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June 16: John 6:51-58
Key Verse: John 6:52
Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’
Devotion:
I have heard many arguments about this subject and I’m pretty sure I will hear many more: what did Jesus mean about His blood and body? We can argue about exactly what Jesus meant but we will never know the exact definition until we see Him face to face – then we can ask Him!
But, despite never knowing, Jesus wants us to have faith to believe what He was telling the people at this time. Each person’s definition may differ but we should all be able to agree on the fact Jesus gave His body and blood for our sakes; if we take that literally or metaphorically or whatever is going to be our choice. Jesus wants us to try to understand what He was saying. To do this we need one of two things: either we should have Jesus in person to explain exactly what He meant, or we should have the one He left behind for us to explain what we need to know!
If we are not going to partake in this feast, we fall short of the mark. But the feast is not physical because that would be gross – Jesus was in Human form! The feast can be the fact Jesus gave it all for you, or us believing what He did was for us, or us celebrating the fact Jesus did this all… etc. But the central point should be we have faith to believe it was all for us!
The Israelites had to have faith to not try and hide away yesterday’s manna but to use it all and wait for God to supply a new batch in the morning. Just like that we need to have faith to trust God is going to supply us with our daily needs no matter what – even if we do not have enough faith to totally trust, we will still see the amazing miracle of His love as needs are fulfilled!
Points to Ponder:
How much of your doubt is because of physical issues?
How much faith are you willing to have that nothing is impossible for God?
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June 7: Matthew 5:13-16
Key Verse: Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Devotion:
Do people think of you as being different in any way? We could be said to be different in good or bad ways, so let’s stick to being different in some good ways! It is good to stand out as being different because people will notice you, hence sticking to being good – the last thing you want is to be known as being bad...
I believe we should be different as Christians, we should stand out from the crowd and people should know why we stand out. God wants us to be noticed in our communities as the people who are different for a reason – not just different because we dress up differently or talk a different language, but because we reach out to people in a different way from everyone else.
The thing is you don’t have to be that different. Salt is something many of us take for granted and we add it on food without thinking. Light is something we take for granted too – we know the sun will come up in the morning and allow us to see what we have to to get through our day. But those things are different…
God wants us to be the difference in the world. He allowed Jesus to stand out from the crowd as the man who was very different to everyone else before Him. He came to be the same as us – a human person, but He came to be very different so people would notice. You can be different in you own way.
Points to Ponder:
Do you want to make a difference?
Will you stand out and be different?
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June 6: 1 Kings 17:1-6
Key Verse: 1 Kings 17:6
The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Devotion:
This is another of the amazing stories I love in the bible where Elijah tells Ahab there is going to be no more rain or dew until Elijah says so! Can you imagine what went through Ahab’s mind – he probably laughed it off in the beginning as a useless threat, but when there was indeed no more rain, he would have sought Elijah’s head! God had forewarned Elijah and sent him to hide far away from everyone east of Jordan where God would send ravens to bring food for Elijah.
God sent him to camp near a ravine where a brook would supply him with water; a ravine where nobody normally would visit and hence nobody would know to bring him food. So Elijah was going to be 100% dependant on God for his food. Yes he would have lasted a while with no food, but this was going to be for a longer term than normal. God had to hide Elijah there until Ahab realised there was not going to be any rain to feed the crops and supply their water.
The first lesson we should take away from this is how we should rely on God for everything in our lives. If He is asking you to go somewhere or to do something for Him, then we should be willing to listen and obey no matter how hard we think it may be. Just maybe He is lining up the ravens to take care you you – obviously it may not be ravens per say, but He is going to ensure you can do what He asks!
This also brings up another valuable lesson though, and that is to take what support He gives you with open arms. The first time I heard this story I was a bit taken back by Elijah eating anything ravens brought him. I have seen what crows and ravens do to road-kill and that is what went through my mind! But this was the difference between life and death for Elijah – and what God supplies is good enough for everyone!
Points to Ponder:
Do you shy away from God’s requests because you find them difficult?
Will you trust God to make it possible?
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June 5: Acts 2:5-13
Key Verse: Acts 2:13
Some, however, made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine.’
Devotion:
How many times have people made fun of you because you are doing something for God? It seems like the more I do for God the more I meet people who want to make fun of me or the work just because they don’t have a clue what’s going on! This is one of mankind's defence mechanisms… to make light of something when we don’t understand it so we will not look like we don’t understand!
