Professional Documents
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EDWJ MayJun23Full.01
EDWJ MayJun23Full.01
MAY/JUN 2023
Jesus every day. Enjoy fresh insight from God’s Word for your
life and relationships.
Psalm 143:5
35 - 38 Prayer Track Following Jesus’ example, as children of God we’re made to bring the
Kingdom through love and service. So, our mission is to distribute free
39 - 70 Devotional readings
Bible reading notes, to thousands of people on the margins of society;
prisoners, refugees, the homeless, those struggling financially, victims
of domestic abuse, the sick, the vulnerable, the lonely and the isolated
delivering revelation, comfort and encouragement, bringing hope and
Copyright © Waverley Abbey Trust 2023. Published by Waverley Abbey Trust.
transforming lives.
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supporting this vision be a way in which you serve?
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the hands of at least one person, maybe introducing God to them for the
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from the
first time. Together, lets see God’s Kingdom thrive, as people’s lives are
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Unshakeable
“ I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.
Psalm 143:5.
“
Mental health Awareness week runs from Monday 15 – Sunday 21 May this
year. Its primary theme is anxiety. Visit our helpful online resources* for
personal or group reflection as well as Waverley’s Insight into Anxiety, part of
a series of insightful books on issues surrounding personal Wellbeing. Your
EDWJ reflections address this theme throughout May, whilst in June Andy
Peck encourages us with his reflections on the topics of the Prodigal Son,
relationships and more.
The Prophet Jonah, like many of us, experienced a real crisis in his life
(Jonah 2:5-7). Let’s ponder his words as we continue to learn how to live Every
Day with Jesus: “When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and
my prayer rose to you.”
‘The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.’ (Psalm 69:33)
Our country is facing a mental health crisis. It is a crisis that predates the
pandemic, but there is no doubt that the pandemic and the cost of living There are over 81,000 prisoners in the UK. The root cause of many crimes are
crisis have exacerbated its impacts dramatically. addiction, shame, anger, anxiety, despair. In many ways, those destructive beliefs
can be accentuated in prison, where a person is isolated, behind bars, and with
As with so much of the church’s ministry, the often quiet, yet deeply limited support from family or friends.
effective work that long predated the pandemic was thrown into the
spotlight when communities most needed it. As we hear more and more Breaking the chains!
about the mental health crisis, the work that churches are already doing With the generous donations received from loyal Every Day with Jesus readers, we
is once again in the spotlight, and is inspiring others to consider how they are able to work closely with prison Chaplains, to develop a range of appropriate
can respond. resources, introducing Christ and the salvation he brings.
A chaplain at one London prison reported that free copies of Every Day with Jesus
Inspired by Jesus’ own ministry, we have been called to respond to human
are “eagerly awaited by many prisoners.” In response to a donation of Insight books
need by loving service. And where statutory services are at breaking point,
on Anger, Shame and Self-Acceptance, the chaplain said, “you have no idea how
the role that churches can and must play has never been clearer.
well these types of books are received.”
On 18 May 2023, the ChurchWorks Commission, in partnership with A recent government report highlighted the illiteracy of many prisoners, stating:
Waverley Abbey College, is inviting you to join us for our Wellbeing ‘We have been particularly worried about the number of prisoners who are simply
Conference. Participants will be encouraged and equipped practically to unable to read.’ As a result, we published bible reading notes in a comic style with
explore how they can contribute to the wellbeing of their congregations and activities and bitesize pieces of wisdom.
communities. The conference will be an opportunity to make connections,
learn from existing initiatives and have space to hear from God about how ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
the church can effectively respond to the mental health crisis.
training in righteousness’ (2 Timothy 3:16)
To find out more and to book please visit To donate to this work visit wvly.org/donate
wvly.org/churchworks-conference or call 01252 784700.
A chat with...
Please can you describe your approach to reading the Bible? Few people would automatically look to the church as a source of comfort or
I’ve become part of a group exploring reflective approaches to scripture and this support, to journey with them during a challenging season in their lives, or to
has been one of the greatest gifts since the challenges of lockdown. When it comes stand with them as they seek to make sense of a world that just seems to lurch
to the Bible, we’ve got so much to choose from, and God is ever-present and willing from one crisis to another.
to speak. Meeting with a group of encouragers who are curious about their own
journey sparks life in me. Yet a chaplain can be right there beside them - in the workplace, the hospital,
the prison, the court, the High Street, the bus station, the railway platform.
Would you say that you encounter Jesus every day? What does a Jesus Even on social media with chaplains providing care to real people in the virtual
encounter look like for you? environment.
Lately I’ve been thinking about how he shows up in moments of re-enchantment.
Life became very challenging in lockdown, so I’m still finding myself grateful for Chaplaincy is as unique as the person God called each Christian to be, confident
the moments of delight that appear unexpectedly. The world is full of them, even in their own identity in Christ and the message of hope that He has placed within
amidst times of suffering. The ability to see and celebrate those things are Jesus- them to carry to others, with a servant heart that demonstrates the incarnational
infused moments for me. presence of Christ with gentleness and respect.
How does reading Scripture, or engaging with Jesus daily impact your mental As a facilitator on the Waverley Contemporary Chaplaincy course I hear first-
health? hand of the impact of chaplains, and therefore of Christ, on the lives of many in
I realise that there are good reasons to believe I’m loved, and equally good reasons diverse spheres. From supporting those facing the challenges of ill health to
to treat myself gently when I forget that when my mind is busy and anxious. I’ve being a friend to the lonely and isolated, the chaplain is the church outside the
found reprimanding myself to be self-defeating. I often hear God saying “You’re ok, walls of the building.
you know?’ When I hear those words, I put my hand on my heart and say ‘I know’ or
‘help me to believe that today.’ My own experience is that at the darkest times in life people ask the deepest
questions. The chaplain is ideally placed to respond to those questions and to
How does your faith impact your role as Director of Sanctuary? provide care as they seek to explore those tough seasons of life.
On one level, starting a charity in lockdown was a step into vulnerability I’d never
known. So there’s a need to trust God. Yet the experience of the pandemic showed The Waverley Contemporary Chaplaincy Course will provide a foundation of
us all that our mental health can be impacted when we don’t have what we need. learning as you step out into chaplaincy or seek to develop your chaplaincy skills.
Often those of us who are living with a mental health challenge are lacking access
to enough of what we need be it support, meaning & purpose, or things that give us To learn more about the Waverley Contemporary Chaplaincy course visit
life and express our gifts. Our churches can be where we fully get to be who we are. wvly.org/contemporary-chaplaincy
Thank you Corin for sharing your spiritual life with us.
MONDAY 1 MAY Pressure Gaslighting TUESDAY 2 MAY
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ressure makes its impact on all of us. A great metaphor is a car eter, former fisherman and Christian disciple, encourages the
tyre. Four rubber rings filled with air keep us from disaster over Christian Church suffering their first violent persecution under Roman
various terrains at differing speeds. A tyre has inflated air pressure emperor Nero. This was brutal, a source of great fear amongst the
pushing outward to maintain its shape. It also experiences the external early Christian communities. Scattered throughout what is today Turkey,
pressure exerted by the road surface pushing back and impacting these disciples found themselves the unwitting scapegoats for Nero’s
that shape and the tyre’s performance. Paul, a well-travelled, good- personal plans for grandeur. Persecution has accompanied Christians
news tyre who experienced every type of road surface, knows well throughout history. It’s one consequence of the challenge of serving
the necessity and reality of resilience; the ability to weather and then God. It plays on our instinctive human anxiety about appearing different.
bounce back from stressful life experiences. Uncomfortable feelings of anxiety, envy, insecurity and so on are redirected
A worn tyre is likely to burst with possible fatal effect. Therefore, towards some other social group. We see it today in the way unemployment
we need to attend to our wellbeing. Are there minor flaws within the is blamed on immigrants. As pressure builds up within society there is a
tyre wall of our life which, under pressure, will cause us to crash out need to discharge social angst, and a target group is effectively blamed.
of the race? Just as we check the condition and pressure of our car Consequently, those doing the blaming find solidarity and consolation in
tyres, so it’s good to pay attention to our wellbeing if we are to live the fictitious solution they’ve invented to calm their fears.
every day with Jesus consistently and effectively. Over this month of Scapegoating, or gaslighting as it’s more fashionably called today, is
May we’ll look at living with pressure as disciples of Christ. It’s not that as old as the Garden of Eden. Adam, caught in a lie, points at both God
we won’t experience the challenges of pressure in our lives. Rather and his partner, Eve, for the harm that he has caused (Gen. 3:12). So
it’s about keeping ourselves on God’s way of salvation and service, gaslighting emerges with the Fall, and women have been forced to fight
and completing our mortal journey effectively. As with driving, if we back against Adam’s shaming of his equal partner throughout history.
anticipate the challenges and the conditions we are driving through, Gaslighting techniques include denying something when there’s proof
the more likely we are to reach our destination safely. and telling blatant lies to cause someone to question their reality.* It’s
one major cause of today’s mental health crisis.
Scripture to consider: 1 Kgs. 18:1–18; Neh. 5:1–13; Luke 7:36–50; 2 Cor. 4:1–6
An action to take: Do you transfer your own feelings of shame by blaming
Scripture to consider: Jonah 1:1–12; Num. 11:4–17; Mark 4:1–20; Jas. 1:12–15 someone else? Bring yourself and your shame to God and find wholeness to
replace your hollowness.
An action to take: Are there ways you use to check how well you’re dealing
with pressure? What tools do you use, and are they working for you? A prayer to make: ‘Lord, may I take responsibility for myself and not shame
others to escape taking personal responsibility. Amen.’
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me to recognise that I live under pressure and to *
edwj.org/mj23-2may
learn from You how to run the race to which I have been called. Amen.’
WEDNESDAY 3 MAY Living Hope Integrity THURSDAY 4 MAY
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eeping hope alive when hard pressed is difficult for everyone. e read Bible stories with the benefit of hindsight and life’s
Here Peter encourages Christians to do so, even in the face of uncertainties appear easier when bravely experienced by some
real hostility. There is no consensus on what constitutes life as historic hero. Job, facing the loss of all he loved most followed
a ‘living hope’. It is a process rather than a state. We see this as we by a brutal illness, pioneered a path of living hope through suffering
change physically and psychologically with age. Life is the ability to grow, that helps us with our pain today. For everyone facing loss and chronic
metabolise (the chemical action required to stay alive), adapt, reproduce, illness owe Job a debt of gratitude. Whilst he fought to maintain faith in
and mature. What’s true of our mortal life is equally important, and God’s faithfulness, his witness was interpreted as a stubborn refusal to
mirrored, in our spiritual life. Hope therefore is not some precept we must face reality by friend and surviving family alike. Their failure of faith was
maintain by force of will but an ever-emerging truth that nurtures and projected onto Job. If only he’d give up and acknowledge his sinfulness
nourishes our ability and capacity to love and serve God and ourselves. as the source of his suffering, everyone’s world could go back to normal.
Hope provides us with a positive expectation that things will improve. Sadly, bad things happen to good people. It’s not our life
However, it’s a desire without certainty, only sustained by a confident circumstances that God’s interested in, it’s our response to those
belief in its realisation. It’s a desire with high expectations but very little circumstances. We’re invited to complain about such circumstances to
surety. Without hope our present troubles become unbearable. With ease feelings of pressure and despair, yet we’re invited to seek God in
hope, they may not change, but we’re able to maintain an expectation such struggles. Our ability to locate and then love God in our troubles
that they can improve, and we’ll survive. Hope is the critical element in offers hope to those observing our battles. This is our witness to a
maintaining Christian faith. In part this is a gift from God. It is also the watching world. Even in the valley of death God accompanies us. It
fruit of the encouragement and support of family and friends. Learning doesn’t look pleasant, in fact it’s hell on earth, but good news! Jesus
to live in the hope of God’s ability to comfort and carry us through all visited hell, filling it with His glory before ascending back into heaven
of life’s events is critical in maintaining a living – that is, maturing – (1 Pet. 3:18–22). Hindsight can fictionalise the experience of those
Christian faith. Hope is the yeast that causes the bread of life to rise recorded in Scripture. We, like them, are invited to find God’s presence
and offer sustenance. and reality in the bad as well as the good.
Scripture to consider: Exod. 16:1–36; 1 Kgs 17:8–16; Luke 13:18–21; Gal. 5:1–12 Scripture to consider: Ps. 23:1–6; Hab. 3:16–19; Matt. 9:20–22; 2 Tim. 2:1–13
An action to take: Is the hope in your heart alive or in danger of faltering and An action to take: Maintaining faith when suffering is tough, but there is
failing? It is in holding to God’s promises that you will discover the yeast to encouragement in the Bible and in the testimony of Christians throughout
raise your hope in God. history. Keep going and let’s be true friends, not critics, for those who are
suffering.
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, when blindsided by life and consumed with
disappointment and fear, may I cling to Your promise and maintain my living A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me to find You when I most need You, and
hope. Amen.’ nurture my mustard seed of faith. Amen.’
FRIDAY 5 MAY Trust Coronation SATURDAY 6 MAY
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t’s difficult being honest about our heart desires. King David gazed
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at Bathsheba bathing and lust awoke in his heart and forcefully oday the world will observe King Charles III’s coronation in
drove his decision taking (2 Sam. 11:2–5). The lesson’s clear! We Westminster Abbey in a thousand-year-old ceremony. Charles will
are never best placed to evaluate the desires inflaming our hearts. be anointed and acclaimed King by the gathered assembly with
This provides a foundational principle as we live every day with Jesus. the words, ‘God save the King!’ It’s essential that the King’s authority
Pursuing heart desires without fixed reference points leads to disaster, is both declared and accepted by his subjects. Whilst the word ‘king’
as it did for David (2 Sam. 12:16–19). is of uncertain origin, it was quickly associated with the leader of
The psalmist offers a threefold approach. First, continue to trust the people.* So today Charles’ official title is King Charles III, by the
God despite the available evidence and our tumultuous emotions. Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Second, remain where we are with God rather than seeking to find Ireland and of His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the
our own solutions. God will sustain us even in an apparent wasteland Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith’. The most important wording
with no visible means of escape. In fact, escape is never our ambition. here is ‘by the Grace of God’.
This remains trust in God’s provision, however ludicrous to human God selects and anoints kings. We may have opinions, yet Paul
understanding. Third, we are to continue to delight in God from whom calls upon us to pray for those who exercise all forms of government
every blessing flows, and whose timetable is never the same as the one over us. We pray so that, ‘…we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all
we’d prefer. We may push back against this teaching, yet, in doing so godliness and holiness’ (1 Tim. 2:1–3). At a time when we have seen war
we’re choosing to disagree with God’s call to discipleship. Trust comes in Europe, and the massive destabilisation and inhumanity it causes,
at a price; the surrender of ourselves entirely to His leading in His own together with a financial crisis casting many into poverty, we are to
good time. Such a season of trial often births a heart desire that more return to our knees and pray for good governance throughout our
accurately captures our deepest longings. Now, no longer silenced constitutional monarchy. Peace can never be taken for granted, and our
by our selfishness, a new seed germinates, one rich with kingdom most significant contribution to our national life is to pray for the hearts
fruitfulness for our own benefit as well as for that of others. and minds of those who govern us. Today we join with others and make
our prayerful declaration, ‘God save the King!’
Scripture to consider: 1 Sam. 4:1–7; Isa. 9:1–7; Rom. 13:1–7; 1 Pet. 2:11–25
Scripture to consider: Gen. 39:19–23; Jer. 17:5–10; John 15:1–8; Acts 16:22–34
An action to take: As servants of God, each one of us is invited to serve God.
An action to take: How can you incorporate the three navigational aids of One response is to pray for those who exercise governance. Today, pray
trust, stability, and worship whilst caught up in life’s pressures and mentally specifically for King Charles III.
and emotionally stretched?
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, please place Your hand upon King Charles III and
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, may I choose to work with You and learn to live by guide him in his responsibilities and role as constitutional monarch. Amen.’
Your Word rather than my own self-styled endeavours. Amen.’ * edwj.org/mj23-6may
SUNDAY 7 MAY Trials Stillness MONDAY 8 MAY
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ne consistent challenge in the Christian life is the impossibility
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of proving God through empirical method, something based on t’s difficult to own the fact that our personal contribution to world
verifiable evidence drawn from observation rather than theory. affairs is minimal. We collaborate with God under His direction, but
Christian confidence is established through faith, which Scripture our influence, whilst important, is negligible. Many seek to quantify
describes as, ‘confidence in what we hope for and assurance about the importance of their mortal life in its significance, but for disciples
what we do not see’ (Heb. 11:1). The Bible reminds us that, ‘without its importance lies in our attentiveness to God. There is little point in
faith it is impossible to please God’ (Heb. 11:6). We discover that on fretting over the state of the world, for this lies within God’s gift, the
our brightest days and in our darkest moments, our faith maintains One who makes ‘wars to cease’ whilst inviting us to. ‘Be still and know’
confidence in God’s promises. (Ps. 46). Jesus points out that what is impossible for humanity remains
Experiences teach us through doing, seeing, and feeling. They are possible for God (Matt. 19:26). Letting go of our desire for personal
personally subjective, not easily explained to someone else who can recognition is one of the first challenges to entering the stillness where
only rationally attempt to interpret someone explaining their experience. we both encounter God and discover our true self.
We seldom deny another’s experience, even when we don’t share or Martha, for all the hospitality she offered to Jesus, was wounded
understand it. We take it on trust. When we become uncertain in our faith when He focussed his attention on Mary. She it was who sat in stillness
(at some point, doubt looms large in every disciple’s faith journey) we are with eyes only for God. Martha’s busyness was at the expense of sitting
invited to acknowledge God’s promises even though they appear absent at Jesus’ feet and fully engaging with Him. The challenge of distraction,
in our present and unattainable in our future. The Bible describes this when Jesus is displaced by our own ‘helpful’ ideas and the demands
human condition as stillness, remaining non-reactive whilst choosing of realising them, robs us of encounter with God and learning to live
hope. We are to rest where God has us, knowing that only God can in humble submission like Mary. Jesus reminds Martha that just one
deliver us. Peter here encourages persecuted Christians. Post-biblical thing is needed to live the Christian life, by pointing to her sister Mary.
history is also full of stories of women and men of faith who’ve been Human activity can never accomplish the work of God. However,
tested to the utmost.* Reading stories of faith-filled men and women can activity that is birthed by the Spirit through obedience offers the
encourage us in our practice of how to live every day with Jesus. conduit along which God’s grace travels.
Scripture to consider: Isa. 30:15–18; Psa. 33:4–22; Matt. 8:5–13; Heb. 11:13–40
Scripture to consider: Ps. 37:1–9; Hos. 12:1–6; Luke 10:38–42; Jas 5:7–12
An action to take: Are you willing to learn how and when to enter God’s
stillness which alone offers respite from life’s storms? A stillness that An action to take: What distracts you from sitting at the feet of Jesus? Why do
demonstrates trust in God’s promises. you feel the pressure to be active in doing God’s work? Be still and let the
Spirit empower you afresh.
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me to discover ways to remain still when trouble
seeks to destabilise and destroy me. Amen.’ A prayer to make: ‘Lord, give me the patience and understanding for sitting
quietly at Jesus’ feet and giving Him my undivided attention. Amen.’
* edwj.org/mj23-7may
TUESDAY 9 MAY Humility Presence WEDNESDAY 10 MAY
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he virtue of humility is seldom the objective of anyone’s character t is only when God is present that anything of significance can
development programme today. In our age of celebrity culture, take place. We may declare God is everywhere present, but the
most prefer the lens of life to promote their personal worthiness, question remains, is God present with us in the here and now?
and humanity’s contemporary mantra is, ‘I’m noticed, therefore I am’. Life’s a perpetual distraction from our personal encounter with God.
Whilst we might enjoy a modicum of success, we can take ourselves In our responsibilities and frivolous pursuits, we’re invited to choose
too seriously, failing to appreciate our true standing in God’s world. the degree to which God is present with us. Too often prayer appears
Humility’s heart is best expressed by John the Baptist when he the frustrating distraction from what we feel we want to do with our
declared his life purpose was to decrease so that the presence of Jesus time. Yet, time spent away from God is time lost. It is in learning how we
might increase (John 3:30). True humility acknowledges that we are might encounter God’s presence in every situation, from the mundane
part of something far larger than ourselves. to the profound, that ensures we are holding onto God’s presence in
The heartbeat of that something larger is God who, having spoken our present. Every moment is pregnant with possible new life. Will we
everything into existence, continues now to hold all things together. Only birth these divine opportunities?
a fool assumes they’re self-sufficient. Wisdom recognises that, despite We often speak of wrestling with God, yet it is God who wrestles
our wonderful gifts, our life is enhanced through the gifts of others. Jacob. God instigates the conflict, one in which Jacob is tested and
Community affords benefits we cannot secure on our own and creation through which, after a long and duplicitous life, he finally discovers
itself points towards God, the source of all existence (Rom. 1:20). We who he is; no longer Jacob, but Israel, or one with whom God contends.
struggle when we seek to make our own impact on life. We succeed Our growth in God demands that God pushes us. He is the potter
when we recognise our primary need is to submit to God. Obedience who grapples with the clay to create the perfect product. How will we
alone, hard won through our many struggles, or resisting the devil, is the respond within the conflicts, whatever form they take? How much do we
only way in which we can realise our full potential in God. The challenge want to press beyond the masks we choose to wear to ourselves, others,
is made harder by living in a culture infatuated with self-realisation. and to God, to discover who we have been created to be? Not self-
Indeed, discipleship is itself in danger of being repurposed as an actualisation but divine revelation forged through life’s many struggles.
exercise in self-actualisation, where we increase at Christ’s expense.
Scripture to consider: Mic. 6:6–8; Prov. 11:1–8; Matt. 11:25–30; Phil. 2:1–11
Scripture to consider: Gen. 17:1–22; Job 42:1–6; Matt. 26:36–46; John 1:35–42
An action to take: What obstacles do you identify in your life that prevent you
from complete obedience to God? What would help you overcome these An action to take: Where and when does God contend with you? What have
obstacles? you learnt from such struggles about who God has created you to be?
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me to submit to You when facing choices and A prayer to make: ‘Lord, in my struggles through life I pray that I discern the
resist insisting upon doing things my way. Amen.’ face of God. Amen.’
THURSDAY 11 MAY Watching Collaboration FRIDAY 12 MAY
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od invites us to join in collaborating with grace. Many are taught
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atching demands paying attention to what’s happening around that grace means, ‘God’s riches at Christ’s expense’. The treasury
us, together with the influences at play within. The first are of heaven opened to us through Jesus’ Passion. Christ becomes our
visible to others with many varied interpretations (as Job foundational principle upon which we build our life, always engaging in
endured his friends’ unsought advice). The latter are privy to us alone collaboration where we discover the best and worst of ourselves. Grace
unless we choose to share them. Even then such feelings are hard invites us to resist the bad and choose the good, or God. Collaborate
to convey in language that communicates precisely why, what, and literally means to work with. There is someone we work alongside, in this
how we are feeling. Everything we say passes through the filters of case God, and it requires personal effort. Here Paul places his emphasis
our listener, with meaning being filtered in and out according to their on the heavy lifting required of us in pursuit of holiness.
life understanding and experience. When living as primary carer for The word holy is hard to define outside its historical Christian
eighteen years I had to learn both a new language to describe my meaning of ‘consecrated’ or ‘set apart’. However, it’s related to the
feelings and find a vocabulary to describe the unfamiliar inner world concept of health and wholeness. God’s intention is that through life
that unexpectedly engulfed me. we are to emerge into the very best expression of ourselves. That
Feelings that we fail to grasp or manage will derail our life and express expression is imprinted within us, our spiritual DNA if you like, and ours
themselves with words that demolish our stability and confidence in a is the responsibility to collaborate with God in realising our wholeness
crisis of meaning and understanding. However, watching also carries – physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. These four elements
a sense of anticipation; we are waiting for something. It may be an determine our character and our outward impact in the world. During
optimistic hope that everything will work out OK in the end. Or it may be the Seder meal at Passover, the Jews drink four cups of wine, the first
better built on a narrative that enjoys clear insights into human suffering celebrates coming out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, the
whilst retaining an understanding that such troubles fit into a much second from the yoke of slavery, the third promises redemption, and
larger story. This is the Bible narrative’s role. Joseph tells his brothers he the fourth becoming one with God (Ex. 6:6–7). Like the Israelites, our
forgives them because he has understood by this point, ‘You intended to journey demands we collaborate with God to find our fullest expression
harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being of freedom in Christ.
done, the saving of many lives.’
