Life With Lucas October-December 2025

Jeff understands and dispenses grace, with passion, humour and thoughtful content - a rare combination.

PHILIP YANCY

WITH LUCAS APPLYING GOD’S WORD TODAY

OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2025

The Chosen

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A WORD FROM JEFF

WELCOME TO LIFE WITH LUCAS!

Jesus chose His team to change the world. But He picked an unlikely group; headstrong, committed, petulant, and deeply flawed in turn.

In his gospel, Mark especially portrays the disciples as bumbling, slow learners, and the other writers make no attempt to spare their blushes. Despite all Jesus taught them about servanthood, two of them request thrones in His coming Kingdom.

They ask Jesus to send hungry people away, and rebuke parents who seek blessing for their children. They don’t understand but won’t ask clarifying questions. Often they demonstrate little faith, and don’t apply previously learned lessons. Yet most of them fulfilled their calling and turned their world upside-down.

So, over the next few months, we’ll take a close look at some of Jesus’ chosen team, especially focusing on the lesser known characters, and considering what Scripture and church tradition reveal. We will come to the two most famous disciples, Peter and John, another time.

And as we approach Christmas, we will pause our study, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Jesus who came to rescue us all!

Thank you, as always, for joining me. May God bless you and yours.

VIDEO INTRODUCTION lifewithlucas.co.uk /intros

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© Novio Published 2025 by Novio – Life With Lucas, PO Box 239, Unit 3 Burnt Oak Farm, Heathfield, TN21 1EH, UK All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of Novio.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version® (US version), The “NIRV”, “New International Reader’s Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher.

Design by David Graham – davidgrahamdesign@me.com

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PO Box 239, Heathfield, TN21 1EH | Tel 01892 752920

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INTRODUCTION

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE WITH LUCAS! CHOOSE A TIME Find the best time that works for you, ideally the same time, same place every day, when you can concentrate and have the least number of distractions.

PAUSE AND TALK TO GOD Take a moment to focus on God and ask Him to speak to you as you read and reflect on His word.

READ GOD’S WORD Read the daily passage from your Bible. Don’t be tempted just to skip this part. It’s important: who knows how the Holy Spirit might speak to you as you read the actual text?

MAKE NOTES

ONLINE VIDEO INTRODUCTIONS, AND GOING DEEPER When you see the video icon, this points you to a brief Video Introduction to the subject.

Make the most of the occasional Going Deeper resources when you see this icon. They will help you delve further into the passage.

GIVE YOUR DAY TO GOD Thank God for what you’ve learned and ask for help if the day’s notes brought to light anything especially applicable to your life at the moment.

Writing slows you down and helps you focus. Write in your Bible, a notebook, or in the white space in the devotions. Don’t hesitate to underline, write in the margins, or circle words.

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WED 01 OCT

WHY DISCIPLES?

READ Luke 14:25-33 Matthew 10:37-38

FOCUS In the same way, you must give up everything you have.

If you don’t, you can’t be my disciple.

Luke 14:33

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/goingdeeper

Regular readers of Life with Lucas will recall that in the last edition, 'Rediscovering Jesus,' we saw that being the disciple of a first century rabbi was a great privilege. For those just joining, and to refresh our memories, let’s briefly consider why Jesus chose to build that team. In calling His disciples, He was following the normal teaching pattern of the day, as students ‘walked in the dust of their rabbi’s feet’, they were called to watch, learn, ask questions, and wrestle with truth.

Of course, Jesus was like no other rabbi. Not only did He speak with such authority, but He also performed stunning miracles. His group of apprentices were called to assist Him in His mission, and to work in that power themselves, taking authority over sickness and evil spirits. They would be shaped to continue His work and take His good news to the world, and ultimately to go and make disciples of others.

In gathering His team, Jesus was birthing the one group that God Himself promises to build throughout history – the Church. But at the heart of His call was the invitation to be with Him, to be in His constant company – and ultimately to become like Him through the transforming, ongoing work of the Holy Spirit after His ascension. But those who joined the team did so knowing that the cost to them would be great – there would be times of uncertainty ahead. They were called to an exhilarating and often terrifying life. And so are we.

Prayer: Lord, when following You is costly, strengthen me to be faithful, and enable me to stay close to You when storms come.

Amen.

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THUR 02 OCT

A MIXED BAG

READ Luke 9:46-50 Acts 15:1-6

FOCUS The disciples began to argue about which one of them would be the most important person.

Luke 9:46

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/ goingdeeper

Jesus did not choose the members of His team because of their competence, knowledge of the Torah (the law), or leadership skills. Nor were His decisions based on their mutual compatibility. One of them was Simon, a Zealot, part of a Jewish group committed to the armed overthrow of the hated Roman occupying force. He had to share his days with a former tax gatherer, considered a lackey to those same Romans. And the gospels make it clear there was real tension in the team. Spending a great deal of time together meant deep friendships were forged, but there were plenty of misunderstandings too. Arguments broke out at least three times, usually fuelled by ego, as they bickered over who would be the greatest (Luke 9:46-48, Matt. 20:20-28), and even the Last Supper was blighted by yet another spat (Luke 22:24). In the New Testament, there’s no attempt to airbrush the conflicts that the Early Church had to navigate.

The Church is a gathering of people who, without Jesus, would not know each other, and so at times we will disagree. But this freedom to disagree is healthy: it means we are not living in a cult, under the tyranny of bullying and abusive leadership. It also means, however, that we have to have realistic expectations about our local churches. We can’t despair when there are relational tensions. We need to be realistic, and accept that a church with no tensions, ever, is simply an illusion. Let’s commit to what is real.

Prayer: Thank you for the privilege of being a part of Your people, Father. When healthy conflict arises, help us to disagree well.

Amen.

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FRI 03 OCT

UNLIKELY TO SUCCEED

READ Mark 3:13-19 Matthew 11:25-27

FOCUS Jesus went up on a mountainside. He called for certain people to come to him, and they came.

Mark 3:13

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/goingdeeper

Sorting through a box of old documents recently, I found some of my old school reports.

I felt embarrassed as I reviewed the comments of those who had the misfortune to teach me.

In most subjects the comment was consistent: ‘Could do better.’ The only promise I showed was in English and Drama. I wasn’t expected to amount to much.

Look at this gaggle of men who gather around a rabbi, who is the oldest among them, around thirty. The rest of the team are much younger, with only Peter described as married. There’s a strong body of scholarship that suggests most of the disciples would have been in their late teens, some even younger. Jesus only provided the temple tax payment for Himself and Peter, as men under the age of 20 were not required to pay it (Matt. 17:24-27). And then adolescents aged around 15 years often joined a rabbi for an intensive season of training.

Check out today’s ‘Going Deeper’ for a tonguein-cheek analysis of the disciples’ suitability for leadership. And we find them in a backwater location – visitors who travel with us on our tours to Israel are always struck by just how tiny Galilee is, with locations so close to each other. The leader of the group had been raised in a place often derided: ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ (John 1:46). Yet this is the birthplace of a movement that has captured the hearts of billions, and survived two millennia.

Why? How? There is a God. Prayer: Lord Jesus, You make the weak strong, turning the insignificant into influencers. Empower me to impact my world, for Your glory. Amen.

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WEEKEND 04 - 05 OCT

HOW WAS THE TEAM BUILT?

Recently we have been saddened by more news reports of leadership abuses in the Church. It’s tragic that some lead by bullying and manipulation – a problem that emerged in the Early Church, as the example of Diotrophes shows. Some church members have been terribly wounded by sexual abuse, and then experienced further hurt through ongoing safeguarding failures. And even when church leadership is broadly healthy, there are many temptations. Leaders are in a position where others view them as having a measure of authority given by God Himself – heady stuff indeed!

No wonder Jesus gave Himself to a full night of prayer before finalizing His apostolic team.

If He began after sunset and prayed until sunrise (6am), then He spent around ten hours in focused prayer (the Greek word translated ‘spent the night’ expresses persevering energy). Kent Hughes vividly describes that night: ‘As Jesus prayed on the mountainside, the moon ran its nocturnal course, the night’s temperature modulated with the hours, and the morning dew dampened His robes.’

READ Luke 6:12-16 3 John 1-14

And then, at the end of His earthly ministry, another prayer that Jesus offered for the team is recorded (John 17:6). Following His example, the Early Church took leadership appointments very seriously, spending time in prayer before choosing leaders (see Acts 1:24; 6:6; 13:2–3; 14:23).

Let’s pray for those who lead, and be especially prayerful when leadership appointments are being made.

To ponder: What specifics might we pray for those called into church leadership?

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MON 06 OCT

WHY ALL MEN?

READ Mark 3:13-19 Romans 16:1-7

FOCUS Jesus appointed…

Simon… James…

John… Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas…

James… Thaddaeus and Simon the Zealot… Judas… too.

Mark 3:16-19

It’s an issue we should acknowledge as we look at Jesus’ team – they are all men. That leads some to believe that church leadership should also be exclusively male. While it’s impossible to resolve such a complex issue here, let me declare my position: the gospel opens every strata of leadership to women and men. In Christ we are all united – in Him there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, (Gal. 3:28). The Church has been robbed of the influence and import of women, and denying their leadership has created a lot of hurt.

Jesus came primarily to the Jews, and He was establishing a ‘new Israel’ in the Church, which points to male leaders being needed: in Jewish thinking, leadership had to be male (though there were some historical exceptions). And the culture of the day was dismissive of women. Jesus confronted culture, but He did not fight every cultural battle. Nor did He add a Samaritan to His team: and He didn’t challenge the curse of slavery in His day. But He did demonstrate the full empowerment of women by the way He approached them (allowing people like Mary, Martha’s sister, to sit as His feet) and they were the first witnesses of His resurrection, in a culture where a woman’s testimony was not valid in a court of law! And in Junia, the Early Church had a woman serving as an apostle.

Pray for women everywhere in the Church today. May everyone be free to respond to the calling that God gives.

Prayer: Thank You for the freedom that You bring, Jesus, in calling all to love and serve You. Bless all women You have called to lead. Amen.

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TUES 07 OCT

A GREATER CHALLENGE FOR US

READ Matthew 10:1-4 1 Peter 1:3-9

FOCUS Jesus called for his 12 disciples to come to him. He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every illness and sickness.

Matthew 10:1

The path that Jesus’ team were called to tread would be filled with challenges. As I mentioned in the introduction, they were far from perfect. They would misunderstand their leader, make poor decisions, and let Him down when He most needed them.

They struggled with competitiveness and mixed motives. But this disparate group of very ordinary young men were given planetshaking authority. So what equipped them for such a task? They were called to be with Jesus, and were sent out with His authority and power, as disciples became apostles.

It’s a picture of a healthy Christian life. We’re called to God’s presence – a relationship with Him – and commissioned to serve His purposes – service for Him. We need to acknowledge, however, that we face one challenge that the 12 did not. We are called to trust and walk with someone we can’t see, touch or hear. We have never walked around Galilee with Jesus, watched as water was turned into wine, blind eyes saw, or corpses came to life at His command. We walk by faith, trying to sense His direction, straining at times to hear His voice. Being ‘with Him’ is an act of faith, a choice we make again today. In writing his first epistle, the apostle Peter acknowledges the tension of that: ‘Even though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, you believe in him’ (1 Pet. 1:8).

One day we will see Him. In the meantime, let’s trust Him, be with Him, and serve Him. Prayer: Today, Lord, grant me a growing faith to be ‘with’ You and serve You. Amen.

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WED 08 OCT

GATHERED TO BE SENT OUT

READ Matthew 28:18-20 Luke 6:12-16

FOCUS So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19

When we look closely at the gospels, we see two words are used to describe the members of Jesus’ team. At times they are called disciples: a word meaning apprentice or learner, but they are also called apostles: messengers sent out on a mission. Ultimately, the whole point of the team being with Jesus for three years of preparation (and then taking part in an astonishing six-week training programme after the resurrection and prior to His ascension) was to equip them to take the good news of the gospel of the Kingdom, and make disciples.

A major part of that strategy was the founding and development of the Church, a people who gather to worship, fellowship, pray, study Scripture, and demonstrate togetherness in the midst of diversity, but who again are gathered in to enable them to go out.

When the Church forgets its primary business – mission – she loses a vital component of her calling. It’s heartbreaking to think of countless millions who faithfully sing songs about changing the world, and gather information about exactly how to do that – but then never get around to sharing Jesus with anyone. We’re certainly not all called to be apostles, but we are called to be apostolic, as with our lives and our words, we go to a world that so desperately needs to hear of the love and care of the God who loves them so. As followers of Jesus, those early disciples/apostles made themselves utterly available to serve Jesus. Today, let’s do the same.

Prayer: Here I am, Father. I specifically make myself available to Your missional purposes today. I am willing to go. Amen.

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THUR 09 OCT

BRINGING PEOPLE TO JESUS

READ John 1:35-42 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

FOCUS The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon. He told him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’… And he brought Simon to Jesus.

John 1:41-42

Yesterday we saw that the disciples were gathered so that they could be sent out as ambassadors for Christ, to borrow the word that Paul used in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor. 5:20, NIV). In the ancient Jewish world, an ambassador was someone called for a special assignment, who would faithfully represent the one who sent him or her, and exercise delegated authority.

As we consider Andrew, the first of the Twelve, let’s see that, right from the beginning of his time as a disciple, he repeatedly brought people – groups and individuals – to Jesus. Andrew was the catalyst for the miracle that we know as the feeding of the 5,000, introducing the boy who was to donate his lunch to Jesus (John 6:8-11).

And he was the bridge that enabled a group of Greeks who wanted to see Jesus (John 12:20-22).

The turbulent events that we’ve navigated over recent years point all of us to the need to live for and share the good news of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Some insist that religion has been a source of so much conflict in the world, and they are right. But as we also see Andrew telling Peter the news about his new friend and rabbi, Jesus, we see a natural result of meeting the Messiah – we want to share the good news about Him with others.

And so, in this current challenging season, let me repeat the challenge that I offered yesterday: let’s make ourselves available, to pass on the good news of grace to a thirsty world that so desperately needs to hear it.

Prayer: Lord, I want to bring others to You, drawn by the life I live, the good news that I share, and the work of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

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FRI 10 OCT

ANDREW: A TRANSFER FROM JOHN’S TEAM

READ John 1:29-40 Luke 7:18-35

FOCUS Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother.

Andrew was one of the two disciples who heard what John had said. He had also followed Jesus.

John 1:40

Let’s go back now to the beginning for Andrew.

A brother to Simon Peter, both of them hailed from Bethsaida, but were living and working in Capernaum when Jesus invited them to follow Him. Andrew had originally been a disciple of John the Baptist, and it was through him that he had been introduced to Jesus. And so, Andrew made the decision to leave John’s disciples and join Jesus.

Rather than rush over that transition, let’s realise that John’s ministry had been hugely significant. There had been no prophetic voice in Israel for 400 years, and it was John who broke that silence with his loud, clarion call to repentance. His ministry was met with a huge response. And yet, convinced Jesus was the Messiah (Andrew declared that right at the start of his time with Jesus), Andrew made the transition, while others stayed with John (Luke 7:18-35). Andrew’s decision was fuelled

by John the Baptist’s affirmation that Jesus was the ‘lamb of God’ – probably a reference to the sacrifice of the Passover lamb (Exod. 12) by which the people of Israel were set free from Egyptian rule and released to return home to the promised land.

Sometimes people who have experienced God’s blessing stay stuck in that model or season. Always reminiscing about ‘the glory days’, they can be the greatest opponents of progress, insisting what God blessed yesterday is what He still wants to bless today. Andrew moved on, and we should too, when God calls.

Prayer: Grant me a sensitivity to Your voice, Lord, so I keep in step with You, never rushing ahead or lagging behind, but walking with You. Amen.

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WEEKEND 11 - 12 OCT

ANDREW GOT THERE FIRST

READ John 1:41-42 3 John 9-10

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/ goingdeeper

When it came to meeting Jesus, Andrew got there first. While the call to apostleship would come later, and would be shared together, Andrew was the first one to connect with Jesus, and, as we saw earlier, he then shared the news with Peter, which led to Peter’s introduction to the Messiah. But the moment that Jesus meets Peter, He begins to prophesy about what is ahead for the headstrong fisherman.

Put yourself in Andrew’s sandals. You were first in line, as it were, but now words of destiny are shared with someone else. You could feel overlooked, slighted even. And as time unfolds, you begin to see the fulfilment of the prophecy – Peter is moving into a place of ascendancy.

But you, Andrew, are not.

A true test of character is found in how we react when others are identified as more gifted, more worthy of promotion than we are. One of the qualities I have been grateful for in my friends is their ability to celebrate seasons of blessing and success in my life. When I detect envy and competitiveness, I wonder how deep a friendship really goes. Surely we should be delighted when those we love do well, even if they do better than us?

On the other hand, there are those who ‘love to be first’. In New Testament history, Diotrephes was one of them, and he was condemned for his relentless thirst to be number one.

Andrew was granted grace to play second fiddle to Peter. When we’re placed in similar circumstances, may we know similar grace.

To ponder: Can you think of a situation in your experience where you were overlooked, and others were favoured? How did you deal with that?

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MON 13 OCT

CAREFUL SURRENDER

READ Mark 1:16-18 Luke 14:25-35

FOCUS At once they left their nets and followed him.

Mark 1:18

The late Tom Paterson was a brilliant strategist who worked with some of the largest multinational companies in the world. His Christian faith was beautiful: despite suffering many family bereavements, his eyes still shone whenever he talked about Jesus. Tom taught that the key to life is living surrendered to Christ, whatever circumstances come our way.

But as a strategist he also realised surrender takes strategy – it is more than an impulse. It’s only as we carefully weigh up what we have, what we want, and reflect on our past and our aspirations for the future that we can wholly surrender what we have to Jesus.

When we read about Andrew and the other disciples choosing to follow Christ, we can get the impression that theirs was an impulsive decision – in this episode, ‘at once’ Andrew and Peter leave their jobs and begin as members of Jesus’ team. But when we look more closely, we see that it wasn’t quite like that. This call was subsequent to the meeting we considered earlier. It seems that, after meeting Jesus and introducing his brother to Him, Andrew went back to his fishing job. Many scholars believe this calling came a year later, after John the Baptist had been imprisoned. That would have given Andrew opportunity to carefully consider the impact Jesus had made upon him. But he and Peter responded to this call with the clear knowledge that it could be costly.

Let’s thoughtfully offer ourselves in surrender to Christ afresh today.

Prayer: Help me to consider my life carefully, and then reaffirm that my life belongs to You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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TUES 14 OCT

EVER THE HELPFUL, PRACTICAL ONE

READ John 6:1-15 John 13:1-17

FOCUS Another of his disciples spoke up.

It was Andrew... He said, ‘Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread.’

John 6:8-9

It happened during one of our trips to the Holy Land, leading a tour of eager pilgrims. As always, we were deeply moved as we visited the Bible sites – being there meant we will never read Scripture in the same way again. It was beautiful to connect our guests with our wonderful Israeli guides, and also meet some amazing Palestinian believers in Bethlehem.

But we were also impacted by members of the tour group who travelled with us. We were privileged to hear their stories of faith, struggle, and faithfulness. One man, from Colorado, stood out as a servant. Always waiting to lend a hand, we noticed that time and time again he helped any in the group who had a need.

A hand of assistance on stairs, a willingness to go back and look for that person who lingered – he was always ready to show practical care and kindness, without being asked.

I think Andrew was like that. When we read about the miraculous feeding of the crowd with five loaves and two fishes, we can rush to the wonder and forget the preceding conversation.

Andrew took it upon himself to try to find a solution to the catering crisis. Never mind that all he could find was a young lad with meagre supplies – barley loaves were the staple food of the poor – but what he did do was try to help.

And Jesus blessed his efforts.

Let’s spare a thought and a prayer for the many who will quietly make a difference today as they volunteer and serve. Why not encourage them? Why not join them?

Prayer: Encourage those who quietly serve, often without recognition, Lord. And help me to channel that encouragement. Amen.

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WED 15 OCT

ANDREW: A REALIST

READ John 6:1-15 John 11:38-44

FOCUS ‘But how far will that go in such a large crowd?’

John 6:9

Let’s linger on this story, and ponder a conversation that sometimes unfolds when Christians face a significant, seemingly impossible challenge. Perhaps a small congregation, with very limited resources, has outgrown their current building. Excited talk about a brand new facility costing multiple millions is in the air. The more enthusiastic types are keen to move forward even though the costs are astronomical. But then someone objects – perhaps the treasurer.

Armed with clear knowledge of the church’s finances, the treasurer is concerned this idea is beyond reach, even irresponsible. But the keener crowd silences that reasonable concern: ‘That’s not faith! God can provide!

We don’t need all this negative talk.’

While God can supply in miraculous ways (as the story of the feeding of the 5,000 clearly demonstrates), that doesn’t mean sober assessment and words of caution are not needed. In stating the obvious – a little boy’s lunch wouldn’t make much of a dent in the hunger of a huge crowd – Andrew was not rebuked by Jesus, or told that he was making a ‘negative confession’. Like Martha, who described her dead brother as ‘stinking’, Andrew was simply facing the facts, and his honest, real assessment of the situation didn’t limit Jesus’ capacity to perform a miracle.

Andrew shows that real faith doesn’t deny reality – it faces it, with the knowledge that while God is able to do wonders, responsible conversations are still needed.

Prayer: Lord, increase my faith: real, authentic faith that faces the challenges of life head on. Amen.

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THUR 16 OCT

CONFIDANTE

READ John 12:20-22 1 Samuel 18:1-4

FOCUS Philip went to tell Andrew. Then Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

John 12:22

It happens to us all. A confusing situation arises. We feel under pressure and uncertain about which way to go. It’s then that we feel the value of trusted friends who can help us in our dilemma. I have a number of friends like that, and these days I rarely take a significant step without consulting them.

Andrew was a friend of that calibre. We’ve already seen that he was practical, and so could be relied upon for some common sense. Now, as those Greeks we mentioned earlier want to see Jesus – the word means have an interview with Him – they request an audience through Philip. Both Philip and Andrew have Greek names, even though they were Jews, so maybe this made them more approachable for these Greeks. Philip doesn’t know what to do with the request, and the text seems to suggest that those interested Greeks kept asking. And so, Philip turned to his friend Andrew for advice. The cultural barrier between Jews and Gentiles was very solid – what to do with this pressing request? Together, they approached Jesus.

To whom do we turn, humanly speaking, when we’re uncertain? It’s a good idea to know, so when that day of decision comes, that relationship of trust is in place. And lest this becomes one-sided, let’s ask: are we the kind of friend others turn to for help – and when they do, will we give time and consideration to help them out? David and Jonathan had that kind of friendship too: who is our Andrew, or our Jonathan?

Prayer: Lord, help me to invest in my closest friends, so that when clouds gather, I am not alone in the storm. Amen.

