by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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The Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27).
Read Mark 2:23–3:6
Life in rural New South Wales during the 1950s and '60s was very different from how we live today. On Sunday mornings, my mum, sister, aunt, and I donned our best dresses, hats, and gloves to prepare for church. Dad shaved and put on his good clothes, including a tie and his good hat. We set off early for church, as we had to allow enough time in case we got a flat tyre on the way. I don’t remember that ever happening.
Church was serious business. Holy Communion was celebrated monthly or quarterly (I can’t remember which) and involved a second address and a much lengthier time sitting still on the hard pews. We had a special breakfast on Sunday: cocoa soup (a chocolate custard) followed by boiled eggs. Apart from the necessary milking of cows and feeding of animals, no farm work was undertaken on that day.
Everything in the village and beyond was closed on Sundays. How things have changed! Our busy lives may not allow for a day of rest. More people go to work on Sundays or play sport so Sundays can seem much like any other day.
I wonder what Jesus would say to us about how we spend the Sabbath. Jesus wanted to free people from the innumerable rules and regulations that governed the Sabbath. He said that the Sabbath was made for us – we weren’t made for the Sabbath.
But have we gone too far? The concept of a day of rest for humans, animals, and our world may not be such a bad thing! It may help us recognise that not everything depends on us and that there is more to life than work and pushing ourselves to get ahead. This may need to be balanced with the economic imperative that rules the lives of people earning less than a living wage. I wonder what the world would be like if the division between the richest and the poorest was narrowed. Would we spend our Sabbaths any differently?
Lord of the Sabbath, thank you for making the Sabbath for us. Please help us to use each Sabbath in ways that are pleasing to you and glorify you. Amen.
Colleen has a husband, two daughters, three granddaughters, and a wide range of extended family and friends. She lives in Adelaide and loves how the various parts of her life intersect. Colleen is involved in numerous committees within the church and community. She loves to read. Colleen coordinates her congregation’s prayer group and is delighted to respond to requests for prayer from friends and family.
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13,14).
Read Psalm 139:1–6,13–18
My wife has always been beautiful. And it’s not just me saying that. There has been general agreement on the subject. However, like many people, she felt uncomfortable if anyone complimented her. When someone appreciated her talents, she would redirect the conversation to their gifts. I guess we often feel like we should be humble because arrogant people are no fun to be around. It could also be that we have low self-esteem. After more than 30 years together, my wife can now say ‘thank you’ when someone appreciates her.
When we look into Scripture, we find a different understanding. There is no embarrassment from the psalmists as they declare how wonderful each of us is! According to the Bible, we are wonderful because we are God’s work. It’s okay to celebrate who we are and what we have accomplished because that, too, is God’s work. I was blessed to love a retired missionary couple and serve as their pastor. I was in awe of what they achieved and the legacy they left that came from their obedience and giftedness. Whenever someone praised them for their work, they would accept the praise with a smile and say, ‘It was for his glory and by his power’. They were truly wonderful.
We are all wonderfully made. Maybe we need to hear that afresh today. We have gifts and experiences that only we can use to serve God and bless others. It is okay to smile when another person gives us praise. It is okay to change how we think of ourselves and say, like God himself, ‘I am valuable and beautiful’. And we all say together, ‘It is for God’s glory and by his power’.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that we are wonderfully made. We ask that you help us see ourselves as you do. We praise you as we use our gifts for your glory. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near (Luke 21:31).
Read Luke 21:29–38
One of the most helpful innovations in the past decade for me has been navigation in my car with speed sign recognition. I am one of those drivers who drift off into their own world with the music playing while driving. In the past, I have been known to incur a speed camera fine or two as the speed limit changes, and I miss the sign. Now, the speed limit indicator on my screen changes to bright red if I am over the limit, and I can adjust my driving right away when things change. I am much more content, and I avoid nasty surprises in the mail.
Jesus asks us to be alert to the signs around us as we travel through life. I often find myself going through the routines I know by heart without stopping to see where God is at work. We know we’re busy with packed schedules, so our lives are just one big list of tasks. It’s just like driving on a well-known road without much engagement. In this situation, we miss out on so much that God wants to bless us with. Our God is never absent from the world; we teach that the Father constantly creates the world and his kingdom.
What joy and purpose we receive when we see what God is doing around us and accept his invitation to join him! I know from experience that I can get frustrated when I am caught up in what I am doing and expecting my plans to work out. I am also overwhelmed with gratitude as I tailor what I am doing to God’s action. Opportunities arise and blessings flow. It all starts with eyes open for the signs of God’s kingdom.
Lord Jesus, we thank you for coming to earth and entering the lives of your creation. We thank you for our salvation. Give us eyes of faith to see your kingdom. Give us willing hearts to join in your work. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken (Luke 21:25b,26).
Read Luke 21:20–28
Anxiety is much more prevalent now than at any time I can remember. Every week in my pastoral chats with people, I discover more people I know are suffering from anxiety in one form or another. Life is different. We are more aware of mental health needs and wellbeing, yet true peace and joy seem elusive. It seems to me that the description of anguish and perplexity Jesus used as a sign of the times is increasingly evident in each of our personal struggles. It’s easy to be so apprehensive that we feel faint. Experts have diagnosed many culprits, with social media right at the top. I think it’s more of a spiritual problem.
When the Bible testifies to the end times, the writers say those calamitous events are the culmination of a gradual falling away from trust in God. When society is disconnected from the source of life and peace, the enemies of well-being fill the void. And despite our reliance on God, society-wide moods impact us all. This trend has been clear for some time. The need for well-being support will increase as our dissociation from the Creator continues.
Fortunately, Jesus shows us a way to receive peace. In many places, the Scriptures tell us God is found in our direct relationship with him and in our relationships with others who share the faith. Spiritual community is God’s gift to us as a foil against the prevalent moves in society. We are encouraged to ‘do life’ with others who share our love for God and the worldview that comes from being a disciple. Along with proper mental health care and pastoral support, communities of faith are important parts of our well-being.
Father God, help us live as your people in communities of faith. Bless all communities that seek to glorify you. Heal our anxious souls as we look to you, the giver of life. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather, and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict (Luke 21:14,15).
Read Luke 21:5–19
One of the things that surprised me about maturing in the faith is the reality of spiritual attack. The whole idea of evil forces working against God, and particularly his people, seemed a bit fanciful to me. It really shouldn’t have. If I see God at work powerfully, opposition to God will also be active. I have seen these spiritual attacks come in many guises, including physical problems and relationship issues, but they mostly come as frustrations in getting things done. People have described a spiritual attack as trying to walk through quicksand and a feeling of pushback all the time. It can also be a direct emotional or physical attack. It leads us to wonder what we did to be in this situation.
Jesus had some great words for this situation reflecting the reality that the evil one’s power is much less than God’s. Indeed, all we need to rebuke spiritual attack is to faithfully use God’s word. Jesus says he will provide us with those words when we need them; they may be parts of Scripture that come to mind or deep truths we live by. In the face of God’s powerful word, the evil one has no choice but to retreat.
Using God’s word against the attacks of the evil one is not as difficult as we think. The hardest part is believing we are under attack. So often, we try to explain spiritual attacks in practical terms. When we finally acknowledge the attack is real, prayers to Jesus and speaking his word are all we need to do to blunt the attack. We then get to witness our all-powerful God in action.
Lord Jesus, we know the evil one will target us because we bear your name. Protect us from evil. Show us when there is spiritual opposition in our lives, and give us the words to use. We praise you for your faithfulness. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather, and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
by Pastor Greg Fowler
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‘Truly I tell you’, he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on’ (Luke 21:3,4).
Read Luke 20:41–21:4
There are so many times that I feel unqualified for life. There are just too many demands, and I often feel like I have nothing to give that is worth anything. When I was wooing my wife, I couldn’t imagine that such a beautiful lady would respond to me. When I became a parent, I was terrified I would ruin my children’s lives with my lack of wisdom. When I was ordained as a pastor, I knew I had nothing that would make me worthy to preach the gospel. I could only offer my faith in God and my poverty of spirit.
Fortunately, Jesus tells us that the poor in spirit are heirs to God’s kingdom and everything that entails – because he chooses it to be so. Our offering is not as important as the spirit in which it is given. Our willingness to be vessels of grace is the empowerment that allows us to do amazing things. I may not be that attractive, but when others see God’s spirit in me, they are happy for me to be around. I may not be wise, but when I seek God’s wisdom, I have something worthwhile to contribute. I may not have the gifts to serve others, but when God’s gifts work in me, people receive life and healing. My offering is my willingness for God to be at work.
I have been more blessed than I could ever imagine because God has taken the poverty of my gifts and used them for his purposes. Every day, I see others blessed by God at work through me. I can confidently live my calling, not because I am a superstar but because I know and have witnessed God do super things through my service to others. Thanks be to God!
Heavenly Father, help me today to offer myself to you in poverty of spirit. Use me for your kingdom and bless me as I serve others. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
by Pastor Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive (Luke 20:37,38).
Read Luke 20:27–40
I cannot count how many times I have been asked what lies beyond the grave. With the popularity of celebrity atheists declaring that we cease to exist when we die, and all we are is somebody’s memory until we fade away completely, so many people are confused about life after death. How can a life that is so rich and full of thoughts and emotions stop? It doesn’t seem right and it certainly doesn’t sit well in our souls.
When asked, Jesus addresses this question directly with some extraordinary good news. Jesus states in the clearest possible terms that we will continue to live beyond the grave. He uses the well-known expression of the resurrection and all the hope that is encapsulated in that. All the things that make us human, all the things that are the image of God, survive when our physical bodies cease to operate.
Jesus goes even further when he answers the question about the resurrection. He confirms that our new bodies will be of a different and eternal substance that won’t degrade ever again. In this way, physical pain and the scars that it leaves will not travel beyond death. God’s gift of life is pain-free. We will have a body so we can be recognised and connect with others; however, our relationships will be perfect with everyone else, so there won’t be the pain of rejection and jealousy. Our new life will be love realised without the stain of sin. Our new life beyond the grave will be a beautiful communion with God and each other.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise of eternal life. Thank you that we will be reunited with those we love. Thank you that the pain of body and soul will be no more when we live and worship in your presence forever. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
by Pastor Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17).
Read John 3:1–17
One of my daughters regularly got into mischief. We would often say that trouble seemed to follow her, and, no doubt, she sometimes sought it out. She has an outgoing, infectious and cheeky personality that draws people to her, and she knew that she could ‘get away’ with things with a kind word and a smile. When I would chat to her about something that had happened, and I spoke of my disappointment, she would say, ‘I get that. But I love you!’, and I would just melt.
Love can transform everything. Whether it is a conversation between father and daughter or a life of despair and rejection, love is the miracle that creates change. God’s love for us, as shown in the work of Jesus, makes us different. I can’t see the world as a place without hope when I know God himself is part of my life. God’s love is active; it changes how I think about myself and interact with others. It also gives me the confidence to know that whatever happens to me, God has the words, ‘I get that, and I love you!’ I know God is in control, and what happens to me matters.
God’s promise that we will have eternal life is life-changing. Eternal life doesn’t start when we are called home from our physical life; instead, it begins with God’s action in our lives today. He offers us a way to overcome those things that sap us of life. Broken relationships, broken dreams and broken bodies are renewed by God’s love. We find it in his word and his people. Praise God for his love.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love. We acknowledge those things that need new life in our lives now. We believe in Jesus as our Lord and rest in his love. May you transform us according to your will. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of South Brisbane. He serves Faith Lutheran College, Redlands, as the college pastor.
by Tatiana Overduin
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The Lord is enthroned as king forever (Psalm 29:10b).
Read Psalm 29
Who is the King? Whose voice thunders over the waters (verse 3)? Who can shake the deserts, twist the oaks and strip the forest bare (verses 8 and 9)? Who is enthroned as King forever? The Lord ‘gives strength to his people’; he alone ‘blesses his people with peace’ (verse 11).
As professing believers, how often do we falter in fully trusting in this truth? How quick we are to forget this verity of the heart and continue to seek to solve our difficulties by our strength alone. This is our perpetual transgression: inherently concealed within us, relentlessly indulging such wrongdoing. Indeed, it is a prominent component of our human nature to repeatedly forget who is ‘Lord of all’ (Matthew 28:18–20).
And what does God require of us? He commands us to ‘ascribe the glory due to his name and to worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness’ (verse 2). We ascribe: ‘give credit where credit is due’; so not fearing other earthly rulers or bosses or trusting in money or possessions (‘… where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal …’ (Mathew 6:19)). But we, in confidence, place our complete lives into his hands – our whole trust in him – to the King: our Lord of all!
‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ (Luke 19:38).
A message for you today: ‘Daughter of Zion, celebrate today the coming of the king when all will be made whole with the king’s return! Celebrate with joy in your heart!’ (Zephaniah 3:14).
God of power and truth, today, we thank you for your holy word. We thank you for providing us with an abundance of joy the Psalms offer. Fill our lives with faith and love toward you and one another. Empower us with your strength and bless our lives with your peace as we await your return. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.
Tatiana is married to Jim, and they live at Largs North, a seaside location in Adelaide. They have two adult children and six grandchildren who are a wonderful blessing to them. Tatiana teaches full-time as an English, History and Religion teacher; she gained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Australian Lutheran College in 1996 and, in her spare time, she enjoys knitting, gardening, singing for church, writing and swimming. Her home congregation is Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide.