June 20

“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Titus 2:1

Titus had been called to minister the word of God. Paul instructed him to be responsible for the message he gave forth. True today as it was then, there are many who profess a call of God to minister to others, yet do great damage to the cause of Christ because they do not heed the directions given in God’s word. We cannot be made responsible for what others may say or omit in their speaking of scriptural things, but we are responsible for our own communication. Words are not cheap nor are they ‘just words’ when we are delivering the message from God. They are important and should reflect the holiness, power and love of God. Much more care is taken in some cases, in preparing a speech for a formal occasion, such as a wedding or social gathering, than the time and effort placed in praying over and setting out some sermons! Conversely, some use the pulpit and the means of preaching, mainly as a tool to pander their own philosophies and push their personal viewpoints or agendas. Paul instructs that ministerial communication, which includes not merely our words, but our actions also, should ‘become’, that is be appropriate, in-line with and reflecting of, sound doctrine! Clearly the purpose of our preaching and teaching is not to portray ours or ourselves, but what the Lord has already revealed and determined to be right and correct doctrine in His Holy Word. The task for the minister is to highlight these established truths and proclaim them so they can be understood and accepted by all. Our prayers should always include intercession for those in ministry, to be true and humble channels, through whom the word of God can flow, in anointed power and wisdom for the benefit, instruction, encouragement and edification, of all that hear them.   

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June 17

“Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock…” Psalms 28:1

David had been in the unique and rather strange circumstance of life, of being anointed to be the next king of Israel, by the prophet of the Lord, and yet sought after as an evil doer, and pursued to be killed, by the present king! Twice he was in a position to rid himself of Saul and the threat which weighed heavily on his life, and twice he turned down the opportunity and temptation to take things into his own hands, choosing rather to leave it in God’s hands and timing. There must have been times like this one described in our text, when he felt totally at odds with his life’s situation, and could not but to cry out to the Lord in distress. Recognising and admitting that we are struggling sometimes, is not a bad thing, provided that like David we don’t wallow in the mire and self-pity our condition, but rather go with our distress and need, to the One who can help us and lift us up out of the pit we feel we are in! In other words it is when we concentrate on the problem and not the solution that we can do damage, and potentially lose ground in our walk and progress with God. This does not mean merely ignoring the problem or thinking positive thoughts, but dealing with the issue through One who has power greater than our own! Everybody experiences low times in life, and it is human to feel the sting and pressures of the afflictions we face. The all-important difference is our willingness and desire to go to the Rock! Jesus is the Rock upon which our salvation is founded. He is the basis of our faith and victory, and the One who has overcome sin and the world, and gives us power to overcome any and all of the difficulties which face us. Our crying out in prayer and supplication to the Fountain of Life, the Source of all Good, the Rock and Strength of our souls, will achieve much, when done in faith and fervently. God will supply the answer to our question, the solution to our problem, the relief to our distress. At times He does so by somehow removing the impediment or difficulty from our lives, for He has the power to do all things. We rejoice over the victory He gives in these situations and feel delivered and lifted. If the irritant, or problem, or affliction in our life is meant to teach us some valuable lesson, God may not remove it, but utilise it to build our faith, strengthen our determination, steel our resolve and impart to us priceless traits of character such as patience, persistence, humility and stability. During these times we may not feel the ‘burden lift’ per se, but we will register His calm and confident strength, which makes us able to carry the burden victoriously and continue regardless, on our journey towards heaven. We serve a God of power, love and wisdom, and must trust that He knows what is best for us in every situation. In faith praying, trusting and leaning on Him we can make it, and are more than overcomers through Christ Jesus our Lord!

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

Jan 10

“…Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people….” Joshua 3:6

Filled with the symbols of God’s provision and protection for His people, but most of all a vehicle of the presence and glory of God, the Ark of the Covenant was in its correct place and its rightful position, when it was borne by the priests to be in front of the people. There, the power of God was most evident and performed the greatest of miracles for His people. Our eyes should ever be set on the presence of the Lord and all He holds in His Word for us. His rightful place in our lives, is not as an ‘optional extra’, or a piece of luggage we drag around ‘just in case’, but as the central feature of our eyes, and heart’s desire. He should be the One at the focus of our thoughts and plans, and should be at all times in view of our spiritual eyes. In Israel it was recognised that the ark leading the people in battle meant protection, power, victory and conquest. We also should know assuredly that seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in everything we do or desire, will bring victory, cause us to overcome and see all the things necessary to our lives, added by the power, provision and compassion of the Lord. We struggle unnecessarily to seek the temporal and the mundane, when true satisfaction, fulfilment and permanency is found in putting Jesus in the right and most prominent place of our heart, mind and soul!

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