says it is as with Christ sitting in God’s throne. He does not. He sits at the right hand, which represents acting in God’s authority. We won’t all fit on that one spot, so I suspect it has more to do with our position of authority in heaven.

Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Issue 7 - Day 4

Romans 3

Romans 3:23-24

23. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24. Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Here is a great turning point of Romans. for the last three chapters Paul speaks of the law, and how we just don't match up, and now suddenly we have the solution. We cannot work our way to Heaven, the only way is through Christ Jesus. if we try to win our salvation it won’t work. Worse still, God has given us the law to reveal our sin and none of us reach the standard, not even one. Salvation is a free gift, given through Christ Jesus. He paid the price, dying on the cross and defeated death, rising on the third day.

The question is what will we do with this information. If you don't know Christ then please, accept his gift of salvation today. If you already know him then don’t waste the time, share the good news with others today.

There is a fable which tells of three apprentice devils who were coming to this earth to finish their apprenticeship. They were talking to Satan, the chief of the devils, about their plans to tempt and to ruin men.
The first said, "I will tell them that there is no God." Satan said, "That will not delude many, for they know that there is a God."
The second said, "I will tell men that there is no hell." Satan answered, "You will deceive no one that way; men know even now that there is a hell for sin."
The third said, "I will tell men that there is no hurry." "Go," said Satan, "and you will ruin men by the thousands."

Do not fall for this lie. Two people die every second. How many die not knowing Christ? Could they have known him if you had not waited to speak.

James Clarke - Mission Update March 2012

James & Lori Clarke’s
News Bulletin     March 2012

Working with the Albanian Evangelical Mission (AEM)  in southern Albania
Dear Friends and family,
Here’s an update on some of the points that I have asked you to pray for in previous news letters.

Tepelena
In my last news, I asked you to pray for the group of teenagers in Tepelena and especially for the girls who had recently stopped coming to meetings. Two of these girls have recently attended a few times. Last Saturday we looked at some passages that speak about God’s love, including Romans 5:6-8. One of these girls, called Tea(pronounced Teya), listened very carefully. She has often responded very positively and in the past has expressed that she believes the Bible to be God’s word. Yet she has never professed faith. Please pray for her in particular this month –that God would open her heart. Pray for us as we prepare Bible studies for this group.  Kristi and Juxhin (Eugene) continue to attend regularly. We’ve had some good times of studying God’s word with them. This is the older age group in Tepelena. There are also meetings for younger children and teenagers on Saturdays and on Fridays which others lead.

Gjirokaster Lads
Please continue to pray for the lads in Gjirokaster. Recently I’ve became aware that the amount of drug use
among teenage boys in particular has really increased in the last few years. A few weeks ago a couple of the lads that we’ve contact with had quite a serious punch-up with each other. One of them has been getting himself into a lot of trouble recently and has been experimenting with drugs. Other vices such as gambling and pornography seemed be more common today too.  One week I gave a short talk on the verse: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The boys listened and I’m sure understood the message. Pray that God will convict them of sin and make them see their need for Christ.

Ballsh
You will remember that previously I asked you to pray for outreach over Christmas and for everyone who came into contact with God’s word either preached or written during this time. For a while we have been travelling to a city north of us called Ballsh for outreach. This city currently has no church although there was a church there ten years ago. While doing outreach around Christmas we were again very encouraged by people’s response there. There seems to be an ‘open-door’ at the moment in this town. As well as this we met several people who had contact with the previous church and still profess faith.
Recently Shaun organised a gathering of missionaries and church leaders from the neighbouring area to discuss the town. As a group we committed to planting a church there. Shaun, Geni (from Memeliaj) and Will Niven (in Fier) will take turns preaching. I have committed to helping with youth work and evangelism.
Please pray for this work which is now in the planning stage and will begin at Easter with evangelism.  Shaun is now preparing the Easter edition of our evangelistic newspaper. This will be given out in Gjirokaster, in neighbouring towns and villages  and in Ballsh.