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FRI 17 OCT

BELIEVING QUESTIONS

READ Mark 13:1-31 Luke 1:26-38

FOCUS ‘Tell us, they said.

‘When will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to come true?’

Mark 13:4

GOING DEEPER

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It’s a favourite moment for me when I visit Jerusalem – standing on the steps of what used to be the Temple in the heart of the Old City. The Temple itself is obviously long gone, destroyed by the Romans in AD70, just as Jesus predicted.

But when one looks at the huge stones that make up some of the old perimeter walls, you can’t help but wonder – what did the disciples think when Jesus prophesied these walls were coming down?

The answer is that they asked believing questions. Andrew, together with Peter, James and John, had a private meeting with Jesus.

They wanted to know more about His staggering prediction, but as they did, their question was not framed as an incredulous 'how', but rather as a believing 'when'. That’s not to say the question ‘how’ is always wrong – Mary, the mother of Jesus asked that, and was not rebuked for asking (Luke 1:34). But even though it must have seemed a huge stretch of the imagination to picture this solid, secure complex being ruined, these four disciples, Andrew included, just wanted to know when the unthinkable was going to happen.

Let’s not be afraid of believing questions, of interrogating our faith, and evaluating ideas that might have been handed on to us, without us thinking too much about them before accepting them. Questions are not the enemy of faith, but are keys to deeper, more substantial faith. As Andrew and his friends presented that question to Jesus, they were treated to a clear answer.

Prayer: Loving Father, help me not to be afraid when questions arise in my walk of faith; may they be doorways to deeper understanding. Amen.

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WEEKEND 18 - 19 OCT

There are some people who lead without ever being the primary voice, the main decision maker, or the person on the platform. They have influence, simply by being who they are and walking in a certain direction, allowing others to head the same way. Their character creates confidence; their history of wise choices means others trust what they trust.

THE POWER OF EXAMPLE

If I may be vulnerable, that’s been true in my own life, when doubt has plagued me. There are a few unswervingly solid people in my friendship orbit, and sometimes I say, ‘Well, they believe this, so I will too.’ Perhaps that sounds simplistic, but when faith is low, I’ve felt strengthened by leaning on the faith of others that I trust. Their choices influence my ongoing choices. They are an example to me; their faith strengthens mine.

READ Mark 1:16-18 1 Timothy 4:12

GOING DEEPER

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Commentators have observed that, in being the first of the disciples called by Jesus, others made decisions about Jesus because Andrew had.

He was solid and dependable. The last mention of him in the New Testament places him together with the other apostles after the ascension (Acts 1:13). Various extra-biblical accounts talk about his ongoing and varied missionary endeavours, (including preaching to cannibals!) and although there is dispute about the details, it’s generally agreed that he was imprisoned, stoned and crucified. He was faithful to the end.

Today, let’s live in a way that will create confidence in others – confidence in the Jesus we follow.

To ponder: Can you think of someone who has made a deep, positive impression upon you as a follower of Jesus? How did they do that? Why not let them know?

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08/07/2025 09:13

MON 20 OCT

A QUIET HERO

READ Galatians 6:9-10 Hebrew 12:1-3

FOCUS Let us not become tired of doing good.

At the right time we will gather a crop if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

In so many ways, Andrew was the ultimate unsung hero. The New Testament pays very little attention to him, and he is only mentioned 12 times in the gospels, four of these being in lists. He appears just once in Acts, but little is written of the apostles there, (apart from Peter and John), as Luke wanted to concentrate on Paul. In 357, Constantius II deposited the apostle’s alleged remains in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, along with those of Luke and Timothy. History portrays him as a rugged character. In iconography, Andrew often appears with unkempt hair and a long beard, and there’s usually a ship, a fish, or a net shown alongside his image. But we should not underestimate the huge impact he made as he quietly served.

Yesterday we considered the power of legacy and influence. Andrew is surely an inspiration to the countless unsung heroes who work so hard in serving the purposes of the Kingdom in their communities. Across the UK and indeed the world, a huge anonymous army of volunteers will demonstrate the love of Jesus with countless acts of service this coming week. Like Andrew, they are anxious for people to be fed; like Andrew, they usually go unnoticed. And like Andrew, through their hard work and tenacity, pushing through weariness and continuing to do good, they just keep bringing people to Jesus. If you are one of them, please accept this feeble but sincere acknowledgement: thank you.

Prayer: Lord, grant energy and hope to all who quietly serve You. May I strengthen and encourage, with gratitude. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

TUES 21 OCT

IN THE MIDST OF THE ORDINARY READ Mark 1:19-20 Genesis 28:10-22 FOCUS Then Jesus walked a little farther. As he did, he saw James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat preparing their nets.

Mark 1:19

GOING DEEPER

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Some Christians give the impression that following Jesus is endlessly exciting. I don’t doubt their breathless sincerity, but I wonder whether these claims can misrepresent what being a Christian is really like. And I am also concerned that Christian leaders like me can become disconnected from the real world and the tedium that is part of everyday life. I occasionally travel into London. I look around at the faces of my fellow passengers, straphanging in a sweaty metal tube on a stifling summer’s day, and realise that while my excursions are sporadic, some of them do this every morning and evening, five days a week.

Their faces say it all: this is not where they want to be, but life and work give them no choice.

As we turn to James, we see he met Jesus in the midst of yet another predictable day. Mark records that he and his brother were preparing their nets for another bout of fishing. This boring work of cleaning, mending and folding was just part of the routine for this small fishery company. But Jesus met them in the midst of the ordinary, and everything was different as a result. As we read in the Genesis 28 passage, Jacob was also in a tough place – but God was found there.

Perhaps the day ahead looks bland. You might even be looking at a long list of tasks, and you’d rather not have to check them off. I can’t promise a life-altering encounter like James had, but as we give this day to Jesus, why don’t we ask Him to meet us in the midst of the routine?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to walk faithfully with You in the midst of the ordinary, even the tedious. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

WED 22 OCT

A GREAT DAY

READ Mark 1:21-34 Deuteronomy 5:15 FOCUS That evening after sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who were sick. They also brought all who were controlled by demons.

Mark 1:32

GOING DEEPER

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Yesterday we saw that not every day sparkles with significance. But there are the red letter days, when we sense God’s voice, intervention and power. Maybe we make a decision that significantly affects the rest of our lives. The Jews have a saying, ‘If not for that day’, capturing the thought there are some moments that set direction for a decade or more. When faith is low, when life is just pedestrian or turbulent, we look back on those halcyon days and find strength.

As we’ve seen, James was a professional fisherman, in business with John, his brother, and Peter. James was probably older: he is nearly always mentioned first when the two appear in the gospels. In Mark’s Gospel, we first see James with Jesus when Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was healed in the house that Peter shared with Andrew in Capernaum.

James would have been in the synagogue earlier that day, when Jesus spoke so powerfully, and cast an evil spirit out of a man. Later, James saw fever instantly leave Peter’s mother-in-law. And that very evening, he must have watched wide-eyed as ‘all the people in town gathered at the door’ and yet more miracles of healing and deliverance took place.

James would have looked back on that earliest memory of being with Jesus. As we’ll see, life would be far from easy for him. When the going got tough, he must have remembered that day of wonders. Perhaps remembering our own red-letter days would help us today.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the times when I sensed Your voice, Your direction, Your work. Help me to remember what You have done. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

THUR 23 OCT

COUSIN JAMES?

READ Mark 5:21-43 Mark 13:3-4

FOCUS He let only Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, follow him.

Mark 5:37

GOING DEEPER

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As we will see, James, together with Peter and John, formed an ‘inner circle’ of three close friends of Jesus who witnessed things the other disciples did not see. But there was another event – one that we will consider shortly – where James and John were hoping for special favours from Jesus. In collusion with their mother, Salome, they ask for seats at His right and left in His coming kingdom.

Perhaps being included when others were not made them feel special – theirs was a unique privilege. Some commentators also believe Salome may have been Mary’s sister, (John 19:25) making them cousins to Jesus. Maybe this heightened their sense of entitlement.

Some leaders, especially founders of successful churches, can end up believing their part in their church’s success means they should have special privileges. Others fall into destructive lifestyles, deluded into thinking that the basic principles of Christian living don’t apply to them, particularly in the areas of money, power or relationships. And I’ve seen churches ruled by families, who feel that their longstanding ties in the church, maybe financial giving, grants them permission to control things. Watch out for that thinking, because Jesus didn’t bow to it then, and He still doesn’t now. The Church belongs to Jesus – He alone gave Himself to redeem His people. When we talk about ‘our church’, may that statement be one of allegiance, loyalty and commitment – and not ownership or control.

Prayer: May I always think and act in the knowledge that the church that I am part of belongs to You, and You alone, Lord Jesus.

Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

FRI 24 OCT

A NICKNAME

READ Mark 3:13-19 1 Timothy 3:1-3

FOCUS There were James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

Jesus gave them the name Boanerges.

Boanerges means Sons of Thunder.

Mark 3:17

Looking back over nearly fifty years of ministry, I’ve encountered many different types of people during the journey. Some stand out in my mind because of their kindness, their great faith in the midst of trial, or their generosity: others for their capacity to be difficult. One of those is David (not his real name). Well-schooled in theology, he was usually to be found at the centre of an argument, and shouting was his preferred method of persuasion. If you didn’t agree with him, you were a heretic in desperate need of correction. A faithful attendee at prayer meetings, he would stand and pray lengthy, flowery prayers, again at high volume. Famous for zeal, he would later get involved in politics, which didn’t go well for him. Once I saw him on television, actually engaging in a fist fight with another political leader with whom he had a difference of opinion. He was – and, as far as I know, still is – a fiery hothead.

Although some commentaries see the nickname ‘Boanerges’ as a compliment from Jesus (only Mark records this detail), most agree James and John were so-called because they were loud, impetuous and had short fuses. The Hebrew word means ‘the loud ones,’ or perhaps ‘hot-tempered pair’: Mark translates the word as ‘Sons of Thunder’. If we quickly turn the volume up when questioned or challenged, let’s realise that being loud doesn’t make us right. And here’s a question to ponder: if Jesus were to give us a nickname, what might it be?

Prayer: Help me to be one who responds rather than reacts, Lord. Form a gentle and gracious character in me by Your Spirit.

Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

WEEKEND 25 - 26 OCT

MISGUIDED ZEAL

READ Luke 9:54-56 Philippians 3:1-6

Zeal can be a dangerous thing, especially when it’s totally misguided. Steered by religious fanaticism that made perfect sense to Saul as a Jew and a Pharisee, he pursued members of the Early Church, hounding them to death, a season of his life he later looked back on with deep shame. Here, the thunderous pair of James and John were enthusiastically seizing the wrong end of the stick. Infuriated by the negative response Jesus had just received from the people of the Samaritan village, the two impetuous brothers decided that the best way forward was a nuking, and so politely offered to call down fire from heaven. But in making the offer, they earned the displeasure of Jesus, who rebuked them. They were too quick in their rush to judgment. While Jesus did sometimes promise it to towns that resisted His message, like Capernaum, Chorazim and Bethsaida – this was not the time for that reckoning.

I haven’t called down fire lately, but I am challenged about a tendency towards misguided enthusiasm. Where have I wasted time and money pursuing initiatives that God was not the author of – things that seemed a good idea but were not, ultimately and crucially, a God idea? Notice that Jesus doesn’t congratulate James and John for their keenness, but as we saw, He rebuked them.

Let’s not waste life with well-meaning ideas that merit rebuke rather than congratulation, and recognise that enthusiasm alone is not enough: what we are enthusiastic about is key.

