Daily Readings and Thought for March 13th. "TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE HAS BEEN FULFILLED"

   Those who read God’s word regularly are naturally inclined to watch world events, especially in the Middle East, to see if they can fit them into some prophecy. The disciples looked to Jesus in expectation of developments toward the establishment of his kingdom: two of them even asked if they could sit on either side of him in the kingdom (Mark 10 v.37).  But those in the synagogue who heard him quote a particular portion from the scroll of Isaiah (Luke 4 v.17) which he unrolled until he “found the place where it was written” were puzzled at what he chose to read; even more so when “he rolled up the scroll … to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled .. ’” [v.20-21] We ponder the passage he read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me , because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor: he has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” [v.20-21]   Is it clear to us what the passage means?  Who bothers to preach to the poor, they had no money to put into the treasury!  There is a spiritual meaning too, deliverance to those who are captive to sin, and of those who are spiritually blind. But most people, including the disciples, were focussed on themselves and what the reality of the kingdom would mean for them when it came! But there is work to be done first, this is still “the year of the Lord’s favour” !  In v.43 we read how Jesus kept moving on to “preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” We follow in his footsteps and today a final effort is being made to preach to people all over the world, even in the remotest parts.  But surely too, it is wherever opportunity occurs such as to our workmates and neighbours! And after that?  Just as the arrest and death of Jesus took place so suddenly, so also his return. How meaningful for us today are his words, “Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with … cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap” [Ch.21 v.34]  What are we watching? [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORV3JIdiYso[/embedyt] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-and-thought-for-march-13th-today-this-scripture-has-been-fulfilled/?feed_id=60757&_unique_id=65f06f8dbc629

Daily Readings and Thought for February 25th. "IF ANYONE LOVES GOD, HE IS KNOWN BY GOD"

   Love is, above all, an active quality; genuine love causes us to do things: it is a motivation from the heart.  The things love causes us to do are not things we do out of a sense of obligation, occasions when we say, “I suppose I had better …” We meditated on this as we read the start of 1 Corinthians Ch. 8.  Verse 3 tells us, “But if anyone loves God , he (or she) is known by God.”  When God, who sees all things through his spirit (Psalm 139) knows our professions of love for him are genuine - we are “known by God.”   But this is more than a one sided sense of knowing, to truly know God results in a two-way relationship, David’s Psalms show this, we read this morning, “Know that the LORD, he is God!  It is he who made us, and we are his” [100 v.3] We read a few days ago in Exodus, “Moses said to the LORD … you have said, ‘I know you by name … therefore if I have found favour in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you …” [Ch.33 v.12,13]  Knowing God comes through living and therefore working for and with him and knowing his ways; there comes the wonder of the realization that we are “working together with him” [2 Cor. 6 v.1]. One of the wonders of this, Paul told the Corinthians is to realize that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” [1 Cor. 10 v.13]  Many believers in Corinth experienced temptations to continue to enjoy the fleshly advantages of “fellowship” in the idol temples and the feasting on the food that had been offered to the idols.  In human ways of thinking this food was special having been blessed by Temple priests: we have seen this happening in Indian temples. It is not difficult to see the modern equivalents, especially in prosperous countries in the things that the masses idolize.  In Corinth athletic sports were idolized, it is no different today; the spectators idolize those who compete.  Paul’s pointed comment is – “Every athlete exercises self control … they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable” [1 Cor. 9 v.25] He tells believers, “So run that you may obtain it … I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” [v.24,27]      We can say that the ‘oil’ which ‘lubricates’ all our understanding and ways of thinking and resultant efforts to “run” effectively - is - our love for God and our awareness that we are “known” by God. https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-and-thought-for-february-25th-if-anyone-loves-god-he-is-known-by-god/?feed_id=58564&_unique_id=65db089c005e6

Daily Readings and Thought for June 19th “I HAVE NO GREATER JOY THAN …”

  Daily Readings: Judges 21, Isaiah 43, 2&3 John Today we read the 2 final short letters of John.  He is obviously an old man; he waits for news of developments among those he knows – news must have travelled very slowly in those days – it is the complete opposite today – in most cases. In his final letter we read – “I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” [v.4].   Note the words, John’s great “joy” is to hear of their “walking” – not just that they are believing! Belief in that which is true is an essential foundation – and we recall John’s declaration near the end of his gospel.  “He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe.” [ch. 19 v.35] This is the foundation – but we must build on that foundation, otherwise the foundation is wasted.  We recall the words of Paul as he took his leave from the elders at Ephesus, “I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” [Acts 20 v.32] Sanctified means – seen to be holy. We can be ‘tempted’ to simply read and talk about the truth – but not be converted in heart – but that will prove to be a tragedy when Christ returns!  We ponder the many parables of Christ – we must have oil in our lamps – remember the parable when Jesus described how when “the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them.” [Matt. 25 v.3]  They had ceased to be a light in the world, they had ceased to “build” themselves – and others – up – to put their faith into action. Remember what we read in James earlier this month, he declared, “I will show you my faith by my works.” [2 v.18] When Jesus comes we will “have no greater joy than” to be welcomed into his kingdom – together with all those who have been “walking in the truth.” [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BflF4zlTg4[/embedyt] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-and-thought-for-june-19th-i-have-no-greater-joy-than/?feed_id=40942&_unique_id=648fc55e0d99f

Daily Readings and Thought for June 17th. “WHOEVER CONFESSES THAT … “

  Daily Readings: Judges 19, Isaiah 41, 1 John 3,4 What deep spiritual perceptions John unfolds in his First Epistle.  They are simple – yet they are profound!  “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” [1 John 4 v.7]  What is it to “know” God?  It is – to have a ‘real’ day-to-day relationship with him – a relationship in the spiritual sense. Now we ponder – deeply – on the next verse! “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  The word ‘love’ has been almost totally ‘debased in today’s world – it has largely been put on a par with the word ‘like.’ John tells us how the love of God was made known! “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” [v.9]  What does that mean? How do we “live through him.”? We meditate on the words of Jesus, John recorded in his gospel. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him.” [5 v.23]   How do we honour the Son?  We look ahead to John’s second epistle.” Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” [v.9]   Let us “abide” – live -  by absorbing the “teaching.” Back to today’s 4^th chapter and finish by asking ourselves whether v.15 is true of us!  May it be true, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” How do we “confess”?  The Father knows our answer – the heart-felt reality of our prayers, our abiding. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuA7TepLYow[/embedyt] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-and-thought-for-june-17th-whoever-confesses-that/?feed_id=40873&_unique_id=648d3376a0395

Daily Bible Readings and Thought for June 15th. “… DID NOT KNOW THAT IT WAS FROM THE LORD"

  Daily readings: Judges 16, Isaiah 39, 2 Peter Our thoughts yesterday went to the strange example of Samson as a man God used in his service to deliver his people. The list in Hebrews of those who are named as examples of faith has some surprising inclusions and Samson is one of them.   None of those in the list lived ‘perfect’ or blameless lives, but all had times in which they displayed great faith in God.  And ourselves? Today we read the accounts of Samson’s remarkable strength because his hair had never been cut. When Delilah finally succeeded in getting him to tell her the source of his strength she shaved off all his hair and then awoke him and said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, ‘I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the LORD had left him. And the Philistines seized him …” [Judges 16 v.20,21] The LORD was the real source of his strength – and at his death he killed a great number of Philistines who had “praised their god. For they said, ‘our god has given our enemy into our hand’” [v.24].  We read that “Samson called to the LORD and said, O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once” [v.28] and the Philistine house to their God, built around two main pillars, collapsed as Samson was given the strength by the LORD to push them apart, “so the dead that he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.” [v.30] In chapter 14 We read –  a significant verse: when his father objected to him seeking a wife from among the Philistines and Samson insisted and “said to his father, Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes” [14 v.3], the next verse is very significant, “His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines.” This illustrates that God, who sees all and knows all; in giving us a free will, often weaves the weaknesses of our human nature into the way he achieves his divine purpose – especially among his people. Paul was aware of this, he wrote, “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” [Romans 8 v.28]  It is according to the Divine purpose that “things work together” – God frequently makes use of human “weakness” to weave together his plans and bring them to pass. The more we read the Bible the more we will see examples of this. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECx9Q7juCgg[/embedyt]   https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-bible-readings-and-thought-for-june-15th-did-not-know-that-it-was-from-the-lord/?feed_id=40650&_unique_id=648a2ca196781

Daily Bible Readings and Thought for June 14th. ” THE LORD KNOWS HOW TO RESCUE THE UNGODLY FROM TRIALS”

  Daily Readings: Judges 14,15, Isaiah 38, 2 Peter 1,2 We have quite a mixture of Scripture to read today – God used all kinds of people to speak to/or deliver his people – Samson was an outstanding, but strange example: he was a ‘superman’, possessed of remarkable physical strength, but desires a Philistine as a wife.  He needs his parents to arrange this – they object and say, “Is there not a woman among our own people.” [ch.14 v.3] But Samson is adamant; he wants the Philistine woman – “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.” His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines.” We learn from this that God usually allows the human will to take its course – yet he can weave this into his purpose – as he did here. Then in Isaiah we read a somewhat similar situation. King Hezekiah is told by the prophet, “Thus says the LORD; set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” [38 v.1] The King prays and “weeps bitterly” and the LORD responds, “Behold I will add 15 years to your life”[v.5] – but, as we shall see, those 15 years have a big effect on Israel’s subsequent history. Our 2 chapters in 2 Peter are awesome in their description of God’s ultimate purpose in bringing great judgements on the world because it becomes totally godless. Yet, at the same time, says Peter, “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials” [2 v.9]. Paul wrote, “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted (tested) beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” [1 Cor. 10 v.13]  It is evident Paul is writing from personal experience. How wonderful that God provides “a way of escape” for the godly!  But we must each ask ourselves, ‘Does God count me as godly?’ We look at the ‘godly’ in the scriptures, they all had blemishes, Samson was a particular example – and suffered for it – but was listed among the men of faith in Hebrews 11 v.32.  May “the Lord … rescue” us “from trials” if we are to experience (and how soon now?), “a time of trouble, such as never has been” [Dan. 12 v.1] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2suCNFXVpXs[/embedyt]   https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-bible-readings-and-thought-for-june-14th-the-lord-knows-how-to-rescue-the-ungodly-from-trials/?feed_id=40581&_unique_id=648935bb7b7e4

Daily Bible Readings and Thought for June 13th. “WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD APPEARS, YOU WILL RECEIVE …”

  Daily readings: Judges 12,13, Isaiah 37, 1 Peter 3,4,5 Today we read the concluding chapters of Peter’s 1^st Epistle. What a challenging message Peter conveys to the “elect exiles of the Dispersion” [1 v.1]. As Paul was the apostle “to the Gentiles” – see Galatian 2 v.8,9., so Peter is the Apostle to the natural Jews who have come to believe in Jesus who have left Israel for the relative safety of “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” Peter was joined in this mission by James – remember how we read the start of his Epistle last week – “To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.”            Why were they scattered?  Undoubtedly some would have remained in Jerusalem – while it still existed!  Peter has a warning for them – and how appropriate is this for us today! He wrote “The end of all things is at hand;therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly…” [4 v.7,8]  And then in his final chapter, “And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” [v.4].  We must take these words of Peter to heart ourselves Finally – note how verses v. 5 to 8 contain an exhortation we should embrace today with all our hearts. “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful.”  Let us fully embrace these words today ready for “when the chief Shepherd appears” – and then we will be wonderfully ready to “receive …” [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzSja__oImI[/embedyt] ”  https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-bible-readings-and-thought-for-june-13th-when-the-chief-shepherd-appears-you-will-receive/?feed_id=40512&_unique_id=6487f9721455e

Daily Readings and Thought for June 12th. “… LEAVING YOU AN EXAMPLE”

  Daily readings: Judges 10,11, Isaiah 36, 1 Peter 2, Let us meditate on what Peter is writing about in the 2^nd chapter of his first epistle. Peter penned these challenging words!  “…if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God”.[v.20]  How true this was in centuries past for those who dedicatedly read and put into practice the original teaching of Jesus and his followers, such as Peter. We note in particular what Peter tells them (v.21) “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Is this “example” followed in these last days?  We are surrounded by modern inventions such as Television, mobile phones and the Internet!  What bad examples some of them set us! But consider the internet – this is how you are receiving this message – it has its blessings. I lived through the post war years in the 50’s and 60’s remarkable for many reasons; yet as it unfolded we saw the hand of God at work – and his nation came to life again – after nearly 2,000 years. The words of Jesus spring to mind and meaning! “Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled… And there will be … distress of nations in perplexity…. “– Luke 21 v.24!   God’s “times” will soon begin. Finally, back in Peter – there is a verse we need to particularly meditate upon!  Peter tells them how Jesus “suffered for” them “leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”  Let us seek to do that – and how necessary it will become as there is increasing “perplexity” as the nations experience greater and greater “distress.” [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXKdlz-5RSA[/embedyt] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-and-thought-for-june-12th-leaving-you-an-example/?feed_id=40443&_unique_id=6486a1c96ed06

