A FATHERS' LOVE

 The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and self control.

                           galatians 5:22,23

 

As Peters’ daughter, I was privileged to have had such a loving and devoted Father, but more importantly, I was honoured to witness first hand his joy and love of Christ in this pilgrimage called life. 

Christ meant everything to him and nothing could hide it, whether it was in his morning prayer time with God, writing his blog, preparing a sermon or meeting with those God connected him to. He loved life because Jesus was in it. He would excitedly seize everyday and he lived life abundantly, with his greatest joy being that of walking with Jesus, and I mean this literally (He would do an 8km prayer walk through the house if it was raining – something I really miss).

I know that in my own life, he showed me that there is a real love, joy and peace that can only come from loving  Christ. 

 

As inspirational as he was in life, I found that his journey with cancer to be even more inspiring. Even though he was faced with the prospect of dying  for over 3 years, he never showed fear, but found comfort in Christ in whatever way he was physically able. That was his peace. 

The more he deteriorated physically, the more I saw  the Spirit shine through him. 

Whilst the cancer took away his ability to co-ordinate (thus the blogs stopped) and his ability to read and write, he faithfully continued giving sermons from memory until that was also taken from him. When speech was ultimately taken from him, it was his smile that spoke a thousand words.his whole face would light up. I was blown away by his example of long-suffering. I am sure that if it had been me, I would have been in a permanent temper tantrum, however  dad would resign himself to his circumstances, with only an occasional eye roll of frustration. As for self control, that was a gift. In the age of instant self gratification, I will always respect and admire my dads’ self control.

Peter was faithful until the end and I hope that in his testimony we may be inspired and comforted to know that though we walk through the valley of death, Christ is with us.

 

My dad wasn’t a superhero. He didn’t get through this in his own strength. He got through it because of his love and yearning for Christ. And we know that we can only love Christ because he loved us first.

TRIBUTE FROM GREG. (EMMAUS)

 As you know Peter Francis recently changed his address (heaven), but in saying that, we know Peter was certainly a man of faith, humility, compassion, prayer, love for others and most of all, commitment. 

For me personally, I'm thankful to God for the opportunity to have met Peter through the Emmaus community of Western Sydney. you've heard the saying Practise what you preach..... Peter was one brother in Christ who reached out in Christs' love to all those who crossed paths with him.

Peter made time precious with people. He didn't just enjoy praying for people, He loved praying WITH people.... all who knew him will have precious memories of our beloved brother in Christ. Those who spent time visiting him will treasure the moments they had with him. Deep in my heart I am both sad and happy.

sad he has been taken home.

 yet happy that he is set free.

  Can you imagine Peter facing Jesus in heaven??? 

   what a reception he has received.....

 Peter was a man who, like all of us, faced many things while he was here.....

  The other thing about Peter is his love for God's word, the Bible...

When preaching or sharing a word of encouragement, Peter would open the scriptures and talk about and explain simply what God is saying in that scripture.....  For me, I'm thankful for his time helping me put sermons together and how to preach.....  I have preached a number of times, every time I would take time to think of what Peter told me and spend time in communion with God our Father about what I am going to talk about....

Today is not goodbye to Peter

it is till we meet again......

Father God in heaven,

we come before you in prayer, we don't just want to enjoy praying to you but to have a time to share from our hearts.

we are so thankful to you Father for bringing Peter into our lives, he has been a real blessing in how he loved us, cared for us, prayed with us and encouraged us.

Loving Father, we pray for his family and those who were part of their lives, that they will feel your deep love and comfort.

May they feel your comfort and peace.

Together we know you will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

We know Jesus went to prepare a place for all of us.

Peter has gone home to heaven.

Thank you Father for the things you had Peter do while he was here.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

The Final Journey

 

Dear friends, 

 

As you may be aware, after 3 years of waiting, Peter finally went to be with his Lord at the end of June – just as this long Sydney lockdown began. We have been waiting for restrictions to lift to fulfil his wish to have a celebratory service that you could all attend. 

 

Since the lockdown is continuing longer than any of us anticipated, we thought in the mean time we'd use Peter’s own blog to express our love of the man. Friend, mentor, brother in Christ, he touched so many people’s lives so positively and was loved by all.

 

We’re opening this post for tributes. If you would like to express a memory or share a photo of Peter on this page, send an email to peterfrancistributes@gmail.com and we’ll post it here.

