Month: February 2019

February 27, Reading 1 – Exodus 18

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Moses can take advice from his father-in-law. This is a characteristic of good leadership – a teachable spirit. (2 Timothy 2:2) This chapter is one of the foundational chapters for understanding the eldership – their role and function within the people of God.

SJA Notes

* Dear God, You made and sustain all things. Please teach us today.

“So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said.”

There’s nothing like a family member pointing out where we need help or how we are doing something wrong.

Jethro got right to the heart of the matter, telling Moses he needed to manage the load better, distribute the responsibility and not to try and do everything himself.

This can be hard to hear, direction and wisdom from our close family.

But here Moses is a witness of Jesus to us.

He listened and obeyed.

Just as our King did on His journey to the cross,

“Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Let us wrestle with our own wills today and onwards, by doing God’s will.

* God Above,

Thank You for Your word that teaches us each day.

Please write Your word on our heart today that we might not sin against You.

Please help us to hear your wisdom from those around us, our family and friends.

May we hearken, to hear and obey.

Amen.

February 27, Reading 2 – Psalm 56, 57

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

David often pleads for God’s mercy or pity. His life was anything but charmed. When disaster comes will you take refuge in the shadow of His wings until it passes?

SJA Notes

* Good Shepherd, please help us today to take Your yoke upon us and learn from You.

“… In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

There is a deep truth here for us to grab hold of and wrestle with in our hearts and minds. A trust that is tested in the crucible of walking through this life.

WHAT CAN MAN DO TO ME?

This is an important question, but only truly in the light of the primary reality.

IN GOD I TRUST; I SHALL NOT BE AFRAID.

This is an ongoing active hard-won state of mind that will be tested by the winds and waves throughout our lives.

But God is not moved. He is not swayed. It is in HIM that we trust.

* God Above,

You are the rock of our salvation, steadfast and sure.

You are the God of faithfulness, a God of love and grace, mercy to the undeserved.

Thank You Lord.

Amen.

February 27, Reading 3 – Acts 10:1-23

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

It took an extra-ordinary visit to change Paul, so too for Peter. This is something that happened against the inclination, plans and desire of Christians. God overturns the effect of the Fall and of Babel. He draws all men to Himself through Christ.

SJA Notes

* Faithful God, please open our eyes to how You want us to live today, as we read and dwell on Your word.

“But Peter said, ‘By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.'”

We don’t have to look far to see how quickly human nature will start treating people in different ways based on various lenses and perceived criteria judgement.

God patiently taught Peter this lesson here in today’s passage.

Stop treating people in different ways based on their nationality, their looks, their sizes, their personalities.

God calls us from all nationalities, all appearances, all sizes and all personalities.

He calls us based on His own decision-making, His own unfathomable rich wisdom – And we must accept and trust in this.

This truth must impact how we in turn view people, those around us.

We are sinners, one and all, in need of a Saviour! (both believer and unbeliever alike)

The fields are ripe for the harvest!

* Father God,

Please give us a heart after Your own heart.

Please make us more like Jesus.

That we would serve You and seek Your kingdom, walking obediently under Your will, trusting that You will redeem those You choose, and that we are to be salt and light in this dark world where-ever You place us.

Amen.