Daily Readings and Thought for June 11th. “PREPARING OUR MINDS FOR ACTION”

  Daily Readings: Judges 9, Isaiah 35, 1 Peter 1.  The above words jumped out at us in 1 Peter 1 v.13.  What action are we preparing for?  In one sense, each morning we need to prepare our minds for action to make that day count in service before God – and even more so as we start a new week. We must be ready to cope with each days challenges. Believers through the centuries have encountered times of crisis and challenges in their lives.  The Jewish exiles to whom Peter was writing were suffering persecution, with greater persecution coming as a result of the Jews rebellion against Rome in AD 67-70. But Peter writes of those “who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” [v.5]  We conclude Peter is being inspired to write what is meaningful for our days as well as his. The end of the Gentile age will parallel the end of the Jewish age.  Peter further writes, “if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold … may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [v.6,7].  He writes of the time when the truly faithful will “rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith” [v.8,9]. Our Isaiah reading (Ch.35) has wonderful words about this time when the faithful “come to Zion with singing: everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” [v.10]  So let us, start each day, by “preparing our minds for action …having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth …” [1 Peter 1 v.13,22]; an obedience shown by our love for one another “earnestly from a pure heart … through the living and abiding word of God” [v.22] that we feed we on every day as the major factor in “preparing our minds for action” [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6WU4oQXAE0[/embedyt] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-and-thought-for-june-11th-preparing-our-minds-for-action/?feed_id=40328&_unique_id=648542af6ba65

Daily Readings & Thought for June 8th. “A KING WILL REIGN … PRINCES WILL RULE …”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Judges 4,5), (Isaiah 32), (James 2) Our chapter (32) in Isaiah starts, “Behold a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule in justice.”  This surely visualises God’s king, the Lord Jesus, at last reigning over the earth.   There will also be “princes” reigning  who ”will rule with justice.” At last the world will experience true justice.  The words of the prophecy imply the “reign” will initially be against a scene in which the world has become “a dry place” and “a weary land” [v.2] The “princes” who “will rule” will provide “a shelter from the storm” that occurs as the world is transformed and comes to accept the fact that there is an all-righteous king reigning. True justice will at last happen, “the fool will no more be called noble, nor the scoundrel said to be honourable.” [v.5]   Human hearts will no longer be “busy with iniquity to practice ungodliness, to utter error concerning the LORD.” [v.6] May we, by the grace of God, be there among the “noble (who) plan noble things…” [v.8]  The time will  then develop “when the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness quietness and trust forever” [v.17]     Jesus told his disciples, “when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [Matt. 19 v.28]   In Revelation he said, “The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations” [Rev 2 v.26], surely these are the “princes” mentioned in our Isaiah chapter who “will rule with justice” as we read in v. 2.. We must make sure we are God’s people now who “hold the faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” [James 2 v.1, also today’s reading].  And then in that day, looking at v.18 in our Isaiah chapter, we will be among those of whom God says, “My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”   [vc_column_text]   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePhLeNa3LWI[/embedyt][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-june-8th-a-king-will-reign-princes-will-rule/?feed_id=40136&_unique_id=64823d255d485

