July 31

“…and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz…” Ruth 2:3

From our human standpoint we may think of events in our lives as being ‘chance’ or even ‘good luck’, when in reality these incidents are actually directed by the provision and providence of God. Such is the scene before us regarding Ruth. She may have felt like she merely ‘stumbled’ across Boaz’s field, and that it was accidental or coincidental, but the scriptures show clearly how this was all part of God’s plan for her life! Yahwah had determined to bless Ruth for her faithfulness, selflessness and compassion, and He was moving all the pieces into place to make this happen. God’s provision does not always come by miraculous means, but it is always a miracle because He has intervened. The Lord may use people and circumstances which may at face value appear to be functioning in the ‘normal’ course of life, and turn such common-place situations into blessings of provision and protection, which to us are nothing short of miraculous! The child of God who trusts and has faith in the Lord, is safely in the Father’s hands and in this privileged position, nothing that take place in his life is mere coincidence. There is purpose, learning, growing, correction, strengthening and blessing in all that takes place in a believer’s experience, day to day, when they are walking in the ways of the Lord. God is interested in every aspect of our life, even the most intimate and minute detail. It should be our joy and privilege to walk close to God and cherish the personal interest He takes in our lives. Daily in prayer, we should open wide every door of the house of our hearts to Him, and welcome Him to move freely in every room. There should be no drawer or cupboard or chest, locked and secured from His scrutiny and touch. It is then, in this willingly yielded condition of heart, we will have the knowledge and experience that Jesus is in control of every aspect of life and our ‘haps’ will be His will and direction!

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

June 11

“Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens” Lamentations 5:2

God had given the land in which Israel lived to Abraham and his descendants for an inheritance. As such it was to be considered precious and valuable. The Israelites had turned from the One True God, lost their relationship with Him, forsaken His ways and disobeyed His commandments. Here they lament the result of their disregard for God, the loss of their inheritance and property. They had become enslaved by the heathen people they had chosen to imitate, and servants to the strangers they should have ruled over. The provisions and blessings which had come their way freely and plentifully from the hand of God, now were scant and they had to pay for them dearly! Life was miserable, costly and painful, and affliction marked their days. The events of their lives and how God dealt with them, is a constant reminder to us today, to pursue godliness and righteousness assiduously. The apostle Paul taught that if God cut off the olive tree (Israel) because of their disobedience, we Gentiles, who are grafted into the olive tree should walk carefully, lest we also be cut off! Like them, we too have an inheritance which we could forfeit if we do not walk according to the ways and purposes He has set for us. Some preach a gospel of unconditional salvation, stating that essentially once we are saved, we are always saved, regardless of how we live our lives, or whether we remain obedient to God. This however, is not the pattern or teaching of the Bible. Faithfulness and continuance in obedience, holiness and righteousness are upheld in scripture, as necessary measurements of our sincerity and stated belief in God. Staying on course with God and aligning our lives with His Word is as necessary as staying on course with north on the compass, given that was our destination! It would be foolish to think we would still get there, by selecting any other direction than the north marked by the faithful, tried and reliable position of the compass! The Israelites lost their physical land and homes, because of their choice to abandon the truth, take their own direction and ignore the warnings of God. As Christians today we stand to lose and great deal more, for we have been given much more again! Our inheritance is eternal not merely some country or property here on earth! Our final home in a heavenly country, a city built foursquare where God is the light and there is no darkness, sorrow or sin. Our inheritance includes eternal life, immortality and complete bliss with Jesus forever, in a place where no sin, sickness or death will ever again exist! Most of all we will be forever with Jesus, eternally at His side and recipients of His glory! There is far too much at stake for us to lose, and too long an eternity to lament our loss! How much better to be wise and walk prudently with the Lord each day, in His love and nurture, following His will and Word, sensing after His Spirit and in humility obeying His commands, that we may inherit all that He has prepared for us in heaven! 

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

May 9

“As newborn babes…” 1 Peter 2:2

It seems a concept reiterated and stressed in scripture, that believers should retain the simplicity of children as to their malice and desire for spiritual food. Babies are known by their cries for mother’s milk. Their desire for food is intense and all consuming; to the point that it becomes the main focus of their young lives. Although it is necessary that we grow and become mature Christians in our attitudes, abilities and consecration to God and His work, it is also essential that in faith and desire for all things spiritual we have the ‘hunger’ of babes! Interestingly most of us can look back to the early times of our conversion to Christ, and recall from those days, the enthusiasm, desire and hunger we had for God. A worthwhile test of our integrity and quality as believers is to see whether that ‘first love’, is still present. Do we still make a point of not missing a meeting? Does our time of prayer still stoke the fire in our souls? Is reading the Bible and understanding what it says, still as exciting and thrilling as back then? Do we look forward to times alone with God, and then in fellowship with brethren as we used to do? Are we still so excited about our new found faith in Christ, that we cannot but to share the great news of the gospel and what Jesus has done for us, with just about everyone we meet? Perhaps, like the Christians Peter was addressing in his epistle, we too could do with some fresh newborn babe hunger and desire! Should we develop such child-like faith and craving for God, we would find that He is ready and willing to supply all our needs, and satisfy us beyond what we may think to ask, for this Heavenly Parent knows all too well how to provide for His children!

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