BREAD Bitesize
Welcome to BREAD Bitesize. Here a few of us will be sharing a brief reflection from a portion of Scripture from the previous week’s readings. Our hope is that this is an encouragement for your own time of reading and reflects the relational reality of spending time with Jesus in his word.
23 December - loving God and neighbour
The writings of the prophets come from many authors who wrote under different kings and spoke about different rulers and nations. So, I find it interesting that over and over again when God speaks about why judgement or downfall is coming, it is most often because of a lack of concern for the poor and the needy, and apathy toward God and proper worship. And it makes sense, because Jesus himself declares the greatest commandments to be to love God and to love our neighbour. I find it amazing that what God has desired for us to do has not changed. God commanded love with the Israelites, with the crowds in Galilee, and with us. And even more amazing is that God does not command us to do what God is not also already doing. We love because he first loved us. Loved us enough to be with us. Emmanuel. This week, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, I am reminded that God not only came into this world as love, but came commanding us to love as well, and showing us how to do it. -Chloe Emery
This week’s readings: Micah 5 - Zechariah 11 | Revelation 14-20 | Psalm 119:105-160
10 Dec - enduring forgiveness
Forgiveness can be a challenge to receive. Perhaps a sense of feeling we should be better by now or disappointment that we allowed ourselves to go there. There have been times when I have had forgiveness up to my ankles or knees in the thought that I could swim in freedom if only I did better next time. The idea that forgiveness is merited in some way by our response to it. John grants relief to the partially forgiven soul, “... he [Jesus] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us of all unrighteousness.” It is staggering that the cross of Christ endures today in the same way that it did then. That the cross endures beyond the moment in history itself. Forgiveness won at the cross still works today. It is still as powerful, active and purifying. Its activity of releasing us from our sin and debt has not diminished. “... if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” Allow yourself the relief of enduring forgiveness. ~ Pastor Jacob Crolla
This week’s readings: Daniel 6-12, Hosea 1-13 | Jude 1, Revelation 1-6 | Psalm 150, Psalm 119:1-48
2 Dec - unity in the church
In John, Jesus asks the Father that his followers “may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23) Unity among followers of Christ is a testimony to the rest of the world about God’s love. I admit, sometimes I find the idea of Christian unity almost impossible. I struggle to understand how some Christians I know, who are each filled with the Spirit and pursue God wholeheartedly, can reach really different conclusions on biblical/spiritual questions. But this is where Jesus recognizes that we will need help, and asks the Spirit to step in and “sanctify them in the truth” (John 17:17). I am praying this week for the Spirit to sanctify me in truth, so that I can be more united with Christ and my brothers and sisters. And just as I recognize that I am constantly needing the Spirit’s help with this, I have to have the grace to recognize that my brothers and sisters are also probably in the same position. I think maybe what unites me to my brothers and sisters in Christ is not so much our opinions on doctrine, but our common need for the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. - Chloe Emery
This week’s readings: Ezekiel 43-Daniel 5 | 1 John 1-3 John 1 | Psalm 143-149
26 Nov - one liners from John
John is such an enjoyable book. It really is mind-blowing seeing this perspective of Jesus Son of God and the Life He offers. This week, I would simply like to share a few one liners from John 12-16 that resonate deeply on their own and have filled me with wonder, awe and joy.
“The whole world has gone after Him” (John 12:19).
“If it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).
“He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever” (John 14:16).
“Apart from me, you ca do nothing” (John 15:5).
“You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16).
“Take heart, I have overcome the world” (john 16:33)
Take a look at you readings from this past week - are there any one liners that have stirred you? ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Ezekiel 32-42 | John 17-21 | Psalm 136-142
18 Nov - prioritising people
When Jesus shows compassion and mercy to the woman caught in adultery in John 8, he reveals not only his forgiveness and grace, but also the pride of those who had begun to gather stones to throw. Technically, they were following the law to the letter and were not doing anything outside of that law. Yet Jesus tells them, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) They drop their stones. But, there was still one person, according to Jesus, who could have condemned her, and that was Jesus himself. He was without sin, and she was caught breaking the law. But instead, Jesus says, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.” (John 8:11) Jesus, perfect and just, refused to condemn her when those who were sinful and unjust were picking up stones. I heard a quote by a preacher this week that said, “The fact that God forgives means people are more important to him than rules.” Jesus repeatedly prioritised people above the law, whether it was adultery, sabbath, or purity laws. Jesus reminds me to prioritise people like he did. He invites me to put down the stones I keep gathered in my heart, and ask myself why I thought I had the authority to throw them in the first place. ~ Chloe Emery
This week’s readings: Ezekiel 19-31 | John 12:12-16:33 | Psalm 129-135
11 Nov - he must increase, I must decrease
John the Baptist was one of the most secure people to have ever lived. Not only that but he was concentrated on the task that God had given him. When his disciples challenged the fact that Jesus was now baptising more people than they were, it was to John’s delight, not his dismay (John 3:29). His reaction tells us a lot about how he viewed his life and work. He lived, and he did what he did, all to elevate Jesus. He saw his God-given responsibility as though he was just playing a part in God’s grand salvation story. John is an amazing example of how to steward our gifts and responsibilities, maybe even especially when a particular task or season is coming to an end. All we do, everything we are, is for his glory, that he might be lifted up, magnified and glorified. ~ Pastor Jacob Crolla
This week’s readings: Ezekiel 4-18 | John 7-12:11 | Psalm 122-128
4 Nov - your best life
There was a phrase that gained popularity a few years ago: “living your best life”. Folks would say “I’m living my best life” when on vacation or “look at you, living your best life” watching someone take care of themselves or do the things they enjoy. 2 Peter 1:3 makes me think of this phrase. It says that God, in His divine power, has given us all we need for life and godliness. In Him, we have all we need for our best life. Our best life is a godly life - a life that honours Him, glorifies Him. For we know that His glory is for our good. A godly life - this is God’s will for us. It’s where joy, peace and fulfilment are found. So today, I just bear this simple reminder. If you know Him, you are living your best life. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Jeremiah 49-52, Lamentations 1-5, Ezekiel 1-3 | John 2-6:71 | Proverbs 27-31, Psalm 120-121
29 Oct - more holiness
The book of James can be a tough read. Blunt. Direct. Challenging. James turns up the temperature on the general activity of our lives and makes definitive claims. For example, calling favouritism a sin; that to favour one over another is to be guilty of breaking the ‘love your neighbour’ command. We often have the sense that sin has these layers or scales and that some are worse than others yet James writes in opposition to what might appear to be a minor, indeed, just normal human interaction. To live with a preference for some people but not others. I've been stirred recently by the desire of God for us to be holy and in the process of sanctification. What things do we pass over in our hearts and minds as normal but that God sees as unholy? What things are we unconscious of that are actually sins? How might we step into an even holier existence? Let us not forget, God has given us everything we need for a Godly life! (2 Peter 1:3). ~ Pastor Jacob Crolla
This week’s readings: Jeremiah 34-48 | 1 Peter 3-2 Peter 3, John 1 | Proverbs 20-26
14 Oct - He was heard
“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence” (Hebrews 5:7). The last line of this verse has really stuck with me this week: he was heard because of his reverence. The writer of Hebrews does a great deal to drive home the point that Jesus can relate to us: crying out to God with loud tears, pleading in prayer, but maybe not getting the answer he would initially want. And yet, it says God heard Jesus. I am inclined to believe that something happens in your heart when you pray over and over again. God’s desires become your desires. You start to say, “not my will, Lord, but Yours.” You submit to God in reverence and He hears you. Jesus can relate to us, and so we have an example in him. Keep praying those prayers, humbly, and be open to how God will change your heart in the process. His desires become your desires and you will be heard. Beyond his desires, ultimately, Jesus was heard. He was saved from death, through resurrection. And so too will we. ~Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Jeremiah 7-22 | Hebrews 7-13 | Proverbs 6-12
7 Oct - loving obedience
What beautiful commitment to Jesus the women showed following his death. Luke records that, “The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.” (Luke 23:55). I love how they followed Jesus even in his dead state. Perhaps, had they not gone, no one else would have known where or how Jesus had been laid to rest? With seemingly nothing to gain for themselves they kept their hearts steadfast towards Jesus. They desired to care and provide for him just as they had done while he was alive and in active public ministry. More than that, it is not that the women were overly emotional, allowing their sorrow or grief to overcome them. We learn that they wait to care for Jesus (Luke 23:56). They make Preparation Day even busier for themselves by preparing spices and perfumes before Sabbath in order that they can go immediately to embalm Jesus after Sabbath. What love. What obedience. These women personify what it is to follow Jesus - heartfelt and committed loving obedience. ~ Pastor Jacob Crolla
This week’s readings: Isaiah 56-66, Jeremiah 1-6 | Luke 24:36-53, Hebrews 1-6 | Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14, Proverbs 1-5
30 Sep - a feeding on wind
I am both exhausted and impressed by the author of Ecclesiastes, “The Teacher”, who is not impressed by anything of this world. The teacher says over and over that he toiled endlessly and gained all that there was to gain, but again and again it comes back to the same thing: meaninglessness. Specifically, the teacher says that everything is meaningless and “a chasing after wind”. Another translation of this phrase is “a feeding on wind”. As I read this phrase each day throughout the prayer and fast week, it was a good reminder that the things that I often wanted to feed myself with, physically and mentally, were like wind. There and satisfying one minute and then gone the next. Ultimately empty. Feeding on wind seems very similar to feeding on bread alone. It is altogether, in the end, unsatisfying and unsustainable. Which is why we are called to also feed on something higher: “every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Deut 8:3). As I enter this week, no longer fasting, I want to carry the reminder that what I feed myself with may be good and even necessary, but it is wind, empty and temporary, compared to the everlasting and satisfying Word of God. So I need to make sure it is the Word I am chasing first and foremost, not the winds. ~ Chloe Emery
This week’s readings: Isaiah 38-55 | Luke 22:7-24:35 | Ecclesiastes 5:1-11:6
23 Sep - waiting to awaken
Last week our wisdom reading came from Song of Songs (Solomon). I am greatly encouraged by just the existence of this book, that the Holy Spirit preserved a book in the Bible celebrating love and intimacy within the context of marriage. As ever, the diversity of Scripture delights me. The most repeated saying in SoS is the bride declaring - “do not stir up or awaken love before its time” (2:7, 3:5, 8:4). I believe this is wisdom for how our hearts engage with this book, and moreover for how our hearts engage with the realities of love and life. This week, we will delve into Ecclesiastes where the Preacher will remind us that there is a time for everything. Nothing before its time. Beyond the waiting, I’ve come to learn that here we find the vocabulary and imagination to appreciate how our Groom delights in us (Isaiah 62:5). The only Lover whose love is stronger than death, jealous beyond the grave, a banner over us. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Isaiah 18-37 | Luke 18:31-22:6 | Ecclesiastes 1:12-4:16
18 Sep - tear reversal
Full disclosure, I am “behind” on my NT readings! Of course there is no such thing as being behind at spending time with Jesus which is what Bible reading does; it acts as a means to his presence. What the Bible shares with us is the heart of God in Jesus. In a sweet but not well versed story sandwiched in-between the faith of a centurion and the difference between Jesus and John the Baptist, we find Jesus reversing a widow’s tears. Being a widow means this woman was already well acquainted with grief and so the death of her son was sure to heap sorrow upon sorrow. Yet we read that, “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”” The heart of God goes out to humanity in order to reverse our tears. It is the heart of God that provokes the healing of God. It is a good reminder that God’s heart is moved by our suffering. He sees, he notices and he acts in accordance with his compassionate heart. I can only imagine that this widow was instantaneously overcome with joy. Tears turned to smiles. “Don’t cry”, someday soon, Jesus will complete his tear reversal and ‘he will wipe every tear from our eyes.’ (Rev. 21:4) ~ Pastor Jacob Crolla
This week’s readings: Esther 8-10; Isaiah 1-17 | Luke 14-18:30 | Songs of Songs 3-8; Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
27 Aug - forgiveness is final
I find the meditation of the Psalms quite something. Knowing what we now know, and what the various Psalmists did not at the time of writing, is quite marvellous. Though they knew a Saviour was coming, they did not have the entire picture. They were not recipients of the finished work of Jesus. The meditation of their hearts about who God was, and how he acted, echo the gospel message of Jesus. Staggering. That a heart can know what God is like. I found this line from Psalm 103:10 particularly amazing, “he [God] does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” King David knew the God of ultimate forgiveness. He had experienced, and been a recipient of, the character and work of Christ long before he was incarnate on earth. What is more, he speaks the message of Christ from a time before Christ. Have you ever wondered if God’s forgiveness is subject to God somehow getting you back or ‘repaying’ you for what you’ve done? Not so. Forgiveness from God in Christ is final. No ill treatment in return. No cold shoulder. No bitterness. The gospel is this: we always get what we don’t deserve. ~ Pastor Jacob Crolla
This week’s readings: 2 Chronicles 24-36 | Luke 5:12-8:15 | Psalm 104-107:16
15 Aug - knowledge of the truth
There are a few times in Paul’s letters to Timothy where Paul uses the phrase “knowledge of the truth”. He says that God desires all people come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4), that God may grant people’s repentance, leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 2:25) and that there are certain people who would be always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 3:7). Scholars agree that in the Greek, “knowledge of the truth” is probably not truth in general, but in fact the core message of the Gospel. In the ESV, Paul even says that a knowledge of the truth would mean people would “come to their senses” (2 Tim 2:26). That is the reality! The Gospel opens our eyes to Truth. Through it, we are our most aware, enlightened, sensible selves. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: 1 Chronicles 21- 2 Chronicles 6 | Titus 1 - Philemon 1, Luke 1:1-56 | Psalm 90-96
5 Aug - peace and quiet
I am noticing how much Paul launches into prayer in his writing but also exhorts in those he’s writing to. Timothy is urged to create a culture of prayer for his locality so that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Our nation is far from quiet and peaceful as I write, angst, anger and fear resulting in riots and protesting. Those in authority will becoming increasingly aware that there is more to leadership than political posturing and manifesto’s. What’s the solution? Where is the healing? How will the fragmentation of society be resolved? Our nation needs Christian prayer and Christian living. Growth in godliness and holiness will not just make us better people with better lives, it will have a cascading influence on our wider society. And it is by prayer that God aligns with his perspective and kingdom. I agree with Wesley Duewel, “Prayer is the only adequate way to multiply our efforts fast enough to reap the harvest God desires.” (see 2 Tim. 4) ~ Pastor Jacob Crolla
This week’s readings: 1 Chronicles 5-20 | 1 Timothy 4-2 Timothy 4 | Psalm 119:121-176
29 July - High Places
Reading about the kings of Judah and Israel can be a little frustrating. They seemed to be stuck in this cycle of sinning against God and forgetting God’s commandments, and then sufferring the consequences, and then a new king comes along to replace the old one and immediately makes the same mistakes! What I have found most interesting while reading these passages has been that the kings of Judah, even when they were following the ways of the Lord, refused to get rid of the high places that were dedicated to other gods. Repeatedly, the author of 2 Kings says that a king of Judah “did what was right in the sight of the Lord,” but “nevertheless the high places were not removed.” (2 Kings 15:34-35) This makes me wonder: what are my “high places”? What are the things that I am refusing to tear down? What parts of my life, even if they are not causing me to sin, are still standing as a reminder of an old sin? The kings of Judah show that the longer these reminders stay in tact, the more likely I am to return to them. When God looks on the hills of my soul, I want the Lord to see altars of the Spirit, not old idols. ~ Chloe Emery
This week’s readings: 2 Kings 18 - 1 Chron 4 | 1 Thess 5 - 1 Timothy 3 | Psalm 119: 65-120
8 July - Peacemakers and Temple Builders
I am always impressed by the wisdom of Solomon, and I am so encouraged that when Solomon simply asks for wisdom, God gifts him with it in abundance. Solomon in all his wisdom cites the reason that his father, King David, couldn’t build God’s temple as being that David was constantly at war. Solomon says that because he has been gifted with peace, he is able to build a worthy temple for God. In Solomon’s time, the presence of God was limited to the holy space within the Tabernacle. Now, in our post-Pentecost context, the presence of God resides in every believer and in every space where we gather. We are each a temple where the presence of God rests. I think Solomon’s wisdom regarding the temple building applies just the same to us as temples of the Spirit of God today. Peace is important for building up both. Peace and ease are not the same thing, though. Being in relationship with God, where the Holy Spirit rests in you as it did the temple, is still a lot of hard work. However, I think I can often be too quick to go to war, mostly with myself, when it is really peace that gives space for building up the temple. Solomon’s wisdom foreshadows the words of Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt 5:9) I think that being a peacemaker can include making peace with yourself, as well as with others and that it all works for the building up of us as children of God, temples of God’s presence. ~ Chloe Emery
This week’s readings: 1 Kings 6-16 | Galatians 4 - Ephesians 4 | Psalm 79-85
24 June - “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
I remember when I first read these words from this desperate father, I felt seen. There was someone else who strained to believe. There was someone else who believed but was also aware of something else at work. There was someone else straining for more complete belief. The Bible isn’t a fairytale, it’s real life. Real people. Real stories. Real feelings. Real emotions. Real struggles. Real hopes. And it’s a real battle between belief and unbelief. Sin is actually at the heart of this battle because when we sin, we’ve failed to believe something about God. The cry, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” is inside everyone, this (real!) story gives us permission to let that cry out! So, go on, do it this week… use that refrain and seek a fresh deposit of faith. ~ Pastor Jacob
This week’s readings: 2 Samuel 6-18 | Mark 11:27-14:52 | Psalm 68:19-73
3 June - Mark
For the month of June, we are reading the Gospel of Mark. So, this is a sort of prospective reflection for the start of our “Summer of Scripture”. Mark is unique in the synoptic gospels, in that it dives right in - no genealogy, no birth story, straight into the action. Jesus is doing a lot. Service and Sacrifice. Of course, much of this was to demonstrate His authority and power as the Son of God. But we will also learn a lot from Jesus about what it means to do the will of the Lord. The gospel of Mark reminds us of the path of discipleship. He did the doing. Now we do the following. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Judges 21- 1 Samuel 10 | Mark 1:1-5:20 | Psalm 48-54
28 May - detecting sin
Do you sometimes get stopped in your tracks when reading the Bible? This happened to me last week when I read these words, “I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.” - Psalm 36:1-2. To be honest I am often drawn to passages about the fear of the Lord but I was first struck by the thought of having a message from God in one's heart (I think that’s cool and beautiful). A message clearly that wasn’t meant to remain in the hidden place of the heart but brought forth in words that could be heard and understood. The message? Self-flattery hides our sin. I think it’s easy to dismiss the notion of self-flattery but here it seems to suggest that it stems from a low view of God, not a high view of self. The fear of the Lord is at least a recognition of his grandeur and holiness. When that is constantly “before our eyes” sin is easy to detect and easy to hate. Self-flattery is replaced by humble gratitude. ~ Pastor Jacob
This week’s readings: Judges 8-20 | 2 Corinthians 7-13 | Psalm 42-47
20 May - Love, Paul
I would like to share something quite lovely that I noticed at the end of 1 Corinthians 16 this week. Verse 24 says, “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.” As I read this, it makes me smile thinking of Paul signing his letter, “love, Paul”, much like one might do for a beloved friend or relative. The Corinthian letters appear quite harsh as he calls the Church higher to the standard of Christ. Paul reminds the Corinthians of his great affection and care for them, despite their shortcomings. In one way, we’re reminded that all we do and say as believers should be motivated by love. And in another, we’re reminded of the humanity in Scripture, like writing a letter to a friend. May we appreciate the glorious diversity of the Bible, whether we read letters or prophecy, history or hymns, poetry or law. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Joshua 20- Judges 7 | 1 Corinthians 16- 2 Corinthians 6 | Psalm 36-41
30 Apr - Remembrance as dependence
Remembrance is a theme of Scripture which winds up at the communion table. This past week in our readings, God calls the Israelites to practise remembrance. What is interesting in the dialogue of Deuteronomy 8 is that the promised good of God would end up as a curse if the Israelites forgot God. “7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.” This is the promise of abundance but is quickly followed by, “... when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God.” Being so materially blessed by God can make us forget God. Abundance without dependence is the way of the world. In what ways do you practise remembrance? ~ Pastor Jacob
This week’s readings: Deuteronomy 12-26 | Romans 11-1 Cor. 1 | Psalm 21-25
8 Apr - Day and Night
We are back in the Psalms and I’m thrilled. I once heard that we should read the Psalms to see the heart of Man and seek the Heart of God. Psalm 1 has been echoing in my mind since starting. Particularly, verse 2 which declares, “blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and on His law he meditates day and night.” Day and Night. What a challenge this calls us to! To meditate on His Word, to fix our minds on Truth. Day and Night. And yet, this can be really practical. We can aim to carve out time for reflecting, memorising, meditating, considering God’s Word at particular points in our days. Psalms says the one who does this is blessed. Blessed with comfort, clarity, confidence and much more. Day and Night. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Numbers 10-11 | Acts 18-24 | Psalm 4-9:13-20
26 Mar - Irony of the Cross
The Crucifixion of Jesus is arguably the greatest irony of all time. "Let Him be crucified!" the crowd said about Jesus to Pilate. "Why? What evil has he done?", was Pilate's reply. Pilate, knowing nothing of the holiness and righteousness of the Son of God, could clearly see - this Man did no evil, not that day, not ever. Thank you Lord that while the crowd thought they were nailing just You to the cross, perfect as You are, You nailed every sin we've committed against You. The irony is shocking. The Great Exchange. There are several other ironies which we encourage you to ponder on throughout Matthew 27. What stands out to you? What brings you back to the reality of the Cross? ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Leviticus 15-26 | Acts 4-10 | Job 32-38
18 Mar - His presence is what defines us
I will take any excuse to think, share and talk about the significance of the presence of God. We see it clearly in Exodus 33 when Moses asks, “How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?’” - this feels like an extremely silly question to me. I am half expecting God to go, “erm, how about all the commandments, offerings and festivals I have just inaugurated, Moses? What about the ark, tabernacle and all its contents? Your obedience and commitment to all these things will make me pleased with you and distinguish you from the other people of the earth.” Instead God and Moses are on the same page. It is exactly the presence of God dwelling among the people of God that is definitive in priority to anything else. Moses heard God right when earlier he said, “... I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.” (Exodus 30:45-46). Don’t forget that the purpose of God is to dwell among his people. ~ Pastor Jacob
This week’s readings: Leviticus 3-14 | Matthew 26:69-Acts 3 | Job 25-31
13 Mar - Wrestling…
Job is an incredibly complex book. As with any whole book, compressing it into a bitesize would not be fair or right. But as I read, I just see this wrestling. Wrestling with our friends, wrestling with God and wrestling with ourselves about what we believe about God. Job's friends often say things which are true but not holistically true and so they miss the heart of God (and end up being lousy comforters!). At the same time, Job questions God and His intentions for Job. We will soon see God reply, but what we do know is that God is not afraid of our wrestling. In fact, He welcomes us to wrestle with Him as it ultimately shows our reliance on Him. Job reminds me of the importance of not isolating Scripture, reading it as a whole, with the intent of coming to understand the heart of God. Job also reminds me that it's okay to wrestle; but wrestle with God, not against Him or without Him. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Exodus 31-Leviticus 2 | Matthew 24:36-26:68 | Job 18-24
5 Mar - Conversational relationship
Because of the nature of our current teaching series - Hearing from God - I’ve had a smile as I listened in on Moses and God’s conversations in the early part of Exodus. In particular I enjoyed the discourse in chapters 3 & 4 where Moses insists he’s not the man for the job. Who’d have thought, standing on holy ground, chatting to a (not)burning bush, with one’s face hidden in reverential awe, you'd have the cheek to question God’s decision making. Moses seems honest more than he does bold. It’s funny though, isn’t it? How God makes his selections. What Moses thought was the main part of the role - speaking - God gives to Aaron but there’s something about Moses that Moses was yet to see in himself. Could that be you? Is there a call, a ministry, a gift that you’re saying no to because you’re sure it involves something you can’t do? Maybe just be honest, have a conversation… ~Pastor Jacob
This week’s readings: Exodus 17-30 | Matthew 20:17-24:35 | Job 11-17
26 Feb - Out of the heart
This past week, we came to the redemptive end of Genesis and enjoyed our first reading of Psalm 119 for the year. Alongside the OT narrative, we watched Jesus perform miracles and proclaim messages. One such message being that, “out of the heart” comes all sorts of things (Matthew 12:34, 15:19). From it, our mouth speaks and our hands act. We see that in the people of the Genesis story and actually, we see that in ourselves. Proverbs 4:23 says that everything we do flows from it, and I want the overflow of my heart to be truly good things. That means choosing what I fill it with and inviting The Lord to change it. As we fill our hearts with the Word of God, renewing our minds day by day, we can be encouraged that, by faith, Jesus is working in our hearts to make us more like Him. ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week’s readings: Exodus 4-16 | Matthew 16:1-20:16 | Job 4-10
20 Feb - In need of grace
As we continue through Genesis, it’s hard not to notice how many mess ups there are. Cain killing his brother, Noah getting drunk, Lot’s wife looking back, Abraham lying about Sarah, Jacob and Rebekah’s deception and many more! This past week, I literally said to myself “oh come on Reuben!” as I read Genesis 35:22. There’s a kind of drama in the Old Testament where I find myself rooting for people to get it right and disappointed when I feel they should know better and do better. Then I quickly remembered, by a gentle nudge from the Spirit, that I’m a mess up too. I remembered how, like Cain and Noah and all the rest, that I too need the grace of God. Thankfully God is merciful and bountiful in love and grace. ~ Pastor Jacob
This week’s readings: Genesis 40; Exodus 3 | Matthew 12:38-15:39 | Psalm 119:145-176; Job 1-3
11 Feb - "To be God to you"
As I've delved deeper into Genesis this past week, I've been really drawn in by seeing so many of God's names - God Most High (El Elyon, Gen 14:18); The God who sees (El Roi, Gen 16:13); God Almighty (El Shaddai, Gen 17:1); The Everlasting God (El Olam, Gen 21:33); The Lord will provide (Jehovah Jireh, Gen 22:14). These moments of God revealing more of His nature to us remind me how personal it is to know Him. Then tucked away in 17:7, as He establishes covenant with Abraham, is this little phrase "to be God to you". He wants to be someone to us. Someone personal and profound, showing us who He is. How wonderful it is to know Him! ~ Rebekah Smikle
This week's readings: Genesis 27-39 | Matthew 8:28-12:37 | Psalm 119:89-144
4 Feb - Learning the Way
I’ve been so excited to get going with our plan and then, honestly, felt the weightiness of the early verses of Psalm 119. ‘Blessed are those who are blameless by keeping God’s statues’ seemed like you either are or are not blessed according to your own blamelessness and obedience. But then verse 7 opened up to me like a portal of grace, “I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.” We are, all of us, in the process of learning the ways and will of God. We are, all of us, on the journey of discipleship. I am certain that our times listening to Jesus talk to us through his word will result in increasing blamelessness, obedience and upright praise! ~ Pastor Jacob
This week’s readings: Genesis 11-26 | Matthew 4:23-8:14-27 | Psalm 119:33-88