Adonai

Isaiah 33:17-24; Hebrews 12:1-4

1. How do we change when we see God?

There the LORD will be our Mighty One. It will be like a place of broad rivers and streams. No galley with oars will ride them, no mighty ship will sail them. For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

2. Where should we focus our attention?

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

'Peace of mind'

Isaiah 26:1-4; 27:5

1. How do we experience the peace of God?

We have a strong city where God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. Or else come to God for refuge and let them make peace with God.

Romans 5:1-2

2. How do we experience peace with God?

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Two sources of sickness

Psalms 32:1-7

1. Why was David sick and when was he healed?

David was sick because he kept silent where his bones wasted away through his groaning all day long. His strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

He was healed when he acknowledged his sin to God and the Lord forgave the guilt of his sin.

1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Peter 2:24

2. What is God's will for our bodies?

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Not a needle - a nail

Colossians 2:13-16

1. What was nailed to the cross?

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Hebrews 12:1-14

2. Why did Jesus not avoid the cross?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Why was man made free?

John 3:14-18

1. Outline God's plan of salvation.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

2. List the characteristics of God revealed in this plan.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Rejoice in mystery

Psalm 71:14-24

1. Why would the psalmist praise more and more?

The psalmist would praise more and more of God because of the hope he has in God. His mouth will tell of the Lord's righteousness, salvation, mighty acts, marvelous deeds and restoration. For God increases his honor and comforted the psalmist.

Philippians 4:4

2. What did Paul emphasize?

Paul emphasized that we should always rejoice in the Lord.

Entering into mystery

Psalms 139:1-12

1. What could the psalmist not attain?

The knowledge of God is too lofty for the psalmist to attain for the Lord discerns and searches everything within us.

Isaiah 40:21-31

2. What did Isaiah understand he could not understand?

The prophet Isaiah understand that God is behind the mystery of the beginning of the earth and the creation of the heavens. For the Lord brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

God's given redemptive range

Acts 11:1-18

1. Why was Peter criticised?

Peter was criticised by the circumcised believers for going into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.

2. What was his defense?

Peter explains that the voice had spoke from heaven, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' Then he remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was Peter to think that he could oppose God?"

When the circumcised believers heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."

Everyone has a part

1 Corinthians 12:1-14

1. What did Paul want us to know?

Paul want us not to be ignorant. When we were pagans, somehow or other we were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore Paul tells us that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

2. What is common to us all and what is different?

The body of Christ is a unit that is common to us all What is different is that we made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

No sense of story

Isaiah 43:1-11

1. What is God's promise?

God promised that when you pass through the waters, He will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Since you are precious and honored in His sight, and because God loves you, He will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for the Lord is with you;
He will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

John 9:1-7

2. What did Jesus explain?

Jesus explained that trials do happen so that the work of God might be displayed in that person's life. As long as it is day, Jesus will do the Father's work for He is the only light of the world.

For these 2 months....

THE BURNING, CLEANSING FLAME
May-June 2008

'For he will be like a refiner's fire ...’
Malachi 3:2

In the universe two fires burn. Both passionately compete for our attention; both seek to engulf us and set us ablaze. One is destructive, the other divine.

In this issue, Selwyn asks ‘Which fire consumes us?’ Are we caught up with the scorching passions of this world, or are we set alight with the passion of Jesus?

Our Father longs to give good gifts to His children, and is ready to help us with our struggles. He asks us to repent of our lack of trust, take Him at His word and ask for His help.

Through the burning, cleansing flame of the Holy Spirit we can live life as God intended.

Click here to download PDF of first week

Gold seekers - or God seekers?

Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35

1. What was the practice of the Early Church?

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

1 John 2:15-17

2. What was John's warning?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Fire! Fire! Fire!

Joel 2:28-32

1. What did Joel promise?

Joel promised that in the day of the Lord, God will pour out His Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Even on servants, both men and women, He will pour out His Spirit in those days. The Lord will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved;

Luke 11:9-13

2. What did Jesus promise?

Jesus promised, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

A life change - life-changing

Galatians 1:13-24

1. Why did the churches praise God?

Paul, in his previous way of life in Judaism persecuting Jesus Christ, was called by God's grace. God revealed Christ in him so that he might preach Christ among the Gentiles. Paul did not consult any man, nor did he go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before he was, but he went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

The people only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of Paul.

