Daily Digest

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

When I hear the term “peacemaker” the first thing I think of are the UN Blue Helmets. I have a friend whose husband Ben served in the Australian Military and was seconded to the UN to serve in Sudan a few years ago. He shared a story with me about how they had to fly quickly via helicopter to a remote area where they had received reports of military conflict breaking out with a militia group causing problems for farmers.

When they arrived, they were shot at, but the militia group quickly retreated. Ben told me they found a boy who was 10 years old hiding in a farm shed with a massive rifle. He had travelled in with the militia and been left behind. Through a translator the boy told Ben how he had been captured by the militia and then promised all sorts of good things if he joined them and followed orders. The militia had fed him and trained him and made him feel part of their group and he thought he could trust them.

While I can’t imagine myself going into a military conflict zone wearing a blue helmet, chasing militia out of remote areas and rescuing child soldiers, Jesus still calls me to be a peacemaker. The reality is, that I was once like that child soldier. I had been captured by the enemy Satan and promised all sorts of good things if I followed his orders. Its not that I was trying to be evil, but the reality is, we can all get caught up in lies that make us live life in a destructive way. Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, and God has put all things in his dominion, but when we join in the work of Christ as peacemakers, he makes us co-heirs with him! I believe that that is what this passage is saying.

Lord, thank You that you rescued me and made me an instrument of your peace.

Written by Ps Justin Ware

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

“If” is the word that stands out to me.  If you remain in me….

If Jesus had said “as you remain in me” or “when you remain in me” – but He said IF.  We have a choice to remain in HIM or not.

What does remaining look like?  = My thought is FRUIT

What is God’s fruit in our lives look like? 

Galatians 5 v 22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit (character): “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”

Do you have fruit in your life?   Do you have fruit in your actions, in your words?

If you read this today and realise that some of your personal character fruit has shrivelled:  PRAY.  Make 2022 a year of becoming fruitful in fruits of the Spirit. 

In this passage Jesus was speaking to His disciples – I also think of some other questions to ask ourselves:

IF we don’t get side tracked and invested too much into the things of this world?

IF we don’t get swept away by the accumulation of money and assets?

IF we don’t keep going … despite our troubles and position ourselves to overcome?

IF we don’t persevere…until death?

IF we don’t give up?

Ultimately, we are not to look like the world, we are to look like Christ.

Jesus, help me to look more like you.  Lord, help my impatience, help me to always look through the lens of love and kindness, help me to be faithful and generous.  Help me Lord to respond with gentleness and self-control.  Lord may I be filled with your joy and peace, so others can find YOU in me.  Lord, I want to live for You and Your Kingdom.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Written by Ps. Sue Botta

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

I so often speak or act unwisely. I really need God to transform me – to make me wiser. The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10a); “Wisdom is better than gold or silver” (Proverbs 16:16); “wisdom is like honey.” (Proverbs 24:14a) and just “Get wisdom”! (Proverbs 4:5).

James goes on to tell us that “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) I can see that wisdom from God is good!

How do I get this amazing wisdom? Ask for it! This verse says that God will give me wisdom generously, without finding fault. So, if I ask him, I can expect to receive his gift of wisdom, in generous proportions, no matter how foolish I may have been in the past. But there’s a second step. And a third. I need to believe that God is going to give it to me, and I need to act on that wisdom. If I just ask for wisdom but then ignore what God gives me, I have gained nothing and I have given nothing.

Lord, I do ask that you will transform me and give me wisdom. Help me, Lord, to trust you and believe that you will make me wiser. Then help me to act – to not ignore what you have given and what you have told me to do.

Written by Megan Cornell

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

What are the patterns of the world? What sort of thoughts should we stop conforming to? Sometimes in order to change to something, we need to realise what we need to change from. 

Off the top of my head, some of the patterns and ways of our world include putting yourself first, making sure your opinion is known, accruing wealth, having power & influence, only showing the best parts of your life, seeking pleasure, accomplishing more, being self-made, being busy, displaying success, getting ahead…. I don’t know about you, but just reading this makes me feel exhausted! No wonder so many of us feel anxious, behind and insufficient, no matter how hard we keep striving to jump through these never-ending hoops. 

One thing God has been speaking to me about is pursuing more of His grace instead of pursuing more of anything else. If I truly believe that God’s grace is enough, if He is sufficient, then I should be able to let go of all of the other “I shoulds” constantly running around my head. To be honest, it’s something I need to be reminded of regularly. It is only by God’s grace that we can let go of the continual striving and rest in His peace. 

What are the thoughts that make you feel like you need to conform to what the world is telling you, instead of what God is telling you? This is a question I continue to ponder as I ask God to reveal his ways to me!

God, there are so many ways that the patterns of this world can seep into our everyday lives, changing how we think, speak and act. Thank you that you have provided your grace for us, so that we can surrender all the ‘shoulds’ as we listen to you and follow your leading. Help us to seek you above all else. Amen. 

Written by Madelaine Tarasenko

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I recently read what I thought was some good advice about anxiety from Dr. Caroline Leaf. She says “Stop trying to run away from anxiety because it’s futile. Rather, spend that energy learning to listen to what that anxiety is trying to alert you to and deal with that issue so you can find freedom and not make your mind a prison”

The verses that we are focusing on today instruct us not be anxious. There is a difference between having anxious thoughts and being anxious. As indicated in the above quote from Dr. Leaf, it’s impossible to stop anxious thoughts from coming into our heads. But “being” anxious, or living in a state of anxiety, is something that we are warned against in these verses and is also widely agreed upon as an unhealthy way to live.

So how do you listen to anxious thoughts and “deal with the issue and find freedom”, as Dr. Leaf suggests? The answer is found here in these bible verses, but of course, it’s sometimes easier said than done. There are certainly times when I’ve found myself rehashing my anxious thoughts under the guise of prayer. 

But I’ve also found that when I truly bring my burdened heart to God in prayer and then remind myself of His uncanny ability to work things out time and time again, there is that peace that descends to guard my troubled heart. 

How grateful I am to know that there is someone, our Father God, who is so big and so powerful looking after everything on our behalf, both great and small.   “Be still and know that He is God” 

He is God and I am not, so today, once again I leave my burdens in His supremely capable hands. 

Written by Shelley Witt

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

What wonderful freedom this verse contains! When we become Christians by deciding to give our lives to Jesus, he begins a good work in us, transforming us gradually to become more like him. This verse reminds us that Jesus will continue to transform us throughout our lives, until we are completely transformed when he returns. He is the one who began transforming me, and the one who will continue to transform me.

So, what is my role? It is to remain connected to him – to continually submit my life to Jesus, humbly asking him to fill me with the Holy Spirit and do his work in me. The fuller I am of the Spirit, the more I will be changed to be like him. The Bible also tells us that our speech (and actions) flow from what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45). As the Holy Spirit transforms my heart, my whole behaviour will improve.

Lord, thank you so much that you are the one transforming me, and that your action in me means I will become more like you. I ask you today to keep working in me, changing me, and helping me grow. Amen

Written by Megan Cornell

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Thinking about our physical wellbeing involves the things we do when our physical health is not going well but it also involves the things we do to make sure our physical wellbeing goes as well as possible. This verse tells us about what we can ask God for in relation to our physical wellbeing (and other life aspects). I must admit I have thought about this verse previously as a statement – something that is just true, however, thinking about this verse today reminds me that it is also an invitation from God to ask for help. The verse says He gives us power, love and self-discipline and that He doesn’t give us fear and timidity. One translation says he wants us to be bold, loving and sensible and not to be shy with His gifts.

When we think about our physical wellbeing, it is easy to be fearful when we get a diagnosis from the doctor and it’s easy to be fearful and timid when it comes to making changes in our lifestyle to help our wellbeing – like committing to do exercise or eating in a more healthy way. Here God tells us that living in fear is not His plan for us. He wants us to feel like we can change, like we can do hard things. We can ask for His help knowing that this is something He WANTS to help us with – there is no doubt about that – He states clearly here that this is what He wants for us. That word self-discipline still makes it sound like I have to do it on my own. I think God wants us to invite Him into the situation so we can form a team to get it done.

Lord, thank you that you walk beside us, that you want to give us power, love and self-discipline, that with you anything is possible. Help us to remember to ask you to be involved. Thank you for self-discipline but help us to remember that it is really about connecting with you to make better choices each day. Also help us to remember that self-discipline comes teamed up with power and love – its not just us struggling through. Lord I invite you to walk with me to help me make good choices in regard to my physical wellbeing. Amen

Written by Therese Manning

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Weariness, tiredness, sleepiness. I feel all of these at least once per day. If I am lucky, not before 9pm.

To get tired is to be human. We are told on multiple occasions in the gospels that Jesus grew tired and weary. We also see him full of zeal and life as he lives out His Father’s mission for him on the earth. Jesus knew well the truth of Isaiah 40:29-31.

Renewal of my entire being is mine as I hope in the Lord. I fix my hope in the Lord as I take time to pray and sit in silence in the presence of his Holy Spirit. I fix my hope in the Lord as I play some music of worship and join in the praise. I fix my hope in the Lord as I let his words written in scripture soak into every corner of my soul. I fix my hope in the Lord when I gather with the church and seek him on the earth.

“Lord, you are life and strength! I fix my hope in you today. Renew my weary body. Amen!”

Written by Andrew Mellor

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Before becoming a Christian my idea of God was this nebulous being out there, somewhere, in the universe, not that particularly reachable or interested in me. But in this whole chapter Paul gets very personal and brings God from being out there somewhere to right inside our very bodies as he takes the Corinthians to task over various issues happening within the church.

• But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. V11
• The body is meant for the Lord, and the Lord for the body (paraphrase v13)
• Your bodies are members of Christ himself v15
• Whoever is united with Lord is one with him in spirit v17
• Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit v19

God is not out there as a nebulous being, as I once thought, but now that I have made Him the Lord of my life, He has come and lives within me, I am His temple now, He is personal. If we stop and think about that for just a moment, how should that transform our lives? Yes, the Holy Spirit transforms us but we make choices too. What is it that we should be more aware of choosing – doing, saying, seeing, hearing, eating, spending, as we walk through life in partnership with the Holy Spirit and being Gods’ very temple, where He lives?

Lord, I know I forget this fact too often, that I am your temple, that I am one with you. Forgive me. The world would have me think that my body and all that I do is all about me. But it’s not, my life and body is all about you. Continue to transform me Holy Spirit to be fully one with you and a temple for your glory.

Written by Suzie Hodgson

(For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.) 1 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. 2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. 3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. 4 You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. 5 I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; 6 I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: 7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. 16 The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. 17 The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. 19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

It would seem the feeling of being all alone in the midst of our worst and most challenging moments is being echoed by the psalmist’s own despair and feelings of isolation in these opening verses. Yet as the psalmist chooses to include God in his journey, his perspective (if not the actual circumstances) begins to change. Facing a crisis is not unique, but how we choose to journey that will set us apart as believers in the most High God. The psalmist’s relationship with God in better times stands him in hope during the challenging times. This is a good reminder that no matter what our feelings, God is faithful and constant in all times. What he has done before tells us what he can do now.  Our challenges are not abandonment of God rather a chance to see the greatness of God at work in our lives.  I have known this in my life, and I know no matter what season or challenge you are facing God is there with you too. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love and faithfulness to me. I pray for those who are struggling that they will know your peace. Help me to see you at work in my past as well as my present. I invite you to walk with me today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Written by Christine Knight

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song. 1 We praise you, God, we praise you, for your Name is near; people tell of your wonderful deeds. 2 You say, “I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity. 3 When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. 4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. 5 Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’ ” 6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. 7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. 8 In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. 9 As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, 10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

I love how this Psalm testifies to God’s activity in His people’s lives and His protection of them in the past.  God intervenes in our lives, at crucial moments, directly and through people and events.  The psalm reminds us that He intervenes on behalf of the upright.  Then the psalm gives some frightening detail on what things look like when God acts against those who are boastful.  In life we come across people who are overconfident and faithless who threaten God’s people.  God makes it plain He will deliver his people.

We do well to remember that while God is love, He is also the Judge.  We dare not act boastfully, as if we are the masters of our own destiny – we are called as sons and daughters, and servants of the King of kings.  May we remain upright in living to bring glory and honour to God.

Father – help me to being praise to You for all You do and have done.  May I also not be boastful that I would truly rely on You.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta

A psalm of Asaph. 1 Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity; their evil imaginations have no limits. 8 They scoff, and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. 10 Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. 11 They say, “How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?” 12 This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. 13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. 14 All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. 15 If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. 16 When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply 17 till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. 19 How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! 20 They are like a dream when one awakes; when you arise, Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. 21 When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, 22 I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. 28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Living for God isn’t easy. First you have to get everything right all the time. Then you have to figure out how to love your neighbour. Then love your enemies (even the ones who don’t live next door).

Don’t lie, don’t cheat, don’t steal. Then make sure you don’t get caught being envious of the people who are doing well in life in spite of their cheating and lying and stealing and everything else they seem to enjoy (and get away with).

Today’s passage is brutally honest in its presentation of the challenges of living a Godly life, but the beauty of the passage is in its contrast:

When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. (v16-17)

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. (v23-25)

For the psalmist, the eternal perspective, and the presence of God are the joys that balance out the apparent injustice of life.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.

The psalmist has discovered that a good, full life is not about morality and earthly pleasure, but about what God gives and what he has done!

Lord, may I always desire your presence and may I always experience your love, mercy and forgiveness.

Written by Ps Justin Ware

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What stood out to me in this scripture was:   the word:  WHO, the statement:  WE are more than conquerors, and my position:  for I AM convinced.

My question – WHO?  –  Yet the scripture goes onto to ask about situations that we may find ourselves in, not a person. 

My Answer = No one – Nothing can separate you or I from the love of Jesus Christ.

The statement – “We are more than conquerors” – reveals my position because of Jesus Christ, His death and His resurrection. 

The Holy Spirit that lives in Him now LIVES IN ME.  That amazes me.  I am a conqueror.  I can conquer all situations here on earth and I have already conquered death – nothing is impossible – I have nothing to fear.

My position – “For I am convinced” – I am convinced in My heart and My mind.  When we truly know we are forgiven and when we are filled with the Holy Spirit – we KNOW and are FULLY CONVINCED that God will never let go of You or me.

My position in my heart, my mind, and my actions must be that I continue to devote myself to Him, His word, His people (The Church).  I know that I could let go of Him, but He will never let go of me.

Lord Jesus, may we become even more convinced of your love, grace, mercy and power for each of us.  Fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit and do a work on us we pray.  Lord, open our eyes so we can see clearer all you have for us and all we have to do for your Kingdom. We thank you that you promise to never leave us or forsake us.  Thank you, Jesus.  In Your Name we pray.  Amen

Written by Ps. Sue Botta

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Our salvation does not bring us immunity in this world. We do not suddenly become impervious to disease, harm, or painful situations. All these things still happen to believers, and temptations are no different. Some even believe that spiritual temptations are more heightened and frequent against believers.

Knowing this, we can take comfort that our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, provides a way out so that we can continue to run the good race. No matter how powerful or influential temptations can be, we can escape them. Whether talking to a friend to keep us accountable, reading scripture, or simply running from a tempting situation, God always provides an escape route. Our God provides!

Lord, we thank you for the plans you have over us. Thank you for giving us hope and a future. Thank you for your wisdom that helps us overcome the temptations in our lives. May we rest in your peace, Lord, knowing your unfathomable love overflows for us. In your precious name, Jesus.
Amen

Written by Sven Bessesen