Jesus probably met many people who tried to make fun of Him and the work He was doing; but He also met a whole lot of people who were important in society who were out to kill Him! Jerusalem was a place where many people met up; this happens in most big cities, people from all walks in life and different countries meet up or mix together. If a street performer is singing in one language, people who understand that language often gather round to hear what’s going on.
The same was happening here, people could hear their own language being spoken and they gathered round to find out more… The big difference here is that each person heard the disciples speaking in their own languages instead of the language of the disciple. There must have been people who could speak multiple languages there to hear what was going on.
This is not normal for humans! This is normal for God because nothing is impossible with God. If we listen to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide us, we will be able to do many things we thought not possible to start with. I used to think I was pretty terrible at talking to teenagers because I struggled with bringing up my own – but when God asked me to teach the teens, I was and am able to reach them with God’s Word!
Points to Ponder:
Are you put off by what other people say about you?
Will you trust God and listen to what the Holy Spirit wants from you?
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June 4: John 21:20-23
Key Verse: John 21:23
Because of this, the rumour spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?’
Devotion:
Have you ever got the wrong side of a story? Have you ever misunderstood what someone is trying to say to you? I’m sure we all have got things wrong at some stage or another – the disciples were no different as we can see here. They were pre-occupied with finding the identity of the disciple who would betray Jesus and were almost at the point of blaming each other.
Jesus’ answer to this was to tell them it was of no concern to them whom the guilty party was. If the true identity of Judas had got out before this, he may have ended up being mugged or entrapped before he could accomplish what was prophesied in the scriptures. Jesus wanted to make sure God’s word continued to be accurate all the way to the end – no matter what would happen! The disciples started thinking Jesus’ words would mean the guilty one would live forever; not what Jesus said at all.
We need to be careful about listening to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. If we go off on a tangent and do something He is not asking us to do, we are fulfilling our own desires and not God’s wishes. We need to stop and listen carefully. Then we need to take what we think we heard and compare it with what else we have in our bibles to see if it is in line with God’s wishes. If the disciples had stopped to think they would have realised God would not want anyone to live forever knowing they have gone against God!
If you think God is trying to get your attention or He is trying to get you to do something different, compare what you are hearing or thinking against what we know to be the truth from our Bibles. If the two do not match up or at least line up, then it is unlikely God is calling us to do that!
Points to Ponder:
Do you stop and listen when someone talks to you?
Do you stop and listen to God?
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June 3: Acts 25:13-21
Key Verse: Acts 25:21
But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.’
Devotion:
When you are asked to do something, how do you go about starting? Do you try to find the easiest way forward, or the hardest way forward so you will not have to end up doing it? Do you maybe try to find someone else to do the work for you? When we get asked to do things in our everyday lives, we often find ways we can change the way we do the work to either make it easier or to get someone else to do the work for us… It seems to be in our nature to do these things!
Paul was caught in between a rock and a hard place (and English saying) meaning if he chose one way he would have to face the Pharisees and Sadducees again, or he would have to face the Roman law which was know to be quite harsh at times. Paul appealed to Festus to see if he could get his case heard by Caesar! Talk about aiming high!
We may think this was a bit much, but when God asks you to do something, you should be willing to go all the way to try and achieve the goal set before you. This may take you way out of your comfort zone – we do like to stick to what we know and to what we think we can achieve… Let us not forget God knows us better than we do. He knows what we are capable of because He is not blinkered by our fears and worries…
Festus was the man in charge; and yet he chose to bring this before King Agrippa because he was not confident he would do the right thing. This is quite normal for us human beings! We do doubt ourselves and we do like to consult others if we think we are not up to the task… we should be consulting God and listening to the Holy Spirit at times like this!
Points to Ponder:
Who do you go to for advice?
Will you ask and listen to the Holy Spirit for some advice today?
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June 2: Act 23:6-11
Key Verse: Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, ‘Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.’
Devotion:
When we read about all the things which happened to Paul, we should take great courage in knowing God is going to look after us in similar manner to these things. It did not mean Paul had a smooth and carefree life which was filled with joy. Paul went through many hardships and had to face many people who seemed to want to take him down and put him in prison all the time!
Paul was given insight into each situation. God made sure someone prompted Paul when he needed to be prompted. God made sure Paul knew what had to be done next – be it uncomfortable or hard – he knew what had to be done. Can you imagine what was going through his mind when he stood up and called himself a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees… He was going directly up against the Sadducees and siding with people who were trying to get rid of him!
With all the uproar, God picked a commander to make the next step. This is what God does – He picks people from the world around us and uses them to make a difference so we can continue to do what He wants us to do. The commander took Paul away from the crowd which seemed to be getting very boisterous and putting Paul’s well-being in danger!