Philippians 3:3-14

2. How did Paul view his old strict religious life?

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.

But whatever was to Paul's profit he now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, he consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord, for whose sake Paul have lost all things.

Paul wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, Paul press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Do we get all at conversion?

Acts 8:4-23

1. What happened when Philip went to Samaria?

Philip went to Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Even Simon the Sorcerer believed and was baptized.

2. Why did the apostles go to Samaria?

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

There's more!

Acts 19:1-7

1. What did Paul explain to the disciples?

Paul explained, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Romans 8:29; Galatians 4:4-7

2. What is God's goal for our lives?

God sent Jesus to redeem us under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because we are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So we are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

We are to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Never enough!

Joshua 7:1-26; Proverbs 27:20

1. What did Achan confess to?

Achan confessed, "I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath."

2. How did his sin affect others?

Joshua said, "Why have you brought this trouble on us? The LORD will bring trouble on you today." Then all Israel stoned him, and after they had stoned the rest, they burned them. Over Achan they heaped up a large pile of rocks, which remains to this day. Then the LORD turned from his fierce anger. Therefore that place has been called the Valley of Achor ever since.

Money, money, money

Luke 18:18-25

1. What prevented the ruler joining Jesus?

The ruler could not join Jesus though he does not commit adultery, murder, steal, give false testimony, honor his father and mother. But when Jesus asked him to sell everything and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven and follow Jesus, the ruler became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth.

Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

James 5:1-6

2. Why did James rebuke the rich?

The wealth of the rich has rotted, and moths have eaten their clothes. Their gold and silver are corroded. The corrosion will testify against them and eat their flesh like fire. The rich have hoarded wealth in the last days.

Look! The wages the rich failed to pay the workmen who mowed their fields are crying out against them. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. The rich have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. They have fattened themselves in the day of slaughter.

The rich have condemned and murdered innocent men.

Anger is poison

Esther 3:1-6; 7:9-10

1. What was the result of Haman's anger?

After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.

Then the royal officials at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?" Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Yet having learned who Mordecai's people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, "A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman's house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king." The king said, "Hang him on it!" So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.

Proverbs 16:32

2. What is better than power?

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Reprobate instincts

2 Samuel 13:1-21

1. Why did Ammon feel ill?

Ammon was ill because he fell in love with Tamar but she was a virgin. Thus, he called her to come and give him something to eat. Actually he had in plan to rape her.

2. How did his passion overwhelm his common sense?

He refused to listen to the reasonings of Tamar and raped her, ending up hating her than loving her more.

'This rabble of the passions'

Romans 7:5-25

1. What struggles did Paul experience?

Paul was struggling with sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in him every kind of covetous desire, deceived him, and through the commandment put him to death, sold as a slave to sin.

He said, "Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it."

2. How did he find an answer?

In Paul's inner being he delight in God's law; but he see another law at work in the members of his body, waging war against the law of his mind and making him a prisoner of the law of sin at work within his members.

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Paul said.

'The only hope...'

2 Kings 2:7-14

1. How did fire redeem Elijah?

As Elijah and Elisha were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

Isaiah 6:1-8

2. How did fire redeem Isaiah?

The doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" Isaiah cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

Then one of the seraphs flew to Isaiah with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched Isaiah's mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for."

Then Isaiah heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And Isaiah said, "Here am I. Send me!"

'Redeemed from fire by fire'

Proverbs 17:3; Zechariah 13:7-9

1. What will fire do?

The LORD uses fire to test the hearts of men.

He will bring into the fire and refine the righteous like silver and test them like gold. They will call on the Lord's name and God will answer them; The Lord will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

2. How can we ensure fire will not damage us?

Our works will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.

If what we built survives, we will receive God's reward. If it is burned up, we will suffer loss; we will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

Therefore, do everything truthfully based on God.