Contacts through English Teaching
I asked for prayer for the opportunities I’ve had through English teaching. Recently I noticed that several of my students were reading the book ‘The Secret’. If you’ve never heard of this book, it’s basically about achieving happiness, health and wealth through the power of positive thinking. Its attractive message is very bewitching. I took the opportunity of explaining why I believe the book was very wrong. With one of the students in particular I shared some passages from the Bible and presented faith in God as opposed to faith in oneself.

Women in Gjirokaster
A work which plays a very important part in church  life in Gjirokaster is the women’s ministry lead by Jen
(Shaun’s wife) and Shirley (Geoff’s wife). This has been a way through which many women have come into
contact with the Gospel and have begun to attend church services. Jen and Shirley hold weekly meetings for
woman. Recently an event was held for women. Around 50 women attended.

Prayer points:
• The teenage girl in Tepelena called Tea (Teya)
• The teenage lads in Gjirokaster.
• Preparation and planning of the church plant in Ballsh

Thank you again for your pray and support..

Baker News - Feb 2012

February 2012

Greetings from warm sunny Spain,

How is it possible to be a Christian and an atheist? This seems to be ultimate paradox. This is what we are discovering more and more as we sow the seeds of the gospel in Valladolid. What happens to a country full of beautiful churches and deeply religious people over time without Gods Word? Their religion becomes simply cultural. To be a Spaniard is to be Christian. It is the same as to be Arab is to be Muslim.

The longer we are here and the more we learn, the more compassionate we become for the Spaniard’s soul. It breaks our hearts to know that 99.9% of our city’s population does not worship the True and Living God! One of the most troubling thoughts we have had since arriving is the reality that if Jesus returns for His church this city will not even know the rapture has occurred. Wow!

We want to see God change that! We know it is only a matter of time before God starts to show off His glory here in Valladolid. We are resisting the devil and refuse to believe the lie that it will never happen.

We were reminded recently from Isaiah 59:1
"Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear"
We answer back with an emphatic, no! His hand is reaching out in loving compassion seeking those who will worship Him!

What a privilege it is to serve Him in this work. Our team is growing in the knowledge of God, each other and our newly adopted culture. We are experiencing many new opportunities in sharing the gospel and building relationships.

Please pray for Carmen and Patricia our neighbors, Alberto and Gemma our language teacher and his partner, another Alberto who I am meeting with weekly for language exchange. Pray for Tomas and Georgina who, this past Sunday heard a clear gospel presentation. Javier and Sylvia, Heather and Luis, Krissa and Ricardo, Beatriz and Carlos.
Pray for fruit! Each of our teammates have similar lists of people that we are praying for. Please pray with us that the seed of the gospel will find “good ground” and take root.
Since our last update we have been able to secure an office space for our team. This office provides us with legitimacy in our culture. Spaniards are very reluctant to come into your home, but they will gladly meet in an office! We are praying that God will continue to provide the funds needed to keep the doors open.

One of the other benefits of this office is a prayer room, a place that we keep for the work of prayer and intercession. As Oswald Chambers says, “Prayer does not prepare us for the greater work, it is the greater work”. God has set us as watchmen of our city to intercede on their behalf. This week we started a 24-7 prayer cycle where someone is in the room 24 hours a day for seven days praying for God to work in hearts and guide us in this work. We are also each going out to the streets and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. We pray and we go! Someone once said. "It is easier to talk to God about men than to talk to men about God". We are aware of this danger and endeavor to do both!

We are enjoying having Kylie with us for three months. She comes from Midtown Baptist Temple in Kansas City. She has hit the ground running. She is fluent in Spanish and has already made many contacts and shared the gospel with several people. Pray for her, as she too will feel the effects of bringing light into a dark city.

Today Ally and I start our language classes again. We have taken an extended break in formal classes and are very excited to get back into it. Pray that God would loose our tongues and free some space in our minds to grasp what we need. We also started teaching English in a primary school once a week. We both have two one-hour classes on Tuesdays with about 40 children. This gives us many opportunities to meet parents and teachers. We always get asked the same question…"What are you doing here?" What they are really asking us is…"Tell us the gospel". We use this question to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for all your prayers and monthly support. God is so good to provide for us through you all. We pray that all your needs too are met and that you are richly blessed.

