reflection

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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Australian_banknotes_in_wallet

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.

Reflection on Mark 1:4-11

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Jesus-baptism

Scripture

“I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”

Observation
John comes baptising in the wilderness. The whole of Jerusalem and Judea come to him to confess their sins and be baptised.

John tells the people that someone else, much greater than John, is coming. John baptises in water, but He will baptise with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus comes to be baptised by John. As He comes out f the water, the Holy Spirit descends on Him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven says, “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.”

Application
John baptised with water, but Jesus baptises with the Holy Spirit.

Water baptism is about dying to ourselves and living for Christ. Spirit baptism is about dying to my own abilities and letting God’s power work in me and through me to others.

As John received the Holy Spirit at His baptism, we need to receive the Holy Spirit to be able to do the tasks that Jesus calls us to each day.

Unlike water baptism, which is a one-off event, Spirit baptism is a daily process of allowing Holy Spirit to immerse us, surround us, soak deeply into us. We need that daily infilling as surely as we need our daily food.

Prayer
Come Holy Spirit. Fill me. Baptise me. Energise me. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 1:26-38

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Scripture

Mary responded, “I’m the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Observation
The angel Gabriel appears to a virgin named Mary and says, “Greetings favoured woman! The Lord is with you!”

The angel then goes on to tell Mary that she will conceive and give birth to a son she will name Jesus. He will be the Son of the Most High and He will reign over Israel for ever.

Struggling to understand, Mary asks him how this can be. The angel tells her that the Holy Spirit will overshadow her and the baby will be called the Son of God.

Mary responds, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

Application
To a young girl in a tiny village these events must have seemed incredible, An angel brings a revelation of an impossible event with world-changing implications. And she is in the middle of it all.

It is Mary’s response that really sets her apart from most if us. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she says,

This is the attitude God is looking for in all of us. My life is all about serving the Lord, not about serving me.

God is looking for people with that kind of humility that enables them to be entrusted with great destiny.

Prayer
Lord, I am your servant. May I be found obedient to your plans for my life. Amen.

Reflection on Romans 16:25-27

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Scripture

All glory to the only wise God, though Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

Observation

The Good News, the gospel of Jesus Christ, was hidden in the past but is now made plain. The message is now preached to the Gentiles everywhere.

Praise be to God!

Application

Hallelujah! God’s grace is open to everyone, not just Jews but every human being is able to respond to the gospel and brought into God’s kingdom.

People from every tribe, tongue and nation will be in God’s kingdom. Nobody is excluded except by their own choice.

Prayer

What an awesome God you are Father! You love everyone and have made salvation open to all. Thank you. Amen

Reflection on 2 Samuel 7:1-16

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2Sam7

Scripture

“Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time and your throne will be secure for ever.”

Observation

King David decides that he should build a temple, a house for the Lord. At first the prophet Nathan thinks this is fine, for the Lord is with David. But that night the Lord speaks to Nathan.

David is not to build a house for the Lord, but his son will. Better still, God will build a house for David- his kingdom will continue for ever.

Application

Sometimes we get an idea that we want to serve God. Like David, our passionate love for the Lord drives us to express itself in service.

We need to make sure that we are serving God in His way and not just doing something that we think is a good idea.

Even when God’s plans are different to what we expect, His grace is enormous. David wanted to build a house for the Lord, but God build David a house, a dynasty that culminates in Jesus.

David could not have begun to imagine what God would promise in return for a desire to serve Him.

The power of grace is seen in this- whenever we sincerely seek to obey God, we get it right, even when we get it wrong.

Prayer

How awesome you are Lord. Please help me to honour you by doing the deeds you want and not just doing good deeds. Amen.

Reflection on John 1:19-28

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Scripture

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming.’”

Observation
John is preaching and baptising in the wilderness. The Jewish leaders send people to ask him who he is.

John replies that he is not the Messiah. This perplexes them. John tells them he is the one clearing the way for the Lord.

The Pharisees ask John what right does he have to baptise. John tells them that right there in their midst is one coming after him whose sandals he is not worthy to untie.

Application
John was very clear that his role was to announce the Messiah not to be the Messiah. Everything he did was to point people to Jesus.

This is the core reason for our existence on earth- to point people to Jesus.

Not many of us are called to preach and baptise in the desert, living on locusts and wild honey. But we are all called to bear witness to Jesus the Lord, Saviour and Messiah.

Prayer
Father, may all of my words and actions speak to others about the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.