A framework of fire

Genesis 1:14-18

1. Why does God allow fire into our lives?

Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth.

God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 15:6-21

2. Which two fires did Abraham experience?

As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.

When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river."

Danger! Fire!

2 Samuel 14:28-33

1. Why is fire dangerous?

Fire is dangerous because it can destroy. Just like how Absalom's servants set Joab's barley field on fire

Acts 17:1-8

2. What happens when people encounter fire?

The Jews were jealous when they hear about Jesus Christ (Holy fire).

So they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil.

For these 2 months....

COMPLETE IN CHRIST
March-April 2008


He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. -Colossians 1:17

Many things in the world can shake our faith, and we can find ourselves questioning what we truly believe. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Colosse to encourage them and reaffirm what they had already heard and believed: Jesus was there at the beginning; He made everything; He holds all things together.

In this issue, Selwyn examines Paul’s letter to the Colossians and asks ‘Does Jesus have pre-eminence in your life?’ When we realise that our Saviour’s way is the right way, we are free to live lives that will truly make a difference in the world.

Source: http://www.cwr.org.uk/publishing/edwj/latest/index.php

Closing words

Luke 23:26-43

1. What concerned Jesus as He faced death?

Though Jesus was going to be crucified, He said "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children."

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One." The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"

However, the other criminal said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Though Christ was undergoing much agony during crucification, He did not call for the legions of angels to save him from perils. He focused on the will of the Father to die for our sins as an atonement. It is about us that matter, not Himself.

John 19:25-27

2. How can you be more aware of others' needs?

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother."

Christ was more aware of his mother's welfare though he was going to be crucified soon.

We can also draw strength from Jesus to be more aware of others' needs.

Say 'No' to the marginal

Luke 10:38-42

1. Why were Martha's good intentions bad?

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Revelations 2:1-7

2. How had the Ephesians become preoccupied with the marginal?

God knows the Ephesian's deeds, hard work and perseverance. The Ephesians cannot tolerate wicked men, have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. The Ephesians have persevered and have endured hardships for the Lord's name, and have not grown weary.

However, the Ephesians have become preoccupied with these marginals that they had forsaken their first love. They should thus repent and do the things they did at first. If they do not repent, God will come and remove the lampstand from their place.

Final greetings

2 Timothy 4:9-13

1. Contrast Demas and Luke.

Demas loved this world. Therefore he has deserted Paul and has gone to Thessalonica. Only Luke is with Paul.

John 3:16; 1 John 2:15-17

2. How can we love and yet not love the world?

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

More names on the list

Genesis 18:16-33

1. What does Abraham's prayer teach us about intercession?

Abraham's prayer teaches us the power of intercession. God says He "will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."

Intercession is powerful because it reaches God and God will do something about it.

2. What does it teach us about God?

God is a righteous God who does not tolerate sin. Yet He is merciful to those who are righteous. The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake." That began a bargain between Abraham and God where in the end, God had to say "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."

This teaches us that God is gracious and will protect those who are righteous in His name. He does not wipe everyone (regardless righteous or not) out just for the sake of punishing sin.

Paul- a people-person

Philemon 1-25

1. How did Paul feel about Philemon?

Paul said about Philemon, "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."

2. How did Paul refer to Onesimus?

Paul refer to Onesimus as his dear brother. Formerly Onesimus was useless, but now he has become useful. Paul asked Philemon to keep him so that he could take the place in helping Paul while Paul is in chains for the gospel.

The right to say 'No'

Genesis 4:1-8

1. What right did God grant Cain?

The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

God grant Cain the right to do what is right or wrong.

1 Peter 3:15-16

2. How should we answer people?

Our hearts should be set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

First talk to God

Luke 18:1-8

1. Why may we sometimes seem not to receive answers to our prayers?

It is because we are not persistent with our prayers.

For even the judge who neither feared God nor cared about men decided to find justice for the persistent widow, will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?

God will see that they get justice, and quickly.

Philippians 4:4-6

2. How did Paul link prayer and praise?

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

A heated talking point

Proverbs 14:31; Malachi 3:5

1. How does God identify with oppressed workers?

He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

"So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me," says the LORD Almighty.

James 5:1-6

2. Why did James criticise rich people?

The rich people have hoarded wealth in the last days. The wages they failed to pay the workmen who mowed their fields are crying out against them. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

The rich people have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. They have fattened themselves in the day of slaughter. They have also condemned and murdered innocent men.

Free- on the inside

John 8:31-36

1. What is true slavery and what is true freedom?

Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. That is true slavery.

Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, it is true freedom.


Titus 2:9-10; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

2. Why should slaves/employees obey their masters/employers?

Slaves are to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractivee.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God. For we are not seeking our own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

Problem fathers

Matthew 18:1-10; Ephesians 6:4

1. How did Jesus regard and relate to children?

Jesus says whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For their angels in heaven always see the face of the Father in heaven.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Mark 10:13-16

2. Why was Jesus indignant?

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.

He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

'The Jesus Christ man'

2 Corinthians 3:1-3

1. How can those without Bible know Bible truth?

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?

We ourselves are the Bible's letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Ephesians 6:5-9

2. How can we daily be like Christ?

We must obey our earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as we would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

'Overalls or evening dress'

Psalms 86:5-17

1. What did the psalmist report?

The psalmist reported the God is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to Him. Among the gods there is none like the Lord, no deeds can compare with His. All the nations the Lord has made will come and worship before Him and bring glory to His name. For God is great and do marvelous deeds. Great is God's love, delivering the psalmist from the depths of the grave. The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:19-26

2. How did the depressed prophet find hope?

The depressed prophet remember of the LORD's great love thus we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. The prophet says "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

The charter of equality

John 4:4-9

1. Why was the woman surprised?

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" The Samaritan woman was suprrised and said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans).

Acts 10:15,28; Romans 3:29;10:12-13

2. Why is there no real distinction between people?

We should not discriminate and call anything impure that God has made clean. Though we are well aware that it is against the law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown that we should not call any man impure or unclean.

This is because our God is the God of Jews and also the God of Gentiles too. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

'Life is decision'

Joshua 24:14-27

1. What choice did Joshua offer and how did the people respond?

Joshua told the people to fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods their forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.

Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God."

Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, a witness against them if they are untrue to God.

1 Kings 18:21

2. Why did Elijah criticise the people?

This is because the people were wavering between two opinions. Elijah said, "If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him." But the people said nothing.

'I'm in for it now'

Matthew 27:1-8

1. Identify Juda's thoughts and emotions.

When Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." "What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

2 Peter 3:1-15

2. Why is the Lord patient and not in a hurry to judge?

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

Our chief business

Psalms 27:4

1. What was the psalmist's desire?

The psalmist's soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; his heart and his flesh cry out for the living God, that he may dwell in the house of the LORD. All the days of his life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.

Psalms 63:1-8; 84:1-12

2. What was the psalmist's practice?

The psalmist will praise the Lord as long as he lives, and in the Lord's name he will lift up his hands. The psalmist's soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips his mouth will praise the Lord.

On his bed, the psalmist remember the Lord; he thinks of God through the watches of the night. Because the Lord is his help, the psalmist will sing in the shadow of His wings. The psalmist's soul clings to the Lord; God's right hand upholds the psalmist.

The problem of the self

Matthew 15:7-9; John 4:19-25

1. How did the Samaritans worship?

They people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far. They worship in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. The Samaritans worship what they do not know.

Philippians 3:1-3; John 4:19-25

2. How should we worship?

We should worship what we do know. The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.

We must worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.

The continuing cross

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

1. What was Paul's hope?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 11:16-29

2. What did he face daily?

Paul said, "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."

"Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?"

Christ - the pleasure of God

Luke 3:22; John 8:29; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

1. What was unique about Christ?

The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus Christ in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." For the Father who sent His son, Jesus, is with him; the has not left Jesus alone, for Jesus always do what pleases the Father."

