Apr 25

 “And the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan…” Judges 4:2

The circular pattern of disobedience, punishment, repentance and restoration became typical of Israel. It was displeasing to the Lord, and clearly not only ‘circular’ but also descending, deteriorating and more frequent. The basis of God’s relationship with Israel was His holiness and His law. They were to be a people holy unto Yahwah, who kept His commands and lived by His law. Whenever Israel transgressed and abandoned this God-determined pattern, and followed the ways of the heathen nations around them, they became idolatrous, and lost their status with God. The correction from the Lord was always administered in love and with a view to their restoration, but the frequency and consistency of their disobedience to His directives, demanded stern measures. In this instance God allowed them to become enslaved under the authority of the Canaanite king Jabin. Israel had chosen to follow the Canaanite practices in favour to God’s law, and in righteous and telling judgment, God delivered them into the bondage and oppression of the very people they had chosen to imitate!  Sadly the pattern present with the Israelite nation, can be observed among the people of God today. In many ways like them, we too can be guilty of ignoring God’s law, His love, His warnings and finally reap in our lives, families, churches and society, the results of our apathy towards God, and of our misplaced desire for the things of the ‘heathen’ world around us! It is interesting but not surprising to note, just how much control, oppression and influence the heathen society wields against the church! Largely instead of a repentance and return to the holiness and purity of service unto God, most Christians simply re-adjust the measure of consecration required, re-interpret the meaning of God’s directives and re-structure their practices to be more in tune with contemporary thinking. These manipulations become more prevalent and frequent with each generation, and succeed only in changing the level of tolerance believers should have towards sin and the sinful practices readily accepted by the surrounding ungodly society. Things thought totally unacceptable by Christians and seen as against God’s law in the past, are now more palatable and so commonplace among believers that hardly anyone even takes notice anymore! In fact it is the consecrated person who may in concern speak up, that is marginalised as ‘legalistic’ and ‘sectarian’, one given to divisive doctrine! Should we be surprised if in due course we reap God’s judgment? Would it be too unreasonable to believe that a righteous, holy and just God, who still wants His people to be holy, would judge the present church as He did His people of old? We may not be able to turn the unbiblical, God-dishonouring tide of present Christendom, but we can determine to learn from the lessons of the past and apply them to our personal lives, while we still can! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 24

 “Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.” Psalms 16:1

God is refuge and comfort for those who trust in Him. We are not certain whether any specific danger assailed David at the time of this Psalm. The prayer and call for God’s protection however is appropriate at all times for the believer. The man that makes God his shelter recognises the blessing and benefit God has already afforded him through life, and desires for that solid cover to be over him and his continuously. This is what gives rise to the utterance of our hearts and lips, as we appeal to God for that which He has already faithfully supplied. It is a way of saying ‘keep doing Lord, the wonderful work of sheltering me’; or 'keep holding me Lord, in your hands I feel safe'. There is in all of us a need to sense maintained security and ongoing assurance of what we treasure. The enemies abound, whether in a physical or spiritual realm, a true battle for survival is taking place. Insidious forces, we are told in scripture, are at work to defeat us in our progress, stunt our growth and derail us from our purpose, as we serve God. Their ultimate goal, should they have their way, would be our destruction! This alone is cause for being conscious of the need of the Lord’s protection. In fact, the ‘watching’ part of prayer has to do with being awake, alert and aware of the enemy, praying against him and seeking God’s protection of self and others. Added to the ever present spiritual struggle, there are also many physical factors at work, some even unknown to us, which in our overall vulnerable humanity, undermine, lessen and detract, from an already naturally deteriorating physical being. These would no doubt overcome and dissolve us, but for the mercy, love and intervention of God. In truth, we cannot afford to take for granted, even one breath going through our lungs, or one single beat of our heart! Our preservation is God’s intent, but we must remember that it is for His glory and purpose not our own. God knows our motive in asking His fortification. To ask God that He protect us so we can go about doing our own will, desire and task, without regard for His purposes, or in rejection of His values and directions, is not only selfish but also foolish. To lean on ourselves, our own means or the ability of others alone, and have no faith in the Almighty, is also foolishness, we are warned that the ‘arm of flesh will fail us’! As believers then, we belong to Him, and we owe God the trust that befits His power, love and glory. He has reassured us that He will ‘keep’ all who believe in Him and that no matter what challenge or danger may face us, He is able to see us through. It is to the degree that we trust Him and lean on Him that we will mostly see the hand of the Lord in protection, provision and preservation to do and fulfil His will. Let's say it and live it '..O God in thee do I put my trust'!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 23

