Today’s readings.. (Numbers 26), (Proverbs 18), (Philippians 1,2)
Today’s 2nd chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians contains a meaningful exposition of the relationship between God and Jesus Christ. Verses 5 to 11 need to be read in context to see all the factors in their relationship with each other. Paul tells us Jesus was in “the form of God” – what does he mean?
Paul then says he “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant” These words lead us to recall the temptation of Jesus when God’s spirit drove him into the wilderness to be tested (Luke 4 v.1-13.) He resisted the temptation to use the unlimited divine power in the wrong way, for he had been given “the Spirit with measure” (John 3 v.34). Jesus came to “serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt 20 v.28)
Others had “grasped” and suffered for doing so. Think of Adam and Eve, tested as to whether they would obey God, they failed the test they had “grasped” for knowledge hoping to become like God (Genesis 3 v.5) In contrast to them, says Paul, Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross” [v.8]
We recall his prayers in the garden of Gethsemane, agonizing about the sacrifice his Father had appointed for him to make. He said in prayer, “My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt 26 v.39) Because of this attitude and resultant commitment, says Paul, “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” [c,9-10]
Does it mean “every tongue? Paul is looking ahead to the ultimate time to come when those granted eternal life will do this. We think of his words in writing to the Romans, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart … you will be saved.” [10 v.9] In his 6th chapter Paul had expressed the meaning and vital role of baptism in this and how, as a result, “we shall be united with him in a resurrection like his.” [v.3-5]
If we fail to confess belief in Christ, that is counted as denial, there is no middle path, We have the blunt words in Mark 16 v.16 “whoever does not believe will be condemned” May we all be among the tongues that confess a genuine belief from our hearts.

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 24,25), (Proverbs 17), (Ephesians 5,6)
First, remember that all those who really believe in God and Jesus Christ are called “saints”. The Greek word translated as saint, means, “holy, set apart.” Saints set themselves apart from worldly godless ways of thinking and doing. Paul’s letters are addressed to saints, “the saints who are in Ephesus” “saints … who are in Philippi” [opening verse in each letter]. So all true believers are “saints” in God’s eyes, and therefore inspired writers like Paul had this very much in mind in sending encouraging letters to them.
Note what Paul says “is proper among saints” [Ch. 5 v.3]. He writes, “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talk, no crude joking.” [v.3,4]
Something which is “named” is something which is talked about and discussed; yet we are often confronted with fleshly things if we watch much that is on television! Paul’s punch line in his message is – “you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous, that is an idolater, has no inheritance in the kingdom of God.” [v.5]
We have idolaters today! Think of the things people idolize, things that are the focus of their thinking or admiration! It can be something we own, or covet and want to own, and that thing (as one example, the latest electronic gadget), takes centre stage in our thinking, pushing godly thoughts into the background or even swamping them completely.
Our minds often work in devious ways so that we avoid being honest with ourselves – in order to prevent ourselves from feeling uncomfortable, or even guilty about a matter in our conscience. We can do that as we read what Paul writes, glossing over his points. Finally notice his point in v. 6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” How close is that wrath in 2026?

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 22,23), (Proverbs 16), (Ephesians 3,4)
Are you sensitive? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? It seems to us that many people have largely lost whatever ability they had to be sensitive to the feelings of other people. It is a great blessing that many will give to help victims of some tragedy, such as in the floods and fires in this country, but is that as far as it goes?
Nearly everyone is living for themselves. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, as in his other letters, stresses the need for the committed follower of Christ to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of fellow believers. As we completed reading Galatians we should have noticed v.10 in the last chapter, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith.”
Today in Ephesians we read, “Put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth to his neighbours for we are members one of another” [4 v.25] Challenging isn’t it to be described as “members one of another”! It is because committed believers have become, in God’s all-seeing eyes, one spiritual family unit!
We came across this word sensitivity when reading the NIV which translates Paul as writing that they “must no longer live as the Gentiles (non-Christians) do, in the futility of their thinking … having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with continual lust for more” [v.17,19]
The ESV (which we normally use) translates “they have become callous” – and that is what the world today has become as it has become less and less Christian.
The true believer is the very opposite! “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth”, writes Paul, “but only such as is good … that it may give grace to those who hear” [v.29]
This fits in with today’s Proverbs reading, “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious … gracious words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” [Ch. 16 v.23,24]. This is the best possible advice for us in this insensitive world.