And we look forward to gathering together for the thanksgiving service once restrictions are lifted. 

We’ll announce it here when it happens.

A Holy Temple

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit   Eph. 2. 21, 22

I see two aspects, and two results/ happenings/achievements in these words. Firstly, it is in Jesus that mankind becomes the “holy temple of God.” Secondly, it is in Jesus that I become a dwelling place in which God lives by His Spirit.

I could possibly become a temple if I gave myself to create such a thing. But I could never become a holy temple by my own doing. My sin would mar the whole structure, making it tarnished and shoddy. But Jesus, by His perfect and divine sacrifice, makes possible for me what is impossible in myself. I have a conviction that, when God looks down on me from heaven, He sees Jesus. Hallelujah! Surely one of the greatest blessings.

When I join with others whom Jesus has cleansed and brought into the building of His holy temple, a God force is created, a force that is empowered to show the world the mighty, almost unbelievable love of the Father.

I open myself to God’s Holy Spirit, for it is by the Spirit that God lives in the dwelling He has made in me. I give myself to join together with other believers to become a living temple of our most holy God. May this temple be strong, united, loving, focused, and quipping to step out, to share the message of God with compassion, grace and blessing.  

Wonderful Saviour,

By the sacrifice of Your body You have made it possible for me to become part of Your holy temple of love. I give myself willingly into Your hands. I ask You to form me, release me, and do with me whatever You choose, I pray for   Your church, the Body of Christ. I ask You, humbly to bring revival. I pray and ask You to remove, any apathy. Strengthen us please. Bring forth Your power in the miracle of love. Let us show people the way to You. Grow the Body of Christ. I ask in the name of Your precious Son.         Amen.

.

Obediencce

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

                                                                                 Eph. 2.19, 20

God’s family is one! Paul declares this truth clearly in this letter. This places the truth for a long time. It has been declared for centuries past. Why, O why, then, do we not live in compliance with God’s truth? This is a question I would put to Jews and Christians alike, to the many proliferations and practices within the Christian world. 

We are in positive disobedience and blatant disregard of God’s will. And do we care? Seemingly not! We remain steadfast in our pathetic cliques and exclusivities, and the work of God is hindered and grossly abused. The Body of Christ has been weakened and the egos and ambitions of mankind elevated.                  

Ehen will we learn? The world desperately needs reformation. Society is fast disintegrating. People do just as they please. Authority is corrupt, and regularly ignored by many. Respect and courtesy are attributes that are disappearing, together with manners, responsibility and consequences.

Does the world need God? You bet it does! But it does not seem to know. The thought of changing and complying to decent standards is alien to much of today’s society. Yet, I believe God is still in charge. I know the moral fabric and behaviour do not attest to this, but God’s ways are not our ways. However sooner or later the change will come. I pray for a new world, a place of harmony, peace and Godly living.  

Lord God,

I see this world in an abysmal state in many places. I cry out to You for help. O Most Mighty One, I intercede for Your fallen people. We have ignored You; we have left Your ways for us, and we are have mostly lost what is tight. Help us I pray. Reach out to us and draw us back into Your will. Lead us in Your way, in Jesus’ name I ask.  Amen.

.

Peace and joy

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through time we both have access to the Father by the Spirit.                                 Eph.  2. 17, 18

Jesus brings peace. Jesus is peace. The peace of Jesus is there for any who will receive it. He is there for those who come near and those who are far away. I note that the apstle refers first to those who were far away. 

Those who are furthest from the Father are surely the ones who are most in need of the saving grace of Jesus. The love of God reaches out to touch everyone with no exception (2 Peter 3.9). However far away people may seem from the love of the Father and peace of the Son, they are never out of God’s reach. His hands embrace the whole earth. His love can cover all.

The peace of Jesus is also poured gout on those who are near to Him. This might be a physical closeness, a spiritual closeness, or both. Wherever we stand in relation to Jesus, He is always close to us. He will draw us even closer to Himself if we will allow Him. I want to get as close to Jesus as I possibly can. I want to be able to look into the depths of His wonderful eyes. I look to know the breath of His Holy Spirit exuding from Him and touching me with His presence. I want to feel His embrace and the liberty and strength that comes with it. In short, I want to be filled to overflowing with Him. He is my all, my everything. 

Most Precious Jesus,

I come to You in the fullness of love, the love You have for me, and the sweet love You allow me to offer to You.

I thank You for the wonderful journey you have led me on. I look forward to more. May Your guiding hand lead me in paths of wonderment and joy. May I know your Your presence with me in sweetness of deep relationship and intimacy. You have drawn me to You. How blessed I am. You take me on the most wonderful adventures, and I know Your presence ever with me. You enjoy me, and I cannot understand it. But I accept it and give myself fully into it. I thank You, O I thank You.             Amen.

.

No barrier

For he himself is our peace, he has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to one God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.                         Eph. 2. 14-16

Jesus is peace. He also brings peace to all who look to Him. The reference here to two becoming one, I take to refer to the Jew and the Christian. Christ was a Jew. He was also the Christ. He destroyed the barrier that was between the two groups of people. He removed the dividing wall. He also overcame the regulations that caused separation between the two peoples and God. He brought them together as one, the united body of Christ. Through Christ and the cross, the two separate entities were reconciled and united. In God there is no separation. How sad it is that separation still exists in reality.

I move now from the separate entities of the Jewish and Christian peoples to the divisions that exist within the community of Christian denominations. The differences and barriers are, surely, the most ungodly manifestations of religious practices. Where is the unity of which the psalmist spoke (psalm 133)? where is the peace that Jesus made available to all who would receive it? Paul reminds us of our true identity. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ( 1 Cor. 12.27) There are many parts, but only one body. If only the church, in its various guises, would come together as the one, true body of Christ! Christ’s mission fails through the divisions of humanity. One day we will be called to account. I pray I can answer in the affirmative, and the positive, and with integrity and truth.

Most Loving God,

I feel for the ways in which Your body dishonours You. I repent on behalf of all who profess to be Christian believers, yet who do not follow Your ways and do not live and practice as You would have us do.

I pray that You will rise us up in a revived body. Let us know, and become, true Christians obedient to all Your ways, and giving ourselves fully into Your will. Amen.

Belonging

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” - (that done in the body by the hands of men) -  remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in your world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.                               Eph. 2.11-14

This is quite a lengthy quote but it so beautifully describes the entry of the Gentile into faith. Excluded by the Jews and separated by them through the human and “man practiced” rite of circumcision, the barrier is removed by Christ, and the way opened up for ALL to enter into relationship with the one, true, powerful and loving God.

Jesus Christ is the hope of all. By His sinless death He conquered sin, and this is for everyone; no one is excluded, except by their own decision. Circumcision separated the Gentiles from the Jews. No such separation exists in the Christian faith. Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11.28)

Jesus stands ready to take our burdens and bring us to a place of peace. I know I can rest in Him. I will know the rest and the safety that only He can give. I am assured by Him; I am complete in Him. I was once lost, separated from Him by my own choosing. But He took hold of me and drew me into the sweetest of relationships. I will not let go. He is my Saviour, my friend, my all. And He is there for any who will come to Him. Hallelujah!

Wonderful Lord, 

I thank You for this reminder that ALL are welcome in You and by You. Salvation is a reality for all who desire it and turn to the One who is the way.

I pray Your blessing on those who know You and live in You. I cry out for the salvation of those who are not yet with You. May Your grace extend and Your love cover all.     Hallelujah!           Amen.

.

All about Grace

For it is by grace we have been saved, through faith – and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.                Eph. 2. 8 -10

It’s all about grace, something we can do nothing about. Grace is purely, simply and totally a gift from God. We cannot fabricate or manufacture grace. We cannot earn it. All we can do is wait on God and be ready to receive the gift of grace from Him together with other gifts He may choose to bestow upon us.

Faith is also a gift from God. It is a free gift, like grace, which cannot be brought into reality by human endeavour. With these gifts emanating from God, there is no place for human boasting. We have nothing to do with the origin or distribution of them. It is all God’s work.

The gifts of grace and faith have many functions, a primary one of which is to do with good works. I believe that God will help us with these. He created us to live in relationship with Himself. Through the generosity and love of God we receive grace and faith. As we exercise these gifts, we will grow in God and prosper in the work He would have us do.

As God’s creation and children all the attributes and gifts of God are available to us, including grace and faith. We may think and feel that we do not have these gifts. Jesus very clearly says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find,” (Matt. 7.7) I believe these promises are conditioned by what we ask for, which I see as those things that are pleasing to God. The gifts of grace and faith will certainly please God, and it is good that we are able to ask for them.

Lord God,

We know the generosity You extend to Uour children. We know and are grateful. As Your child I come in humble petition that You grant faith and grace to those who believe and earnestly seek these and other gifts, from You. Lead us forward in Your way and Your will for is, in Jesus’ name we ask.              Amen

The eyes of my heart

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, and the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.                                     Eph. 1.18, 19a

What are “the eyes of my heart”? My eyes are those amazing organs through which I see. I am most grateful for my eyes. If I were to reflect on my life without seeing, I think I would be troubled. I have much admiration and respect for those who live, and cope, and thrive without the facility of physical sight. I look, and I see, but I do not always understand. I think this is where my heart helps me. To a degree my mind and thinking also become involved but, I believe, to a minor degree. My thinking is often, hopefully, logical and orderly. This is extremely helpful in navigating through the challenges of a life of worldly thought and action.

However, when we align ourselves with God, worldly thinking and doing are not always helpful. God has told us host clearly, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18.36) Equally clearly, He said, “As it is, you do not belong to the world.” (John 15.19) The ways of the world have limited application in the thinking and the behaviour of the true believer. We are called to follow a different way of thinking, a way that is alien and often incomprehensible to “the world”: For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” (1 Cor. 3.19)

God sees the foolishness of worldly wisdom. Does the world consider the mind to be more important that the heart? Maybe! But God sees the heart as the source of all life and living: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (Prov. 4.23) There is an inbuilt stress in these words: Above all else. We are to put the heart before anything else. I also believe that we need to surrender our hearts to God, to let Him have His way in our heart-led doings and behaviour.  How I long to know God’s heart and to live in harmony with it. May the eyes of my heart be clear and focused on Him. I truly believe that what I focus on becomes a part of me. With the “eyes of my heart” focused on God, I come closer to Him, I experience more of His ways, and I grow into the being He created me to be.

Through all of this will grow in me the hope to which He has called me. My hope is on Him, and He will not let me down. It is a hope of riches in  Him. To them (the saints, the believers) God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col. 1.27) Part of “God’s riches” is the great power, given to those who truly believe in Him. In God, all the might and power of heaven is made available to me. Hallelujah!

Most Mighty and Loving God,

I quote the words of a Christian chorus: Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I pray for a full opening of the eyes of my heart to the glory and riches that are in You. Let me see You, if You will, in the splendour of Your being, Your might and power, Your grace, mercy and love. I love You Lord. I can’t get enough of You. Open my eyes and fill my heart, in Jesus’ wonderful name I ask.          Amen.         





Dear Friends, next week I undergo further surgery. I don't know if the blog will continue with regularity. I will endeavour to post when I can.
Meanwhile, I thank you for your company during this journey with Jesus, and I pray every blessing in your ongoing adventure with Him.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.          Eph. 1. 15 - 17

Paul does not say what “this reason” is but, if we refer to previous verses, it could mean the seal of the Spirit which marks believers and guarantees their inheritance as God’s possession to the praise of his glory. (Eph. 1.14b) 

Paul has heard of the faith of the Ephesians in Jesus. He gives thanks for them and remembers them in his prayers. He further requests the gift of the Spirit for them, especially the gifts of wisdom and revelation. His main reason for requesting these gifts is so that the believers may come to know God better. By “God” I am believing that Paul is embracing the three-fold deity: Father, Son and Spirit.

The three persons of the Trinity act as one. They may engage in different acts at different times, gut there is always consistency in all that they do. There will never be differences or disputes between the members of the Triune God.

This is part of the wisdom and revelation that I believe Paul is requesting in his payer. We are not told whether the people of faith whom Paul is praying for are new or mature Christians. I don’t believe this matters, for believers need the wisdom and revelation that God gives by His Spirit. In addition, we need all of the gifts of the Spirit that God chooses to bless us with.

Paul sees the consequence of this giving of the Spirit as being a “better knowing” of our wonderful, great and loving God. I deliberately use the word “knowing” and not “knowledge of” because knowing about God, or mere knowledge of Him is not enough. We need to know Him in the reality of relationship, a sweet, honest, strong and true relationship of love.

Gracious Father,

I am reminded that my relationship with You is real, personal, and loving. I receive, and thank You for, every gift You bless me with. May I use them and live them to Your praise and glory. Amen.

Included

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.

                                                                        Eph. 1. 13,14

         

The Holy Scriptures contain so much encouragement and honest truth about the reality of living in Christ, the essence of which is the wonderful gift of salvation, release and eternal life that we receive through our Lord and Saviour. 

Having heard the gospel of salvation, how Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins which allows us restitution into the love of God, we respond in belief. This is followed by the “mark” of the Holy Spirit on us, a holy deposit that guarantees our redemption into the fullness of a life of love in God. We are God’s children, we belong to no one else, not even ourselves. We are God’s alone.

Our release into God is the most wonderful mew birth. All of any ugly past is swept away as He touches us and releases us by His Holy Spirit. Jesus said to Nicodemus, and to us: “You must be born again.”  (John 2.7)

This is a second birth, a birth in the Holy Spirit. We are connected to God in this present life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Just like Jesus did when He lived on this earth, we need to look to the Spirit in all things. The Spirit guides us; the Spirit prepares and equips us; the Spirit provides opportunities for us to witness to Jesus (Acts 1.8); the Spirit brings fulfilment to our life and to our ministry. All that we do for our Lord and Saviour, we need to do to the praise and glory of our most wonderful Lord, our Saviour, our Father, our Friend and our Lover. 

Most Loving Father,

I am reminded of the fullness of Your Spirit equipping me. I open myself anew to receive all that Your Spirit will bless me with. Let me live in the Spirit in obedience to Your command, and the outworking of Your plans and purposes for me. I see wonders being displayed and worked out in Your Spirit. I delight that You have chosen me to be part of this adventure. I give You praise and glory for all that You are, and all that You do.        Amen.

His plan

In him we were chosen. Chosen, being predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.                                      Eph. 1.  11,12

Again I am reminded that I have been chosen. My God has chosen me, and He predestined me from the beginning to live in accordance with the plan He has for me. His plan works everything out in accordance with His will, His purposeful will. His purpose for me, through hope in Christ is to live for His glory and praise.

Moses knew the glory of God (Exod. 33.18-23), and His face was radiant so much so that the Israelites were afraid to come near him when they saw him. Exod. 34.30) Here is something of the glory of God. Moses saw this glory when the Lord passed by him. He was not allowed to see the face of God For no one may see me and live. (V20)

The Lord’s “psssing-by” presence was enough to bring the face of His servant to the most glorious radiance. I have seen glimpses of God’s glory in the faces of those who are so in love with their maker that His presence shines in them and through them. 

The world needs to see and know the glory of God. They will not see His face for to do so would bring death. However, they can see reflections of Him, of course not with the intensity that comes directly from Him, but through the countenance of His believers and lovers.

I have seen the faces of those in whom God shines something of His glory. Sadly they are few, but the light shines brightly in them and through them. I pray that this number will increase, that out loving God will continue to draw others to Him in increasing numbers. 

Mighty God,

I can inly imagine how Moses felt when Your presence passed by him. With his face in the radiance of Your glory, He would have been a powerful witness to the people.

I pray for more believers to see the glory and radiance that emanates through You. May their radiance in You reveal Your radiance to others. I ask this in Jesus name. 
Amen.                                                                                 

Mystery

He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfilment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, Jesus Christ.                                  Eph. 1. 9,10

Paul talks of a “mystery” in God. He may well be referring to things formerly hidden or obscure that are now revealed by God for the knowledge and understanding of those chosen.

Jesus spoke in parables. A certain understanding was gained by many who heard Him. But there was further understanding and the most amazing revelations beneath the surface of the basic message. This deeper understanding was only revealed to those of God’s choosing: Jesus replied, “The knowledge of the secrets of heaven are given to you, nut not to them.”  (Matt. 13.11)

Why are the deeper meanings of the parables revealed to some, but not to all? The real answer belongs, I think, in the category of “secrets of heaven.” They likely form part of the mystery that Paul refers to. Maybe Jesus opens the secrets only to those who are genuinely seeking them. He had many followers, but not all of them were looking for a deeper experience of God and a closer relationship with Jesus.

I believe those to whom the secrets, or some of them, are revealed are truly blessed. I like to think that God has included me in this blessing. Ultimately the secrets will be revealed, the times will be fulfilled, God will bring together all things in heaven and on earth under the headship of Jesus Christ. God’s purposes for the earth and humanity will have been realised. Heaven will be fully opened up. What wonderful jewels will be further revealed as we pass into another realm?

Most Wonderful God and Lord,

I thrill at the thought of further revelation from You. I receive with full gratitude those things that You have already revealed to me, but I ask for more. May I know more of Your secrets of heaven? May I gain further understanding of the “mystery” of the Holy One, the Trinity of the Triune God, and the joy of relationship that is mine in You? I wait on Your further revelations, in joy and eager expectation.          Amen.

