August 1: Proverbs 14 28
Key Verse: Proverbs 14 28
In a multitude of people is a king’s honour, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.
Devotion:
We continue to hear of people who don't want to be ruled by tyrants on the news. Some are not even allowed to talk openly for fear of their lives. We don't hear too many stories about places which are sublime to live in – but that is probably because the news people think it is not news worthy! They would surmise we should not want to hear of the good side of life.
Right from the beginning of time when kings and governments were first brought into power, people have looked up to them for support when they need it. Nowadays it would seem the governments are so full of corrupt politicians they tell lies to get into power and then change their minds when they are there. Little wonder people get sick and tired of them before too long. How many countries do you know where the government or king has ruled successfully for more than 20 years?
If a king were to rule properly and justly, then the people would not have a problem supporting them through everything, even if they were to make mistakes. But as soon as people spot corruption in authority, they turn their backs on the authority. People would even move from surrounding countries if they though the government was better than theirs – likewise they leave their “unruly kingdom”. If the leaders would only show they cared for their people, they would be able to keep them loyal.
But it's not just the kings and governments, but the rules they set out and the people who uphold those rules. If the police force were corrupt, then people would not know who to trust for law and order. People would certainly want to move away from such a society. In God we have a King who is true, just and caring. In Christ we have a Prince who keeps the peace and judges fairly. And in the Holy Spirit we have a perpetual guide willing to show us the truth. Why can't people see the stability which lies ahead in God?
Points to Ponder:
Which country would you like to live in in the world?
What part of eternal life do you most look forward to?
July 31: Acts 5 12-16
Key Verse: Acts 5 13
Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
Devotion:
As the Apostles continued to grow in faith they found they could do more and show more people just how wonderful God is. They continued to preach, teach, heal and encourage the people around them. And yet, no matter how hard we try, there are still going to be people who will not believe what they see in front of their eyes; there will still be people who talk against you, shout against you and generally make you feel like you are in the wrong.
But also notice how they will stay clear of you when you are gathered together in numbers. The more we gather together as church the less people are willing to come and have a go. The more cohesive we are, the less likely they will want to come close to us because they may be shown up for the lies they are actually trying to spread.
So many people live on lies and are only popular because of the lies they have managed to hide from others. The truth will always find people out and this is why Christ wants all of us to live in the truth. He never tried to hide the truth. Yes, there were times when He had to run and hide from the enemy and there will be times when we have to do the same. But revealing the truth and living with the truth are very important.
I love the way the Apostles found they were being inundated with people coming along for healing. There does not seem to be any shortage of people who are willing to be made better as long as they do not have to do anything with it. But each time someone was healed, God was given the glory. Each time that happens we can be sure He is going to be pleased. God wants us to grow the kingdom of truth and wants us to have faith in Him and in His abilities so He can get the glory!
Points to Ponder:
Are you scared to tell people about God?
Do you gather together with other Christians?
July 30: Acts 2 40-45
Key Verse: Acts 2 43
Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Devotion:
I often wonder what it was like to be with the disciples after Christ had ascended back to Heaven and they were willed with the Holy Spirit. They must have had such a positive force about them and been so determined with all they were doing. But just being very positive and having bucket loads of faith is not really enough. What has to be done is to have this faith shared and demonstrated to others. It is not all about how good we are or how faithful we are, but about sharing God’s word with people who do not yet know Him.
I love talking to people about God and getting them to want to know more. The stories we are able to tell others are fascinating and wonderful and should leave people eager to find out more. We do not have to embellish on things but rather to tell people how it was. Yes, we may have to use our own parables because modern society may not understand the parables from the time of Christ. How many people understand just what it is to till the land?
Jesus used relevant stories and made sure the people would get the best understanding on what God is trying to do in our lives. We need to be doing similar things in our lives with the people around us. Having enough faith is a big thing, but don’t forget Jesus saying we need no more faith than faith the size of a mustard seed!
Allow people to see that you love Christ. Allow them to see you care deeply about the truth. Allow them to know why. Encourage them to find out more for themselves. Encourage them through your actions and your own feelings. Smile. Be joyful in Christ. Show them you are alive in Christ and they will want to know more!
Points to Ponder:
Do you tell people about Christ?
Are you excited about what you do?
July 29: Luke 24 46-49
Key Verse: Luke 24 49
Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
Devotion:
Just before Jesus ascended back into heaven, He reminded the disciples of the reason why this had all happened to Him; an apt reminder for us as well as we have been reminded how Christ promised to leave the Holy Spirit for us. What we need to take note of is how Jesus did not just bring on the Holy Spirit and then leave them. He told them they would have to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came to them.
Most of us lead very busy lives where we are rushing back and forward trying to fill in as many things as we can in the limited time we think we have. The urgency in which we do work for ourselves can seem very exhilarating at times, but what are we ignoring by rushing off and doing what we think is best to do? Jesus did not want the disciples to rush off and get straight into the task of talking to everyone; He wanted them to stop, think, pray and wait on God.
If we spent more time in our lives stopping the rushing, thinking about what God wants, praying for the guidance He wants to give us and then waiting for Him to tell us when the time is right, we would probably get a whole lot more done! Rushing and trying too hard often means we are focused on the wrong tasks and leave out what God says is important. We do not always see the big picture as God sees it. We do need to stop and wait for His guidance.
What Jesus had to go through was tough and probably more than we could go through. But He did this in preparation for what was to come. Everything was being done in the right order and at the right time because God was the guide. Jesus was listening and praying as much as possible to make sure God was in control.
Points to Ponder:
Who is in control of your life?
Are you willing to give God control?
July 28: Acts 1 4-8
Key Verse: Acts 1 8
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Devotion:
One of the last things Jesus did with the disciples was to gather them together and remind them of the promises of God. This passage is the reminder of the Holy Spirit or comforter which was still to come to them. Not just someone to make them feel better or peaceful but rather someone to empower them to do what Jesus had said they should be doing.
We all get a bit scared when we come to doing what God said we should be doing, and this is quite natural for all of us. But as we read through the book of the acts of the apostles we find just how many of God’s promises were real and so awesome in many ways. The coming of the Holy Spirit to give the disciples the power, might, confidence and wisdom to go out into all the areas around Jerusalem and tell people of the wonders of God and the truth of how the prophetic words of so many came to being.
Jesus continued to show people of His power and might but He always gave the glory for His miracles to God the Father. He told people He could do nothing without God and without His power. He did this to make sure we understood just how much we can do when we trust in God and the Holy Spirit as well. Something I personally fall short on many times because of my lack of faith at times.
Jesus never showed any sign of weakness in this area because He knew God would always carry out every promise and answer every ardent prayer. Those same promises stand for us as well. But sometimes our lack of faith gets in the way. Jesus wanted the disciples to see what faith could do; and the only way to see this was to allow them to experience the promises coming true. God wants us to see this same truth.
Points to Ponder:
Do you allow your lack of faith to get in the way?
Will you allow your faith to be bigger than your fears?