April 9: 1 John 3 17-18
Key Verse: 1 John 3 18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Devotion:
I know I have used these verses in a devotional recently – but how much more they mean in this time of lock-down in our communities; not just here in the UK, but all over the world where we are being faced by an enemy which is unseen, a virus. The more we can learn about this virus, the more we can protect ourselves from it, but also the more we feel confident enough to help other people.
I have tried not to shy away from helping others, but I know I have done so over the past few weeks – it is human nature and probably common sense too in my mind. But God tells us to look out for the people who are in need and to reach out and help them in ways we can. This does not mean we have to go round and visit people because we may well be taking the virus into their homes for all we know – but it does mean reaching out to them with words, prayers and any other ways we can help them!
God has taught us enough times how we need to love Him with all our hearts and minds – He has also taught us this love extends to all His creation, which means loving the people around you with all your heart and mind too! How does that look in real life nowadays. If you are still in work and have a bit of money to spare, how about buying something for someone online and getting it delivered directly to them. How about helping to pay a bill for someone who is in need.
It may surprise you to know that many of the people who do run places like foodbanks and food-halls are people who are in need themselves, people who have had it rough and now are giving to others who still have it rough. Don’t wait until you experience everything falling down around you before you realise you can step forward and help someone in need. Love them with your heart and mind and share your possessions with them!
Points to Ponder:
Who do you call out to when you need something?
Are you willing to answer someone else’s call for help?
April 8: John 19 25-27
Key Verse: John 19 27
and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Devotion:
Have you ever thought about what you would like to say to people as a parting word before you or they die? Jesus’ compassion for others is shown here in a very special way when He steps in to fill the hole which is about to be left in these people’s lives! Christ knew what was going to happen and He knew the best and safest place for the people He loved to be in; they just had to listen.
It is not often God commands us to do things because He wants us to enjoy our lives as free people and not as slaves. He is not an overlord who is bashing His minions into submission, but a loving, but Holy, God who is encouraging us to do the right thing. There is no better time to listen to God than when we find ourselves in a pickle! We have probably got ourselves there because we have not been listening and we have gone against His wishes – not because He is punishing us for not listening, but because we have wandered off into a big hole all by ourselves!
Jesus wanted the people He loved to be together where they would be able to encourage each other and support each other – how can we do that if we are not together? We are finding new ways in which we can reach out to people in this global lock-down time. We are finding new expressions of church and new ways of showing our love to others. Let’s not pretend, it is hard work and I am finding it very difficult at times; but I know God is with me and I know He has something in store for me to do – why else would he have kept me alive last year?
As we go forward, try to keep pace with Jesus. Try to listen to His instructions because He is trying to lead us into a place of peace, comfort and love. Along the way we are going to have to face up to some pretty extreme times when we are going to question why we have to do this, why should we have to suffer, why, why… But know this. God is with you and walking with you every step of your life. When He says something, try to listen because it is for your benefit and for His glory.
Points to Ponder:
Do you like listening to others?
Will you stop and listen to God today?
April 7: Luke 23 32-34
Key Verse: Luke 23 34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Devotion:
We often do not think of the two other people who were crucified with Jesus on that day in history – but they are very important to Christ, especially on that day! This was the last day they all were going to spend on earth; this was the very last time Jesus was able to offer forgiveness to these people and one of them took Him up on that offer on that day, his last day on earth!
It was not a particular sect or religion which crucified Jesus on that cross – it was mankind, us! We are the ones who sent Jesus to His terrible death. Yes, there were those who did not want it to happen, those who wanted Jesus to live, but it is us, mankind, who is guilty! Those two people who were being crucified with Jesus were criminals, some say they deserved it, people even came out to watch them being hung because that is what people did during that time.
How many people are we condemning by going with the flow and doing what we want to instead of listening to the rules? How many people may we sentence to death just because we wanted to go outside and have a party? It’s not something we will all think about because we are all wired differently – but the more people we see die of this virus, the more I think about making sure I am not condemning anyone!
But even when the one criminal hurled insults at Jesus, Christ was still willing to offer His total forgiveness. What an awesome Saviour we have – no matter what we have done, what we are doing or what we will do, Christ is always offering forgiveness to us and will always say yes if we ask for that forgiveness! The people who tied and nailed Jesus to the cross had no regard for His position or for who He is – but he still offered forgiveness to them as well. Will you think about someone else – no matter what they are doing?
Points to Ponder:
Do you think you are too bad for forgiveness?
Don’t you realise Jesus already offered you forgiveness?
April 6: Psalms 36 2-4
Key Verse: Psalms 36 2
In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.
Devotion:
I guess it takes something out of this world to bring out the best and the worst in people! During this time all around the world we are seeing two sides to people; some of the people we least expect are giving and sharing without measure, and yet others are being so trapped in their own greed and pride they are not seeing what is right in front of themselves. It is my prayer today which goes out to all those people who are too blinded by greed and pride to have their eyes and hearts opened by Christ this Easter and allow them to be set free from their insulated and warped worlds.
I can think back at times a long while ago when I too would get so upset with people I would lose sleep and even try to plot my revenge on them whilst laying in my bed. I look back and wonder how I got caught up in such a pickle and realise it was nothing much other than the normal ways of life happening around me at the time; but I had a hatred in my heart which was stopping me from doing what was right!
God’s love goes out to all those people caught up in the world and trapped in their circumstance – we could all probably name a few people in our communities who are caught in these situations which seem beyond their own control. Lift up your prayers to them today that they may be set free from their hatred. We have seen enough clips on the news and social media of the lengths people are willing to go to because of their greed… and you wonder what their situation is like now. I have not spent my time and money chasing after things such as toilet paper, but rather spent it contemplating how I can help others.
I have found we have enough supplies to continue on living. I have found we have had our needs met. Yes there have been a few ‘close scrapes’ waiting for medication and doctors, but in all we have had our needs met. I continue to rely on God to fill my needs, knowing He is willing and able to do so much more than I realise… if only we could get the word out to the haters to allow them to see there is no real reason for their ways...
Points to Ponder:
Do you know someone locally who is caught up in deceit?
Will you pray for them and stretch out a hand to offer them help?
April 5: Psalms 4 2-3
Key Verse: Psalms 4 3
Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.
Devotion:
Questions were asked by people such as king David a very long time ago: how long are people going to be chasing after lies instead of turning toward and accepting the truth. We can see this happening in all sorts of walks in life nowadays too; the latest of which is how some people are taking the lives of the people around them in their own hands by going out and mixing with others – not giving due care and attention toward others!
How long is it going to continue? Well, how long is a piece of string! We are human and we do chase after strange things in our lives, most of which are based around lies or vain beliefs. People want to lift themselves up and when they do, they don’t care too much about how many people they step on of affect. My heart goes out to the people who are trying to make a living in one way or another but are faced by blockades every step of the way; where normally they may go out and meet people or mix with others in order to try and get some work, they are stuck at home and not able to do this. The temptation for them to get out and do something which is against all advice is very strong!
If you know of someone who is struggling close to you, how about giving them a break and helping them out? How about suggesting something they are able to do in this time of lock-down? We are all facing hard times, but some are trapped de to circumstance in ways which we may view as criminal – and it is the people in charge who are acting like the criminals.
God has set us apart for a reason – to help others and allow them to feel like they have hope. We have hope through Jesus and we can depend on that hope. Some people do not yet know Jesus and have nothing but dark skies ahead – bring them a little light by sharing the hope we have that Jesus is here for us all. Make a difference by doing something for someone in need today!
Points to Ponder:
Do you know someone in need?
What are you going to do about it?