Daily Readings & Thought for the day (June 7th). “COUNT IT ALL JOY … WHEN”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Judges 2,3), (Isaiah 31), (James 1) Once again God’s words through Isaiah attracted our thoughts.  There are so many parallels today with the attitudes the LORD was seeking to counteract in Israel in the time of Isaiah.  The message the prophet was to convey was, “For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning (or repentance, mg) and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling …” [30 v.15] In v. 18 this is repeated with added emphasis, “… the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.  For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”   We see that the LORD’s words to the people through Isaiah have remarkable parallels in the words of Jesus – remember the invitations to the wedding banquet – and the poor response – see Matt 22 v.3 and John’s record of Jesus saying, “the Scriptures … bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me … you do not have the love of God within you.” [John 5 v.39-41]  What would he say to you? As we read each day – let us make sure we see the “witness” of the Scriptures.  There are also some thought parallels in today’s final chapter in Hebrews, “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So that we can confidently say, the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” [v.5,6]  Paul writes of the sacrifices we should make, to be content, to have no love of money.  He reminds and stresses, our Lord sacrificed himself “in order to sanctify the people through his own blood” [v.12]   And then v.15 should jump out to attract our thoughts, “Through him then let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name … for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” [v.16] Let us make sure they are pleasing to us – and come genuinely from our hearts – a contrast to the noise and show in the Temple in the days of Isaiah, Jesus and Paul; learning that “in quietness and in trust shall be (y)our strength.”   [vc_column_text] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIpxvT-rZAc[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-june-7th-count-it-all-joy-when/?feed_id=40074&_unique_id=64823c533827b

Daily Readings & Thought for the day (June 6th.) “IN QUIETNESS AND IN TRUST”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Judges 1), (Isaiah 30), (Hebrews 13) Once again God’s words through Isaiah attracted our thoughts.  There are so many parallels today with the attitudes the LORD was seeking to counteract in Israel in the time of Isaiah.  The message the prophet was to convey was, “For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning (or repentance, mg) and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling …” [30 v.15] In v. 18 this is repeated with added emphasis, “… the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.  For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.”   We see that the LORD’s words to the people through Isaiah have remarkable parallels in the words of Jesus – remember the invitations to the wedding banquet – and the poor response – see Matt 22 v.3 and John’s record of Jesus saying, “the Scriptures … bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me … you do not have the love of God within you.” [John 5 v.39-41]  What would he say to you? As we read each day – let us make sure we see the “witness” of the Scriptures.  There are also some thought parallels in today’s final chapter in Hebrews, “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So that we can confidently say, the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” [v.5,6]  Paul writes of the sacrifices we should make, to be content, to have no love of money.  He reminds and stresses, our Lord sacrificed himself “in order to sanctify the people through his own blood” [v.12]   And then v.15 should jump out to attract our thoughts, “Through him then let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name … for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” [v.16] Let us make sure they are pleasing to us – and come genuinely from our hearts – a contrast to the noise and show in the Temple in the days of Isaiah, Jesus and Paul; learning that “in quietness and in trust shall be (y)our strength.”   [vc_column_text]   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6d_32YyypA[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-june-6th-in-quietness-and-in-trust/?feed_id=39981&_unique_id=64823bf7e829f

Daily Readings & Thought for June 5th. “A BOOK THAT IS SEALED”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 23,24), (Isaiah 29), (Hebrews 12) How many can read the Bible – as a whole – and really make sense of it, so that it speaks to them in their heart, and stirs them to live their lives really conscious of God and of his Son?  This question came to mind as we pondered the message in Isaiah today – parts of it evidently a commentary on the attitudes of many in the prophets’ day, many had failed to develop a real ‘living’ relationship with God. After recording a vision of what will happen to people at the time when “the multitude of all the nations be that fight against Mount Zion …”  This vision “shall be like a dream, a vision in the night” [29 v.8] In v.11 the condemnation is  made, “the vision of all this has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed” [v.11].  The people are like those who refuse to read “when men give it to one who can read, saying ‘Read this,’ he says, ‘I cannot, for it is sealed.’” But it is clear that this is an excuse – for a remarkable statement is made in v.13 &14  “And the Lord said, ‘Because this people draw near to me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men …. the wisdom of their wise men shall perish …”  It is human wisdom that perishes, they are told they “turn things upside down!  Shall the potter be regarded as the clay,   that the thing made should say of its maker, ‘He did  not make me’” [v.16] – today many would add – ‘I just evolved.’ How well these words apply to the human ‘wisdom’ of today – God’s word is “a book that is sealed” . We must remember that there is no middle path – if we do not apply our minds to the true meaning of God’s words then it “is sealed” for us.  The day is coming, God’s word says, as we read on in v.19 & 20, when “the meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease.”   There is no point in being aware of the vision of God’s ultimate action against the nations of the earth if we only “honour” God “with our lips” refusing to apply our minds to unseal his book.  [vc_column_text] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdscgnyQwNM[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-june-5th-a-book-that-is-sealed-2/?feed_id=39960&_unique_id=64823bba2f6ec

Daily Readings & Thought for the day June 4th. “BY FAITH …”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 22), (Isaiah 28), (Hebrews 11) Today we read the well known 11^th chapter of Hebrews, it starts, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  This is the vital lesson we must take to heart in reading this chapter – that having faith is having a state of mind that must cause us to lead different lives, different priorities – to have different aims. We live our lives in service to our Saviour – accomplishing things in his service.  Read the chapter, noticing how often the words “By faith” occur.  “By faith Noah …by faith Abraham …  by faith Sarah …” Our faith is not just something we talk about – or listen to others talking about.  We read today of many examples of men and women of faith, highlighting in many cases some particular deed that proved the nature of their faith.  It is most valuable to look on into the first 2 verses of tomorrow’s chapter., it starts “Therefore” – therefore we should put the chapter break after verse 2.   “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (all those examples of men and women of faith in ch. 11), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith …”   We must each search our hearts as to how effectively we are living our lives so that he sees that our faith has developed real strength, that we have acquired a real sense of teamwork with our Saviour and our God. That our lives demonstrate that we are “working together with him” [2 Cor. 6 v.1]  May we all be able to look back on our lives, on our journey in developing greater and greater faith to see how we have been “made strong out of weakness” [v.34] because we have developed a real “conviction of things not seen” and “we are not of those who shrink back … but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” [10 v.39] [vc_column_text]   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SomApSj0eYg[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-june-4th-by-faith/?feed_id=39845&_unique_id=647c384bc6ff4

Daily Readings & Thought for the day (June 3rd.) “PERFECT PEACE”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 20,21), (Isaiah 26,27), (Hebrews 10) Our Isaiah and Hebrews readings provide an abundance of thoughts today.  Some verses encourage peace of mind, others a sense of awe at what is coming on the world – the judgements our godless world deserves.  Ch. 26 in Isaiah is a grouping of quite contrasting revelations from God – verses 3 and 4 are worthy of being memorised.  “You will keep him (her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he (she) trusts in you.  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”  How wonderful to have a mind that is “stayed on” God, the only foundation for “perfect peace” in a world which knows no peace: no peace between nations – yes - but more vital than that – no trust and peace between individuals.  The reign of Jesus when returned to the earth will see the time “when your judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the earth learn righteousness…” [v.9]  But at the moment, as in Isaiah’s day, “O LORD your hand is lifted up, but they do not see it.” [v.11].   May we “see” the Lord’s hand so that the next verse is true for us, “O LORD, you will ordain peace for us; you have done for us all our works.” [v.12] because those works have been done in the strength that God gives to us – and then we will heed the warning given in v.20,21 “… my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.  For behold the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth …” There are words in our Hebrews reading which dovetail in with these;  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works … encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” [ch. 10 v.23-25]  This is the only way to achieve and maintain “perfect peace.”  [vc_column_text] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3WDfcnbZ9A[/embedyt]   [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-june-3rd-perfect-peace/?feed_id=39776&_unique_id=647a0e70465c2

Daily Readings & Thought for the Day (June 2nd) "... TO SAVE THOSE WHO …”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 19), (Isaiah 25), (Hebrews 8,9) Let us link up the closing words of our reading in Hebrews (ch.9) “Christ … will appear a second time … to save those who  are eagerly waiting for him” with the words God gave to Isaiah, in today’s ch. 25, which we referred to yesterday.  This describes the time when God “will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth …”  It will be said on that day, ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him … let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” [v.8,9] How eagerly are we waiting?  Is the world around us full of ways of living that attract us, things that largely or fully occupy our minds?  Yes, we have to live in the world and earn our living, but are we keenly interested in the vision God’s word provides for us that goes far beyond the present materialistic way of thinking and doing?   We are forced to admit that this computer communication age, which is very helpful in many ways, is also very distracting – do we need to allow it to be totally distracting?  The more our minds feed on God’s word the more we will be attracted to that word.  In that coming day, the LORD tells us through Isaiah, the redeemed will say, “O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you … for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure … Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you.” [v.1,3]  At that time those who have been “eagerly waiting” and showing this by their priorities in life will “be glad and rejoice”. Peter in his 1^st epistle, which we will soon read,  expresses this powerfully, “Though you do not now see him, you believe him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith …” [1 Pet. 1 v.8,9]  Imagine the joy?  Imagine the glory? Finally, note the point Paul made earlier in Hebrews ch. 9!  “How much more will the blood of Christ who … offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.” [v.14]   If we do not sense our progress in that purifying and, as a result, serving, then we have to ask ourselves, ‘Do I genuinely belong to Christ?’ [vc_column_text]   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFN4ZqdieDo[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-june-2nd-to-save-those-who/?feed_id=39686&_unique_id=647973c52c63e

