God who Sends

Prepare: The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice (Proverbs 12:15)
Read: Exodus 18:1-27

Understanding your value: War, political unrest and economic scarcity, make people migrate across borders. They are not citizens and they have no rights. The UNO classifies such endangered communities as displaced people. Moses' displacement (3 and also in 2:22) is, however, not an epitaph. God catapults his value. Circumstances don't define us, but He who lives within us (I John 4:4).

Understanding your limitations: Handling responsibilities single-handedly, led Moses to a psychological burn out. And God uses Jethro as His instrument. We also see, on the other hand, the greatness of Moses in taking advice. Instead of claiming a monopoly on God's will, Moses saw wisdom in Jethro's words and implemented the advice given, unlilke most leaders in apex positions today.

God delivered Moses from Pharaoh, but now God had to deliver Moses from himself. No one is infallible. Everyone, no matter how high, is in need of counsel (Proverbs 15:22).

Understanding your people: The backlog of pending decisions also multiplied. People were standing all day to get his help! He had leaders who could reduce his load, but Jethro, alone, pointed out the value of collaborative leadership and delegation. Once this was done, Jethro left. It is clear, that Jethro came just to encourage and counsel. Are you willing to go where God sends you? Are you willing to listen to those whom God sends?

Respond: Where does God want you to go today to direct someone wisely?

God Who Vindcates

Prepare: What kind of bad talk normally dominates your converasation concerning church activity, misson and people?
Read: Exodus 17:1-16

Five primary questions emerge from the reading of today's passage. These questions need to be honestly addressed, if what we read should teach us how to live.

(1-4) Do we crush a leader so badly, that the loneliness and despair male him cry out to the Lord? To doubt a God-sent leader is to doubt God. If God has in some way verified the leadership (14:31), should we then still question it?

(3,7) Do we have land marks in out life called Massah and Meribah? Paul urges us to be without complaining so that we can be blameless (Phil 2:14)

(8-12) Does the Pastor of your church fight the battle for the Lord, all alone by himself? A lonely leadership is a difficult leadership. What efforts have you taken to help your struggling Pastor? Check Paul's words of gratitude about Onesiphorus (II Time 1:16, 17)

(15) The banner was a visible sign in battle to spur the army to keep fighting. As long as it was up, there was victory. How do we keep this banner lifted, so that others engaged in a life of faith will be
emboldened to find victory? Everytime you testify for the Lord, you raise a banner.

(14, 16) The Amalek generation is the type who harm God's people without cause. Do you hurt people who have done nothing to harm you? Do you justify such injury? In what ways do you exhibit this Amalek attitude?

Respond: Do something today in your words and actions that will let your Pastor know that he is not alone.

God Who Forgives

For February 26, 2012

Prepare: Prone to wander, Lord I feel it/prone to leave the God I love/Here's my heart O take and seal it,/seal it for Thy courts above.
Read: Psalm 32:1-11

I like the way yhr New Living  Translation phrases the first verse: "Oh what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight." This expressive language packs much more punch. We cannot escape the fact that all disobedience is essentially rebellion. And it is wuite possible for even the godly to rebel (6 in NLT). Rebellion is about asserting independance instead of saying "not my will but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42), instead of believing "man shall not live by bread alone" (Matthew 4:4), instead of seeking first His kingdome and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). And rebellion manifests itself in the attitude where we blame everyone, excepting oursleves! We saw in yesterday's reading how Israel rebelled against Moses and God.

Deliverance from harsh memories and from the fear of penalty is available to those "in whose spirit where is no deceit." A conscientious person will not keep on justifying his errors. And persistent
refusal to admit sin, will completely corrode the conscience. This is the struggle of one who loves God and cannot afford to lose His favour. The journey of obedience is difficult because we are naturally prone to wander. Only God can guide us in the paths of righteousness (also in Psalm 23:3). Therefore this journey of obedience is actually a journey of faith. Paul reiterates this in Romans 4:6-8. God's protection and presence will envelope those who exercise this fatih.

