Walk With Me - Devotionals: Miriam Montgomery

Looking With The Eyes Of God

Miriam Montgomery — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Looking With The Eyes Of God

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 31st July 2022

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Haven't we sometimes said about someone "He/she is a big show-off"? One of the men in the parable Jesus told in Luke 18:9-14 was a big 'show-off'. He was very religious and he wanted everyone to know it; he was a religious leader and proud of it; he told God about all the extra-good things he did so God would take notice. He felt himself a 'cut above' the rest and had a place for himself to pray a bit apart from the other 'common' people.

The other man in Jesus's story felt he had nothing to boast about. In fact he was depressed to his boots. People called him a sinner and that was how he felt in his heart before God and he called out to God for mercy.

The story of these two men touched a raw nerve in several of those listening to Jesus — those who trusted in themselves that they were OK with God and who treated men like this 'sinner' with contempt.

But before we condemn people who think like that, let's take a look into our own hearts. How, do we think, God sees us? Does he see us as being 'show-offs', thinking we are better than we really are; purer in our thoughts, kinder with our own words, with a love for those crying out for salvation? Looking through the eyes of God may be a humbling experience one that we need!

Prayer

Dear Lord, forgive my pride and have mercy upon me. Amen.

The Real Thing

Miriam Montgomery — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Real Thing

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 28th July 2022

Passage: James 1:27

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It is easy to be religious. There are many religious people and there are many different religions. Jesus met many religious people in his day; people who claimed to worship God in a far better way than Jesus did! They criticised Jesus for breaking many of the rules that these religious people had added to the simple truth given by God himself — to love God wholeheartedly and to love one's neighbour as oneself. Jesus called some of these religious people hypocrites (see Matthew 23:28).

There are some religious people who claim to be Christians yet they deny the very basics of the Gospel. These were the people that James, who wrote the words at the top of this page, was speaking about. What God is looking for in those who claim to be Christians is quite simply a Christlike life. God can easily see hypocrisy and he hates that. He is looking for the' real thing' when we claim to be Christians. James shows what the real thing looks like - loving Christ, pure clean speech, caring for those who cannot care for themselves and keeping oneself unstained from the corruption that is in the world — a Christlike life. That is the' real thing'.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to be a real Christian as I profess your name. Amen.

Is Not This The Carpenter?

Miriam Montgomery — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Is Not This The Carpenter?

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 25th July 2022

Passage: Mark 6:3

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I think many people find it difficult to share their faith with their own family or friend if their family or friends are not Christians. They may be very dismissive of us if we try to tell them how they could turn to God and make him the Lord of their life.

Jesus Christ found the same problems with the people of his home town Nazareth. The people there knew Jesus very well. He was the local carpenter, probably having taken over the family business if, as we assume, Joseph had died.

Jesus was also well known in the local synagogue as he worshipped there every Sabbath day and he taught the people there. The people acknowledged that Jesus had great wisdom and that he had done miraculous works among them, no doubt healing people who were sick. But they said "Is not this the carpenter?" They dismissed Jesus because to them he was only a carpenter. Even his own family kind of dismissed him. Jesus marvelled at their unbelief (Mark 6:6).

The sad thing was that the people there missed out on great blessing because of their unbelief. We are told "Jesus could do no mighty work there because of their unbelief" (Mark 6:5). That truly was sad. If you find it hard to witness to your family and friends be sure to pray about it. Jesus understands — he has been there!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I pray for my non-Christian friends and family and ask you to help me if I get a chance to tell them about you and how good it is to know you. Amen.

The Yoke Of Jesus Christ

Miriam Montgomery — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Yoke Of Jesus Christ

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 22nd July 2022

Passage: Matthew 11:29-30

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Jesus often had serious problems with many of the religious leaders of his day. It was not difficult to see the reason why. The religion which God had given to his Old Testament people was summed up by Jesus as "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... (and) you shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew 22:37 - 39). But for centuries religious leaders had kept adding their own commandments on to what God had given with the result that their religion lacked love, it had become a fearful burden and had made a mockery of the way God wanted people to live and worship. It was for this reason that Jesus became angry with these religious leaders. They had placed an unbearable yoke upon the people.

In contrast to that Jesus called people to follow him. When we do follow Jesus we truly do begin to live the way God intended we should live, with hearts of loving trust in him, a glad obedience from hearts that have come to know his goodness and his mercy. Our attitude to others also changes — to love, even for those who oppose us.

This is the yoke Jesus wants us to carry. It is a yoke Jesus shares with us keeping our life in perfect balance so our religion is not a burden but a delight — a life of fellowship with Christ and of fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters. It is God's way for us to live.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to carry the yoke with you all my days. Amen.

They Have Their Reward

Miriam Montgomery — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

They Have Their Reward

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 19th July 2022

Passage: Matthew 6:2

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The Lord Jesus really disliked hypocrites, very especially those who tried hard to give people the impression they were very good and holy people.

Obviously Jesus had often seen people like that. Indeed that was what such people wanted — they were keen for people to see how they prayed, how they fasted and how they gave alms to the poor — they were very public 'holy' people. But Jesus called them hypocrites. And, said Jesus, if it is public praise they are looking for they will receive it - "they have received their reward", but they will receive no reward from God.

Of course the day of religious hypocrites is not past. We too can fall into the trap of being outwardly 'holy' people, putting on a good show in church or among Christian people while our hearts may be cold and indifferent towards God. But that cuts no ice with God. When Jesus says such people have their reward he is using quite serious language. It means the reward is full payment but for what? - an outward show which is of no value to God. God is interested in the serious business of what is going on in our hearts, the secret life of the true believer in Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, forgive me when I try to appear before people as a much deeper Christian than I am in secret before you. Amen.

A Great Shoulder To Lean On

Miriam Montgomery — Sat, 16 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

A Great Shoulder To Lean On

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 16th July 2022

Passage: 2 Corinthians 1:3

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We all need someone we can go to in our times of distress, whether this may be physical suffering and illness, discouragement at work, or perhaps the loss of someone we love. We all need a shoulder to lean on, indeed to cry on. We need someone we can trust, someone who cares for us, who will comfort and encourage us in those dark times.

Paul had to contend with more problems than most of us will ever face and he knew the value of trusted friends who could share his burdens. He knew one friend above all others who cared, comforted and encouraged him. That friend was God - 'the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort'. Nine times in a very few verses Paul speaks about comfort; God comforting us, and we in turn comforting one another in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The word comfort itself is a many-sided word. It not only acts like a friendly arm put round us in a warm embrace to share our sorrow and pain. It is a word to help us pick ourselves up and get going again when we have been floored by life's hard knocks. Paul experienced such help from God and used this to assure others God will do the same for them. And now he is urging us both to put our trust in God when we are feeling low and then to share the good Lord's comfort and encouragement with our friends.

Prayer

Thank you Lord that you are the God of all comfort. Amen.

Who Would Have Thought It?

Miriam Montgomery — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Who Would Have Thought It?

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 13th July 2022

Passage: Matthew 13:3

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Who would have thought that a tiny grain of mustard seed, when planted, would grow up to be one of the largest of bushes that even birds could come and nest in it?

Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is just like that. From the smallest of beginnings the kingdom of heaven has spread out into all the world with millions and millions of people who are' citizens' of that kingdom.

The phrase 'the kingdom of heaven' was a well-known way of describing the way in which the authority and word of God is being followed. Satan the devil has set up a rival kingdom and when Jesus came into the world he came to destroy Satan's kingdom and rescue people from it and take them into his kingdom.

In order to destroy Satan's kingdom and save his people the Lord Jesus had to go to the cross and die. But now through that death and his resurrection Jesus is establishing his kingdom, bringing a life of goodness, peace and joy to all who come to follow him. The day will come when all of Satan's kingdom will be destroyed and the kingdom of our Lord will be shown to all in its world-wide glory. As we enjoy worshipping God in church we experience something of what it means to live in the kingdom of heaven.

Prayer

Dear Lord I pray you will help me to live as a true citizen of your kingdom. Amen.

Does Your Heart Ache Like This?

Miriam Montgomery — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Does Your Heart Ache Like This?

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 10th July 2022

Passage: Romans 9:2

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Paul had an aching heart. He was a Jew who had come to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Master, recognising Jesus as the promised Messiah from God. But, apart from a small number, the Jewish people rejected Jesus and handed him over to be crucified. Paul longed for his fellow Jews to repent and to believe in the Lord Jesus; he was even willing to be cast off from the Lord himself if it might mean that the Jewish people would come to Christ. "They're my family; I grew up with them" he said. His heart ached because they stubbornly rejected Jesus.

I'm sure we all have relatives, people dear to us, who have not yet come to the Lord Jesus in repentance and faith. Does this matter to us? Do we really, really care that these people we love so much are on the road to everlasting lostness away from God? Is your heart aching because of their unbelief? I speak to myself as I write these words and am challenged by them.

It mattered deeply to Paul as he thought about so many of his fellow Jews who were lost — lost in spite of all the spiritual advantages they had. Maybe your friends have also had many spiritual advantages but they still reject the Saviour.

Pray for them now and speak to them about this when you can.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I do plead for those I love so much, that they may come to know your salvation. Amen.

A Tough Call

Miriam Montgomery — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

A Tough Call

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 7th July 2022

Passage: Luke 6:27-28

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Our Lord Jesus Christ himself showed us how this command should be put into action. Jesus wept over the refusal of the people of Jerusalem to believe his message just as they had refused to believe God's messengers the prophets in the past. Indeed they killed several of them just as they were going to do to Christ himself. Yet he loved them and prayed for them, even on the cross.

The followers of Jesus had to learn just how hard it was to love their enemies as they went out to preach the Gospel. Many of the apostles were killed. Paul suffered beatings, stoning and ultimately a cruel death. This has been a pattern throughout history. It is no different today for many of God's people. The world hates them and abuses them.

Jesus did have harsh word for those who blasphemed against God but he did not let hatred eat into his own heart. That is a very important thing to remember. Hatred destroys us if we give way to it. When people despise you for being a Christian and living in a Christian way pray for them love them in spite of what they think of you "This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived." 1 Peter 2:21 (The Message)

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I find it hard to love those who despise you and despise me as your follower. Give me the grace to love and pray for them. Amen.

The Authority Of Jesus

Miriam Montgomery — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Authority Of Jesus

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 4th July 2022

Passage: Matthew 7:28

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Authority! The very idea of authority can make some people react against it. We don't like being told what to do!

Jesus was often challenged about the things he did or said. People in the time of Jesus, just as in our time had a very negative view of authority.

However, wherever Jesus went people just had to recognise that there was an aura of authority about him. When Jesus taught the people they listened to his words because he spoke as one who had authority(Luke 4:32)

Jesus showed by his miraculous power that he had authority to forgive sin (Matthew 9:6). We find that with his authority even the winds and the waves on Galilee obeyed him (Mark 4:39 - 41). And he gave his twelve apostles power over unclean spirits to cast them out and heal people (Matthew 10:1). After his resurrection he said that all authority belonged to him and that he sent his church to take the gospel to all the world.

Now all of this is of real importance for us. Because Jesus Christ has such authority we must take his words seriously — they are for us. Remember he has the authority and power to forgive our sins. He also sends us out to tell others that he can do that for them too. Thank God for the authority of Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I bow before your authority. Help me to obey you. Amen.

A Hard Place To Live In

Miriam Montgomery — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

A Hard Place To Live In

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 1st July 2022

Passage: Revelation 2:12-13

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Pergamum must have been a difficult place for a Christian to live in . It was a city of idols being home to four of the most important pagan cults in the ancient Roman world with all the influence and all the common immorality that went along with these pagan rituals. Pergamum was also the first city to build a temple for the worship of the Roman Emperor in 29 BC. From that time Roman Emperors claimed to be divine and had to be worshipped. Failure to do this often lead to the death of those who refused and many Christians were put to death for that reason. That is the reason we read in Jesus' letter to Pergamum: "I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is". This was a reference to the blasphemous claims of the Emperor to be divine. In Jesus' letter to Pergamum there is a mention of one Christian who was martyred there and in later years history tells us there were several more Christians put to death in that city. Truly Satan's influence was very strong and you had to be brave to stand up and be counted as a follower of King Jesus. This presents a real challenge to us today. Are we prepared to stand up for Jesus against the evil things that happen around us? To keep silent when we should speak out for the Lord is betraying the memory of brave men and women of the past(and present) who gave their lives rather than worship anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Dear Lord, give me courage to be a true witness for you. Amen.

We Are Building Day By Day

Miriam Montgomery — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

We Are Building Day By Day

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 30th June 2022

Passage: Nehemiah 2:17

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On my desk there is a magazine, and on the front page is a picture of a large castle. The castle is surrounded by a deep moat and there are high walls and towers all round it. It must have been a safe place to take refuge from invading enemies. The city of Jerusalem once had high walls surrounding it but these walls were not good enough to stand up to the mighty armies that attacked the city more than 2500 years ago. The walls were all broken down.

When Nehemiah was appointed governor of the city he set about repairing much of the city that had been in ruins for a long time, especially the walls. "Come," he said, "Let's build the wall of Jerusalem." And that is what happened, and it gave the people a great sense of joy and security to see the city with good walls again.

The New Testament is full of references to building and builders, all of them telling us about either the church of Jesus Christ as a 'building' or else as each of us as builders, building our lives day by day. If we are wise builders we will have Jesus Christ as the very foundation of our lives. Then day by day we can build up our life of faith and trust in him by learning more of the Bible and applying it to the way we speak to people and act towards them. Our lives will become stronger as Christians so that we can stand up to the attacks of the devil.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, give me the courage of Nehemiah to build a strong Christian life. Amen.

As A Christian Should I Give Away Everything I Own?

Miriam Montgomery — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

As A Christian Should I Give Away Everything I Own?

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 27th June 2022

Passage: Acts 2:45

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This verse has caused quite a lot of worry to Christians over the years! Does it mean that, if I am a Christian, I should sell everything I own and give the proceeds to the poor? Is that what the Bible is telling me to do ?The answer is 'no', but to look carefully at your attitude to what you possess.

Poverty, real poverty, was very common in Israel at the time of the New Testament. This was especially true in Galilee. So the Christians sold what they could in order to help the poor people among them. Those who had houses obviously did not sell them because we read that the Christians gathered in each others' homes for fellowship, food and the Lord's Supper.

Christians today have to consider very carefully their attitude to possessions and the temptation to live in such a way that we do not think of the poor in our own country or in other lands. It is easy for us to become possessed by our possessions and to buy things that in all honesty we don't need and could easily do without. Prosperity must never become an end in itself but rather something to be use for the good of others. When our minds are set on things in this world we tend to forget to make a priority of heavenly things.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you that through you we become rich in every spiritual blessing. Amen.

I Saw The Lord

Miriam Montgomery — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

I Saw The Lord

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 24th June 2022

Passage: Isaiah 6:1

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What an amazing vision Isaiah the prophet received when he saw the Lord God on his throne in the heavens. It was such an awesome sight that I am quite sure it remained with Isaiah for the rest of his life, and most certainly would have impressed him with the glory and majesty of God.

You know, it is really worth our time to spend some moments every day just thinking about who God is and what he is like. It is easy for us to forget just how glorious God is, just how powerful God, is just how holy God is. And it is worth remembering too that God knows us personally, just as he knew Isaiah.

Notice what Isaiah felt like when he saw God: "Woe is me," he said, "For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips... for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts." (Isaiah 6:5) How would you feel coming face to face with the holy God? I'm sure we would (and should) feel unclean, and as we remembered all the bad things we have said and done, we would feel ashamed. But Isaiah found that God was able to make him clean. In mercy his guilt was taken away and he became useful to God to tell people all that God wanted them to know.

Prayer

Lord, in your mercy, make me clean and remind me of your holiness. Amen.

The Apple Of God's Eye

Miriam Montgomery — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Apple Of God's Eye

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 21st June 2022

Passage: Psalm 17:8

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When David, who wrote many of the psalms, asked God to keep him as the 'apple of his eye' it shows just what a close and homely relationship he had with God. He knew that although there were many difficult problems in his life, yet he could trust God to help him to deal with them. God would keep an eye on him and protect him.

The 'apple of the eye' refers to the pupil of the eye, the most sensitive part of the eye, indeed of the whole body. When someone calls you the apple of their eye it means you are really special to that person. Early on in the Bible, in Deuteronomy 32:10, God says that his people Israel were kept as 'the apple of his eye', and David wants that special and secure relationship with God to be his too.

It is a really great thing to know God in such a way that we can speak to him as David did and be sure that God loves and cares for us because we are special to him. And of course every follower of the Lord Jesus is special to God — He loves us, cares about us, keeps his eye upon us and he will never let us go. That means we should enjoy speaking to God in prayer, sharing our thoughts with him, speaking to him as David did about all the things we don't understand and which cause us problems. God answers our prayers. He speaks to us in the Bible and through his people.

Prayer

Dear Lord, keep me as the apple of your eye, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

The Baptism Of Jesus

Miriam Montgomery — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Baptism Of Jesus

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 18th June 2022

Passage: Matthew 3:13

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The baptism of Jesus was unique. Here he was at the river Jordan among a crowd of people who had come to be baptised by John the Baptist because they needed to repent of their sins. John's preaching had warned people of God's judgment upon their sin; a judgment, he said, that was coming soon. He called on the people to repent. Many responded and they were baptised as a sign of their repentance. But why was Jesus there? Jesus had not sinned; he did not need to repent of anything. John was taken by surprise that Jesus came to be baptised.

Jesus knew he did not need to repent of sin but he did want to be identified with the sinners he had come to save. The baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of his public ministry which eventually took him to the cross as he took all the sin of all those who repent of their sin and trust in Jesus for their salvation. John the Baptist himself called Jesus: "The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

As Jesus rose from his baptism, God his heavenly Father confirmed that Jesus was his Son. The Holy Spirit came to him and Jesus was sent out on his great journey to save all who would follow him. Isn't it wonderful that Jesus is still saving sinners today?

Prayer

Dear Lord, as you identify with sinners you came to save, may I truly identify myself with you as my Saviour. Amen.

Idols In Their Hearts

Miriam Montgomery — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Idols In Their Hearts

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 15th June 2022

Passage: Ezekiel 14:3

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Idols in their hearts! What a striking phrase that is, and one that describes the hearts of many of us. We tend to think of idols as things which people make to worship and bow down to. But God was very clear to Ezekiel that idols can be set up in our hearts and minds and we worship them.

There are many idols of this kind which we can set up in our hearts — thoughts about being rich, about immoral desires, about things we want to buy but can't afford, and especially anything that comes before God in our hearts and desires. One Christian said that "idolatry is anything that cools your desire for Christ."

Notice what God said about those who had idols in their hearts: "They have embraced wickedness that will destroy them." That is always true. If we put anything before God then we are on a dangerous road. The 'idols' never deliver what they promise; they deceive us. Jesus said: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and these things (which we need) will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

Prayer

Make this verse of a hymn by William Cowper your own prayer: The dearest idol I have known — however much adored — help me to tear it from your throne, and worship you as Lord. Amen.

Persecution And The Church Of Jesus Christ

Miriam Montgomery — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Persecution And The Church Of Jesus Christ

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 12th June 2022

Passage: Acts 8:3

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Who would have thought that Saul of Tarsus would have become Paul the Apostle? This young man, as proud a Jewish believer as you could find, just went enraged in his efforts to destroy the church of Jesus Christ. But for all his efforts to obliterate every mention of Jesus Paul failed miserably. Yes he did put some people in prison, but while he was doing that, other Christians went off to other places to escape him and there they carried on preaching the Gospel (Acts 8:4).

Persecution and suffering has been the difficult experience of Christians and the Church of Christ down through the ages. The same hatred that was shown to the Lord Jesus has been shown to his followers for many different reasons. But all of the reasons stem from the same root — the devil hates the Lordship of Jesus Christ the Son of God and he uses many disguises to try and ravage the Church and those who belong to it. However, just as God changed Saul's life and he became a great servant of the Lord Jesus, so it has often been the case that the more the church has been persecuted, the more it has actually increased. This is still happening in our time in such countries as Iran, China, Turkey and many more. It is true that Christians in these lands do have a tough time but they are on the victory side. Let us remember them in their suffering and pray that God will help them to carry on preaching the Gospel.

Prayer

Dear Lord, comfort your persecuted Church with your presence and courage I pray. Amen.

The Years The Locusts Have Eaten

Miriam Montgomery — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Years The Locusts Have Eaten

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 9th June 2022

Passage: Joel 2:25

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I once heard the story of a man who had been visited over the years by a missionary from the London City Mission. Every time the missionary urged the man to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the man refused to listen. The man reached the great age of 100 years and on that birthday he yielded his life to the Lord Jesus. He said, "Isn't it wonderful that here I am at 100 years and I have accepted Christ?" Yes it was wonderful, but think of all the years and opportunities he had wasted, living without the Lord Jesus, living only for himself.

That old man's story is not unique. Too often so many people hear the Gospel, are challenged by it, maybe become convicted of their sin and their need for salvation but let these opportunities pass them by and they remain unsaved. And so often when eventually they are converted they regret bitterly all the years when they resisted Christ - "years that the locusts have eaten". But God gives wonderful encouragement to someone like that. God says to them, as he did to Israel a long time ago, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten" - those wasted years. God will give such a person work to do no matter how long they have rejected God's grace, even if they are 100 years old! While many people come to God while they are still young, yet some of the finest Christians I know were converted later in life and lived for Jesus in such a useful way, making up for the years they had lost.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me not to waste time but to use my time for you. Amen.

A Promise Is A Promise

Miriam Montgomery — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

A Promise Is A Promise

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 6th June 2022

Passage: Joshua 2:14

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A promise is a promise. We have all made promises of one kind or another, and maybe when we look back we realise that we have failed to keep them. We should feel ashamed! It is better not to make promises than to make them and break them.

The people involved in the incident in Joshua 2:14 were the three spies sent out by Joshua. Rahab was a woman from Jericho. They made promises. The spies said they would save Rahab and her family when Jericho was attacked, and Rahab promised to protect the spies and let them get safely away. As it turned out, all of them kept their promises, with a very good result.

The Bible is full of God's promises. He made many promises to Joshua and the people of Israel, and Joshua said near the end of his life, "You know... that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass..." (Joshua 23:14)

Paul the Apostle said about the Gospel, "This is the life God promised long ago — and he doesn't break promises." (Titus 1:2, The Message) God never lies; with him a promise is a promise! Remember that when you promise to do something. As Jesus said, "Don't say anything you don't mean." (Matthew 5:33, The Message)

Prayer

Dear Lord, please help me to be a trustworthy person who does what I have promised. Amen.

Remember

Miriam Montgomery — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Remember

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 28th February 2022

Passage: Luke 22:19

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The thief on the cross said, "Jesus remember me..." Luke 23:42

As you get older you begin to forget certain things — the dates of birthdays, dentist appointments, where you left the car... ! I find I would be lost without my diary in which I try always to note things down. It is easy to forget.

I am sure that is why we find the Bible is full of words telling us to remember many important events or sayings which God wants us to think about and do something about. The Bible is full of wonderful things which God has done for us and he wants us to remember these things. Here are some examples.

First of all God wants us to remember what Jesus has done for us by his perfect life, his death and his resurrection. Just before his crucifixion Jesus celebrated the Lord's Supper with his disciples and said "Do this in remembrance of me..." There is no salvation apart from what Jesus has done for us. That is why the thief on the cross beside Jesus said "Jesus remember me..." We must all pray that prayer.

Then we have to remember how God wants us to live. The Bible is full of words telling us to remember and most of them have to do with the way we live as Christians. We need to keep reading the Bible to remind ourselves how the Lord wants us to live — lives that are Christlike, sincere, gracious and good.

Remember too where we are travelling to as Christians — our heavenly home. This world is not our home, heaven is. What a great prospect is before us as Christians! Remember that!

A Life That Is Full Of The Fullness Of God

Miriam Montgomery — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

A Life That Is Full Of The Fullness Of God

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 25th February 2022

Passage: Ephesians 3:19

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Paul the Apostle was very fond of the word 'fullness'. He tells us that the fullness of Deity ("Godness") dwelt in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:9 and 1:19) He tells us also that the fullness of Christ dwells in the Church. And here in Ephesians, Paul prays that believers in Jesus will become mature in their faith so that they will be filled with the 'fullness of God'.

That is mind-boggling! The word fullness means completeness, you don't add anything more to it. So how can a Christian be filled with ALL the fullness of God? It is easy for us to think of Jesus being filled with God's fullness, but me, an ordinary Christian?

Well, here are some things to note. First of all, this 'fullness' is given to us (see Colossians 2:10) It is God's gift — complete salvation. Then Paul wants us to enjoy this fullness more and more. The Christian life is a full life — as Jesus himself says "I came that they (believers) may have life and have it to the full." (John 10:10) It is in John's Gospel that we have another reference to this word fullness (otherwise we only find it i Paul's writings in the Bible). It is in John 1:18 where we read "And from (Jesus') fullness we have all received grace upon grace".

The Christian life is a complete, abundant life, the gift of a loving gracious Saviour. No wonder Paul goes on to say in Ephesians 3:21:"to him be glory in the Church and in Chris Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen!"

The Humiliation Of Jesus

Miriam Montgomery — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Humiliation Of Jesus

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 22nd February 2022

Passage: Isaiah 53:3

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Humility is one thing — it is a virtue that should truly be found in each of us — but humiliation is quite another thing. It is something to which we are subjected — it is something that happens to us. We would feel terrible if we were humiliated.

But as we read the story of our Lord Jesus Christ, we see that he was, from the moment of his birth, being subjected to humiliation. Remember who Jesus is - he is the Lord of Glory, the great eternal Son of God, the One through whom the world was made. Yet we read that he humbled himself by becoming a person like us, except that he had no sin. He lived a perfect life, yet he was despised and rejected by men and then crucified between two criminals. But why?

Man of sorrows! What a name! For the Son of God who came Ruined sinners to reclaim: Hallelujah! What a Saviour! Mocked by insults harsh and crude, in my place condemned he stood; sealed my pardon with his blood: Hallelujah! What a Saviour!Guilty vile and helpless, we: spotless Lamb of God was he : Full atonement - can it be? Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

The amazing Lord who became the Saviour of helpless and hopeless sinners did it all because he loved us. How humble we should be!

Prayer

Blessed Lord Jesus, as you gave yourself for me, help me to give myself to you. Amen.

The Faithfulness Of God

Miriam Montgomery — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Faithfulness Of God

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 19th February 2022

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:24

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A person's character is very important; it tells us what someone is really like. Can you trust him/her? Is he a person who always keeps his promises? All of that is very important.

The Apostle Paul tells us that God's character — what God is really like — is the very reason we can trust him to help us in every situation. And we know he has put us there for a purpose "We can trust God because he is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it." (The Message)

Paul was writing to Christians who lived in a city where it was not easy to live a holy and pure Christian life. But that was, and that is, the kind of life God looks for in his followers. Yes, it is hard, but we can depend on God to help us to be godly people in an ungodly world. God expects us to be faithful to him, and he has promised to be faithful to us, utterly dependable, to give us the courage, the strength, the love and the endurance to live and witness for him. John Calvin said: "God is always like himself". That means he is always faithful. 'If he said it, he'll do it'! He will help us - 'Our faithful, unchangeable friend, whose love is as great as his power, and knows neither measure nor end.' J Hart.

Prayer

Lord, help me to depend on you daily, knowing that you are dependable always. Amen.

Choices!

Miriam Montgomery — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Choices!

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 16th February 2022

Passage: Joshua 24:15

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If you are a Starbucks customer you will know the whole range of coffees that you can choose from. We all like to make our own choices, whether it is for coffee or anything else.

In the book of Joshua chapter 24 we read about a time when the Israelites had to make a big decision. They had several choices, and Joshua was worried they would make the wrong choice.

You see, Joshua was now an old man. He had been a good leader for many years and he kept the people worshipping God and keeping to his ways. But Joshua knew he was not going to live for ever, and the Israelites were living among tribes who did not worship God; indeed some of the tribes had really horrible religions and gods and the Israelites were tempted to follow these just as some of their ancestors had done.

So Joshua challenged the people to think seriously about their faith. As for himself and his family, Joshua said they were committed to the Lord and to serving him. So now Joshua challenged the people to choose either to follow the Lord sincerely, or to go after these other false religions.

The people made the right choice. "We will follow and serve the Lord", they said. "He is our God". Can we say this too?

Prayer

O Lord, there are many wrong choices that tempt me. Help me to follow you only, faithfully and sincerely.

Boasting!

Miriam Montgomery — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Boasting!

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 13th February 2022

Passage: Galatians 6:14

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We all like to boast about something! Maybe it is about a bargain we found in the shops or a big fish we caught. Boasting comes naturally to us.

Paul the Apostle liked to boast as well. He had plenty to be proud of but, he tells us, everything paled into insignificance compared with the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ and what was represented by that. For him the cross of Jesus had huge significance even if people thought he was crazy boasting in such a thing that most people looked on with disgust.

For Paul, and this must be true of us too if we are Christians, the cross represented God's way of salvation for sinners. This did seem foolishness to some but Paul knew that, as a sinner himself, he could not save himself or find pardon and forgiveness unless God forgave him. His sin, and our sin, must be dealt with. And it was — at the cross, where Jesus took the penalty for the sin of all who come to trust in him. Paul found this to be true and he cried in relief "(Jesus) loved me and gave himself for me"Galatians 2: 20. That was why he boasted in the cross. Can we join him in this?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, may it be far from me to boast except in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jesus Christ — The Outstanding Saviour

Miriam Montgomery — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus Christ — The Outstanding Saviour

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 10th February 2022

Passage: Colossians 1:16

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I think that sometimes we have a much smaller picture of Jesus Christ than we should have. We are used to speaking of him in personal terms — my Saviour, my Lord, my friend. Of course that is good; to know Jesus in these ways is wonderful. But he is much more than that. We should have a picture of him as the Bible sees him in Colossians 1: 15 - 23.

That passage speaks of Jesus Christ being outstandingly great as the Creator of all that is. We usually speak of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and rightly so, but he has done all of this through Jesus Christ.

We also read that Jesus is the outstandingly great Head of the Church. This must make us realise that the Church does not take its direction from men's opinions but from the Lord Jesus alone.

And again Jesus Christ is described as the outstanding Saviour who takes sinners who were cut off from God and brings them into God's family as his redeemed children through his (Christ's) death on the cross. No wonder the angels in heaven sing the praises of the almighty Saviour Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Help us, O God, to praise, worship and adore the Lord Jesus Christ, the outstanding Creator, Lord and Saviour. Amen.

The Real Alternative Lifestyle

Miriam Montgomery — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Real Alternative Lifestyle

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 7th February 2022

Passage: Colossians 3:2

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Living an 'alternative life-style' is often a way of saying that someone is living in ways that the Bible condemns. But there is a Christian life-style that is really different from the ways that most people live, a life-style that puts God and his Word at the centre of all that we do. It's not easy to live this way because we can get 'sucked into' the ways and values of many folk around us.

What does a Christian life-style look like? It is a life-style that takes its values from heaven in the sense that its morals, its actions, its manner of speaking are all in line with what is taught in the Bible. It is a life-style that is active in telling people about Jesus, the one great Saviour of sinners. This is a vital part of loving our neighbours, something very important in God's eyes. And the Christian life-style puts more value on heaven than on the things of this life. A life lived like that will stand out as different from many people around us as we try to make sure the love and goodness of Jesus Christ shines through all we say and do.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, in a world where many people do not know much about you or your values, help me to show them just how wonderful and satisfying the Christian life truly is. Amen.

Listening To God

Miriam Montgomery — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Listening To God

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 4th February 2022

Passage: Psalm 25:4

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Wouldn't it be a strange kind of friendship if only one person did all the talking all the time? There needs to be a conversation — two people speaking together.

When we pray we are speaking to God. This is a really great privilege. We bring many requests to God in prayer, as well as praising him for the many blessings he gives to us, especially in salvation. We speak to God. But does he speak to us? If he does how can I hear him?

In Psalm 25:4 - 5 the psalm writer makes his requests: "Show me your ways; teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me". How would God answer?

God answers these requests, and all our requests, through the Bible. It is the main way God speaks to us all. There is the daily discipline of really getting to know the Bible because it is 'God-breathed' and useful for every aspect of our Christian living. The more we get to know our Bibles and apply what we need to our daily situation, the more we will find that God is speaking to us. He will guide, prompt us, and correct us as we come to know his ways, his paths, his truth better.

Prayer

O Lord do show me your ways, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me I pray. Amen

God’s Adopted Children

Miriam Montgomery — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

God’s Adopted Children

Reader: Miriam Montgomery

Date: 1st February 2022

Passage: Galatians 4:4

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Some time ago we had a family come to us for lunch. The parents had three children, the youngest of whom was 10 months old. He was asleep when they arrived, but when he woke up and was brought through to join the rest of us, the mother said, "Do you know that this little fellow is adopted?"

We didn't know that but he was obviously much loved and a part of that family. After a while the 8-year-old daughter took the little fellow on her knee. "I do like having a little brother", she said.

In a very real sense Jesus Christ rejoices in having younger brothers and sisters because that was one great reason why he came into the world. We read, "God sent forth his son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons." You see, if we are not Christians, we are not in God's family — we are slaves in another family, that of the devil. But God, through what Jesus has done, has redeemed us — bought us back out of slavery — and brought us into his own family, not as slaves but as truly adopted children with all the rights and privileges that go with that. Why did he do this? Because he loved us!

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into this world to redeem a sinner like me and to bring me to be adopted by my heavenly Father. Amen.