After a night away from the warring crowds The Lord stood by Paul and told him what would have to be done next. Once we submit to God’s ways we will see how He draws closer to us so He can guide us better. God was now telling Paul he would have to face up to the Romans just as he had done here facing up the the Jews (Pharisees and Sadducees.) If we are willing to listen to God and obey Him, we may find our path forward is not with the people around us, but new pastures where we don’t know them!
Points to Ponder:
Are you listening to God?
Where is He leading you to go?
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June 1: Acts 20:28-31
Key Verse: Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Devotion:
Do you know what it is to be a disciple? Being a disciple is not just following Jesus and learning everything you can from Him… Being a disciple means seeking Christ, learning, listening, obeying and then taking this new-found knowledge and love and sharing it with more people around you; encouraging them to find out more, learn, listen and obey. Being a disciple is an ongoing task which Christ is asking you to do and the Holy Spirit it guiding you to do.
Yes, you heard me right – the Holy Spirit is teaching you and guiding you. That means trying to listen out for and to the Holy Spirit. That still small voice which you know is the Spirit; not the loud shouting of the world around you or the savage wolves who are trying to hide the voice of the Spirit…
It is our task to look after the flock of the Shepherd – Jesus is our Shepherd and the flock belong to Him. We have been given the task to look after them. Sometimes that is going to be teaching and talking, sometimes it is going to be sitting by their sides. There will be times when you are just called to sit quietly close to them so they know God through your presence.
Sometimes it will be stepping forward to grab a hold of a hand reaching out for help; a hand which is clutching at anything they can reach. Jesus sends us to the right time and place when we listen so we can be there for the right person at the right time. They are going to be the next disciple in the chain of events.
Points to Ponder:
How often do you reach out to people in need?
Will you try to listen to the prompting of the Spirit to find out where He wants you?
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May 31: Romans 12:9-16
Key Verse: Romans 12:11
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.
Devotion:
One of the hardest things to hear is often someone telling you to be nice to someone who is horrible to you! But these are the words the disciples learned from Christ – to love one another above ourselves. Whilst we may find it hard to do so by ourselves, holding the Holy Spirit close and trusting Him will allow you to do things greater than by yourself.
Don’t think of all the horrible things they have done to you. Don’t worry about all the bad things you have to face in the future from them… Instead try to love them like Christ loves you! We have been sinning against God for a long time and yet He is able to put that aside and to love us no matter what! If we can live just a little more like Him, we will be able to love others!
Sharing your life and your blessings with others will allow them to see the love God has for you and for them too. This is the start we should aim for to give others the best opportunity to live with Christ too. If you see someone in need, then join them in their need and see if you can make a difference in their lives – it just may be what they have been waiting for to start their life with Christ.
I wish country and political leaders would take notice of these words – that they would put aside their pride and greed to live more like Christ and feel for others as Christ feels for them. Just because someone has had issues in their past, does not mean they will take it out on you – maybe they just need a smile to get through the day… you can be that smile!
Points to Ponder:
How often do you help others?
Will you think a bit more like Jesus and reach out to those in need?
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May 30: John 16:29-33
Key Verse: John 16:32
‘A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
Devotion:
I wonder if you have been very committed to something in your life and never imagined you would ever give up – until you look back and realise you have given up! I’m quite certain the disciples would never have imagined they would give up on following Jesus, especially now they were coming to terms with Jesus being the Son of God, but Jesus was predicting what they would end up doing when He gave His life up on the cross.
God is the one who knows all things; He certainly knows what lies ahead for each of us even if we cannot figure our own lives out! Even if we try our hardest to follow and obey God, we will probably still fall short of the mark just as the disciples would end up doing. They were committed to Christ and yet when they faced what they though was an impossible position, they gave in and followed the world, going back to their old lifestyles and wondering what went wrong!
Jesus knew what lay ahead for Him. He knew it was an impossible position, but He continued going forward to make sure that set of events which were foretold would come to pass. This is because He knew God had this all planned out and He was going to follow and obey no matter what!
We are human like the disciples. Jesus was human too… but He was not going to let the world dictate what He did – He was going to allow God the Father dictate what would happen. We are going to have to face certain trouble in our lives because we live in this world full of trouble. Jesus had to face trouble because He was human too. What we do with that trouble will dictate what sort of people we are! Jesus made sure He followed God. That is our aim too!
Points to Ponder:
Do you give in to worldly things?
When was the last time you obeyed God instead of the world?