To ponder: Can you think of an episode of ‘misguided zeal’ in your journey of faith?

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08/07/2025 09:13

MON 27 OCT

CONFIDENCE

READ Luke 9:54–56 Matthew 14:22-33

FOCUS The disciples James and John saw this.

They asked, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them?’

Luke 9:54

GOING DEEPER

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As we saw yesterday, James and John’s misguided offer to call down fire from heaven led to a telling-off. They were wrong in their judgement. But let’s look at this episode from a different angle. The fact is that being around Jesus gave the brothers confidence to make such a bold offer. For that to happen, epic power would be needed. But James and his brother didn’t hesitate. There was something about being around Jesus that instilled a heady confidence in them (in this case, headstrong confidence) and so they were bold in their suggestion. The presence of Jesus created that effect in people. It was His presence that nudged Peter to offer to get out of a boat in the midst of a terrifying storm. Because Jesus was there, he felt that he could do it. Even though he would later sink, he was so inspired that he felt able to try to walk on water – once again, a task that was humanly impossible. Preachers often criticize Peter for sinking, but only Jesus is worthy to comment negatively about Peter’s sinking (literally) faith. The rest of us would probably have stayed in the boat.

Once again, I’m challenged about the effect that I have on people whom I engage with daily – and I’m not talking about preaching, teaching and writing here. Does my presence inspire faith and godly confidence? Do my words, actions and attitudes help people believe they can do more than they are currently doing? I so want that to be the case.

How about you?

Prayer: Lord, may I be a positive influence for You today, in all I say and do. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

TUES 28 OCT

SHAPED BY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES

READ 1 Kings 18:1-39 Luke 9:54-56

FOCUS The fire of the Lord came down.

It burned up the sacrifice. It burned up the wood and the stones and the soil.

It even dried up the water in the ditch.

1 Kings 18:38

Before we move on, it’s worth noting some manuscripts add a detail we could easily miss – and it might be the key to understanding why James and John were so ready to see fiery judgement. Some versions add ‘as Elijah did’ after the words about calling down fire from heaven. It would appear they were using what God did in the past, in this case, through one of Israel’s greatest heroes, Elijah – as a paradigm for what He might do in the present.

Their expectation, perhaps understandably, was shaped by their perspective from history.

Something similar can happen to us. When we reflected on Andrew leaving John the Baptist to join Jesus’ team, I spoke of Christians who have lived through a wonderful season of the blessing of God. That has then moulded their thinking and made them resistant to something new that God might want to do. Because He blessed yesterday’s methodology, they reason, surely that’s the only way He will move and bless today. But that kind of thinking limits God, who is always moving forward.

Let’s be slow to conclude that God always wants to act in the same way. This is important, because, while acknowledging we travel with a journeying God, we can so easily get stuck, and be resistant to innovation, experimentation and change. In our church, when we try something new, we sometimes say, ‘We’re going to try this, and if it doesn’t work, we’ll go back to doing what didn’t work before!’ Let’s be open.

Prayer: You invite me to travel with You, Father. Change is part of the journey. Help me to travel well. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

WED 29 OCT

A THRONE, IF YOU PLEASE

READ Matthew 20:20-28 Ephesians 3:20-21 FOCUS The mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus. Her sons came with her. Getting on her knees, she asked a favour of him.

Matthew 20:20

GOING DEEPER

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Yesterday we saw how past experiences of God, or even perceptions of what He once did, can blinker us to possibilities today. But sometimes ideas in our wider culture can prevent us from seeing God as He really is too. It seems like a strange request – to ask for thrones – but Salome and her two sons were being governed by current cultural expectations. Popular Jewish belief suggested a Messianic figure would go to Jerusalem, overthrow the hated Roman invaders, and set up an earthly throne to lead a new, reformed nation of Israel. Any time someone who looked like a potential Messianic figure started to head for Jerusalem, people concluded it was time for the thrones to be established – hence James’ and John’s aspiration. They wanted to be in pole position for that great day. But Jesus was working to a much greater agenda – a rescue mission to ultimately rid the world of the great invader and spoiler, Satan. His agenda was bigger than life itself, and He tamed and beat the last enemy to be destroyed - death.

This was about the whole planet, not just Israel.

How easily we limit God to our territory, to what immediately concerns us.

Life is hard, and can grind faith out of us. Living with the bombardment of messages that our culture disseminates every second of every day, our sense of the bigness of God’s plans can be diminished. Why not ask God – where have we limited Him? How might we grasp a greater sense of His plan, purpose and power?

Prayer: Shape my vision of You and Your greatness by Your Spirit, Mighty God. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

THUR 30 OCT

GOD WINS

READ Acts 12:1-24 Ephesians 1:3-10

FOCUS About this time, King Herod arrested some people who belonged to the church. He... had James killed with a sword. James was John’s brother.

Acts 12:1-2

Years had passed. There were other episodes that James was involved in, as a member of Jesus’ inner circle of three, but in the year AD 44, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled, and James’ life came to a sudden end. Herod Agrippa has him executed with a sword. Herod wanted to systematically eradicate the Christians, and the Early Church must have been devastated. But even though Herod seems to win in this tragic moment, we see that tragedy does not change the truth that God ultimately wins.

It was Tertullian, a leader in the first few centuries of the Church, who commented that the blood of the martyrs, those who died for their Christian faith, was the seed of the Church. These deaths didn’t stop others becoming Christian: if anything, the opposite is the case. We can think that some leaders are indispensable and there can be no growth without them, but it is God who builds His Church. When the Communist regime in China threw out all the Western missionaries, those expelled trembled for the fate of the small Chinese Church. But when news finally came out about what was happening in China, the Chinese Church was prospering. In the same way, the Early Church continued to increase its impact. As Luke wrote, ‘And the word of the Lord continued to spread...’ Despots continue to have their evil way in the world: but often this prompts others to stand up for what is right.

Let’s never forget: God ultimately wins, His word spreads, and one day His Kingdom will fully come.

Prayer: Lord, when circumstances seem to declare Your absence, may I remember I am not alone, and Your purposes will be fulfilled. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:13

PHILIP: EARNEST ENQUIRER

Today we turn to Philip the apostle, who also came from Bethsaida, that little fishing village in Galilee. Again, he is relatively obscure – there are but a few mentions of him in the gospels – but overall, he comes across as an earnest enquirer. He was a man who asked sincere questions, not to try to trip anybody up or to dominate the conversation, but because he really wanted to know. Before we consider the episodes he appears in, let’s take a moment again to not only validate questioning when it comes to faith, but to encourage questions.

READ Matthew 10:1-4 Acts 1:12-14

Questioning enables us to banish ignorance; instead of just lazily accepting what we’ve been told, a hunger to dig deeper will help us to distil truth from half-truth or myth.

Questioning is not the opposite of faith or trust, but rather questions help us deepen both. One of the reasons rabbis (including Jesus) taught in stories or parables was to provoke thought and questions.

FRI 31 OCT

As we’ll see, it was Philip who asked Jesus for a revelation of the Father, and it was pragmatist Philip who reasoned there was a catering crisis which led to the feeding of the 5,000. He comes across as a practical, thoughtful person.

FOCUS Next are Philip and Bartholomew...

Thomas and Matthew...Two more are James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.

Matthew 10:3-4

Let’s have a faith that is willing to struggle and even wrestle. And while we accept the authority of Scripture, let’s be willing to question the particular interpretation of Scripture that we hold to, and be slow to write off others who take a different view. Questions illuminate.

Prayer: Build in me a rugged, resilient faith, one that is strengthened by earnest searching and questioning. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

RC1231_LWL_Issue-16_V7.indd 33

08/07/2025 09:14

TAKE A TOUR WITH JEFF AND KAY IN 2026!

SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION TOUR SPRING 2026 8 DAYS (UK GUESTS) 11 DAYS (USA GUESTS)

Embark on a life-changing journey, visiting the sites where Christians first gathered. This unforgettable tour takes you to the actual sites of the seven churches of Revelation — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea — where the Apostle John’s powerful letters were first received. Explore ancient ruins, walk where Paul and John once preached, and deepen your faith as Scripture comes alive before your eyes. With expert guides, rich biblical insights, and moments of prayer and reflection, this tour is more than a vacation — it’s a spiritual pilgrimage. We invite you to join Jeff and Kay Lucas and let the Book of Revelation speak to you in a completely new way.

To register your interest so that you are among the first to get all the information you need, visit: www.jefflucas.org 34 RC1231_LWL_Issue-16_V7.indd 34

08/07/2025 09:14

HOLY LAND TOUR AUTUMN /FALL 2026 7 DAYS (UK GUESTS) 12 DAYS (USA GUESTS)

Join Jeff and Kay on a very special tour of Israel. Sharing practical, biblical insights as they travel, they will take you to the famous biblical locations, including Galilee, Nazareth, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Register your interest now and look forward to a wellorganised and informative visit. And there will be lots of fun too!

Some highlights of the visit will be to biblical locations where Jesus walked such as the Sea of Galilee, Caeserea Philippi, Capernaum, the Mount of Beatitudes, and the Garden of Gethsemane. We will also visit the Dead Sea, Masada and Qumran, the Garden Tomb, walk the streets of the old city of Jerusalem, and visit the Western (Wailing) Wall.

Professional local guides share their wealth of historical and archeological knowledge; Jeff offers teaching as we tour, and Jeff and Kay host the entire experience — one that some travellers have enjoyed so much they have returned to do the same trip a second and even a third time! With excellent hotels, amazing food, and the unforgettable experience of exploring the stunning old city of Jerusalem, this trip will delight and inspire. Come with us!

To register your interest so that you are among the first to get all the information you need, visit: www.jefflucas.org 35 RC1231_LWL_Issue-16_V7.indd 35

08/07/2025 09:14

WEEKEND 01 - 02 NOV

CORRECTION AND KINDNESS

READ John 1:43-46 Titus 3:1-2

I was once preaching on the book of Jonah, and I made a mistake. I announced that Jonah’s story was 4800 years old. But I got my maths wrong – by no less than 2,000 years. Afterwards, a gentleman nervously approached me, hesitation but warmth in his voice. ‘I hope you don’t mind, and I don’t want to seem impertinent, but... you got your dates wrong, Jeff. Jonah was an 8th century BC prophet. I didn’t want you to repeat the mistake.’

I thanked him, earnestly, because the next day I was due to preach that same message three more times, and now I was able to give out the correct information. But his reaction made me suspect he had met other leaders who couldn’t take correction. Such defensiveness is wrong, but it might be because they have met too many people who relish the thought of correcting others; the ones who frequently say.

‘Yes, but...’ in every conversation. They delight in disagreement, even in minor issues.

Philip might have rushed to the conclusion that Nathanael was initially dismissive of Jesus because He had been raised in the nowhere village that was Nazareth – more about that later. But Philip didn’t rebuke him or get into an argument – he simply invited Nathanael to come and see for himself. As far as Philip was concerned, meeting Jesus would be proof enough. And he was right.

Let’s be faithful to correct when we need to. But let’s not relish every opportunity to offer a word of correction, and let’s be kind and gentle when we do.

To ponder: Can you think of a situation where you were corrected in a helpful way? What did you learn from that interaction?

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08/07/2025 09:14

MON 03 NOV

NUDGED INTO FAITH

READ John 6:1-7 Matthew 14:13-16

FOCUS Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him. So he said to Philip, 'Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?’

