But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
TO PONDER:
Now I've not got anything against any modern pop/rock musicians, but the reality is that the lyrics of popular music have always reflected something of the philosophy and world view of the culture in which they are written. Have a look at Lady Gaga's lyrics from her song "Born this Way"
"I'm beautiful in my way 'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret Just love yourself, and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way (Born this way) "
It's a pretty different sentiment than what we hear in today's reading from James. So often, as a disciple of Jesus, it can seem like the whole world is against us because they just don't see things with the eyes of faith which we have as followers of Jesus. They Don't see God at work they only see human effort and achievement. That kind of 'earthly wisdom' might be tempting to follow when everyone around you is following it, but look behind the perfectly manicured social media posts and you'll inevitably find people who are just as lonely and messed up as the rest of us...maybe even more so.
God's wisdom is perfect, even when it sometimes puts us at odds with the world around us and is different to what we see everyone else doing. But Jesus is the only truth that leads to eternal life.
PRAYER:Almighty God, I thank you for taking an interest in me while you are so much higher than me, so far above, yet you still walk with me daily, you listen to my prayers and talk with me as a loving Father. Please help me to recognise your wisdom and live by it even in the face of the wisdom of this world. Amen.
Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
TO PONDER
I don't come from a large family, I only have one younger brother. My parents were great at keeping things fair between the two of us and I certainly don't remember ever feeling like they loved one of us more than the other.
The same is true about God. He doesn't play favourites. However, sometimes I have been inclined to think he does. When someone else receives miraculous healing when you have been praying for the same thing it can seem like God is chasing one person over another. Perhaps the best way to reference the kind of feeling I'm talking about is in the movie 'Bruce Almighty' in which the main character Bruce feels like God is doing everything for everyone else but never seems to be interested in helping him out. (If you haven't seen it, it's well worth a watch.)
Bruce's perspective is very short sighted, he doesn't see the multiple ways God is at work in his life and it leads him to have a very dysfunctional relationship with God. However, throughout the movie, God is constantly at work restoring that relationship, and the same is true for us.
Maybe you do't feel like God's playing favourites, but each of us have areas where our relationship with God is dysfunctional. Maybe today you will let him point that out and do some work on improving that situation?
PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, I know that I can't see the big picture the way you do. I know that the Bible says you are always working for the good of those who love you. Help me to know and trust that to be true even if I can't see it in the moment. Help me to love others the way you love me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.
“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
TO PONDER
In the closing chapter (22) of the last book of the Bible (Revelation), we are provided with some absolutely beautiful descriptions of the New Jerusalem (Heaven) and all that has been prepared and awaits us in our eternal home. Our Lord God of the holy prophets sends His angel to show His servants (us) the things which will shortly occur. Jesus himself reminds us in verse 7 that He is coming soon. His word is forever faithful and true.
As I read todays text, I cannot help but be reminded of the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25: 1-13. We need to keep watch, because we do not know the day or the hour (Matthew 25: 13). We are being warned to be prepared for the return of Christ. Not to be lazy or complacent. The need for spiritual readiness in anticipation of the Kingdom of Heaven is paramount. The message highlights that being vigilant and prepared is crucial for all believers.
Be on your guard for not even the angels in heaven know the day or hour of our Lord’s return (Matthew 24: 36). We, and all our brothers and sisters in Christ will be blessed by believing in Him, inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and keeping God’s word.
The call to preparedness and vigilance require immediate action. The preparation begins now. This surely is our motivation to earnestly share the Gospel with others. Time is of the essence as we respond to the call to carry out the great commission which Jesus Himself gave His disciples. We are to be witnesses to the world and extend the invitation to all those who do not yet know God as their Lord and Saviour.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father. Thank you that you have accepted me as your child. Help me not to take this for granted but to be vigilant and prepared in all that I do for your return. Walk with me daily as I endeavour to carry out your great commission to make disciples of all nations. In your Holy name I pray. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
TO PONDER
I remain intrigued by the number of food products that still today, market themselves inside the supermarket, inviting shoppers to try the cooked / prepared version of their product to taste-test and the friendly cook then provides directions as to which aisle the shopper will find the product in the store - and from my experience will then generally also point out that it is on special this week for whatever the price.
I must admit I can be included (on reflection, a number of times over the years) in the shoppers who accept the invitation to try and never have the intention of purchasing the product. So, why is this marketing option still chosen?
Simply, because it works! Because there are sufficient numbers of shoppers who accept the invitation to taste, are impressed and then purchase the product. They 'try then buy'. And to add to the in-store marketing success, the purchasing customer usually initiates the next invaluable piece in the marketing chain via 'word of mouth' to family and friends. One of the most effective proven marketing models for any business and certainly one of the most cost efficient.
