Reflection

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

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Scripture

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God.

Observation

Paul does not lose heart because his ministry is from God. He does not use deception or distort the word of God, but sets out the truth of the gospel clearly.

The gospel is veiled to those who are perishing because the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the glory of Christ. The God who said “Let light come out of the darkness” is the one who puts the light into our hearts so that we can see the glory of Christ.

Application

The gospel has to be received as a revelation of God. Otherwise it is impossible for us to receive it.

I have seen people who have been opposed to the gospel suddenly get it and receive it. I have seen others in whom a light of revelation comes on for a short time and then is extinguished before the person receives Jesus.

Preaching to people, sharing the gospel, witnessing, is good. But we also need to prepare the soil for the gospel seed by fervent prayer for the person to be open to a revelation from God.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for making it possible for me to see your glory and to respond to the gospel. Please do this for my unsaved friends that their hearts may be enightened by you. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-12

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elijah

Scripture

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

Observation

Elijah is soon to be taken up to heaven. He embarks on a journey, along with Elisha whom Elijah keeps on encouraging to stay, but Elisha insists on following him.

At Bethel, the company of prophets comes out and tells Elisha that the Lord is going to take Elijah away. Elijah tells them not to speak about this. This scenario is repeated at Jericho.

Elijah and Elisha cross the Jordan river at Jericho. Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him. Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.

A fiery chariot and horses come down and separate Elijah from Elisha, and Elijah is taken up in a whirlwind.

Application

Elisha is a true spiritual son to Elijah, and this is shown in his behaviour on this last day of Elijah’s life.

* he refuses to leave Elijah’s side as it becomes clear that Elijah is about to leave the earth

* he refuses to listen to those who self-importantly prophesy Elijah’s departure.

* he asks for the son’s inheritance- the “double portion”

* he is genuinely distressed when Elijah is taken up, more concerned about the relationship than his own promotion as the nation’s chief prophet.

Prayer

Lord stir up the spirit of sonship in me so that I might have the same love, loyalty and dedication to my leaders that Elisha had for Elijah. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 1:29-39

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Scripture

So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases and he cast out many demons. But, because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak.

Observation
Simon’s mother-in-law is sick with high fever, so Jesus goes to her bedside and He heals her.

That evening many sick and demonised people are brought to Jesus and He heals them.

The next morning Jesus rises before daybreak to go to a lonely place to pray. Then He sets off travelling throughout Galilee preaching and casting out demons.

Application
Jesus was a man of action and not just theory. He preached, “The Kingdom of God is here” and demonstrated it with healing and casting out demons.

In the midst of the ministry, Jesus always took time out for prayer. In this passage He goes off before dawn to commune with the Father. At other times we read of Jesus drawing away to pray or spending whole nights in prayer.

I am sure that the two biggest reasons that we see so few healings in Australia are lack of faith and lack of prayer. By and large we don’t seek the Father enough. And we don’t believe that He will heal us or our friends who need healing.

Prayer
Lord I believe; help my unbelief. Build in me the faith in you that moves mountains, heals the sick and raises the dead. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 9:16-23

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Scripture

Preaching the good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News.

Observation
Paul preaches because it is God’s compulsion and calling . How terrible it would be for him to deny that calling.

If this was his own idea, Paul could demand payment for services rendered, as a right. But it is God’s call and therefore it is Paul’s privilege to preach without payment.

Paul lives in such a way as to open the doors for the Gospel, trying to find common ground with everyone to gain the right to save some.

Application
Paul preaches the Good News because it is a passion planted in him by the Lord.

We all need to find the one thing that God has planted us on this planet to do, and then go and do it with all our heart.

I have heard of young women going to remote parts of Africa and feeling that they have arrived home, and then achieving the most amazing things for God’s kingdom.

I have been called by God to Narrabri to pastor a congregation here, and I will do that for as long as I have the strength to do it, or until the Lord says it is time to move on.

When God calls is to a mission, He gives us all the resources and the passion to persevere until the job is done.

Prayer
Thank you Lord for the calling you have placed on my life. May I ever walk in that calling and be faithful to you in that. Amen.

Reflection on Isaiah 40:21-31

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eagle

Scripture

He gives power to the weak

and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired

and young men will fall in exhaustion

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength

They will soar high like eagles

They will run and not grow weary

They will walk and not faint.

Observation

The Lord is great and mighty, sitting high over the earth. People are just like grasshoppers to Him. He judges the princes and mighty ones of the world, blowing them away like chaff in the wind.

