Feb 15

“Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness…” Proverbs 20:6

There is a general tendency for humans to want to be seen, noticed, appreciated and even praised when doing acts of benevolence or generally ‘good things’. Certainly in a world which majors on wrong doing and wickedness, any act of compassion, kindness and care, should be thoroughly appreciated. Genuine humility in doing ‘right’, and letting that be a reward in and of itself, is difficult to find. When from time to time this quality still surfaces, it is noticeable and thus a rare and precious commodity indeed! For the most, even when ‘good things’ are done among humans, it is usually with all the due credit giving and taking, and the fanfare, which leaves no doubt as to whom the ‘benefactor’ is. Jesus in the Gospels, taught His disciples the correct attitude in giving, when He showed the difference between the trumpet-blaring-attention-seeking of the hypocrite, and the faithfulness of the giver who does so ‘in secret’, as unto the Lord.  Faithfulness to God at this level is hard to find. There are that will give, but not without due credit, and sadly ‘giving’ even among believers, has become a means of personal positioning or credit taking. When we do ‘good’, it should be for Christians, a natural reaction to reflect all the glory and the praise to the Lord. We know without doubt that any goodness that can be found in us or from us, doesn’t belong to us, but comes from the Lord, and that it is to Him the praise and thanks should be given. We might summarise our correct position on this matter in this way: Firstly, let us to all the good we can possibly do with all our heart, strength, passion and resources. Secondly, let us say nothing of the good we might have done, but quietly and prayerfully thank the Lord for the opportunity and privilege to be used in this manner. Thirdly, in spite of our intentional lack of self-proclamation, should anyone notice and desire to acknowledge us in any manner, let us then remember that our reward is in heaven, and that the glory, praise and credit for all we are and have, belongs unto the Lord! Lastly, let us always analyse our reasons and motives in doing ‘good’. We should ensure that they are never tainted with cravings for the appreciation and accolades of man, false humility, or other egotistical motivations, but rather filled only with a passion to love, serve, please and glorify God!

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

Feb 14

“For thou hast maintained my right and my cause…” Psalms 9:4

We constantly hear of individuals ‘standing up for their rights’. We witness entire countries entering into conflict because they believe their cause to be right. The world propounds ways and means by which to achieve our own ends, and uphold our particular inclination. Society teems with groups filled with supporters for their peculiar viewpoint, reason or position. The ‘causes’ range from the sublime to the ridiculous, but nevertheless, some support them! It seems everywhere and in many ways, we each believe we are right and have a just cause. David took a different approach to that taken by those who, with a militant manner, just insist on their own ‘rights’. He reminds us that, when ‘fighting’ for our rights, the correct stance for those who believe, is to lean on God, and trust Him to uphold our cause. We must never forget that for the Lord to support and help our ‘cause’, it must be a ‘right’ cause. This doesn’t mean it is judged correct by our own preferences, biases or leanings. It is deemed right because it is righteous according to the righteousness of God as declared in His word, and in that sense therefore, it is His cause. We must also be sure how God wants us to ‘fight’ in upholding His cause, after all He is meant to be our General and Commander in Chief! David was a military man and clearly fought for a cause, but he made a point of making that reason, not a motive of his own choosing, but that which was right in the sight of God. He also carefully followed the instruction of the Supreme Leader in all battles, giving place to the Lord's way, in how each encounter with the enemy should be met! The Lord can support a cause which fulfils His righteousness and maintains the truth and directive of His revealed will for mankind. On a more personal basis, we do well to lean on the Lord, and have Him advocate us instead of attempting to promote ourselves. It is evident from God’s word that promotion is of the Lord, and that in His own way and time, He lifts up, blesses and upholds the individuals and groups of people, who sincerely walk in His ways and obey Him. 

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

Jan 30

 “…as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee” Joshua 3:7

How reassuring and comforting to know that God is with us, that He will bless and will use us for His ultimate glory! The Lord God was establishing Joshua as the new leader of Israel after Moses. In man’s eye succeeding such a great man of God, would be a hard ‘act to follow’, but Joshua wasn’t relying on his own skill or talent, he was trusting God. Yahwah is no respecter of persons and will work through whomsoever He chooses. Through His perfect plan and purpose, He would show Israel that He stood by this leader and worked through him, just as He did with Moses. God’s servants do not need to promote their own selves, if they are called of God to a task, and trust Him, He will do the promoting. The text uses the word ‘magnify’, to mean that God would use His power to show His endorsement of Joshua. That is how the Lord does it! He arranges things and circumstances and through His own strength and ability, shows that His hand is on and in the life of a man He wants to use. The anointing He places on the individual to function and perform His will, makes it clear that it is not man’s doing, but the Lord’s. Man without God, often acts differently, he will do his utmost to demonstrate his own value, ability and superiority, by comparing and attempting to be better than others around him. This striving is unnecessary in the church of the Living God, for He rewards the humble, and lifts him to what position or task He determines. What we need to do is follow His Spirit and remain self-less and unpretentious when God chooses in His love and grace to bless us, and use us for His glory!

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