“…he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.” Nehemiah 7:2

Nehemiah had undertaken a huge task. He trusted God and was blessed with wisdom and strength to carry it out. Good men in the service of God, also need other good men to stand by them! Hanani and Hananiah, were such men. The qualities God’s word highlights in these men, has little to do with the skills and abilities which may be attractive to the human mind, and all to do with the degree of purity of a person’s heart and conduct. The kind of man that can be depended on is called here - a faithful man. This type of person can be relied upon, is trustworthy and can be given responsibility. He shows his faithfulness in every aspect of his life. His dealings with family, friends and work speak of his faithfulness. He is not easily distracted or turned away from his duties and remains constant and consistent in his efforts. He is present when others are absent, and willing to help carry the load without coercion or constant pep talks. He offers himself and what he has for the greater cause of the service of God, and doesn’t constantly whine, complain or begrudge the cost. When the going gets tough, he doesn’t quit easily, and will be found standing with those in leadership, in quiet but firm support. This faithfulness towards others and responsibilities in general, is the natural result of his other great quality, which we find in this verse – he fears God. This person has a wholesome respect for Yahwah, for His ways and His word. He desires to maintain a correct relationship with the Lord, and to that end he analyses his life, and aligns it with the law of God. He insists on pleasing God with his actions, words and thoughts. He avoids the pitfalls of sin and turns away from temptation. He will not pay homage to the flesh, and in discipline knows how to say no to himself. He prays and senses after God’s Spirit to lead and guide him, in every aspect and task of life. The fear he has of God sets him apart and above many of his peers, as a wise and godly man. It has been said that a leader is best served if surrounded by a few faithful, God-fearing men, than an army of mercenary, self-serving false professors. May God supply every hardworking, dedicated and faithful minister, with equally faithful, God-fearing men to help and support in the work of God, and in the carrying of its many and varied responsibilities.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 22

“…thou art a mighty prince among us…” Genesis 23:6

Abraham has sojourned among the Canaanites for many years. He had come as a stranger among them, but was now considered a prince. His wealth, manner, authority and dealings with them, merited the recognition they gave him.  Clarke says of this account that they saw him as “… a prince of God - a person whom we know to be divinely favoured, and whom, in consequence, we deeply respect and reverence.” What a great testimony for the Lord to be seen and recognised as a person who is in favour with God and therefore to be respected. This is the kind of honour our lives, attitudes and conduct should bring to the Lord. Note Abraham’s kind and humble approach to the purchase of the field and cave he desired to buy for the burial of his dead. He didn’t take advantage of the position he held among them, nor commandeered his preferred portion of the land, he did not demand recognition or favour, but made a point of insisting on paying for it the full price. This was a legal transaction with witnesses and it made Abraham the legitimate owner of this parcel of land for all time. Some, who profess themselves as Christian, go about with an air of superiority and a manner which distances unsaved people from God and godly ways. They are argumentative and insist on knowing better, and being right on everything that is discussed, because they are ‘Christians’. They do damage to the cause of Christ because they do not convey or present a correct and appropriate witness and example of the faith. The humility that Christ taught by His manner and dealings with others, is yet another aspect of the imitation of Jesus, for which we are personally responsible as His disciples. It is difficult enough to win others to Christ without placing even more obstacles in their way, by our insensitive demeanour! No wonder we are told in scripture that "he that winneth souls is wise"! There is therefore a godly and Christ-like conduct, to which we as believers must learn to subscribe, and do so with genuine motivation. Like Abraham, we will find some around us recognising that we are, as we should be, children of the King and therefore ‘princes with God’!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 21

“And if a man also strive for masteries…” 2 Timothy 2:5

It is a desire in the heart of many individuals to make whatever effort is necessary in order to master and achieve a goal. The ‘masteries’ alluded to in the verse, refer to the public or Olympic games for which competing athletes train rigorously and strive diligently. Although perhaps not in the sports arena, the same concept of striving to excel, exists in many other areas of life. It is because of this potential for greatness and achievement that this is a notable thought for believers. In our service for Christ we are called to excellence. Taking an attitude of mere mediocrity, a stance of ‘barely there is good enough’, is not acceptable to God, nor does it bring Him the honour and glory of which He is worthy. Just like the trained athlete, we too are to perform our best in serving God, and to do this we must ‘strive’. This presumes effort, sacrifice and discipline. When as Christians we do not exert ourselves, stretch with effort and vigorously pursue the ways of God, we are deemed lukewarm, indifferent, and cannot expect to be counted among those who by faithfulness and consistency, receive a ‘crown’. The difference between striving for the mastery of the Christian walk, and any other ‘competition’, is that we are not really competing against anyone else. In this toil and effort of living an exemplary Christian life, we can all win, if we so choose. It is not about who crosses the finish line of a holy life first, but simply about who will cross the finish line at all! The determination of ‘victory’ then is not done by a comparison with others, but a comparison with God’s will and word. That means that each of us in our own way can fulfil and achieve the mastery of living for God! Jesus left a big question for us to answer as individuals:  “when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” We must desire with all of our heart to answer a resounding ‘yes’ to this question. To be able to live to the standard of faithfulness which Jesus is expecting to find at His return, it will take the same desire, dedication and discipline that we attribute to successful and renowned athletes. There are no shortcuts or ‘cheats’ that can be used and invoked, such means only bring disrepute and dishonour. Striving righteously and according to God’s law and word, in His strength and for His glory, will bring the ultimate result for the believer, the crown of life and righteousness for eternity!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 20

“Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed…” Acts 4:4

God’s work is often carried out among the accusations, distrusts, confrontations and reviling of those who oppose the Lord, and those who even in Christ, are more interested in their own schemes than the work of God. The occasion had been the healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple. His joyous testimony gave rise to the preaching of God’s word, and the result was that five thousand heard the word and believed! Even in situations where the evidence of righteousness is there, staring in the face of those who are pitted against the people of God, the attempts to undermine, ruin and defame continue. This is to be considered normal and ‘par for the course’, in the lives of those who serve God. Jesus explained that in the same manner they wronged Him, the world would mistreat those who follow Him. He also encouraged us to ‘rejoice’ in those times when, for the faith we are abused or marginalised. When those who should know us, choose rather to loathe and dissociate from us, if we are standing in the word and holiness of God, we should not be dismayed.  It is not an automatic thing that because we serve God, we will have no problems! In fact it is often quite the opposite! At all times, the important factor is not our comfort, happiness and being appreciated, but the glory and honour which is brought to God, by the work done in His name through faithfulness, and in spite of strains forced on us, and distresses that may disease us . It is not unusual that some great results and an ingathering of souls, take place during times of attacks on our persona and character. It is Jesus that matters, His name that is to be lifted up and His truth to be proclaimed. Our task then, remains to stay at the work regardless! Sow the seed of God’s word far and wide, faithfully and without reserve. We are then to trust God for the increase and in faith pray and believe for the salvation of souls. Finally we must lean on Jesus for the protection He may choose to provide for us, and the strength He will grant us to face the next mountain!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 19