Respond: Surrender those areas into God's hands, where you still rebel and have to be managed by bit and bridle (9).

God Who Provides

Prepare: What bitterness, discontent and complaint do you still cherish (Psalm 66:18) in your heart?
Read: Exodus 15:22-16:9

The first complaint, on the surface, seems reasonable. A huge horde of families are travelling through the desert for three days without water. Someone is bound to grumble. When only bitter water was available, nobody could tolerate the lack of essential amenities anymore. But the complaint is obnoxious, when seen in the light of the fact that just three days earlier, they danced with joy having crossed the Red sea miraculously! (15:19-22). Do we also complain, inspite of God's constant provision? Do we lack the basic gratitude to believe that He can do more than our wildest imaginations? How do you appropriate Ephesians 3:20,21 for yourself?

The "wood" in 15:25 (or "Branch" in some translations) is a reference to the cross, the only place where bitterness can be turned to sweetness. Unusual provision indeed! But, the deliverance is conditional. Only if we obey God's statutues, we can escape the plagues that the Eyptians faced. That is why God said to Saul, "To obey is better than to sacrifice." (I Sam 15:22).

The second complaint about food was an attack on Moses' leadership, for a situation for which Moses was not responsible, inspite of clear evidence of his leadership (14:31). To complain against the servant of the Lord is to complain against God. Do you also complain against your leaders and pastors? Do you set people against them subtly and work for their elimination? Or do you stand by them in difficult times?

Respond: Take sometime to pray for your pastors and leaders. Make sine decisions to stand with them.

God who is all-Powerful

Prepare: "And I saw.. those who been victorious over the beast..They held harps.. and they sang the song of Moses.. and the song of the Lamb..."(Rev 15:3)
Read: Exodus 15:1-21

How perceptive a song! We see a tactically advanced, military deployment made powerless before weaponless slaves. We see the mortality of Pharaoh, and a defeat so shameful and so complete that he could never chase Israel afterwards. We see an Almighty God, who makes a way where there is absolutely no way. We see a God unequaled even beyond exaggeration. We see His unfailing love in every step of the journey. We see the surrounding nations stunned into silence that they dare not interfere with Israel's sojourn. We see Miriam transform the song of Moses into dance and celebration.

The significance of the song increases when, it is repeated in the vision of John (Revelation 15:3). There is parallelism in content and meaning in the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. Both are songs of deliverance from bondage. It's not just from the consequences of sin, it's about deliverance from Satan./ When Pharaoh was broken, Satan was broken. These songs point out our complete rescue from Satan. It means Satan has no hook or hold over God's people anymore. It means we live in complete freedom from any guilt or oppression of the past. We are a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17) - old things have passed away, behold all things are new.

Respond: Claim this promise "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

God who is with Us

Prepare: What assurance does this give you? "For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them." (Matthew 18:20)
Read: Exodus 14:10-31

As the Israelites wonderingly march through the divided Red sea, it became clear that when God is with us, what could easily be our destruction, always turns out to be our deliverance.

When God is with us, He does not only provide light for His people, He also makes darkness for the enemies of His people. You can always be assured of protection, when you are assured of His presence.

It was night when the people made the journey of obedience, across the sea, so that at dawn, they would never forget the spectacle of seeing the hordes of Egyptians perish in terror. It means that even if we walk with fear in the night, there is bound to be sunrise of victory. For when God is with us, even our enemies will realize that the Lord fighting our battles (Rom 8:31). Strenthen your confidence, therefore, with the assurance in I John 4:4.

This passage does not focus on the scientific details of how these event occurred. The passage is pre-occupied with the 'who' and the 'why'.The meaning and the purpose. Three things became clear as a result. First, there was honour and glory to the Lord. Second, the people put their faith in God. And third, it endorsed the leadership of Moses.

Respond: Join hands with someone and experience the power of prayer that is assured to us in Matthew 18:19.