Chosen

For he chose us in him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In his love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

                                                                                          Eph. 1. 4-6

There is much to receive and ponder in these few verses. The first reality that is reinforced to me here is that I have been chosen. I was chosen before the creation of the world. I was chosen by Him to be holy and blameless in His sight. This cannot be achieved by me. This is the Father’s work through the Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. I am chosen to be holy and blameless in His sight. This becomes truth for me when I see God looking down on me from heaven and seeing, not me but Jesus, the vicarious sacrifice.

I am not chosen alone. Though His choice of me is individual and personal (let me not forget this), I am chosen in company with many others: You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2.9)

Believers have been called, separately and individually, but also collectively, to come as one into the Body of Christ. We have been adopted as sons and daughters of God. We are united through Christ. He is pleased to receive us. We are called to praise Him and the glorious grace through which He unites us to Himself, the Holy Godhead, and to each other. His grace is freely given. It comes in the fullness of His love. What love, what power, what blessing is freely given to me by my wonderful Lord and maker.  

Mighty and Loving God,

I see the reality of creation and the beauty of Your love in these verses. I was created to worship You and join with You in sweet relationship. I am unable to achieve this in myself because the sins if men have contaminated me. However, Your plan was not to be thwarted and, through Your love and grace You have brought about my salvation and restoration. You chose me to be brought, in wholesome purity, into relationship with You and the whole Body of Christ. I am humbled. I am overwhelmed in gratitude. I give my obedience and love to You.          Amen. 

Payback

“See, it stands written before me: 

I will not keep silent but will pay back in full;

I will pay it into their laps – 

both your sins and the sins of your fathers,” 

says the LORD. 

“Because they burned sacrifices on the 

mountains and defiled me on the hills, 

I will measure into their laps 

the full payment for their former deeds.”             Isa. 65. 6,7

Payback will come. In this context it appears to be a future event (I…will pay back). It will also be full payback for all the sins of humanity. God’s action will be for all people. It will address the present sins of people at whatever time God chooses, and it will include the sins of people past. No one will be exempt.

God has been dishonoured. He is still being dishonoured. We, all, burn sacrifices on the mountains and defile Him on the hills. I see the mountains in two lights. Firstly, these are the high places in the land, the elevated points at which people worshipped that which was precious and significant to them. And, these high places were prominent. The worship of the people was not carried out in dark corners or in the cover of night where it could not be seen. The worship was open and blatant.

Leaders (kings) encouraged such worship. A number of kings specifically dedicated these “high places” to pagan gods, and they led the people in unseemly, often licentious behaviour. This is not acceptable to the Righteous One. All who have dishonoured Him will be punished.

 In the previous chapter of Isaiah’s writing, the people questioned God, “will you keep silent?” God will not keep silent. He broke the silence with the Israelites, and He will break the silence with everyone.

Mighty God,

I believe punishment is to come, but my hope is that it will be followed by forgiveness and restoration. I lay myself before You in confession and repentance.            Amen.

Undeserved love

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. 

We are the clay, you are the potter; 

we are all the work of your hand. 

Do not be angry beyond measure, O LORD; 

do not remember our sins forever. 

Oh, look upon us, we pray, 

for we are your people.                                       Isa. 64.8,9

The Israelites are crying out to God in their despair and desperation of His possible punishment of them. They call Him “Father”, reminding Him of the fact. Do they think that He needs reminding? I believe His disappointment with them would not have been so severe if He did not see them as His children.

They remind Him they are the work of His hand, made in His own image. I feel it’s rather late to remember this when they have behaved so badly. Only a deeply loving Father could receive them back after such atrocious behaviour.

In crying out to God as their Father what, I wonder, do the Israelites think of their own behaviour? They now re-assert their relationship to Him as Father and hope they might persuade Him to be lenient with them. But what of them? If they had remembered who they were (children of God) when tempted to act contrary to His ways, would they not have brought themselves in to line?

It is so convenient to seek to give God responsibility for our actions. He has given us free will. We need to take up the responsibility that is ours, and not pass it onto the supreme and pure Being who calls us His children.

The Israelites prayed that God would not remember their sins forever. Fortunately, He is our most loving Father and we can look to Him for forgiveness.