“For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect…” Isaiah 18:5

Certain things cannot be timed by a calendar or a clock. The picture presented to us in this verse, is in regard God’s timing of judgement. We cannot tell by an exact date, the time of grapes ripening on the vine, it is done by observation. We can at best approximate that somewhere during a period of time, we will be able to see ‘signs’ of the fruit maturing and becoming ready for harvesting. One of the signs is after the flower blossom has past, and the grapes are perfect in shape and size, but still green. This is prior to harvest, and while there is yet time needed for the maturing and sweetening of the grapes, the promise of a healthy and abundant crop is already evident. In this same context we can discern the matter of the judgement of God. Not by a specific date and time, but by the signs which surround us. Many have set dates based on calculations they have made, and have attempted to foresee the action which God has planned and is in His mind. All such attempts have failed in ascertaining precisely, those things which God has shown us only in part. We have been told in scripture some of the signs to look for, and what processes take place before the hand of God will intervene, but we know not ‘the day nor the hour’ of the events which must come. There are without doubt all sorts of reasons which can be raised and rationalised, as to the ‘why’ God has chosen to deal with the timing of future events in this manner. One day we will fully comprehend. In the meanwhile, as we observe what we can ‘read’ as fulfilment of the signs given to us, it is not unusual for us to feel like somehow God has ‘forgotten’ what is written or is simply ‘late’. Neither would be correct, for the exact time of the fulfilment of His promises and warnings, belongs to Him alone. We don’t need to know the details of the future, we just need to know and trust the One who knows the details of the future, and be content in the assurance that His word and promises will be fulfilled, ‘when the bud is perfect’!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 18

“…also upon the servants…will I pour out my spirit” Joel 2:29

God makes it amply clear in His Word that He is not a respecter of persons. Our text further confirms this truth, as in it the Lord, through the prophet Joel, promises to pour out His Spirit upon all (human) flesh, excluding no one as to gender, age or social status. In providing salvation for lost humanity, Yahwah had to break the bondage of sin, cleanse and remove it from the soul, and sanctify the individual by imparting His holiness, through the agency of His Holy Spirit, and the direction of His Word! The ministry of God’s outpoured Spirit in the heart and minds of those who believe, promotes the holiness of God, and makes it possible for fallible and imperfect humans, to live in righteousness and grow into perfection. This endowment is not restricted to those who are wealthy, worthy or well positioned. God includes all who will believe and accept His provision, in the blessing and glory, of becoming ‘new creatures in Christ’. The love of God is so powerful and all-inclusive, that it reaches to the most distant of mankind, the lowliest, and the most depraved, and makes available to each, should they accept and believe, the redemption the Saviour has supplied. We cannot but rejoice in the great and wonderful reality of God’s amazing grace and awe-inspiring love! It reaches out to each of us, and without regard for who we may be, or the condition we are in, opens wide the doors of spiritual life here on earth, and the potential of a blissful eternity with the Lord in heaven.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 17

 “…right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.” 2 Kings 18:3

At twenty-five years of age, Hezekiah began his reign as king of Judah, and ruled for almost three decades. With so many kings who did ‘evil in the sight of the LORD’, it is refreshing to read the report of this king’s life. His zeal for God and desire for righteousness, his severity in removing the places of idolatry and standing strong against heathen practices, along with a notable trust in God, is praised as ‘right in the sight of the LORD’. He is aligned with the manner, upright walk and faithfulness for which, David his forefather, is set up as a standard by the Lord. Along with Hezekiah, only two other kings of Judah, Asa and Josiah are given such praise, and interestingly all three, were sons of wicked fathers! The pattern of godly and wicked kings often succeeding each other, shows us that we are each responsible as individuals before God, for our actions and the quality of our walk with Him. Clearly even the ‘best’ men of God have faults. Walking ‘perfectly’ in the sight of God doesn’t mean holding absolute, flawless perfection, but rather that in obedience and righteousness we strive towards the holy and high calling, because our Father is Holy! This motivation of heart, and diligence of spirit, is what God notes and rewards. The lack of this desire to ‘do right’, and the want of a heart given to consistent purity and uprightness, marks us as having failed to ‘walk right in the sight of God’. It should be our life’s greatest ambition to fulfil the will and purpose for which God made us, saved us and empowered us! Though perhaps flawed through our mortal, human imperfection, let us yet with all heart and soul, strive to bring glory and honour to our King and Master, in a way that will evoke a report that we walked ‘right in the sight of the LORD’! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 16

 “…I gave them into your hand…” Joshua 24:8

Israel had been granted victory by the Lord. He had delivered their enemies into their hands and caused His people to triumph. The conquest of the land of Canaan, was a significant step in the establishment of the people of Israel as a nation. In order to be settled, however, they had to dislodge the inhabitants of the land, and in doing so, remove and cleanse the country of their heathen and idolatrous practices. In obeying God to conquer the ‘enemies’ which are in our lives, there may be times when we have to be fierce and forceful. Cleansing of certain ingrained habits and sins often cannot happen in any other way, but to be sincerely brutal with ourselves. Should we treat sin with anything less than the hatred God has for it, we would do our Saviour a gross injustice. Should we justify and be soft on the iniquities for which God has delivered victory into our hands, through Calvary, we would bring shame and dishonour to the cross. God cannot live with sin. God’s holy people should not either! In an age, when so many are blinded by cultural acceptance of sinful conduct; when church and pulpits are silent on the topic of sin; when compromise reigns and fear of man is greater than the fear of God, we are directed to wage war against the enemy of our souls! With courage and determination, let us remember that God has given us the victory, if we go in His strength and in His name, and that “we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us”! 

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 15

“…walk before me, and be thou perfect.” Genesis 17:1

Some thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael, God appeared to Abraham. He was then, ninety-nine years of age. Yahwah renewed His covenant with Abraham and it is at this time that God first tells Abraham that he will father a son from Sarah, and that the child shall be the son of promise. The encouragement the Lord gives this faithful man, is to continue in his walk of uprightness and sincere faith. The concept of ‘walking before God’, means to walk in faith and dependence upon Him, in obedience to His laws and in awe and respect for His authority in our lives. The command to be ‘perfect’ is indicative of God’s desire for us to be complete and mature in His sight. The text does not imply an ‘absolute perfection’ - that belongs only to God, but a relative perfection, one which is within our grasp, through our communion with the Lord and knowledge of His Holy Word. God calls His people to a life of holiness and separation, a positive and consecrated life, which has as its goal the highest, most perfect ideals and purposes for which man can possibly live! When we choose to live on any other plane, we are living on a lower scale, and are not fulfilling the design for which we were created. Unless we strive for the perfection for which we were conceived and fashioned by God, we are selling ourselves and our Creator short of the mark. The excellence God has always had in mind for us, is not some unrealistic, unattainable, illusionary ideal. It is a tangible, sentient and joyful accomplishment, for which purpose God not only saves us, but also empowers us, that we may reach it. Perfection then, far from being too high a calling, is an actuality and a necessity of the believer’s life, and the evidence that he is walking with the Almighty!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 14

“His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD…” Leviticus 7:30

Under Old Testament ceremonial law, offerings and sacrifices were to be made unto Yahwah for various reasons. Some of these were animal sacrifices, brought to the priests to be slaughtered, and offered as sin offerings unto the Lord. The priest placed certain portions of the offering, into the hands of the individual whose offering it was, and in turn he would ‘wave’ them before the Lord. This was significant of relinquishing the gift unto God and of abandoning the sin associated with the sacrifice. Portions were then burned, and other portions became food for the priests and their families. The entire sacrificial system was set up by God for Israel, to foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. It was in a type, to represent the offering of the ‘Lamb of God’, which takes away the sin of the world. As we come to the cross, inspect its horror and yet admire its glory, we recognise that it is through Jesus alone that our sins can be forgiven, covered and taken away! Like the offering giver of old, we must relinquish, not so much the offering, for that has been given by God, on our behalf, but ourselves.  It is in this willing abandonment of our desires, preferences and self to God that we are able to take upon us the salvation, the Saviour has supplied for us. This giving over is known as repentance in the Bible. It is a willing turning away from our sin and ways and accepting the path God has set for us. Repentance is the surrender of the reins of our lives to God, and turning away from the sins which have beset us. By this action we are saying that we will no longer insist on our wants or the desires of our flesh, but that from here on we will observe and obey the law of God and do His will. No one else can do this for us, we must come before the Lord ourselves and ‘with our own hands’ so to speak, bring this offering of self, unto the Lord. Repentance precedes the forgiveness of our sins in the waters of baptism, and the regeneration and new life we are imparted through the infilling of the Spirit of God!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 13

“…Why reason ye these things in your hearts?” Mark 2:8

Jesus is God, and He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts! The critics of His day, not intending to challenge Him openly, reasoned in their own minds, their disagreements with the Lord’s words and methods. Thinking themselves safe, they soon found out their minds were being read like a book by our Lord! We may think that our thoughts remain private and unknown, but God is Omniscient, and even our most intimate feelings, opinions and beliefs, are open and visible to Him. He that created the mind and the heart of man, knows all that transpires within it. He sees and understands both the good things and the evil things that cross our consciousness and make their mark in us. It makes sense that we should be up-front and honest with God, with all our sentiments and attitudes! This is the reason why God is able to judge righteously, fully and effectively. He has all the facts! He remembers all the details, and has first-hand knowledge of all our motives! Some may resent such Divine ‘intrusion’, but ultimately, it is wise to remember that the Lord has the right to be in every part of our lives, and to know every detail. As the psalmist David suggested, there is no place we can ‘hide’ from God. He knew us before we were formed in our mother’s womb, and sees every place and action we attend to, and comprehends every particular of our mind and heart, even as we begin to form it! David adds: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.” God’s power and ability to ‘know us’, must not be seen as ‘scary’ or invasive. It is a great blessing and support in our lives that He does know us, as well as He does! It makes His love and care very personal and individual. That means there is Someone that understands me! It means I can come to Him in prayer and enquire from Him and receive direction I can trust. It means He is my closest Friend, wisest Counsellor, the best Option every time and my strongest life-long Ally! Jesus is truly wonderful! He is my Saviour and my God! The best thing I can do, is to be conscious of this Divine, Heavenly, Loving Guard of my soul, and make sure my heart and mind produce the pure thoughts and desires, which will please Him and keep me in right standing with Him.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 12

