Israel Methodist Youth Fellowship

26/11/2016

Saturday November 26, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Unsend

BY: David McCasland

READING: 1 Peter 3:8–12

Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 1 Peter 3:10

Have you ever sent an email and suddenly realized it went to the wrong person or it contained harmful, harsh words? If only you could press a key and stop it. Well, now you can. Several companies offer a feature that gives you a brief time after sending an email to stop it from leaving your computer. After that, the email is like a spoken word that cannot be unsaid. Rather than being seen as a cure-all, an “unsend” feature should remind us that it’s extremely important to guard what we say.

In the apostle Peter’s first letter, he told the followers of Jesus, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing. . . . For, ‘whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it’ ” (1 Peter 3:9–11).

The psalmist David wrote, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3). That’s a great prayer for the beginning of each day and in every situation when we want to strike back with words.

PRAYER:
Lord, guard our words today so we may not harm others by what we say.

Father, teach us first to guard our hearts so that we may guard our tongues. And help us, when we do say things we regret, to humbly apologize and seek forgiveness.

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21

INSIGHT:
The apostle Peter may be one of the last people from whom we would expect counsel on bridling our tongues. He was the one to chastise Jesus and claim fidelity even if all others failed, and yet he later disowned Christ (Matt. 26:33, 69–75). He was the only disciple to resort to violence (v. 51; John 18:10–11), and yet he encouraged the mistreated and displaced not to return like for like (see 1 Peter 3:9). Through the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter finally understood the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:38–44. Have you wished you could hit rewind and take back your words or actions? Is it comforting to know that just as Peter was changed, you too, through the Holy Spirit, can experience growth and change?

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 27–29; 1 Peter 3

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am.

God bless you.

25/11/2016

Friday November 25,. 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Best Deal Ever!

BY: Amy Boucher Pye

READING: Ecclesiastes 5:10–19

As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners? Ecclesiastes 5:11

How much is enough? We might ask this simple question on a day that many developed countries increasingly devote to shopping. I speak of Black Friday, the day after the US Thanksgiving holiday, in which many stores open early and offer cut-price deals; a day that has spread from the States to other nations. Some shoppers have limited resources and are trying to purchase something at a price they can afford. But sadly, for others greed is the motivation, and violence erupts as they fight for bargains.

The wisdom of the Old Testament writer known as “the Teacher” (Eccl. 1:1) provides an antidote to the frenzy of consumerism we may face in the shops—and in our hearts. He points out that those who love money never will have enough and will be ruled by their possessions. And yet, they will die with nothing: “As everyone comes, so they depart” (5:15). The apostle Paul echoes the Teacher in his letter to Timothy, when he says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and that we should strive for “godliness with contentment” (1 Tim. 6:6–10).

Whether we live in a place of plenty or not, we all can seek unhealthy ways of filling the God-shaped hole in our hearts. But when we look to the Lord for our sense of peace and well-being, He will fill us with His goodness and love.

PRAYER:
“You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You.” Augustine, The Confessions

True contentment does not depend on anything in this world.

INSIGHT:
Without the living God being brought into the picture, Ecclesiastes is one of the most paradoxical books in the Old Testament. For much of this short reflective work, we see life portrayed without God as an active Person in our lives. As a result, much of the text, though inspired by the Spirit, describes secular beliefs. Nonetheless, today’s reading showcases wisdom in various aspects of life.

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 24–26; 1 Peter 2

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

24/11/2016

Thursday November 24, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Game of Thanks

BY: Joe Stowell

READING: Colossians 3:12–17

Whatever you do, . . . do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Every autumn we throw a scrumptious Thanksgiving feast on campus at Cornerstone University. Our students love it! Last year a group of students played a game at their table. They challenged each other to name something they were thankful for—in three seconds or less—without repeating what someone else had said. Anyone who hesitated was out of the game.

There are all kinds of things that students might gripe about—tests, deadlines, rules, and a host of other college-type complaints. But these students had chosen to be thankful. And my guess is that they all felt a lot better after the game than they would have if they had chosen to complain.

