1 Chronicles 28:9 ‘My son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart.’
An Undivided Heart
by Jennifer Woodley~
These are the parting words David shared with his son Solomon, before leaving this earth. David was considered ‘a man after God’s own heart’ but well would he have remembered, as he spoke his final words to Solomon, his own divided heart when he sinned against God and Bathsheba.
What does it mean to have an undivided heart? It means, as we learnt through David’s experience, to keep parts of our life separate from God, rather than devoting all of ourselves and all the matters of our life to God. It means that we live our lives in compromise, whereby we take control of portions of our life, choosing to be the lord rather than offering fully those portions to our LORD. We look beyond God and to ourselves to satisfy our own hearts.
A divided heart robs us of the peace, fruitfulness and the true happiness that a life fully devoted to God brings. A divided heart leads to idolatry and in time, we will fail to reflect the goodness and glory of God.
We each have a choice. We can ignore our undivided hearts that keep our affections tottering between God and other things, or we can let go, repent and trust God and all of His promises. Jesus, our merciful Savior, is ready and willing in His great love for us, to forgive us of our undivided hearts when we approach Him in humble repentance.
We were made for greater things than the pleasures of this world, so let’s approach Him wholeheartedly with an undivided heart.
Acts 4:12 ‘And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’
No Other Name
by Jennifer Woodley~
There is strong pressure in our times to compromise on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ for salvation. The idea that there is only one way rather than many ways to Heaven is certainly not a popular one and one that invites heated debate. Today, many people outside the visible Church and sadly even some from within, oppose the notion that faith in Jesus is the only way to salvation. However, despite what others may think, there Bible is clear.
In Isaiah 43:11and Hosea 13:4 God says to the Israelites, “I am the LORD and besides me there is no Savior.” God stresses the powerlessness of idols, works or anything else that may become a substitute for Him alone bringing the hope of salvation. And let’s recall the words of Jesus himself when He said to His disciples in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is a strong affirmation that Christ alone is the way of salvation. To proclaim any other way is a blasphemy and a beguiling error that will mislead others.
The most loving act we can do for another is to tell them this truth. Let’s be armed with Scripture supporting this fact and be ready to confront the gross error that rages in our culture: that we are good people and salvation is for all who do good. Only Christ brings access to the Father and salvation is in faith in Him alone.
Ephesians 5:4 “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place,”
The Use and Abuse of Humour
by Jennifer Woodley
Few things are as useful in the Christian life as knowing when to laugh and when to mourn. There is a time for each and the wise Christian doesn’t confuse the two. Paul is careful to warn us that our characteristic mood should not be one of course jesting and foolish laughter but instead, one of gentle humour, and a sorrowful state towards sin.
Obviously an appreciation of the humorous is not an evil in itself. Proverbs 17:22 says that ‘a joyful heart is good medicine.’ When God made us, He built in the capacity to laugh at ourselves and the incongruity of life. But in submitting to God we learn to laugh appropriately. May we not be found laughing at sin or death or the tragedies of humankind. There is nothing funny about souls spending eternity without Christ, the loss of human life in wartime or the millions who perish without hearing the gospel.
It is best to laugh about the right things at the right time and to show godly sorrow at the right time over sin. Only when we learn to cry about our sin are we able to laugh over our freedom in Christ. May our deep cheerfulness of heart be found in the joy we have in knowing Jesus and let it be His standard that shapes both our laughter and our sorrow.
‘Father, Forgive me for when I have engaged in superficial laughter over the sin that surrounds me. You never take sin lightly, but command that our behaviour be holy in the face of it. Help me to honour you by laughing at the right time for the right reasons only.’
1 Corinthians 9:25 “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. So I do not run aimlessly. But I discipline my body and keep it under control.” (ESV)
Controlling our Appetite
by Jennifer Woodley~
Our body is the instrument through which appetites and lusts, if left unchecked, will war against our soul. Paul explains the need to keep our natural appetites and desires under control. If not, our body will not be our slave, but our master. Every time we give in and allow our body to be tempted by what does it no good, we make it harder to say no the next time!
However, whenever we say no and control our appetite, it becomes easier to do that the next time. Ingrained sinful habits, that are not easily dislodged, need to be met with dogged persistence. There is no point in praying for the victory over sinful habits if we are not doing our part to help overcome them!
Susannah Wesley said, “Whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind – that thing is sin for you.” Whatever increases our bodily desire and reduces our will to control it, that, no matter how innocent it appears, is sin for us. What is sin for one may not be for another. Let’s not be flippant about the sins that so easily ensnare us, but with courage and resolve, with the power of the Spirit, say no and flee from them. For if we cannot say no to our indulgent appetites, we will find it difficult to say no to other areas of sin.
‘Holy Spirit, please give me the courage and determination to say no to what does not please you. Amen.’
‘What causes fights and quarrels among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?’ James 4:1 (ESV)
Fights and Quarrels
by Jennifer Woodley~
Every sin is an inside job. Internal pride and selfish ambition rises within our heart demanding its own way and all that is opposed to God. A person with an unhealthy heart, spiritually speaking, is never at peace with God, themselves or their fellow man. If we battle within ourselves, we will battle with those outside of ourselves. Though we may lay the blame on circumstances, the issue is a heart one. Jeremiah spoke well when he said, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.’ (Jeremiah 17:9). When the desires of our heart are wrong, then that which flows from the heart will be equally wrong.
As a believer sin no longer reigns in our heart, but its presence still remains. The same grace that reconciles us to God and enables us to overcome, antagonises the evil one, so that we find ourselves in a war with our archenemy. However, the enabling of the Spirit and the instruction of the Word equips us to be free from the clutches of Satan and our flesh. Let’s remember that the Spirit that dwells within our heart is greater than the evil spirit in the world. As we resist the Devil, abide in Christ through humble prayer and seek the ways of the Lord through study and meditation upon His Word, we will grow in strength to overcome the evil desires in our heart that bring about fights and quarrels.
‘Father, help me to stand strong against the enemy. Create in me a deeper love for you and your Word. Amen.’
James 4:4 “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” (ESV)
Spiritual Adultery
by *Jennifer Woodley~
Spiritual adultery is disloyalty to Christ. When He stirs our heart and we, by His grace, give our lives to Him, that is exactly what we ought to do: give our entire selves to Him. Anything less is adultery. For we can not have our way by having both. We must either love the world or love God. When we confess that we set Him apart as LORD, then everything needs to belong to Him.
This is a hard teaching. As followers of Christ, we have no freedom to believe anything apart from what our Lord has given us to believe in the Scriptures. We have no part to determine where we belong apart from where God says we belong. And we have no choice to behave in any way other than how Jesus shows us to behave in His teachings. It doesn’t matter what our opinion or preference is on a subject, as long as it is the thoughts and decision of God. Of course this doesn’t stand for what we might eat for dinner or what colour car we drive, but for the weightier matters that we know to be good and right and true.
We are now His friends and as our friend and LORD He knows what is best. As a believer, we cannot know the Scriptures, turn our back on them by disobeying them and remain a friend of God. That behaviour makes us guilty of spiritual adultery and an enemy of God. God pursues us because in His love, He is jealous for us to be His. And only His.
*Jennifer was an Australian Christian freelance writer who enjoyed encouraging others on their journey with Christ, and had a light that shined so brightly in the LORD.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
An Onward and Upward Calling
by Jennifer Woodley
For some an acknowledgement of faith in Jesus Christ is the beginning and the end of their salvation. But the cry of Paul to the Philippians is that salvation, though an initial act of faith in Jesus and repentance of sins, does not stop here. Salvation is both a one time act and an ongoing act.
A shallow Christianity tends to make the initial faith act terminal and thus nullifies the desire for spiritual growth.
The true nature of the Christian life is not static, but dynamic and expanding. The Christian faith is a living organism, that requires, just like a baby, nourishment and exercise to ensure healthy development. Our relationship with Jesus is to be a flourishing, exciting one and no one time initial act between God and people made in His image, can ever achieve the intimate friendship that our Saviour desires with us.
No, the Christian journey is a call to the long hard work of growing together with Jesus, and like Paul, we must be ready to reach forward and press toward the high calling of knowing God through Jesus Christ. It is a long, slow movement in the one direction, not a invitation to a answer a call and then rest in complacency until Jesus returns. Too many of us have an undue occupation with the initial act of believing and that is where it ends.
Standing Strong Before Our Enemies
by Jennifer Woodley~
“And when the birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.” Genesis 15:11 (NRSV)
There will always be those who try to take away the best of what you offer in obedience to the Lord. God had given Abram an instruction to gather together as a sacrifice a heifer, a goat, a turtledove and a pigeon. Abram gave his best to God, but the birds of prey descended to devour his offering. However, Abram, not deterred, drove them away.
There will be times when we obediently follow the voice of the Spirit, but others will descend like the birds of prey, attempting to upset our plans. They may mock or question our efforts, or they may attempt to distract us with their suggestions or opinions. Self-doubt may rise up accusing us that we have not really heard from God at all.