 “The Lord was as an enemy…” Lamentations 2:5

As the Creator God, Yahwah, is a benefactor and lover of all of His creatures, particularly so of man. It is not God’s default condition to be or behave as an ‘enemy’ to man, especially to His own people! Israel had found God to be their Friend, Protector, Leader and Ruler, but when they turned their backs on Him, they also experienced the reality of His enmity! We learn a great deal from the Lord’s dealings with the people of Israel and can draw much personal instruction from their experiences. God will not play ‘second fiddle’ to anyone or anything else in our lives. Some think that because judgment has not instantaneously fallen upon them, when they violated God’s law that somehow they have got away with it, or that God no longer rules or cares. This could not be further from the truth!  There is a time stored up for the wrath of the Almighty, and in that day, woe to them who find Him to be their enemy! The God, who is love, is also a just and fair God. He will visit his antagonism on un-repented sin. He will reply to the defiance of the atheist and the questions of the skeptic, with answers which will forever silence their tongues, and settle their eternal destiny. The Almighty is not a whimsical God, who simply chooses to turn on His creation. He has given plenty of time for all mankind to turn from sin and make things right with the Creator. When in the final analysis, man chooses to remain the opponent of God, he will find that the Lord is indeed a formidable and terrible foe! How inane for a man to go against the Almighty! How senseless for limited and finite humanity to question and defy the Eternal and Omnipotent! Why does God allow it? How can He put up with it? It seems God is not lessened or harried by man’s defiance. His mercy lingers still and His longsuffering prevails, and there still remains a choice for mankind. The time will come when He will say “no more”! Will He be then your personal Saviour, or your eternal Judge? The choice for now is still left to you and me!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 11

“…O king…break off thy sins by righteousness…” Daniel 4:27

Pride will destroy a man, regardless of his position. It becomes a millstone tied around his neck that causes him to sink to his ruin! Nebuchadnezzar was not exempt because he was king. God warned him in a dream which Daniel interpreted. The king’s pride and wickedness would cause him to be removed from among society and normal human life, and he would become demented, live outdoors and eat grass like cattle! The warning allowed for him to repent quickly of his sins and begin doing righteousness. He had probably been indifferent to the poor and tyrannical to his subjects. Ambition and selfishness ruled the ruler, and in spite of some semblance of religiousness, he was nevertheless morally decayed. King Nebuchadnezzar is typical of much of humanity. Right doing begins with acknowledging the Lord God is the Almighty, the Creator, that His law is to be obeyed, and that we are accountable to Him! When as humans we forget and forsake God and His laws, and become filled with our own selves and our achievement, we lose perspective on the reality of life. In a sense it could be said, we lose our ‘right minds’ and become as brutes, filling our bellies with all the things of the world, which are inappropriate for us and do not satisfy. When we behave in ways contrary to the plan and will of God, we lose our God-given position as proper rulers over God’s creation. Filled with our own pride and self-driven ambitions, we forget the needs of others and become guilty of the same wickedness and sins which have condemned so many before us. Here is wise advice, to be followed before it is too late – break off thy sins by righteousness! It is not until we recognise that Yahwah rules above all, that we are his subjects and willingly do His righteous works, that we return to a ‘right mind’, and life becomes what He intended it to be, enriched, blessed and filled with hope eternal!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 10

“…go, humble thyself, and make sure thy friend” Proverbs 6:3

The book of proverbs is replete with wise and spiritually healthy advice for the believer. The concept of being ‘surety’ in the Bible is equivalent to our being ‘guarantor’ for someone else’s debt. This practice is not recommended, and in fact is called ‘unwise’ in scripture. The reasons are obvious. When a person becomes ‘guarantor’ for someone else, he also becomes immediately liable, should that other individual fail to pay their debt. The sentiment in taking on such responsibility, is the belief that the person being ‘covered’ is trustworthy, and will make good his debt. While the intention may be solid and the belief in a friend admirable, we cannot in reality ‘guarantee’ another person’s future circumstances and actions. This means of course that, should the conditions upon which our initial trust was based change, then we would probably find ourselves locked into someone else’s debt, and responsible to pay it. We might still choose to consider this course of action for another person, particularly a family member, depending on the circumstances, but in general, it is not a ‘wise’ thing to do. We are always well advised in scripture ‘not to owe’, that is, not to enter into debt unless absolutely necessary, and then to make sure we pay back all that is owed as quickly as possible. In days of old, if a debt was not repaid by the debtor or his ‘surety’, the debtors, their assets and their families, could all become the ‘property’ of the creditor. This many times meant that entire families would enter into servitude, until the debt was paid off! While this may not appear as great a concern or severe a practice today, in our modern western society, the advice offered in the text still stands. Truly the debtor is subject and dependent on the creditor. Our present world conditions, where entire countries owe astronomical amounts of money in national debt, illustrate how quickly even an entire nation can become controlled by and subservient to, the money lenders. In a situation where either an individual is in personal debt, or in debt via having being ‘surety’ for someone else, the correct attitude to take is one of humility, appealing to the creditor’s goodness to consider leniency. Instances are recorded, where more time was allowed to pay back the debt, or where the debt even all together forgiven. Arrogance, empty excuses, or ‘passing the buck’ of responsibility, are not attitudes appropriate to one who is indebted and cannot repay! Wisdom then teaches to avoid debt, and when that is unavoidable, to exit debt quickly by remitting diligently and efficiently. Keeping the right spirit and humility of heart, is a necessary condition for those who believe, not merely towards anyone to whom a material debt may be owed, but most of all towards the Lord, to Whom we owe the greatest debt of all