Daily Readings & Thought for the day (June 1st.) “THE LORD OF HOSTS REIGNS ON MOUNT ZION”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation="zoomIn"][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 18), (Isaiah 24), (Hebrews 6,7) Today’s and tomorrow’s chapters in Isaiah (24 & 25) contain a powerful message about the climax of human history, yet they are not very often quoted.   Chapter 24 ends with “for the LORD of hosts reigns on Mount Zion and Jerusalem and his glory will be before his elders.”   The next chapter begins with the reaction of the righteous, “O LORD, you are my God, I will exalt your name for you have done wonderful things …”  Humanly fortified cities have become ruins, never to be rebuilt (v.2) and the “cities of ruthless nations will fear you.” [v.3]  God has “been a stronghold to the poor … to the needy in his distress” [v.4] Then a glorious scene opens up, “On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food … he will swallow up death forever and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces … Behold this is our God, we have waited for him … “ [v.6,8,9].    But go back, we jumped over nearly all of Ch. 24 – it speaks of what is to happen before this time of wonder and joy on the earth.  It is an extremely frightening picture!  Is it about to happen?  The chapter started, “Behold the LORD will empty the earth and make it desolate …” The next verse indicates that all the buyers, sellers, lenders, borrowers, creditors and debtors will suffer.  Verse 3 says, “The earth shall be utterly empty and utterly plundered; for the LORD has spoken this word”.  Then we read “the earth lies defiled under its inhabitants” [v.5], “its inhabitants suffer for their guilt” [v.6] and then follows details of the ways in which they will suffer. Reading further - “The earth is utterly broken … is violently shaken … its transgression lies heavily upon it and it falls and will not rise again” [v.19,20].  This is symbolic language of the heavens and the earth (rulers and people) that now exist being destroyed.  But later in Isaiah we will come across a wonderful vision, for God says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold I create Jerusalem to be a joy  … my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” [Ch.65 v.17,18,22]  Will you behold these things? [vc_column_text] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCR0HJVyu-k[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-june-1st-the-lord-of-hosts-reigns-on-mount-zion/?feed_id=39617&_unique_id=6477a7656f817

Daily Readings & Thought for the day May 30th. “HE IS ABLE TO HELP …”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 16), (Isaiah 22), (Hebrews 1,2)  Today we began reading the specially thought-provoking letter to the Hebrews.  The author is not named, but the best conclusion is that Paul wrote it as a message to his fellow Jews and he didn’t name himself because a prejudice against him had developed and some, maybe many Jews, would have ignored the letter if it had been obvious it came from him.   Now Paul had a special relationship with his Saviour because he appeared and spoke to him on the road to Damascus.  He is wonderfully conscious of the continuing unseen presence of Christ in his life and encourages his fellow  Hebrews to develop the same consciousness, he quotes many Old Testament passages from the Psalms and Moses’ writings that foretold the special and wonderful role God’s Son would have.  We see the emphasis in these two chapters of how he would first come into the world to die as a once and for all sacrifice for sins and also experience life as we do and so be able to understand and help us, We note in particular the closing verses in ch. 2 (from v.16) “For surely … he helps the offspring of Abraham.  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.  The Greek word, translated ‘tempted’ essentially means ‘tested.’  Yes, “he is able to help,” but we do not receive this help, this guiding oversight of our lives, unless we prayerfully seek it.  We will see Paul’s warning in ch. 3, where, quoting David’s words in Psalm 95, Paul says, “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” [v.15]  It is God’s ‘living word’ that we read and ‘hear’ – and “he is able to help” if we truly ‘listen’ and respond. [vc_column_text] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtQBKsZCS0Q[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-may-30th-he-is-able-to-help-2/?feed_id=39548&_unique_id=647591d405814