We have the same invitation extended to us in the verse from today’s Psalm. Taste and see that the Lord is good. In fact, this invitation is regularly extended to us during worship (it’s even included to those worshipping on-line these days) as we are invited to the Lords table to partake in His holy meal of His body and blood – a meal graciously provided to us and to all who believe.
We have indeed tasted (and will continue to do so at the Lord’s Table) exactly what is on offer for us and we know that everything about Him is good. We will continue to be blessed by following and taking refuge in Him.
Are you compellingly marketing for the Lord to grow His Kingdom here on earth through 'word-of-mouth'?
As we go about our daily lives there are abundant opportunities for each one of us to invite those around us to come to know Jesus. To taste and see that He is good.
We have accepted our invitation but when was the last time you extended this boundless invitation to others?
PRAYER:Lamb of God. Thank you for my personal gracious invitation to be your child. Thank you that you continue to extend this invitation even though I stray from your path time after time. Thank you that you invite me regularly to your table to share the meal that you prepared for me so I can taste Your goodness. Help me not to shy away from extending Your invitation to others so they too can taste and see that You are good. In Your name we pray. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
TO PONDER
A few years ago, I read a book called ‘More than a fisherman’ by Jim Grassi who served as a chaplain with various NFL (American Football) teams, and also to a police department in the U.S.
As the opening lines of the books Foreword state, “Jim Grassi is not only a Hall of Fame Fisherman but a true fisher of men. He has taken Biblical truth and connected some great metaphors that help us to know God and make Him known.”
For Grassi, being a fisherman of people is all about spiritual mentoring or discipleship. It is a relational process that requires people to become actively involved in living out their faith so that others can get to know God.
I don’t know about you but I find it fascinating that Jesus’ first chosen disciples literally ‘dropped everything’ and walked away from their families, their trade (as fisherman) and followed Jesus upon the invitation to “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Is that incredible blind faith or not?
They had no idea of what the future held for them by following Jesus. Mocking, insults, rebuke and even the threat of death was the reality of what was to come. However, in their blind faith they accepted Jesus’ invitation and in doing so witnessed first-hand His love, His teachings, His servant persona, His healing of the sick and the demon possessed, His raising of the dead and culminating in His own sacrificial death for us and conquering resurrection on Easter Sunday.
So, what is our excuse? We don’t really need blind-faith as we are fortunate enough to know the truth through the Bible and its teachings.
Jesus extends that same invitation (that he gave to His first disciples) to you and me today and every day.
What is stopping you from fully accepting the invitation, and dropping everything to put Jesus first in your life?
We only need to do two things, and we are not on our own. Firstly, accept Jesus’ invitation and then as Jim Grassi states “(Matt. 4:19) is a call to become a fisher of men. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be a change agent within our culture”
PRAYER:Master Fisherman. Your Word and so many other additional tools and aids are available to me to be Your fisher of people. Continue to remind me that your Holy Spirit lives within me to help me in every situation you place me in, to bring people to know you as their Saviour. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
TO PONDER
As a young boy growing up in the country, I was always eager to assist Dad in the yard with whatever job he was doing. Whether it was trying to help by pushing the lawn-mower to keep the front and back-yards looking neat and tidy, or as I got stronger pushing wheelbarrow loads full of top-soil to be spread on the grass or barrows full of gravel and sand around the back to be used in a cement mixture for a major job, I did my best. However, my strength often failed me and the barrow tipped to one side and spilled the contents, greatly hampering progress! It was so much easier with Dad standing behind me with a hand on each wheelbarrow handle, taking some of the weight, and providing both balance and guidance as he assisted in pushing the barrow to its destination, before we repeated the process over and over until the job was done.
That experience for me vividly comes to mind as we focus on verses 28-30 of Matthew’s gospel today. We, who are weary and tired from the busyness of this world, and burdened, often with others troubles in addition to our own, are invited to ‘Come’ to our Lord. The invitation extends further to take our Lord’s yoke and let Him teach and help us. Our Lord is our Servant King. He is gentle and humble in heart. He has ultimately served us by His death and resurrection and continues to serves us by walking with us, giving us strength, balance and guiding us. Inviting us to share His yoke doesn’t mean our life will all be ‘sweet smelling roses’, but if we accept His invitation, we are assured that He will continue to be with us to help bear our burdens.
Just like my Dad, lifting and guiding the wheelbarrow for me all those years ago, our Heavenly Dad bears our burdens daily until we meet Him face to face where we will find eternal rest.