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Apr 9

“Preach the word…” 2 Timothy 4:2

An action, and the object of it, is expressed in the first part of this verse. The action is ‘preach’! This means to ‘proclaim loudly’. It is the equivalent in manner and purpose to what was done in ancient days. When a king wanted a message to be sent among his people, he would issue a proclamation. Men in the service of the king, called ‘heralds’, would then go through the land and loudly announce the proclamation the king had made, so that that people everywhere in the realm could hear it. Sometimes a trumpet sounded before the herald spoke, to gain the attention of the people, and encourage them to momentarily leave their activity or work, and gather around to listen. This is the context of the task and manner of preaching. We as Christians are to ‘herald’ the proclamations of our King Jesus, to the world around us. As an action, preaching is loud, in the sense that it stands out as different from normal speaking; it is meant to carry the message from the King clearly; it must be done in places and ways where people can hear; it must be carried in the precision and authority of the Sender; it is a task of obedience and personal consecration, which may well also require sacrifice in various ways, and at different times! Preaching is different to any other ‘speaking’ activity known to man. It is not merely giving a ‘talk’ or discourse. It is not oratory in the general sense of the word, or lecturing per se. It differs from teaching in manner and overall content. It can only really be properly carried out, through the anointing of the Spirit of God resting on the speaker and causing him to bring out ‘the message’, God laid on his heart to begin with! The object of this holy exercise is the ‘Word of God’! ‘Preaching’ anything else, regardless of how interesting, current or pressing, is not the preaching intended for God’s heralds! The Word of God, must be the centre, basis, content and message of Christian preaching, and the motivation of the preacher. All topical preaching must be soundly founded upon the correct basis of scriptural principle. It is in expounding, and explaining the text and principles of the Word, that preaching (and teaching), is actually carried out. To this privileged task, God has called His people, in every walk of life. Preaching the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, the Bible, is an action that takes place at many levels. God calls some to various aspects of ministry, such as pastoring, teaching and evangelism, where this task is a very regular part of life. He also calls all believers, everywhere to be faithful and ‘preach’, proclaim and share the message from the King of Kings, by words, actions and lifestyle behaviour, to all with whom we come in contact with, in everyday life. It is by preaching the Word that God has seen fit to save the lost of this world! Have we done any of this preaching lately?

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Apr 8

“But we preach Christ crucified...” 1 Corinthians 1:23

The Apostles didn’t know or preach a stately triumphant Messiah, who would conquer their physical enemy, establish a new earthly kingdom, and retrieve for them the position and privileges they once held. This was the expectation of many of the Jews, but the crucified Christ, the Christ who suffered and allowed Himself to be humiliated, was what they were presented with! The message of the Apostles exalted the sacrifice of Jesus for the atonement of our sins. Little wonder it was a ‘stumbling block’ to them! It was the opposite of what they had expected! It was inglorious, ignominious and ignoble! How could such a slain Messiah save or even inspire! This is exactly the mentality of so many today and the error they make. They misunderstand the cross of Calvary. Without God’s revelation, His understanding and light on the plan of salvation He so lovingly made available for us, we would surely miss the mark and totally misconstrue the Divine purpose. The power of Christ crucified, is like nothing else on earth! It doesn’t depend on the grandeur and pomp, or the force and violence that the human mind expects, when strength or authority is described. It is based in, and functions from the very essence of God – His love! This is the most powerful force in the universe. It conquers in a manner otherwise unknown to man, and incomparable to anything else. This power is able to reach the heart of humans, across the boundaries of culture, language, age and education. It grips the soul and cleans it; makes inroad in the darkest places of the heart and turns the light on; devastates the devil and the sin that enslaves man, and frees him, in the most complete sense; reaches down to fallen man and lifts him from the slime pit of perdition, upon the solid rock of salvation! That is why ‘we’ – all who believe and know Jesus – preach the crucified Christ! Like the apostle Paul we want to know nothing but ‘Christ and Him crucified’, this is the core of the faith, the centre piece of exaltation, and the focus of life - there is power in the message of the cross! 

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Apr 7

“…This day is a day of trouble…” Isaiah 37:3

Hezekiah along with Israel faced severe times. Enemies will try to drive us away from God, but in their efforts, if we remain faithful, they will actually drive us closer to Him. Though Israel had wrongly held onto the Lord in a loose and careless manner, and Hezekiah had somewhat trusted in Egypt, when faced with the blasphemies of the emissary of the Assyrian king, he and all the people found refuge by going to God. Much of what the enemy will try to do is to inject fear and promote intimidation, so that weakened and discouraged, we might let go of our faith and trust in God. Satan continues to use his old tricks against unsuspecting Christians, and one of his main weapons is fear, in many facets - fear of the threats of unbelievers, fear of being ridiculed, fear of the unknown, fear of the future and fear of failure.  The cure for all unhealthy and devil-driven fear is a close, intimate and trusting relationship with Jesus! Hezekiah was being weakened by the calumny and derision of the enemy, but Isaiah, the prophet of God, strengthened him with reminders that God is in control, even of those who have no regard for Him. There may be times of sorrow, rebuke and persecution which we may have to face also. It is good for us to be reminded not to allow anything the enemy throws at us, to terrorise us. We must remember that Jesus is ultimately in control, and He will perform His will and fulfil His purpose. Dark times may come, but the Lord will bring light. We must not be cajoled into believing the lies that the enemy of our souls pushes and promotes, but rather be fully persuaded of the truth and encouragement that comes from the Lord God Almighty!  