Scripture to consider: Gen. 50:14–21; Job 13:1–19; Acts 14:21–25; Scripture to consider: Exod. 6:8–12; Isa. 58:1–5; Col. 3:1–17; 1 Thess. 4:1–12
1 Pet. 1:13–21
An action to take: How often do you pray to God to change aspects of your
An action to take: The Bible provides a very clear narrative informing us how character and behaviour but fail to invest time, energy, and sacrifice in
best to navigate life. Do you take time to read Scripture and let it guide your collaborating with God to make this a reality? Good health begins with taking
life’s path? personal responsibility for how we live.
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, thank You for Your Word. May I use it as my primary A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me to learn the art of collaboration so that I might
source for wisdom in living my life today. Amen.’ become the fullest expression of Your life on earth. Amen.’
SATURDAY 13 MAY Spiritual Houses Acknowledgement SUNDAY 14 MAY
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here are two critical ways we are instructed in our Christian he pressure of concealment is a heavy burden to carry. Our
faith. Both are aspects of the spiritual house that God is building. decision making is private unless we choose to reveal it. Adam
Every house is separated into different rooms. Jesus teaches His hid from God and discovered nowhere lies outside God’s gaze.
disciples that when we pray, we are to go into our room, shut the door Past mistakes, deceptions, and untruths depend upon our carefully
(Matt. 6:6). Personal prayer is private, a space of interaction between managed efforts to keep them hidden. Yet they’re never hidden from
a person and God. This is often a place of struggle because our active God. Jonah imagines he can run from God, yet circumstances teach
minds find it hard to rest and be still before the presence of God. him that God is with him even on the run. When we conceal things for
Therefore, I have a space devoted to prayer in our house to minimise our comfort or advantage, the consequences will be felt by others. The
distractions and remind me I’m there to pray. However, we are also sailors fight against the storm without success and eventually Jonah
temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19–20) and as such we are mobile acknowledges he is the source of their problems. It is worth noting
prayer rooms able to pause and pray anywhere by silencing ourselves their first instinct is to afford him protection, but nothing can withstand
and entering God’s presence. the purpose of God.
Peter reminds us of the second way in which we are instructed by Acknowledgement frees us from carrying secrets and empowers us
God, through active fellowship. As bricks who will reveal the presence to address the consequences now, rather than running scared of the
of God in the world, we are built together. This means the bricks day they find the light of day. We can lay down our inner burden and
around us exert pressure on us, as we will on them. This pressure enjoy a fresh start, even if it requires that we make amends or redirect
can sometimes irritate us, yet without each other we can never give our life’s course. God encourages us to confess to Him regularly,
full expression to God’s reality. There is a personal and corporate but sometimes such confessions amount to little more than sharing
expression to our life with God. Few details are given about the a secret with ourselves. There is a benefit to sharing with others by
character and nature of either space, but we need both to grow up into acknowledging the ways in which we instinctively seek to protect
maturity in Christ. Find your place in the building of God’s house as well ourselves from pain. Avoidance only increases the shame and fear we
as developing your own spiritual house. carry within. The fact that we are known completely by God helps us to
live with others, unapologetic for our ‘warts and all’.
Scripture to consider: Ps. 5:1–4 & 19:12–14; Acts 4:23–31; Col. 1:24–29 Scripture to consider: Prov. 28:9–14; Jonah 2:1–9; Jas 5:13–20; 1 John 1:5–10
An action to take: Discover ways to pray at home and on the move, and ensure An action to take: In many ways we’re discouraged from honesty fearing we
you are building alongside other disciples so that you establish a strong will appear vulnerable. However, honesty and authenticity go hand in hand,
spiritual house in your heart. so learn to be honest with God, yourself, and others.
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my A prayer to make: ‘Lord, may I find the courage to be honest with You and
heart be forever pleasing in Your sight. Amen.’ myself, also learn to be transparent with those I trust and love. Amen.’
The following week has been written by Sanctuary Ambassador Rev. Dr. John Swinton
The Prodigal Son TUESDAY 16 MAY
MONDAY 15 MAY To Care Is To Be Human
Luke 15:11–32
Genesis 2:7–15 ‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him
‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son,
Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.’ (v15) threw his arms around him and kissed him.’ (v20)
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n the book of Genesis, we are given a wonderful vision of God he story of the prodigal son illustrates the foolishness of the son
creating everything that we know. He makes the moon, the who thinks he knows best, and the grace of the father who waits
mountains, the seas, the animals, the birds, the fish. God imagines a patiently for him to return. I imagine many of us can identify with
world of diversity and beauty and creates it out of love and for love. The this story. We have all been in that distant country. We have all thought
highpoint of creation is the formation of Adam and Eve, the first two we knew better than God only to discover that God knows what God is
people whom God loved. talking about!
It is interesting to note that there are two creation stories in Genesis. Sometimes we think about this story as relating to a season of our
In Genesis 1, Adam is given dominion over the world. He is told to lives. We go through dry patches in our spirituality, and then we return
crush it, and hold it in its place. This account speaks of power, control, to the luscious fields of God’s unending love. That of course can be
and overcoming the wildness of creation. But in the second account true. But there are some days when we seem to move constantly from
of creation we find a different, gentler story. In Genesis 2, God places the distant country to the love of God and back again. As our mood
Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and to take care of it. It’s a changes, as we allow our negative thoughts to pierce through the veil
beautiful command: to care and tend for the earth. There is something of faith, we find ourselves constantly oscillating between safety and
very important here. God creates the world out of love and asks danger, peacefulness and anxiety, hopelessness and hope. That can be
humans to care for it. Human beings are called to care for the world a very difficult way to live.
and to care for one another. Caring and being cared for is built into the The story of the prodigal son reminds us that there is a still, patient
fabric of creation. centre point to our lives. We may struggle to attain consistency in
If you are someone who has come to a time in your life when you our feelings, but God always remains watchful, patiently waiting to
need to receive care, there is no shame in that. God has created us to welcome us home. Even when we feel that we are ‘a long way off’, we
receive care. It’s what humans do. You do not lose your dignity, your are assured that God still longs for us and always has compassion
worth, or your personhood. You simply come to notice an aspect of for us. That was the son’s surprise: he felt that he had abandoned his
what it means to be human that we sometimes overlook. Rejoice in father, and that he had to do something in order to return. But he didn’t
caring and rejoice in being cared for. have to do anything. He was waiting for him. God always waits for us.
Why? Because nothing can separate us from the love of God. The son
discovered that. So must we.
Scripture to consider: Deut. 5:12; John 13:3–15; Phil. 2:1–4; 1 John 4:7–12 Scripture to consider: Ps. 33; Isa. 33:2–6; Eph. 2:1–10; Titus 3:3–8
An action to take: Give someone a call today and tell them that you care for An action to take: Take some time to thank God for being patient with you.
them. Help them to feel loved.
A prayer to make: ‘Jesus, I am fragile and I often wander into the far country.
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me to care more deeply and to accept the care When I stray, remind me that You are there with me, even if it takes a little
that others offer to me with gratitude and wonder. Amen.’ time for me to get back. Amen.’
WEDNESDAY 17 MAY A Strange Journey Nothing Can Separate Us THURSDAY 18 MAY
from God’s Love
Isaiah 49 Romans 8:31–39
‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have ‘I am convinced that [nothing] will be able to
no compassion on the child she has borne? Though separate us from the love of God…’ (v38–39)
she may forget, I will not forget you!’ (v15)
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iving with dementia is not easy. It is a mixture of happiness and ometimes I feel that I just can’t go on. I feel alone, lost, empty,
joy, sadness and grief, impossibility and new possibilities. As one abandoned. It’s painful.’ I wasn’t sure how to reply to Jane
person with dementia put it: ‘It’s more of a journey than a clear path. when she said this. I had to think: where do you find hope when
Journeys are a bit messier than pathways!’ A journey is something everything seems to be hopeless? There is no easy answer to such a
we embark upon willingly or otherwise as we move from one place question. Nevertheless, the apostle Paul does give us a vital starting
to another. Journeys are unpredictable, unique, person-centred, point. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
and always open to surprises. Along the way we meet people and This deep truth is the beginning of hope. No matter where we have
encounter situations, some of which are helpful, others of which are been, no matter what we have done, God is always with us. It is certainly
not. Each encounter, every step, changes the direction and the feel of true that sometimes God feels far away. The psalmist sums up this
our journey. Some encounters can even change the meaning of our feeling of being disconnected from God when he groans: ‘Darkness is my
journey. Sometimes the destination, like the road before us, can be closest friend’ (Ps. 88:18). All of us, in different ways, know this feeling.
pretty unclear. Sometimes the journey of people living with dementia Indeed, even Jesus our Lord and our Saviour experienced feelings of
and their supporters is closer to the winter journey of a displaced deep disconnection when He cried: ‘My God, my God, why have you
refugee than an organised summer hike! Nevertheless, the key thing forsaken me?’ (Matt. 27:46). But it is important to notice that neither the
about a journey is that we are always heading towards somewhere and psalmist nor Jesus are expressing doubt. They just feel disconnected
something; not nowhere and nothing. Destination matters. from God because of the pain and suffering they are enduring.
Thinking of dementia as a journey keeps our eyes on the necessity We also might feel disconnected from God, but God is always with
to have in mind precisely what kind of destination we might desire. us. When we feel disconnected from God, we mustn’t feel ashamed
Sometimes we think that the endpoint of the journey of dementia is and others must not shame us. Jesus has felt the pain of separation,
simply death. But that is a mistake. The endpoint of the journey of and He is with us when we feel separated from God. Even in the
dementia is to live well now and in the future. Living well with dementia darkness Jesus walks with us. He understands. Today you may feel lost,
can be difficult. We need guides for our journey and people around us but be assured, Jesus is with you. He will carry you through.
who will help us to live well in difficult circumstances. There is always a
space for hope and that hope might be you.
Scripture to consider: Gen. 16; Ps. 139:7–12; John 11:17–43; 1 Pet. 5:7
An action to take: Think about the times God has felt close or distant. Use
Scripture to consider: Ps. 103:13–17; Isa. 41:8–10; 1 Cor. 13:8–13; Heb. 6:10
the words ‘nothing can separate me from God’ as a peaceful prayer that
An action to take: Watch some of the videos here and reflect on how you accompanies your reflections.
might begin to think faithfully about dementia: edwj.org/mj23-17may
A prayer to make: ‘Jesus, sometimes I can’t feel Your presence. Help me to
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, we may forget many things in life, but You never forget hold on until I can once again find You and love You. Help me to trust You
us. Help us to remember that in times of struggle. Amen.’ even in the darkness. Amen.’
FRIDAY 19 MAY The Power of Small Things Finding Peace SATURDAY 20 MAY
Matthew 13 Psalm 94
‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…’ (v31) ‘When anxiety was great within me, your
consolation brought me joy.’ (v19)
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other Teresa once observed: ‘We are not called to do e live in anxious times. Perhaps it began with the 2007 financial
extraordinary things; we are called to do ordinary things with crash when we suddenly realised that it is possible to lose
extraordinary love.’ This is the way of the heart. In the midst of everything we have in an instant. Or perhaps our anxiety began
a culture that prioritises intellect over friendship, independence over to rise due to COVID-19 and the growing realisation that we are not
community, and success over love, the suggestion that our calling is as strong, independent, and in control as we thought we were. When
to small things can seem odd. Yet when we think about it, we often something as small as a virus can wreak such havoc, we are forced
encounter our most meaningful moments in the small things. to rethink our priorities and appreciate the moments that we have
A few years ago, I was in Atlanta attending the Summer Institute for together. And then came war. Of course, war has been raging in
Disability Theology. The Institute meets every year and reflects on the many parts of the world for years. But the war in Ukraine seems to be
question: What does it mean to be profoundly disabled, to be beautiful uncomfortably close to home.
and made fully in the image of God just as you are, without having to Every day in the news we see war, pain, suffering, sadness. Many of the
change a thing? It brings together people who live with physical and ways in which we had learned to understand and cope with stress and
intellectual disabilities, theologians, philosophers, and carers. It’s one insecurity have let us down. It’s easy to feel hopeless and permanently
of my favourite spaces because it helps me to feel what it means to be anxious. And yet, in the midst of all of this, Jesus reassures us that He
included without boundaries. One afternoon I was walking along the will never leave us nor forsake us. God is love, and God’s love endures
hotel corridor when a woman whom I knew passed me in a wheelchair. forever. Recognising the presence of such love will not protect us from
She called me over. ‘John, I owe you something,’ she said. ‘What’s the horrors of the world, nor will it stop us being anxious. But it does offer
that?’ I said, ‘Money, I hope!’ She laughed, and then she began to cry. us hope and new possibilities even in the midst of our struggles.
I stood with her in silence. Eventually she said, ‘Three years ago at We are not called to be winners in the battles of this world. God will
the disability conference in Chicago I was feeling like taking my own win. We are called to be faithful to the things that God has given us to
life. Indeed, I was on my way to do it when I met you. You smiled at do: to struggle for justice, to struggle with the powers of this world, to
me. I decided not to.’ You don’t have to do much to be kind. There is a struggle for love, to struggle with our own insecurities, to struggle with
tremendous power in small gestures. A smile can save a life; a look can Jesus in the messiness of this world. There may be much darkness
shift a soul. now, but daylight is coming.
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ll of us long for friendship. We long to be loved, cared for, and reedoms are frequently demanded throughout society, but what
helped to realise that we matter. It must have been amazing for the is freedom? Most understand it as the opportunity to exercise our
disciples to hear Jesus’ words: ‘I no longer call you servants, now I will. The question arises, can one person’s will be pursued at the
call you friends.’ When these words were spoken, something profound expense of another’s? Without constraint to freedom, we invite tyranny.
happened in their lives. Suddenly their status in the world was changed History is littered with examples. Whilst God promises us the desires of
from being simply followers, to being friends of Jesus. Friends of God. our heart (Psa. 37:4), desires motivated from self-interest give us cause
What a wonderful gift! And that gift is still available today. for regret. God respects our free will and invites us to make choices.
One way in which we could describe the Church is that we are a Yet, there’s no guarantee such choices will be beneficial to us or
community of the friends of God. Of course, we don’t always live up society without regard for God’s constraints, which ensure wellbeing at
to our God-given status as friends of Jesus. During the pandemic, a personal and social level.
when we were only allowed out for an hour’s worth of exercise every Peter declares, ‘do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil’,
day, I met one of my neighbours for the first time. Mary was in her and we know evil is anything that opposes itself to God. Our freewill
eighties and rarely left her house. She said something to me that I choices all too easily direct us away from God out of self-interest.
will never forget: ‘They are talking about social distancing. It feels like Self is itself opposed to God for we are invited to surrender entirely to
people have been socially distancing from me for years! It has taken God’s will. In inviting us to love God and neighbour as the two essential
a pandemic for people to start to notice me and knock on my door to core principles for Christian living, no action that proves detrimental
see that I’m OK.’ I felt convicted. I claimed to be a friend of Jesus, but I to my neighbour can be sanctioned as godly. How then are we to live?
wasn’t acting like one. Simply by choosing to live by God’s Word and entrusting outcomes that
Jesus’ friendships were always for the marginalised, the outcast, will appear disadvantageous to our welfare into God’s hands. Self-
the sinner, the lonely, the Marys of this world. To be a friend of Jesus surrender demands death to self, as Paul reminds us, ‘The life I now
requires that we (all of us together) reach out in Christlike friendship live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave
to those who are ignored and forgotten by society. In a world that himself for me’ (Gal. 2:20).
craves friendship and love, the question that must guide our lives is
deceptively simple: What would Jesus do?
Scripture to consider: Ezek. 24:15–27; Luke 9:18–26; Eph. 4:17–32; Col. 3:1–17
Scripture to consider: Exod. 33:7–11; Isa. 58; 1 Cor. 12:12–27; Jas 2:23
An action to take: Today as human rights compete against each other; how do
An action to take: Take some time today to think about people in your you take decisions in exercising your freedom? Do you consider yourself a
neighbourhood who need the friendship of Jesus. Offer it to them. faithful slave of Christ?
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, thank You for friendship. Help us to honour the A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me to take up my cross daily and follow You in
status of being friends of Jesus and work with You to bring love, hope, and every eventuality of my life. Amen.’
friendship to our neighbours. Amen.’
TUESDAY 23 MAY Freedom Mood Music WEDNESDAY 24 MAY
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od invites us to get to know Him as our friend. Many of us live with
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constant anxiety that the choices we make may not please God. here are seasons when we experience one setback after another.
We live with an uncertainty about the nature of our friendship with Our patience is tested and our trust in God challenged. Trust can
Him. All friendships develop over time. We discover through experience either wither and fail when put to the test, or we can choose to
– getting things right and wrong – how friendships grow and fail. Too keep faith until there is some undeniable evidence that trust has been
often the narrative of what went wrong in a relationship has a far broken. With God this is more challenging since God is not constrained
greater impact in shaping us than those things that went well. This can by the laws that govern our humanity. We all too quickly believe the
harden our hearts, lead to self-centredness and a preference for rules worst and not the best. We anticipate disaster in difficult times rather
by which to establish and navigate our relationships. than nurture an optimistic outlook. Indeed, our temperament too often
Jesus reveals there are no rules apart from loving God and sets the tone and allows our feelings to dictate our response. Who
neighbour. When we seek to justify ourselves against a benchmark of hasn’t lived to regret statements made in haste when hurt?
rules it’s a sure indication that we’ve taken our eyes off Jesus. Refusal Choosing to keep trust with God when our desires remain unmet,
to sin is not because sin is wrong, for sin is usually highly attractive. and disaster threatens, proves difficult for everyone. With rising prices,
We refuse to sin because with our gaze fixed on Christ, we weather the global destabilisation, and our resulting inner fears, it takes courage
storm of acute temptation and choose God over personal indulgence to keep faith with God. We must turn to the encouragement we find
and immediate gratification. We sacrifice our self in preference to in fellowship with others in the same boat and the testimony of those
loving God. Discipleship is learning to attend to the Holy Spirit in our who have gone before us, whose stories are found in the Bible and in
lives. The precise temptations that pressure us are unique for every the Church’s history. Nothing can effectively prepare us for life, we
individual. But the same Spirit leads each of us through our wilderness meet success and adversity, anticipated and unanticipated, and only
encounter with the Devil (temptation) teaching us to recognise, then at the moment of impact can we discover the courage, or the frame of
choose our true destiny in God. Every disciple’s journey is unique, just mind to cope, as well as the resilience to turn apparent disaster into
as we are each a unique expression of God on earth. opportunity. Faith is crafted from the raw material of life experience.
We can find ways to turn crisis into our launching pad for growth.
Scripture to consider: Judg. 16:1–22; 1 Kgs 16:29–33; 1 Cor. 6:12–20 & 10:23–33 Scripture to consider: Job 1:8–22; Hab. 3:16–19; Eph. 3:7–21; Jas 1:2–8
An action to take: Do you have the courage to go in search of God and live by An action to take: One really good book that has helped many in crisis is,
paying attention to what God says to you and grow in your unique friendship Bouncing Forward by Michaela Haas, PhD (Enliven Books, 2015).*
with Him? A prayer to make: ‘Lord, like a muscle, develop my resilience through each and
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, teach me to pay close attention to You as together we every storm in life I face. Amen.’
establish a life changing friendship together. Amen.’ * edwj.org/mj23-17may
THURSDAY 25 MAY God’s Will Worship FRIDAY 26 MAY
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hat is God’s will? A question that can easily be misunderstood.
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For example, ‘Deus vult’ (‘God wills it’) was first chanted during evotion means both to worship and to serve. Moses presents
the First Crusade in 1096 as a rallying cry, but on reflection God’s demand to Pharoah that the Israelites be permitted to go to
the Crusades do not present a positive expression of God’s will.* worship God. Pharoah refuses but neither he nor Moses and the
Clearly the entire Bible sets out what pleases God, addressing both Israelites are aware of the consequences. Today we can limit worship
unseen attitudes and visible actions. However, individual readers must to gathering together to sing. We have recognised worship leaders,
consider prayerfully how best they are to live out their understanding. usually musicians. Yet, worship is much more and reveals the degree
One reason we’re encouraged to gather regularly as Christians is so to which we choose to serve God regardless of the, often unknown,
that we might engage in conversations about how best to serve God consequences. Moses’ request creates tougher working conditions for
through our lives in this world (Heb. 10:24–25). the Israelites. Indeed, their exodus journey leads into the wilderness
We experience great pressure from others about what our Christian and the discovery that service, or worship, demands sacrifice.
discipleship is meant to look like. Yielding to such pressures may make Intention, action, and perseverance interact in true worship.
us feel uncomfortable, for they fail to reflect our own certainties and Our intention is always glorifying God (Ps. 19). This can only be
doubts. There’s no practical handbook on how to live as a disciple. achieved through obedience, which means to listen and to hear.
As society changes, reflecting God’s intentions in our context is also Worship is hearing God and acting on what we hear, and Moses
subject to constant review and adjustments. Social history reveals demonstrates how challenging this can be (Exod. 3–4). Yet, he obeys
significant changes in human behaviour within our own lifetimes. The God and returns to Egypt as God’s answer to the Israelites’ prayers
Christian life is never static, forged into final form with nothing more for help. Initially agreeing to Moses’ proposal (Exod. 4:29–31), they
demanded than obedient repetition. Rather, it’s a dynamic, organic ‘believed and worshipped’ as a sign of their obedience (Exod. 4:31)
life source offering us hope within the overwhelming and changing without knowing what such an act of worship would require of them.
demands life places upon us. The Creator has not stopped creating When we set out on the path of discipleship we agree to walk at God’s
and invites us to be His co-creators on earth with him. I’m reminded of pace in service of God’s objectives. No longer slaves to realise a
Youth for Christ’s motto, ‘Geared to the times, anchored to the Rock’.** tyrant’s ambitions, but always servants to God’s purpose. This will test
our patience and ability to persist through every eventuality.
Scripture to consider: Job 38; Psa. 135:3–7; 1 Cor. 8:5–13; Heb. 2:1–4,14–18
An action to take: Discipleship is a process of maturing spiritually; it is the Scripture to consider: Ps. 51:15–17; Isa. 58:6–14; 1 Cor. 10:1–13; 1 Thess. 2:1–16
journey of spiritual formation. Where are you on your journey, and how is
God guiding you? An action to take: Examine your life and reflect on how well you accept God’s
intention, build on that as the basis for your life’s journey, and endure the
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, help me carefully to read Scripture and learn how
tests of life experience.
best to express its truth in the context in which I live. Amen.’
*Gesta Francorum edwj.org/mj23-18may A prayer to make: ‘Lord, I believe but help me with my unbelief, often the result
** edwj.org/mj23-18may of fear when I find my life is uncomfortable and uncertain. Amen.’
SATURDAY 27 MAY Value Devotion SUNDAY 28 MAY
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scar Wilde wrote, ‘Nowadays people know the price of everything evotion is an action. It requires movement towards its object.
and the value of nothing.’ People are too materialistic to recognise Where once the Temple stood in Jerusalem and housed the
something’s true value.* Writing at the height of ‘The Age of presence of God, today we are ourselves each a temple of God’s
Materialism’, Wilde challenged the belief that nothing can exist beyond presence (1 Cor. 6:19–20). The temple now moves with us for we are
matter, something tangible rather than spiritual. Disciples living in the God’s tabernacle. Whilst God’s Spirit dwells within us, it remains
aftershock of a material age sustained through consumerism are in our purpose and responsibility to seek God. Always present, we are
danger of placing meaning and confidence in material reality alone. too often distracted from recognising His presence with us. Just as
What cannot be handled, measured, or empirically demonstrated is we mature physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are to mature
non-existent. Yet, Jesus commended the merchant for going in search spiritually. If our testimony gets stuck at the point where we first
of the unseen. We might argue that the pearl is material once found, consciously acknowledged God, we shall never discover the full riches
and worth a lot of money providing the merchant with expensive of God’s grace (Eph. 2:6–7).
material comforts in return for his risk. Our own internal fracture born of life experience will pressure us to
But the pearl is a metaphor for Christ, reminding us that the intangible look within ourselves and to present to the world who in our eyes we
has a reality worthy of the seeker’s endeavours. The inner yearning we might assume society expects us to be. This failure to turn our eyes
have for a greater encounter with God faces powerful pressures from away from ourselves and look only to Jesus will leave us self-conscious
a world constructed on the foundations of materialism and quantifying and defined by self-comparison with others. Then there’s the external
success, even significance, in the accumulation of wealth. Scripture pressures created by all forms of media. If these become the focus of
reminds us we leave this world as we entered it, empty handed (Eccl. our attention, they can only feed unreal ambition and desire which lead
5:15). As Martin Luther King Jr. suggests, ‘The ultimate measure of a us away from God. We carry God’s Spirit within us, but we must make
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, the conscious decision to direct our gaze in His direction alone and
but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Nothing trust in who He moulds us into and where and when He chooses to
worthwhile is easy. Your ability to overcome unfavourable situations lead us in our life.
will provide you with time to demonstrate your true strength and
determination for success.’**
Scripture to consider: Deut. 4:21–31; Jer. 29:4–14; Matt. 6:25–34; Jas 4:1–10
Scripture to consider: Ps. 121 & 130; 2 Cor. 13:1–11; Phil. 4:1–9
An action to take: Like the merchant, are you prepared to forsake all else and
go in pursuit of Jesus, the Pearl of great price? What first steps will you take?
An action to take: Where are your eyes focussed? On how you appear to
others? On your personal ambitions and desires? Or on the Lord and His
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, I choose to go in search of fresh encounters with You purpose in and through your life?
every day. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear in my pressured life. Amen.’
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, have mercy on me as I face the challenge of moving
*The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) deeper into Your love whilst always tempted by the fruit of this world’s
**Strength to Love (1963)
deceptive riches. Amen.’
MONDAY 29 MAY Get Building Prayer Track MAY – JUN 2023
WELCOME TO PRAYER TRACK, offering you key prayer points each week to
Haggai 1:2–6 help you join hundreds of others in praying for the world, our Christian family
‘Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your panelled worldwide and issues closer to home.
houses, while this house remains a ruin?’ (v4)
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here is a church in Newport, Isle of Wight which was built by the 1 May – 7 May THE ROYAL FAMILY 8 May – 14 May ENTAL HEALTH
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direction of a man who read these verses and took them to heart. “For kings and all who are in high MONTH
He had just finished work on his own home and came across these positions, that we may lead a peaceful “Come to me, all you who are weary
and quiet life, godly and dignified in every and burdened, and I will give you
verses in Haggai and realised his church needed updating. In fact, the
way.” 1 Timothy 2:2 rest.” Matthew 11:28
church ended up with a new building in a different location in town.
The message of this prophecy is about priorities. It was given when the • The Royal Family have had a turbulent • As we focus on Mental Health Month in
few years. Pray for reconciliation. Pray May, pray that God would draw close
people of God had returned to the land of Judah but not given sufficient
that rifts will be overcome and that hurt to the broken-hearted. Pray for those
attention to rebuilding the temple that had been destroyed by the feelings will be healed. whose mental health is ailing at the
Babylonians who sent the bulk of the people into exile. moment.
There is a clear application to local church communities who • Thank God for the historic, durable and
have premises, but if your church chooses to use a local school or
ongoing service of the Royal Family to • Many of us will know someone who is
support charitable causes and progress struggling. Pray for God to give us the
community hall, the application works. The two primary places we diplomacy. right words to say to a person who is
discover our priorities are the diary and the bank balance: how you suffering and pray for opportunities to
spend your time and your treasure. God asks that you dedicate both
• As we approach the coronation of King have healing conversations.
Charles III, pray blessings over his reign
fully to Him. ahead and bless the Queen Consort in • For those in the grip of their struggles,
Now some get confused: this won’t mean that all your time and her role. pray that they will make a step towards
breakthrough this month - whether that’s
treasure will go on ‘church stuff’. That would be to fall for the myth of • Pray for King Charles III as he upholds a chat with a friend, a renewed mindset,
the sacred-secular divide. It is all to be for God, but does your treasure the position of Defender of the Faith, or seeing a counsellor for the first time.
have you or do you have treasure? Whether we use the Old Testament and Supreme Governor of the Church
practise of 10% or select a regular amount from our giving from our of England. Pray for his faith and his • For some people, a short course can
spiritual health. help them understand their feelings.
income is a matter for each of us to discern. These verses encourage Pray that Waverley Abbey College’s
us to make sure that we get our priorities right, like an Isle of Wight online short courses will be a blessing
WEEKEND
elder many years ago! for somebody who needs guidance in
Father God – thank you for the their struggles at the moment.
celebrations this week as we enjoy
the coronation of the King Charles
III. We pray that our nation will come WEEKEND
together not only for this weekend, Heavenly Father – As we focus
Scripture to consider: 2 Sam. 23:13–17; Mal. 3:8–12; 1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:1–14 but for his entire reign. May it be a on Mental Health Awareness this
reign of stability, peace and progress. month, we pray for an increase in
An action to take: Have a look at your bank balance and diary and imagine you Amen. understanding and empathy for
were trying to assess whether your faith matters. What would you conclude? mental health issues in society and
within the Church. We pray that those
A prayer to make: ‘Teach me, Lord, how to leave everything with you and enjoy
suffering will find respite and a path
the peace that comes from a life lived for your glory. Amen.’
to full healing, and we pray for those • While the numbers of people relying on people. Pray for the safety of the people Pray that their studies will help them to
supporting them to be filled with food banks increases, pray for energy for who continue to protest. integrate their faith into their vocations.
patience, love, hope and kindness. the teams of people who run food banks Some of these students will work in
Amen. in your local area. • MYANMAR: Pray for humanitarian politics and we pray that their leadership
assistance to reach all the people who style will be notably Christ-like.
15 May – 21 May EXAM SEASON
• Pray for a change in circumstances for have been displaced since the coup in
the people that need to use food banks. February 2021.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself Pray financial blessings over them. WEEKEND
give you peace at all times and in • AFGHANISTAN: Pray for the women Father God – We pray for our leaders
every way. The Lord be with all of you.” • Pray that all those who receive Every and girls affected by the Taliban regime. and pray that they will be guided by
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Day with Jesus at the food bank will Pray that they will not lose hope in their Your hand in their decisions. Please
experience spiritual refreshment through education and their role in society. give them divine insight into how to
• Students across the country are the daily readings. Pray that people will
preparing for exams. Ask God to defend encounter Jesus for the first time. • Lift up all the people around the world run the country and how to deal with
diplomatic relations. Amen.
students from anxiety and unhealthy affected by conflict. Pray for the safety
levels of stress at this time. • Thank God for the volunteers who serve of refugees who have had to flee their
in food banks and for the donations homeland. Pray for healing for people 12 June – 18 June FAMILIES
• Pray for success that exceeds received. who have suffered so much. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not
expectations for the students sitting
exams. • Pray blessings over the food that is envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
prepared from food banks. WEEKEND
• Pray that these exams will open up Lord Almighty – We pray for an end • Lift up those families struggling with
new paths, and they will be a means for to wars. We pray that instigators of finances at the moment. Pray for a
students to find their calling. WEEKEND
war will repent. Give new hearts to breakthrough in their situation and
Abba, Father – Thank you for the people set on violence. May the fruits
• Pray peacefulness and clarity over the provision of food banks, and for the of the spirit abound in the lives of
pray that the parents will not be over-
students during their exam sittings. generosity of the people who run burdened with stress.
leaders with power, so that war is no
them and donate. We pray for a world
• We lift up all the students at Waverley of greater equality in which nobody
longer an option. Amen. • As Father’s Day approaches, each of us
Abbey College, and pray that the will have different experiences of Father
is reliant on food banks. Until we get figures. Pray that we all feel a greater
consolidation of their learning will take there, we pray that you will keep the 5 June – 11 June GOVERNMENT
them into fulfilling faith-filled roles. awareness of the loving Father heart of
workers enthusiastic about helping “For the one in authority is God’s servant,
God this week.
others and we pray that many people for your good” Romans 13:4
• Pray that policy-makers will be guided by • to bring to mind ways you can show your
WEEKEND will be blessed by the donations. Amen Thank God for your family and ask God
Lord Jesus – draw close to all the God’s voice as they make decisions and
students during exam season. May 29 May – 4 June OUNTRIES IN
C love for them this week.
draft new policy.
they know that their identity is in you, CONFLICT
and not in results. And give them • Pray for the Government’s negotiations • Family life is not always plain sailing. Pray
“We are afflicted in every way, but not for stability in any fault lines that have
clarity and focus to do their best and crushed; perplexed, but not driven to with public service workers. Pray that emerged in family bonds and pray that
journey with you to the next stage of despair; persecuted, but not forsaken” frustrations around pay and working courage and love will weld them together.
their careers. Amen. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 conditions can be resolved satisfactorily.
22 May – 28 May FOOD BANKS • UKRAINE: Pray that Russian troops • Lift up those Christians in Government. WEEKEND
would retreat from Ukraine and that the Pray that they will be able to live out
Abba, Father – As we turn to Father’s
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, fighting and tensions will cease. their faith in their work and influence
Day this Sunday, we thank you for the
I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I Government for good. father figures in our lives. But most of
was a stranger and you welcomed me” • IRAN: Pray for diplomatic efforts to
Matthew 25:35 succeed in Iran and bring an end to • Pray for students on the Leadership all we seek to strengthen our bond
with You, Heavenly Father whose love
the unrest, and executions of their own courses at Waverley Abbey College.
is unconditional and unfailing. Amen.
19 June – 25 June INTERNATIONAL
FOCUS
collaboratively to reduce the effects Begin to Work TUESDAY 30 MAY
of greenhouse gases and CO2
“I have said these things to you, that in emissions. Guide world leaders in this
me you may have peace. In the world you monumental effort. Amen.
will have tribulation. But take heart; I have Haggai 1:13–15
overcome the world.” John 16:33 ‘They came and began to work on the house of
26 June – 2 July PRISONS the Lord Almighty, their God...’ (v 14b)
In this international focus, we lift up “The Lord hears the needy and does not
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those countries most affected by climate despise his captive people.” Psalm 69:33
change. Pray for worldwide interventions hat is the very first spiritual gift mentioned in the Bible?
to help combat the effects of climate • Many prisoners have received free We might think prophecy or teaching or maybe performing
change. copies of Every Day with Jesus and
miracles? You may not think of Bezalel, who is given the gift of
Topz. Pray that they will get to know
• Bangladesh: As sea levels rise, many Jesus through the pages of these Bible craftsmanship to build the tabernacle! It is of course vitally important
coastal communities in Bangladesh are notes. that word-based gifts are utilised in the Church but, in the prophecy of
at serious risk of devastating floods. Pray Haggai, the word to rebuild the temple had already been given.
for a change in rising sea levels and pray • Pray for the chaplains who work in The people needed to be prepared to execute the command. We
for the people already displaced from prisons. Pray that prisoners will see
Bangladesh. Jesus through their interactions with read how the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, Joshua and the
chaplains, and be restored. whole people to come to work on the House the Lord. And this is true
• Haiti: has lost 98% of its forests, making of so much of Christian ministry. Take a look at many of the activities in
the country even more vulnerable to • Thank God for the stories that arose
complex emergencies. Pray for radical during Prison Week. Stories were filled your local church. For a start, someone has to clean the building so that
replanting and a return of forestry in the with gratitude, love, renewal and a new attendees are not distracted by dirt or litter or dirty crockery. Someone
country. awareness that they are loved by God. has ensured that the items in the church function so that you can hear
• Chad: With increasing temperatures, • Pray for the prison guards. It’s often a who speaks and sings and the technology enables any audio-visual
90% of Lake Chad has disappeared over difficult job. Pray that there is respect communication to be smooth. If food is involved, someone has cooked
the last 50 years. Pray for a miraculous and understanding between guards and
it or bought it and put it on display, and any crockery used will no doubt
rebalancing of Chad’s climate that’s prisoners and that the authority of the
vulnerable to both drought and flooding. guards is protected. need to be washed up. You won’t often have a warm fuzzy feeling when
you engage in such activities, but they are a vital part of the ministry. If
• Kenya: Droughts have caused crops to this is your work, sense God’s smile on you and, if this isn’t your work,
fail in Kenya. Pray that rain will be more WEEKEND
regular and that the soil will return to Lord God – We remember those make sure you value those whose work behind the scenes to enable so
fertile conditions. people in prison and pray for their much good to happen.
spiritual lives. We pray that they
will meet You in new ways, through
WEEKEND Scripture, through chaplains or
Lord Almighty – we pray for collective through hearing Your voice. Bring
action against climate change. We Your love into their lives. Amen.
pray for countries worldwide to act
Scripture to consider: Exod. 31:1–10; Neh. 3:1–32; Rom. 12:3–8; 1 Thess. 2:7–12
An action to take: Are there things that need doing in the church that you
could assist with and volunteer for?
waverleyabbeytrust.org For inspiration on how to develop a life of prayer why not
download our free Pathway Into Prayer resource: A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, God, for those who make a church happen
Tel: 01252 784700
behind the scenes. May they feel valued by us and know that they are loved
Email: [email protected] wvly.org/pdf-resources
by You. Amen.’
WEDNESDAY 31 MAY Looking the Right Way Living Eternally THURSDAY 1 JUNE
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hroughout the 1980s, Rollen Stewart travelled 60,000 miles a hen it comes to this famous verse, perhaps the major
year as a full-time spectator, living out of his car, and using TV’s misunderstanding comes with those two words ‘eternal life’.
obsession with sport to promote his faith. In doing so, he made These have typically been understood to be life after death, but
John 3:16 a fixture of professional sporting events. He would hoist in the Gospel of John it refers to the life of God experienced in the here
a sign or sport a T-shirt showing the lettering ‘John 3:16’. If it was a and now which we enter into through faith in Jesus, and this is a life that
football game, he would try to find a seat behind the goalposts. For will go beyond the grave.
basketball and baseball, behind the backboard or home plate, and in Eternal living is for today, and by faith we can enjoy our days with
golf, behind the tee of the leading players. A portable, battery-operated God. It won’t be complete fullness of life in God until we die of course,
television showed him where the camera was pointing. but we can seek His goodness now to flood our every moment.
We cannot know whether this bore fruit, but few would question It has been said that Christianity is not so much about getting us into
his choice of verse, for it is the best known in the whole Bible. Many heaven as getting heaven into us.
have called it ‘the gospel in a nutshell’, and it is a pleasing summary, Jesus would later give us a definition of ‘eternal life’ recorded in
including as it does God’s love for humanity, what He does and why John 17:3. It is about knowing God personally. When we have that kind
it’s necessary. of interactive relationship, it is so much more wonderful than the sense
But Stewart, and any reading the verse, need to see its context. that ‘it’s all going to be OK one day’. We can know God in the here and
Earlier verses see the cross in the light of a serpent raised in the Old now. There is nothing to wait for. Doesn’t that brighten up what you
Testament. All who look at the serpent would live, and so we have the have planned?
cross today as a symbol of God the Son lifted in shame, but also in
victory. One hymn picks up on this and includes the line, ‘there is life for
a look at the crucified one’. You don’t need to sit an exam, accomplish
some great physical feat. You just need to respond in the way God
requires to what He has himself provided for you today. Look to the
cross of Jesus.
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he best-known verse in the Bible includes, of course, a word that erse 16 of John chapter 3 is so famous that we can easily forget
is much contested and which many do not wish to consider. The the verse which follows. But verse 17 underlines for many
flipside to eternal life is of course to perish. sceptical about the Christian faith what God is really like.
Traditionally, this has been understood as ‘going to hell’, seen as an Many assume God is indeed keen to ‘condemn’, but John is clear
eternal place of pain for those who will not believe. It is also possible to that the opposite is true. Yes, we are faced with the challenge of our
understand this in the sense that a tyre might perish and be no longer sinful humanity which requires judgement and condemnation. But
fit for purpose. Those who refuse to believe do not fulfil all that God the whole of Scripture outlines God’s redeeming plan which centres
intends for them and become effectively useless, however much they on the coming of Jesus. Peter had listened to his Master and reminds
think they may accomplish. his readers: ‘He [God] is patient with you not wanting anyone to
‘Perish’ might also refer to the end time ‘death’, meaning they cease perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9b). But this
to exist at all. However, we understand the word, it is not a good ‘will’ is not something God enforces, and here we see the divine
outcome. We may not wish to consider such things, but God is warning mystery of God allowing humans to choose their own way. As C.S.
us that there are two outcomes. His love was such that He sent His Lewis said: ‘If we don’t say “Your will be done”, then finally God says
beloved Son so that the better outcome might be ours. You were made to us “your will be done”’.
for God and for purpose and can enjoy all that He has for you as you So, we have some work to do in helping those who are confused
live your time. This saves you from a life that can become so short about who God is and what He is like. Our role is to share the love,
sighted that it is unable to see the glory that could be enjoyed and the goodness and grace of God, and His willingness to be our friends and
adventure with God by our sides. lead us in abundant living.
Scripture to consider: Isa. 14:12–27; Ezek. 33:10–20; 2 Pet. 2:13–22; Scripture to consider: Exod. 15:1–18; 2 Sam. 22:1–20; Luke 4:14–21;
Rev. 22:12–21 1 John 3:1–10
An action to take: List the ways in which a day you have spent recently was An action to take: Think of the times when you have assumed that God was
better because you knew God. looking to condemn you or others. Replace that thought with the truth of
John 3:17.
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that I am not condemned to a useless
existence, wondering what my life is about, but can know the joy of eternal A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, for Your good purposes for me and all
life today. Amen.’ humanity. Amen.’
SUNDAY 4 JUNE Stay Connected Remaining in the Vine MONDAY 5 JUNE
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ines were, of course, very common within Israel, and it is possible ou may have heard the idea of ‘marginal gains’, often used when
that Jesus chose this metaphor because the disciples were it comes to sporting endeavour, where a 1% improvement over a
passing by a vine as they were leaving the upper room (see 14:31). competitor can bring success. Christians too are looking for the
Jesus calls Himself ‘the true vine’, contrasted with the people of God ‘secret’ that will help them stay on track.
in the Old Testament who were seen as ‘a vine’ (see Isa. 5:1–7). Sadly, The secret (if there is one) is our connection to Jesus, which allows
God did not find in His people the fruit that He sought, hence Jesus fruit to grow. Jesus speaks of ‘remaining in’ His love by obeying His
being the ‘true one’. commands, and this seems to be the way we show our connection.
Jesus tells His disciples that they are to be branches within this vine. We can push the metaphor too far. Disobedience doesn’t disconnect
The metaphor of being branches within Christ and growing in Christ is us from Him, unless in extreme cases where we might deny the faith
clear. Just as a grape will naturally grow from a healthy vine, so Jesus’ completely. It is vital that we remain in the vine if we are to be fruitful
followers can know fruit from their secure connection. Indeed, Jesus ourselves. Jesus is clear that without Him we can do nothing. We might
makes it clear that there is no alternative if we are to bear fruit that like to believe that our own efforts can do quite a lot. But Jesus isn’t
pleases the Father: ‘apart from me you can do nothing’. impressed.
The fruit is not defined, and most suggest that it includes all the It is hard to obey Jesus’ commands if we don’t know what they are!
outcomes that flow from our prayers. If you are a Christian, you can Regular reading of Scripture and meditating on it will enable you to be
expect to see fruit. Your prayers are heard by God. They are in His fruitful in His service. Why would you not want to be as fruitful as you
‘pending tray’ as you read this. They may result in ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘wait’. can be? None of us is perfect in what we do for God, but as we lean
He is pleased to bless you and see His ways known in and through you, on Him and look to Him for our salvation, we will make those marginal
and for you to know joy in seeing your prayers answered. gains.
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he words in verse 16 of our passage for today are some of the most he second letter to the Corinthians is one of Paul’s most personal
extraordinary words in the whole of the New Testament! They letters. He will later outline why the church could trust him as
are abused by many who think they offer carte blanche to claim an apostle. But at the very start he shares how tough he has
whatever we like. The key phrase to note is ‘in my name’. A son may be found Christian ministry and says that he and his companions were
given access to his dad’s business account to transact family business. overwhelmed and despaired of life itself. One commentary puts it like
As long as it’s ‘in the name of the business’ he can draw on the account this: ‘We were weighed down beyond what is credible, even beyond
with the dad’s approval. It’s not for frivolous spending or personal what any natural strength could support.’*
whims, but to ensure that Dad’s work is profitable. Remember this is the same apostle who encourages us to ‘rejoice
The disciple of Jesus is given access to the riches of heaven. always, and give thanks in all circumstances’. But here he admits that
Through prayer we can draw upon the account and see God’s kingdom there are times when it would seem he doesn’t want to keep going. Life
grow. can sometimes be very, very tough. At such times we might feel that we
There is no formula for seeing prayers answered and knowing what are letting the side down by not being able to be as cheery as we would
is ‘in His name’ and what isn’t. Many have thought: ‘God is bound to like. I have a friend who had a severe period of burnout who now takes
do that’ only to be disappointed. This is not a magical incantation but a an anti-depressant every day. He is still trusting in God and believes in
confidence that Jesus is able to intervene into our world. He may have God’s provision through medication. Don’t be fooled by some Christian
a bigger and higher purpose in not granting what we ask, or may be groups who claim that any mental health issue as a result of a lack of
delaying for maximum benefit! faith. Of course, in some cases it may be that an individual could use
But these disciples were about to lose their Master and would recall some faith building, but we think nothing of using medical assistance
these words as they faced seemingly insurmountable problems. You for an injury to a limb and so needn’t worry if we need medication for an
too can take comfort that, whatever you face, Jesus is able. Are you issue connected to our mind. If you are under pressure today, it’s OK.
prepared to trust Him to work things out? God’s people always have been and you will come through it.
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here are some people who think that there are contradictions
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he apostle Paul had many who worked with him, but it wasn’t in the Bible. There do appear to be some, but often one or both
always smooth, and Luke records how Paul was convinced that passages that seem to contradict are being interpreted wrongly.
John Mark was a liability because he hadn’t stayed with them One of the most obvious apparent contradictions is verses 4 and 5
on a previous trip. The text talks of a ‘sharp disagreement’ which of Proverbs 26. You will notice that the verses seem to say the exact
caused them to part company. The word used implies ‘a provocation opposite: the start of verse 4 contradicts the one following!
which literally jabs (cuts) someone so they must respond’! Such is the The answer to this conundrum is simple. The Book of Proverbs
disagreement that Paul and Barnabas did not travel together again. was never intended to be a list of commands or a list of things
Barnabas takes his cousin John Mark and Paul takes Silas. that will necessarily always happen. They are a collection of wise
It is important to note that the book of Acts is descriptive and not sayings which outline what will generally be true. The compiler of the
prescriptive. Just because something happened in Acts does not Proverbs, probably Solomon, is not so foolish as to miss the apparent
mean that God is pleased with it! It may be that you have had a sharp contradiction. But he has placed verses 4 and 5 together to underline
disagreement with someone in your church fellowship or network of that there will be occasions where verse 4 is the best course of action
friends. It is always sad when this happens and if you can repair things and other occasions where verse 5 is the approach to take.
you need to do so. But this is not always possible, as Paul and Barnabas People who try to read the whole Bible as a list of rules will fall foul.
found. It was some years before there was a resolution. Paul later Of course some parts are direct commands which we follow to the
mentions that John Mark was with him (Col. 4:10), suggesting that he letter; other parts need to be read in the light of the New Testament
was ‘back on the team’. and the coming of Jesus, which makes some commands obsolete or in
We will never get on with absolutely everyone and, providing we need of adjustment. And for many parts of Scripture, we need to look
always put out the welcome mat in our minds and hearts, we need to be to God to give us wisdom to discern how to respond. Scripture reading,
able to press ahead, moving on from relationships that haven’t worked as life itself, requires the work of the Spirit to help us navigate. And this
and knowing that God can bless these other people as He can bless goes for answering fools!
us. And in John Mark’s case, he would go on to write one of the four
Gospels. So, if you have to part ways, don’t write the person off too soon!
Scripture to consider: 2 Kgs 5:15–27; John 13:18–30: 2 Tim. 4:9–18 Scripture to consider: 1 Sam. 25:1–44; Ps. 14; John 13:18–30
An action to take: If you have had a painful disagreement, attempt to resolve An action to take: Next time you are unsure how to respond to a foolish
it. If you can’t, move on! comment, ask for God’s help in a quick prayer.
A prayer to make: ‘Help me to know how best to tackle disagreements that A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, for Your daily presence as I seek to live
come up. Amen.’ wisely. Help me to seek Your direction today. Amen.’
SATURDAY 10 JUNE A Good Start Popular Parable SUNDAY 11 JUNE
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he understanding that Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings his is one of the best-known parables but is typically given an
and not a series of laws is especially important when we come to inaccurate name! It is true that ‘The Prodigal Son’ title does cover
interpreting today’s verse. This verse has sadly been a source of some elements of the story. The son calls for his inheritance
great dismay for many Christians who assume that if their child strays to be given to him by his father, wastes it and returns home keen to
away from God, especially later in life, then it must be due to the start make amends, only to be wonderfully restored to his position as son.
they gave them. It is always sad when a child moves away from the faith The context is Jesus’ welcome to tax collectors and sinners in verse
they had embraced in their youth, but especially if the parent or carer 1, and the way He is criticised for this by the religious leaders of the
is facing the burden of thinking that they did something wrong. But day. In Jesus’ parable, the younger son represents the tax collectors
once again, if we understand Proverbs correctly we won’t reach this and sinners, who are welcomed into God’s kingdom. The eldest son
erroneous conclusion. represents the religious leaders. The eldest son is clearly angry that
The verse says that we are wise to try to train our children in the his brother is given such an easy time and remonstrates with his father.