While there will always be things to complain about, if we look carefully there are always blessings to be thankful for. When Paul describes our newness in Christ, “thankfulness” is the only characteristic mentioned more than once. In fact it is mentioned three times. “Be thankful,” he says in Colossians 3:15. Sing to God “with gratitude in your hearts” (v. 16). And whatever you do, be sure to be “giving thanks to God the Father” (v. 17). Paul’s instruction to be thankful is astonishing when we consider that he wrote this letter from prison!

Today, let’s make the choice to have an attitude of thankfulness.

PRAYER:
Lord, teach me the liberating joy of being thankful! Help me to find the blessings that are locked up in the things I complain about and to regularly express my gratitude to You and others.

Choose the attitude of gratitude.

INSIGHT:
Paul compared new life in Christ to changing old clothes for new ones (Col. 3:9, 10). But don’t we have old “clothes”—attitudes—that feel more comfortable than new ones? What if we’ve tried over and over to be more forgiving, thankful, and peaceful (vv. 14–15) without much change? If so, it’s important that we not misunderstand what Paul is urging us to do. The secret of clothing ourselves in the attitudes of Christ, according to Paul, is being good hosts to Christ in us (1:27). As we learn to consider and rely on His presence in us gratefully, we gradually discover that wonderful new attitudes of love, peace, and gratefulness are growing in us in ways that we sense are not simply the result of our own efforts.

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 22–23; 1 Peter 1

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

23/11/2016

Wednesday November 23, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Fame and Humility

BY: Cindy Hess Kasper

READING: Philippians 2:1–11

He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8

Many of us are obsessed with fame—either with being famous ourselves or with following every detail of famous people’s lives. International book or film tours. Late-night show appearances. Millions of followers on Twitter.

In a recent study in the US, researchers ranked the names of famous individuals using a specially developed algorithm that scoured the Internet. Jesus topped the list as the most famous person in history.

Yet Jesus was never concerned about obtaining celebrity status. When He was here on earth, He never sought fame (Matt. 9:30; John 6:15)—although fame found Him all the same as news about Him quickly traveled throughout the region of Galilee (Mark 1:28; Luke 4:37).

Wherever Jesus went, crowds soon gathered. The miracles He performed drew people to Him. But when they tried to make Him a king by force, He slipped away by Himself (John 6:15). United in purpose with His Father, He repeatedly deferred to the Father’s will and timing (4:34; 8:29; 12:23). “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8).

Fame was never Jesus’s goal. His purpose was simple. As the Son of God, He humbly, obediently, and voluntarily offered Himself as the sacrifice for our sins.

PRAYER:
You are to be celebrated, Lord, above all others. You have been highly exalted and given a name that is above every name. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that You are Lord.

Jesus came not to be famous, but to humbly offer Himself as the sacrifice for our sins.

INSIGHT:
In today’s reading, we see Paul’s eloquent treatment of how God became human. Jesus Christ had the attributes of God yet took on human flesh to become a servant. This self-sacrificial mission found its ultimate expression in Jesus’s death on the cross to provide salvation for all who believe in Him as Savior and Lord. C. S. Lewis wrote, “The Son of God became man so that men might become sons of God.”

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 20–21; James 5

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

21/11/2016

Monday November 21, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: What About You?

BY: Anne Cetas

READING: Ephesians 4:25–32

The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21

Emily listened as a group of friends talked about their Thanksgiving traditions with family. “We go around the room and each one tells what he or she is thankful to God for,” Gary said.

Another friend mentioned his family's Thanksgiving meal and prayertime. He recalled time with his dad before he had died: “Even though Dad had dementia, his prayer of thanks to the Lord was clear.” Randy shared, “My family has a special time of singing together on the holiday. My grandma goes on and on and on!” Emily’s sadness and jealousy grew as she thought of her own family, and she complained: “Our traditions are to eat turkey, watch television, and never mention anything about God or giving thanks.”

Right away Emily felt uneasy with her attitude. You are part of that family. What would you like to do differently to change the day? she asked herself. She decided she wanted to privately tell each person she was thankful to the Lord that they were her sister, niece, brother, or great-niece. When the day arrived, she expressed her thankfulness for them one by one, and they all felt loved. It wasn’t easy because it wasn’t normal conversation in her family, but she experienced joy as she shared her love for each of them.

“Let everything you say be good and helpful,” wrote the apostle Paul, “so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29 nlt). Our words of thanks can remind others of their value to us and to God.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, show me how I can be an encouragement to others with my words.

The human spirit fills with hope at the sound of an encouraging word.

INSIGHT:
At first glance, today’s Scripture can look like a list of rules. Stop telling lies, quit stealing, don’t use abusive language, stop being bitter or angry. But it’s important to remember that these instructions aren’t just about changing behavior. They are about a change in identity. This list flows out of Paul’s earlier exhortation for the Christians in Ephesus to live according to their new identity as children of light (4:17–21). They used to participate in all kinds of sinful behavior. But when the Spirit opened their minds and softened their hearts (v. 18) to the truth of Christ, they were no longer dead but became alive in Christ. The Spirit renews our thoughts and attitudes, making an inward change that has outward effects.

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 16–17; James 3

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

18/11/2016

Friday November 18, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Love Without Borders

BY: Randy Kilgore

READING: Luke 22:39–46

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

During the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900, missionaries trapped in a home in T’ai Yüan Fu decided their only hope for survival rested on running through the crowd that was calling for their deaths. Aided by weapons they held, they escaped the immediate threat. However, Edith Coombs, noticing that two of her injured Chinese students had not escaped, raced back into danger. She rescued one, but stumbled on her return trip for the second student and was killed.

Meanwhile, missionaries in Hsin Chou district had escaped and were hiding in the countryside, accompanied by their Chinese friend Ho Tsuen Kwei. But he was captured while scouting an escape route for his friends in hiding and was martyred for refusing to reveal their location.

In the lives of Edith Coombs and Tsuen Kwei we see a love that rises above cultural or national character. Their sacrifice reminds us of the greater grace and love of our Savior.

As Jesus awaited His arrest and subsequent ex*****on, He prayed earnestly, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me.” But He concluded that request with this resolute example of courage, love, and sacrifice: “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His death and resurrection made our eternal lives possible.

PRAYER:
Lord, may the world see our love for each other—and the deeds that come from it—as a great testimony to the bond of unity we have in You. May they want to know You too.

Only the light of Christ’s love can eliminate the darkness of hatred.

INSIGHT:
The Bible speaks of God’s love for us in terms of a generous sacrifice. The apostle John writes of a God who “so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). To prove that God truly loves us, John directs us to Jesus’s sacrificial death: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). Alluding to His own sacrificial love just hours before He went to the cross, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 8–10; Hebrews 13

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

16/11/2016

Wednesday November 16, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: The Twelfth Man

BY: David McCasland

READING: Hebrews 11:32–12:3

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

A large sign at the Texas A&M University football stadium says “HOME OF THE 12TH MAN.” While each team is allowed eleven players on the field, the 12th Man is the presence of thousands of A&M students who remain standing during the entire game to cheer their team on. The tradition traces its roots to 1922 when the coach called a student from the stands to suit up and be ready to replace an injured player. Although he never entered the game, his willing presence on the sideline greatly encouraged the team.

Hebrews 11 describes heroes of the faith who faced great trials and remained loyal to God. Chapter 12 begins, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (v. 1).

We are not alone on our journey of faith. The great saints and ordinary people who have been faithful to the Lord encourage us by their example and also by their presence in heaven. They are a spiritual 12th Man standing with us while we are still on the field.

As we fix our eyes on Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (12:2), we are spurred on by all those who followed Him.

PRAYER:
Lord, may we be aware of those in heaven who are cheering us on. Give us strength to run our race of faith today.

Faithful Christians from the past encourage us today

INSIGHT:
The target audience for the book of Hebrews is Jews who had trusted Jesus as their Messiah. But due to persecution, in some cases imprisonment, and through confiscation of personal property, they were tempted to forsake their faith in Jesus and return to Judaism.

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 3–4; Hebrews 11:20–40

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

15/11/2016

Tuesday November 15, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Do I Matter?

BY: Philip Yancey

READING: Ecclesiastes 1:1–11

[Christ Jesus] made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant. Philippians 2:7

I stand in the cashier line of the local supermarket and look around me. I see teenagers with shaved heads and nose rings looking through the snack foods; a young professional buying one steak, a few twigs of asparagus, and a sweet potato; an elderly woman pondering the peaches and strawberries. Does God know all these people by name? I ask myself. Do they really matter to Him?

The Maker of all things is the Maker of all human beings, and each of us is deemed worthy of His individual attention and love. God demonstrated that love in person on the gnarly hills of Israel and ultimately on the cross.

When Jesus visited earth in the form of a servant, He showed that the hand of God is not too big for the smallest person in the world. It is a hand engraved with our individual names and engraved also with wounds, the cost to God of loving us so much.

Now, when I find myself wallowing in self-pity, overwhelmed by the ache of loneliness that is articulated so well in books like Job and Ecclesiastes, I turn to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s stories and deeds. If I conclude that my existence “under the sun” (Eccl. 1:3) makes no difference to God, I contradict one of the main reasons God came to earth. To the question Do I matter? Jesus is indeed the answer.

PRAYER:
Father, when we are overwhelmed by the ache of loneliness and pain, we can run only to You. Jesus showed us how much we matter to You, and we thank You!

The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Jesus

INSIGHT:
The author of Ecclesiastes seemed to go on a scavenger hunt for value through pleasure (2:1–3), projects (vv. 4–7), wealth (vv. 7–8), s*x (v. 8), and fame (v. 9)—only to find it is meaningless. In some ways Ecclesiastes parallels Old Testament law. Even as the law shows us we can’t keep the law (and so we need a Savior in Jesus), Ecclesiastes shows us that apart from God’s vantage point, we will only end in frustration and futility (and so we need a satisfier in Jesus). If we restrict ourselves to seeking meaning as circumscribed by life “under the sun,” it would be like seeking a plank in the wide ocean. We are not restricted to happenstance “under the sun,” for God has spoken to us in His Son (Heb. 1:1–2). Jesus is God’s Son; therefore, listen to him” (Luke 9:35). People matter to God, for we are more than mere matter.

The Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 1–2; Hebrews 11:1–19

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

13/11/2016

Sunday November 13, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Pay Close Attention

BY: Lawrence Darmani

Nehemiah 8:2–6; Acts 8:4–8

All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:3

As I sat in the auditorium, I faced the pastor with my eyes fixed on him. My posture suggested I was absorbing everything he was saying. Suddenly I heard everybody laughing and clapping. Surprised, I looked about. The preacher had apparently said something humorous, but I had no clue what it might have been. From all appearances I had been listening carefully, but in reality my mind was far away.

It’s possible to hear what is being said but not listen, to watch but not see, to be present and yet absent. In such a condition, we may miss important messages meant for us.

As Ezra read God’s instructions to the people of Judah, “All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law” (Neh. 8:3). Their attention to the explanation produced understanding (v. 8), which resulted in their repentance and revival. In another situation in Samaria, Philip, after persecution of the believers broke out in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1), reached out to the Samaritan people. The crowd not only observed the miraculous signs he did, but they also “paid close attention to what he said” (v. 6). “So there was great joy in that city” (v. 8).

The mind can be like a wandering adventurer that misses a lot of excitement close by. Nothing deserves more attention than words that help us discover the joy and wonder of our Father in heaven.

PRAYER:
Lord, our minds are so prone to distraction. Help us to be present in the moment, especially when listening to those who instruct us in Your ways.

The receiving of the Word consists in two parts: attention of the mind and intention of the will. William Ames

INSIGHT:
On one occasion, many of Jesus’s followers rejected His teaching because they found it “hard” and “no longer followed him” (John 6:60, 66). Jesus then challenged the Twelve and asked if they too would reject His teaching. Responding, Peter affirmed they still would follow, for “You have the words of eternal life” (v. 68).

The Bible in one year:
Lamentations 1–2; Hebrews 10:1–18

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

11/11/2016

Friday November 11, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Seeing Well

BY: Jennifer Benson Schuldt

READING: John 15:12–17

You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14

Raleigh looks like a powerful dog—he is large and muscular and has a thick coat of fur. And he weighs over 100 pounds! Despite his appearance, Raleigh connects well with people. His owner takes him to nursing homes and hospitals to bring people a smile.

Once, a four-year-old girl spotted Raleigh across a room. She wanted to pet him, but was afraid to get close. Eventually, her curiosity overcame her sense of caution and she spent several minutes talking to him and petting him. She discovered that he is a gentle creature, even though he is powerful.

