Feeding on the Word
Listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22, NIV If we were to take all the advice on nutrition that’s offered us by the media, we would be changing our diet all the time! There’s so much information about what’s good for our health and what foods we should avoid. Some of the advice is sensible, but much of it has the effect of scaremongering and making people become preoccupied with diet.However, physical food isn’t the main source of life and health for us. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 4:4 that ‘man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ God’s word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and as we feed on it God’s able to impart life to our spirits through His Spirit. He’s able to speak to us through the Bible, with words of love, encouragement, guidance, and correction. But these verses from Proverbs tell us that the benefit of God’s word isn’t only spiritual. It also brings health to a man’s whole body. As we receive His word into our spirits, life and health flow through into our whole being.When the people of Israel were wandering in the desert, God instructed them to collect manna for their food (Exodus 16). They were to go out early in the morning each day to gather what they needed. That is an important principle for us. We need to be feeding daily on God’s word, which will nourish and sustain us physically as well as spiritually.How healthy is your diet? Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for the times I’ve been preoccupied with physical food and I’ve neglected to feed on the spiritual food that will nourish me. Please speak to me as I read Your word, and bring Your life and health to every part of me through it. Amen. Today's Writer : Jilly Lyon Taylor Jilly Lyon Taylor is part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Pierrepont. She worked in publishing and then with children in Hong Kong before concentrating on being a full-time mother and serving in the local church. Her desire to see people healed led her to the Luke Nine Eleven Training School (NETS) at Pierrepont, and now she teaches and ministers there.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Well Based
Well Based
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25, NIV I have a book at home called ‘Men and Sheds', and I bought a shed recently. Being a man it was a significant event for me! In order to get the best out of my new resource I spent some time in preparing the ground to provide a sound base for its construction. The finished building is now sitting resplendent in green protective paint and has successfully withstood strong winds and rain without any damage to the structure or its contents. It has, however, become evident to me how much people lack a foundational understanding of the Kingdom of God. No wonder there are so many people who are still suffering from the damage of the past and unable to receive the healing that Jesus shows us is God's intention for us. It's difficult to install solid foundations for an existing building, because it involves complicated underpinning processes. But through biblical teaching and prayer we can install the solid foundations into people's lives that they have lacked, and see them well grounded for the futures in Jesus. The firm foundation restored gives the solid base that is needed for facing the storms of life. Rather than having to restore those foundations it would be so much better if they could have been built into the lives of new believers from the start. Praise God for the opportunities that Ellel 365 and the Living the Life series provide, but let's also keep encouraging those responsible for discipleship in the local churches to take seriously the foundational biblical teaching. If Kingdom principles such as the consequences of the fall, the reality of the work of Satan and the Healing power of the cross were built into young Christian lives from the start, then equipping the saints for their work of ministry would be so much more effective. The enemy would be disempowered and the Lordship of Christ firmly established. My shed will fall apart one day, however good the foundation, but lives built on Jesus will not! Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are the only foundation that will withstand the pressures of time and be sufficient for eternity! Help me never to try and build my life on any other foundation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:25, NIV I have a book at home called ‘Men and Sheds', and I bought a shed recently. Being a man it was a significant event for me! In order to get the best out of my new resource I spent some time in preparing the ground to provide a sound base for its construction. The finished building is now sitting resplendent in green protective paint and has successfully withstood strong winds and rain without any damage to the structure or its contents. It has, however, become evident to me how much people lack a foundational understanding of the Kingdom of God. No wonder there are so many people who are still suffering from the damage of the past and unable to receive the healing that Jesus shows us is God's intention for us. It's difficult to install solid foundations for an existing building, because it involves complicated underpinning processes. But through biblical teaching and prayer we can install the solid foundations into people's lives that they have lacked, and see them well grounded for the futures in Jesus. The firm foundation restored gives the solid base that is needed for facing the storms of life. Rather than having to restore those foundations it would be so much better if they could have been built into the lives of new believers from the start. Praise God for the opportunities that Ellel 365 and the Living the Life series provide, but let's also keep encouraging those responsible for discipleship in the local churches to take seriously the foundational biblical teaching. If Kingdom principles such as the consequences of the fall, the reality of the work of Satan and the Healing power of the cross were built into young Christian lives from the start, then equipping the saints for their work of ministry would be so much more effective. The enemy would be disempowered and the Lordship of Christ firmly established. My shed will fall apart one day, however good the foundation, but lives built on Jesus will not! Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are the only foundation that will withstand the pressures of time and be sufficient for eternity! Help me never to try and build my life on any other foundation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Knowing who Jesus is
Knowing who Jesus is
Jesus…asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets'. ‘But what about you?' he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Matthew 16:13-15, NIV We live in a world that's in rebellion against Jesus Christ. It's hard to credit how people can reject so fervently the One with such love for us that He gave His life so that we, as sinners, could be reconciled to God and escape eternal damnation. Sometimes the rebellion is open and confrontational, such as the ban on Christian prayers and teaching in many state schools around the world. Sometimes, however, the rebellion takes on a more subtle character. It can be a seductive attempt to sidetrack people from the true Jesus to ‘another Jesus' (2 Corinthians 11:14). There are many religious organisations that use Jesus' name but they aren't worshipping the person of Jesus Christ revealed by Scripture as the Son of the living God. They try to give credibility to their beliefs and also to hoodwink immature Christians into believing that it's alright to worship anyone who goes by the name of Jesus. The ‘other Jesus' is sometimes presented as a good man who was a teacher, messenger, prophet or leader. But Jesus Christ stated emphatically that He was God when He said, I and the Father are one (John 10:30). When we're face to face with Jesus Christ and He asks us who we say He is, we need to be able to say with conviction ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' So how do we identify a counterfeit Jesus? When we know the true Jesus well we'll be able to identify a fraud. We need to have a close enough relationship with Jesus to know deep in our spirits that: • He is the eternal God in human form • He became incarnate through the miraculous conception of the virgin Mary • He lived a sinless life • He atoned for our sins when He died on the cross • He rose from the dead and ascended to sit at the right hand of God the Father • He will come back to judge the world We may need to spend time searching the Scriptures to find the verses that back up these truths. It's good to have them at hand when challenged. Prayer: Lord Jesus I want to know You so well that when I come face to face with You, I will have no doubt who You are. Please help me to develop a close and abiding relationship with You so that I won't be duped by any fraud. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Jesus…asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets'. ‘But what about you?' he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?' Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Matthew 16:13-15, NIV We live in a world that's in rebellion against Jesus Christ. It's hard to credit how people can reject so fervently the One with such love for us that He gave His life so that we, as sinners, could be reconciled to God and escape eternal damnation. Sometimes the rebellion is open and confrontational, such as the ban on Christian prayers and teaching in many state schools around the world. Sometimes, however, the rebellion takes on a more subtle character. It can be a seductive attempt to sidetrack people from the true Jesus to ‘another Jesus' (2 Corinthians 11:14). There are many religious organisations that use Jesus' name but they aren't worshipping the person of Jesus Christ revealed by Scripture as the Son of the living God. They try to give credibility to their beliefs and also to hoodwink immature Christians into believing that it's alright to worship anyone who goes by the name of Jesus. The ‘other Jesus' is sometimes presented as a good man who was a teacher, messenger, prophet or leader. But Jesus Christ stated emphatically that He was God when He said, I and the Father are one (John 10:30). When we're face to face with Jesus Christ and He asks us who we say He is, we need to be able to say with conviction ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' So how do we identify a counterfeit Jesus? When we know the true Jesus well we'll be able to identify a fraud. We need to have a close enough relationship with Jesus to know deep in our spirits that: • He is the eternal God in human form • He became incarnate through the miraculous conception of the virgin Mary • He lived a sinless life • He atoned for our sins when He died on the cross • He rose from the dead and ascended to sit at the right hand of God the Father • He will come back to judge the world We may need to spend time searching the Scriptures to find the verses that back up these truths. It's good to have them at hand when challenged. Prayer: Lord Jesus I want to know You so well that when I come face to face with You, I will have no doubt who You are. Please help me to develop a close and abiding relationship with You so that I won't be duped by any fraud. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
He Knows
He Knows
Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:4 & 5, LB Perhaps a little child comes to his father with so much to say but his daddy says, “I know, I understand”, and just takes his child and hugs him. The child enjoys his fathers' embrace and feels secure that his daddy knows everything. So it is with our Heavenly Father. We come to him with so much to say. Many prayer requests and needs cause us to be talkative and busy - but He knows what we're going to ask and what we need. He knows what we've come through. He knows how we've been hurt, or afraid. He knows our hopes and dreams for the future, our family, our church, our nation, our world. He also knows the pain of those who've never known the love of a natural father. He knows how to embrace them and restore that which was lost. He knows our joys, our pain, our desires and our victories. He knows when we've done well and when we've failed. If we've fallen He picks us up again. He knows the love we have in our hearts for Him. So when I come before Him I can be silent for a little while. I can be still because my Father knows. I can be reassured that although he knows all these things - the past, the present and the future - His love embraces me just the same. We love our children despite what we know about them. We love them so deeply it hurts and we pray God's hand of blessing on them. Let's use the words of this song by Kelly Carpenter as a prayer: Draw me close to you, never let me go - I lay it all down again, to hear You say that I'm your friend. You are my desire, no one else will do. There's nothing else to take your place - To feel the warmth of Your embrace. Help me find the way, Bring me back to You.
Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:4 & 5, LB Perhaps a little child comes to his father with so much to say but his daddy says, “I know, I understand”, and just takes his child and hugs him. The child enjoys his fathers' embrace and feels secure that his daddy knows everything. So it is with our Heavenly Father. We come to him with so much to say. Many prayer requests and needs cause us to be talkative and busy - but He knows what we're going to ask and what we need. He knows what we've come through. He knows how we've been hurt, or afraid. He knows our hopes and dreams for the future, our family, our church, our nation, our world. He also knows the pain of those who've never known the love of a natural father. He knows how to embrace them and restore that which was lost. He knows our joys, our pain, our desires and our victories. He knows when we've done well and when we've failed. If we've fallen He picks us up again. He knows the love we have in our hearts for Him. So when I come before Him I can be silent for a little while. I can be still because my Father knows. I can be reassured that although he knows all these things - the past, the present and the future - His love embraces me just the same. We love our children despite what we know about them. We love them so deeply it hurts and we pray God's hand of blessing on them. Let's use the words of this song by Kelly Carpenter as a prayer: Draw me close to you, never let me go - I lay it all down again, to hear You say that I'm your friend. You are my desire, no one else will do. There's nothing else to take your place - To feel the warmth of Your embrace. Help me find the way, Bring me back to You.
The Folly of Worthless idols
The Folly of Worthless idols
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord. Jonah 2:8-9, NIV Jonah was in the belly of the fish. He lay there with seaweed wrapped round his head, having the ride of his life in an under-water roller-coaster from which there was no escape. It's amazing how being in impossible situations changes the intensity and urgency of your prayer life. Repentance comes easily when the only obvious solution to the problem is imminent death and an earlier than expected appointment with one's Maker! There was no doubt that Jonah was seeing things from a new perspective - very different from the perspective he had when running away from the appointment with destiny in Nineveh, which God had planned for him. Anything which comes between a servant of God and the God he is serving is an idol. Jonah did not want to go and preach to such a wicked people. The idol in Jonah's heart was selfishness driven by fear. But it was a worthless idol - and as a result he was now forfeiting all the grace that would have been his, if he had obeyed God first time round and gone to Nineveh. “Oh God - I'm sorry. I'll make good my vow to serve you! Whatever you want, I'll do! Even go to Nineveh, Lord. But God, it's rather difficult just now - I've got a bit of a problem. There doesn't seem any way off this roller-coaster. Is there anything you can do about it?” And with that the Lord commanded the fish to vomit Jonah up onto dry land. Jonah's premature appointment with his Maker had been postponed. There are so many lessons in this amazing story, but the most important one for today prompts me to ask the question, “Are you running from any of God's plans and purposes for your life?” If so, may I encourage you to get on your knees before God, deal with any worthless idols that have stood between you and obedience, and look to God for His grace as you ask Him how to put things right between you and Him. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this amazing lesson from your Word. Help me to examine my own heart and see if there are any ways in which I have been running from your calling upon my life. I want to put things right - please show me how. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord. Jonah 2:8-9, NIV Jonah was in the belly of the fish. He lay there with seaweed wrapped round his head, having the ride of his life in an under-water roller-coaster from which there was no escape. It's amazing how being in impossible situations changes the intensity and urgency of your prayer life. Repentance comes easily when the only obvious solution to the problem is imminent death and an earlier than expected appointment with one's Maker! There was no doubt that Jonah was seeing things from a new perspective - very different from the perspective he had when running away from the appointment with destiny in Nineveh, which God had planned for him. Anything which comes between a servant of God and the God he is serving is an idol. Jonah did not want to go and preach to such a wicked people. The idol in Jonah's heart was selfishness driven by fear. But it was a worthless idol - and as a result he was now forfeiting all the grace that would have been his, if he had obeyed God first time round and gone to Nineveh. “Oh God - I'm sorry. I'll make good my vow to serve you! Whatever you want, I'll do! Even go to Nineveh, Lord. But God, it's rather difficult just now - I've got a bit of a problem. There doesn't seem any way off this roller-coaster. Is there anything you can do about it?” And with that the Lord commanded the fish to vomit Jonah up onto dry land. Jonah's premature appointment with his Maker had been postponed. There are so many lessons in this amazing story, but the most important one for today prompts me to ask the question, “Are you running from any of God's plans and purposes for your life?” If so, may I encourage you to get on your knees before God, deal with any worthless idols that have stood between you and obedience, and look to God for His grace as you ask Him how to put things right between you and Him. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this amazing lesson from your Word. Help me to examine my own heart and see if there are any ways in which I have been running from your calling upon my life. I want to put things right - please show me how. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Hidden Dangers