Like Abram, stay on task. Be obedient to God alone. Trust His voice, trust His promise and trust His directive. Let’s stand firm in our faith, alert to the voices that attempt to discourage and distract us. May the God who gave Abram the faith to believe His promises and the strength to carry out His instructions, empower us also. God had promised an inheritance to Abram; a son, and through him offspring as numerous as the stars (Gen 15:4-6). Abram believed God and worshipped Him with his sacrifice. Like Abram, let’s believe the promises that God has made to us through His Word and continue in our sacrifice of service as a means of worship to Him.
‘Heavenly Father, keep me strong before my enemies, trusting in your great promises to me. Amen.’
An Honest Answer
by Jennifer Woodley~
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Proverbs 24:26 (ESV)
Being honest with others can be difficult. There are times when we need to correct or challenge a friend or family member, concerned over a choice they have made. Isn’t it better to keep quiet and not risk being rebuked ourselves? Isn’t it better to just keep the peace? Or is it?
Hidden love, though genuine, lacks the moral strength to risk giving a rebuke. And the moral strength to risk being rebuked. It is far better to courageously show our love and offer a friendly word of advice for the good of another than to hide the love we have for them and in weakness, say nothing. Our love for our friend must be greater than the fear we have of being rebuffed.
Faithful friends can be relied upon to bring a ‘loving wound’, and are more necessary that all the kind platitudes we can offer. Profuse are the ‘kisses of an enemy’, and they will do nothing to bring guidance and correction to those we love.
Judas, Jesus’ enemy, comes to my mind. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss. He gave the impression of being his friend, but underneath there was another agenda. He did not have the courage to say what was on his heart, but rather gave Jesus the token of a false kiss.
Jesus risked his life, gave his life, for the sake of being upfront and completely honest with others. His love was sincere and pure. Let’s meditate upon how He was prepared to sacrifice His own comfort and security for the salvation of others. May we have the courage to do the same.
The Elusiveness of Riches
by Jennifer Woodley
“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23: 4-5 (ESV)
I know of a husband and wife who toil endlessly to ‘get ahead’ and have the best that money can buy. Their little boy goes to daycare so that they can go to work. It is a common situation throughout the western world. In fact it is that standard for most young families nowadays.
But there is a price to pay for this. Sickness is prevalent in that family and quality time together is minimal. No matter how hard they toil, there is little contentment and joy. Proverbs warns to cease toiling endlessly for a commodity that never truly satisfies. It is not worth ruining one’s health or becoming disconnected from our family for the sake of striving for money that never lasts very long. We would be wiser to put tight boundaries in place when it comes to making money and wanting more.
What do we really need? Today we have and expect so much that wants are confused with needs. We don’t need everything we want. It takes discernment and hard choices to live within our means, denying ourselves what is really a want.
Instead, we must trust not in our own ability to make money, but in the living God ‘who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.’ (1 Timothy 6:17) When we depend upon Him alone and we know that all our needs are met in God, we can cease striving for more at the expense of our family.
Persistent Prayerful Women
How many God-fearing men and women do we know of that can attribute their faith to the vigilant prayers of their mother and grandmother? As far as we can ascertain, Timothy did not have a believing father or grandfather, yet the prayers of valiant godly women in his life were enough to bring him to salvation. It only takes one faithful praying Christian for God to respond to their genuine prayers.
Who are the praying faith-filled woman that have been instrumental in encouraging us in our faith? If still with us, then take the time to thank them. And just as importantly, who are we being a strong godly influence upon? We are all modelling Christ to someone and being a role model of how to live the Christian life in a way that honours our Lord Jesus. Consider the legacy we are handing down to the generations ahead of us. Will it bear fruit for His kingdom? Every word we speak and behaviour that we model can bring others closer to our Lord and be helpful in them coming to know Christ as their Saviour and Lord.
Let’s never underestimate the significance of our faith-filled prayers and words to those we love. It was enough for two older women to pray and trust God for the salvation of their grandson and son. Be encouraged, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
The Path of the Righteous
“But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.” Proverbs 4:18 (ESV)
I have never lost the excitement of rising early before the sun peaks over the horizon and watching the silent world grow lighter and lighter, brighter and brighter. There is something very special about this time of the morning, knowing God in all His glory is creating the miracle of a new day dawning.
The ever increasing light is characteristic of righteousness and the path that His children follow. Our path, as we obediently follow our Savior, will continue to grow brighter and clearer. Jesus promised us in John 8:12 that He is the light of the world. Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Just as the pillar of fire led the Israelites through the night, so too will Jesus lead us out of darkness and be our constant guiding light, making our path bright.
At one time, we were children of darkness, but now we are light in the Lord. The Lord lives within us and He is our light. Let’s walk as children of light, asking Him to help us discern whatever is good and right and true. (For the fruit of light is found in these attributes). Abstain from the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead, expose them by God’s light that shines from us. Let’s look carefully as to how we live, wisely, making the most of every opportunity that we are given. For this is pleasing to our Lord. May our path continue to shine brighter and give greater glory to our God.
Father, thank you that your ways lead me along the path of righteousness and that you give light to show me what is pleasing to You. Please help me to stay faithful and keep my eyes and heart set on seeking you. Amen.
A Heart for Hospitality
by Jennifer Woodley
Both the demands of a busy lifestyle and the tendency to put self before others has robbed believers of the pleasure and blessing of hospitality. Showing love and kindness by being hospitable has created a Christian culture that desires to look after self and neglect the needs of others. And yet being hospitable is a command given in Scripture. “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16). To show hospitality is a fundamental responsibility of God’s people, emulating the love and kindness of Jesus our Lord.
Hospitality pleases God. Selfish living does not. We are to not neglect showing the sacrifice of loving deeds towards others; both believers and unbelievers. Hospitality comes in all different shapes and forms, depending upon our individual circumstances. What works for one, may not work for another, but the bottom line is, no matter our situation, we are commanded to show hospitality. This is a “fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable to God.” (Philippians 4:18).
Are we in need of a hospitable person who can befriend and support us right now? Perhaps a good place to start is by reaching out in love and offering hospitality to another. Remember Abraham who showed kindness to three men in Genesis 18 and found he was sitting with God himself. Angels who brought him very good news indeed.
‘Heavenly Father, please give me a heart for hospitality and show me how I can love by meeting the needs of others through this gift of service. Amen.’
A Craving for More
‘Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!”’ Numbers 11:4 (ESV)
The rabble were non-Israelites who had left Egypt with Moses and the Israelite nation. With a strong craving for the meat of former days, they stirred up the Israelites with the same longing and together they complained to Moses for more than manna.
So God sent quail, but also a plague to punish those who cried out for more and showed a lack of discontentment and disregard for what God had already given them. The cry of human nature is ‘give me more’ (Proverbs 27:20). Enough is never enough. God, however, wants us to be both thankful and satisfied with what we have been given by His gracious hand. “Be joyful always and give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). And yet, like the Israelites, we grumble, complain and whine to God for what we don’t have.
God, in His anger, punished the grumblers with a plague even as they were about to consume the meat they desperately cried out for. The wrath of God is real, and this passage is a warning to those of us who complain. Let’s quit our cravings and humbly accept just what we have. “A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” (Proverbs 28:25).
‘Father, thank you for reminding me that your gifts are good and enough. Forgive me for craving more and keep me content and thankful in all circumstances. Amen.‘
“Aaron and his sons did all the things that the Lord commanded through Moses.” Leviticus 8:36 (NRSV)
Aaron and his sons had a full time vocation of service to God. Their entire life day after day was dedicated to worshipping God by bringing sacrifices to atone for the Israelites’ sins. This was an ordered, structured life of service. There was no time or even any inclination to be diverted by the ungodly distractions of the pagan cultures around them. Scripture says in Leviticus that they did everything that they were told by God through the voice of Moses.
A committed life. Can we as Christ’s followers describe our life this way? Spiritual growth requires a life that is set apart and wholly dedicated to God. Part time service won’t do. Being a Sunday Christian is not enough. God requires all of us, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Jesus is Lord of us all, or not Lord at all.
We are prone to compromise our life with Christ and wander from His ways. What we need is an undivided heart. David cried out to God in Psalm 86, “Give me an undivided heart to revere your name.” If we are offering God just parts of our life, it’s time to stop fooling ourselves and get serious about revering God. Let’s surrender our whole committed selves to Him, for we cannot find favour with God any other way.
‘Father, forgive me for not surrendering myself fully to you. Show me what I am holding back from you and give me an undivided heart that is eager to serve you fully and faithfully. Amen.’
New Creations
“You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self,” Ephesians 4:22-24 (NRSV)
Spiritual formation requires intention. In agreement with the work done by the Spirit, we do our part as the Spirit does His. We are new creations in Christ and our daily decisions ought to reflect this.