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 20,21), (Proverbs 15), (Ephesians 1,2)
Chapter 15 in Proverbs has many ‘powerful’ verses. The third verse is one of them, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and on the good.” Our chapters in Moses’ book of Numbers illustrates how the LORD was watching over Israel as they moved closer to the promised land, but those who were not conscious of his all-seeing eyes perished because of their lack of godliness, although the end of their journeys was coming into sight.
Our Ephesians reading uses the word “eyes” in a most interesting, indeed, challenging way! Paul commends the believers there, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints (i.e. fellow-believers) …. remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, and what are the riches of his glorious inheritance …” [1 v.15-18] This is more than intellectual ‘knowing.’
Do our “hearts” have “eyes” to see the unseen presence of God? Do we really believe in the power of prayer? If we do not have “eyes” of this nature- then we do not really know “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” [v.19]
Returning to Proverbs we need to meditate on the positive, indeed powerful ways of thinking described there. “A gentle (or healing) tongue is a tree of life” (v.4) “The lips of the wise spread knowledge” (v.7), that is, knowledge of God. “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure …” (v.16) “He who is slow to anger quiets contention” (v.18) “The ear that listens to life giving reproof will dwell among the wise” (v.31)
And the final verse, “The fear (awe) of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honour.” All who follow such principles as these in their lives are surely aware that “the eyes of the LORD are in every place”

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 19), (Proverbs 14), (Galatians 5,6)
Today the last 2 chapters of Paul’s letter to the Galatians illustrate the sharp contrast between those who put all the emphasis in their living – to observe the Law of Moses and practice circumcision – in contrast to belonging to Christ for “in Christ Jesus”, writes Paul, “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” [5 v.6]
We are not affected by any advocating keeping the law and circumcision today, except for those who believe it is vital as to which day you come together to worship. In writing to the Colossians Paul advised “ …. Let no one pass judgement on you in questions of food or drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.” [2 v.16]
Our salvation does not depend on us observing rules or days – other than the simplicity – and wonder – of remembering that Christ died for us.. Baptised believers are to meet in remembrance of his death in the way Jesus instituted just before his death (as we read last week) by prayerfully meeting to partake of bread and wine (Luke 22 v.14-20) as “the new covenant in my blood” replacing the old covenant under the law of Moses.
There is no command as to on which day of the week this was to be observed, but initially after the dramatic events on the day of Pentecost, with about 3,000 being baptised, they met “day by day … breaking bread in their homes” [Acts 2 v.41,46] Acts 20 v.7 tells us that they met to break bread on “the first day of the week” – but there is no command about this.
Paul told the Galatians, they should be “led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” [5 v18] and that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” [v.22-23]
Now to produce good fruit on a tree much pruning, tending, watering, and protection from predators is needed, varying according to the environment. There is a parallel picture to this in the spiritual realm if we are to produce good spiritual fruit.
The next and last verse in the chapter says, “And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This does not happen automatically, we need to feed on God’s word every day and to pray. Paul told the Colossians, “we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit …” [Ch. 1 v.9,10] .

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 17,18), (Proverbs 13), (Galatians 3,4)
The proverbs of Solomon make many points for us to meditate upon – vital principles for daily living. It is good to take them individually and reflect carefully on how many of them apply to daily living in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Chapter 13 today at v.13 says, “Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.”
How true that is – but in an increasing number of ways and places today the word of God is ignored as being of no account. In others the ‘knowing’ of God’s word is left to a select few – ‘elders’ they might be called – and the danger is that they selectively apply them according to their own interpretation; evidence of this is seen in those who opposed our Lord.
There is danger when believers become followers of individuals instead of adequately reverencing God’s word and making that word part of their thinking. Paul lamented to the Corinthians, “each one of you says, ‘I follow Paul’ or ‘I follow Cephas,’ or ‘I follow Apollos, … Is Christ divided?” [1 Cor. 1 v.12]
Solomon writes, “In everything the prudent act with knowledge” [v.16] and God’s word is the source of that knowledge. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”[v.20]
Our world is out of balance, so few are now wise in the principles God’s word sets before us. “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him (or her) is diligent to discipline him.” [v.24] Many parts of the world now spurn any physical discipline. It is true that in the days of old it was sometimes done far too much. Solomon later writes, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” [22 v.6]
When we soon come to Ephesians 6 we will read, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” [v.4] When this is done there will be no need for any rod – but spiritual joy in having our children as fellow believers and followers of the Lord.
Returning to our Proverbs chapter, if we can truly develop both a love and an awe of God we will see ever more clearly that his word is a “tree of life” [v.12] and the time will come when Christ will say “to the one who conquers … eat of the tree of life., which is in the paradise of God.” [Rev. 2 v.7] But “whoever despises the word …”

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 16), (Proverbs 12), (Galatians 1,2)
The Apostle Paul has a most urgent message to bring to the Galatians – a message which has challenged believers ever since. Paul writes, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you to the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the Gospel of Christ.” [1 v.6,7]
Paul is emphatic as to how important it is that the original gospel is maintained. He adds, “…. Even if we, or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” [v.8] The potential for some to corrupt the original gospel is a fundamental reason why we need to constantly read God’s word – so that the original message becomes part of our thinking with the result that humanly devised beliefs, like going to heaven when we die, are immediately seen as wrong and we search the context of any verses that others advocate as teaching it and see what they really mean.
Why do some turn away from that which is true? There is an interesting example in the chapter we read in Numbers (16) which tells us how some of the Levites challenged the leadership of Moses; they say to him; “you have gone too far! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves … “. Their complaint is, “you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards.” [v.14]
Their minds are focussed on positions of prestige and material rewards, but such will only come in God’s good time – in his kingdom. They had a false impression of what it is – in God’s sight – to be holy. We are reminded of the principle spelled out in a verse in Hebrews “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord”. [12 v.14]
Turning to Galatians again, there is one key verse that we do well to memorise, for it sums up both Paul’s and Moses’ attitude to things divine. “I have been crucified with Christ,” writes Paul, ”It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [2 v.20]

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 15), (Proverbs 11), (Luke 24)
The last chapter in Luke’s gospel is soul stirring if we let our minds visualize the events it describes. Let us, in our imagination, see ourselves among the disciples or among the women who came to the tomb. Meditate and let the events ‘come alive’ in our thinking.. The women dedicatedly followed Jesus to the end to do whatever they could even though their ‘world’ had fallen apart. And when the world today is falling apart? What of us?
We read of the two who were joined by a stranger as they walked the 10km to Emmaus, they were told by him they were “slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” [v.25] about the sufferings of the Messiah and how after that “he would enter into his glory.” They completed their journey, it is now evening and they “urged him strongly, saying ‘Stay with us.’[v.29]
The next verses are fascinating! And “when he was at table with them he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them,. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.” What opened their eyes? He broke the bread with his hands and gave it to them with his hands! What hands!! And has soon as recognition ‘flashed’ into their minds, he vanished!
Despite the lateness of the day they surely made the return journey of 10km in record time saying “to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?’”[v.32]
And what of our feelings as we read the scriptures? What motivates us to read them? Do we have a sense of urgency to understand and believe?
There are a good number of Old Testament passages that are remarkable prophecies of the Messiah’s coming – we can now see which applied to his first coming – and which to his second. Do our hearts burn within us as we read them or are we “slow of heart to believe?” Could our belief be largely academic – in our head but not in our heart?
Looking back at ch.21 in Luke, there are words of Jesus that have surely been recorded for you and I, “Stay awake at all times. Praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 11), (Proverbs 7), (Luke 21)
The perplexity among the nations today is remarkable. With an aggressive Russia in Ukraine a situation that has come about by conditions and complacency of Europe plus the war raging in the Middle East where money has been king, the ability to influence others has been achieved by having plenty of money and strong military power.
. Today’s reading in Luke 21 tells us that Jesus said that his return to the earth would be at a time of “distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.”[v.25] This primarily speaks of the state of the distress of nations because of the roaring of the social fabric of society, but it also has a duel application to the natural.
The threat of roaring seas, especially tsunamis, has caused great anxieties, The massive earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Japan caused very serious problems – and these continue. Warning systems have now been put in place, but these will not stop the seas roaring – only just give a few minutes warning.
However, we can see that the words of Jesus, as do several others things he said, reflect words written in the Old Testament and indicate even greater distresses are to come. Look at the language in Psalm 46. “we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling … the nations rage, the kingdoms totter ; he utters his voice, the earth melts … Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has wrought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth … [v.2,3,6,8,9].
Just as one is able to pick out the prophecies that were fulfilled at the first coming of Jesus, so we ponder those that we judge must apply to his second coming. Jesus continued by speaking of “people fainting with fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world” [v.26]. But those who know the Bible will carefully read the words of Jesus that follow and take them to heart, “Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” [v.28] This “redemption” of course, is for his committed followers. Make sure that includes you..
Returning to Psalm 46, take special note of the positive message in the last 2 verses, “Be still and know that I am God I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Make sure that he is your fortress – remember how Jesus told the parable of those who knocked at the door – but it was too late – remember what you read in Luke 13 v.25.

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 10), (Proverbs 6), (Luke 20)
In one sense, no man or woman can be “considered worthy” by God to be in his kingdom “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” [Rom. 3 v.23] . But we have that marvellous chapter on FAITH in Hebrews 11 , men and women who demonstrated their faith by what they did in serving God and doing his will.
Abraham and Moses are outstanding examples of this, but remember v.29 in that chapter; “By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land” – what a remarkable foundation to their faith as they stepped out on the far shore after seeing the water towering on either side! This was their baptism, said Paul – see 1 Cor. 10 v.2
But we are about to read in Numbers of how most of them failed to maintain their faith and “fell” in various ways in the wilderness. Maintaining faith is essential to being “considered worthy.”
This brings us to what Jesus said to the Sadducees, as we read today in Luke 20. They refused to believe in a resurrection. In some ways they were like the modern humanists. They posed to Jesus a story of a woman who had 7 husbands in succession who all died, so if there is a resurrection, they asked, who would be her husband “for the seven had her as wife.”
“Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons (children) of the resurrection” [v.35,36]
We particularly noted his final words in correcting the Sadducees; he said God “is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to him” [v.38] If we “live to him” as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did, then we, like them, will not die, but sleep a timeless sleep to awake (instantly, not having sensed the passage of time) when we will become “equal unto the angels.” So let us walk with an ever stronger faith as we travel through the wilderness that is the world scene today – conscious of the failure of those who “by faith … crossed the Red Sea” in baptism – but their wilderness destroyed their faith. Our daily reading and reflections on what we read is an essential part to maintaining our faith as we journey through today’s wilderness..

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 7), (Proverbs 4), (Luke 18)
We “hear” by reading what God has caused to be written preserved and translated – the challenge to all of us is to read and then “accept” into our hearts what we read, so that they become a real influence on the principles by which we guide our lives..
Solomon writes (Proverbs ch. 4) “Let your heart hold fast my words” – this is the vital next stage after we accept them. The first verse tells us that these are “a father’s instruction” on what the acceptance of his words should lead to – “Keep my commandments and live” [v.4] “and whatever you get, get insight” [v.7] We must develop inward vision so that we can reflect on what we have accepted, comparing scripture with scripture so that our understanding becomes increasingly greater.
After saying, “Get insight” Solomon adds, “Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honour you, if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown” [v.8,9] This poetic language has substantial literal meaning! Recall the thoughts we developed 2 days ago on “the eyes of our hearts.”
In our Luke (ch. 18) reading, Jesus makes the point that his followers must have the attitude of children – for when his disciples tried to stop adults bringing children too him “that he might touch them,” Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” [v.15-17]
As we read God’s word we must have a child-like attitude to “hear” and then “accept” (the) words” we read and then “we will have treasure in heaven” Jesus told a ruler, adding, “and come, follow me.” [v.18,22] The very last chapter in the Bible, the final message of Jesus, tells us that, when Jesus returns, this treasure will be revealed, for I will be “bringing my reward (or recompense) with me to repay everyone for what he has done” [Rev.22 v.12]
So we start by hearing (through reading), then we “accept” and then we “do” what God desires in the way we live using our individual abilities and opportunities to serve God and his Son, our Saviour every day – and then the wonder of the time to come – which is getting ever closer – the time of divine repayment with life in his kingdom on earth , for “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” [Matt. 5 v.5] Will you be there? You make the answer now!

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 6), (Proverbs 3), (Luke 17)
It could be we are too familiar with the prophecies about events at the climax of the present process of human life upon this earth – could the words of Jesus which we read today in Luke ch. 17 become uncertain in our minds – too dramatic to be taken literally?
Jesus says, “For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will it be in his day.” [v.24] He adds, “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot … but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom … so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” [v.26-30]
Our world is in a mess, uncertainties about the future increase every year, indeed, every month! . Our world has, to some degree, got used to living with uncertainties about the future – so much so nearly all plan for the present, for this year and maybe next, especially if they have children.
The king of the promised kingdom was “in the midst of you” {v.21] Jesus told the Pharisees, but they were blind to this challenging fact. Similarly, the words of Jesus, and those written by the Apostles in their letters, are today available in every language, but how few are ‘awake’ to the message they contain about today!
It is not just a message about today! It is not just a message about the coming climax, but, but just as important, it is about the attitude of heart we must develop if we are to have total trust in God. We read in Proverbs today, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you … write them on the tablet of your heart … in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” [ch.3 v.3,5,6]

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 5), (Proverbs 2), (Luke 16)
What leads to a truly understanding mind – one of which God approves? We have a marvelous chapter (2) in Proverbs today which shows us the right way to “find the knowledge of God” [v.5] and shows us that this is far more than what we might call ‘head knowledge’ – developed purely by intellectual investigation and deduction.
We especially notice the significant little word ‘if’. The chapter starts , “My son, If you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding …” [v.1,2]
That is the start of it, that is laying the foundation – what follows? “ If you call out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding” [v.3} How do you do that? It seems to us this is the earnestness and intensity of private prayer in seeking a full awareness of God.
Solomon further emphasizes the complete dedication that is needed – another “if” follows. “If you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear (awe) of the LORD and find the knowledge of God” [v.5] This is the ‘knowing’ of God surely – the establishing of a real relationship through prayer and the actions and experiences that then flow.
The verses which follow indicate the wonder of that relationship, how the LORD (and subsequently his Son) “is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints” [v.7.8]
What depth of perception then results, it is far more than intellectual knowledge for “then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” [v.9,10]
Consider the final perceptions of Job, he confesses to God, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself …” [ch.42 v5,6 – note v.3] Thoughts which parallel Paul’s appeal to the Ephesians that God “may give you a spirit of wisdom … in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened.” [1 v.17,18]
May our hearts increasingly develop this kind of wisdom, “then you (and I) will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge (knowing) of God.”

Today’s readings.. (Numbers4), (Proverbs 1), (Luke 15)
Today we start reading “the proverbs of Solomon” [v.1] and the key verse that jumps out into our eyes is “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” [v.7].
Our minds should be filled with awe as to all that God must be!! It is the beginning or foundation of wise thinking. The plea of Solomon is, “”Hear my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” [v.8] The acceptance and absorption into our minds of such teaching and instruction is like wearing “a graceful garland” – yet today how many parents are able and willing to teach true wisdom to their children? If they are able and willing – their children are surrounded by counter influences – but the need for “wisdom and instruction” has never been greater.
The message contains a strong warning about the ‘opposite’ to true wisdom, the attitude of those who have no time for God – so the blunt warning is made, “if sinners entice you do not consent” [v.10].
Virtually no one thinks of themselves as being a ‘sinner’ these days, sin is an obsolete word! But there is no middle course; the book of Proverbs makes this plain, if you are not on God’s side seeking his will and guidance in making your pathway in life, you are against him.
Wisdom is personified and “cries aloud” – at the same time “scoffers delight in their scoffing.” [v.20,22] But ‘wisdom’ says, “If you turn at my reproof, behold I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you” [v.23] and we can see that God’s Spirit has led to the Bible being written and preserved and our daily feeding on God’s word will guide our lives.
The chapter fittingly concludes, “the complacency of fools destroys them, but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 3), (Psalm 148-150), (Luke 13,14)
There are no grey areas in the teaching of Jesus, yet life today contains many grey areas, human legislation in most countries appears to us in many ways to bend over backwards to allow all kinds of behavior; you can live and behave as you like as long as you do not tread on anyone else’s toes, as the saying is.
These thoughts entered our minds as we read the teaching of Jesus in Luke ch. 14. It tells us “Now great crowds accompanied him.” [v.25]. Imagine the scene, how popular he had become, but it was not of the same order of popularity that many ‘stars’ achieve today.
But, suddenly Jesus is very challenging in a personal sense! “He turned and said to them, ‘If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” [v,25,26]
What are we to make of the word “hate”? The Greek word occurs 42 times in the New Testament and is always translated as hate, hateful, hated, etc in the A.V. What we learn is that, from the Divine perspective there are no grey areas, if one does not love – then one is counted as ‘hating’.
But the words of Jesus demand that we put them into a scriptural perspective. Nowhere in the New Testament do we find the word “opinion” – yet our world today uses it abundantly! The context in which Jesus uses the word hate implies he counts some things, many things, as of no importance. In following in his footsteps to “come after” Christ, we must see life’s values (or lack of them) as he sees them. We need to each ask ourselves, ‘What is of first importance in my life?’
If we are really following Christ and putting his principles into practice in the way we live – then this will direct the decisions we make, this will totally push to one side all other things we think of and do, they will have no priority in our planning.
Look at the parable Jesus tells immediately after giving this challenging teaching (in v.27 to 33). What kind of “tower” are we building? Is your life, is mine, like building a ‘tower’? As we build, using the material Jesus and his father supplies, we get to see the meaning of life from the divine perspective with greater and greater clarity? We must each ask ourselves today – how is my building going? What sort of view am I now getting of life?

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 2), (Psalm 145-147), (Luke 12)
All three Psalms (145-147) and our chapter in Luke (12) today were greatly thought provoking; a great number of verses were very challenging – personally – to read. Some people are sceptical of the statement, “the LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works” [Psa.145 v.17] cynically saying that if there is such a God who is all powerful, he should stop bad things from happening, especially to good people.
The verses which follow help us to correct our thinking from such ‘tunnel vision.’ They tell us, “The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth. He fulfils the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The LORD preserves all who love him …” [v.18-20] Look at the lives of those who really served God such as Paul, how true are these words of his life after he was converted.
Some only call on God when circumstances in their life are getting desperate; but they have no ‘rock’ established in their minds as a firm foundation for an unshakeable belief in God. They have not been calling “upon him in truth”? How many do? The next Psalm (146) tells us, “put not your trust in princes, in … man in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans (thoughts) perish” [v.3,4] Yet how many are trying to find “princes,” leaders, they hope they can have confidence in! They soon lose confidence in the leaders they elect.
Only those who genuinely love God and show that love in how they live their lives have a future beyond the grave. In Luke we saw how Jesus told his disciples “do not be anxious about your life … what you will eat …nor be worried … instead seek his kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.” [v.22,29,31] They will be wonderfully “added” when his kingdom comes. Finally, we noticed a special verse in the 147th Psalm, “the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” [v.11] May we all live so that our Lord takes pleasure.

Today’s readings.. (Numbers 1), (Psalm 143, 144), (Luke 11)
We have a particularly challenging chapter in Luke’s gospel today. It is full of challenges by Jesus – contrasting normal human attitudes with what their attitude and aims and actions in life should be – IF they are truly following divine principles. We read “ … a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.’” [11 v.27,28] . Today we can say, “Blessed rather are those who read the word of God and make what they read part of their thinking and doing.
In v. 24-26 there is a short parable about an “unclean spirit” – we can interpret that today as a dirty state of mind. Jesus said, “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself and they enter and dwell there. And the last state (of mind) of that person is worse than the first.”
We see this as teaching the lesson that when you get rid of a bad attitude of mind, distorted ways of thinking and therefore of acting – it is vital to replace them with good ways of thinking and therefore of doing. For us, daily feeding on God’s word and living by God’s principles are essential – for “blessed rather are those who” read the words God caused to be written and preserved and “keep” them.
Then we can make the words of David’s Psalm 143 we read today our own, “Hear my prayer O LORD… In your faithfulness answer me … Enter not into judgment with your servant for no one living is righteous before you … I meditate on all you have done … my soul thirsts for you like a parched land (thirsts for water). Answer me quickly. O LORD! … Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” May we lift up our hearts and minds in this way.

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 26), (Psalm 137-139), (Luke 9)
Do you, do I, want God to really “know my heart”? The concluding words of David’s Psalm 139 are some of the most challenging in Scripture. It seems obvious that David wrote it when he had formed a most intimate relationship with God, he declares, “How precious to me are your thoughts O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.” [v.17,18]
David’s meditations in this Psalm are most meaningful, he had a sense of really being “with God” and God, with him. How intensely personal is his closing appeal to the Almighty, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” But that leading by God comes at a price – the surrender of self, of our human inclinations – to God’s leading.
David surely knew what Moses wrote at God’s direction, we read it today in Leviticus ch. 26. The first 13 verses list all the blessings to come on the nation if they will truly serve their God who has delivered them from slavery in Egypt. “I will make my dwelling among you,” says God, “I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” [v.11,12]
David was leading the people to do this – he would have fallen asleep in death convinced that his son Solomon would complete what he had begun in making the nation, God’s people. His Psalm explains a vital underlying factor in serving God, that, observing God’s laws, must be followed by an attitude of heart and mind that achieves a personal relationship with God.
Sadly, the rest of Leviticus 26, which details the actions of God when there is a failure to obey his laws, came terribly true for most who journeyed to the promised land under Moses..
Our awareness – of the light and darkness of the paths of life – is vital for our eternal health: they are excellently summed up in the words of Jesus in the last verse of our Luke (ch.9) reading. “No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Our innermost thoughts as we prayerfully read God’s word each day will keep us looking forward.

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 25), (Psalm 135,136), (Luke 8
The great majority, until the last generation or two, have had contact with Jesus Christ in the sense that they have heard and read about him, although sometimes in a distorted sense. Sadly today there is less and less contact with him, with 7 billion + people in the world how few know anything about his teaching, we conclude an awareness of God and his Son now “has gone out to all the earth” [Rom.10 v.18] as was predicted (Matt. 24 v14)
Our thoughts flowed along these lines as we read Luke’s account of the healing of a woman who had been suffering for 12 years with a “discharge of blood” [ch.8 v.43] and had spent all her money in trying to be healed. She came in “the crowds” that “were surrounding him”, how keen they were to hear him, a contrast to today. This woman came “in the crowds” and had a remarkable notion that it would be good to at least touch him. When “Jesus said, ‘Who was it that touched me?’”
Peter responds, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you” Jesus responded, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” [v.46]
It is how you “touch” Jesus that makes all the difference; equally, we conclude, it is how you reach out with your mind, the urgency of your need to know and have a relationship with him, that makes all the difference in your life. It is more, much more, than gaining an intellectual understanding. It is vital to reach out and “touch” Jesus with a real sense of how vital it is to do this.
Those who do this establish an ongoing relationship that will lead to an eternal relationship. Such become one of “his people” – they take on “his name” and the verses in the Psalm we read today become fully meaningful and true for them. “Your name O LORD, endures forever , your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages. For the LORD will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.” [Psa. 135 v.13,14]
Let us take on his name, and live up to the privilege and responsibility of bearing his name, then when Jesus returns our lives will be vindicated (i.e. assessed as righteous) and we will “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever”