Christian faith and that generally this training will stay with them. But, of Perhaps the key line in the whole parable is the father’s comment
course, there are no guarantees, and some of the finest Bible teachers ‘everything I have is yours!’
and pastors have known their children drifting away from the faith. If The eldest son had been slaving away as if he was a hired hand,
this applies to us, we can pray to God, safe in the knowledge that the not enjoying being a son and so is angry that’s this brother is enjoying
departure is not necessarily because of something we have done. And the benefits of sonship. The Pharisees must have realised that Jesus
even if we have made mistakes, thankfully these can be forgiven, and was speaking of their own ungenerous attitude to those entering the
God will certainly not hold them against us, but in His grace and mercy kingdom.
will respond and be at work for good. Don’t despair; keep loving and And whilst we know the outcome for the younger son, the fate of the
praying and caring, and see what God will do. eldest son is left hanging. We do not know if he was reconciled to the
Father. If you sense you have moved into ‘hired hand’ mode, maybe it’s
time to remember that all the Father has is yours, and live as a rich son
of the King of kings.
Scripture to consider: 1 Sam. 8:1–3; Prov. 1:8–19; Luke 2:41–52; Eph. 6:1–4 Scripture to consider: Isa. 61:1–3; Mic. 6:1–8; Matt. 21:28–32; Luke 14:15–24
An action to take: If you have children or parents who are alive, message them An action to take: Is there someone whom you think is beyond being in the
to say that you are thinking of them and love them. kingdom? Pray for them.
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that families are important to You. A prayer to make: ‘Help me, Lord, not to be hard hearted towards those I don’t
Whatever my experience, help me to cherish the good parts. Amen.’ think deserve your grace. Amen.’
MONDAY 12 JUNE DIY Christianity? It is for Freedom TUESDAY 13 JUNE
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he story of the two sons is such a powerful one. Many begin to see
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that the ‘DIY Christianity’ they follow is so distant from what Jesus reedom is very much a positive word for many. A child looks
teaches. forward to the holidays because they will be free from school. A
It is possible for us to put together a faith that is high on rules and teenager may look forward to university days because they will be
regulations but fails to grasp the wonder of the welcome the Father free from home. Those in challenging relationships may look forward to
gives us into His family as adopted children. We can be like the older son when those relationships come to an end and they can be free at last!
as we think about our relationship to our Father God. After all, society But there’s a difference between freedom from and freedom to.
tells us that you don’t get something for nothing, and so instinctively The same child who is free from school may not feel free to enjoy the
we presume that the Christian faith means that we have to work to gain holiday. The student freed from home may not have sufficient maturity
God’s approval. This is how many Christians seem to operate. to cope with the freedom that they now enjoy in university years. And
But grace is the opposite to this. It welcomes us into the love and the person free from a challenging relationship may not have done the
goodness of God without our needing to earn it. As forgiven children internal work to make another relationship possible for them.
we delight in our service for God and regard it as a privilege. So, the When the apostle says that it is for freedom the Christ to set us free,
forgiven child of God may work just as hard as the one who fails to he has in mind many aspects of freedom. In this letter he is saying that
understand the grace available, but they do so with a completely we are free from the law in as much as Christ has kept the law for us so
different motive, and with an energy God provides. You do not have that we do not need to feel the guilt of our weakness. But this freedom
to do anything today to make God like you. You can relax because the from the law is not a licence to do what we want. We are freed to live for
pressure is off. But, in the light of that wonderful fact, how would you Christ as we experience God’s Spirit and seek to live with Him, and to
want to respond? know the fruits of the Spirit displayed within our lives. So we will avoid
legalism on the one hand and licence on the other, and look to be led by
the Spirit into the ways of God. That is true freedom.
Scripture to consider: Ps. 32; Dan. 9:15–19; Rom. 4:1–8; Titus 3:3–8 Scripture to consider: Deut. 15:1–11; Ps. 115; Luke 8:26–39; Rom. 8:1–4
An action to take: Do something today to celebrate the fact that your salvation An action to take: Have a think about how free you really are. What can you do
is absolutely free. and what constraints do you experience?
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that I am in Your family and I am here to A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that I am freed to live for You. Help me to
stay for ever. Amen.’ live in the good of that freedom. Amen.’
WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE Working or Resting? Perfection THURSDAY 15 JUNE
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here are definitely two kinds of Christian. There are those he New Testament really does have some astonishing verses,
who have a very high trust in the sovereignty of God and His and this one is right up there with the best. The writer to the
work in their lives. There are those who have a strong sense of Hebrews is contrasting the sacrifice of Jesus with the sacrifices
responsibility to do things to please God. Verses 12 and 13 of our prescribed within the old covenant. He is pointing out how Christ’s
passage today encourage us to make sure we don’t go too far one or sacrifice is superior, writing to those tempted to return to Judaism (the
the other, but ensure that the two ideas are balanced. Old Testament faith). Those who put their trust and confidence in Jesus
Verse 13 reads: ‘for it is God who works in you to will and to act in are made perfect for ever. If that is where you are putting your trust,
order to fulfil his good purpose.’ Working out our salvation does of that includes you. But if you are quite rightly aware that you’re not going
course imply us getting involved. But God doesn’t ask us to work for to be perfect any time soon, the end of the verse reminds us of God’s
our salvation. ongoing work within us.
If we focussed just on our efforts, we would be disappointed, for no There are some amazing implications here. As someone being made
amount of willpower can affect the changes that Jesus is looking for, perfect, you are on a different track to those for whom death is the
hence the mention of God’s work. We shouldn’t act without God, and future. Your sins: past, present and future are forgiven. Being made
He won’t act without us! As John put it: ‘We love because He first loved holy will mean transformation within, so that you are less inclined to be
us’ (1 John 4:19). dragged away by your old nature and can focus instead on the new life
The initiative comes from God, but He looks for a response. He is you enjoy in Jesus. You will discover new things that need to change,
the divine lover, wooing us into His arms, and so today we have the so you will do so, but your forgiveness is secure. God puts your sins as
opportunity to be active in our faith, knowing that God is right there far as the east is from the west, and He remembers them no more. Yes,
with us, prospering every good effort in His name. this is an amazing verse!
Scripture to consider: Judg. 3:1–4; Ezek. 18:1–13; 2 Cor. 4:3–6; 1 John 4:13–21 Scripture to consider: Jer. 31:31–34; Ezek. 36:24–38; Rom. 5:1–8; Rev. 7:9–17
An action to take: If you are working too hard: relax and pray. If the opposite is An action to take: Stop beating yourself up. The sacrifice has been made. Live
true, start doing more! in the good of Jesus’ full and final sacrifice.
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that my growth doesn’t depend on me, but A prayer to make: ‘I am bowled over by the depth of Your love and mercy to me
neither am I unimportant in the process. Amen.’ through Jesus. Thank You. Amen.’
FRIDAY 16 JUNE Better Diet Spared from the Lions SATURDAY 17 JUNE
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t would seem that Daniel was a first-class honours kind of guy. For
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this reason, he had been deported from Israel and taken thousands oing the right thing can become a habit not always appreciated
of miles away to Babylon to serve in the king’s palace for a three- by others. The young man who refused to defile himself with
year training course. We now know, of course, that Daniel would have the king’s food is now an experienced civil servant within the
had considerable influence in his role in Babylon. But at this point in king’s palace, possibly in his early eighties! Indeed, by chapter 6
time he is young and had done little in life, and so standing against the verse 3 we find the king plans to set him over the whole kingdom. His
accepted diet must have taken considerable courage, especially when competence causes jealousy, and plans are made to bring him death.
he was challenged and expressed confidence that a vegetable-based By making the decree that no one should be worshipped except King
diet, which would not contravene his dietary rules as a Jew, would be Darius, it is known that, of course, Daniel would remain faithful in his
successful. Vegetarians of course love this passage of Scripture! But worship of God and face the punishment of being thrown to the lions.
whatever the merits of vegetarianism, the simple point is that there are It seems it never occurs to Daniel to do anything different. It is said
times when we need to be prepared to stand for what we believe. that our habits define our character. And we all know the wonderful
One Christian leader has said that if we have enemies as Christians outcome of this story and the amazing influence that Daniel had within
it maybe because we are prepared to stand up for something. We are the pagan Babylonian nation, whose king becomes convinced of the
foolish to create enemies for their own sake, but not everyone will goodness of God.
appreciate our choices. Maybe in the old days this was paying for Sadly, there is no formula that can be followed whereby our
private phone calls from the office when no one else did! Now it might faithfulness leads directly to kingdom advancement! However, there
be how we pay tradesmen who we suspect are asking for cash to avoid are plenty of examples of when Christian virtue has challenged the
paying tax. You will work out the best way, and God will honour you. In enemies of Christ, especially in nations where the Christian faith is not
some cases, as with Daniel, this may even mean looking healthier than tolerated or valued. Following Christ does mean dying daily to our own
others! preferences, and the apostle Paul reminds us that ‘anyone who seeks
to live a godly life will be persecuted’ (2 Tim. 3:12). God will not leave us
alone in these situations. He will draw near, giving us courage to do the
right thing and the grace to deal with the consequences.
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n the early years of childhood, there is considerable comfort
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received by a child who knows their parent is watching over them. e can be utterly secure in knowing God’s presence with us. We
Indeed, the child will often make sure that the parent is watching can be at one with the psalmist when he talks of God being near,
something they are proud of, such as kicking a football, playing a game, watching over and caring for us. And then something happens
or dancing. As a child gets older, the intrusive eye of a parent becomes and it’s as if a storm cloud has gathered over us and is showering
rather less welcome! They might prefer to hide, especially when they its ugly contents! The psalmist clearly had a moment when he felt
know or suspect their actions would not be approved of. this way. Perhaps he was feeling low and far away from God. Some
The psalmist’s understanding of God’s knowledge of him is a delight speculate that, as a musician, the psalmist may have known the ups
and joy. He knows that there is nothing he does which evades God’s and downs that sometimes come with a creative disposition. The
searching eye. psalmist has to remind himself who God is: ‘I know that darkness is as
It might be that these verses are a comfort to you should you feel light to him’.
alone or unappreciated. Those in this kind of situation would typically God knows what He is doing through the tough times that we
be surprised that God is even giving them a second thought. face. He will be with us in them, even if He doesn’t take them away
Of course, with some such verses there comes a challenge. We immediately, or ever. When we go through tough times – perhaps
might prefer to think that God cannot see what we’re up to. This whole you are even now – it is time to remind ourselves of God’s love and
psalm is intended to express to us the encouragement of the all- faithfulness, even if in the short run we feel very distant from Him. We
knowing, all-seeing God who is for us, is with us, who cares about us need to not trust our feelings and not take our doubts seriously. And
and has His eye is upon us. So, know that God is with you in your tough if this is especially tough at night, remember that blood sugar is low,
times, your boring times, your exciting times and your productive times. and everything seems worse at this time. Remind yourself that God is
Talk to Him and listen to what He has to say to you. with and you and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it
seems dark at the moment. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
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hinking about the human ability to terminate life in the womb has ome Christians use a plan for reading through the Scriptures in a
made today’s passage especially poignant. Of course, there are year (the New Testament and Psalms twice and the Old Testament
difficult questions surrounding medical ethics. These debates once). This method was devised by the Scottish pastor Robert
require careful thought and pastoral understanding. However, nothing Murray McCheyne, who ministered largely in Dundee, Scotland. A
can mask the wonder of these verses, which speak of God’s intimate glance at his biography will tell you that although this method is his
involvement in life’s beginnings. most famed contribution to many Christians lives, he wrote sixteen
The verses are true whether your birth was planned by two other publications and five hymns. But the biography will also tell you
committed parents, whether it was unexpected, or even if you were that he died at the tender age of 31.
conceived in a situation where one parent did not give consent. No doubt there will be people you know of whose passing might have
Also, understanding the science of conception shouldn’t cause us seemed premature. But the psalmist is clear that all the days ordained
to ignore the Holy Spirit’s work. We must be absolutely clear that God for us are in God’s book before one of them came to be (v16). This is a
intended for you to be on earth. As Acts 17:26 says: ‘From one man he time for resting in God’s sovereignty, knowing that time allotted down
made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he here, whether nine years or ninety-nine, will be a fraction of eternity.
marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their Our times are in God’s hands, and though we may be puzzled that
lands.’ You are not an accident or an afterthought but part of God’s some seem to be allotted more time than others, our job is to live
good and perfect purpose, and you are invited to partner with Him and each day that God gives us for His glory and leave the length of our
the glorious purposes He has for His world. If you received an invitation lives whether short or long to Him. And, if we are able to take up
that said you were selected for a special mission for which only you McCheyne’s approach to reading the Bible, so much the better!
were capable, you would be thrilled. Well, you are alive and God
intended this day for you, and has plans and purposes for you. So, it’s
time to live life to the full. Go on.
Scripture to consider: Jer. 20:14–18; Ps. 127; Luke 1:67–79; Gal. 1:11–24 Scripture to consider: 2 Kgs 20:1–11; Eccles. 3:1–14; John 12:20–36 & 21:20–25
An action to take: Today is a good day to thank God that you’re alive, for your An action to take: Abandon any assumptions about how long or short your life
birth and your life in Him. will be, and live every day with Jesus!
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, for giving me life, and for all the rich A prayer to make: ‘I am looking forward to life forever with You, but for now I
possibilities I have in You. Amen.’ entrust each day to You. Amen.’
THURSDAY 22 JUNE A Response to Anger On Cloud Nine? FRIDAY 23 JUNE
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t the start of chapter 9, Jesus gives the disciples power and tatus changes can make us feel very different about life. You may
authority to drive out demons, to cure diseases and to proclaim recall your first days as a parent or in a new role in a company or
the kingdom of God. Things have been going very well. But when perhaps serving in a local church. You are the same person as
they go to a Samaritan village, things are not so smooth – the disciples you always have been, but now your role or label means that certain
are not welcomed. James and John, nicknamed ‘sons of Thunder’, ask things are expected of you, and you expect certain things of yourself.
Jesus if He wishes them to call fire down from heaven to destroy the The Christian has been given a new status in Christ, and Paul reminds
village! Can you imagine your local church involved in door-to-door the Colossians that they have been raised with Christ. He is using the
work, not getting a good response and returning to the church saying imagery of death and new life symbolised through water baptism. As
that the answer must be to wipe out the neighbourhood! It seems to those raised with Christ, we set our hearts on things above, where
be a genuine question and, such is their experience of the power of Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
God, they seem to think that such a thing is possible! It is perhaps no We may have heard the phrase, ‘I am OK, under the circumstances.’
surprise that Jesus rebuked them and sent them to another village. A good friend of mine would jokingly reply: ‘What are you doing under
The whole thing may seem pretty ridiculous to us, but before we there?!’ Our position is as one ‘raised with Christ’ and so our focus
are quick to judge we perhaps need to reflect on our attitude to those needs to be where He is, at the right hand of God and as such in the
who seem far from God. We can feel anger at what we perceive to be most powerful position in the universe.
sinful behaviour on the part of others, and even if we don’t wish to call There will be plenty of times when you may feel that others have
down the fire of heaven upon people, we might be quite pleased if God diminished you or put you down or minimised your value. But deep
punished them a little! At such times we need a reminder that God did within you can know that your resurrection status and connection
not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the to Jesus changes everything about how you view your day and the
world through Him. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God challenges that you face. This is a great truth to take into a new day.
– including us – and the people who annoy us by God’s grace can know
Him too.
Scripture to consider: Gen. 19:21–29; Num. 11:1–3; Matt. 7:1–3; Heb. 12:18–24 Scripture to consider: Ps. 93; Isa. 40:25–31; Eph. 4:17–24; 1 Pet. 1:13–21
An action to take: When you next feel anger at sin, pray for those caught up An action to take: Set your mind on things above where Christ is seated at the
in it. right hand of God!
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that Your grace extends to me and to all A prayer to make: ‘Thank You for my position as raised with Christ. Help me
those who make me angry. Amen.’ today to live in the good of that. Amen.’
SATURDAY 24 JUNE Purposeful Living Your Job SUNDAY 25 JUNE
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ook around your room you will no doubt see various appliances
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that are designed to make our lives function more smoothly. The here has been plenty of controversy concerning the first chapter of
purpose of the gadget is clear and, although when new you may Genesis, normally surrounding whether God created the universe
require some instruction in how to operate it, very quickly you get into in six days or whether days are indicative of a longer span of time
the habit. If there are other human beings in your house, what are they or whether this is simply a poetic device to describe God as Creator
there for?! Joking aside, humans also have a purpose, not as gadgets over and against other alternative ways of understanding creation.
to make life easy, but as image-bearers created by God for a particular But what is often not considered is that even at this stage there are
role. things that God does and things that human beings do. However God
Our passage today outlines how God intends us to live. Scholars created the world, it is clear that He is the initiator. But when it comes
disagree over exactly what being made in the image of God to other elements of this creation, He involves human beings. Adam
might mean, but it is clear that we resemble God in our essential is given the job of naming the animals for example in chapter 2, and it
characteristics. We are relational, physical, emotional, volitional, seems that creation requires some work. If Adam and his descendants
rational and spiritual beings. An understanding of this is a healthy basis are to subdue the earth then it would seem that there is still work to
for seeing who we are and understanding why things go wrong. The do, which God delighted to give. It is correct that we look for God to
Waverley Integrative Framework* is based on this thinking and has work in all things but this is not at odds with also playing our part and
been an enormous help to many in assessing their purpose under God seeing good things happen. There is a good deal of freedom that God
and why areas of life have gone awry. gives humanity in relationship with Him, and that freedom has been
God intended you to partner with Him in spreading His love and enjoyed by many, especially those who understand their true purpose
goodness in the world. Although humanity marred its relationship with as followers of Jesus.
God, Jesus came to restore our humanity and enable us to enjoy God’s So, it is just possible that you are asking God to do something when
purpose once again. Are you in line with that purpose? He is in fact asking you to get on with it! Prayer is a good thing, but
it can sometimes be an excuse for inaction. It’s worth checking your
heart and mind as you consider what your next step should be.
Scripture to consider: Gen. 9:1–7; Ps. 8; Col. 3:5–17; 1 Pet. 1:13–25 Scripture to consider: Gen. 2:15–25; Deut. 8:11–20; Eph. 4:25–28;
An action to take: Think about your last few days. Did you see yourself as 2 Thess. 3:6–15
partnering with God to make a difference? An action to take: Think through the things that you are praying about. Do any
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that I have a special purpose as Your child. of them require you to act?
Help me to partner with You in Your plans for the world. Amen.’ A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, God, for trusting us to be involved in Your world.
* To learn more about this visit www.waverleyabbeycollege.ac.uk/waverley-integrative-framework Amen.’
MONDAY 26 JUNE Ruling Prove It TUESDAY 27 JUNE
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ulers give ruling a bad name! Most people see the word ‘ruler’
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and can think of leaders who rule poorly, especially in parts of the t was a glorious moment when the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at
world where the rulers more concerned with keeping power than His baptism and He heard those words from His Father: ‘This is my
serving their people. Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’ (Matt. 3:17). But His
But there is a strong argument to say that we are all leaders with a being led by the Spirit does not lead to an easy life, and Jesus soon
small ‘l’. We do after all lead our lives, and if leadership is influence, after finds Himself in the wilderness, where He is tempted by the devil.
as some suggest, then we all have some influence over those around Sometimes it is presumed that the devil came to Jesus at His lowest
us. Adam and Eve were given real power to rule over creation under moment after He had fasted forty days and forty nights but, in fact,
God. In the New Testament, we see that God’s people are to use their the discipline of fasting can increase our sense of God’s presence. It
influence where God has placed them and will one day be rulers in the is hard to draw parallels with Jesus, who was God and full of the Holy
new heavens and new earth. Spirit, but as one who was fully human, these were real temptations,
Taking a lead of course requires action, and too often we can and He had the strength to withstand them and overcome them. The
passively accept how life is and what happens to us. Sometimes there devil’s chief weapon is to question the identity of Jesus: ‘If you are the
is little we can do, but we can choose to make a difference in the son of God...’ In other words: prove it!
areas we have influence. You may know the famous prayer: ‘God help There are some clear lessons for us. Just because life is tough, we
me to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can, mustn’t assume that we are not being led by the Spirit. The enemy of
and the wisdom to know the difference.’ As you survey your personal our souls will also seek to undermine our identity in Jesus. He might
world, maybe it’s time to do some leading with God, prayerfully and accuse you: he is, after all, ‘the accuser of our brothers and sisters’
thoughtfully, so that life can change for yourself and for others. (Rev. 12:9–11). In the next few days, we will see the ways in which Jesus
counters the devils attacks but, for now, let us remind ourselves of the
security of our identity in Jesus. Remember Jesus identity comes before
His public ministry. You and I are secure in Christ regardless of what we
do or are able to do for Him. That is an thought worth resting in.
Scripture to consider: Judg. 5:1–9; Prov. 12:5–11; Mark 10:35–45; Rev. 5:6–10 Scripture to consider: Isa. 14:12–17; Ezek. 28:1–19; 1 Pet. 5:6–11; Rev. 12:9–11
An action to take: Consider the areas of life with which you are dissatisfied An action to take: Reflect on your last few days. Is it possible that God was at
and ask yourself if there’s something you could be doing to change things. work within you when you didn’t know it?
A prayer to make: ‘I’m sorry, God, for blaming You when I should be sorting A prayer to make: ‘Thank You for the authority that we have to resist the devil’s
some things out myself. Amen.’ attacks. I do so in Jesus’ name. Amen.’
WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE God’s Word Stands Good Focus THURSDAY 29 JUNE
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aybe you are the kind of person who always thinks of a smart f someone was to write the word ‘chair’ on a piece of paper in
reply once a conversation is over?! Plenty of people find front of you, and then ask you not to think about a chair, you will
themselves unable to know what to say when criticised or immediately have the picture of a chair in your head. This helps us
challenged, and it’s only later that the right words come to them. We understand why Jesus responds to the lies of the enemy as He does.
are not told exactly how Satan tempted Jesus, but His replies are He doesn’t quote Scripture because it is the equivalent of a magic spell
immediate, and, in each case, He quotes a verse taken from the book which will help Him automatically resist temptation. But, as an idea is
of Deuteronomy, the fifth book in the Bible. In Deuteronomy, we read given to Him by Satan, He is able to replace the evil idea with the Word
about the events at the end of the forty years of wilderness journeys of God. The attacks are aiming to appeal to Jesus in some way: ‘Use
that came before Israel entered the Promised Land. We read a second Your powers to make stones into bread’; ‘Ask God to save You from
(deutero) reading of the law given in Exodus. Where Israel failed to a dangerous fall’; ‘Take the easy route to possessing the kingdom by
overcome the temptations they faced, Jesus’ triumphed after His 40 bowing down to me.’
days of testing. Jesus is confident in the Word of God each time. He When a tempting appeal is made to our desire, we must respond by
doesn’t attempt to come up with a clever retort, but simply quotes a seeing the lie behind it. Sin only seems attractive because there is a lie
relevant scripture. attached to it – often that God is not trustworthy. It is the same principle
Jesus knew His scripture (Old Testament) and could quote from used when we go back to the Garden of Eden, and hear Satan’s initial
it. Bible memorisation is a great tool for us to build up our faith, to question to Eve: ‘Did God really say…?’ Satan is questioning whether
recall what God says and especially to repel the enemy in times of God is good and trustworthy and has our best interests at heart. God
temptation. can be trusted to meet all our needs without us having to take matters
If God has said something, we can trust it. Jesus treats the Word into our own hands. The whole Bible shows God coming up trumps to
like the law of gravity: you can rely on it every moment of every day. bless His people and further His purposes in the world.
Of course we need to interpret the Word correctly, and not every verse Yes, He is to be trusted!
functions the same as every other. But, providing we have understood
it correctly, we can know that it’s true and will save us.
Scripture to consider: Ps. 19:7–14; Isa. 55:8–13; Col. 3:15–17; 2 Pet. 1:12–21 Scripture to consider: Gen. 3:1–19 & 4:1–7; Rom. 7:14–25; Jas 1:13–18
An action to take: Find a list of the top ten verses to memorise and start An action to take: Think of any temptations you are facing and identify the lie
learning Scripture off by heart. behind them.
A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that Your Word is reliable. Help to A prayer to make: ‘Thank You, Lord, that You have proved throughout the Bible
remember verses so that I can withstand the temptations I face. Amen.’ that You are utterly trustworthy. Amen.’
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