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Apr 6

“…David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD…” 1 Chronicles 16:7

God had blessed Israel, and David was not going to let any opportunity pass, without giving thanks to the Lord his God! The occasion was the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and it was met with great rejoicing by king David and the people. The celebration included all the people receiving food and drink from the king, and the instigation of a worship service, in which talented musicians would play the instruments, and singers would sing praises to Yahwah. To be sung for the first time at this special event, David wrote and handed to Asaph the chief musician, a psalm of praise and thanks to the Lord. How good it is to be thankful to God! We do not find it difficult to call and cry to God, in our distressing times and times of sorrow and trial. It is just as necessary for us to find the motivation and heart to give thanks to God, for all the manifold blessings He endows us with. On special occasions, we might more easily remember what He does, Who He is and what He means to us, and may even express some special praise, and voice a heartfelt prayer. I am sure the occasion before us was not the only time David’s psalm was sung! Every day and in so many ways, God does wonderful things in our lives, and it is appropriate and desirable to be ready with praise and appreciation from a thankful heart. Looking for daily opportunities to be grateful to the Lord, is a good an wholesome practice, for it helps us to see the Divine blessing in the usual daily things of life, which we may be tempted to take for granted! Someone said it is easy to appreciate something when you don’t have it anymore! If we stop for a moment and think how frustrating when the ‘usual’ doesn’t happen or work as it usually does! It is then we become aware of it, and realise what place it fills in our daily life. Being thankful to the Lord, is a strength for the child of God, and a godly testimony to those who, lacking of relationship with the Lord, are discontent and find it difficult to be grateful for anything much at all in life!

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Apr 5

“So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD…” 1 Chronicles 10:13

The Bible directs us to live our lives for God in His strength. Without His Spirit, our own efforts will result in weakness and failure. Saul ceased early to lean on God. His pride played on his emotions, and he became churlish towards life, foolish in his behaviour and careless in his obedience to God. We may not place a great deal of importance on our transgressions, and dismiss or trivialise our sins against God, but if they remain un-repented of, they will cause the demise of our moral being, and eventually result in spiritual and eternal death. The scripture is clear, Saul died for his transgression against Yahwah. Saul was guilty of a number of gross sins, for which the Bible does not tell us, he ever repented. He usurped the command of God, in the matter of the battle against the Amalekites; unjustly pursued David, an innocent man, determined to kill him; commanded the senseless slaughter of an innocent priest of God, and sought help from a woman practicing the occult to find direction in life! He flew in God’s face with his transgression, and remained at variance with God. Even if at times he was emotionally stirred, it was but a temporary reprieve to his habit of disregarding God’s law. All sin is worthy of death, and there is in essence, no sin greater than another when it comes to its final result, but it is sin for which we remain un-repented that will cause us to die the second death. Saul’s departure from this world, was a dishonourable death, not such as was worthy of a king and a man belonging to the people of God! While death is not of itself anything to be necessarily wanted or desired, it can nevertheless take place with honour, when it is the result of selfless sacrifice or service to the King of Kings! Unless the Lord returns beforehand, we will all die physically at some stage, but what will be the unwritten epitaph describing the real reason for our decease? Let us live for God in such a way, that when we die, even in death we may bring glory to the Lord and be a memory of the sweet savour of His grace and of godly faithful service unto Jesus.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 4

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake…” Matthew 5:10

Having warned His disciples that they too, like their Master, would be persecuted in this world, Jesus here teaches the blessing of such persecution. It is not in our natural spectrum of understanding, to see or feel blessing when persecution is waged against our name, reputation, property, person, or our loved ones. Yet it is a truth of scripture, the reality of which is imparted to us, by the teaching and example of Jesus, and the power of His Holy Spirit. The word persecuted here implies, being pressed upon, pursued after, and hunted as prey! There is no blessing in such ill-treatment, if we as believers find ourselves at the receiving end of it, because we have acted unwisely, whether in pride or in foolishness, spoken out of line with God’s word or betrayed the values we claim to live by! When in the course of living a godly life, and in humility upholding the values of God, however, we find ourselves at the butt of the attacks of those who in hatred towards God, hate us also and revile the uprightness we stand for, then we can align ourselves with the teaching of Jesus regarding the blessing found in God as a result of such harassment by man. God has sent us into this world as ‘sheep among wolves’, an analogy which speaks of itself of the necessity for us to lean heavily of Jesus! There are those who are favourable towards godly men and women, admiring their stand in God, even if they do not desire to participate in faith toward God personally. Others instead remain quite unaffected, neutral and even dismissive, of the godly behaviour they may see in believers. Then there are those who become inflamed, enraged and take personal offence, at the mere suggestion of righteousness, whenever they spot it in the virtuous manner or speech of a Christian. Some of these do not hesitate to turn on the believer, with ridicule, accusations, and attempts to victimise and belittle him, particularly when they are in company with those who know them, and may ‘look up’ to them. We are instructed that whatever the persecution, and regardless how severe, we are not to retaliate or give back in kind, but rather show the love of God, and conquer our enemies the way Jesus did, by standing, living and if necessary dying for righteousness’ sake. Great blessings are laid in store for those who follow the Master’s way and obey His principles. May God grant each believer the conviction, peace, strength and anointing to stand for God, God’s way!

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 3

 “…If thou wilt go with me, then I will go…” Judges 4:8

The Israelites had again turned from God and committed evil against Yahwah. Their punishment from God came in the form of a take-over by the Canaanites, who oppressed them for twenty years. The people cried to God for deliverance this was during the time of Deborah the judge. Directed by the Lord, Deborah called on Barak, a mighty warrior, to lead the people of Israel against Sisera, the captain of the Canaanite host. An army of ten thousand was raised to fight the enemy, but the odds were greatly against them, since the Canaanites had 900 chariots of iron in their armed force. These were swift and conventional hand weapons virtually ineffective against them, not unlike the armoured tanks of today’s warfare. God however, had promised to go before Barak and grant Him victory.  Such situations have existed in the lives of many of the great men whom God called to do battle in His name. Often the human odds and resources are against the people of God, but the Lord is more than sufficient to supply the victory His people need. Barak believed Deborah, but hesitated in carrying out the directive of the Lord, without her presence at the battle site. It should not be necessary for us, to have anyone at our side but the Lord, in any endeavour we undertake for Him; yet it is true of our human nature, that many times we are encouraged to step out in faith, when someone else, who is likeminded, a person we feel we can trust, is there with us. It is also true to say that if our primary focus is seeing the work of God performed at the best possible level, then we will want to involve the best possible people, without concern as for who gets the acclaim.  The goal and reward is the success of the outcome and the knowledge we have served God aright! Barak is mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, among those who displayed faith, trusted God and went on to win a victory for His glory. It appears he was not consumed with self-importance, or anxious about personal honour. He was content to be a tool in God’s hand, to bring about a great victory for the Lord and Israel, without caring much about the credit or the reputation associated with it. He is therefore a reminder to us, to be people of faith, willing to obey God even when we may be reluctant, and rejoicing to see the work of God done, not for personal approbation, but for the glory of God.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion

Apr 2

“The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.” Deuteronomy 5:2

Moses reminds the people of Israel of the covenant which bound them to Yahwah. It was established in Horeb, which is understood to be Sinai, and therefore was based on the commandments God imparted the people there. It was a national covenant. God had previously made covenants with individuals, the forefathers of the faith, which would affect them and the lives of their descendants, but this was a national covenant, applicable to entire nation of Israel collectively. It determined the existence and well-being of the people as a nation, provided they abided by it. It was a lawful covenant. It stated the commandments and law of God, by which the people were to conduct themselves. Faithfulness to it would be rewarded and disregard of it, would be punished. As all the law of God, it is absolute in nature, it clearly informs us of our responsibilities and related benefits or judgments, but leaves the choice of obedience to the individual or society. It was a preparative covenant. It was intended to prepare the hearts of men with the knowledge of the holiness of God, the realization and of their sinfulness and the evidence of their inability to remain consistent in faithfulness and performance of the commands. It prepared them to see their communal obligation, along with their personal responsibility. It was preparing man to accept the New Testament Covenant, which would follow, and is based on the righteousness of Jesus, not man’s works for justification. It was a holy covenant. It presented man with the holiness of God, in real and inescapable terms. It revealed the holiness of God’s commands, will and purposes for mankind. It demanded the condition of the heart and soul of man, to reflect the holiness of God. This is also a necessary New Testament condition and scriptural command, which endures to this day – “Be ye holy for I am holy” 1Peter 1:15,16. God’s covenants with man have always reflected His perfection, love and good desire toward us. As a caring Father, He has provided, not only the guidelines for us to follow and not err, but the strength of His Spirit to help us maintain a true faithfulness toward Him until the end, and not stray from the narrow path He has set. Let us desire to remain true to our God, by yielding ourselves to the influence and direction of His Holy Spirit!

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Apr 1

“Therefore judge nothing before the time…” 1 Corinthians 4:5

There are different words used in the Greek and translated in English to ‘judge’. In some scriptures we are actually encouraged to ‘judge’, in the context of testing, proving, trying, evaluating, discerning or reckoning. We are clearly able to align a matter with scripture, and determine what can be seen as a ‘work of the flesh’, as being sin, incorrect and against God. Such ‘judging’ is within our scope and even necessary in order to maintain a right walk with God, and discern truth from error. There are however hidden things, which are not only hard to judge, but upon which we should avoid passing any personal appraisal or criticism. In matters of motivation, inner thought and what may be in the ‘heart’, it is not really possible for a human to pass unerring judgment on another. Such things are hidden to us, and without a clear vision and knowledge of the real facts of the heart, judgment there is outside our reach. Ultimate judgement therefore belongs to God alone. It is to Him that we are all finally accountable.  As fallible humans, limited and unable to see and know everything, it becomes important that we are slow to judge any matter. Even when we can rightly evaluate, making certain that all the facts are known and factored in, is a quality of wisdom and careful behaviour, desirable in all human beings and particularly in believers. Our text is clear that judging matters pertaining to anyone’s eternal destiny, belongs to the Lord, and only He can bring to light the things of the heart of man, good and bad, and one day He will! It will then be open and obvious, what our motives have been. We must ensure to purify our hearts and minds before God on a daily basis, and be ready for that day of God’s revealing judgment.

http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion