New Year Devotions: Happy New You

Like everyone else, I try to make resolutions at the beginning of the new year. Like most people, I fail to live up to my own expectations. This year I'm going to try something different. I've written a new e-book called "Happy New You," which contains 31 short daily devotions for the month of January. My plan is to read and reflect on God's Word each day and try to get closer to Christ right at the beginning of the year.

I believe that if I do this, then I will make God the focus of my 2014 journey. Would you like to join me? If so, then you can also do this by getting the e-book for your kindle, PC, Mac, or mobile device. The link to the book is contained in the box below.

God bless you all. May 2014 be a year where your hopes and dreams are all fulfilled in Christ!

Sunday School Lesson for August 11

This week’s passages are from Psalm 50:1-8 & Luke 12:32-40.

Psalm 50:1-8

Psalm 50 is about the almightiness of God and contains some very harsh words of condemnation upon religious people who choose to ignore God’s commands. In effect, what is expressed is God’s anger against those who would seek perfection in making sanctimonious sacrifices and the keeping of religious rites rather than actually living by God’s Word.

In our present pluralistic culture, Psalm 50 is highly relevant. It should make us all ponder over how we practice our faith. Do we express it in terms of religious obligations, or do we convey it in merciful deeds?

Questions for study and reflection

The first couple of verses present an image of God authoritatively summoning the Earth into His presence each morning. How do we initially approach God on a daily basis?

The psalmist writes about God being Judge of all the Earth. How does this type of imagery relate to our own beliefs?

God is portrayed as being angry because of the religious hypocrisy of His people. Are we prone to the same sin? Give examples.

In the second half of the psalm, God declares the wicked to be those who hate God’s commands and set aside His words. Is this still happening in the Church today? Why/why not?

Psalm 50 is not a comfortable psalm to read. How does it still challenge us today?

Luke 12:32-40

Today’s verses cover two important areas in the life of any Christian. Firstly, we are meant to be generous with our belongings and share them with the poor. We are not to spend our lives increasing our possessions, because they will eventually possess us and we may lose God.

Secondly, we are to live our lives expecting the Lord at any time. Christians are meant to believe that Jesus will return to Earth one day. As each day passes, we get one day nearer to that amazing event, so we are urged to be ready for Christ every day.

Questions for study and reflection

Why did Jesus emphasize our need to let go of our possessions and to build up our treasure in heaven? How do our hearts reveal what we treasure most?

Jesus calls us to be like servants awaiting the return of their master. Do we understand what this image means for us today? Are we willing to actually be servants?

What does Jesus expect of us while we await His return? Are we ready for Him or do we just take each day for granted?

What do you personally think will happen to you when Christ does return? Why do you think that?

The mission of the Church, as the Bride of Christ, is to prepare the world for His Return. In reality, are we doing this effectively and faithfully? Why/why not?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Isaiah 5:1-7 and Luke 12:49-56

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday August 04

This week’s passages are from Psalm 107:1-9 & Luke 12:13-21.

Psalm 107:1-9

Psalm 107 is a song about the mighty works of God and how thankful His people should be for delivering them, time and time again. The events described in the psalm could relate to the time of the Patriarchs, the Wilderness wanderings, the time of Kings, and even to the years after the Babylonian exile. In fact, the references could also be taken as prophecies about events that occurred during Christ’s lifetime.

The main point of the psalm is that God’s people frequently get themselves into trouble and end up needing God’s help to rescue and deliver them. Sound familiar, folks?

Questions for study and reflection

What makes us most thankful towards God? How do we experience His enduring love in our lives?

Why do you think the psalmist refers to God’s people as ‘the redeemed of the LORD?’ Redeemed from what?

What do the people do when they find themselves in dire situations beyond their control? What are they hoping will happen?

Where do we see God’s unfailing love in the world today? How can our churches become the channels of that love in our communities?

Share or think about a situation when you cried to the Lord for help. What happened? Did you thank Him for the outcome?

Luke 12:13-21

           

Christ tells the parable of the rich fool in response to a demand that someone makes about a family inheritance dispute. Jesus uses the issue to tell His people that life is not about how much we possess or accumulate, but about maintaining a healthy relationship with God.

Jesus wanted His disciples to learn this important lesson in order to prepare them for the years of hardship that lay ahead of them. If they became too attached to their home comforts and possessions, they would eventually lose their connection to God. The whole parable, then, is a cautionary tale about ambition and greed, power and possessions.

Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think someone approached Jesus to settle the financial dispute with his family? How did Jesus initially respond?

Why does Jesus tell people to be on their guard against greed? How could an abundance of possessions affect someone’s faith in God?

How successful was the rich man in the story? What did he want to do with that success?

How close does verse 19 relate to our own circumstances? Isn't this what our society defines as success?

What does this parable teach us about life? Why should we be bothered to think seriously about our own mortality?

Have we fallen into the folly of storing up possessions for ourselves instead of building up the riches of God within us? What should we do to make God more of our focus in life?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 50:1-8 & Luke 12:32-40

Sunday school lesson for July 28

This week’s passages are from Psalm 85:8-13 & Luke 11:1-10.

Psalm 85:8-13

The latter verses of Psalm 85 contain some of the most hopeful words in the Bible. Love and faithfulness, peace and righteousness are depicted as the greatest blessings God has to bestow upon those who listen to Him.

Obedience to God, according to the psalmist, brings about the well-being of God’s people and the whole nation. This thought is often emphasized, even today, during National Days of Prayer.

Questions for study and reflection

Why is peace given to those who listen to God? How can we experience that same peace in our own restless lives?

According to the psalmist, salvation comes through fearing the Lord. Is this something that we can accept today? What does it mean to fear God anyway?

Love and faithfulness appear to be the hallmarks of God’s favor. Have we ever experienced these blessings in our lives?

How do righteousness and peace bring about God’s goodness? Where do we see this happening in the world today?

Should we be praying for our nation? If so, then what should we be praying for?

Luke 11:1-10

           

Today’s passage is Luke’s account of how Christ taught His disciples to pray. A discipleship prayer was the identifying brand of a group of people following a particular teacher. Luke even mentions that John the Baptist had taught a special prayer to his disciples. This prayer has become The Lord’s Prayer for us today and is recited in Christian churches around the world.

Luke also adds some of Christ’s teaching about prayer, especially when it comes to asking God for something. Christian People are expected to be persistent in prayer when it comes to important matters. This is not to make God do something for us, but to show Him how committed and dependent we are toward Him.

Questions for study and reflection

Why did the disciples feel that they needed to learn a special prayer from Jesus? What was the purpose of that prayer?

How often do we say the Lord’s Prayer? Do we really mean what we ask and say?

Jesus tells a parable about a persistent neighbor seeking bread from a friend. What has this parable got to do with the process of prayer?

Verses 9 and 10 are among some of the best known verses in the Gospels. How do we apply them in our own lives? What is Jesus wanting us to understand through those verses about our prayers?

If God knows what we need, then why do we still need to ask Him for it?

Have you ever experienced God not granting your prayer requests? How did you cope with God’s response? Have you ever had your prayers fully blessed by God? How did you respond?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 107:1-9 & Luke 12:13-21

Sunday School Lesson for July 21

This week’s passages are from Psalm 52:1-7 & Luke 10:38-42.

Psalm 52:1-7

Psalm 52 is personal song written by David about one of his arch-enemies, Doeg the Edomite. When David fled from King Saul’s court, he was helped by Ahimelech the priest at a town called Nob. David and his men were given food, shelter, and Goliath’s sword, all of which was witnessed by Doeg.

Doeg reported all of this to King Saul and then carried out a dreadful slaughter of the priests and people. This psalm is David’s reaction to what occurred, so much of the language is strongly cursing Doeg, especially in the original Hebrew.

Questions for study and reflection

Read over the first seven verses of the psalm. What are your first impressions?

What are the accusations that David makes about Doeg? Were they justified?

What does David expect God to do about Doeg’s wickedness? Is this justifiable?

Have you ever prayed an angry prayer? What was the cause? What did you expect God to do? How was this resolved?

Read the remaining verses of the psalm (vv8-9). Has David found closure to his anger?

Luke 10:38-42

           

Luke’s story about the sisters Martha and Mary has been told by the church for many generations. In this passage, Jesus gets to meet the sisters for the first time. Martha has invited Him to her home, and she is honored by His acceptance of her request. Things, however, do not go as Martha plans, especially when she sees her sister spending all of her time with Jesus, instead of helping her prepare the meal for Christ and his disciples.

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Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think Martha invited Jesus to her home? How must she have felt when He accepted her invitation?

What did her sister Mary do when Jesus arrived? Why was this important to her?

What made Martha complain to Jesus? What did she expect Him to do?

How did Jesus respond to Martha? What was He trying to teach her?

Sometimes, church people can be so busy with ministries and missions, projects and programs that they forget about the one thing that is eternally important: Jesus.

What are the best ways of listening to Christ in our lives and churches? How do we keep ourselves focused upon Him, rather than being distracted by the church things in our lives?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 85:8-13 & Luke 11:1-10

Sunday School Lesson July 14

This week’s passages are from Psalm 25:1-10 & Luke 10:25-37.

Psalm 25:1-10

Psalm 25 is another prayer poem which appears to be very judgmental and full of self-righteousness. The psalmist appeals to God’s mercy because of his ardent desire to be sincerely faithful and focused upon God’s Word. Unfortunately, he contrasts this with his enemies, declaring them to be shameless and treacherous. You don’t find Christ’s future call to “Love Your Enemies,” in this psalm.

But there is also a redeeming element of confession and humility in the psalm. The writer calls upon God to give him a waiver for his past rebellious sins, especially those in his youthful days. He appeals for God’s faithfulness, mercy, and love to be given to those, like the psalmist, who devote their time to God’s ways and words.

Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think the psalmist feared to be shamed by his enemies? What did he want God to do?

How does the writer contrast his faithfulness to those of his enemies? What was he trying to make God do?

The psalmist calls upon God to remember His mercy and love in verse 6, but then asks God to forget his own sinful past? Why?

How is God’s faithfulness described throughout the psalmist? How do we appeal to that faithfulness today?

Luke 10:25-37

            The story of the Good Samaritan is one that we learn from a very early age in church. It is about how we treat one another as human beings, as well as depicting the hypocrisy of people claiming to be religious without showing compassion. The contrast between the lowly Samaritan and the religious leaders was used by Jesus to convey His message that our differences should not get in the way of accepting, loving, and helping one another.

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Questions for study and reflection

Why did the expert in the law want to test Jesus? What did he hope to accomplish with his question?

How does Jesus respond to the question? What was He hoping that the lawyer would do?

After hearing Christ’s reply, as well as His instruction in v28, the lawyer wants to continue the debate. 

What do you think his motives were for doing this? Had he actually listened to what Christ has already said?

What are the main points in the parable of the Good Samaritan? How would those points have affected the lawyer, as well as the people who witnessed the discussion?

How do our churches practice being good neighbors in the communities to which they belong? Are our churches known for their religious faithfulness or acts of compassion?

Acceptance and compassion are the fruits of both faith and love. How do we as Christians convey those to other people in our lives?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 52:1-7 & Luke 10:38-42

Sunday School Lesson July 7

This week’s passages are from Psalm 66:1-9 & Luke 10:1-11.

Psalm 66:1-9

Psalm 66 celebrates the absolute sovereignty of God over both Nature and Time. Miracles of the Exodus are recalled, emphasizing God’s ability to overcome natural obstacles and historical issues. The psalm begins with an exhortation of all people everywhere throughout the Earth to praise God for His mighty deeds. The writer continues his theme by cheerfully relating about how God saved his people.

The second part of the psalm (vv13-20) becomes more personal and ritualistic. Sacrifices and vows, promises and rites are described as the means of securing God’s favor. The psalmist believes that God listens to his prayers, simply because the right sacrifices have been made.

Questions for study and reflection

The psalm begins with a call for the whole earth to worship God. What does this tell us about Who God actually is?

The psalmist mentions the great deeds that God had accomplished in Israel’s past. Why did the writer do this? What was he hoping that other worshipers would feel about God?

God's ability to save the people, as well as the psalmist, is mentioned several times throughout the psalm. Why is this praiseworthy? Have you experienced anything that is similar to this?

If God is God of all the Earth, then why do people worship Him differently? What should the Church be doing about this?

Luke 10:1-11

            

Today’s Gospel passage gives us an insight into Christ’s leadership tactics. He divides His followers into 36 pairings and sends them out before Him into the local towns and villages. Because Christ mentions harvest, this may have occurred towards the end of the year, so Jesus may have been winding down His ministry due to the onset of winter.

            

Jesus warns His followers that their mission could be dangerous. Some of them will be welcomed by the local people, but others may receive an indifferent or even hostile welcome. If they are warmly welcomed, then Christ instructs His disciples to give the people a peaceful blessing. If they are rejected, then they are to wipe off the dust of their shoes as a mark of God’s judgment on those unwelcoming people.

Questions for study and reflection

Why did Jesus send followers ahead of Him? What was the purpose of sending them in pairs?

Jesus mentioned the harvest as being plentiful, but the workers were few. What harvest was He talking about? How are we involved in this?

Jesus said He was sending them out like lambs among wolves, and that they could not take any money with them. What was He trying to teach His disciples? How would this affect their future ministries?

Jesus talks about peace being a great part in the success of these appointed missions. Why was this so important? How is this ‘peace’ experienced in Church life and mission today?

Why do you think Jesus talked about leaving a peaceful blessing or a mark of judgment on the towns that the disciples visited? Do we still practice this today?

Have you ever experienced ‘being sent’ into a place, event, or situation by Christ? If so, what was the outcome? If not, are you willing to go where He sends you?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 25:1-10 & Luke 10:25-37

Sunday School lesson June 30

Summer Sunday School

This week’s passages are from Psalm 16:1-8 & Luke 9:51-62.

Psalm 16:1-8

Psalm 16 is a song of thankfulness and praise. David delights in God’s blessings and he expresses his gratefulness in terms of loyalty and devotion to God. The psalm was probably used years later by the people of God in much the same way as we sing our national anthem. It’s a wonderful song of both personal and community thankfulness.

‘Saints’ are mentioned in the third verse. They are not people from the past who are venerated for their holy beliefs; saints are people living in the present who serve God faithfully, which means that we are all saints in Christ’s eyes.

Questions for study and reflection

Where does David begin his song of thankfulness? Why does this cause him to delight in God?

David expresses that apart from God, he has nothing that is good. Does this way of thinking equate with our own spirituality today?

Why do you think David states that those who follow other gods will only see their sorrows increase? How do we interpret those words in a cosmopolitan and inter-faith world today?

Security and safety have a lot to do with David’s faith in God. How do those attributes affect our own faith?

At night, David experiences the counsel and instruction of God. Do we feel the same when we reflect upon our experiences at the end of each day?

Luke 9:51-62

            

This small passage contains two important issues that still effect Christianity today. The first issue concerns religious followers severely judging those who do not welcome faith into their communities. In a 21^st century inter-connected world, this has become a major issue for all of the world’s great religions.

            

The second issue deals with being absolutely committed to Christ. We all lead terribly busy lives and even Christians are finding it difficult to remain fully dedicated to Christ and the church. Sports programs and leisure pursuits are constantly pinching time away from God. All of us are wrestling with what it means to truly serve Christ in a very busy, stressful, and over-committed culture.

Questions for study and reflection

What made James and John so angry with the people of the Samaritan village? What did the disciples actually expect of the villagers?

Why did the brothers want to destroy the village? How did Jesus respond? Why? What does this tell us about being judgmental?

How often do you think that people came up to Jesus and said they would follow Him? How many do you think actually followed through with this?

What excuses did people use for not following Christ immediately? What was His response?

Has Christ ever called us to serve His Kingdom in a special way? How did we respond to that invitation or call? Why?

What does being a Christian mean to us today? How do we actually follow and serve Him with our lives? What does being a Christian actually mean to Christ?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 66:1-9 & Luke 10:1-11

Sunday School Lesson June 23

This week’s passages are from Psalm 42:1-7 and Luke 8:26-39.

Psalm 42

Psalm 42 is a lament which was written at a time when the psalmist was feeling spiritually empty. It has been used by many people over the centuries to express moments of depression and despair, loneliness and vulnerability. It depicts the plight of humanity feeling separated from God.

Psalms 42, 43, and 73 express similar thoughts and prayers. The writer is spiritually weary and almost burnt out, which is a common complaint among many Christians today. Church membership can be highly demanding of our time, commitment, and resources. Burnout generally occurs when we focus on what we want to do, rather than seeking God’s will. The secret to a joyful faith and a healthy spiritual relationship is not to overextend our obligations, but instead specialize in what we can do effectively and efficiently for what God calls us to accomplish.

Questions for study and reflection

How does the psalmist express his spiritual emptiness? What reduces him to tears each day?

What things does he remember about worshiping God? Why were those joyful occasions?

What do you think is causing him to be downcast and disturbed about his faith? Have you ever had a similar experience?

How should praising God lift our spirits? Is this what worship is all about, or is it just a side effect?

Luke 8:26-39

            

It has been said that the quality of any society or civilization can be seen in how it treats those who are mentally ill. In today’s passage, we read about Christ’s encounter with a very disturbed person. The community has tried to shackle the ‘demon-possessed’ man, in order to keep him under control. He lives in a cemetery where only the dead provide him with company.

            

The story is a remarkable and puzzling episode in Christ’s ministry. The high point is the curing of the disturbed man, but at a high cost to the economy of the local community and livestock. Despite the miracle’s success, Jesus is asked to leave the region, for the people fear Him.

Questions for study and reflection

Why do you think Jesus was immediately confronted by the disturbed man when He went ashore? What was Christ’s response?

Why did Jesus ask the man His name? Who was He actually talking to?

Why did the demons beg to be allowed to possess the herd of pigs? Why were they so afraid of Christ?

The local community were astounded that the ‘demoniac’ had been cured, but what upset them about this miracle?

Why did the cured man ask to go with Jesus? What was Christ’s reply? Why?

How do we treat mentally disturbed people in our own community? Is this Christ-like?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 16:1-8 & Luke 9:51-62

Summer Sunday School: June 16

This week’s passages are from Psalm 5:1-8 and Luke 7:36-50.

Psalm 5

Psalm 5 initially appears to be a personal outpouring of anxieties by David. Throughout his life, he was plagued by enemies and constantly at war with neighboring nations. He also had to contend with fierce family rivalries between his sons that ended up in bloody civil wars.

In this Psalm, David appeals to God to rescue him through His mercy and righteousness. David feels as though he is a victim and therefore seeks vindication from God. However, the Temple is also mentioned, which means that some verses were added on to this original Davidic psalm. How do we know this? - because David was not alive when the Temple was built.

Questions for study and reflection

Why does David come to God for help? What does this tell us about the king’s situation?

David prays to God and makes his petitions in the morning. When and how do we make our personal requests to God on a daily basis?

David describes God as taking no pleasure in evil and hating all wrong. How would you define evil in today’s world? Does God actually oppose it?

The other psalmist comes to the house of God to make his requests. Is being in church important when we pray? What makes each of our sanctuaries a house of God?

Luke 7:36-50

            

Compassion and faith seem to be the main themes of Luke 7. In this passage, Jesus is humbly served by a heartbroken woman. The holy people in Christ’s company are offended by this intrusion. Jesus uses the event as a special teaching moment about sin, repentance, and charity.

            

Simon the Pharisee is probably a good man because he takes the opportunity to invite Christ into his home. He is blind-sided by the woman’s unexpected interruption. Jesus, however, does not rebuke Simon for his lack of understanding. Instead, He graciously takes Him to a higher level of spiritual maturity.

Questions for study and reflection

What made Simon the Pharisee invite Jesus to his home? Why did Jesus accept the invitation?

Why did the woman feel compelled to go and find Jesus? What do you think made her weep publicly at his feet?

Jesus uses the situation to talk about being grateful for the forgiving of debts. What debts have we incurred with God and how do we seek them to be forgiven?

Jesus says to the woman that her faith has saved her. From what has she been saved? How does this apply in our own situations?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 42:1-7 & Luke 8:26-39

Summer Sunday School: Sunday June 09

This week’s passages are from Psalm 146:1-6 and Luke 7:11-17.

