by Pastor Peter Bean
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
The Lord is your protection; you have made God Most High your place of safety (Psalm 91:9).
Read Psalm 91:9–16
Many people say this is one of their favourite psalms. I can understand why. It is full of promises. If you read the whole psalm, you will see how verses 9 to 16 more or less parallel verses 1 to 8.
It is a psalm of confidence, hope, protection and abundant life. It is a psalm that was obviously spoken or written when the writer was in a good place, life was going well, the psalmist had recovered from a distressing time and the psalmist could look forward to an ongoing, abundant life. Which is terrific. And it would be a wonderful place to be in.
But we are not always in that place. In this world, life has a habit of hitting us in the face and slowing us down. When a relationship goes sour, a business fails, a friend dies suddenly, or illness strikes, life does not seem so good. Abundance can seem to have disappeared. We need to honour those times. They will not be enjoyable. They will take time to get through. They may leave us anxious or distressed. They may leave us frail and in ill health. Where is the protection, then? Where is the place of safety?
Perhaps that is the time to turn to this psalm again. (And perhaps not. Don’t flog yourself trying to feel good. Read the psalm when you are ready!) In her paraphrase, Nan Merrill renders verse 9: ‘I will surrender myself to you, abandoning myself into your hands without reserve.’ Can you do that? Can you turn to the Lord, surrendering life with all its ups and downs to him? Can you put your trust in him?
The reality is that God is your protection – even in the down times, as well as in the good times. Make God Most High your place of safety. And look forward to an abundant life.
God of comfort, protection and safety, please remind me of your presence in my life. Be with me in times of trouble. Be with me in times of abundance. Help us all to live in harmony. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
by Pastor Peter Bean
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
I am only a stranger and foreigner here. Sell me some of your land (Genesis 23:4a).
Read Genesis 23:1–20
If you have been reading the story of Abraham carefully this week, you’ll have noticed that among all the horrible bits is a story of hospitality. In fact, hospitality and inhospitality are woven throughout this narrative. The Greek word for hospitality literally means ‘love of strangers'. So, Abraham welcomes the three strangers in Genesis 18, feeds them and gives them a drink. This is taken up in Hebrews 13, where we are told: ‘Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it.’ Think back through this week’s readings. Where are examples of hospitality and inhospitality?
So, we come to Genesis 23. Sarah dies. Abraham seeks to bury her. He goes to the Hittites, the adversaries of the Israelites and their (our) God. And as you read the chapter, you will see hospitality played out, back and forth, until there is an agreement all are happy with.
No bickering over whose land this is, no slandering of each other, no questioning each other’s motives. Rather, acceptance of who they are and their place in the world. Peace in their time!
Can we follow their example? Can we accept God’s statement to us through Paul in Ephesians 2:19? ‘So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household.’ And then apply it to our lives?
God accepts all. You, me, your neighbours, the first inhabitants of Australia, those who come from different lands. In our world of social disharmony that we seem to live in, we do well to remember God’s words: ‘You belong to God’s household.’ Then, living in grace and forgiveness, extend that hospitality to all we encounter, all humanity, remembering each person is made in God’s image and is also extended grace.
God of hospitality, who loves humanity in all its various expressions, let me live in your love. Help me to reflect that grace and forgiveness to everyone I meet. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
by Pastor Peter Bean
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Sarah said: God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me (Genesis 21:6).
Read Genesis 21:1–7; 22:1–18
No wonder Sarah was laughing. Ninety years old! A newborn son! She had laughed at God when he said she would have a son. But God kept to his promise. And, at a ripe old age, she had borne new life. A blessing from God. A peal of laughter in her life. So, now, she could laugh with God.
And everyone who heard about it could laugh with her. Perhaps, at first, in disbelief. But then, with joy and marvelling at this miracle. Recognising that God keeps his promises and can do all things!
Have you ever laughed at God? Have you ever perhaps said – or at least thought: ‘Come on, God, you’ve got to be joking. This ain’t gonna happen.’ And yet it does, leaving humans shaking their heads in disbelief. Stories abound in the Bible and throughout history of those who questioned – even challenged – God and then had their lives turned around through the miraculous workings of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps you have a story like that in your life. If so, why not share it and get people laughing with you? Maybe you are in a situation in your life now where the last thing you want to do is laugh. Those times can be hard – distressing and even soul-destroying. If so, find someone you trust to confide in and share with. After all, a burden shared is often a burden lightened.
Or, if you have to, tell God what you think. Laugh at God! God won’t strike you down. But he will keep the promise made to all of us: to be with you. He will be present in your distress, hear your complaints, and accept your disbelief and your laughter (that’s what the psalms teach us to do). And, in time, God will move you to a place where you can laugh with him and invite others to laugh with you.
My favourite verse in the Bible is Ephesians 3:19: God can do far more than you can imagine! It worked for Sarah. It works for me. It can work for you. Allow God’s imagination to run riot in your life. And allow God to make you laugh.
God of laughter, God who knows distress, be with us in our glad times and our sad times. Please help us to trust in you and to look forward to times of shared laughter. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
by Pastor Peter Bean
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
So the Lord was merciful to Lot and his family (Genesis 19:16b).
Read Genesis 19:1–17,24–29
What to make of these verses? Not the most wonderful reading in the Bible. It started off well with hospitality shown by Lot. But it quickly degenerated into all sorts of terrible things: sexual immorality, betrayal of family, disbelief, tardiness, warnings ignored, ingratitude. And, as we read on, there is more.
What do we do with all of this? Of course, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and become judgemental of actions and inactions, groups and individuals. And don’t we do that? Sorry, I’ll let you answer that for yourself. For myself, yes, I do jump to conclusions. I do make judgements. I do look down on people. Lord, have mercy.
And the Lord does. Even when we think we have more time to prepare. Even when we joke about what God might do. Even when we are inhospitable. Even when we condemn!
I guess, here, in these verses, we have a good description of human nature. Thoughts and actions are described that can lead us away from God. Even when God is present – in our face, if you like – even when God is clear, and we can hear the voice of the Spirit guiding us. (Did you know that, in the Hebrew Scriptures, to hear is the same as to obey?)
But we also have a good description of God’s nature: to be merciful, to restore those who lack trust or think they can make it on their own. Can each of us examine our lives? Look for those times when you didn’t trust God’s promises and thought you could make it alone. Look for those times when God’s mercy re-appeared: in a word of forgiveness, in a restoration of relationships, in a comforting hug, in the quiet breath of the Spirit breathing new life into you.
And give thanks for the Lord’s mercy.
Lord God, Heavenly Dad, gracious Saviour, life-giving Spirit, thank you for your mercy, shown to me in so many ways. Thank you. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing.
by Pastor Peter Bean
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
I, the Lord, will give Abraham what I promised him (Genesis 18:19c).
Read Genesis 18:16–33
What had the Lord promised Abraham? If you read his whole story, which begins in Genesis 12, you’ll see that God had promised Abraham many things of various kinds! Land, fame, many children, a great nation, protection, blessings and now, in his old age (as we read yesterday), way past childbearing, a son.
Perhaps that is why Abraham thought he could bargain really hard with God! He had been blessed. He knew God was on his side.
Think over your life. How have you been blessed? Share those blessings with someone today. I have no doubt that many of you (if not all) can also recall difficult times when it seemed like God was not present. Don’t hide or deny them. But for today, think about the blessings you have received. Your list might include any of the following: food to eat, a house to live in, health, overseas trips, tours of the outback, friendships, abilities of various kinds, a church family or recognition.
Some of you may recall many blessings; others may struggle to recall too many. That’s okay. Whatever blessings you have received, also consider what you have done with them. None of us is perfect, so this is not meant to be a guilt trip. Rather, I hope it might be an encouragement: to see that what you have been blessed with has blessed others, too.
That is a common theme in Abraham’s story. Yes, I – God – will give what I have promised, but all of it is to bring blessings to other people. ‘The people on earth will be blessed through you’ (Genesis 12:3b); ‘… all nations on earth will be blessed through him’ (Genesis 18:18b).
You may not have been blessed as Abraham was. But you have been blessed – in big or small ways. Have you recalled those blessings yet? As you do, think about how you have – or can – use these blessings to bless other people. That way, you join the long line of Abraham’s descendants who bring blessings to all on earth.
Thank you, God of Abraham, that you are also the living and present God of my life. Thank you for the blessings you have given me. [Say them out loud.] May I use these blessings to bring blessings to those around me. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
by Pastor Peter Bean
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Genesis 18:14a)
Read Genesis 18:1–16
A woman too old, far too old to have a baby! Peace in our time! A coming together of rich and poor, rather than the ongoing widening expanse! Justice, integrity, mercy! Perhaps we might laugh along with Sarah when considering these possibilities and promises.
Is anything too hard for the Lord? Honestly, right now, it seems so. Will justice and mercy prevail in the Middle East and other conflict zones? Will the homeless receive a roof over their heads anytime soon? Is there any chance of recognition of the humanity of refugees in our country? Are we better off just laughing and getting on with our lives?
BUT! And it is a big but! These promises of God are not the promises made by politicians before an election. God is not trying to win our favour or our vote! Instead, God is speaking into our situations – your sadness or despair and your longing for justice and new life.
God’s core promise? Do not be afraid! Three hundred and sixty-five times in the Bible! Yep, that’s right. One for each day. We can take our fears, anxieties and cries for help to our loving God each day and be reassured. Do not be afraid! I, God, can see you; I can hear you. As my son Jesus promised, I am with you always.
Amid unbelief, despair, crisis, injustice and unfairness, God is present, and Jesus is with us always. The Holy Spirit floats over the chaos of our lives, restoring order and bringing hope.
Laugh if you will, but it is better to laugh with the Presence of God rather than laugh at unbelievable promises.
God of laughter, replace our tears and fears with joy and happiness in your presence. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
by Pastor Peter Bean
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
God can do all things (Mark 10:27b).
Read Mark 10:17–31
God is exceedingly generous: he sends rain to the just and the unjust and cares for people how a mother hen cares for her chicks. God looks after nature, despite our (humans’) best attempt to destroy it. He forgives the most heinous sins if we repent. He dishes out grace like it is everyone’s birthday every day.
God is exceedingly generous, and he can do all things. Unlike humans! Despite our efforts, we can never match the generosity and creativity of the Creator God. It doesn’t matter how wealthy we are, how powerful or how many commandments we keep. God’s love is not dependent on those things. No, God loves because God is love.
Neither the rich young man (verse 22) nor Peter (verse 28) get this. I am not sure we do either. Do we not try to live better, be generous and serve others? All good things. But to what end? Particularly if they are simply to win God’s favour, to impress those we live with? Perhaps our motives are more altruistic.
But we constantly want to obey the commandments and demand that others do, too. The rich young man had done this perfectly – at least according to him.
You see, it’s not about us; it’s not about what we do; it’s not about how we live; it’s not about whether we are rich or poor (although if you’re rich, you do well to read these verses closely!). What saves is God’s generosity – not our wealth, power or even obedience.
Grace alone, accepting it, trusting in God’s promise of life and life abundantly (John 10:10). Who do you trust? What do you trust? Our lifestyle might reveal a surprising answer. It is better to return to the one who says this is something people cannot do, but God can. God can do all things (verse 27).
Thank you, generous God, for your creativity, for your generosity and for looking beyond our human weaknesses. Thank you for your gift of grace, life and love. May we live in response to these. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
by Faye Schmidt
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days (Psalm 90:14).
Read Psalm 90:12–17
When we have eaten a meal, we often refer to ourselves as being satisfied – we have eaten sufficient for our needs.
In our school days, we may have received a note on our report card that our performance was satisfactory. This indicates that we met the standard required.
If we have applied for a new job, the assessment may be that we have satisfied the key selection criteria.
In every case, to be satisfied implies that we have met a marker. We have not exceeded it. We have not achieved more than what was required, and the issues were satisfied.
In our psalm today, the prayer to God is that he ‘satisfy us’. We leave it to God to determine what that will require and how it will be done.
Paul had been pleading with God to remove the thorn from his side when, in 2 Corinthians 12:9, we read, ‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me’.
What is sufficient for us, what God satisfies us with, is his grace. That is all we need. His grace and mercy to which we respond with joy and gladness all our days.
Our circumstances may be such that in the morning, we do not feel like being glad and joyful in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. But the promise of God is that through his grace, there is hope, joy and gladness in knowing that he is beside us, walking with us and providing all that we need for our life of faith in him and his promises.
On my waking and sleeping, Lord, may I always be glad and give praise for your unfailing love and grace. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.
by Faye Schmidt
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
But my covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you by this time next year (Genesis 17:21).
Read Genesis 17:15–27
God blesses all the other children of Abraham (he married a few times after the death of Sarah), and they establish nations and become rulers of tribes. Hagar, the slave woman who gave birth to Abraham’s son Ishmael, was banished, and Ishmael became the leader of the Arab nation. We later read in Genesis 25:8–10: ‘Then Abraham breathed his last and died … His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah … with his wife Sarah.’
The promise by God to Abraham is that it will be his son Isaac, born of Sarah in her old age, who will be blessed, and salvation will come through his descendants. The line of the Messiah, Jesus, stems from Isaac.
None of these kingdoms is the kingdom that God plans through Isaac. The great nation, the kingdom, that God is establishing is not of this world: ‘The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 14:17).
There is only one way to salvation, through Christ, the fulfilment of the covenant with Abraham that there would be a kingdom where God’s people would be made right with him and find peace through the gift of faith through the Holy Spirit.
Even though Abraham was often disobedient, doubted God and went his own way, God did not amend, renege on, delay or cancel his covenant with him:
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me’. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’.
We praise and thank you, Heavenly Father, for continuing to bless us through the covenant –promise – of your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for me. May the Holy Spirit keep me faithful to you and obedient to your will. Amen.
Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.