It's all for Him,

Steve and Ally

Issue 7 - Day 3

Romans 2

Romans 2:28-29

28. For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29. But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Are your Jewish? What do you think of when you picture a Jewish person? What God intended was the the Jewish nation would be a his special people, a nation of priests, leading the worship of the most high. Today there are many Jewish people who are not representing God to the world, they are not living by the law he gave them, in fact they don’t even know God, it is just a matter of who their mother is.

In this context, anyone who has the heart to follow God, is a Jew, however the mark of a Jew is spiritual not physical. Just as the Jewish people where told to circumcise their children so we are to practice circumcision of the heart. Our challenge is not in following the letter of the law, but the higher law of the spirit. Christ said he came not to replace the law, but to fulfil it, and in the sermon on the mount he pushed us to consider the thought as bad as the deed. Our attitudes are more important than our actions, for from our attitudes flow our actions.

What does your heart tell you? Are you seeking the praise of God, or of men?
We should also be teaching, but by example. It is no good preaching a gospel we do not follow ourselves. We are continually exhorted in scripture to pray unceasingly, to love one another, and to study the word of God. Are you doing these things yourself?

Issue 7 - Day 2

Romans 1

Romans 1:17-18

17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Are you living a Godly life, living by faith, or are you holding the truth in unrighteousness?

We live in a truly messed up world. Later on in this passage we read a denunciation of homosexuality, well any kind of sexuality outside of the one man, one woman marriage that God intended. Yet, as we look around today we are surrounded by films, books, TV and even laws of the land that promote all sorts of wrongdoing. It says a lot about our society that there are billboards around London displaying naked men kissing! As a nation we have turned our back on God and he has given us over to our own wild desires.

It came to a head recently when councils were banned from praying in meetings, though that law has since been quashed. It joins the other lunacies of adoption agencies being forced to close for holding to biblical standards, and prominent church leaders declaring secularism to be okay. Since when has it been okay for Christians to ignore the bible? Well, it has been going on since before the bible was completely written. It was wrong then and is still wrong today.

We need to stand up and be counted as those making a biblical stand. This week, in your workplace, school or where-ever, watch out for issues that go against the bible and stand firm on the word of God. Make a stand.

Issue 7 - Day 1

2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13:10-11

10. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
11. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

What is your attitude toward others? Sometimes people can do things that rub you up the wrong way, yet God is not interested. He only wants to know what you are going to do about it. It is like a child coming to their father saying, "She, did …. to me", and getting the response, "So what did you do in return?"

Paul demonstrates this in two ways for us. Firstly he has just spent an entire letter telling the church off, so that when he comes he can be a voice of edification, not destruction. Which are you? We do need to sort out issues, but when we come together it is to edify one another, to build each other up, not tear each other down!

Secondly, Paul instructs us to have that same heart of edification. Are you perfect? Do you comfort others? Are you of one mind with the rest of the body? Are you living in peace with your brothers in Christ? Lord, forgive us as we forgive others is how we are taught to pray, but that leaves us in a quandary if we are not forgiving others.

Pray for a heart of understanding, and use it to build up your brothers in Christ. Find out what is going on so you can be a comfort. Deal with any issues immediately, so when we come together it is to build one another up.

Pete - John the Baptist

John the baptist was a christian before Christ. How strongly do you believe?

Issue 6 - Day 7

2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:9

9. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Do you set yourself up as better than others? Do you have great skill in certain areas? Are you really weak in others? God does give us skills that we can use to his glory, but he also lets us remain weak in some areas so that when he uses us in those areas everyone knows it is God at work. He also uses the same technique to stop us getting to puffed up with ourselves. You may be brilliant at X, but you are useless at Y, is a sure way to cut down your pride.

We don't know for certain what Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' was, though many ideas have been put forward based on other scriptures. But is it certain that God, having made him a gifted missionary, left him with a physical ailment that made people think little of him. He was forever justifying his position as an apostle, something that the great evangelists of recent years never appear to have to do. Worse still, here was a prayer that seemed to go unanswered. In the end he realised that God had answered, and that answer was no.

