Disciples reject the state’s powers to control the church and dissident disciples shaped by Christ refuse to let the way of the dragon’s power take hold in the churches. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
Quote for the Day
Month: May 2024
Give freely
Reflection on Isaiah 61
Scripture
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, praise instead of despair.
Observation
The Lord has anointed the servant to bring good news to the poor, to comfort the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, to declare that the time of the Lord’s favour has arrived.
To everyone who mourns, He will give beauty for ashes, blessing for mourning, praise for despair.
The people of Israel will rebuild their cities. They will enjoy a double share of honour and of prosperity. Joy will be theirs forever.
Isaiah says he is overwhelmed with joy in the Lord. He is dressed in the clothing of salvation, a robe of righteousness.
Application
God is all about exchanging human weakness and sin for a new state of holiness and strength. He takes away the old burdens and clothes us with new righteousness.
Here he promises a crown of beauty for the ashes of mourning, joy instead of sadness, and praise instead of despair.
At times when I have felt worn down by grief, I have felt joy bubble up from within me. Despite my current difficulties I am united with the eternal God, and this grief will only last for a short time.
He doesn’t always take the pain away completely, but he does give us strength to continue the journey.
Prayer
Lord, you promise to exchange our mourning and despair for joy in you. Thank you for this wonderful promise. Amen.
He Restores My Soul
Today’s Bike Ride
A nice ride along Yarrie Lake Rd this morning. #cycling #narrabri #Biketooter
Quote for the Day
Dissident disciples live with government but do not surrender the lordship of Jesus to any part of it. Disciples reject the lordship of the president and of Washington DC and call government to be a servant for the people in a way that mimics the service churches provide in their communities. Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett
He prunes every branch…
Reflection on Isaiah 60
Scripture
The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.
Observation
The glory of the Lord is shining on Jerusalem. All nations will come to its light. The people of Israel, scattered across the Earth, are returning home.
The merchants are flocking to bring their products and wealth. Foreigners will rebuild the towns destroyed in God’s judgement.
Violence will disappear from the land, and salvation will surround them like a city wall. They will no longer need the sun to see by day or the moon by night, because God himself will light up the land.
The smallest of families will become like a great nation. In its day the Lord will do this swiftly.
Application
One Sunday evening in our little church service, I read this chapter and was hit with force by the last verse. The ordinary word of God became a rhema word for me. Our church, though the smallest in our town at the time, would become a thousand. And in its day, the Lord will do this swiftly.
We do not have to strive to make things happen. This is a temptation for me – with my choleric personality, I am task driven. With God’s grace, we serve patiently and trust Him to take care of the results.
That takes a load off the mind. There is no pressure when you just have to obey rather than being responsible to produce results.
It doesn’t mean that we slack off and treat life like a long holiday. We seek the Lord, do the job He calls us to, and then we see what He can do with a life surrendered to Him.
Prayer
Lord, it’s not by might nor by power but by your Spirit that mountains are moved. Please help me to remember this. Amen.
While we were still sinners
Today’s Bike Ride
A stunning morning weather wise. I went to the end of Haire Drive #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
New Life Narrabri 