To be formed into Christ, we must determine to imitate Him. Believers seek to put away, or leave behind our former selfish and sinful lifestyle (Ephesians 4:22). We say no to ungodly practices and behaviours that corrupt our lives, and draw us away from an intimate relationship with Jesus. We desire to live as children of light doing all that is good and right and true (Ephesians 5:9).
To be formed into the image of Christ ,we are to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, (Ephesians 4:23) choosing to think upon whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, pleasing commendable and excellent (Philippians 4:8). We have nothing to do with foolish arguments, gossip and anger, but with humility, gentleness and gratitude, think with the mind of Christ.
Finally, to be formed into the image of Christ, we are to clothe ourselves with the new self, (Ephesians 4:24), being dressed not with anger, judgement, malice or slander, but instead with garments of kindness, compassion, joy, thankfulness, patience and love.
In Christ, we are a new creation – recreated to be like the image of the One who created us! Put away…Be renewed…Put on… This is the work we do in unison with the Holy Spirit.
Digging a Deep Foundation
“I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock;” Luke 6:47-48 (NRSV)
The wise person digs deep to lay a foundation for his life on solid rock. But what does the life of the man or woman who intends to have Jesus and His teachings for the very foundation of their life, look like?
People who intend to emulate Jesus and His ways are in no hurry. They are not looking for a quick and easy gospel or for a superficial relationship with Christ. They know that to invest slowly and patiently, faithfully and constantly in building friendship with Jesus is both crucial and rewarding. They give maximum effort to their relationship with Jesus.
These people are not shallow. They are prepared to examine themselves under the guidance of the Spirit to recognise and confess their sin. And they are prepared to count the cost of following Christ. What does the Lord require of them? Obeying Jesus may cost their family, vocation, friends and perhaps their very lives But in order to dig a deep foundation, they are willing to submit all to Him.
And when the storm comes? When life deals out a share of troubles and woes, where will they be? They will not be shaken because they’ve built well. They have dug deep and grounded their very lives upon a bedrock that cannot be moved.
Upon what foundation are we digging our lives and will we be found standing firm when the storms of life fall upon us?
Power in Persecution
by Jennifer Woodley~
Is the phrase ‘The Persecuted Church’ familiar? We know this to be the believers who live in the most dangerous parts of the world to follow Christ. They suffer daily in ways we, in the western world, can hardly begin to imagine.
Yet, these Christians have come to recognise intense suffering and persecution as a gift. They know that God uses persecution to strengthen and grow His people. Jesus said that in the same way He was persecuted, we will be too, because servants are no greater than their master (John 15:20). Persecution comes as no surprise to God’s people.
Ironically, persecution does not hinder the growth of the Kingdom, much to the chagrin of the enemy. Persecution scatters Christians and spreads the good news. It advances the gospel (Philippians 1:12) and more people get to know Jesus as the Church endures persecution. All throughout history, the blood of the persecuted has irrigated the Church, causing it to flourish.
We may not identify with the extreme violence and suffering that many of our brothers and sisters do, but that does not make invalid what persecution we do experience for Christ. Let’s stand firm, united together, rather than running away in fear. Together, side by side we can depend upon the Spirit of God to give us power and strength to endure. Persecution actually brings the power to endure, making us stronger in our faith, and that is a gift worth seeking.
‘Father, please make your people strong to endure suffering and persecution in your name. Amen.’
Running From God
“But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah 1:3 (NRSV)
Jonah had one desperate thought: to get as far away from God as possible. God told him to go east to the great city of Ninevah, but Jonah headed westwards on a boat to Tarshish instead.
However, as the psalmist David declared, where can we really go to escape God’s presence? The answer is nowhere. It’s insane to think we can escape from the One who made the world. Everything is His and He is in everything.
We may, like Jonah, try anything to avoid God’s directive. But eventually we will realise the futility of running from God. In our disobedience we not only harm ourselves, but often others suffer too. We can probably name who they are, and feel the shame of our mistake. Thank God in His mercy, our mistakes are forgiven and forgotten.
Perhaps we feel like Jonah. We’ve been given a big task but are running in the opposite direction. Stop. It’s no use. God will catch up with us in the end. Let’s seek Him for the courage and commitment to turn around, head in the right direction and faithfully follow His words to us. In those times of unwillingness to obey the voice of God, we can be encouraged by Psalm 16:11.
“You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
‘Heavenly Father, forgive me when I deliberately run from your voice. Help me to obey and surrender to your directions, knowing that you will help me to do whatever you ask of me.
Why Study the Bible?
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by Him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NRSV)
The Bible is to a Christian as air is to the lungs. Without the word of God living and giving nourishment to our souls we will surely die. So why should we read and study the Bible? Will it really make a difference and how often do we need to do it? Well does food make a difference to our development and how often do we need to eat? The answers are obvious.
We study the Bible to grow up in our knowledge of God and His plan for us so that we mature into productive and God-honouring people. We study the Bible to defeat sin and temptation. The sword of the Spirit, or the Word of God, is our weapon to defeat our enemy who seeks to deceive us. The Scriptures make us strong and wise so that we are fully equipped to teach, correct, comfort and encourage others. And studying Scripture brings God’s blessing. Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the man whose delight is in the law of the Lord.”
Bible study is crucial, yet so many neglect to give this book more than a cursory glance. Instead, like the Bereans, we must study the Scriptures daily to test all that we hear (Acts 17:11). If we are lagging in diligence to study the Scriptures, it’s time to change our ways, ask for forgiveness, and earnestly seek the guidance of the Spirit so that we might become one who can wisely discern and understand God’s Word.
No Other Name
by Jennifer Woodley
Acts 4:12 ‘And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’
There is strong pressure in our times to compromise on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ for salvation. The idea that there is only one way rather than many ways to Heaven is certainly not a popular one and one that invites heated debate. Today, many people outside the visible Church and sadly even some from within, oppose the notion that faith in Jesus is the only way to salvation. However, despite what others may think, there Bible is clear.
In Isaiah 43:11and Hosea 13:4 God says to the Israelites, “I am the LORD and besides me there is no Savior.” God stresses the powerlessness of idols, works or anything else that may become a substitute for Him alone bringing the hope of salvation. And let’s recall the words of Jesus himself when He said to His disciples in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is a strong affirmation that Christ alone is the way of salvation. To proclaim any other way is a blasphemy and a beguiling error that will mislead others.
The most loving act we can do for another is to tell them this truth. Let’s be armed with Scripture supporting this fact and be ready to confront the gross error that rages in our culture: that we are good people and salvation is for all who do good. Only Christ brings access to the Father and salvation is in faith in Him alone.
Standing Strong Before Our Enemies
“And when the birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.” Genesis 15:11 (NRSV)
There will always be those who try to take away the best of what you offer in obedience to the Lord. God had given Abram an instruction to gather together as a sacrifice a heifer, a goat, a turtledove and a pigeon. Abram gave his best to God, but the birds of prey descended to devour his offering. However, Abram, not deterred, drove them away.
There will be times when we obediently follow the voice of the Spirit, but others will descend like the birds of prey, attempting to upset our plans. They may mock or question our efforts, or they may attempt to distract us with their suggestions or opinions. Self-doubt may rise up accusing us that we have not really heard from God at all.
Like Abram, stay on task. Be obedient to God alone. Trust His voice, trust His promise and trust His directive. Let’s stand firm in our faith, alert to the voices that attempt to discourage and distract us. May the God who gave Abram the faith to believe His promises and the strength to carry out His instructions, empower us also. God had promised an inheritance to Abram; a son, and through him offspring as numerous as the stars (Gen 15:4-6). Abram believed God and worshipped Him with his sacrifice. Like Abram, let’s believe the promises that God has made to us through His Word and continue in our sacrifice of service as a means of worship to Him.
‘Heavenly Father, keep me strong before my enemies, trusting in your great promises to me. Amen.’
The Second Half
By Jennifer Woodley
So you’re setting out on a road trip? Great! But first, it’s time to do some planning. While enjoying a consoling cup of coffee, you open the map and anticipate the places you’ll go and the things you’ll see. With excitement mounting, the map is unfolded, but to your dismay, the page is blank. There are no signposts to guide you, no points of reference, no tourist highlights, no landmarks, no distances – nothing. Just an empty, white sheet.
Metaphorically speaking, that is where I find myself just now in the second half of life. Our family home has been sold, our sons have moved away, we have relocated to an unfamiliar area in a new home, and as the boxes and bags are unpacked, I am painfully aware of the wide open, blank spaces before me. Now I have stopped and settled, I wonder what shape my new journey will take. There is no map to guide me. No signposts instructing me which way to turn, which landmark to see, and how long it will take to get there. Where are the points of reference I need to give shape and purpose to the weeks ahead? I’m feeling lost and it’s only Monday morning.When life looks uncertain and there is no map to guide us, we can flounder around in confusion, or determine to put some signposts in place that give us a framework for each day, places to aim for and points of enjoyment along the way. The last thing we want to do is wander around in idle aimlessness, retracing our steps or worse still, going nowhere at all. We need a map in this new season of life so we can discover where we are.
Of course, there’s a temptation to make things happen in order to fill this open space, but at the same time we want to let things happen by waiting upon God. We don’t want to force anything. There’s a balance that needs to be negotiated wisely. We don’t want to step out in any direction just for the sake of doing something. We sincerely want what God desires.
I need community. God made us for each other. That doesn’t mean the community of birds and nocturnal visitors in my backyard that are feasting liberally on the food I offer them. I need people contact. That’s the way I’m wired; to connect deeply and share myself with others. If not, I’ll shrivel up like a wrinkled prune. So I join a local bible study group and venture into my first ever CWA meeting. Like-minded people excite me. These little landmarks anchor my week, pointing which way to go.
I need work. God has given me passions and abilities; work gives me a place to direct these. As a writer, lover of books and all things literary, I could sit in my comfortable study, do another course, write another devotion or indulge in yet another best seller. However, work that feeds my mind and allows me to serve in community brings me the greatest life. Work provides a regular rhythm and another anchor point giving direction and purpose to the week. So I hand out a resume at local businesses, and see what will unfold. I’m not fussy, I don’t have to prove myself or flaunt my talents. I’m secure enough in God’s love for me to know that He will work whatever is for my best.
I need space. To be me. To be creative. To walk. To potter in the garden. To enjoy the Father’s presence and His love letters. Turning the pages again, I worship, wonder and wait. Here are a few more places to visit and enjoy along the way of this new journey. They feel right. They fit well. They provide direction for this second half of life.
As I travel along, the blank sheet of paper is taking shape and form. Roads and destinations, places and points of interest are slowly becoming clearer. As I trust the Creator of my personalized life map, the desires and plans He has drawn for me are materializing. This map I’m following in the second half of life won’t be cluttered or frantic, there’s just enough time and space between places to enjoy the journey. I’m going to live unhurried, with peace and purpose. I can relax, all is well. The Master Designer is doing His great work through me.
Light in a Dark Place
By Jennifer Woodley
Crushed with confusion, Tim pondered why Ella had gone. But hadn’t he turned this monologue over in his mind before? How many times? he wondered. The same answer always came back, too many times. There was no reason in her leaving. Trying to understand why only heaped hurt upon hurt on Tim’s already weary soul. He and Ella had been so good together.
Relief from the despair and disappointment began to creep its way into Tim’s life. Never one to mix with crowds, he chose to isolate himself from his few friends, preferring to drown his sorrows and the nagging feeling that he was to blame, alone, with wine and worry. But drunkenness and fits of restless sleep only brought temporary relief. For a brief time, inebriation shut out his pain, his few friends and the new found faith that had brought such joy and light into his soul. Waking from another night of listless tossing and the swirling stench of cheap wine still clouding his thoughts, Tim admitted that his despair had led him to turn his back on everything that he truly needed and instead choose the one dark thing that he was best without.
To escape the misery and monotony, a mining job in far western Queensland caught his attention and for company, Tim adopted a stray dog that he picked up on his way out west. Ricky was a ray of sunshine bringing a flood of light to his dark, lonely soul. Right now Ricky was the one good thing that Tim could trust and make him smile. Tim knew that in his funny dog way, Ricky loved him too. Tim’s heart ached for Ricky. He didn’t want to lose again.
The mud thickened into long squiggly cracks on his soles. There was a strange satisfaction in peeling it off in chunks. As the moon rose silently, Tim could see the pale skin shining underneath. He wondered, had God, like Ella, left him in the dark? Back then, when everything went wrong, it certainly seemed that way.
A sudden rustle from the nearby salt bush made Tim jump. Then a cold, wet tongue landed enthusiastically on his cheek. Ricky had returned, bounding with energy and covered in mud from the tip of his ears to the soles of his feet. Tim let out a whoop of laughter and light filled his soul.
“Perhaps, Tim muttered out loud, “God is watching over me all the time. But like the clean, smooth soles of my feet hiding under the mud, God’s just hard to find. All I could see at the time was mess. I’ve heard it said that God never leaves us. It’s just hard to find him when you’re covered with mud.”
Trusting God in Small Spaces
By Jennifer Woodley
Caravaning around Australia, in a small space, with three energetic boys and an adventurous husband, was not my idea of fun. Up until the moment my husband suggested it, I was quite comfortable. Happy in vocation and happy in home, I did not need to sell up and go exploring new territory.