PRAYER:Heavenly Dad, thank you for being my (and the worlds) gentle and humble Servant King. Thank you for the gracious invitation to ‘Come’ to You, to share Your yoke and find strength, balance and guidance until we are united with You for eternity. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters;
and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost."
TO PONDER
In our current economic times, we are too often hearing about the ‘cost of living crisis’! I know from our own family budget and from my expeditions to the supermarket that these days you come out with next to nothing in your trolley but get no change at all from $100! One would think then, that you couldn’t get a better invitation than groceries for free. Or could we?
The invitation extended to us today in verse 1 of chapter 55 of Isaiah beats the offer of free groceries ‘hands down’. Our verse invites us to receive a blessing and be richly fed with truly satisfying nourishment for our souls. If we thirst for God’s word, accept His invitation and come to Him, everything will be provided for us. We do not need to bring money. Items purchased with money are perishable and will not satisfy us but God’s word will provide us with everlasting contentment and satisfaction as we await the eternal banquet that has been promised to us in our Heavenly home. All this, provided at no cost to us. Yes, it has been paid for, but not as a result of any of our own doings or efforts. It’s absolutely free for us and all that is required of us is to accept God’s invitation.
PRAYER:Dear Lord. Thank you for your loving invitation to be nourished beyond earthly satisfaction. I know I do not deserve this but appreciate that you have fully paid for me to not only participate here on earth, but also join you at your table in Heaven for the feast of feasts. I humbly accept your invitation. Thanks be to God. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’
“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.
TO PONDER
A few years ago now, my wife and I were surprisingly invited to a wedding at rather short notice with the young couple to be married being openly transparent that some of their extended family from interstate were regrettably unable to attend due to imposed COVID lock-downs. Whilst we had no expectation of being part of the celebrations, we indeed considered ourselves honoured to have been asked retrospectively. The church service, where we witnessed the young Christian couple become ‘man & wife’ and the wedding reception to follow topped off a beautiful day / night and my wife and I were so appreciative that we were part of the celebrations. I reiterate that we were honoured to attend and we have no doubt whatsoever that had we not been able to make it at short notice, that the invitation would have been further extended and accepted by someone else to join in the wonderful celebration.
In today’s Bible verses from the great feast parable, we have a similar situation, though perhaps those who now could not attend had much more feeble excuses for their late inabilities than a COVID lockdown.
The master in today’s parable, who had arranged all the catering, had everything prepared for the guests who had R.S.V.P.’d as ‘Yes’, and had paid for the entire event, could not bear to see places wasted. The master was adamant that the feast would go ahead, every table setting would be occupied and that all in attendance would experience the goodness and abundance of the food, drink and the fellowship that was being offered.
This is a similar setting and feast to what God has prepared for us in our eternal home with Him in Heaven (except we know it will be better). However, there is no limit on numbers at His table. All that is needed is to believe in Him and accept the invitation.
As His servants then, we too should be like the servant in today’s reading. Bold and infectious with our invitations to the world to come and join us in the celebration and all that awaits believers.
PRAYER: Eternal Banquet Master, I am honoured to be part of your plans and to take my seat at your table. I know that the same invitation awaits everyone who believes in you so help me to infectiously extend this invitation on your behalf to others daily. Amen
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
TO PONDER
Our message in the verses above quash the thinking of the original Latin term, that is commonly used in the English language today and that many live by of ‘quid pro quo’. That is, we should not have an expectation of goods or services being provided back to us as a form of repayment for any good, service or gesture we provide or perform for someone. To operate on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis is portraying self-centred living! This is the exact opposite of what God has done for us through the death of His own son on the cross at Calvary. There is no way we can repay the gift of eternal life that we have been given.
To think or act in a self-centred way is not Christ-like. There is something wonderful about giving a gift that can never be repaid. Jesus himself tells us this in Acts chapter 20 verse 35: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
So how do we be Christ-like with our invitations of hospitality to others? Just like Jesus did when He was here on earth, we too should include the marginalised, less fortunate, homeless, poor and the needy. Our invitation should be extended to anyone who does not yet know Jesus as their saviour. Not only will we experience an overwhelming sense of satisfaction by these Christ-like actions, but we will be more than repaid through the promise freely given to us through Jesus’ resurrection.
What invitation can you extend to someone today / tomorrow to help them to get to know Christ?
PRAYER: Heavenly Host, you have shown me through your own selfless actions just how I need to go about my life extending the invitation of hospitality and Your love to others. Please walk with me and continue to give me the tools to do this precious work to grow your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping