Daily Journal for Monday 12th October 2009

S- "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen" Luke 24:5b

O - What amazing and deeply assuring words. To all intents, the people that loved Jesus were heartbroken, as he had died. The women were going to the tomb to prepare his body. But her was not there! The tomb was empty. He had gone and instead there were two angels there who spoke to them. Oh Jesus, you overcame death. You defeated death. You died and you rose. This means everything to those who believe in you. This means that we too will never die, but will be with you forever in all eternity. There is nothing more deeply assuring and wonderful. It is also true, that even now, as we live, we are living for you. Those who do not know you, do not realise that they too, are dead. Dead, spiritually.

A- This weekend has been so sad at the loss of Brian McGorlick. But, we also know that we have this deep assurance that he has gone to be with his saviour, Jesus Christ. I cannot believe that just last Tuesday was the last time I saw him, and he is now looking directly at Jesus. In heaven, raised to new life.

P - Dear Jesus, what an awesome and incredible hope we have, that in you, we have eternal life. Thankyou for this gift which gives so much hope and life. Amen.

Daily Reading From Luke Chapter 24

Daily Journaling for Thursday 8th of October 2009

Lost People Matter

 - "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Luke 19:10

O - Jesus came to save the lost. Zacchaeus was lost. Caught up in his money and the vastness of it. Yet he wanted to see Jesus. The people heard Jesus say that he must stay at Zac's house and witnessed Zac's glad welcome of Jesus and they thought Jesus was making an error in judgment. "He has gone to be the guest of a sinner" they muttered. But this was no mistake for Jesus came to do exactly this - save the lost. And those who seek Jesus can be found!

A - Jesus still wants to save the lost! He is still wanting his followers to go into all the world and make disciples, to be salt and light. He still wants his church to be a city on a hill for a world lost in darkness. Lost people mattered to Jesus. They still matter to God. They must matter to me too. I will give a book to a friend and do an act of kindness for another today because I want them to be saved because they matter.

P - Lord, help me care and love lost people the way you do and may I be a part of your seeking and saving them. Amen.

Daily Readings Luke 19-20

Daily Journaling for Wednesday 7th of October 2009

Faith for the Impossible

S - The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. Luke 17:5-6

O - The disciples found Jesus' teaching about causing little ones to sin and forgiving those who sin against them continually too hard. Their cry was spot on - "Increase our faith!" What is often lacking in my life and in the life of many Christians and Christian churches is a lack of faith. God has asked us to live in obedience to him and sometimes it seems impossible. But with an increase in our faith that God can do anything we can fulfill his commands.

We don't need much faith, even with just a little God can do a lot. Even with a small amount God can do the impossible like uprooting trees and changing lives.

A - I need my faith increased. We had a funeral a few weeks back and I got a number of text messages and emails before the service from people saying "I am praying for you." I heard yesterday how two people sat down in their seats in the packed church and said to each other "We need to pray." And they prayed throughout the service. You can imagine what happened. God used the service to touch many people and change lives!

I need faith to believe that this Sunday as we meet together, God wants to change lives. I need to pray like the persistent widow, with a faith that can move mountains that God would transform hearts. I need to prepare and act in faith and believe that God wants to do the impossible because with God all things are possible.

P - Father, you made the heavens and earth - nothing is impossible. Transform hearts and lives in our city, in our church, for your glory I pray. Amen.

Daily Readings Luke 17-18

Daily Journal for Tuesday 6th October 2009

GOD'S AMAZING GRACE

S - "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him " Luke 15:20

O - This parable is highlighting God's joy at the return of a sinner. The son spent all of his father's inheritance on wild living (prostitutes and partying). You probably couldn't get more rebellious or decadent than that! I have been told that to even ask for your share of the inheritance while your father is alive is extremely dishonouring in this culture. Its as if you are saying to your father, "I think of you as already dead!". And now the son returns - ashamedly and humbly. But! The father sees him in the distance and is filled with compassion and runs to him. I am also aware that for a man of this wealth and stature, running, was unbecoming and below his station. Only servants scurried and ran. The more wealthier you are the slower your gait. Its as if God is telling us through this parable that He will do anything, including the extension of costly grace towards us, in order to win us back towards Him. To have God thrust his arms around us and kiss us when we have sinned so deeply is radical and life changing. But the condition is, we have to want to come back!

A - I continually forget how gracious and forgiving God really is. How often I hold on to my shame and unworthiness and think I can hide it from God when all He want is for me to turn back to Him. I want to continually be aware of my sin and repent and trun to God to recieve His forgiveness.

P - Father, help me to remember your grace and your mercy and your forgiveness in my life. How awesome and amazing is your grace to me. Thank you for being the God that you are in my life. Helps others, through me, to also know the mercy and grace that you have for them I pray. Amen.

Daily Reading Luke Chapters 15&16

Daily Journaling for Monday October 5th 2009

S - Then Jesus said, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew, became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches" Luke 13: 18-19

O - Jesus was talking about the kingdom of God when He was referring it to the mustard seed. The kingdom of God starts out very small. It is important to remember this, especially as the world seems to totally ignore the message of Christ. But, it grows! We are led to believe that when this tree or vine eventually becomes full grown, it becomes one of the largest trees known. Then the birds of the air rest in its branches. The kingdom has all the potential to become a haven for those seeking refuge, for those finding food, for those requiring a home.

A - As I ready myself today for counselling at Mustard Seed Counselling and Care, I too, am aware that we have started small, opening one day per week. Yet, already God has blessed this small endeavour. Many lives have been touched by His Spirit. On Thursdays, Robin's group for women from Betty's Place has become a refuge and a home. Mary helps many who are seeking guidance and nourishment. Praise God that He has given us such a wonderful encouragement from His Word to inspire. The kingdom of God will grow here on earth despite humble and small beginnings.

P - Dear Jesus, thank you so much for the wonderful gift of life you give us through trusting in you and trusting in your Word, and sharing the great adventure of kingdom building together.

Amen.

Daily Reading Luke Chapters 13 &14

Daily Journaling for Saturday 3rd of October 2009

Workers Needed!

S - He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2

O - Jesus says that the fields are ready to harvest and the harvest is plentiful. There are so many people who are ready to hear and respond to the Good News. But there's one big problem - not enough workers! There's few around. Not enough to reap the harvest. So what's the solution? Ask the Lord of the harvest to get the workers and get them out into the field so that the harvest can be brought in.

A - I believe Jesus' words are true for today. There are people all around who are ready to hear and respond to the gospel. The problem is that there are so few who have a genuine relationship with Jesus and are willing to share this with others. There are so few who will go. I must pray to God to raise up a workforce that will go and diligently share the Good News, reap the harvest and bring joy to the Lord of the harvest!

P - Father, send out workers I pray. I want to be one. Send out so many more that our city, our region is filled with workers, reaping a harvest, Amen.

Daily Readings - Luke 10-11

Daily Journaling for Friday 2nd of October 2009

Taking up Your Cross

S - "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

O - This verse is spoken to those who would follow Jesus and this includes anyone for anyone can follow Jesus. Just like the "whoever" in John 3:16 the "anyone" means the invitation is open. But the cost is great. They must deny themselves putting Christ first and themselves as willing servant doing his bidding. And they must take up their cross daily, by dying to self (the old way of living) and living the new life that the cross has brought (new life in Christ).

A - I am a follower of Jesus! Today I will remember my the cost of being a follower means dying to self and living the new life won through the cross.

P - As I spend today preparing for Sunday's messages help me to live surrendered and obedient to you Lord Jesus. Amen.

Daily Readings - Luke 9