Psalm 146

Psalm 146 is the first of five psalms that the Jewish faith describes as ‘hallel’ psalms. ‘Hallel’ means to lift up praises to God and in Psalms 146-150, each psalm begins with the phrase ‘Praise the Lord.’

This psalm emphasizes the need for believers to trust God completely, and not to wholly depend upon political power or mortal leaders. Because God is the Maker of everything, He is also the One to whom we should center our lives by bringing both our praises and petitions to Him. The second half of the psalm (vv7-10) expresses God’s loving benevolence upon the poor and oppressed, challenging believers to do the same.

Questions for study and reflection

How do you praise the Lord? Does it always take place at church?

Why shouldn't we completely place our confidence in political leaders, parties, or government? How do we trust God on a daily basis?

What do you think about God as the Maker of everything? How does His creative powers affect our everyday lives?

What current hopes do you have in your life? Have you asked God to help you fulfill them? Why/why not?

Luke 7:11-17

          

           This short Gospel story is remarkable because Jesus performs a miracle that isn't requested. When He sees the funeral procession and the widow who has just lost her only son, it almost breaks Jesus’ heart.

           

            Without being asked, Jesus raises the young man from the dead and restores him to his grieving mother. It’s an amazing act of compassion and the whole incident causes the bystanders to be amazed. We are also told that the news about this remarkable event spread throughout the entire region.

Questions for study and reflection

What do you think that the widow was feeling before Jesus spotted the funeral procession? Why did such a large crowd follow her?

What might Jesus have felt when He saw the procession and watched the widow grieving? What does this tell us about Him?

What made Jesus intervene? What was the effect of the miracle upon both the widow and the crowd?

How does this Gospel story affect us today? What does this tell us about Christ’s power over death?

Any other thoughts or questions?

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 5:1-8 & Luke 7:36-50

Summer Sunday School: June 02

Summer Sunday School

 

All of our Sunday School classes are over for the first part of the year. They will return in August, when students of all ages can participate in special Bible lessons.

Throughout the summer, you can do your own Sunday School study at home, in a coffee house, or even in a church classroom. The pastor will write a short note about the Sunday readings for the sermon, as well as some questions for further study and personal reflection.

This week’s passages are from Psalm 96:1-6 and Luke 7:1-10. Click on the passage underlined title to read the verses online

Psalm 96:1-6

Psalm 96 reminds us that all of the original psalms were set to music and meant to be sung rather than just read. Singing has been a part of our faith since its inception. Even Jesus sang on several occasions in the Gospels - when telling one of His stories about children singing in the streets, He sang their song; after the Last Supper, He and the disciples sung a hymn; and even when He was dying on the Cross, He sang the first couple of words from Psalm 22: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” When we gather for worship on Sundays, singing is still a significant part of how we praise God and express our faith.

Questions for study and reflection

What songs do you like to sing in church? What makes them meaningful to you?

Why do you think the Bible is full of songs? What does this tell us about what God expects of our faith?

What is your favorite Psalm? Do you know a musical version of it?

Why does the psalmist encourage the whole Earth to sing a new song to God? Which new worship songs do you enjoy?

Luke 7:1-10

            The story of Christ’s encounter with the Roman centurion is remarkable because it reveals Christ’s compassion for those beyond His own people. It is also fascinating to read about a powerful foreign soldier seeking Christ’s grace.

            Luke wrote this story for the first readers of his Gospel. It gave a symbolic hope to them, for the centurion represents the Roman Empire submitting to the presence of the Kingdom of God through Christ. In many ways, the story became prophetic, taking on a greater significance as the influence of Christianity increased and the Roman Empire declined.

Questions for study and reflection

What did the centurion require of Jesus? What stories must he have heard about Him?

Why do the Jewish elders come to Jesus and advocate on the centurion’s behalf? What does this tell us about the centurion?

Why did the centurion send a message to Jesus not to come to his house? What made him feel unworthy?

Why is Jesus amazed at the centurion’s message? What is so great about the centurion’s faith?

 

Any other thoughts or questions?

 

Next Sunday’s readings: Psalm 146:1-6 & Luke 7:11-17