We look around ourselves and see who God uses. It is never the people you would expect. Therefore, expect God to use you. If you think you are no good, and have to many struggles in a particular area, pray that God would use you in that area to reach others. If you are proud of your abilities in one area, remember that you are not perfect by any means. Most importantly, pray without ceasing, and recognise when God says no. He will use you, and most likely in ways you least expect. The glory however, will be his.

Issue 6 - Day 6

2 Corinthians 11

2 Corinthians 11:13-14

13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Do you enjoy sin? If you just thought, or said, 'no' to that question then you are deluded. Of course you enjoy sin! If it were not attractive no-one would do it. At the extremes, people take drugs, sleep around, steal and so on, because it is attractive. These things give you immediate satisfaction. They make you feel good, at least until the following day.

When you think of Satan you probably picture a fiery chap red horns, pointy tail, and a trident. Films have a lot to answer for. The bible describes him as the angel of light. His body was a fantastic musical instrument, in fact the reason he was cast from heaven is that while leading the worship of Heaven, standing over the throne of God himself, Satan took the worship to himself. The singer, greater than the one he was singing of. A third of the angels really were worshiping him, and still do as they went with him. If they were so attracted to Satan, is it a surprise that we find sin attractive? Is it a surprise that there are also false prophets claiming to bring a message from God when they are Satan's ministers? Just this morning I received an Email claiming to be new revelation from God, which the Bible is clear, will not happen.

Be on guard, for the devil is attractive. Be alert, seeing clearly all who claim to be of God, but are not. Test their words against the bible. Stand guard also against thoughts and deeds, which attractive as they are, are not of God and lead only into sin. Christ kept things simple for us. We must simply stick to the gospel we know to be true, and if anyone brings a message that disagrees with the bible, know that they are not bringing a message from God.

Issue 6 - Day 5

2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

3. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Are you a mighty warrior? Are you a soldier in the front line, using your weapons to take down the enemy? Most weeks we get to the end of the week with a sigh of relief that it is over, we have won our struggle against time. We do not live a victorious life, but one where we survive. Our practical reality is greatly effected by our spiritual position, and the reality is that we are spiritually weak. When it comes to spiritual attack we are frightened civilians, thrust into the war zone, not even sure who the enemy is, or which way to turn. This is not how God desires us to be. he gave us spiritual armour, and we must use it.

Imagine yourself with a pocket knife, trying to knock down Dover castle. it's not going to work. The good news is god knows this so he has supplied us with Apache gunships. Loaded to the gills with rockets and bombs, now take on the castle. It hasn’t got a chance. With God, nothing can stand in the way. Not a single 'theory' of man can stand against the knowledge of God. Not a single person, or organisation is big enough to take him on.

The battle for us however starts in the mind. We have indeed the helmet of salvation to protect our minds, but we must also take control of our thoughts. Jesus preached that the thought is as bad as the deed, and in fact worse. He also gave us the tools to control our minds. Pray and read the word of God.

Afrim - The Peace of God

Jesus is the prince of peace and the only provider of true peace.

Issue 6 - Day 4

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

6. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

We are sticking with the subject of giving today, and if Paul devotes 15% of this letter to the subject it is worth taking note. We have seen how we are to abound in all areas, including giving, but are you giving because you have to, because you feel you should, just enough to cover? These verses are not saying to not give if your heart is not in it. Rather, it is saying change your heart.

When a farmer harvests the crop he will sell some, and eat some himself (or store it to do the same later). A portion however, he will set aside to plant for the following year. If you have a bad year the temptation is to set aside a smaller amount for the planting so that you have sufficient for today. This is percentage farming. In this way however each year will get less unless you are lucky. A wise farmer will keep the same amount to sow each year, regardless of the harvest as that is how much will fill the field. Maybe even set aside more, and plan to start a second field!

It is foolish to give more than you have, and therefore starve as a result. 2 Corinthians 8:12 says this: Give of what you have, not what you don’t have. However, if we hold back in our giving we are hindering the future. Giving is not about today but tomorrow. Spiritually, what we reap is treasure in Heaven, and that we are not there today. Pray about your giving, and ask God to put in you an investors heart, instead of a consumers heart. Be like a farmer and pray for a good harvest so that you have more to give, not more to keep.