Thus, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.
And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Philippians 2:1-11

2. What was Christ's attitude?

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Christ - a centripetal force

Luke 7:28; John 1:1-13

1. Contrast Jesus and John

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

Jesus was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

John 10:27-30

2. What does Christ hold in His hand?

Jesus says:

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

'Grace and peace'

John 1:14-18

1. Try to define 'grace' and 'peace'.

Grace is getting what you don't deserve. From the fullness of Christ's grace we have all received one blessing after another grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Peace is having no burden, knowing God is in control of all things.

John 14:25-27

2. How does the world's peace differ from Christ's peace?

Jesus says, "I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Shut up- to write

Genesis 39:20-23

1. What did Joseph and Paul have in common?

Paul and Joseph were being put in prison despite not commiting sinful crime.

Like Paul, while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him.

The LORD showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.

Philippians 1:12-20

2. Why should we not fear physical restrictions?

Paul says "Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

Despite being held in prison, Paul continues to share the gospel and write letters to the churches, which now becomes an important part of the Bible. Being chained up did not restrict him, yet it gave Him other opportunities to serve for Christ.

For these 2 months....

THE NATURE OF THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
January-Feburary 2008



Everyone is different. We are all individuals, with different pasts, needs, dreams, hopes and fears. And everyone's spiritual journey is different too. The Holy Spirit leads each Christian in the way his or her individuality requires. But although we may not travel along the road of discipleship at the same rate, there is a divine pattern at work. God uses common experiences and encounters to draw us ever closer to Himself.

Join Selwyn in this issue as he considers what movement towards God 'looks like' and how we can, each day, take one more step towards Christlike maturity.

Click here to download PDF of first week. To get the devotional data for the whole bimonth, please approach any good Christian bookstore to get a copy.

Source: http://www.cwr.org.uk/publishing/edwj/latest/index.php

Moving toward God

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

1. Meditate on God's will for us in Christ Jesus.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

Jude 20-21,24-25

2. Give thanks with Jude for the love and mercy of God in Jesus.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

The benefits of repentance

2 Corinthians 7:8-11

1. What does godly sorrow produce?

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.

Hebrews 10:19-25

2. On what basis can we draw near to God?

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Further steps of repentance

Psalms 51:7-12

1. What further steps of repentance did David take?

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Acts 17:25-31

2. How did Paul confront idolatory in Athens?

Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.

The first steps of repentance

Psalms 51:1-6

1. For what did David pray?

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Lamentations 3:22-26, 40-42; 2 Peter 3:8-9

2. What words were to be used in the lament over sin?

We need to examine ourselves for sins, for we have sinned and rebelled against God. Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Finding our way back

Ezekiel 18:30-32

1. How does Ezekiel exhort the people?

Ezekiel exhorts the people to repent, turn away from all offenses; then sin will not be their downfall.

Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

Mark 1:14-20

2. How do the disciples demonstrate their dependence on Christ?

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Such immediate response to the Lord's calling demonstrates their dependence on Christ.

A change of mind

Mark 1:1-8

1. How does John prepare the way for Jesus?

John prepared the way for the Lord by making straight paths for Him.

And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Acts 3:17-26

2. What is the outcome of repentance, according to Peter?

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.

God questions

Isaiah 40:25-31

1. In Isaiah, what aspects of God's character do His questions reveal?

The Lord is the creator with great power and mighty strength. He is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Jonah 4:1-11

2. What aspects of His character does God reveal to Jonah?

God revealed that He is the creator of all things and have rights to give or take away. We must not take anger against God for that.

The Word within

Psalms 119:25-32

1. What is the effect of God's Word?

God's Word preserves our lives, teaches us, allows us to meditate on His wonders, strengthens our inner being, is gracious in its laws, hold us fast and set our hearts free.

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

2. What is the source of Paul's faith?

Do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

My life is in God's hands

Psalms 31:1-8

1. What fortifies the psalmist?

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
I trust in the LORD.

I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
for you saw my affliction
and knew the anguish of my soul.

You have not handed me over to the enemy
but have set my feet in a spacious place.

Luke 23:39-49

2. How does Jesus echo the psalmist?

At the last moments of Jesus' crucification, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

Exercising muscles of faith

Habakkuk 1:13-2:4

1. What answer does Habakkuk find to his complaint?

God's eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrong.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?
Why are you silent while the wicked
swallow up those more righteous than themselves?