Hidden Dangers
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12, NIV We were on holiday in Cornwall and had a day on the beach with our grandchildren. We went to a place where the tide goes out a long way to expose great stretches of sand, which is popular with families. The surf at the waters edge was frequented by dozens of wet-suit-clad surfers of all ages. The sea comes rolling in with waves which are good for the surfers, even though they don't seem very big to a non-surfer like me! We were puzzled however by a number of life-savers on duty at the scene, complete with rescue vehicles, quad bikes and life rafts. A bit over the top we thought, until on returning home we happened to see a TV programme about sea rescues which included a piece on the beach we were at. The documentary revealed that the waves were actually treacherous, in that there is an undercurrent which can drag people under the water, and a force in the waves which can cause damage to the human body, let alone cause exhaustion to those trying to battle against them. I was reminded about the hidden-ness of the power of the enemy. The principalities and powers and spiritual forces of evil against which we contend in this life are a considerable threat to us. Because they're hidden we can so easily dismiss them as being of no consequence, but like the waves, there's an unseen power which can cause great damage to the unsuspecting. The life-guards were at the water's edge ready to rescue those who were in difficulties, and send them off if necessary for further help by the medics. We frequently are asked to pray with people who have been damaged by the undercurrents of the Enemy, but some of the damage would have been prevented if the warnings of Scripture - God's Life-Guard - had been heeded. Let's not underestimate our Enemy, but be on our guard as we live our Christian life every day among the ‘waves'. Prayer: Thanks you, Lord, that you are concerned to protect your children from the attacks of the enemy. Help me to have eyes wide open to his tactics so that I will not be caught unawares by an unexpected wave. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Today's Writer : John Berry John Berry is Team Pastor and part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Glyndley Manor, with his wife Jennie, having previously been in Baptist church ministry for over 30 years. His heart is for the equipping of the church for its ministry, and he sees the healing and deliverance ministry of Ellel as an essential part of this. John has travelled widely in the course of his work, and enjoys being a grandfather 6 times over!
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12, NIV We were on holiday in Cornwall and had a day on the beach with our grandchildren. We went to a place where the tide goes out a long way to expose great stretches of sand, which is popular with families. The surf at the waters edge was frequented by dozens of wet-suit-clad surfers of all ages. The sea comes rolling in with waves which are good for the surfers, even though they don't seem very big to a non-surfer like me! We were puzzled however by a number of life-savers on duty at the scene, complete with rescue vehicles, quad bikes and life rafts. A bit over the top we thought, until on returning home we happened to see a TV programme about sea rescues which included a piece on the beach we were at. The documentary revealed that the waves were actually treacherous, in that there is an undercurrent which can drag people under the water, and a force in the waves which can cause damage to the human body, let alone cause exhaustion to those trying to battle against them. I was reminded about the hidden-ness of the power of the enemy. The principalities and powers and spiritual forces of evil against which we contend in this life are a considerable threat to us. Because they're hidden we can so easily dismiss them as being of no consequence, but like the waves, there's an unseen power which can cause great damage to the unsuspecting. The life-guards were at the water's edge ready to rescue those who were in difficulties, and send them off if necessary for further help by the medics. We frequently are asked to pray with people who have been damaged by the undercurrents of the Enemy, but some of the damage would have been prevented if the warnings of Scripture - God's Life-Guard - had been heeded. Let's not underestimate our Enemy, but be on our guard as we live our Christian life every day among the ‘waves'. Prayer: Thanks you, Lord, that you are concerned to protect your children from the attacks of the enemy. Help me to have eyes wide open to his tactics so that I will not be caught unawares by an unexpected wave. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Today's Writer : John Berry John Berry is Team Pastor and part of the Leadership Team at Ellel Glyndley Manor, with his wife Jennie, having previously been in Baptist church ministry for over 30 years. His heart is for the equipping of the church for its ministry, and he sees the healing and deliverance ministry of Ellel as an essential part of this. John has travelled widely in the course of his work, and enjoys being a grandfather 6 times over!
Rebuilding the Foundations
Rebuilding the Foundations
Oh my afflicted people, tempest-tossed and troubled, I will rebuild you on a foundation of sapphires and make the walls of your houses from precious jewels. I will make your towers of sparkling agate, and your gates and walls of shining gems. Isaiah 54:ll-l2, LB Two of the big steps in my garden were broken apart and crumbling with age and weather. They were quite dangerous. For years we patched them up and cemented the stones together on the surface, but they soon broke down again. The builder came and looked. He broke them up completely, removing all the stones and cement and underneath were the roots of a holly tree. He cut out the roots, re-laid cleaned stones and pointed them leaving two lovely steps, safe and firmly in place for people to walk on. I could make everything look good by putting another perfect layer on top, but eventually what was below would push through to the surface causing more trouble and danger. We need to allow the Master builder to come and break up the faulty and shaky foundations and to rebuild our lives. He can rebuild us with the best and most beautiful materials there are and our foundations will be of precious stone. For Jesus is our Foundation Stone. He is Precious to those who believe. When he breaks us, it's hard to bear, but we need to be broken, in order for him to rebuild us in this wonderful way. Sometimes it may seem He is saying, ‘For a brief moment I abandoned you. But with great compassion I will will gather you' (Isaiah 54:7) and ‘For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but my kindness shall not leave you. My promise of peace for you will never be broken, says the Lord' (Isaiah 54:10). Many will look back and see how this tempest-tossed and troubled one, is growing into a strong, steady and fruitful child of God, whose walls and houses, made beautiful, may shelter, protect and encourage others on the way. Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. In Jesus' name. Amen. Today's Writer : Pam Smith Pam Smith has a background in art and nursing, has a son and two daughters and a 'ministry to grandchildren.' She has been a friend and helper of Ellel Ministries since l992, and is involved with Healing Through Creativity Courses. As writer of the Shepherd Love Series, she has a passion for the comfort and encouragement that leads people towards enjoying abundant Life in Jesus. Related Links Ellel 365 - Online Training School Shepherd Love - Book by Pam Smith
Oh my afflicted people, tempest-tossed and troubled, I will rebuild you on a foundation of sapphires and make the walls of your houses from precious jewels. I will make your towers of sparkling agate, and your gates and walls of shining gems. Isaiah 54:ll-l2, LB Two of the big steps in my garden were broken apart and crumbling with age and weather. They were quite dangerous. For years we patched them up and cemented the stones together on the surface, but they soon broke down again. The builder came and looked. He broke them up completely, removing all the stones and cement and underneath were the roots of a holly tree. He cut out the roots, re-laid cleaned stones and pointed them leaving two lovely steps, safe and firmly in place for people to walk on. I could make everything look good by putting another perfect layer on top, but eventually what was below would push through to the surface causing more trouble and danger. We need to allow the Master builder to come and break up the faulty and shaky foundations and to rebuild our lives. He can rebuild us with the best and most beautiful materials there are and our foundations will be of precious stone. For Jesus is our Foundation Stone. He is Precious to those who believe. When he breaks us, it's hard to bear, but we need to be broken, in order for him to rebuild us in this wonderful way. Sometimes it may seem He is saying, ‘For a brief moment I abandoned you. But with great compassion I will will gather you' (Isaiah 54:7) and ‘For the mountains may depart and the hills disappear, but my kindness shall not leave you. My promise of peace for you will never be broken, says the Lord' (Isaiah 54:10). Many will look back and see how this tempest-tossed and troubled one, is growing into a strong, steady and fruitful child of God, whose walls and houses, made beautiful, may shelter, protect and encourage others on the way. Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. In Jesus' name. Amen. Today's Writer : Pam Smith Pam Smith has a background in art and nursing, has a son and two daughters and a 'ministry to grandchildren.' She has been a friend and helper of Ellel Ministries since l992, and is involved with Healing Through Creativity Courses. As writer of the Shepherd Love Series, she has a passion for the comfort and encouragement that leads people towards enjoying abundant Life in Jesus. Related Links Ellel 365 - Online Training School Shepherd Love - Book by Pam Smith
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