reflection

Reflection on Jeremiah 1:1-10

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jeremiah 1-5

Scripture

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you

And before you were born I consecrated you

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Observation

Jeremiah came from a priestly family and the word of the Lord came to him during the reigns of the last three kings of Judah- Josiah, Jehoiakim and Zedekiah.

The Lord says that from before Jeremiah was born He had appointed him a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah resists, saying he is only a boy. The Lord tells him that He, the Lord, will protect him as Jeremiah goes with the message.

The Lord then touches Jeremiah’s mouth and says that He has put His word in Jeremiah’s mouth, and Jeremiah will be used to pull down and raise up nations.

Application

It is important to remember always that the word of the Lord is in us in the form of the Holy Spirit.

I may not have the internationally influential ministry that Jeremiah had, but as long as I obey the Lord’s directions, I can be sure of His presence and protection.

Prayer

Lord I often feel inadequate for the task you have called me to, just like Jeremiah. Thank you that my calling is not dependent on my ability but on yours. Amen.

 

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

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Scripture

Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it.

Observation

We have a body that has many parts but is just one body. In the same way, the church is made of many different kinds of people baptised into it and united by the one Spirit.

If a human body was all one part, it would be less for that. In fact it would not work at all. If the body were just an eye, it could not hear or smell.

In the same way every part of the Body of Christ, every member, is essential to it.

God appoints different roles and responsibilities to different individuals, but we are all parts of the same Body, put there by God.

Application

There are no unnecessary people in God’s church. We are all needed.

Sometimes it’s hard to work out where we fit, and it might even feel like we don’t fit at all. Yet, the Bible tells us we have a part to play in God’s mission in the world.

Equally we should not envy the gifts or ministries of other people, as if they are more important than we are.

Our bodies work because ultimately every part takes its cue from the head. The Body of Christ works best when every part takes its orders from the head, that is Christ.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to hear your voice so that I can understand who I am in you and where I best serve you in your Body. Amen.

Reflection on John 2:1-11

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Water-To-Wine

Scripture

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you to do.”

Observation

Jesus and His mother and Jesus’ disciples are at a wedding in Cana when the wine runs out. Mary tells Jesus that they have no wine, and then tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do.

Jesus then goes to the servants and tells them to fill six stone jars normally used for purification rituals. They do this, and He tells them to draw some to give to the chief steward.

The steward, unaware of all that is happening, is amazed because it is the good wine which would normally be served first.

Application

John describes this miracle as a sign which reveals the glory of Jesus. So what is revealed here?

  1. God is able to work contrary to what we think of as the laws of nature. In other words, He is greater than the world He created.

  2. God is interested in the small stuff. Running out of wine at a wedding might be embarrassing, but it’s not a disaster. God intervenes in the nitty-gritty of human interactions.

  3. God likes a good party. Jesus often used feasts as settings for parables.

  4. God does all things well. When Jesus makes wine it is a good vintage.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, at a wedding in Cana you turned water into wine. Please take my ordinary efforts today and turn them into a sign of your kingdom. Amen.

 

 

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

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holy-spirit-fire

Scripture

All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

Observation

Our confession about Jesus is a spiritual activity. Any time a person confesses that Jesus is Lord they are being led by the Holy Spirit. Nobody who curses Jesus is being directed by the Spirit.

There are various gifts and services but just one Spirit. We all may have a manifestation of the Spirit at any time for the good of all.

There are words of wisdom and knowledge, faith and healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. All this is by the Spirit of God.

Application

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given by the Spirit to glorify Jesus. They are not given to glorify individuals.

These gifts are available to all believers. Because it is the Spirit who gives these gifts, we all have the potential to manifest the gifts from time to time.

The key to this is being open to the Holy Spirit. Our focus should always be on Him. The Lord will direct us if we are listening and are willing to obey.

Prayer

Holy Spirit be released through me. Teach me how to hear your voice and engage in your ministry. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 3:15-22

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OXYGEN VOLUME 13

Scripture

The Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Observation

People are filled with expectation about the Messiah and wonder if John is the one. John tells them the Messiah is yet to come. John baptises them with water but one is coming who will baptise the with fire and the Holy Spirit.

Because of his teaching and rebuking, Herod would later have John locked up.

Jesus comes to be baptised by John. The heavens open up and the Holy Spirit comes upon Him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven affirms that Jesus is God’s Son.

Application

John’s ministry was all about Jesus. He was the one called to testify about the one to come and to build expectancy in people’s hearts.

We also share this calling. My life is not about my pleasure, my fame, my success. It’s all about testifying about Jesus, telling others about the glory of His grace.

Jesus brings us a baptism of fire and of Holy Spirit. We need to seek to receive this baptism, allowing the nature of God to surround us and fill us until we become just like Jesus.

Prayer

Lord baptise me in fire and Holy Spirit. Fill me with you so that I can demonstrate your grace in the world. Amen.

Reflection on Acts 8:4-17

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6.4.14

Scripture

Then Peter and John laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Observation

Philip goes to Samaria and preaches the Good News. The crowds listen eagerly to the message which is backed up with great signs of healing and deliverance.

In that city, a practitioner of magic named Simon has a huge following. Many of his followers become christians and are baptised. Simon himself is saved and stays constantly at Philip’s side.

The apostles send Peter and John to investigate what is happening in Samaria. They discover that none of the converts has received the Holy Spirit, so they lay hands on them.

Application

Many christians have an incomplete experience of God. They may have received Jesus but the Holy Spirit remains a stranger to them.

It is not enough to simply ask Jesus into your heart. We need the fullness of the Holy Spirit to fulfil the calling that God has for us and to simply live out the christian life.

The Samaritans received Jesus, but until the apostles came and laid hands on them, they lacked power. Philip was doing the preaching, healing and demon removal. But after they received the Holy Spirit, the power of God was unleashed in every believer.

Prayer

Holy Spirit come and fill me. Baptise me and release your power in me. Amen.

Reflection on Isaiah 43:1-7

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img_5675

“Fear not” says the Lord

I made you

I formed you

My treasure

I will not let you go

–

In the storm I am there

In the raging fire

When your life falls apart

No one stands with you

I am there

Yahweh Beginning and End

–

I give nations for you

My Son, my Beloved Son

On the cross for you

Will I drop you now?

Will I leave you, my treasure?

Reflection on Matthew 2:1-12

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wisemen

Scripture

And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.

Observation

Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the reign of King Herod. Some wise men or Magi arrive in Jerusalem asking to see the newborn King of the Jews.

Herod is disturbed by this, so he calls together his advisors and asks them where the Messiah is to be born. “In Bethlehem,” they reply.

Herod tells the wise men that the King is in Bethlehem. He tells them to return and tell him exactly where they find him so that he too can worship the child.

So the wise men go to Bethlehem where they worship Jesus. They bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. When they leave, they go a different way as God warns them in a dream not to return to Herod.

Application

Even as a baby, Jesus is a threat to established power interests and rulers.

He presents all people- kings and priests, shepherds and carpenters- with a choice. Will you worship Him or reject Him? Will you receive His promise of eternity or banish Him from your life?

The choice is still there for each of us to make daily.

Prayer

Lord your kingdom is not like the kingdoms of this world. Help me to walk in the ways of your kingdom each day. Amen.