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Constantly Moving

In 2015, the news reported a horrible tragedy: the body of three-year-old Alan Kurdi had washed up on a beach near Bodrum, Turkey. Alan’s family of Syrian refugees were trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to a Greek island when their inflatable boat capsized. This tragedy testified to the refugees’ desperation: they chose to risk the harsh sea in a raft to escape the threats of terrorists in their homeland. The accident also reminds us of the long history of shipwrecks in the Mediterranean.
Whilst in Malta last week, I learnt that the Mediterranean Sea was a key part of the apostle Paul’s missionary travels. He tells of being shipwrecked there three times and being stranded on the open sea while on the move for God. In Paul’s work of spreading the good news of Jesus, he was also beaten, pelted with stones, and thrown into prison. That happened because people in some places were hostile to the message of Christ. In addition, some false teachers twisted the message of Jesus for their profit, fame, and power. Sadly, false, and corrupt leaders are still doing similar things today.
Today, as Paul and Jesus explained, challenges and dangers often go with sharing the good news because the devil is opposed to it. Satan doesn’t want anyone to be saved. But in God’s strength, the good news of Jesus keeps moving to every nation, tongue, and people. Will you help to share it too?
Three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. (2 Corinthians 11:25-26).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, guide me to share your good news everywhere, always moving forward following your Spirit’s lead. Father help me to deal faithfully with the shipwrecks that arise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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A Church on the Move

I once heard about a church called “Church on the Move.” It was a congregation quite different from the tradition I am used to, and the church’s name has stuck with me. I have come to appreciate the meaning behind the name of that church.
Church life can be static and stale for many of us. We have our routines. We may even sit in the same chair or pew, week after week. Though Christ has intended his church to be a community that is always growing, inviting all kinds of people to come to know Jesus, the church can become stationary if we let that happen.
In today’s verse, the Spirit sends Philip in a certain direction, and Philip soon meets an Ethiopian who is reading from the book of Isaiah in his chariot. The man does not understand what he is reading. God had sent Philip for that moment, and a new disciple was born.
Today, as we think about “church on the move”, let’s consider the Ethiopian Eunuch who learnt about Christ and went back home, bringing the good news of Jesus with him. Though this man was a eunuch who could no longer have children, the church in Ethiopia today points back to him as a spiritual father. Ask yourself the question as a disciple of Christ, where and how are you helping to keep the church “on the move”?
They came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptised?” (Acts 8:36).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I thank you for the way your Spirit moves in my life and heart. Father, show me how to follow your Spirit faithfully, always and never being stagnant, moving in line with your will each day. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Leaders Move First

It’s much easier to challenge others to do evangelism, than to be personally involved in it. This is especially true if we find ourselves in a leadership position.

One key biblical principle, is that leaders must do what they call others to do. A leader does not hang back waiting to see what others are doing and then follow them. A leader is out front, demonstrating how to live and act. A godly leader does not conform to the status quo but sets the standard for others to follow. According to today’s verse, a leader who follows Christ, leads by example.
One way this can be demonstrated is by placing a string on a table. When you pull the string, it will follow you. But if you push it, it bunches up and doesn’t move forward. When it comes to leading people, things go much the same way. They need to follow a person who is out front and leading by example.
Today Christ, the greatest leader of all, shows true leadership by taking a towel and washing his disciples’ feet. When he finished, he said, “I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you.” That’s leadership! When it comes to ministry, leaders must do it first. They are to lead the way in following Christ and sharing Christ with others.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 (Corinthians 11:1).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you came to seek, to serve, and to save. Father we want to follow this example, in our leadership. As we do, may we be useful in leading others to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Move!

Recently there has been an increase of storms and many countries have been battered. We all face storms in life, but during those times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than any struggle we face! He’ll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and take a step of faith toward victory.
When a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it’s in a dark place on the back side of some tree, having been battered by the storms of life. It doesn’t look like it has many options. But when it becomes a butterfly, it doesn’t just sit and wait for someone to come and let it out of its cocoon. No, that butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it’s going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining spaces life has placed us in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and we have to move into our victory.
Today, don’t just sit there, move! No matter what you may be facing, don’t forget, His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. He has given you everything you need to be an overcomer in this life. Now is the time to make a move, break free from the clutches of the storm and  rise to new levels, because God has victory and blessings prepared for you!
“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’…” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for the strength to make it through any challenge I may face. Father, I will not stand still in my struggles, I will move beyond them, putting my trust in You. God, I declare that You are good and faithful. Thank You for equipping me with strength for a powerful victory in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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The Sabbath was established before Adam and Eve sinned. If it existed before sin, how can it be abolished?