Admittedly, all was not well in our domestic life. Neither of us were truly content in our hearts. I worked two jobs, while Daniel ran our avocado farm. The boys were either at kindergarten, school, in after-hours care, or spending too much time in front of a screen. We lived disconnected lives in overdrive.
“It’s time to sell the lot and travel until we can figure out how to be a family again. Things are falling apart the way they are.” Dan announced, one evening after arriving home and forgetting to collect our youngest son from kindergarten.
In horror, I retorted, “No way! Are you mad?”
But even in that moment, as the words tumbled out of my mouth, I heard a quite reassuring voice inside say, “Trust me in this.”
God worked quickly. I hardly had time to adjust to the idea of leaving when an agent had plastered a ‘sold’ sign out the front. It’s bold letters mocked me, screaming loudly that I would never last, and this was a terrible mistake guaranteed to erode the fabric of our family even further. Yet, Daniel was insistent. “This is going to be the best thing for us, darling.” he would murmur as I cried myself to sleep.
And then I’d settle, breathe easier and hear my Father gently say, “Trust me in this. This will work out for good.”
Almost everything we owned was sold or lent to friends. “Traveling light is the only way.” Dan would say over and over again. Freely he parted with more and more possessions we had gathered together and clung to for years and years of marriage. Admittedly, there was a freedom I found in living with less, but in my initial melancholy mood, I did not come awake to this discovery until months on the road.
A shiny, blue, off-road caravan was purchased and in what seemed like an instant, we had left. The boys were intoxicated with anticipation and excitement. Fueled by their father’s relentless enthusiasm, he bragged of the enormous fish they would catch, the wonders of schooling on the road and the interesting people they would meet. “And oh the places we will go!” he laughed and they giggled in unison with him. It was all very surreal. I did not share their enthusiasm, dreading the prospect of living in a cramped space with noisy, smelly boys. I coveted quietness and stillness with my Lord; large chunks of it. How would that ever happen in a space not much bigger than my kitchen? And homeschooling? What did I know of that? Would it work for us? But even then, I heard my Father quietly whisper, “Trust me in this, too.” And so, I began to surrender. This was the hardest place to get to, but the best place to be.
Over the next two years of traveling, I learnt to silence the enemy’s voice of doubt and anxiety. The voice that was determined to rob us of the joy, peace, unity and all the goodness that God intended for our family. In His wisdom, He had given us the gift of traveling. A gift that wove our hearts and lives together. We learnt through the tension of living in close proximity, to be patient and show grace to one another. We learnt to put aside the urgent and relish what was really important – relationships. Our family is stronger now, for the experiences we shared together over twenty years ago.
But what if I had not trusted God back then? What if I had said a defiant “no” to Daniel and chose to let my own fears and misguided understanding rule my heart? Why do we cringe from the invitation to trust God? Trusting always births change; brings renewal; and unfolds the opportunity for an unimaginable adventure with Him.
Note: Jennifer won 1st place for this article in Faithwriters.
The Elusiveness of Riches
11/18/23
“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.” Proverbs 23: 4-5 (ESV)
I know of a husband and wife who toil endlessly to ‘get ahead’ and have the best that money can buy. Their little boy goes to daycare so that they can go to work. It is a common situation throughout the western world. In fact it is that standard for most young families nowadays.
But there is a price to pay for this. Sickness is prevalent in that family and quality time together is minimal. No matter how hard they toil, there is little contentment and joy. Proverbs warns to cease toiling endlessly for a commodity that never truly satisfies. It is not worth ruining one’s health or becoming disconnected from our family for the sake of striving for money that never lasts very long. We would be wiser to put tight boundaries in place when it comes to making money and wanting more.
What do we really need? Today we have and expect so much that wants are confused with needs. We don’t need everything we want. It takes discernment and hard choices to live within our means, denying ourselves what is really a want.
Instead, we must trust not in our own ability to make money, but in the living God ‘who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.’ (1 Timothy 6:17) When we depend upon Him alone and we know that all our needs are met in God, we can cease striving for more at the expense of our family.
Amen
“Treasured Words from Jennifer Woodley”
Her devotionals were more than reflections—they were windows into a heart anchored in faith. Though Jennifer has journeyed home to heaven, her words remain with us, offering comfort, wisdom, and spiritual light. May these reposts honor her legacy and continue to bless all who read them. Jennifer was an Australian freelance writer, loving Chaplain, devoted wife, mother and grandmother- who enjoyed encouraging others on their journey with Christ. –
I was blessed to be her friend and am honored to be able to repost her writings so they can live on. Jennifer, dear one – your light continues to shine down here…
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