John 6:5

Instead of simply making statements, Jesus often used questions to provoke His disciples to reflection and thought. That’s one reason for the parables – they were designed to activate a search. But as the logistical problem of catering for a huge multitude presented itself, it seems Jesus was trying to nudge Philip into a place of expectancy for a miracle. John makes it clear – this was a test for Philip, and not a casual enquiry: Jesus already had a plan. Some translate Jesus’ question as, ‘From what resources shall we provide for these people?’ which is a more open-ended question that doesn’t limit the provision to a shopping expedition! But Philip, perhaps understandably, responded to what he saw as a practical question with a practical response. Perhaps something similar occurs when Jesus says to the disciples, ‘You give them something to eat.’ Perhaps here was an opportunity for them, having already seen some miracles, to utilise their faith for a challenging situation.

I don’t like being in a crisis, and the pressing need of thousands of growling stomachs was a very real crisis. My preferred reaction to crisis is panic – reaction rather than thoughtful, prayerful response. But Scripture shows us that trial is the golden opportunity for faith to be nurtured and proven. If we’re in a situation that seems impossible, while I can’t promise what the outcome will be, let’s realise it is an opportunity, however unwelcome, to grow in trust.

Prayer: In the stresses and pressures of today, increase my faith, Lord. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

TUES 04 NOV

TAKING COUNSEL

READ John 12:20-22 Proverbs 15:21-24

FOCUS Philip went to tell Andrew. Then Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

John 12:22

In this episode, which we already considered when we reflected on Andrew’s character, we see Philip was willing to take advice. For whatever reason, he was perplexed about the Greek request to have a meeting with Jesus.

Perhaps he was nervous about their motives – worried they might even be a threat. But whatever his concern, he decided to talk it over with his friend.

The Bible repeatedly celebrates the value of wise counsel. But I’ve discovered it can be difficult to get even those closest to us to tell us what they really think, especially if we’re enthusiastic about a course of action. And one way to definitely shut down any meaningful conversation is to announce we’re sure that God is definitely leading us – that makes it almost impossible for anyone to disagree.

Sadly, there have been a couple of occasions when I pushed forward with a major decision, and not only did I not take time to consult, I even ignored the earnest advice of those closest to me. The results were not good.

If we’re standing at an important junction, let’s seek advice from someone we trust. We should not only give them permission to disagree with us, but sincerely ask them to be faithful if they see something we don’t. If that creates an awkward conversation, let’s be careful how we respond. If we plead for honest advice, and then ‘shoot the messenger,’ we’ll shut down any possibility of future wise counsel. Let’s listen to good advice.

Prayer: Father, help me to walk in humility, eager for counsel, discerning in decision making, and grateful for even difficult conversations. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WED 05 NOV

CAN WE SEE GOD PLEASE?

READ John 14:1-8 Exodus 33:12-23

FOCUS Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father.

That will be enough for us.’

John 14:8

The three years that Jesus’ team spent with Him had gone by now. It was the night before He would be betrayed, and so Jesus was trying to prepare His followers for all that would come. Predictions of betrayal were shared, coupled with promises about Jesus and His friends ultimately being together in the Father’s house. And Philip tries to peer through the mist of eternity and asks to be able to see God the Father. In making that request, Philip joins with all of us as humans.

If we could just see God here and now, life would be clearer, and faith unnecessary.

Made in God’s image, we are created with a longing to see that original, unspoiled image.

Like Moses, we hanker to see a revelation of God in His fullness. And one day that prayer will be answered, as ‘We will see Him as He really is’ (1 John 3:2). What a wonderful day that will be. In the meantime, we peer at life and the Lord of life with the eyes of faith.

And it will always be that way, this side of eternity. I used to think that as I grew as a Christian, it would be so much easier to function in faith – I would hear God’s voice more clearly, see His hand at work more obviously. But Scripture makes it clear that ‘Now we see only a dim likeness of things. It is as if we were seeing them in a mirror. But someday we will see clearly’ (1 Cor. 13:12).

If you wish God was more obvious, join the crowd, but trust Him anyway, comforted by the knowledge it won’t always be this way.

Prayer: Father God, when not seeing You becomes so frustrating, help me to trust You until I can see You face to face. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

THUR 06 NOV

WITH ME FOR SO LONG

READ John 14:9-14 2 Timothy 3:1-7

FOCUS Jesus answered, ‘Don’t you know me, Philip? I have been among you such a long time!'

John 14:9

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/goingdeeper

Hurrying to Denver airport to catch a flight, I missed the airport exit on the motorway, which was surprising as I’d done that trek so many times. Little damage was done, we lost five minutes progress at the most, and I still got to my flight on time, but after all these years and all those airport runs, I was surprised at yet another staggering example of my ineptitude. Why did I miss it? Too busy nattering, I just wasn’t focused.

I’m challenged by Jesus’ gentle rebuke to Philip. By this time, Jesus had made it plain that He had come as God incarnate, and so those who had seen Him had seen the Father (see John 12:35, 13:20). But despite this, Philip had not grasped the truth, and so Jesus asks the question, ‘Don’t you know me, Philip? I have been among you such a long time (John 14:9)! And Philip was not alone in his immature thinking. Jesus repeatedly set out His agenda for the twelve and warned them of the perilous days that lay ahead, but when the pressure came, they all collapsed.

They had heard, but they hadn’t fully learned.

Paul warned Timothy about those who were ‘always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth’ (2 Tim. 3:7, NIV). Let’s apply the truth we know, lest we become those who have been around Jesus for a long time, but have grown little. In the early days of my Christian journey, hungry for the Lord, I grew by leaps and bounds. Decades later, I’d like to take further steps towards greater maturity.

Prayer: Help me not to just hear truth, but grasp it and apply it, Lord, and thereby experience true growth in You. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

FRI 07 NOV

WHAT HAPPENED TO PHILIP?

READ Hebrews 11:36-40 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

FOCUS Some were killed with stones. Some were sawed in two.

Some were killed by swords... They were treated badly.

Hebrews 11:37

It’s been said that past performance is an indicator of future behaviour. In other words, people seldom change: the leopard rarely changes its spots. My experience as a pastor shows me this is, sadly, generally true. As I said yesterday, most Christians experience radical changes in their earliest years of faith, but then we can all be tempted to settle down into habits that don’t change much at all. But we’re wrong to surrender to this idea.

Through Christ, we can all continue to grow and change. Failure yesterday doesn’t mean failure should be anticipated tomorrow.

Philip deserted Jesus along with the rest of the team. But the fugitive disciple became a faithful apostle. We have to look beyond Scripture to church history to know what happened to him. It’s generally believed he conducted a very effective ministry in Phrygia, in Asia Minor, and was martyred there at Hierapolis. The wife of the proconsul of the city was converted through Philip’s preaching, which led to arrest and torture, and finally to Philip being crucified upside down. Tradition says that he preached from the cross, and the listening crowd offered to release him, but he refused. He died faithfully, his legacy not shaped by fleeing when under pressure, but by being steadfast in terrible suffering.

Let’s not write ourselves off, and insist we can never change. Philip did, and so can we, as we cooperate with the shaping work of the Holy Spirit today.

Prayer: Lord, grant me hope for change, and willingness to submit to Your work of transformation in me. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WEEKEND 08 - 09 NOV

THE BEST OF FRIENDS

READ Matthew 10:2-4 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/ goingdeeper

As we turn to the disciple described by Matthew as Bartholomew, there has been a long-standing tradition (for over 1100 years) that Bartholomew was in fact Nathanael, mentioned in John’s Gospel. The name, ‘Bartholomew’ means ‘son of Tolmai/Talmai’ and it’s reasonable to think the ‘son of Tomai’ had his own name! Also, Bartholomew is always mentioned in the list of apostles after Philip, suggesting they were associated, and Nathanael was introduced to Jesus by Philip. Thirdly, while the synoptic gospels mention Bartholomew (but not Nathanael), John’s Gospel does not, but does talk about Nathanael. Then after the resurrection, when Jesus cooked breakfast for some of his inner core of disciples, Nathanael was listed as being there, once again implying that he and Bartholomew were the same person. In the gospels, Phillip and Nathanael/Bartholomew are always linked together, such was the strength of their friendship.

Talk of ‘best friends’ can create problems, but there is a small group of very close friends who are such a lifeline to Kay and me, and I hope we reciprocate their support. Over the years, we’ve laughed and cried together as we have navigated seasons of joy and pain. These friendships have not just happened, but have developed through years of time and money invested in being together. I cannot imagine life without them. May God help us to build substantial relationships of mutual strength in both sunshine and rain.

To ponder: What about you? If your name was to appear on a list with close friends, whose name or names would be next to yours?

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08/07/2025 09:14

MON 10 NOV

SINCERELY SCEPTICAL

READ John 1:43-46 1 Thessalonians 5:21

FOCUS ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’

John 1:46

Some readers will be surprised by my statement today: I wish I had been more sceptical on my own journey of faith. As Nathanael (as we’ll call him from now on) is introduced to Jesus, he says what sounds like a prejudiced slur: ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ It is thought there was fierce rivalry between Galilean villages, and that Nazareth had a reputation as a community with low morals. Let’s put ourselves in his position – he’s been told the person the Jewish people have been waiting for since Moses – the Messiah Himself – has been living in a place that he believes is not good.

No wonder he had questions.

As for me, I wish I’d asked more questions when in a church where strong discipleship meant a heavy leadership style. I should have been less willing to accept some of the more bizarre aspects of what were seen as moves of the Holy Spirit. When I attended ‘prophetic workshops’ where everyone practised prophesying over each other, (with ridiculous results in some cases), I should have raised the concerns I felt. And there have been a few occasions when Christian friends have announced that God was leading them in a particular direction (which led to disaster) – and I didn’t feel able to gently challenge them.

As we’ll see tomorrow, Jesus didn’t rebuke Nathanael for his initial hesitation. Scripture commands us to ‘Test everything; hold fast to what is good ‘(1 Thess. 5:21, ESV).

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to be discerning – sceptical at times, but never cynical. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

TUES 11 NOV

A TRUE ISRAELITE

READ John 1:45-47 Romans 15:5-6

FOCUS Jesus saw Nathanael approaching. Here is what Jesus said about him. ‘He is a true Israelite.

Nothing about him is false.’

John 1:47

We saw yesterday that Jesus didn’t rebuke Nathanael for his initial scepticism – and here He congratulates him for his straightforward, honest questioning. There’s great encouragement for us here. Sometimes we can get tired of trying as Christians. Like the Galatians, we are in danger of becoming ‘weary in well doing’. But some of that weariness can be rooted in misunderstanding God’s character. If we have been taught to believe in a God who is never satisfied, who views the greatest sacrifice as feeble, then we will end up driven and hopeless.

God is the God of the ‘Well done!’, who honours faith and faithfulness. Paul points to Him as the ultimate source of encouragement.

And here, as Jesus meets Nathanael, He sees a straightforward man who was not manipulative – and declares ‘there is nothing false in him.’ As Jesus celebrates such strength of character, He uses the story of Jacob, and makes Nathanael a promise about future revelation. Jacob, infamous for deceptively gaining his brother Esau’s birthright, was later renamed Israel, and so in using the term ‘Israelite’ and the story of Jacob’s revelation of angels, Jesus reaffirms Nathanael’s good character.

Do some of us find it strange to think of God celebrating strengths in us, and congratulating and encouraging us? If we struggle with that, we should ask the Holy Spirit to show us afresh who God is – and who He isn’t, lest the pathway of discipleship becomes an unending trudge.

Prayer: Thank You for Your kindness and encouragement, loving God. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WED 12 NOV

GOD SEES US

READ John 1:47-48 Genesis 16:1-16 FOCUS

‘How do you know

me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree. I saw you there before Philip called you.’

John 1:48

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/ goingdeeper

I’ve written about it a lot, but allow me to reflect again on the day I was called to ministry. As a new Christian, converted a few weeks earlier, I attended a youth weekend. Incredibly, a sense of calling to leadership was already brewing in my heart – one I had shared with nobody.

The guest speaker for our weekend was John Barr, a wonderful pastor with the keenest prophetic gift I have ever witnessed. He announced there were three people attending the weekend who were called to Christian leadership, and God had told him our first and last names. On the Saturday night, I wandered to the front to ask Pastor John a question – without introducing myself. As I turned to walk away, he tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘Your name is Jeff Lucas, isn’t it?’ Staggered, I confirmed my identity, and then he said, ‘God has called you to ministry, hasn’t He?’ John added a few words of encouragement, and I made my way to my room, overwhelmed and tearful because God knew me, knew my name, and had called me to His purposes.

God saw Hagar. And God saw me.

I’ve often thought since that the Lord knew I needed a dramatic call so that, occasional doubter that I am, I’d never forget that day and that call. Nathanael had an unforgettable experience with Jesus, as the Lord declared He had ‘seen’ him under the fig tree – supernatural knowledge and insight confirming a call.

Perhaps you’ve had similar experiences. Perhaps not. But know this: you don’t see God right now, but He sees you.

Prayer: I can’t see You, Lord, which can be difficult, but I rest in the knowledge that You see me. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

THUR 13 NOV

FROM SEEN TO SEEING

READ John 1:43-51 Genesis 28:10-22

FOCUS Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree.

You will see greater things than that.’

John 1:50

Chatting with an acquaintance recently, I felt concerned about what faith meant to him. He is a very occasional church attender, and has, in his own words, a ‘nominal, British kind of Christianity’. By his own admission, he engages with his church’s set liturgy on Sunday, but his vague faith seems to make little difference the rest of the week. I’ve been wondering how to explain that God has so much more for him – a real, vibrant faith, where he doesn’t just believe there is a God who sees him and everyone else in the world, but where he partners with God’s specific purposes, and sees for himself the direction and transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, there are many who have been tragically inoculated against an authentic daily walk with God because they have settled for nominal faith.

The call to see ‘greater things’ is for all of us. It’s all too easy for the once passionate disciple to settle into a vague spirituality, where we no longer anticipate God doing very much for us or through us. In promising Nathanael he would see greater things in the future, Jesus pointed back to that story of Jacob, alone and exhausted, who suddenly realised angels were ascending and descending. God was in the place where he was, and he hadn't realised it. Jesus is the ‘ladder’ now, and as we walk with Him, let’s continue to anticipate him being actively and energetically entwined in our lives. Let’s never settle, but seek to see more.

Prayer: Save me from settling, Lord. I want to keep seeing You at work. I will walk with You today, seeking Your kingdom first.

Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

FRI 14 NOV

IN CHRIST ALONE

READ John 1:49-51 John 14:1-7

FOCUS Nathanael replied, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.’

John 1:49

It’s often thought that Peter was the first of Jesus’ disciples to declare a conviction that Jesus was and is the Messiah. But that’s not true. Before the public, miracle-laden ministry of Jesus had even begun, it was Nathanael who made that affirmation.

Serious students of Scripture would often use the shade of a tree for quiet prayer and reflection.

The dawning knowledge that Jesus was divine, and therefore, prior to His incarnation was omnipresent and omniscient (everywhere and all-knowing) stunned Nathanael, and he quickly realised there was only one explanation: Jesus was the Messiah, the much longed-for true king of Israel.

Some try to cast Jesus in the role of a mere teacher, a good person who offered the world principles to help us to live peaceably together.

But as Nathanael’s experience shows, and the gospels so clearly affirm, that simply won’t do. Put bluntly, Jesus is either the second person of the Trinity, God Himself, the One through whom everything in the universe was made – or He is one of the greatest deceivers in human history, His resurrection a madeup fantasy. As we will see, Nathanael and most of the other disciples would ultimately experience horrifying, painful martyrdom because they refused to loosen their grip on the truth that had revolutionised their world. It will become increasingly difficult to say this, but let’s affirm this truth afresh today: Christ alone is our hope. He alone is the way.

Prayer: Today, Lord Jesus, I affirm: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, the King, the Way, the Truth, the Life. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WEEKEND 15 - 16 NOV

JESUS IN MY VILLAGE

It’s a detail I have never noticed before.

Nathanael was from the village of Cana (we discover that in John 21). The first chapter of John ends with Nathanael’s revelation about Jesus which led to him responding to Jesus’ invitation to become one of the Twelve. But then as chapter 2 opens, we discover that Jesus began His ministry of the miraculous in Nathanael’s home village – Cana.

Think of the massive impact that must have made upon Nathanael. This Jesus, who had promised so much, was moving in supernatural power among Nathanael’s own friends and possibly family. Scholars estimate fewer than 600 people would have lived in Cana in the time of Jesus – so it’s likely this was a very close-knit community, where everyone knew everyone.

Jesus had promised Nathanael and the other disciples (the word used is plural) they would see great things – but now, Nathanael was seeing a stunning miracle in the place where he had been raised. Now the rabbi to whom Nathanael had been drawn was surely the talk of the village: the servants at the wedding feast had seen the miracle unfold, and it’s unlikely they kept it to themselves.

READ John 2:1-11 Acts 16:16-34

And that’s a beautiful picture of what Jesus wants to do for us – to make an impact on our relational circles of family, friends, and work colleagues. While we serve and pray and give to see the nation and the nations impacted by the gospel, let’s never forget Jesus wants to do wonderful things for us, a lot closer to home.

To ponder: Is there a miracle that you need to ask Jesus for again – one that’s ‘close to home’?

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08/07/2025 09:14

MON 17 NOV

STILL THERE

READ John 21:1-25 2 Timothy 4:6-8

FOCUS Simon Peter and Thomas, who was called Didymus, were there together.

Nathanael from Cana in Galilee and the sons of Zebedee were with them.

John 21:2

Three years have passed, and once again we see Nathanael. He is one of the disciples having breakfast with Jesus after the resurrection. They had been through so much.

They’d seen jaw-dropping miracles, had their hearts and minds stretched by the wonder of Jesus’ teaching, and they’d made some false assumptions and mistakes along the way.

Along with all the others, Nathanael had fled, deserting Jesus. But after all that, restoration was available for all of them. Nathanael was there for that beautiful breakfast. After that, he doesn’t appear in the New Testament.

He would have been part of the group who received the great commission to take the good news of Jesus to the world and make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20), and would have experienced the empowering of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

Church tradition suggests Nathanael carried a translation of Matthew's Gospel to northern India. It’s claimed he was crucified upside down in Albania. Some historical traditions describe him being flayed alive in Armenia, while others say he was tied up in a sack and thrown into the sea. Ultimately, we don’t really know how he died. What is known is that he was almost certainly martyred for his faith like the rest of the apostles, with the possible exception of John. His love for Jesus motivated him to pay the ultimate price to be faithful.

We may never pay a similar price. But in our lives, today, may we be found faithful too.

Prayer: Today, Lord Jesus, may I be found faithful, and whatever tomorrow brings, may love for You always be my passion. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

TUES 18 NOV

DOUBTING THOMAS

READ Matthew 10:1-4 1 Peter 2:5-10

FOCUS Next were Philip and Bartholomew, and also Thomas and Matthew the tax collector.

Matthew 10:3

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/ goingdeeper

It was one of those memorable moments in parenting. One of our children had been caught doing something naughty – a minor infraction – but were insisting they were innocent, despite clear evidence to the contrary: they had been caught red-handed. ‘It wasn’t me! I didn’t do it’ – the denials continued.

My clumsy attempt to resolve the issue wasn’t helping, because I said, in addition to the original spot of naughtiness, my child was now becoming a liar. I won’t forget the tearful response: ‘Daddy, I’m not a liar. I just told a lie this one time.’ If that sounds like a bit of fancy footwork, let me say I agree with that statement. To be described as a liar because of one untruth told is unfair. But sometimes we do that with ourselves – we self-identify based on our greatest failure, and view ourselves through the lens of the moment that we most regret. And we can do that with others too.

Some Christians can be very unforgiving – despite being freely forgiven they are quick to condemn others who stumble.

It’s the name he’s been tagged with: doubting Thomas. But is that fair? As we’ll see, he was more than a doubter. Admittedly, he does seem to have a pessimistic disposition, but he also possessed some excellent qualities, including raw courage. So perhaps we should stop calling him ‘doubting Thomas’. And maybe some of us, who have a long-term habit of defining ourselves by our worst moments, should stop calling ourselves names too.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live in the identity You have given me – a forgiven, loved child of God – rather than identifying myself by the moments and episodes that I regret.

Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WED 19 NOV

COURAGE

READ John 11:1-16 Proverbs 28:1

FOCUS Then Thomas, who was also called Didymus, spoke to the rest of the disciples. ‘Let us go also,’ he said. ‘Then we can die with Jesus.’

John 11:16

Perhaps you’ve met people like them. They are always miserable, seeming to delight in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. On a beautiful sunny day, they predict heavy rain.

They have developed their pessimism into a fine art, and view hoping for the best as a futile waste of time, and they rarely smile. I think Thomas might well have been one of those people. But then perhaps he was just a realist, as he anticipated that Jesus might well die if He returned to Jerusalem, and the disciples might perish with Him. Whatever the reason for what seems at first glance to be a pessimistic comment, let’s not lose sight of this truth: at this stage, Thomas showed a willingness to be with Jesus, whatever the cost. One commentator remarks he was both devoted and brave, as he declared willingness to die in the city.

Jesus had already been attacked in Judaea by some Jews who tried to stone Him (John 11:8), so Thomas’ concern was justified.

What does it mean for us to stand courageously for and with Jesus today? For some, it might mean being ostracised, or mocked for believing. Or we may feel called to make a stand against something we know is wrong. As we refuse to be complicit and break step, it may cost us dearly.

Let’s be brave, even if our hearts are heavy as we make courageous choices. We don’t have to feel excited as we choose well – we might do so with a sigh of resignation – what matters is making the right choice.

Prayer: When following You is costly, help me to be bold and brave, Father. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

THUR 20 NOV

GROUP THINK

READ John 11:1-16 Matthew 27:11-26 FOCUS Then Thomas, who was also called Didymus, spoke to the rest of the disciples. ‘Let us go also,’ he said. ‘Then we can die with Jesus.’

John 11:16

GOING DEEPER

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As Thomas makes the comment, ‘Let us go (with Jesus) also’, some translate this as ‘We should all go with Him’, making this a call to the band of nervous disciples to accompany Jesus, whatever the cost. As Leon Morris puts it, ‘Thomas looked death in the face and chose death with Jesus rather than life without Him.’ And so they went.

Groups can bring out the best or worst in us as human beings. Consider the frightening sight of a mob, fuelled by too much alcohol, spurring each other on to abusive behaviour. Groupthink has taken over; those who don’t participate in the carnage risk being ostracised. Or to consider a far more terrifying example: a group of intelligent leaders gathered in a room to agree the details of the Final Solution under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. Together they made choices that perhaps they might not have made individually: the crowd urges us towards good or evil. Another example of this is found in the crooked trials of Jesus, as the crowd urged each other on and cried out for Jesus’ blood to be shed.

And the power of the individual to influence a group happens in more innocuous settings: out for dinner with friends, if one person makes a slightly off-colour joke, others join in. Another shares a bit of gossip, and suddenly the room is alive with unguarded chatter.

Thomas called his friends to nobility, and led the way forwards. When we’re in a group, may our lives and words do the same.

Prayer: Father, when in a situation where peer pressure can lead to poor decisions, help me to influence well for Your kingdom’s sake.

Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

FRI 21 NOV

HUNGRY FOR TRUTH

READ John 14:1-7 2 Peter 3:17-18

FOCUS Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we don’t know where you are going.

So how can we know the way?’

John 14:5

Thomas seems to have spent quite a lot of time confused (which endears him to me: I can relate!) and in this episode, he was totally perplexed. Jesus was talking about preparations made in heaven for all who follow Him, but Thomas has definitely got the wrong end of the proverbial stick. Some suggest he might have thought the ‘Father’s house’ Jesus spoke of was the Temple in Jerusalem – He did refer to that place as His ‘Father’s house’. Thomas might have wondered if Jesus had found a shortcut to the Temple, or had organised a plan for escape in the event of an attack. Whatever the actual confusion, Thomas speaks up: he wants a clearer explanation. And what he got for his asking was one of the most quoted statements in the New Testament, as Jesus affirmed, He was and is ‘the way, the truth and the life’. One man’s humble request for clarity led to one of the greatest statements in history.

In a series of notes about the disciples and discipleship, it is to be expected we have returned to this call to us all to keep digging and growing. Earlier we saw that Nathanael’s hunger for truth (fuelled by some healthy scepticism) led to affirmation from Jesus, not a rebuke. Let’s turn to those parts of the Bible we’ve neglected, perhaps subconsciously written off as dull or irrelevant – let’s face it, some parts of the Old Testament are especially tough to read! Let’s keep asking questions about our faith. Let’s stay hungry.

Prayer: Grant me a genuine hunger, not only for truth, but for Your presence in my life, loving Father. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WEEKEND 22 - 23 NOV

DON’T MISS THE MOMENT

READ John 20:19-24 Hebrews 10:19-25

The birth of our second grandson, Alex, was much awaited, and Kay and I had organised our transatlantic schedule so we could be in the UK to welcome him into the world. But he was in no hurry to make his appearance, which meant we needed to make some expensive changes to our plans. We decided there are some once in a lifetime, unmissable moments. We don’t regret our decision, and when he finally arrived, we were able to join the joyous celebrations.

I think Thomas must have felt so disappointed that he was not present when Jesus came by.

Who knows where he was when the risen Jesus appeared to the others? It’s no overstatement to say he missed one of the most stupendous moments in the history of the human race.

Some commentators think there was no negative reason for his absence – he had things to do elsewhere. His name ‘Didymus’ means ‘twin’ – so perhaps he was spending time with a sibling when the dramatic event happened. Other commentators suggest it might have been an attitude of unbelief which led him to be away when the epic encounter took place.

It’s time for me to bang the drum again, and issue yet another call to us all to make gathering with God’s people a priority. In our fast-paced, harassed and distracted world, fellowship is vital. Who knows? In gatherings around the world this weekend, lives will be impacted by the teaching in sermons, the offering of prayers, and the sharing of words of encouragement. Don’t miss the moment.

To ponder: Can you think of a ‘memorable moment’ during a church gathering that has significantly affected your life?

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MON 24 NOV

I DON’T BELIEVE IT

READ John 20:24-25 Luke 24:36-49

FOCUS So they told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said...

‘First I must see the nail marks in his hands... Only then will I believe.’

John 20:25

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And so we turn to the episode for which Thomas is most famous – or infamous.

Refusing to accept the testimonies of the other disciples, who were insisting Jesus was alive, Thomas doesn’t buy it. Why is that?

What was it that fuelled a doubt so strong that some suggest his words should be translated, ‘I’ll never believe it!’

Scripture doesn’t tell us, but one possibility is Thomas was deeply hurt by the death of Jesus. Despite all that Jesus had taught the Twelve, the death of their master and rabbi still overwhelmed His friends with shock and grief. They’d all hoped for a victorious Messiah, not a crucified one. Some think Thomas, in his pain, was being guarded, not doubting the sincerity of his friends, but nervous they had been fooled by some terrible hoax. Now he wants to not only see, but touch the evidence for himself. Nothing less will satisfy him.

Somtimes doubt springs from a seed of disappointment. Things don’t turn out as we want them to; fervent, urgent prayers seem to be ignored. Without really being aware of it, our disappointment simmers into resentment, which turns into doubt and unbelief. If we’re to nurture healthy faith for the long-term, we must allow Jesus to disappoint us and at times, bewilder us. He is who He is, and won’t always deliver what we insist we should have. When confusion comes, trust will be needed. But let’s not allow that to strangle authentic faith in the One who is truly risen.

Prayer: Lord, help me to believe in You, especially when I cannot understand You, and am hurting in my confusion. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

TUES 25 NOV

STILL TOGETHER AFTER A TOUGH WEEK

READ John 20:24-29 Acts 2:42-44

FOCUS A week later, Jesus’ disciples were in the house again.

Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came in and stood among them.

John 20:26

Thomas had set his jaw, stubbornly refusing to believe the report of the other disciples.

Jesus would appear again, and this time He would specifically help to bring Thomas out of the twilight zone of doubt. But in the meantime, Thomas spent a whole week in that limbo state, probably hearing his friends discuss their amazing encounter with the Man who had been dead but now was alive again. Perhaps Thomas was more tormented than comforted by those conversations – they highlighted what he had missed by being absent. And he had no idea if there would be another opportunity for him to encounter the risen Christ; he might have feared he would be left stranded in uncertainty for the rest of his life. But despite all this, when Jesus did appear again, Thomas was there, still meeting with the other disciples.

Sometimes Christians go through a wilderness season of doubt, and distance themselves from their churches. The songs feel hollow, the prayers seem meaningless, and they may even feel hypocritical because of their faith crisis. Surely, they reason, it’s better to stay away. And that’s wrong. I touched on this earlier, but one reason for us to be in fellowship is to give us a source of strength when the going gets tough. Unable to pray much, we allow ourselves to be carried by the prayers of others. Liturgy gives us words of faith when we can’t create any ourselves.

If this is a season of doubt, let’s not drift away from the community of faith.

Prayer: I’m grateful, Lord, that faith is not just about feelings. But when faith is low, help me to prioritise being around others who can strengthen me. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WED 26 NOV

FRAGILITY AND FAITH

It’s a breathtaking shift. The resolute doubter offers one of the highest affirmations of the identity of Jesus in the entire New Testament.

Some say Thomas’ declaration of faith is the climax of John’s Gospel. As we hear Thomas utter those words, we see a portrait of discipleship. We, the people of God, are fragile, broken people under reconstruction by the work of the Spirit.

READ John 20:24-31 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Let’s remember that, especially when other believers disappoint us. Unrealistic expectations are unhelpful, and only fuel discouragement. But those same weak, inconsistent people are also capable of stunning exploits. So overwhelmed was Thomas when Jesus arrived, he never followed through with his determination to personally explore His wounds. Just the sight of Jesus, once dead, now alive, was proof enough. Not only did Thomas confess Jesus as Lord, but as his God too. Nobody had previously addressed Jesus like this.

FOCUS Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ John 20:28

As we’ve seen, looking at the disciples, they all had their weaknesses. But the world was utterly changed through these very ordinary people. God only uses ordinary people – nothing else is available! The mighty Roman empire would crumble, but God’s people would continue their work. We too sometimes struggle with doubt. But we are also carriers of this revelation, the truth that changes absolutely everything: Jesus is alive, He has beaten death, and He is both Lord and God. Prayer: Jesus, You are my Lord, and my God. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

THUR 27 NOV

THE BLESSING OF NOT SEEING

READ John 20:29 1 Peter 1:1-9

FOCUS Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed.’

John 20:29

It was a week when I received two harrowing but inspiring emails. The first came from a mum living through a parent’s worst nightmare – her beautiful daughter had aggressive cancer, and new tumours were multiplying fast. I couldn’t begin to imagine what it feels like to hear such a diagnosis. And then came the second email, this one from another mum who wrote asking for prayer, and describing how her son had battled cancer faithfully until he finally died. I was humbled to hear those two amazing women speak honestly about their pain, but still declare they were trusting God regardless. They have not seen Jesus, either in person as Thomas did, or as a healer in the lives of their children, but still they hang on tight to Him by faith.

Around 1750 years ago, a rabbi, Simeon ben Laqish, celebrated the special blessedness of those who believe without seeing: ‘If all the Israelites had not seen the thunder, and the flames, and the lightnings, and the quaking mountain, and the sound of the trumpet, they would not have accepted the Law and taken upon themselves the kingdom of God. Yet (some) have seen none of all these things, yet they come and give themselves to God. Is there any who is dearer than they?’

Jesus celebrated the blessedness of those who don’t see, but still believe. That includes all of us. But if you’re not seeing any evidence of God’s activity in a heartbreaking situation, may you know His encouragement and strength.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have not seen as Thomas and the other disciples saw. But I believe, and trust in You. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

FRI 28 NOV

BREAKFAST AND BEYOND

READ John 21:1-25 Revelation 12:11 FOCUS Here is what happened. Simon Peter and Thomas, who was also called Didymus, were there together.

John 21:1-2

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We’re back on that beach again. Thomas was among the small gaggle of disciples who gathered for breakfast with Jesus on the beach at Tabgah in Galilee after the resurrection, and of course he was part of the group that functioned in Acts, and experienced the empowering of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1-2). Thereafter, we know little about what happened to him. Some say he became a missionary to Parthia. Other sources say Thomas reluctantly travelled to India. If that’s true, then once again he was willing to make a potentially perilous journey if God willed it. Other accounts have him travelling to China. And according to tradition, he was martyred with spears by the hand of an Indian king. Jesus was Thomas’ ‘Lord and God’ right until the end. He had expressed a willingness to die with Jesus – that didn’t happen, but his faithfulness meant he died because of his love for and faith in Jesus.

Life here and now is wonderful, and I want to live it to the full. But Jesus’ original team was fuelled by the knowledge that because He had beaten death, they would too, and nothing, not even death itself, could rob them of that sure and certain hope. When we are able to stare down death, then nothing in life can trouble us in the same way again.

A sense of eternity to come is vital if we are to live beautifully for God today. God helped Thomas and his friends to do it, and He’s willing to help us to do it too.

Prayer: Fill me with your Holy Spirit, Lord, and empower me to live and love for You today. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WEEKEND 29 - 30 NOV

A SINNER COMES HOME

As we turn to Matthew (also known as Levi) – a former tax collector and probably the man who gave us Matthew’s Gospel – we are reminded that the Christian message includes a wonderful offer of forgiveness. Three of the gospels place the call of Matthew after the healing of a paralysed man and Jesus’ insistence that He had the right to forgive sins (Matt. 9:1–8), and before the wonderful ‘beggars’ banquet’ for ‘tax collectors and sinners’ (vv 10–13). Matthew is generally identified as one of those sinners who gladly accepted Jesus’ offer of forgiveness.

It might seem obvious to affirm that forgiveness sits at the heart of our message, but as a pastor, I’ve noticed many Christians accept it intellectually, but don’t live in the good of it practically. I remarked earlier that we have a tendency to define ourselves by our worst moments in life. As we’ll see, Matthew was a pariah, viewed as a traitor to the nation of Israel. He would have carried a deep sense of shame. But Jesus called him into His inner circle. Matthew would not just be an excited listener on the edge of the crowd, but a fully empowered member of Jesus' team.