The combination of these qualities reminds me of what we read about Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus was approachable—He welcomed little children (Matt. 19:13–15). He was kind to an adulterous woman in a desperate situation (John 8:1–11). Compassion motivated Him to teach crowds (Mark 6:34). At the same time, Jesus’s power was astounding. Heads turned and jaws dropped as He subdued demons, calmed violent storms, and resurrected dead people! (Mark 1:21–34; 4:35–41; John 11).

The way we see Jesus determines how we relate to Him. If we focus only on His power, we may treat Him with the detached worship we’d give a comic book superhero. Yet, if we overemphasize His kindness, we risk treating Him too casually. The truth is that Jesus is both at once—great enough to deserve our obedience yet humble enough to call us friends.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the privilege of knowing You. I acknowledge Your gentle power. I worship You as the Son of God—full of grace and glory.

What we think of Jesus shows in how we relate with Him.

INSIGHT:
Jesus spoke of “a new commandment” to love one another (John 13:34). The command to love is not entirely new (1 John 2:7), for God commanded every Jew to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:43; 22:39). What is new is that Jesus raised the bar to the highest standard of loving: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). He used the words servants and friends to contrast the new level of love and intimacy we now have with Him. The one who loved you as He loved Himself is a true friend, one who will humbly and lovingly serve you (13:1–17), and one who sacrificially loved you, even laying down His life for you (15:13).

The Bible in one year:
Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.

09/11/2016

Wednesday November 9, 2016

DEVOTIONAL THEME: Signs and Feelings

BY: Tim Gustafson

READING: Matthew 16:1–4

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

A young man I know has a habit of asking God for signs. That’s not necessarily bad, but his prayers tend to seek confirmation of his feelings. For instance, he’ll pray, “God, if You want me to do X, then You please do Y, and I’ll know it’s okay.”

This has created a dilemma. Because of the way he prays and the way he thinks God is answering, he feels that he should get back with his ex-girlfriend. Perhaps unsurprisingly, she feels strongly that God doesn’t want that.

The religious leaders of Jesus’s day demanded a sign from Him to prove the validity of His claims (Matt. 16:1). They weren’t seeking God’s guidance; they were challenging His divine authority. Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign” (v. 4). The Lord’s strong response wasn’t a blanket statement to prevent anyone from seeking God’s guidance. Rather, Jesus was accusing them of ignoring the clear prophecies in Scripture that indicated He was the Messiah.

God wants us to seek His guidance in prayer (James 1:5). He also gives us the guidance of the Spirit (John 14:26) and His Word (Ps. 119:105). He provides us with mentors and wise leaders. And He’s given us the example of Jesus Himself.

It’s wise to ask God for clear direction, but He may not always give it in ways that we expect or want. Perhaps the larger point of prayer is that we learn more about God’s nature and develop a relationship with our Father.

PRAYER:
Lord, it is impossible for us to comprehend Your nature, and yet You welcome us to approach You in prayer. And so we seek Your guidance today and ask to know You in ways we haven’t seen before.

The best way to know God’s will is to say, “I will” to God.

INSIGHT:
After the religious leaders’ ironic demand for a sign of Jesus’s identity (Matt. 16:1–4), Jesus takes His men north to Caesarea Philippi where He asks two questions. The first, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” (v. 13) was a survey of the prevailing opinions held by the common people about His identity. The answers were complimentary, but all fell short of the truth. The second question, “Who do you say I am?” received Peter’s ringing response, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (vv. 15–16). With God’s help, Peter rightly assessed all the miraculous signs Jesus had done in their first eighteen months together and affirmed that Jesus was God in human flesh.

The Bible in one year:
Jeremiah 46–47; Hebrews 6

©2016 Our Daily Bread Ministries https://www.facebook.com/ourdailybread/

Israel MYF humbly invites you to TRANSFORMATIVE WORD CONFERENCE at Israel Methodist Church, Lomnava. Join us as we study and get more insights about our LORD JESUS CHRIST on 26th November, 2016 at 8am. Our speaker this year is Very Rev Dr Maxwell Aryee.

God bless you.

Connecting the world with God’s Word through daily devotions, books, podcasts, and other Christian resources. | Bible Engagement for Life.