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 24), (Psalm 131-134), (Luke 7)
“Remember O LORD in David’s favour, all the hardships he endured, how he swore to the LORD and vowed … “ [Psalm 132 v.1-2] The prayer and petition in that Psalm, one of the four we read today has a very significant lesson for us. What particular thing did David vow to do that he should be favourably remembered for?
Was it some great thing? He did many great things starting with the killing of Goliath, not counting the killing of the wild animals that sought to attack the sheep he was caring for. But his vow is not something that human nature sees as great – but today’s Psalm is a plea about it! It is a particular vow that he asks, should be counted in his favour! Is it a vow we should consider making?
He vowed “I will not enter my house or get into my bed, I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob” [v.3-5]
David cannot mean he is going to build a literal temple for the Almighty. Nor can he mean the Tabernacle, for the LORD had had a dwelling place there for centuries. The answer is to be found in Isaiah Ch. 57, as well as other places. There we read “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit” [v.15]
So the dwelling place that David vowed to find for the LORD was in his own heart. To do that he had to mentally prostrate himself before the Lord! How to do that? We suggest a factor in this is getting yourself to imagine ….the unimaginable! But we have to try to comprehend God’s immeasurable greatness and how he desires to dwell in the hearts of the humble.
Remember how Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” [John 14 v.23] Our heart becomes a Temple if we really carry out the first commandment to the full! At the end of each day, we need to take stock, and repair any damage or make good any loss the events of the day has brought to the Father’s spiritual temple in our heart.

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 23), (Psalm 128-130), (Luke 6)
Our Psalms and Luke readings today link together in encouraging us to think and live positively so we can more effectively counteract a world that buffets us more than ever with false values. There are times when these greatly affect us and they threaten to be overwhelming.
These Psalms provide us with encouragement for the times when the ways of the world around us particularly buffet us and we start to be drawn into its’ ways..
Psalm 130 is an outstanding example: “Out of the depths I cry to you O LORD … be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” [v.1-4]
Then the question arises, what counts as iniquities? In the days of Moses and ancient Israel the people would look to the 10 commandments; but Jesus, as we read in Luke 6 today describes Christ-like behaviour as being much more than avoiding bad behaviour like stealing and committing adultery.
Jesus taught, “But I say unto you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you … “ [v.27,28] Then Jesus lays down what is often called ‘the golden rule’ saying, “as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” [v.31] It has always been the greatest challenge to live as God requires. David knew this.
Jesus came to spell it out in plain language – and live it – to set us an example. With gratitude we remember David’s words – and see his life as an example, especially for us, if we stumble off the narrow pathway that Jesus described. (Matt. 7 v.14).
We therefore need more especially to remember David’s words that God is “feared” because with him “there is forgiveness.” He is not feared because he is an angry God, rather he is feared (‘held in the deepest reverence’ it means in this context) – because he is a loving God. Tomorrow’s Psalm 131 is specifically by David. He writes, “O LORD, my heart is not lifted up … I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” [v.1,2] Can we do the same? Christ is, in one sense, our mother, let us make sure we have a real and growing relationship with him.

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 22), (Psalm 125-127), (Luke 5)
No one despises an inheritance, they are usually a cause of joy! But what we inherit is often a challenge too! A challenge to our wisdom, how to use it wisely. How many are conscious of our Lord’s all seeing eyes and knowledge of all the decisions we make in this – and, of course, all the other decisions we make. However, receiving an inheritance leads to especially challenging decisions.
One very important situation is clearly alluded to in Psalm 127 which we read this morning yet we may often pass over it without really thinking. We read, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward” [v.3] A heritage? Do those who have children see them as an inheritance the Lord has provided? We should – and in seeing them that way, surely we should make use of the inheritance with the utmost care and wisdom. But do we?
The Psalmist enlarges on this theme in the next Psalm, “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD” [128 v.3,4]
Let’s give careful thought to the very first words that God spoke to Adam and Eve about their inheritance? They still apply. “Be fruitful and multiply and subdue it and have dominion over … Behold I have given you …” [Gen. 1 v.28,29] What blessings surrounded them in the garden, what an inheritance.
The foolishness of humans has often abused God’s blessings, they take for granted their “heritage from the LORD.” In contrast all those who have a real relationship with the one who has provided all, a relationship which is experienced in various ways every day, will value all the aspects of the results that flow from that relationship, it is far more than a case of whether we have children or not.
Next week we will come to the passage in Luke where it says Jesus “rejoiced”! What did he rejoice over – he was praying to his Father saying, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes Father, for such was your gracious will.” [ch. 10 v.21] Let us become as “little children” and then we will know how to use our inheritance.

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 21), (Psalm 120-124), (Luke 4)
Psalm 121 today begins with a question – and sometimes this is not recognised. The Psalmist is lifting up his eyes to the hills and asking, “from where does my help come?” Does it come from the hills, the high places?
The pagan people around and all too often the Jewish people were attracted to do the same, they looked to high places where they felt they would be nearer where their God’s dwelt. When travelling in India one frequently sees hill tops crowned with Hindu temples.
The 2nd verse answers the question, stating, “My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.” That is just as true today! But what sort of help can seekers expect? Well this Psalm is the second of 5 short Psalms to be read today which are called ‘A SONG OF ASCENTS’
Among the Jews these, and the ten Psalms which follow, are generally understood to be the songs that were sung as they went up to Jerusalem to worship in the Temple. In some cases they would be coming from distant lands – remember the man from Ethiopia that Philip was sent by the Spirit to meet? “he had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning” [Acts 8 v.27]. Recall Isaiah’s vision! “It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains … and many people shall come and say, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD” [Isaiah 2 v.2,3]
So what did the pilgrims going up to Jerusalem sing about? Do these Psalms foreshadow our going up to Jerusalem in the future? The first one (120) is, “In my distress I cried to the LORD and he answered me. Deliver me O LORD, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue” [v.1,2] This illustrates the kind of help that was sought – and given – to genuine worshippers of God like David. It also shows the frame of mind of those who do not know God that those going up to Jerusalem leave behind!
Psalm 121 ends, “The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.” The Lord watches over all the ways in which we travel, if we firmly believe our help comes from the Lord. The verse will find its complete fulfilment when Jesus returns and the kingdom is established – and what a wonderful atmosphere then as we “go up to the mountain of the LORD.”.

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 19), (Psalm 19:81-128), (Luke 2)
These are the first words in our Psalms reading; what does your soul long for, is it the same as the Psalmist? We read, “My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes long for your promise …” (Ps.119 v.81,82) There is real urgency in his expressions – do we share that sense of urgency?
Then we come to 3 extra-special verses (v.97-99) it would be good to memorize. They start, “O how love I your law! It is my meditation all the day; your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” God’s law is to be loved, to be meditated upon – and the result of doing this, the Psalmist says, “I hold back my feet from every evil way in order to keep your word.” [v.101]
His next thoughts are, “ … you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth … therefore I hate every false way.” The Psalmist continues, “Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” [v.111]
The “law” that the Israelites were expected to “love” was no set of ‘thou shalt not’s. Jesus found them “sweet” and as we read Luke ch. 2 we pondered the conversation that the 12 year old Jesus had in the temple – where Mary and Joseph eventually found him “sitting among the teachers … asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.” [v.46,47]
The chapter concludes in this lovely way, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature (or years) and in favour with God and man.” May we all do the same, although it is becoming increasingly difficult to increase in favour with our fellow humans because of the great God-less state of the world that is now around us, but this will lead us to say with greater and greater fervency and meaning, “My soul longs for your salvation.”

Today’s readings.. (Leviticus 17,18), (Psalm 19:41-80), (Luke 1)
These words are taken from the inspired speech of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. Because he did not believe the angel who appeared to him in the Temple he had been made dumb, then when the child is born and there is pressure to call him Zechariah, the father’s “tongue is loosed and he spoke blessing God. And fear came upon all their neighbours” [Luke 1 v.65] The sense of ‘fear’ does not mean being scared or afraid, but to be in awe.
Today’s chapter then tells us that “Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied …” [v.67] It is a prophecy about the coming task of his newborn son “who will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” [v.76]
Compared to human expectations God’s time frame for action is exceedingly slow: it had been some 400 years since God had sent the last prophet (Malachi) to his nation, but, as Zechariah now says, “the Lord God … spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us …” [v.70,71]
Because they rejected his Son, God delayed the fulfilment of this – to our days – but “time” from God’s perspective is so different; but isn’t it remarkable the deliverance that the re-born nation of Israel has experienced since 1948 in being “saved … from the hand of all who hate (them)”!!
Deliverance needs to be assessed from several perspectives; there is deliverance from fear of evil men and deliverance from sin and death John and then Jesus came to “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” [v.79]
How clearly are we seeing the “light” and letting it “guide our feet”? There are so many traps these days as to where we can put our “feet” – in a spiritual sense of course. How many appreciated the “light” they were seeing in the words of John and Jesus? They all stumbled and fell. By his grace, those with genuine hearts were pulled to their feet again. May we have genuine hearts and clearly see the light, only then can we “serve him without fear.” .