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Forever with us

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‘My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth …,’ says the Lord, ‘from this time forth and forevermore’ (Isaiah 59:21).

Read Isaiah 59:1–21

Today’s text is a powerful promise from God. God is making a strong agreement with us, promising that his Spirit and words will remain with us forever.

God promises that his Spirit will always be with us, helping us make good choices, giving us strength when we feel weak and comforting us when we are sad. This is not just a temporary thing; it is a forever promise. Knowing that God is always with us gives us confidence and peace.

God’s words are the truths and promises found in the Bible. These words are important because they guide us and teach us how to live. God wants us to keep his words in our hearts and minds, to speak them, and to share them with others. He also wants us to teach these words to our children and grandchildren so they can know and love him, too.

One of the amazing things about this promise is that it is not only for us but for our families, too. God says that his Spirit and his words will be with our children and their children as well. This means that we have a responsibility to pass on our faith to the next generation. We can do this by reading the Bible together, praying and talking about God’s love and his plans for us.

In a world where things are always changing, it is comforting to know that God’s promises are unchanging. He is always faithful, and his love for us never ends. As we think about today’s text, let us be encouraged to stay close to God, to read and speak his words, and to share his love with others. Remember, we are not alone – God is with us, and his promises are true forever. Let us live our lives in a way that honours this amazing covenant, knowing that God’s Spirit and his words are always with us.

How is your church supporting families to pass on the faith to the next generation, and how can you advocate to strengthen this calling?

Pray for young people tasked with leadership positions in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELC-PNG). Pray God will give them wisdom and discernment and surround them with mentors and encouragers to support and cheer them on.

Jeremiah Chalaparau Moat is the IT Support Officer at the ELC-PNG.

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What more could I want?

by Greg Fowler

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20b).

Read Matthew 28:11–20

A few years back, a Year 12 student spoke to me about tattoos. She told me that she wanted to get a tattoo on her arm, and she needed my help. I said she should discuss it with her parents, not me. To my surprise, she told me that her parents were thrilled with her idea, and they would also be grateful for my help. She asked me to translate the final words of Matthew 28 into Hebrew, and this is what she wanted on the inside of her forearm. The tattoo would look cool, and it would be a constant reminder to her that Jesus is with her always, to the end of the age. She also hoped people would ask her about the tattoo so that she could be a witness to God’s love. I couldn’t think of a better reason for a tattoo.

I often want things that don’t add much value to my life. Like many of us, I can get sucked into the latest ‘big thing’ or devote my time to things that aren’t helpful or useful for real rest. Buying a new car or bike, starting a new hobby, getting into that fantastic new show on Netflix, or allowing sport to take up too much of my time is easy for me to do. With the pressure of work and the complexities of relationships, I naturally drift toward distractions. We all do. And in and of themselves, distractions are not bad. It is my heart that usually needs a readjustment.

While I am chasing the latest distraction, Jesus stands ready to be more powerfully present with me than I could imagine. I think I need one of those tattoos, so I can be reminded every day that Jesus has given me his word that he will be with me always, until the end of the age.

Maybe if I see that, I will look to him for satisfaction and true rest. What more could I want than the maker of heaven and Earth to partner with me in his mission? What more could I want than his promise of deep rest that recharges my soul? I could not wish for anything more than his grace. May his last words to the disciples be encouragement to us all.

Dear Jesus, we hear your promise to be with us always. Help us to live our lives believing that promise. Give us your Spirit and grace, which renew us and hold us close to you. 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 as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.

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I want to break free

by Greg Fowler

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it (Matthew 28:2).

Read Matthew 28:1–10

There have been a few times in my life when I have felt hemmed in with no place to go; I was out of options. It’s uncomfortable and depressing when it seems like there are obstacles in our lives that are blocking our paths. When our family was young, I had a job that paid well but it was unsatisfying and meant working long hours. I wanted to spend more time with my family, but I would have to put our financial security at risk if I did. It seemed I was stuck.

Jesus is the one who removes barriers in our lives. In all areas. Jesus came to Earth so that he could join us in our lives, and he wants to be involved in everything: spiritually, emotionally and financially. He wants all of us, not just a section we have compartmentalised. He wants to show his power in our entire lives. His resurrection demonstrates that.

I love the Scripture that tells of how the angel moved the stone. It wasn’t for Jesus’ benefit – he had already risen – it was for ours. God the Father sent his messenger to proclaim Jesus to the soldiers, to the witnesses and to us as hearers of the story. The message was word and deed. He is risen. He cannot be hemmed in. He has power over death and life. And the invitation to us all is simple: as he has broken free, he offers a relationship that will allow us to break free. What good news!

I chose to trust that Jesus wanted me to break free. I prayed and asked Jesus to show me the way. I asked others to pray for me and with me. Soon after, I received a job offer that allowed me more time with the family and more time for our church community. Jesus broke me out. He asks us all to look to the tomb when we feel we need to break free from something in our lives. See the stone and the angel and hear his promises.

Dear Jesus, as you showed your authority over all life and death through your resurrection, be with us in our struggles. As the stone was moved, we pray that you move obstacles that get in the way of living in the freedom you give. 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 as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.

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Stay with me, please

by Greg Fowler

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb (Matthew 27:61).

Read Matthew 27:55–66

My father was diagnosed with cancer when he was just 69. He was an important part of my family’s life, and in his retirement he spent lots of time with my kids. When I got the phone call that my dad had died, I experienced many levels of grief. Of course, I would miss his company, but it hurt to see my children miss out on him as well. It hurt to see my mum be completely disoriented and never fully recover. I didn’t know what to do or say.

I took solace from the two Marys at Jesus’ tomb. They, too, felt grief on many levels: for themselves, for their community, and for all those whose lives would be changed by his touch. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary just sat together. They stayed with each other. When there were no words, they knew that just being there was enough.

I was blessed with several people who came and stayed with me when my dad died. They didn’t offer wise and comforting words, and I didn’t ask. ‘Just stay with me’ was all I said. Amazingly, things became clearer, and grief was replaced with love and blessings from those whom God has given to me as time went by. As Mary saw the risen Christ and her grief was transformed into hope, so I saw my children, my mum and my pain transformed by the blessings God provides.

In times of grief, the best gift we can give is to simply ask, ‘Can I stay with you?’ We don’t need fancy words or remarkable deeds. Just being there is healing. Listening to God’s word is healing. Seeing how God fills our lives with blessings is healing. Praise God for his love and his willingness to stay with us.

Lord, thank you for always staying with us. Prompt us to stay with one another as the two Marys at the tomb stayed with each other. Please help us to stay with those who need your presence. 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 as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.

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