In step

[RiverOL]

You’re Made for Adventure

. . . how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done?—Numbers 14:11

God the Father designed us for adventures . . . for his adventures. Listen for his call. Imagine a boy awakened early by his father: “Hey, buddy . . . up for an adventure today?” Trust him. Imagine the son, nervous with anticipation of what the day might hold: “Yeah, dad. Totally.” Go with him. Imagine the father and son gearing-up together, maybe for fishing, or hunting, or backpacking, and heading off into the wild. Now, imagine if the boy instead replied, “Nah, dad. Gonna stay home today. Just too risky.” Or, “I’ve got more important things to do today. Thanks for asking. Maybe next time.” God the Father whispered (through Moses) to twelve men in the Wilderness of Paran: “spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel” (Numbers 13:2). The men did, and they saw good land . . . but they also saw large foes, whom they’d have to defeat. Ten of them took the “just too risky” tack: “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31). They felt like “grasshoppers,” they said, compared to the huge men of Canaan. (Numbers 13:33). Only two—Joshua and Caleb—mustered courage and trusted in God’s adventure. Only they were willing to go: “. . . he will bring us into this land and give it to us . . . And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them” (Numbers 14:7-9). [Translation: “Yeah, dad. Totally.”]

When God invites you into an adventure it’s a special moment, a divine moment . . . an eternal moment. You won’t get many. So, be prepared. Be ready with a quick, “Yeah, dad. Totally.”

 

[RiverOL]

Joyful Jesus
Morning Encounter:
Read:
When the seventy-two followers returned, they were excited and said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed when we spoke in your name!”
Jesus told them:
I saw Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. I have given you the power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to defeat the power of your enemy Satan. Nothing can harm you. But don’t be happy because evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven!

At that same time, Jesus felt the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, and he said:
My Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I am grateful that you hid all this from wise and educated people and showed it to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that is what pleased you.
(Luke 10.17-21)

Reflect:
Once again we see the joy in Jesus, this time as his followers return home from a mission trip and explain all that they had experienced. This is the start of the greatest rescue mission of all time and Jesus is joyful at hearing their stories. He is exuberant, filled with thrilling joy in the Holy Spirit at their news. But the real ground for rejoicing is that their names are written in heaven.

Respond:
Can you imagine Jesus this joyful, perhaps even leaping around in exuberant praise? Practise joy by taking time to thank God for every good thing that happens today.

Midday Meditation:
Jesus is not your accuser. He’s not your prosecutor. He’s not your judge. He’s your friend and your rescuer. Like Zacchaeus, just spend time with Jesus. Don’t hide from him in shame or reject him in self-righteousness. Don’t allow the opinions of other people to shape your concept of him. Get to know him for yourself, and let the goodness of God change you from the inside out.”
(Judah Smith Jesus Is)

Evening Reflection:
I lay my head to rest and in doing so lay at your feet
the faces I have seen
the voices I have heard

the words I have spoken
the hands I have shaken
the service I have given
the joys I have shared

the sorrows revealed
I lay them at your feet
and in doing so
lay my head to rest

 

[RiverOL]

Temptation's Lure
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."1

From the back porch of her home a friend noticed a beautiful butterfly with its fragile legs caught in a spider's web. It was flapping its wings wildly trying desperately to escape. Feeling sorry for the butterfly, my friend came closer to see if she could help free it. What she saw, though, was that the harder the butterfly tried to escape, the more it got enmeshed in the spider's web. As gently as possible she helped free it and was delighted when it was able to break free and fly away.

It reminded her of how we can so easily get entrapped by sin. A little dabbling here and a little dabbling there. We put our toe in sin's waters as it were and before we know it we are entrapped in the web of our own actions and emotions. And then, the harder we try to escape and free ourselves, the more enmeshed we become.

The fact is we cannot save ourselves from sin's entrapment and its eternal consequences. Only God can do that. He has provided the only way of escape and that is through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his life to pay sin's penalty. As God's Word says, "By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."2

If you haven't accepted God's salvation from sin's entrapment and consequences, for help click on: http://tinyurI.com/8glq9

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me always to seek to follow Your ways and not dabble with sin's temptations. Where I have sinned, please forgive me and free me from the entrapments I have got myself into. Above all, thank You for saving me from sin's eternal consequences and giving to me the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ my Lord. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV).
2. Ephesians 2:8.

 

[RiverOL]

Celebration Story 1
Morning Encounter:
Read:
Tax collectors and sinners were all crowding around to listen to Jesus. So the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses started grumbling, “This man is friendly with sinners. He even eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this story:
If any of you has a hundred sheep, and one of them gets lost, what will you do? Won’t you leave the ninety-nine in the field and go look for the lost sheep until you find it? And when you find it, you will be so glad that you will put it on your shoulder and carry it home. Then you will call in your friends and neighbours and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.”
Jesus said, “In the same way there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to.” (Luke 15.1-7)

Reflect:
Jesus is in trouble with the Pharisees because he associates with sinners (which a Rabbi should never do). He even chooses to eat with them which implies both a welcome and recognition of ‘sinners’ (immoral people or people whose occupation was seen to be incompatible with the Law). These verses reveal that God is actively involved in seeking out the lost to bring them home. Jesus, it seems finds joy in the ‘ninety-nine’ – but even more joy over a repenting sinner.

Respond:
Enjoy the grace of God today. Enjoy it and extend it to others that you interact with.

Midday Meditation:
'My trust flows out of the experience of his loving me, day in and day out, whether the day is stormy or fair, whether I'm sick or in good health, whether I'm in a state of grace or disgrace. He comes to me where I live and loves me as I am.'
(Brenan Manning)

Evening Reflection:
Let me be reborn in you and see through you the world in the right way, so that all my actions, words, thoughts can become a hymn of praise to you. I need your loving grace to travel on this hard road that leads to the death of my old self and to a new life in and for you. I know and trust that this is the road to freedom. Lord, dispel my mistrust and help me become a trusting friend. Amen.

 

[RiverOL]

The Music of Your Life
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."1

According to an article in Turning Point Daily Devotional, "Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn't able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument.

"But to his great dismay, it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession, and he would not sell it. "Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. 'Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?' he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. 'I have no right to keep that to myself,' he exclaimed. 'It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.'

"We have a message to share. Our heavenly Father created us as exquisite instruments, and the beautiful music we are to make is the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We were made to be played."2

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to let my light so shine that it will be as 'music to another's ears,' and draw them to You, the 'Master Musician par excellence.' Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

Celebration Story 2
Morning Encounter:
Read:
The younger son got up and started back to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son and hugged and kissed him. The son said, “Father, I have sinned against God in heaven and against you. I am no longer good enough to be called your son.”
But his father said to the servants, “Hurry and bring the best clothes and put them on him. Give him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. Get the best calf and prepare it, so we can eat and celebrate. This son of mine was dead, but has now come back to life. He was lost and has now been found.” And they began to celebrate.
The older son had been out in the field. But when he came near the house, he heard the music and dancing. So he called one of the servants over and asked, “What’s going on here?”

The servant answered, “Your brother has come home safe and sound, and your father ordered us to kill the best calf.” The older brother got so angry that he would not even go into the house.
His father came out and begged him to go in. But he said to his father, “For years I have worked for you like a slave and have always obeyed you. But you have never even given me a little goat, so that I could give a dinner for my friends. This other son of yours wasted your money on prostitutes. And now that he has come home, you ordered the best calf to be killed for a feast.”

His father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found.”
(Luke 15.20-32)

Reflect:
To emphasise the point, Jesus tells another story, one that has become a classic, retold and cherished by generations around the world. The Father risks looking foolish in more ways than one to get both of his sons back. Both have dishonoured him, but he longs for them both to be restored. In one story we have the essence of the gospel and great celebrations are at the heart of it.

Respond:
Celebrate Sabbath rest today. Find time and space for joy and celebration in whatever form you are able to manage.

Midday Meditation:
God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, who forgives our sins and sets us free.
(Colossians 1.13)

Evening Reflection:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

 

[RiverOL]

Sidetracked but Not Hindered
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."1

Fred Bauer wrote how he once "went backstage at the Metropolitan Opera to interview Jerome Hines, the internationally famous singer, who is also an active Christian layman. While he applied makeup and got ready for his role in that night's production of Aida, I asked him questions about his life and faith. One of the most fascinating things he told me was that he wasn't a good enough singer to make his high school glee club. He auditioned for the choir, but failed to impress the director. Did that detour his career? I wanted to know.

"'No, I kept on singing,' Hines said, 'because I loved to sing. I never considered it anything more than an avocation.' So he went off to college, studied math and sang as a hobby—which led to some amateur roles, which led to his discovery by people who had a different opinion of his talent from his high school teacher. Later that night, as I stood in the wings and listened to his rich bass voice sweep over that famous hall, I wondered how there could have ever been any question."2

Of one thing I am convinced, and that is that God has a plan and purpose for every life. We may get sidetracked, experience setbacks, and get discouraged from time to time, but if we are genuinely committed to discovering God's plan and, with His help, fulfilling it—and never give up—God will surely direct us so His plan for our life will be fulfilled. Our own life and the lives of many others will be greatly enriched as a result.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, help me to discover Your plan and purpose for my life and never give up no matter how many setbacks that come my way. May I always learn to trust You no matter what. Thank You for your help and for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

 

[RiverOL]

Abraham & Sarah
Morning Encounter:
Introduction
Waiting is counter-cultural. With on-demand TV, instant coffee, credit and satisfaction on offer – waiting seems like a waste of time. Waiting is difficult, it seems old fashioned, and it can make us feel anxious, jittery and frustrated. Yet waiting is a key part of the biblical story. The season of advent invites us to encounter the ancient longing for the coming Messiah. And of course, we too are waiting – waiting for his second coming. This week we will look at different passages of Scripture on the theme of waiting.

Read:
One of the guests was the Lord, and he said, “I’ll come back about this time next year, and when I do, Sarah will already have a son.”
Sarah was behind Abraham, listening at the entrance to the tent. Abraham and Sarah were very old, and Sarah was well past the age for having children. So she laughed and said to herself, “Now that I am worn out and my husband is old, will I really know such happiness?”
The Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Does she doubt that she can have a child in her old age? I am the Lord! There is nothing too difficult for me. I’ll come back next year at the time I promised, and Sarah will already have a son.”
Sarah was so frightened that she lied and said, “I didn’t laugh.”
“Yes, you did!” he answered.
(Genesis 18.10–15)

Reflect:
Abraham is visited by three ‘men’ – two angels and the Lord. The appearance of God in human form anticipates the future arrival of Jesus. The Lord speaks to Abraham about Sarah who will, through miraculous circumstances (she is too old to conceive) have a son. This too anticipates a future event: a miraculous birth in Bethlehem. Sarah and Abraham’s story, including promises of new land, of a nation and a son – is a story of waiting. They are given promises and shown the future, yet in their waiting there are doubts, questions and even disbelieving laughter.

Respond:
Do you have unanswered prayers? What are you waiting on God for at this time?

Midday Meditation:
What then are we to do about our problems? We must learn to live with them until such time as God delivers us from them…we must pray for grace to endure them without murmuring. Problems patiently endured will work for our spiritual perfecting. They harm us only when we resist them or endure them unwillingly.
(A.W. Tozer)

Evening Reflection:
Christ be in my waking, as the sun is rising,
In my day of working, with me every hour.
Christ be in my resting, as the day is ending,
Calming and refreshing, watching through the night.

Jesus, this is my devotion: all my life to know You,
Every day to walk with You.
Saviour, You’re my deepest longing, You’re the One I live for,
Teach me, Lord, to walk with You.
(Stuart Townend Christ Be In My Waking)

 

[RiverOL]

Too Good to Miss

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you—Psalm 56:3

Most of us men struggle not with the fact that we’re designed for adventure. On some level, we can accept that. No, we tend to struggle rather with what, exactly, we’re willing to call “adventure.” We like to define, on our own terms, what is adventure and what is not. The word itself conjures images of climbing mountains, or jumping from airplanes, or backpacking deep into the backcountry. And these are adventures, sure. But . . . what about when God calls us to confess to our Christian brothers something embarrassing to our pride (James 5:16)? What about when God calls us to risk a friendship by engaging in a tough conversation (Ephesians 4:15)? What about when God calls us to take a risk with our careers or our finances (Matthew 19:21)? What about when God simply calls us to serve others in a way that makes us uncomfortable (Matthew 25:40)? Are these less worthy of the title, adventure? No, of course, not. And, truly, aren’t these things more likely the adventures for which God designed us? Don’t they align much better with Scripture than does . . . skydiving? The problem is that we tend to mistakenly view God’s adventures as unwanted interruptions, unpleasant hindrances, or unnecessary risks to the safe lives we’ve worked hard to create for ourselves and our families . . . rather than the mythic things that they are. And so we miss the great days, the great moments, and the great stories that God so wants to share . . . that he dreamt of, so long ago (Ephesians 1:3-6, 2:10).

Begin to reorient. When confronted by interruptions, hindrances, or opportunities for risk, take a few seconds to ask yourself, might these have been intentionally placed in my way by a loving Father God?

 

[RiverOL]

Waiting for the Light
Morning Encounter:
Read:
Those who walked in the dark
have seen a bright light.

And it shines upon everyone
who lives in the land
of darkest shadows.

A child has been born for us.
We have been given a son
who will be our ruler.

His names will be
Wonderful Advisor
and Mighty God,
Eternal Father
and Prince of Peace.

His power will never end;
peace will last forever.

He will rule David’s kingdom
and make it grow strong.

He will always rule
with honesty and justice.

The Lord All-Powerful
will make certain
that all of this is done.
(Isaiah 9.2,6-7)

Reflect:
The prophet Isaiah, in the midst of darkness and gloom for the people of Judah, predicts the future coming of a great light, in the form of a child. The people of Judah are waiting in faith and in hope, sustained by this prophecy of a great light coming to dispel their darkness. Isaiah’s words point towards a future King who doesn’t wipe away every pain and problem, but comes as the Light of the World into our brokenness and darkness.

Respond:
Reflect on the idea of waiting for Jesus, the Light of the World, who meets us in our darkness and brokenness.

Midday Meditation:
‘Advent calls us to readjust our eyes in that darkness so that we can see glimmers of the Light of the World, glowing and pointing us forwards to that ultimate time in the future when everything will be fulfilled.’
(Paula Gooder The Meaning is in the Waiting)

Evening Reflection:
'A waiting person is a patient person. The word patience means the willingness to stay where we are and live the situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will manifest itself to us.'

 

[RiverOL]

The Race
"The race is not to the swift."1

Some time ago Our Daily Bread asked the question, "Do you remember the tortoise and the hare in Aesop's Fables? The hare boasted that he was the swiftest animal in the forest. When he challenged the others to a race, only the tortoise dared to try. To the hare, it seemed an unfair contest, since he would win easily.

"But off they started, with the tortoise soon trailing far behind. On the way, the hare decided there was time for a nap, but the tortoise kept plodding along. When the hare awoke, he couldn't see the tortoise anywhere, so he laughed and said, 'He still hasn't caught up with me!' But as he ran toward the finish line, he saw the tortoise crossing it. Slowly and steadily, the tortoise had won!"

In the Christian life it can be easy to start well or to "keep the faith" when all is going well. But to keep hanging in through the bad times as well as the good, and be there or the long haul takes a genuine commitment that is based on a deep belief that, no matter what happens, Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and that my life is in his hands. As Job so aptly expressed his feelings in the midst of his despair, "Though he [God] slay me, yet will I trust him."2

"The race is not to the swift but to those who keep on running!"

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be like the persistent 'tortoise' in my faith and give me the courage, like Paul, to 'strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.'3 Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Ecclesiastes 9:11.
2. Job 13:15.
3. Philippians 3:14 (TLB).

 

[RiverOL]

Waiting for the Messiah
Morning Encounter:
Read:
The Spirit of the Lord God
has taken control of me!

The Lord has chosen and sent me
to tell the oppressed
the good news,
to heal the broken-hearted,
and to announce freedom
for prisoners and captives.

This is the year
when the Lord God
will show kindness to us
and punish our enemies.

The Lord has sent me
to comfort those who mourn,
especially in Jerusalem.
(Isaiah 61:1-2)

Reflect:
Through the prophet Isaiah we again have light breaking through the darkness. These are beautiful words of God’s anointed one who will usher in God’s kingdom in a new way. These are the words of Isaiah picked up by Jesus in the Synagogue in Luke 4. God’s promises to the poor as refuge, healing and freedom are announced. Long after these words were first spoken, Jesus comes and ministers to the poor, the broken and the outcast – to those whose life circumstances prevented them from entering the main Temple and taking part in sacrificial worship which was such an important part of the Jewish way of life.

Respond:
Thank God today for the work of the Salvation Army and others who will be serving people in difficult situations this Christmas.

Midday Meditation:
‘The gospel is absurd and the life of Jesus is meaningless unless we believe that He lived, died, and rose again with but one purpose in mind: to make brand-new creation. Not to make people with better morals but to create a community of prophets and professional lovers, men and women who would surrender to the mystery of the fire of the Spirit that burns within, who would live in ever greater fidelity to the omnipresent Word of God, who would enter into the centre of it all, the very heart and mystery of Christ, into the centre of the flame that consumes, purifies, and sets everything aglow with peace, joy, boldness, and extravagant, furious love. This, my friend, is what it really means to be a Christian.’
(Brennan Manning)

Evening Reflection:
This evening, why not be still and silent and wait on God. If it helps to focus, you might like to light a candle or watch a log fire burn as you reflect on your day.
Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on him.
God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure.
God saves me and honours me.
He is that mighty rock where I find safety.
(from Psalm 62)

 

[RiverOL]

Good . . . How?

. . . and he will give you the desires of your heart—Psalm 37:4

When the Apostle Paul wrote the word “good” in the passage below, what did he mean? “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). He certainly meant the works—the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve—are good things, in and of themselves. And, of course, he meant the works are good for others, good for those people we are meant to serve. Going a bit further, though, could it be he also meant the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve . . . are good for us, too? Of course he did; of course they are. That’s precisely what Jesus was getting at when he said it’s “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35) . . . or, as Eugene Peterson translates: “You’re far happier giving than getting” (Acts 20:35 MSG). It’s been nearly two thousand years and that notion is still counterculture. But the truth is . . . to give, to serve, to notice, to care, to love, to offer our strength to others, to live for others, is actually what brings purpose, fulfillment, joy to our lives. It’s how we men actually get to fully-alive and what-you’ve-always-dreamed-of kind of stuff. It’s one important reason why King David sang, “Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).

It’s simple. The only way to figure out whether Jesus was right on this or not, is to test it—personally. Someone needs you today. Someone needs you, right now. Look around. Who is it? Reach out. Go ahead and help him or her . . . and then, examine the state of your heart after you do.

 

[RiverOL]

Waiting Expectantly
Morning Encounter:
Read:
All at once an angel from the Lord appeared to Zechariah at the right side of the altar. Zechariah was confused and afraid when he saw the angel. But the angel told him:
Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayers. Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you must name him John. His birth will make you very happy, and many people will be glad. Your son will be a great servant of the Lord. He must never drink wine or beer, and the power of the Holy Spirit will be with him from the time he is born.

John will lead many people in Israel to turn back to the Lord their God. He will go ahead of the Lord with the same power and spirit that Elijah had. And because of John, parents will be more thoughtful of their children. And people who now disobey God will begin to think as they ought to. That is how John will get people ready for the Lord.
(Luke 1.11–17)

Reflect:
The circumstances of John’s birth to Zechariah and Elizabeth resemble those of Isaac’s to Abraham and Sarah. They too are a childless couple who have prayed many times and have waited many years for a child of their own. The time of expectation, anticipation and waiting was nearly over. The birth of John the Baptist signals the start of something new; in a few years he will be the one to proclaim the arrival of his cousin, Jesus.

Respond:
John is the traditional focus of the third candle in advent. Take time to read his story in the opening chapters of Luke.

Midday Meditation:
'Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.' (John Ortberg)

Evening Reflection:
I will praise you, my God and King,
and always honour your name.
I will praise you each day
and always honour your name.

You are wonderful, Lord,
and you deserve all praise,
because you are much greater
than anyone can understand.

Each generation will announce
to the next your wonderful
and powerful deeds.

I will keep thinking about
your marvellous glory
and your mighty miracles.
(Psalm 145.1–5)

 

[RiverOL]

Quarreling and Strife
"Then Abram said to Lot, 'Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herders and my herders; for we are kindred.'"1

There is a legend from Greek mythology that the god Hercules was once walking along a narrow road when a strange-looking creature appeared threateningly in front of him. Hercules struck this creature with his club and passed on, but soon afterwards was surprised to be confronted by this same creature, only now three times as large. Hercules struck it again and again and each time it grew in size until finally it completely blocked the road. Then the goddess Pallas Athena appeared to Hercules and told him to stop. "The monster is called Strife," she said. "Let it alone, and it will soon become as small as it was at first."

All quarreling and strife will certainly return to manageable proportions and ultimately cease if one of the quarrelers lets it alone. One is either a peacemaker or one is a "stirrer"—determined to keep the argument going for the sake of personal gain or satisfaction.

Take Abraham. His herdsmen quarreled, and he and Lot might have quarreled too, had not Abraham taken the wise course and ended it. "Lot," he said, "this won't do. Let there be no strife between you and me or between my herdsmen and yours, for we are all brothers." And then he became the generous mediator and told Lot that he could have the best land in the east, if that was what he wanted. It was wise to separate the two groups and it was generous of Abraham to give Lot first choice. As an elder he could have dictated the terms but he was above meanness and was blessed as a result.

Abraham was above personal gain, he did not seek after flocks and herds, silver and gold, servants or the best land. God was sought first; other things were added. Lot, on the other hand, couldn't keep his eyes off the fertile plain of Sodom. He wanted it; then he wanted more; he got it; then lost it all.

NOTE: Today's devotional was written by Pastor Ron Clark of Tasmania, Australia.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me not to be greedy for personal gain and material possessions but always seek to put You first and be a peacemaker rather than a strife-maker. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Genesis 13:8 (RSV).

 

[RiverOL]

Waiting for the Future
Morning Encounter:
Read:
After this, I saw a large crowd with more people than could be counted. They were from every race, tribe, nation, and language, and they stood before the throne and before the Lamb. They wore white robes and held palm branches in their hands, as they shouted,
“Our God, who sits
upon the throne,
has the power
to save his people,
and so does the Lamb.”

The angels who stood around the throne knelt in front of it with their faces to the ground. The elders and the four living creatures knelt there with them. Then they all worshiped God and said,
“Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom,
thanks, honour, power,
and strength belong to our God
forever and ever! Amen!”

One of the elders asked me, “Do you know who these people are that are dressed in white robes? Do you know where they come from?”
“Sir,” I answered, “you must know.”
Then he told me:
“These are the ones
who have gone through
the great suffering.

They have washed their robes
in the blood of the Lamb
and have made them white.
And so they stand
before the throne of God
and worship him in his temple
day and night.

The one who sits on the throne
will spread his tent
over them.

They will never hunger
or thirst again,
and they won’t be troubled
by the sun
or any scorching heat.

The Lamb in the centre
of the throne
will be their shepherd.
He will lead them to streams
of life-giving water,
and God will wipe all tears
from their eyes.”
(Revelation 7.9–17)
Reflect:
Advent is a season where we look back to the long awaited arrival of Jesus the Messiah, but also a time of looking forwards to his future return. Here, John pictures a countless multitude of people from all the nations of the world gathering before the throne of God in worship. These are people who hunger and thirst no more, every pain and tear has been wiped away and whose suffering has been left behind. Now God’s work is finished and his people are under the protective care of a good shepherd.

Respond:
In the hurry and distraction of this season, take time to further reflect on these verses today. Take comfort in this vision of the victorious Christ.

Midday Meditation:
‘The aim of God in history is the creation of an all-inclusive community of loving persons, with Himself included in that community as its prime sustainer and most glorious inhabitant. Such a community lives under the immediate and total ruler ship of the Holy Spirit. They are a people blinded to all other loyalties by the splendor of God, a compassionate community embodying the law of love as seen in Jesus Christ…They are an obedient army of the Lamb of God living under the Spiritual Disciplines, a community in the process of total transformation from the inside out, a people determined to live out the demands of the gospel in a secular world. They are tenderly aggressive, meekly powerful, suffering, and overcoming. Such a community, cast in the rare and apostolic mold, constitutes a new gathering of the people of God. May God almighty continue to gather such people in our day.’
(Dallas Willard)

Evening Reflection:
The angel showed me a river that was crystal clear, and its waters gave life. The river came from the throne where God and the Lamb were seated. Then it flowed down the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river are trees that grow a different kind of fruit each month of the year. The fruit gives life, and the leaves are used as medicine to heal the nations.

God’s curse will no longer be on the people of that city. He and the Lamb will be seated there on their thrones, and its people will worship God and will see him face to face. God’s name will be written on the foreheads of the people. Never again will night appear, and no one who lives there will ever need a lamp or the sun. The Lord God will be their light, and they will rule forever.
(Revelation 22.1–5)

 

[RiverOL]

Mind Diseases
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord [enthusiastically]."1

There are two serious diseases of the mind that most, if not all of us, will encounter at some time. These diseases have been the cause of ineffectiveness and the death of innumerable churches, organizations, businesses, individuals and nations!

They can afflict the young but mostly those who are above 40. The symptoms are often obvious to outsiders but usually totally oblivious to those inflicted with either of these diseases.

The first disease is "homeostatus" which is a clinging to the status quo with a refusal to change no matter what. The ancient Israelites suffered from this disease when God delivered them out of slavery in Egypt. When things got tough on their road to "recovery," they doubted God and wanted to go back to Egypt. Crazy, you say, but that's what they wanted. As the saying goes, "Better the devil you know than the one you don't know!"

The other disease is "psychosclerosis," a hardening of the attitudes. This disease is equally destructive. Its symptoms can be varied such as legalism, rigidity, arrogance, apathy, Phariseeism, having a closed mind and so on. It is just as deadly as homeostatus.

We need God's wisdom and insight to guard against these crippling diseases. They are two of the enemy's powerful weapons designed to render us ineffective in God's causes.

The remedy? Daily commit and trust your life and way to God, know what his Word, the Bible, teaches and genuinely seek to live in harmony with his will. Ask God every day to keep your eyes open and keep you on the "Truth Road."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from the mind diseases of homeostatus and psychosclerosis. And in the words of the song writer: 'O Lord please light the fire / That once burned bright and clear / Replace the lamp of my first love / That burned with holy fear.' Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus's name, amen."

1. Paul, in Romans 12:11 (NIV).

 

[RiverOL]

Waiting, Pondering, Treasuring
Morning Encounter:
Read:
One month later God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David. The angel greeted Mary and said, “You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was confused by the angel’s words and wondered what they meant. Then the angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.”

Mary asked the angel, “How can this happen? I am not married!”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come down to you, and God’s power will come over you. So your child will be called the holy Son of God. Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. Nothing is impossible for God!”
Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” And the angel left her.
(Luke 1.26–38)

Reflect:
The arrival of the angel and the subsequent announcement brings a storm into Mary’s life. She is likely to have been a young teenager at the time, engaged to Joseph and this news would have rocked her whole life. Pregnancy outside of marriage would have at best meant being an outcast in her community. Mary’s staggering response is one of quiet submission. Mary is now waiting, for the pregnancy to begin, for the baby to grow inside her and for the birth of her son.

