20th January 2025

Hope

And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live again?”

Ezekiel 37.3

Today's Bible Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-28.

When God asked whether the dry bones in the valley could live again, Ezekiel was caught off guard. It certainly did not look like they could be part of living, breathing human beings again. So the prophet responded with the only truth his mind understood. “O Sovereign Lord,” (he) replied, “you alone know the answer to that”

In the midst of their captivity, God’s people probable felt that they would never get out of the hole their sins had dug for them. Babylon seemed unconquerable, and hope was gone. And so God sent a word through Ezekiel, likening Israel to the dry bones in the valley. Although they believed that hope was lost, God would pour out His Spirit on them and bring deliverance from captivity. Instead of being cut off, they would stand again as a strong as great army, just as the dry bones did (Ezekiel 37:10-14).

Like Israel, we can lose sight of hope in the midst of challenging or difficult situations. But since nothing is impossible with God, it means that there is always hope. No matter where you are today, what hurt or disappointment you are dealing with, hear these words that God shared with ancient Israel: “O my people, you shall know that I am the Lord. I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live again” (Ezekiel 37:13-14).

Hope and life spring from God! 

Prayer

Lord, grant me humility and sensitivity to listen to advice from loved ones who know You. Show me the right thing to do in my uncertain times and to trust You for the results. In Jesus name, I ask. Amen. Amen.

19th January 2025

Ruth's Story

There is a son born to Naomi.” And they called his name Obed.

He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

.  Ruth 4:17

Today's Bible Reading: Ruth 3:1-11.

Widows in biblical times often faced a life of poverty. That’s the situation Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were in after each woman lost her husband. But God had a plan to provide security for them while involving Ruth as an integral part of a much bigger plan.

Boaz, a wealthy landowner, knew of and admired Ruth (Ruth 2:5-12), but he was surprised when he awoke one night to see her lying at his feet (3:8). She asked him to “spread the corner” of his garment over her to indicate that as a close relative he was willing to be her “kinsman-redeemer” (v 9 NIV). This was more than a request for protection; she was requesting marriage. Boaz agreed to marry her (v11-13; 4:13).

Not exactly your typical romantic tale. But Ruth’s choice to follow Naomi’s instructions (3:3-6) set up a series of events that placed her in God’s plan of redemption! From Ruth’s marriage to Boaz came a son (Obed), the eventual grandfather of King David (4:17). Generations later, Joseph was born to the family, and he became the “legal father” of Mary’s child (Matt. 1:16-17; Luke 2:4-5), our Kinsman-Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ruth trusted God and followed Naomi’s instructions even though the ending was uncertain. We too can count on God to provide for us when life is unsure.

Prayer

Lord, grant me humility and sensitivity to listen to advice from loved ones who know You. Show me the right thing to do in my uncertain times and to trust You for the results. In Jesus name, I ask. Amen. Amen.

18th January 2025

Gathering Together

Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some,

but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

 Hebrews 10:25

Today's Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:19–25.

Denmark is among the happiest countries in the world, according to the World Happiness Report. The Danes endure their lengthy, dark winters by gathering with friends to share a warm drink or a gracious meal. The word they use for the feelings associated with those moments is hygge. Hygge helps them offset the impact of enjoying less sunlight than their counterparts at lower latitudes. By gathering around a simple table with loved ones, their hearts are nourished.

The writer of Hebrews encourages gathering together as a community. He acknowledges that there will be difficult days, with challenges far more significant than the weather, requiring those who follow Christ to persevere in the faith. Though the Lord Jesus has made certain our acceptance by God through our faith in the Saviour, we may struggle against shame or doubt or real opposition. By gathering together, we have the privilege of encouraging one another. When we are sharing company, we are able to “stir up love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24), which bolsters our faith .

Gathering with friends does not assure us of a ranking on a happiness report. It is, however, something the Bible offers as a means to bear us up in faith under the common frustrations of life. What a wonderful reason to seek out the community of a church! Or to open our homes, with an attitude of Danish simplicity, to nourish one another’s hearts.

Prayer

 Thank You, God, that I can encourage other believers and be encouraged by them when we gather together. In Jesus precious name, I thank You. Amen.