Holy and forgiving Father,

I realise and acknowledge how blessed I am to be Your child. Like the Israelites, I do not always do what is right. Please forgive me. May I also seek encouragement from You and ask for Your leading and guiding?                       Amen.

Whose fault?

No one calls on your name 

or strives to lay hold of you; 

for you have hidden your face from us 

and made us waste away because of our sins.                Isa. 64. 7

These words make it sound as if God is at fault. Calling on the name of the Lord invokes an image of urgent prayer when in distress. This is not happening. Nobody, it seems, cries out to God or tries to lay hold of Him.

The people excuse this omission by accusing God of having hidden His face from them and causing them to waste away because of their own sin. What a pathetic abdication of their covenant undertaking this appears to be. 

Surely, when they have sinned, and seem to be most aware of it, this is the time to confess and repent. Now is the time to press into God, to call on His name, and to strive to lay hold of Him. Don’t the people see this? If they took the right action, I firmly believe that God would respond, and respond positively.

Paul makes the action quite clear” “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10.13) The non-believer who gains some knowledge of the presence and love of God, and who calls out to Him in earnest, will be saved. So will the long-standing Christian who might find him/herself in need of His help. As we call out, He will hear and He will respond. We may think He’s not there, not listening and not caring. I cannot subscribe to this thinking. I believe that our non-recognition of God’s presence does not mean that He is not there. This, surely, is a time to believe, even though we do not see. 

Precious Lord,

At this moment I can say with confidence that You are there. However, there may be times when I do not have the assurance what You are with me. I pray for faith in such situations, for a belief, a knowing that You are with me. I hold to Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I trust You, and I thank You.              Amen.

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Saved, or not!

You come to the help of those who gladly do right, 

who remember your ways.

But when we continued to sin against them, 

you were angry. 

How then can we be saved?                       Isa. 64. 5

I see further reference to the Covenant in this verse. God will protect His people and lead them into salvation, but there is a part for the people to play. We are called to do right by God, and to do it gladly. We must remember His ways and abide by them.

But what happens if we continue to sin, to ignore the ways of God, do our own thing, and incur His anger? Will we then be saved? The words cry out in seeking a way: how can we be saved?

Salvation comes from God. He alone can save us. He will do so if we gladly do right in Him.

However, we are born into a fallen world, people who have fallen from the grace of God. Is there any way of restoration? Yes, there is! Jesus showed clearly the way when He said: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matt. 4.17) Peter affirmed and clarified this statement. When asked by the crowd what they should do, Peter replied “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2.38)

We can try to do what is right in God, and to do it gladly, but we will not fully succeed. Yet, by confession and repentance in Jesus’ name, we are forgiven and released into the fullness of salvation. There is a way, Jesus is that way! 

Lord God,

I say “Hallelujah” for the saving grace that is found in You. I thank You for the gift of life, of eternal life that we gain through Jesus. We are undeserving, I know this too well. But Your love and forgiveness rescue us. We are saved by grace. We are undeserving yet blessed. Thank You.            Amen.

Mighty God

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, 

that the mountains would tremble before you!

As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, 

come down to make your name known to your enemies 

and cause the nations to quake before you!                   Isa. 64. 1,2

These words call out to God to show His power and sovereignty to the whole earth. As I understand the plight of the Israelites, they could well have been daunted and cowed by the treatment they had received from neighbouring peoples who were hostile to them.

Of course, they had done wrong by the Lord God. They knew they were deserving of punishment, but they cried out to God nevertheless. As well as His His pure and just nature, they were aware of His mercy, His grace, and His love. They appealed to these qualities of His, hoping that He would respond favourably.

The world needs to be reminded of the all-powerful God. This applies today as much as it ever did. The Israelites “went their own way”, and this certainly is happening in this present time. Often God is little more than an expression of derision, even of cursing. Respect is minimal, if at all. Worldly powers and the decisions they make do not improve society nor do they preserve any code of decent behaviour among the people.

The world so needs to see the power and sovereignty of the Mighty One. Some say we are in the last days. When, I wonder, will His return come? Of course, we do not know but, just like the Israelites before us, we can make our plea to Him.  

Most Mighty God,

I see the disarray that the world is in. In some parts I see hopeless desolation. I cry out for Your rule to be re-established in strength and security. Will You return soon? I hope so, and I cry out for it accordingly. I know the timing is Yours alone. I simply bring this plea before You, in Jesus’ loving name.  Amen.

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