Respond:
As you wait on the Lord today, with whatever challenges you face, try and echo these words of quiet submission: ‘I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.’

Midday Meditation:
‘We shall steer safely though every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.’
(St.Francis De Sales)

Evening Reflection:
You're the Lord of all creation
And still You know my heart
The Author of salvation
You've Loved me from the start

Waiting here for you
With our hands lifted high in praise
And it's You we adore
Singing Hallelujah

 

[RiverOL]

Carrying the Right Stuff?

Strength is for service—Romans 15:1-2

Carrying burdens is something we do . . . as husbands, fathers, friends . . . as men. It’s hardwired into how God designed us, built us. We carry literal burdens; we carry figurative ones. Very little of our life is not spent carrying some burden or another. We’re made to find purpose and meaning in the carrying. A problem arises, though, when we carry the wrong ones. It’s easy to do. Sometimes we carry them for selfish and self-serving reasons. Sometimes we carry burdens for others, but only to get credit from the original owners—bosses, co-workers, acquaintances of some strategic value. Sometimes we carry burdens for others simply because we can . . . and because we hate to say, “no.” Sometimes we carry them because we don’t trust that anyone else will, if we do not. Make no mistake: none of these is a good reason to pick up and carry a burden. God designed us, built us, to be able to lend strength to others, to those in need. It’s one way we fulfill the second of the two great commandments: love other people at least as much as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). So there’s no question about it, we must carry burdens for others. But, we must also bear the right burdens, and for the right reasons. We mustn’t let burdens that we aren’t meant to carry weigh us down, wear us down, and occupy our strength . . . while the burdens we are meant to carry go unborne.

Look around you today. What real, practical needs do you see? Which of them fit your talents, your gifts? Which ones move your heart, make it rise? Which ones cause your heart to fall? Let that intersection—needs, talents/gifts, heart—guide you. And then move in and lighten someone else’s load.

 

[RiverOL]

Waiting on the Lord
Morning Encounter:
Read:
At this time a man named Simeon was living in Jerusalem. Simeon was a good man. He loved God and was waiting for God to save the people of Israel. God’s Spirit came to him and told him that he would not die until he had seen Christ the Lord.
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to do what the Law of Moses says should be done for a new baby, the Spirit told Simeon to go into the temple. Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God,

“Lord, I am your servant,
and now I can die in peace,
because you have kept
your promise to me.

With my own eyes I have seen
what you have done
to save your people,
and foreign nations
will also see this.

Your mighty power is a light
for all nations,
and it will bring honour
to your people Israel.”
(Luke 2.25–32)

Reflect:
We know little about Simeon except for what Luke has recorded here. He is a man who loves God and is filled with a continual sensitivity to the Spirit. Luke tells us that he has been waiting for the promised Saviour. The one he is now holding in his arms is a light for the whole world. This is a wonderful moment, for Mary and Joseph, but especially for Simeon who experiences the fulfilment of promise made to him by God.

Respond:
Has God made promises to you? Have they been fulfilled? If so, give thanks to God for his faithfulness. Perhaps you are still waiting; ask the Lord to help you to trust him.

Midday Meditation:
‘Wait on the Lord’ is a constant refrain in the Psalms, and it is a necessary word, for God often keeps us waiting. He is not in such a hurry as we are, and it is not his way to give more light on the future than we need for action in the present, or to guide us more than one step at a time. When in doubt, do nothing, but continue to wait on God. When action is needed, light will come.’

(J.I. Packer Knowing God)
Evening Reflection:
From a sea of troubles
I call out to you, Lord.
Won’t you please listen
as I beg for mercy?

If you kept record of our sins,
no one could last long.
But you forgive us,
and so we will worship you.

With all my heart,
I am waiting, Lord, for you!
I trust your promises.

I wait for you more eagerly
than a soldier on guard duty
waits for the dawn.

Yes, I wait more eagerly
than a soldier on guard duty
waits for the dawn

(From Psalm 130)