There is no one like the Lord who calls the stars by name, arranging them like a mighty army.

For those who trust Him, The Lord is their strength. He will raise them up on wings like eagles, and they will not grow weary.

Application

The Lord is greater than we can imagine- so powerful that He calls all the stars by name. He raises up princes and world leaders, and He pulls them down again.

This same God knows me by name too. When I trust Him, He renews my strength. When I turn to Him, He brings refreshment and energy to thrive in the midst of difficulties.

God is big enough to know the names of the stars, and to overthrow political and military powers.

He is big enough to know my name, to hear my prayers, and to overcome all the obstacles and bondages in my life.

Prayer

Lord you are amazing. I thank you for your great love for me. Help me to put my trust in you and to let you renew my strength. Amen.

Reflection on Mark 1:21-28

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Scripture

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching- and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”

Observation
The disciples go to Capernaum where Jesus goes to the synagogue to teach. The people are amazed because He teaches with authority.

A demonised man cries out “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth?” Jesus commands the demon to be silent and then to come out of him.

The people are amazed by His authority over demons as well as His authority in teaching.

Application
Jesus, the Son of God, has authority to teach. He is the Truth, and His words carry the truth about God. Because He is the Truth, there is no lie, deception or error in His words.

Jesus also has authority in His deeds. He is the Creator and sustains all things. The winds and the waves obey Him, as do the evil spirits- they are all a part of His creation.

Jesus gives us the same authority. To the extent that we surrender ourselves to Him, we also can cast out demons and speak truthfully about God.

Prayer
Lord Jesus you alone are the Way, the Truth and the Life. Please help me to align my thoughts with your authority. Amen.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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Scripture

But just as you excel at everything- in faith, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in your love for us- see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Observation

In writing of an offering to help christians suffering hardship, Paul talks about the Macedonian churches who, despite being poor, gave more than they were able to afford. He encourages the church at Corinth to excel in this grace of giving in the same way they excel in faith, in knowledge, passion for Christ and in love for Paul.

Their giving the previous year was an example for many and now they are to complete the work they started. This way the richer churches can help the poorer ones.

Application

The topic of money is often a touchy subject amongst christians, especially for those who allow money to be an idol.

The reality is that as long as we live on this earth it requires money to support those in ministry, to maintain buildings, to send missionaries and to help the poor.

Christians have a responsibility to, as Paul puts it, excel in the grace of giving.

As we practise this grace, we find that God grows our ability to both receive and to give even more.

Prayer

Father please show me how to be faithful in the use of my money. Teach me to excel in the grace of giving. Amen.

Reflection on Deuteronomy 18:15-22

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Scripture

“If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.”

Observation
Moses tells the people of Israel that the Lord will raise up for them a prophet just like Moses. The people are to listen to him just as if the Lord himself has spoken.

If a prophet presumes to speak a word not from the Lord or speaks in the name of other gods, he is to be put to death.

The test of a prophet is that words they speak in the name of the Lord come true. If it doesn’t happen the people are not to fear such a man.

Application
God is raising prophets amongst His people. He has always done this because we need to have a clear understanding of God’s will for us.

There is a two-fold test of prophecy and the prophetic ministry:
does a prediction come true?
Does a person speak in the name of the Lord and no other god?

We should not fear those who claim to be prophets but fail in either of these tests.

We don’t stone false prophets any more, but when someone does go astray we need to see that they are restored to the path of God’s truth.

Prayer
Raise up your prophets Lord. Help them to speak truly and your people to discern wisely. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 19:1-7

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Scripture

When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Observation
Paul travels to Ephesus where he finds some disciples. He asks them if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed, but they reply that they hadn’t even heard of the Holy Spirit. Perplexed, he asks them what baptism they received to which they reply that they received John’s baptism.

Paul explains that John’s baptism was about repentance to prepare for the coming of Jesus. He then baptises them into the name of Jesus. When he lays hands on them they receive the Holy Spirit, prophesying and speaking in tongues.

Application
Baptism isn’t just about repenting of our sins. It is about dying to our old nature and entering fully into the resurrection life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Part of this experience is receiving the Holy Spirit. For some reason there is often a separation between salvation, baptism in water, and baptism in the Holy Spirit.

God’s intention is that we receive it all- eternity, grace and power in the Holy Spirit.

Once they understood correctly and entered into the full baptism of Christ, the believers in Ephesus received the full baptism in the Holy Spirit, This should be our experience also.

Prayer
Release your Spirit in me, Lord Jesus. May the promise of my water baptism become the fullness of Spirit baptism. Amen.