God who is Faithful

Prepare: In what ways do our festivals educate our children? What does the Christmas carol "Santa Claus is coming to town" teach our children about faith in Christ?
Read: Exodus 13:1-16

The death of the firstborn in Egypt was the climax of Israel's deliverance, but it was inextricably tied to the dedication of the firstborn in Israel, as the heritage of God. This dedication, etched the memory of deliverance into each household. Among the surrounding cultures, being firstborn merely mean special inheritance rights. In Israel it was closely linked to their salvation history. This helped sustain their racial memories.

Strangely, the 430 years of slavery in Egypt did not erase the memory of the promise given to Abraham. Abraham did not receive the fulfillment. Isaac did not receive it. Even, Jacob did not receive, but the promise lingered in their national memory (Exodus 12:40, 41; Galatians 3:17). Now, when these slaves return, they seek to claim that promise. So, how do you view the promises that God gives you? Do you continue to belive, even if it is delayed? Or have you stopped believing, because your prayers don't seem to be answered?

The festivals were meant to be educative and instructive. This is how God's promises and God's acts were enmeshed into the cultural fabric of Israel. In what ways, then, what God does influences how you live?

The history of deliverance becomes a permanent part of their collective consciousness. The experience was meant to be indelible, like a branded mark.

Respond: Use Isiah 55:8-13 to confirm your faith in God's promises. 

God who Delivers

Prepare: Do you approach God with a sense of awe or treat Him casually like a cosmic chum?
Read: Exodus 12:21-36

It is a sudden shock to eat unleavened bread for seven days, when you are used to eating soft bread. Top it with a penalty for failing to comply! That raises questions.These questions prodded their faith and established their salvation history. It gave the elders an opportunity to teach the next generation, the reasons for faith. What counter-trend mechanisms are there in out lifestyles that raise questions that will lead others to faith? Peter says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason fir the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)".

The next drama is the death of the first-born in the whole of Egypt. This selective death marked the distinction between an epidemic (which affects all) and judgement (which is selectively targeted). It challenged the divinity of Pharaoh. And Pharaoh himself is confronted with the fact that he is not divine though he is worshipped in Egypt. Out of morbid fear, he releases the slaves but he also asks Moses to bless him! Imagine that! For the first time Pharaoh realizes the true source of all blessing. Compare this event with Ex. 5:2 and you'll notice how his attitude drastically changed.

The inescapable core of today's reading that security comes from doing everything that the Lord has commanded.

Respond: What steps have you taken to make sure that you have done everything that the Lord has commanded (28)?

God who Transforms

Prepare: List Christian leaders who have gained respect among non-Christians. Why is this so?
Read: Exodus 11:1-10

Event though the hot issue of today's passage is about a morbid announcement, a careful look reveals the change in a non-descriptive, low-esteem person into a fiery leader for a vast unimaginable multitude of people. Events which unfolded in Chapters 4 and 5 have now spiraled to an exponential point where the credibility of Moses climaxes as a great man: respected by Pharaoh's officials and Egyptians alike. But contrast this with his own self-evaluation as a rootless and displaced person (2:22), and it becomes clear that only God could have transformed Moses.

Then we see the authority of Moses as he announces to Pharaoh. This is in vivid contrast to 5:1 4, where Moses sought an audience with Pharaoh to get permission to let the people go. Here, however, it is an unceremonious and blunt announcement. It is as if Pharaoh has less authority than Moses. This is God's work in the creation of a leader. Only the strength of God's presence could exude such confidence against political might.

Finally, we see the attitude of Moses. Unlike his call, where we see his repeated excuses and reluctance (4:1, 10, 13) here he is with an an entirely different countenance. Burning with anger, he left Pharaoh's presence! He is now a person charged with a purpose, a prophet obsessed with a mission and a liberator focused on results. nothing will deflect him now.

Respond: Dear God, I believe that You can transform me too far for all Your purposes. Amen.

Religious Hypocrisy

Prepare: How faithful are we in handling the Word of truth? (2 Tim 2:15)
Read: Luke 11:37-54

The Pharisees and experts in law misinterpreted God's laws and gave importance to outward rituals, neglecting the inward purity.

Wrong motives: This ceremonial washing of hands was practised by the priests before entering the Temple. Jesus pointed out that while the Pharisees made a public show of being 'clean', they were corrupted to the core inwardly. Through their tithes they wanted to show themselves faithful to God, but they ignored the need for justice and mercy to the poor and needy. In short, their thinking about God and His demands were absolutely wrong and they only used their knowledge of the law to gain respect and status for themselves. Are we guilty of showing ourselves superior to others because of our spiritual status, church attendance, tithing, fasting, talents, etc., while ignoring the needs of those around us?

Wrong interpretation: Jesus charged the experts in the law of: (1) They added such minute details to the law which made it a burden for the people-like how far one could walk on the Sabbath (Acts 1:12), healing a person was work, while an animal could be rescued from a pit (Luke 14:3-5). (2) While they honoured the prophets who were dead, they resisted those who lived among them, even the One who was the focal point of all the prophets and the history of the nation.

Respond: Help me to study, and teach Your Word faithfully to others.

The Privileged

Prepare: Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey.
Read: Luke 11:27-36

Contrary to the religious men who rejected Jesus and His authority, a simple woman in the crowd proclaimed the privileged status of His mother. Jesus taught the crowd that there was a greater privilege for those who listen to Him and obey.

Resurrection, the only sign: As Jonah went into the belly of the fish for three days and came back, Jesus would be in the grave for three days and come alive. This was the only sign God chose to give them. The Gentile queen from the South (modern Yemen) turned to God through what she heard from Solomon (29:8). Jesus pointed out that while the Gentiles were quick to turn to God, the Jews who had the privilege of having the Son of God in their midst rejected Him. He warned that those who continued in their unbelief would receive condemnation on the Day of Judgement. With all the light that the Word of God sheds, do we still seek proof through signs and miracles?

Jesus, the only light : Sin covers the light in the person's life and causes others to stumble too. The eyes represent understanding and insight. Sin causes a person to become blind to his faults and distorts his perspective. What are the areas in our life that cloud the light, keeping others from coming to God for forgiveness and eternal life?

Respond: I surrender my all to You, Lord Jesus. Pervade my life with Your light and make me a blessing to others. 

Beware!

Prepare: But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves. (Luke 7:30)
Read: Luke 11:14-26

Jesus drove away the demon setting the man free. This evoked different responses from the crowd.

Unbelief: Matthew, while narrating this incident, says that they were Pharisees (12:24) and Mark tells us they were teachers of the law (3:22). Instead of rejoicing over the freedom the man received, their unbelief blinded them. They were talking privately but Jesus, the discerner of man's innermost thoughts, rebuked them openly. He pointed out their foolishness in accusing Him by asking them, 'by whom do your followers drive demons away?'

He went on to say that He, the Stronger one was in the midst, having overcome Satan, who held humankind in bondage. The Kingdom has already arrived with the entry of the Son of God on earth, and there will come a day when Satan will be totally destroyed (Rev 22:10). Let's take note that on an earlier occasion, Jesus pointed out to His disciples that anyone who is not against Him is on His side. now he warned the, that anyone who is not with Him is against Him, i.e., with Saan.

Bad to worse: When a man repents of his sins and determines to lead a new life, he should invite Jesus to take control of his life, leaving no room for anything else. We cannot free ourselves with our own strength from bad habits and friendships, love for worldly pleasures and peer pressures. Jesus, who broke the power of Satan, waits for us to invite Him in so that the Holy Spirit will empower us.

Respond: Spirit of the Living God, fill me with Your power. 

Formula for Prayer

Prepare: Ask to be given, seek to find and knock to get in.
Read: Luke 11:1-13

The model of the Master going away to commune with His Father, no doubt, created a desire in the disciples to follow suit.

A right approach: God is our father, someone who is accessible, loving and caring. He is the King of all creation and He is holy. He is to be honoured and His Kingdom to be awaited on earth in its fullness. He has hosts of angels to do His bidding and likewise, we who are subjects of this Kingdom should submit to His will.

We place our neds before Him; physical and spiritual, acknowledging our dependence upon Him. Our responsibility as those who have been forgiven is to forgive others in order to experience the peace and joy that God promises.

A proper attitude: The story of the host's desperate knock at the friend's door to feed the unexpected midnight caller shows how prayer has to be persistent to be effective.

Verse 13 reveals that the Father is eager to give His Holy Spirit to all those who ask. It is the Holy Spirit who understands the Father's will for us and also our weakness. Therefore, when we first receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, He would create in us a desire for God's will and wouldhelp us to pray (Ro, 8:26-27). Then we will have the joy of receiving answers for our asking, seeking and knocking.

Respond: Thank You, Lord, that when i do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit takes over and makes my prayer perfect.

Make Way for the Master

Prepare: Go, I am sending you out..
Read: Luke 10:1-16

Pray for labourers: Jesus' statement that 'the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few' remains a sad fact even today. Millions continue to remain in spiritual darkness in our country. How earnest are we in interceding for the perishing souls and crying out to the Master of the Harvest to send in labourers?

How will workers go unless they are sent? (Rom 10:15). Along with our prayer, let us give regularly and generously to missions to support their workers.

Observe instructions: God's workers should be wary of the 'wolves' awaiting them. They will face oppositions. They need to be alert of the pitfalls of pride, power and pleasure that control the world. Keeping in mind that God knows their needs, they are to be content when their basic requirements are met. Their only passion should be to rescue perishing souls and surely their rewards will follow.

Beware of presumption: Sodom (Gen 19), Tyre and Sidon (Ezekiel 26, 27 and 28) received their punishment for being self sufficient, proud and wicked. The people in Korazin and Capernaum had the opportunity of knowing more about Jesus and His teachings. Yet they failed to acknowledge Him and their punishment will be greater.

Those who have every opportunity to know Jesus and yet reject Him, have no excuse.

Respond: Help me do all I can to spread the good news and prepare the people for Your coming.

The Ugly Head of Selfishness

Prepare: Discipleship is costly.
Read: Luke 9:46-62

Verses 44 and 45 tell us that the disciples were stubborn in their concept of the Messiah and failed to grasp the truth Jesus taught them about His suffering and death.

Hard-hearted response: Not being able to understand the sorrow in their Master's mind, the disciples were arguing who among them will be great when they came to power. They could not bear anyone else outside their group doing God's work. Were they jealous that this man was doing what they could not do? They were vengeful when the Samaritans rejected them. This revealed their hardness of heart, selfishness and anger. Jesus pointed out at every instance that they were wrong.

As those who follow the Lord, do we show concern and love for others, specially the helpless and needy? Are we tolerant towards Christians who do not agree with us on ways of worship etc.?

Hard-hearted obdience: All three men wanted to follow Jesus, but there was no evidence of full surrender.The first one thought by following Jesus, he could have an easy life, as revealed by Jesus' response. The second and third asked for time to fulfill their earthly responsibilities. Jesus looks for immediate obedience.

Follwing Jesus requires willingness to pay a price. Our dedication should be total and immediate. Delayed decisions often result in lost opportunities. No man who puts his hand to the plough should look back.


Respond: Help me, Lord, not to give excuses but to hasten to obey You.

Eye Witnesses of His Majesty

Prepare: "We ourselves heard His voice.. when we were with Him on the sacred mountain." (2 Peter 1:18)
Read: Luke 9:28-45

Peter could vividly remember the unique experience at the Mount of transfiguration when he wrote to the church years later. (2 Peter 1:16-18). john too, confidently said, "We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only..." (John 1:14)

Splendour of His glory: Jesus chose to reveal His glory to the chosen three. They saw Moses, representing the Law and Elijah, representing the prophets, talking to Jesus about His impending suffering and death. They heard the Father's voice: 'This is My Son, listen to Him.' Jesus was the Messiah who came as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Peter would later affirm that Jesus is the chosen and precious corner stone of the church (1 Peter 2:6).

In a country where Jesus is easily added on to a list of gods or looked upon as a great teacher, how do we make people understand the uniqueness of Jesus?

Sorrowful cry of man: The scene in the valley was a real jolt to those who were still elated with the mountain-top experience. Jesus calmly took command of the situation and healed the boy. Jesus' struggle was not with the demons, but with the unbelief of the disciples. How quickly they let go of the authority they exercised when Jesus sent them on a mission (9:1-6).

We need times of retreat and renewal, to strengthen ourselves to battle with evil, which is a difficult and ongoing struggle.

Respond: Help me, Lord, to be filled with Your Word and with Your Spirit.

The Secret of Success

Prepare: Is suffering part of God's plan of salvation?
Read: Luke 9: 18-27

Today's passage challenges us to take a stand for Jesus and to follow in His footsteps.

A clear understanding: Even the ones who were closest to Jesus could not understand why He had to go through suffering. The preaching of the Cross was a stumbling block and sometimes foolishness (1 Cor 1:23) to them as they expected the Messiah to be a conquering king. To them death meant defeat. Jesus taught them clearly as to what was going to happen to Him so that they would understand His mission after the coming of the Holy Spirit and would carry the gospel to the nations (Acts 2).

Our understanding of Jesus deepens as we spend more time with His Word and commune with Him frequently.

A clarion call: As followers of the Lord, we are called to deny our selfish desire to use our time, talents and money as we like and choose our own way. We should take up our cross to do God's will, even if it means risking our health, life and comforts; and to follow our Master daily. We need to follow in His footsteps, being faithful even unto death. 'To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving an example that you should follow in His steps.' (1 Peter 2:21)

'He is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose' - Jim Elliott

Respond: Thank you, Lord that my sufferings in this world are nothing compared to the eternal glory that awaits me.

Privilege and Responsibility

Prepare: "Go, make disciples, baptize, teach... I am with you." (Matt 28:19, 20)
Read: Luke 9:1-17

Being in the Lord's ministry is the highest privilege a person can ever have; it also carries with it a great responsibility.

Model Leader: Before sending out the disciples on a mission, Jesus equipped and empowered them. He gave them wisdom to preach the good news and authority to drive away demons and to heal sickness. He gave specific instructions on how they should conduct themselves. He also held them accountable by receiving their report on their return, which they did with joy and excitement.

We have a responsibility to share the good news and also to care for the physical needs of those who listen to us. Secondly, we need to give generously towards the needs to God's servants. How cheerful are we in our giving?

Compassionate provider: Jesus took the disciple aside for rest and reflection, but people would not leave them alone. Jesus, however, welcomed the crowd and ministered to their needs. The disciples wanted to 'send them away', but Jesus told them, 'you give them to eat'. Jesus taught them to realize that it was not what they had, but Who they had with them.

We tend to see an easy way out of our responsibility when we focus on what we do not have. What a difference it will make when we really believe that God will do His part when we fulfill ours!

Respond: Thank you, Lord, that Your unlimited power is available to me when I obey You implicitly.

Faith Breaks Through Barriers

Prepare: "..with God all things are possible." (Matt 19:26)
Read: Luke 8:40-56

The woman whose prolonged disease could not be healed medically and a young girl who lost her life to sickness were given new life by Jesus.

Twelve year old disease: The woman became poor by paying the doctors and her only hope was to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. She desperately moved into the crowd and achieved what she wanted. However, she was commanded to confess her healing openly. Jesus quickly pointed out that it was not His garment, but her faith that healed her.

How is our faith in desperate situations? The Scriptures encourage us to go to the Throne of Grace with confidence. (I John 5:14, 15, Hebrews 4:16 and Phil 4:6)

Twelve year old girl: Imagine Jairus' reaction over the delay caused by the woman who took Jesus' time! Added to it was the news of the death of his daughter.

Are we frustrated over delays in our prayers being answered? Let us remember that delays cannot thwart the purpose of God. Jesus' mission was to heal Jairus' daughter and death cannot stand in the way. When circumstances seemingly go beyond our control, we need to 'just believe'. Jesus said: whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours. Mk. 11:24

In both the above incidents, God's unlimited power and human faith go hand in hand to make things happen.

Respond: Help me, Lord, to focus not on problems and situations, but on You.

Power Encounter

Prepare: "I have give you authority to overcome all the powers of the enemy" (Luke 10:19)
Read: Luke 8:26-39

When we are intimidated by the power of the enemy, let us remember that no power in the whole universe can withstand Jesus our Lord.

Power of Satan: Having lost control of his mind, body and actions, the man was hurting himself and others. He was wandering without rest for his soul or body. The demons had control of him. A legion was the largest unit in the Roman army having 6000 soldiers.

Those who allow themselves to be prisoners of the pleasures of this world hurt themselves by bad habits, love of money and luxury, false values, exploitation, etc. The god of this world has blinded their mind to their own needs and those of others whom they exploit. These people have no deliverance apart from Christ. (Col 1:13)

Power of God: When Jesus drove away the demons, the man was transformed-mentally, physically and emotionally. He sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to Him. Jesus commanded him to 'go and tell' what God has done to him. The loss of the herd of swine stood in the way of the villagers appreciating the wholesome recovery of the demon possessed man.

A man can lose the whole world, but not his soul (Luke 9:25). It is the transforming power of the gospel that can deliver people from their bondage.

Respond: Lord, I yield myself to reflect Your light to show the way to those who grope in darkness.

The Servant of God

Prepare: "Let your... lights be burning" (Luke 12:35)
Read: Luke 8:16-25

Many stumble along life's pathway led by wrong beliefs, values and leadership. What is my responsibility as one whose life is illumined by the Word of God?

That all may see Christ in me: Our devotion to the Lord should compel us to tell about Him to those who do not know Him. (2 Cor 5:14-15). We need to show Christ through our life, word and deed. We cannot hide the light and allow people to grope in darkness, but we must blaze a trail for others to follow.

That all may be one in the family of God: Jesus saw beyond His human relationships to those who obeyed His Word and His will. We cannot be bound by biological or geographical relationships, or the churches and missions we belong to. Anyone who is born into the Kingdom of God is our kinsman and we are all one big family of God, irrespective of colour, race, language or social status.

That all may experience the power of God: Many around us go through storms of life diseases, poverty, prolonged mental and physical suffering, handicaps, etc. They cry out without hope, not realizing or accepting that God controls the circumstances in human life and the world's history. In order that they experience the power of God in their life, let us be channels of His peace, power and healing.

Respond: Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness, chords that have broken will vibrate once more. (Fanny Crosby)

Secret of God's Kingdom

Prepare: "He who has ears to hear let him hear."
Read: Luke 8:1-15

The seed: God's word has the power to regenerate; to multiply into a hundredfold in the life of the one who responds and allows growth. Jesus sees the people as a land with a potential to blossom and bear fruit. However, it is the choice of the individual that makes the difference. Jesus divides people into four different groups.

The indifferent: People who do not heed what they hear or read. Like the religious leaders in Jesus' time, they do not stop to ponder and respond. They are content with what life in this world offers and refuses the message.

The fickle minded: This group receives the Word, but are easily turned away by opposition and temptations. Similar to the great crowd that followed Jesus, they would look for what they can receive from God. Their faith is shallow and fades away soon.

The double minded: They are easily overcome by the cares and pleasures of the world. They want the best of both worlds and often the world overtakes them. They do not allow the rule of God in their lives.

The strong: They respond to the Word, obey the truth and apply it in their life. They begin to reflect the nature of God in their life, drawing others to God. The Word of God is the measuring rod for their life. They do not bend or bow when adversity strikes or prosperity blows their way. Their lives will produce a good harvest for God.

Respond: Let me be like the tree planted by the water that.. Never fails to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:8)