The Sabbath, according to biblical teachings, holds a unique and enduring significance that transcends the event of sin entering the world. Understanding the origins and purpose of the Sabbath provides insight into why it is seen as an eternal practice rather than something contingent upon the presence of sin.

The Origin of the Sabbath

The Sabbath was instituted during the creation week, as described in the book of Genesis. On the seventh day, after creating the heavens, the earth, and all living things, God rested:

Genesis 2:2-3 (NIV):

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

This passage highlights several key points about the Sabbath:

  1. Divine Rest: God’s rest on the seventh day signifies the completion of creation. It was a day set apart not because God needed rest but to establish a pattern for humanity.
  2. Sanctification: God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. This sanctification indicates a special status for the Sabbath, marking it as a time set apart for rest and reflection.
  3. Pre-Sin Institution: The Sabbath was instituted before the fall of Adam and Eve, indicating its purpose and significance were rooted in the created order, not in response to sin.

The Enduring Nature of the Sabbath

Given that the Sabbath was established before sin entered the world, its purpose transcends the consequences of sin. The Sabbath’s continuation is rooted in several theological and biblical principles:

  1. Creation Ordinance: As a creation ordinance, the Sabbath is part of the divine order of creation. It was given to humanity as a perpetual reminder of God’s creative power and sovereignty.
  2. Symbol of Rest and Relationship: The Sabbath symbolizes a deeper rest and relationship with God. It is a day for humanity to cease from labor and to focus on their relationship with their Creator. This principle of rest and relationship is not nullified by the presence or absence of sin.
  3. Continuity in Scripture: The Sabbath is reaffirmed throughout the Bible. In the Ten Commandments, it is reiterated as a fundamental aspect of God’s covenant with His people:

Exodus 20:8-11 (NIV):

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

  1. Eschatological Fulfillment: In Christian eschatology, the Sabbath also points forward to the ultimate rest that believers will experience in the new creation. The book of Hebrews speaks of a “Sabbath rest” that remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9-10). This future rest reflects the perfect and eternal rest in God’s presence, which would have continued without interruption if sin had never entered the world.

The Theological Argument

Theologically, if Adam and Eve had never sinned, the principles behind the Sabbath would still apply:

  1. A Day of Worship and Reflection: Humanity would still need a designated time to worship, reflect, and celebrate their Creator. The Sabbath would serve this purpose, fostering a continual acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and goodness.
  2. Cycle of Work and Rest: The rhythm of work and rest instituted by the Sabbath provides a balance that benefits human well-being. This balance would remain important in a sinless world, promoting holistic living and flourishing.
  3. Community and Fellowship: The Sabbath also promotes community and fellowship among God’s people. In a sinless world, these aspects would continue to thrive, enhancing the collective worship and unity of humanity.

Conclusion

The Sabbath’s institution before the fall of Adam and Eve underscores its foundational role in God’s creation. It was not a response to sin but a part of the divine order meant to remind humanity of God’s creative power and to provide a rhythm of work and rest. Therefore, the Sabbath’s relevance and practice would continue irrespective of the presence of sin. It is an eternal principle embedded in the fabric of creation, signifying rest, relationship, and reverence for God.

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How Bad Do You Want Your Blessing?

Jacob was defeated, but he wouldn’t just give up. He wanted something in return – a blessing. How bad do you want to be blessed? This was normal for Jacob, who was always trying to get something from someone. It’s nervy to think of demanding a blessing from someone who has just gotten the best of you.
Yet in Jacob’s demand, we can hear hints of something that was new for him. Jacob wasn’t used to negotiating from a position of total defeat. By this point, Jacob knew there was no hope of scrambling his way out of this problem. After a lifetime of thinking that he had to rely on his own wits, he was finally forced to acknowledge his limits. Pinned to the ground, he found himself in the awkward position of having no more options. All he could do was ask for help.
Today, as we think about Jacob, ask yourself these questions. Have you ever been flattened by circumstances you didn’t see coming, with no option left but to cry out to God for help? Most recovery groups, schools and families are filled with people who refuse to ask for help until their situations becomes desperate. Jacob was at that point. He knew earlier that he could pray to God, but he still tried doing things his way. Things were different for him. It made him a different person, who needed a different name: Israel, the “God-wrestler”. Sometimes God needs to break us down before He can bring us back up. Has He ever done that to you? When times are hard don’t let go, hold on.
The man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26).
 
Let’s pray
Yahweh, I know you are in control of my life. Father Help me to struggle with, but not against you. God, I claim my blessing today with Jacob’s boldness. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Sometimes It’s Hard To Be Happy

I must tell you the hard truth: I am not naturally a very sad person. But because of genetics, chemical malfunction, and a history of some bad theology, I’ve struggled with depression. I have sometimes met with counsellors, and I have sometimes used the medications they prescribed.
I fully believe in Jesus, but I can relate too well to today’s verses. Though God has richly blessed me, on many days my soul is like a dead battery on a winter morning. I say to myself, “Hey—wake up! What’s your problem? Put your hope in God!” Sometimes that helps, and sometimes it doesn’t. So when I write to you today about “happiness”, I am not talking in the abstract.
Some Christians are just naturally bubbly for Jesus. The rest of us, I’m afraid, must fight for happiness by faith. I find that I need to choose it, discipline myself for it, and make hard choices to have it.
Today, as I contemplate Psalm 42, I realise it is the story of a believer battling back-and-forth for faith and for happiness. If you struggle for happiness, that does not mean you are a bad Christian or a failure. You are just a normal human being, like the psalmist, coming forward by faith in a malfunctioning world. Keep working at it, we’ll fight by faith together.
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. (Psalm 42:5).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, comfort and bless me through my struggles. Father, I am weak, but you are mighty. Be gracious to me and awaken my soul to your goodness. In Christ’s name, Amen.
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Summer Holidays can Be Hard

Remember:  Christ is the hope for the broken-hearted. Pain is real. He felt it. Heartbreak is inevitable. He experienced it. Tears come. His did. Betrayal happens. He was betrayed. He knows. He sees. He understands. He loves deeply, in ways we can’t even fathom. When your heart breaks when the pain comes, when the whole thing seems like more than you can bear, you can look to the manger. You can look to the cross. You can remember the hope that comes with Jesus Christ.

The pain may not leave. But, His hope will swaddle you tight. His gentle mercy, will hold you until you can breathe again. What you long for this summer may never be, but He is and is to come. You can trust that, even in your summer holiday hurts.

Be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself extra time and space to process your hurt, and reach out to others around you if you need extra support.

Find a cause to invest in. There is a saying, “grief is just love with no place to go”. Find a cause that honours the memory of a loved one. Giving time or money to a suitable charity can be helpful, as it gives expression to the love in your heart.

Create new traditions. Hurt changes us. Sometimes it is helpful for us to change our traditions to create a new normal. If you have a tradition that feels unbearable, don’t do it. Instead, consider doing something new… Creating new traditions can help alleviate some of the added sadness old traditions often bring.

Today, you may be overwhelmed, bruised and broken, but there is still goodness to be welcomed and blessings to be claimed in this season, even in pain. There will be summers in the future when you will feel stronger and lighter, and these very difficult days are part of the road to them, so accept whatever God has for you. You may not fully open straight away, but as the Spirit gives you strength, watch the heaviness and hurt disappear.

“And in the same way the Spirit is a help to our feeble hearts: for we are not able to make prayer to God in the right way; but the Spirit puts our desires into words which are not in our power to say.” (Romans 8:26).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your greatness. Thank You that when I am weak, You are strong. Father, the devil is scheming, and I know he desires to keep me from spending time with You this summer – don’t let him win! Give me a measure of Your strength so that I might not give into discouragement, deception, and doubt! Help me honour You in all my ways, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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Gifts

God has given each of us gifts, and He’s given us the grace, the supernatural power to operate in those gifts. In other words, if God has called you to do something, He has equipped you by His grace.
Scripture says that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. That means, when we are doing what we are called to do and operating in our gift, there will be an “easiness” about it. That doesn’t mean there won’t be any opposition. It doesn’t mean there won’t be obstacles, or that it won’t take effort on your part. But it does mean that you will have a supernatural empowerment to do it. It will just come naturally and flow out of you.
If you are doing something that always seems hard or heavy and drains the energy out of you, you might want to pray before God and see if that’s really what He has for you. Just because it’s a “good” thing, doesn’t mean it’s a “God” thing. But when it is God-you’ll know it. You’ll feel His supernatural grace empowering you and refreshing you every step of the way.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us…” (Romans 12:6, NIV).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for empowering me to live by Your grace. Help me to discern what You have for me and let go of anything that isn’t Your best for my life. I love You and honour You in all that I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Action Speaks Louder Than Words

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Actions speak louder than words.” One of my friends at university “oozed” the fruit of the Spirit. His kindness, gentleness, joy, and patience were evident. As people saw this, they were attracted to him, and opportunities to share his faith were multiplied.
Scripture says, the Spirit of God gave Jesus’ apostles the ability to speak in many languages on that day of Pentecost (which was a sign of the last days), and the same Spirit enables us to speak and act in winsome ways in these last days. Through the power of the Spirit, God’s kingdom is advancing, and He has called and equipped each of us to be his witnesses in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves.
Today, as we live in these last days, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. But our celebration is not so much meant to be talked about, as it is to be lived in word and deed. By the power of the Spirit working through us, our words and fruit-filled actions are the tools God uses to build his kingdom. The last days should not be a time of fear but of celebrating a God who loves, cares, and keeps his promises. The last days are exciting times of a realisation that it won’t be long and we’ll be going home.
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for the gift of the Spirit poured out on Jesus’ followers. Father, help me to live by the power of the Spirit today and throughout these last days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Which Side Are You On

In Matthew 25 we see a picture of the end times. We listen as the King, Jesus himself, returns and gathers all the nations before him. He then separates people individually, as a shepherd would do with sheep and goats. And we wonder of course, “Am I a sheep or a goat?”
In this scripture, Jesus says to the sheep, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Notice that the sheep are astounded by the reason they are given this great reward. They fed the hungry, clothed the naked, invited the stranger, comforted the sick and imprisoned, and it seems they didn’t even realise they were living out Jesus’ kingdom values as they did those things. Perhaps, showing Christ’s love everywhere had become so natural that they didn’t realise they were doing it. We also learn that Jesus isn’t fooled by false people who only call him “Lord” but do not live by his values.
Today in the parable of the sheep and the goats, we are reminded that when we truly believe in Jesus as Saviour, his Spirit (who gives us that belief and faith) motivates us to share his love also. With the Spirit at work in us, doing good becomes almost second nature and this is all by God’s grace!
“The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, you came from heaven to earth to show us the way. Lord Guide us each day. We pledge to serve you by showing your love to others in these last days through the power of your Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen.
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A Day of Joy and Sorrow

The second coming is mysterious, and there are differing interpretations about end times and the return of Christ. But in teaching about Christ’s return, the Apostles’ Creed simply states, “He will come to judge the living and the dead.” Someday Jesus will return from heaven. He didn’t say when this will be, but he did say that he will return “with great ­power and glory” for all to see.
The scripture suggests Jesus’ coming again will be a day of great joy for all his followers, who have been redeemed through his sacrifice on the cross. For them, the whole curse of death and hell has been removed. Hallelujah! But Jesus’ return will also be a day of great trembling because, as the Bible warns, he will judge once and for all – all the people who have rejected him.
Today, though believers in Christ may not agree on all the details of his return, we certainly can agree on how we should live for him in these last days. Jesus calls us to follow him faithfully, dying daily to ourselves so that we can walk in step with his Spirit, using our gifts for God’s glory and bearing fruit in his name. This involves showing God’s love to everyone and sharing his desire for everyone to believe in him.
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, we long for your return, when all will be made new. While we wait, help us to serve and love others for your sake in this world. Father, please help those of us who are rejecting you so that we will have a change of heart before it is too late. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Do Not Be Frightened

The Bible predicts that wars, earthquakes, and other disasters will be a sign of the end times. There are lots of these today. Many are being persecuted for their faith in Christ. We also read that in the last days, “people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy”. All these things are happening today.
Jesus says people will try to deceive others by claiming to be the Messiah. That has happened and continues to happen. In A.D. 70 when Jerusalem was destroyed; 29 people claimed to be the Messiah. In the early 1990s, more than 30 people in Korea predicted that the second coming would soon take place. Did it happen? No.
Today, the key to understanding Jesus’ warnings about the last days is “Do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away”. In Mark 13:32 Jesus explains: “About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”. The point, when we see these signs, is to be on guard! Be alert! Ask yourself the question, Are you ready for Christ’s return?
“When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 21:31).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, until Jesus returns, help me not to be deceived but to live for you each day, and thus be ready; and to share this good news with everyone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Lawlessness

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.
The wickedness Jesus warns about in today’s verse could be called “lawlessness”. It goes beyond refusing to live God’s way – it refuses to live according to anyone’s rules. It’s the attitude that believes “It’s only illegal if I get caught”.
As time passes, this passage in Matthew 24 becomes more frightening. Perhaps every generation feels that the signs of the end times are increasing. Certainly, the generations that are still living have seen plenty of earthquakes, famines, and wars. We see an increase in wickedness all over the world.
Today, the problem with end-time wickedness, according to Jesus, is that it works against love. It holds no commitment to another and is unwilling to sacrifice for anyone. In the end times most people will care only about themselves and most people’s love will grow cold. Taken to the extreme, that’s a bone-chilling thought. It will be “survival of the fittest” among people who are most violent and crafty. May Christ return before we become lawless.
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, guide my life and save me from lawlessness in these last days. Father, fill me with your love and wisdom, as your coming becomes imminent. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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Sabbath A The Game Changer

The former US President, Abraham Lincoln, was considered a great leader because he knew how to interpret the changing times. Someone said that Lincoln “was summoned by events he did not initiate and was exposed to conditions he did not create, but his response was so powerful an interpretation of events that it reshaped the conditions in which they originated.”. In other words, Lincoln’s response to the changing events of the Civil War, helped to maintain the union of a fragile nation. And that changed history. His response was a game-changer.
In scripture, Jesus’ response to the legalistic leaders about the Sabbath, was also a game changer. The Pharisees considered themselves the gatekeepers of the law. They felt it was up to them to make sure people followed many, many laws. Why? Because that way people would be righteous (right with God). But they got so caught up in their laws that the Sabbath became a measuring stick for righteousness instead of a day of worship, joy, and rest in the Lord.
Today, Jesus reconnects the purpose of the Sabbath to its original intent – that is, to notice God, worship, and enjoy him. Jesus’ conversation about legalistic sabbath keeping changed the game from nitpicking legalism, to following the Master and his loving ways. The game has been changed. Jesus is Lord over all things. Enjoy him on the Sabbath. Rest in him on the seventh day. Eat with him on his special day. Let Jesus be Lord over your life.
“The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:28).
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I have a tendency at times to point out peoples shortcomings, instead of walking in complete freedom with you. Father, on this sabbath, I want to focus on my relationship with you and not what others are doing. Forgive me for my legalistic sabbath keeping and help me to find rest in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Time is Not Ours

It is God who gives us the time we have, from the beginning to the end of our lives. It is not our own. Many people, however, have the arrogant notion that time is their own, so they should be able to spend it as they wish. But time is not a commodity we get to “spend”.
Scripture teaches, God built creation with Sabbath rest as its goal. This was not because God was exhausted after six days of creation. The rest that God commands is for us, so that we can enjoy His creation and honour the one who gives us life within it. So each week we should enjoy a day of rejoicing in God’s work while setting our own work aside.
Today, plenty of people think that this command is inconsequential. They believe their own work is so important that it super­sedes God’s Sabbath command. It does not. Resting and rejoicing in God reminds us that we are not in control. Some of my friends own supermarkets. Their stores are not open on Sabbath. In this way, they show they love God more than money. They and their employees enjoy a Sabbath rest in honour of God. God has prospered them and will do so for all who keep his Sabbath.
 
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” (Exodus 20:8-9).
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank you for the time you have given us. Father, thank you for reminding us each week, through the sabbath, that time is not our own. Lord thank you for the gift of time that you Bless us with, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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