Daily Bread Words for Life The Bible guide for every day Jan Mar Oct Dec 2012 2013 God s great plan Mike Back Hawthorne to the future on Genesis Sue Rinaldi on John Enough is enough Penny Extraordinary Boshoff on Jonah events & Mark Nahum Greene on 1 Samuel Bring There it is on! hope David Tolputt Bruce on on Isaiah Mark
SUDDB134 DB XX00 0963479013042 ABCDE123 Contents Introduction 2 John 14 17 1 Samuel 26 31 1 Corinthians 1 4 Isaiah 60 66 Exodus 25 40 Colossians and Philemon Hosea 1 14 Zephaniah 1 Corinthians 5 7 Matthew 1 4 Back to the future Extraordinary events Seeing the inconceivable There is hope Tents, clouds and a calf An excellent sufficiency Love in turbulent times Not all good news Christian living in a time of crisis Jesus Christ! The prologue 8 22 30 38 46 62 78 86 94 102 Features Back to school 4
How to use Daily Bread Love Way in hurts dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonu mmy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. A day s note Sometimes, as I am editing the Daily Bread notes, there are particular series that stand out for me. This quarter, I ve been brought up short by the predicaments Minim veniam, of quis Hosea nostrud and Philemon, exerci tation who we ll be reading about in ullamcorper November/December. suscipit lobortis Not the nisl best-known ut aliquip ex of ea Bible characters, I ll admit, commodo but they consequat. are two Duis men autem who, in vel different eum iriure ways, were called to demonstrate dolor in hendrerit God s in love vulputate in a very velit costly esse way molestie to those around them. Hosea consequat, was called vel illum to marry dolore a prostitute who he knew would continue to Preparebe unfaithful Vero eros to et him, accumsan while Philemon et iusto odio was dignissim urged to take qui back a former slave blandit who praesent had stolen luptatum from him. zzril Both delenit men augue were duis asked to show God s love, dolore at much te feugait personal nulla cost. facilisi. As Christians, we talk a lot about needing to show love to others, Readespecially Ullamcorper those outside et suscipit God s lobortis kingdom. vulputate We pray velit for people to come into esse our nolestie churches consequat yet we vel expect illum them sat dolor to respect euismod our property, and to behave tincidunt nicely. vel eum (A hot iriure issue dolor for my in esse. own church Ut laoreet at the moment, where our dolore expanding magna Friday aliquam night erat youth volutpat. club often results in breakages and Exploredisarray!) Sometimes we simply need reminding of what costly love God s Ad love minim is veniam, all about. quis nostrud. Hendrerit in atsvulputate This quarter s velit readings esse nolestie come to at a consequat. climax in December Exerci with the Christmas tation ullamcorper story the suscipit supreme lobortis demonstration vulputate of velit. that love. God gives Respondhis cherished Son to our world, knowing in advance that we will throw him Ut back laoreet in the dolore Father s magna face. aliquam That s real erat love. volutpat. And that s the love that, like Wisi Hosea enim and ad minim Philemon veniam. and every Dolore other eu satasfeugiat. Christian down through history, Esse lestie we are drerit called in atsvul to go on putate. displaying. Bible in a year At consequat vel satillum dolore eutta feugiat nostrud exerci. Exerci Jenny tation Hyatt ullamcorper suscipit lobortis vulputate velit Editor exercitation et suscipit lobortis. Lizzie Evans Content Manager 2 2
How to use Daily Bread Prepare Read Explore Respond Bible in a year Way in This page introduces both the notes and the writer. It sets the scene and tells you what you need to know to get into each series. A day s note The notes for each day include five key elements: Prepare, Read (the Bible passage for the day), Explore, Respond and Bible in a year. These are intended to provide a helpful way of meeting God in his Word. yourself to meet with God and pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to understand and respond to what you read. the Bible passage, taking time to absorb and simply enjoy it. A verse or two from the Bible text is usually included on each page, but it's important to read the whole passage. the meaning of the passage, listening for what God may be saying to you. Before you read the comment, ask yourself: what s the main point of this passage? What is God showing me about himself or about my life? Is there a promise or a command, a warning or example to take special notice of? to what God has shown you in the passage in worship and pray for yourself and others. Decide how to share your discoveries with others. If your aim is to know God and his Word more deeply, why not follow this plan to read the whole Bible in one year? 3
Back to school What do you remember about your school days? If you were to pick out two or three events or people, what would they be? I expect, like me, you have clear recollections of special times at school when something different happened or someone new visited. Scripture Union has been involved in schools ministry for over 70 years now, and has been leaving this sort of legacy with the pupils and staff of the schools visited. I remember training some students at a local Bible college and in one session a Scripture Union colleague came to share his experiences. The eyes of one of the students lit up. I remember you! she said. You came to my primary school to lead assembly. She then recalled some of the assemblies he had led over the previous ten years before she had become a Christian. At the time he had no idea what effect he was having on this pupil but she had never forgotten it. A typical day Each school day is different, and to give you a flavour of what a day as a schools worker might involve, Matt Lewis, who is the joint Scripture Union and Christian Council of Wales (CCSW) Development Worker for Schools in Wales, shares one of his days: Early morning: prepare for the day Travel to a local secondary school for an 8.30am assembly Off to a primary school to lead a 10.00am assembly Grab a sandwich over lunch with pupils at their Christian Union Afternoon lesson with Year 10 on What do Christians think about suicide and euthanasia? After-school primary age club Back to the office to catch up on emails. Not all days are as hectic; some involve more travelling or planning 4
and preparation. Other days include training and encouraging others to get involved with working in schools. Over the decades the task of sharing the good news of Jesus within schools has been undertaken in a range of different ways. As we can see from Matt s day, the traditional methods of school ministry (ie leading collective worship and Religious Education lessons, running Christian groups) still continue, but they are only part of what can be done in schools. New involvements Many of our associate trust workers have found that schools welcome the Christian worker into the school to support them in other ways: running self-esteem sessions with small groups of pupils; mentoring or befriending individual pupils; some have even blessed the staff with freshly brewed coffee and home-made cakes supplied by local churches. All these activities show the school community how much they are loved by God and how the church wants to serve them. These acts of kindness often lead into requests for more involvement in the school. One worker explained how her offers to speak in assemblies and RE lessons were not taken up. But after supporting the school in small ways, listening to children read and supporting individuals who were finding school tough, she was asked if she would like to take part in a lesson about Christian festivals, which in turn led on to more involvement in the life of the school. Over the past few years new ways of working in schools have developed: Prayer spaces in schools have been well received by both church and community schools. They offer the 5
whole school community an opportunity to take time to consider what prayer is, and to explore different ways of praying. Lifepath is an opportunity for school children to explore, out of the classroom, the life of a Christian from the past whose faith has shaped her/his life journey and to consider their own life path. Developed by SU staff, this has run across the UK looking at the life of a wide range of Christian men and women. Times of transition through the school year have also been supported by Scripture Union volunteers, staff and associates with books and programmes to help pupils move through their times at school successfully. Chaplaincy is another growing opportunity for sharing Jesus in UK schools. Many schools have welcomed the schools worker deepening their involvement with them by becoming a chaplain. This is often on a part-time basis and not funded by the school. In the UK Scripture Union is exploring how, in partnership with others, we can develop a national scheme to support those undertaking this vital work. Please pray for all those involved in our schools. In particular pray for the staff and pupils who are sharing the good news of Jesus every day with their colleagues and peers. And, finally, pray about your own support of this work. Could you get involved more practically? Or send a donation towards SU s work in schools? Gill Marchant Former SU Schools Consultant 6
What are your thoughts like? Phil Green encourages you to face up to the battle of your thought-life as you take a 40-day Bible challenge: to let God s Word renew your mind and transform your life. 40/ 40 40 DAYS TO RENEW YOUR MIND, TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE PHIL GREEN 40 daily Bible reflections for mornings and evenings Space for journaling Group discussion questions A challenge for any season Lent, holidays, New Year... BE CHANGED BY A NEW WAY OF THINKING. Romans 12:2 Are you ready? BE CHANGED... BY A NEW WAY OF THINKING.' Romans 12:2 Buy locally at your Christian book shop Buy online www.scriptureunion.org.uk/shop Buy direct 01908 856 006 5.99
Way in to John 14 17 Writer Sue Rinaldi Sue travels internationally as a concert artist, worship co-ordinator, speaker and creative consultant. Her interest in culture, justice, technology and the future fuels her living and writing. www.suerinaldi.net Back to the future A popular TV programme pitched two people against each other, and the first to identify the familiar phrase represented by a piece of animation would be the winner! The host repeatedly encouraged the contestants to say what you see and his motto became the most famous catchphrase for the whole series. As Gospel writer John journals the prayer, care and dialogue of Jesus during these final chapters of his life on earth, it s as if that very catchphrase becomes central to the education of the disciples. The Jesus according to John speaks in a tone that is both personal and conversational as he reveals more about the final stages of his mission and upcoming destination. The disciples are required to walk through a mega-maze of bewilderment as they hear Jesus say that as they see his glory, they actually see the Father s glory, and if others see unity amongst his followers then what they actually see is God s love. This conundrum continues when Jesus consoles them about his imminent departure; they may see pain, but what they will actually see is joy! Saying what is seen unravels many dimensions of precious truths. This longest recorded prayer of Jesus serves as an excellent display of his friendship and loving care for his followers and of his eagerness for them to understand the bigger picture. It also uncovers an absolute trust in his Father and his desire for reunion. Even though the approaching events would be excruciatingly painful, Jesus was about to go back home in order to bring about the future. 8
John 14:1 14 The home button Tuesday 1 October Prepare Consider the faithful friendship of Jesus, and express your thankfulness to him. Read John 14:1 14 Explore I am the way, the truth, and the life! Jesus answered. Without me, no one can go to the Father. John 14:6 (CEV) My newly installed GPS was awaiting instructions. It promised navigational nirvana, and, by simply typing in a postcode, my route would be determined with infallible precision and no stress! After considerable satellite suspicion, my trust grew and the home button became my best friend. In a similar way, Jesus was a sat nav for his followers, providing them with the only viable route to reach their preferred destination his Father s house. Aware of their obvious concerns, Jesus assures them it s going to be OK. Even though he s going away, he won t abandon them, and encourages them to trust him (vs 1 4). Thomas confesses to not knowing where Jesus is Respond actually going, and so is unable to know the way (v 5). The divine Pathfinder responds with words Are there times that have blazed a trail throughout history and when you are unsure still burn with a raging flame of challenge today of the road ahead? the only road to take is the one marked Jesus, and If the journey is not travelling this route guarantees true life and God s clear for you right everlasting presence (v 6). now, trust Jesus to So, the destination is set and Jesus is the home guide you. button. As well as trusting his guidance throughout the twists and turns of the journey, he is also a mirror revealing the nature of God and, ultimately, our reliable escort home! Bible in a Year 9 Isaiah 61,62; Hebrews 12
10 Wednesday 2 October I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you. John 14:25,26 (CEV) Respond Are you experiencing trouble or chaos? Remember today God s promise of peace through the Holy Spirit. Memory upgrade Prepare Take time to remember a specific blessing from God. Let this memory encourage you. Read John 14:15 31 Explore John 14:15 31 It was relatively easy to add more memory to my computer, but trying to recall a few Norwegian phrases when I needed them was considerably more difficult! Aware of people waiting for a response, I became completely overwhelmed by the fog of words jamming around my head. Eventually, all those hours of online learning paid off, and I appreciated the crucial role memory plays in storing and delivering knowledge. Similarly, Jesus appreciated the crucial role memory plays. As he talks to his disciples about leaving, he promises to send a gift the Holy Spirit and describes this gift as a counsellor, or helper (v 16). They are not going to be left stranded as orphans, but this Spirit of truth will be a dynamic reminder of all they have seen and heard, and will even expand their learning (vs 20,26). They are encouraged to stand firm during the days ahead and to embrace those Spirit-provoked memories. Jesus was eager for his disciples to have peace and not be troubled (v 27). The comfort of the Holy Spirit is more than just a distant thumbs-up; it is a life-sustaining, heart-enriching encounter, unlike anything the world offers. Jesus knew the future and wanted the disciples to know that a memory upgrade was ahead! Bible in a Year Isaiah 63,64; Hebrews 13
John 15:1 8 Through the grapevine Thursday 3 October Prepare Reflect upon the way God has shaped your life by bringing correction or discipline. Read John 15:1 8 Explore I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. Touring the vineyards of Napa Valley, California, had been high on my list of things to do for a long John 15:5 (CEV) time and at last, that wonderful day arrived! The sun was shining and the landscape was glorious, and even though my DNA has always lacked the gardening gene, I became increasingly fascinated by the life cycle of grapes and, in particular, the importance of pruning. Left to their own devices, grape vines become unruly and messy. They need to be trained and shaped. Pruning is costly and cuts back shoots and foliage in order to encourage the best possible growth and harvest. Jesus describes this process of pruning to his disciples, likening them to the branches and himself to the vine (v 5). Interestingly, the image of the vine is no accident. In Jewish tradition, the vineyard was a picture of Israel (see Isaiah 5), and since Israel had failed to live up to God s standards, Jesus is now the true vine and the fulfillment of God s promises. If Respond his followers stay connected and grafted to Jesus, How do you stay they will produce great fruit (v 8). connected to Jesus? This discourse is an exhortation to avoid individual exploits. Detaching oneself from the vine will eventually lead to isolation and be potentially unproductive. Bible in a Year 11 Isaiah 65,66; John 1
12 Friday 4 October Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you. John 15:12 (CEV) Respond Who are your role models, and why? What qualities in your life would you like others to aspire to? Pass it on Prepare Describe the aspects of God s love that are presently most important to you. Read John 15:9 17 Explore John 15:9 17 The 2012 London Olympics was an astonishing display of discipline, strength and teamwork. During the opening ceremony, there was a wonderful moment when established sporting champions passed the baton to selected younger athletes as an endorsement of their skills and an encouragement to press on. But more striking was the unspoken subtext of the older role model: As I have done, now you do. Role models are essential and, as Jesus talks about love, he really is the perfect example. There is an authenticity to his words because those around him had seen his love in action and felt his love expressed in countless ways. More than anyone else they knew, it was Jesus who was supremely qualified to say, As I have done, now you do. In our turbulent times we see love devalued, trivialised and corrupted; a far cry from the kind of love Jesus is endorsing. His love won t dry up because it flows out from the love he receives from his Father (v 9). His love is not self-serving or insincere, but is prepared to go to the realms of death (v 13). Words are too easily spoken, but living them out takes courage, integrity and devotion all great trademarks of a role model! Bible in a Year Jeremiah 1,2; Psalms 112,113
John 15:18 16:4 Opposing forces Saturday 5 October Prepare Take time to consider the way Jesus treated others. How would you describe his responses to people he met? Read John 15:18 16:4 Explore If the people of this world hate you, just remember that they hated me first. John 15:18 (CEV) As I entered the football stadium to watch Southampton play Portsmouth, I was prepared. This was a match between two local teams with a shared history of competitive angst and rivalry so great that it spilled out from the field onto the terraces. Even though I was unknown to any of the Portsmouth supporters, my allegiance to Southampton meant I was hated! Being prepared to be hated for who I followed was essential to my welfare, and I like to think I behaved differently because of the wisdom that was passed onto me. In a similar way, the disciples receive their preparation when Jesus warns them about the enmity and opposition they are about to face (v 18). Jesus does not spare his disciples from the honest truth that the world will hate them because of who Respond they follow. But who is the world? From looking Are you aware of being at the life of Jesus, it is not only unbelievers he is hated or ridiculed for talking about. Even those in religious clothing were offended by his radical illustrations of the following Jesus? Pray kingdom of God. Jesus exhorts his followers to be for those who are discerning and ready for opposition and persecution, opposing you. especially in his forthcoming absence, and reminds them that the Spirit of truth is coming to be their help and strength. Bible in a Year 13 Jeremiah 3,4; John 2
14 Sunday 6 October Please listen, Lord! Answer my prayer for help. When I am in trouble, I pray, knowing you will listen. Psalm 86:6,7 (CEV) Respond Pray for those experiencing pain, anguish or tragedy. Ask God to shine some light into the dark recesses of their heart. Through the cracks Prepare Spend a few minutes in praise of God s consistent love and faithfulness. Read Psalm 86 Explore Psalm 86 In Leonard Cohen s song Anthem, he sings Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything, that s how the light gets in. If the psalmist was alive today, I imagine him and Cohen sharing the stage together and delivering a musical cavalcade on the sweet and sour of human experience. This psalm does exactly what Cohen is singing about it reveals the cracks and then notices the radiance of the light. There is almost a cyclical pattern to this rhyme as the two ingredients of prayer and praise interact together. The opening lines carry the tone of desperation as the psalmist cries out for God to listen, showing that there is no emotion or anguish that cannot be brought to God. God desires honest dialogue and the psalmist consistently manages to find that touching place between pain and hope (vs 1 3). Alongside the appeals for mercy and joy (vs 3,4), there are generous outbursts of praise (vs 5,8 10, 12,13). It is interesting that the psalmist recites the very words the Lord God said to Moses as he waited on Mount Sinai for the glory of God to pass by (v 15; Exodus 34:6). Centuries later, the words God revealed about himself ring out again, shining light into the cracked heart of another searching saint. Bible in a Year Jeremiah 5,6; John 3
John 16:5 15 Going, going, gone Monday 7 October Prepare Imagine giving a farewell speech to your friends. What would be the most important point you would like them to remember? Read John 16:5 15 Explore At some point, most people give a farewell speech. It may be humorous or sorrowful, thankful or vindictive, factual or idealistic but irrespective of content or style, it can make a huge impact. The day I left my accountancy job gave me the opportunity to pass on some memorable anecdotes. When Jesus says farewell to his closest friends he seems very concerned at how they will fare when he is gone. Aware of their grief, he wants to strengthen them (v 6). Repetition is a way of ensuring that a message is received, and so repeatedly Jesus tells them he is going back to the One who sent him, urging them to anticipate the arrival of the Holy Spirit (vs 7,9). I remember severely editing my speech on the basis that less is more, careful to include only the important points. Jesus, too, had to edit himself. On the verge of completing his earthly mission, he had so much to impart and yet was acutely aware his disciples could not take everything in (v 12)! Jesus does, however, include a gem of an instruction that will prove invaluable and unforgettable; it is the Spirit of truth who will be the justice bearer, and not the ways of the world (vs 8 11). The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit doesn t speak on his own. He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen. John 16:13 (CEV) Respond Bring to mind specific examples in your life when God has shown care for you. Thank God for those times. Bible in a Year 15 Jeremiah 7,8; Psalms 114,115