Daily Readings & Thought for the Day (May 29th.) “I REMEMBER YOU IN MY PRAYERS”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 15), (Isaiah 20,21), (Philemon) The short letter of Paul to Philemon has some valuable lessons for us in the area of spiritual relationships of believers with one another.  Paul is writing as “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” [v.1] and Timothy is with him – and other visitors support him, “Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke” [v.24]. He tells Philemon, “I remember you in my prayers.” (v.4) We meditate on what filled Paul’s hours and days in his imprisonment, his mind was very much occupied with thoughts about the believers he knew and the news he hears about them. We  remember the dramatic night when he and Silas sang hymns while in prison, and we surely imagine him singing hymns with “Epaphras my fellow prisoner” [v.23].  How do we compare, we who are free to do as we please – does how we spend our time help or hinder our spiritual life?  We have to admit that, unless we are at some spiritual gathering, the events of our daily lives rarely help us spiritually; it is vital that we ask ourselves – do they hinder, do they undermine?   Paul is pleased with Philemon “because I hear of your love and the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and all the saints (fellow believers), and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective …” [v.5,6] Would others hear the same sort of thing about us?  If not, what would they hear?  Would it have any effect on them in the sense of a good (or bad) example we set them? Paul is able to say to Philemon, “I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”  [v.7]    Do we shed abroad a spirit that refreshes the hearts of other believers – so that we are a light that really shines in the increasing spiritual darkness of this world – the effect of that light being so good that even some unbelievers will notice?    Let us live so that we do this, it maybe that we do it unconsciously, only realizing the effect we have had as we look back on events.  And in communicating with fellow believers – and those who do not yet believe, which may include some of our children, we can state, “I remember you in my prayers.”  [vc_column_text] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6HrDjLjCqI[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-may-29th-i-remember-you-in-my-prayers/?feed_id=39479&_unique_id=647425098d281

Daily Readings & Thought for the Day (May 28th.) “YET I WHOLLY FOLLOWED THE LORD”

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Today's readings.. (Joshua 14), (Isaiah 19), (Titus 1,2,3) In Joshua ch. 14 today we read of the blessings received by a man who “wholly followed the LORD.”  Caleb was the other man, who with Joshua, spied out the land and brought back an optimistic report; this was after the people had miraculously escaped from Egypt, been fed in the wilderness, built the tabernacle and received the law. Surely the whole nation had evidence on which to base their faith – and today, God’s book is available for all to read and provides much evidence to build up our faith. Caleb is now aged 85 and seeks his promised reward. We read his testimony to Joshua of the time “when Moses … sent me … to spy out the land, and I brought him word again as it was in my heart” [v.7] His was a good positive report, spoken in faith.  Sadly, he adds, “my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the LORD” [v.8]  A prophecy about Egypt features in our Isaiah chapter 19 – and today the Coptic Christians in their midst are an unhappy and somewhat persecuted minority. Verse 17 came remarkably true after Israel was re-established in 1947/48.  We read, “In that day the Egyptians will be like women and tremble with fear before the hand that the LORD of hosts shakes over them.  The land of Judah will become a terror to the Egyptians …” [v.16,17]  This never happened in history – until then!   But then Isaiah is caused to look further into the future to the time when “the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day and worship …” [v.21]  In that day all the world will become dramatically aware there is a Creator – and a divine law to be obeyed (see Isaiah 2 v.2,3) Let us “wholly follow the LORD” now, for, said Jesus, “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” [John 20 v.29].  Caleb saw – yet in seeing he was aware of all the difficulties, but he “wholly followed the LORD”.  We see the unfolding fulfilment of prophecy, especially with Israel, as an aid to strengthening our faith; may we be able to say in that day, “yet I wholly followed the LORD” [vc_column_text] [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l9SEAWRaD4[/embedyt] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://www.podbean.com/site/default/externalPodcastBadges[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] https://christadelphianvideo.org/tftd/daily-readings-thought-for-the-day-may-28th-yet-i-wholly-followed-the-lord/?feed_id=39364&_unique_id=6472d6dd2ff3c