Then the LORD replied:
"Write down the revelation
and make it plain on tablets
so that a herald may run with it.

For the revelation awaits an appointed time;
it speaks of the end
and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it;
it will certainly come and will not delay.

"See, he is puffed up;
his desires are not upright—
but the righteous will live by his faith.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

2. What answers does Paul receive?

Paul said "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Crisis of confusion

Psalms 37:1-9

1. How does this psalm help us confront perplexing events?

Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land

Romans 15:7-13

2. What sustains Paul's trust?

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For Paul tells us that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

'Sit quietly before mystery'

2 Samuel 7:18-29

1. How does David respond to God's word to him?

David responded by recognising that God's words are trustworthy, and have promised these good things. Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever with the Lord's blessings.

He focused on the person of God who went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before the Israelites.

Psalms 131:1-3

2. Reflect on the analogy the psalmist uses.

My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.

But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

'Inconsolable longings'

Psalms 63:1-8

1. What characterises the psalmist's desire?

The psalmist desires to seek, long and thirst for God. He has seen God in the sanctuary and beheld His power and your glory.

He says "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

Hebrews 11:13-16

2. In what ways were the faithful forward-looking?

They were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.

And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.

If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Eyes focused on heaven

Acts 2:22-33

1. Reflect on how Jesus fulfills the psalmist's aspirations.

Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

2 Peter 1:10-15

2. How does Peter live in the light of eternity?

Paul adviced us to be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This world is not my home

Luke 12:13-21

1. What makes rich men foolish?

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

If we just take life easy; eat, drink and be merry, what if this very night your life will be demanded from you? Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?

This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.

2 Corinthians 5:1-5

2. How does Paul view his death?

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.

Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Going somewhere?

Luke 13:31-35

1. What did Jesus' prophetic vocation mean to Him?

Jesus said "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!"

This shows that Jesus was clear where He came from and where He was going. He came His eyes fixed on what the Father wants Him to do.

1 Peter 5:1-11

2. How does Peter describe the rewards?

God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Forgetting to remember

Deuteronomy 4:23-31

1. What does God remember and what do we forget?

Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.

Hebrews 4:1-11

2. What are the lessons of the Israelites' wilderness journey?

We should have faith upon knowing the gospel of Christ and thus we can then find rest in God.

However, it still remains that some will enter that rest, and those who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not go in, because of their disobedience.

Bitter or Better

Mark 14:32-36

1. How did Jesus face His time of trial?

Jesus sat down and prayed. He was deeply distressed and troubled. He said "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death".

Then he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him."Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

James 1:2-7

2. How does James counsel those who face trials?

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.

Different perspective

Psalms 4:1-8

1. How does the psalmist respond to distress?

The psalmist asked God to give him relief from distress and be merciful to him and hear his prayer. He reminds himself not to sin during anger and search his heart and be silent. He offers right sacrifices and trust in the LORD for the LORD have filled his heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7

2. How does Paul worship in a time of trouble?

Paul worshipped, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort."

'A gospel of sin management'

John 17:13-19

1. How are the disciples to be sanctified?

The disciples are to be sanctified by the Word of God, which is also the truth. We are in the world but not of the world.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

2. How does Paul describe what it means to be saved?

To be saved means it involves the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief in the truth. Through the gospel, we can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us stand firm and hold to the teachings, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

'Are you saved?'

Psalms 119:33-40

1. How does the psalmist link following God to His Word?

The psalmist wants to follow the Lord's decrees so that he will keep them to the end. He wants to have understanding, keep God's law and obey it with all his heart in the path of the Lord's commands. He asked God to preserve his life according to His Word and righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:14-17

2. In what way is Timothy to be 'thoroughly equipped'?

Timothy is thoroughly equipped by the Word of God. For the Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Divine discipleship

Ephesians 4:20-24

1. What does Paul mean by being 'made new'?

You are to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

1 John 3:1-3

2. As the children of God, what is our hope?

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.

But we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.