READ Matthew 9:1-8 1 John 1:9

Let’s not live shrouded by shame because of past failure, or use our feelings to measure a sense of forgiveness. Often Christians say they don’t ‘feel’ forgiven, but forgiveness is a fact to be accepted with gladness, not a subjective feeling. Matthew was forgiven, and as we’ll see, he staked his life on that fact.

To ponder: Is there a sinful aspect of your past where you have not ‘felt’ forgiven, but now need to lean hard on God’s solid offer of forgiveness, and live in His grace by faith alone?

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08/07/2025 09:14

MON 01 DEC

TAX COLLECTOR

READ Matthew 9:9-10 1 John 1:1-10

FOCUS As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew. He was sitting at the tax collector’s booth.

Matthew 9:9

Yesterday I made the observation that too many Christians live under the weight of unresolved shame. Some tell me they believe God forgives generally – but they fear He won’t forgive them specifically. In the wonderful film The Mission, Robert de Niro plays Mendoza, a slave-trader traumatised by guilt, who had killed members of an Amazonian tribe, and even murdered his own brother. Eventually he agrees to accompany a team of Jesuit missionaries to the Amazon as an act of penance. He insists on dragging a rope bag full of armour and swords, trussed to his back. These are symbols of Mendoza’s old life. He just can’t bring himself to sever the cord. Finally they come across the tribe he has oppressed. He expects death, but instead, one of the tribesmen cuts the rope, and kicks the heavy bag into a ravine. It’s a beautiful moment of liberation for the shameladen Mendoza.

Matthew lived as a social outcast. Regular readers of these notes will know it was believed that if a tax collector entered any house, their presence made the food and the entire home unclean. Some rabbis even taught repentance was completely impossible for tax collectors. They were seen as collaborators with the occupying forces, lackeys of Rome. No wonder there was such conflict when some of them became Jesus’ friends. His decision to have one of them as a disciple was stunning. But then that’s what grace is – stunning. Let Jesus cut the rope.

Prayer: Lord, show me where I might be dragging negative elements of my history around, and help me to allow You to bring freedom to me in those areas. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

TUES 02 DEC

CONFLICT

READ Matthew 9:9-10 Luke 9:46-62

FOCUS ‘Follow me,’ Jesus told him. Matthew got up and followed him.

Matthew 9:9

It was a beautiful sight. Speaking at a Christian family camp, I saw the church at her very best.

Old and young, and every age in between, gathered together to laugh, sing, play games, listen to preaching, and end the day eating breakfast cereals and peanut butter on toast. What a delight it was to see that silverhaired lady giggling in conversation with that uber cool 19-year-old with green hair and fearsome looking tattoos. It’s a brilliant picture of the Kingdom – where people who would otherwise have no reason or context for meeting, find themselves together under the inclusive shadow of the cross.

In bringing Matthew into His inner circle, Jesus created a situation that could have been a catalyst for dangerous conflict.

Firstly, as we’ve seen, nobody loved the tax gatherers. Then Matthew plied his trade in Capernaum, very possibly intercepting some of the Capernaum-based disciples as they drew their boats ashore each day, depleting their profits by grabbing his share at the end of their long day’s toil. Now they were on the same team. Then there was Simon the Zealot, probably so-called because of belief that the hated Romans should be overthrown by all means available, including revolutionary violence. Matthew had lined his pockets by cosying-up to those oppressors. The potential for in-fighting was high.

Let’s be grateful for church, and know that we’re not immune from conflict, and when difficulties arise, work hard to resolve them.

Prayer: Thank You for the beautiful diversity of Your Church, Lord. When diversity creates tension, help me to be an agent of grace. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WED 03 DEC

ALL IN

READ Luke 5:27-28 Matthew 19:28-30

FOCUS Levi got up, left everything and followed Him. Luke 5:28

She is a brilliant young medical student. Her education has been lengthy and expensive.

Student loans linger. She has the potential of a glittering career ahead of her – her professors noted her as the best of her class in medical school. And she has decided to invest her life responding to a missionary call to an impoverished, dangerous, developing world country. Turning her back on the security, comfort and prestige available if she just stays here in the UK, she has opted instead for uncertainty, a pittance of an income, and, especially painful for someone with such a close family, distance from those she loves most. Why has she done it? Because she has been captivated by Jesus, and her commitment to Him is total.

Something similar happened to Matthew, called Levi here by Luke, another medic who chose missionary service. The disciples who were fishermen were able to go back to their self-employed businesses, and occasionally did so. But when Matthew vacated his tax collector’s stand, he abandoned the franchise.

Others were waiting in the wings to step up and take his place. And tax-gathering was such a despised occupation, having it as an occasional job would have been quite incompatible with being on Jesus’ team. Once the decision was made, there would be no turning back.

As followers of Jesus, there will be times when obedience calls for bravery and faith. If He’s calling us to take some bold step, may God give us grace to respond.

Prayer: Bless those who make extreme sacrifices in obedience to Your call, Father.

And whatever You call me to, may I be faithful. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

THUR 04 DEC

GENEROSITY

READ Luke 5:29 Luke 19:1-10

FOCUS Then Levi gave a huge banquet for Jesus at his house.

A large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.

Luke 5:29

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Milton and Barbara opened the doors of their home to us, literally. Needing somewhere to live while we found a house to rent in the USA, they gave our young family far more than a space in their home: their gift was a place in their hearts. They adopted our family, missing grandparents thousands of miles away. We didn’t know anyone in our new homeland, and so they opened up their friendship circle to us too. Their folks became our folks.

Matthew the taxman had spent his life taking.

Tax gatherers burdened hard-working people, with hefty surcharges for those who were unable to pay on time. But now, everything has changed, and generosity is one of Matthew's immediate character shifts. He holds a ‘huge banquet’ for Jesus at his house. Like that other famous reformed taxman, Zacchaeus, who made extreme reparations to those he had extorted, Matthew shows that he has truly opened his heart to Jesus by opening his wallet for Jesus. A beautiful, joyful beggars’ banquet is the result. As Gordon MacDonald put it, ‘Profound conversion of heart produces a natural generosity.’

We’ve all met people who do everything they can to avoid buying a meal for others. They justify stinginess by calling it thrift, but they’re just mean. This is a joyless way to live. And generosity of heart is not just about money – it can be about giving time or service, or just listening. Are we generous? What was our last act of generosity? Today, let’s be givers.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You exemplify radical generosity. You gave everything for us.

Help me to have an open heart and hand today. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

FRI 05 DEC

CELEBRATE!

READ Luke 5:29-39 2 Samuel 6:12-23 FOCUS But the Pharisees and their teachers of the law complained to Jesus’ disciples.

They said, ‘Why do you eat with tax collectors and sinners?’

Luke 5:30

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One of my favourite events in the life of the Church is water baptism. Whenever new Christians decide to go public with their faith before family, friends and the wider congregation, there is joy in the house. A recent service was peppered with happy tears, laughter, clapping and cheering as each person emerged from the baptismal tank.

Sadly, however, one or two were offended by what they viewed as raucous and irreverent displays of emotion. They sat poker-faced, and left the service before it ended, upset by joy. And I think they were wrong. Reverence has nothing to do with quiet hush: when we revere someone, we seek to do what they wish. If I ever met King Charles, I would follow the expected protocol.

Matthew went all out to celebrate his farewell to his old life, and his decision to follow Jesus.

Far from rebuking him for throwing such a lavish party, Jesus gladly joined in. It was the religious barons, the Pharisees, who viewed the colourful bash with a sneer of critical disdain. Bishop J. C. Ryle calls us to celebrate when people come home to God: ‘It is a far more important event than being married, or coming of age, or being made a nobleman, or receiving a great fortune.

It is the birth of an immortal soul! It is a passage from death to life! It is being made a king and priest for evermore! It is being provided for, both in time and eternity! It is adoption into the noblest and richest of all families, the family of God! Celebrate!'

Prayer: I pray for the church of which I am a part, Father. May we demonstrate authentic joy in a world that needs to know the news from You is good. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WEEKEND 06 - 07 DEC

LOOK BACK WITH GRATITUDE

I’ve spent some time today pondering my earlier years. I recall a generally happy but somewhat confused childhood, raised by parents struggling to make sense of life and love after the horrors of World War Two. Faith and spirituality were never on the agenda.

Christened as a baby, entirely because that’s what parents did back then, I grew up with no interest in religion. On the contrary, I used to give Christians a hard time whenever I encountered them. Meeting up with some old school friends recently, they told me I was the bad boy of the pack, who invariably led them into trouble, and they were shocked when I ‘found God’ and became a minister. God rescued me, and I’m glad.

Matthew appears in all three lists of the twelve apostles, but only in his gospel is he described as ‘Matthew the tax collector’. It seems he wanted to remember where he came from, not to glory in his murky past, but to glorify the Jesus who had rescued him from it. Paul does something similar, as he looks back with regret at his terrible career as a persecutor, but then celebrates the One who saved him.

Reflection like that spurs gratitude.

READ Matthew 10:1-4 Acts 22:1-21

Let’s look back, not to re-enter shame, but rather to give thanks. Grateful Matthew responded to the generosity of Jesus by giving his all: he is found at the beginning of Acts, waiting with the others for the empowerment of the Spirit. And sources are uncertain, but it is said that Matthew was martyred in the city of Nadabah in AD60.

To ponder: As you look back, perhaps on episodes that you regret, do you rush to shame – or gratitude?

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08/07/2025 09:14

MON 8 DEC

JUDAS ISCARIOT: SERVING ANOTHER GOD

READ Luke 6:12-16 1 Timothy 6:6-10

FOCUS Judas Iscariot was one of them too. He was the one who would later hand Jesus over to his enemies.

Luke 6:16

Judas Iscariot: throughout history, his name has been synonymous with betrayal. In the gospels, whenever he is mentioned, the writers add the tag ‘who later betrayed Him (Jesus)’. He travelled with Jesus for three years, imbibed His teaching, and witnessed jaw-dropping miracles. But there was another god in his life: money. Before he ever accepted a payment of thirty pieces of silver in exchange for intelligence about Jesus’ whereabouts, Judas, the treasurer in the team, had clearly placed money as the priority in his life, as we’ll see.

Before we look at Judas in a little more detail, notice Jesus identified money as the primary contender for worship that belongs to God. ‘You cannot serve God and mammon’ He taught, (Matt. 6:24, KJV). In using the word ‘mammon’, He gave money a personal name, very unusual in the culture of His day. Writers such as St. Augustine, Danté (The Divine Comedy), Milton (Paradise Lost), and Spenser (The Faerie Queene) followed in His footsteps, and used personifications of Mammon to show just how money can seduce us, demanding we make it our focus, our dream, our reason for working more and spending less time with our families.

None of us are immune to its charms, and disentangling ourselves from being preoccupied with it is not easy, because, to state the obvious, we all need money to live. So let’s ask God: do we have money – or does money have us? It’s not an easy question for us to answer without His help.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to worship You alone.

Show me if I have become preoccupied with money, and dethrone it and any other gods in my life. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

TUES 9 DEC

WE’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR US READ John 13:1-19 Matthew 27:9-10 FOCUS I know the ones I have chosen. But this will happen so that this passage of Scripture will come true. It says, ‘The one who shares my bread has turned against me.’

John 13:18

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Judas’ parents probably had great hopes for him. His name means ‘Jehovah leads’, suggesting his parents hoped his life would be led by God. His father was called Simon, and Judas was raised in the town of Kerioth, twenty-three miles south of Jerusalem. He is the only non-Galilean out of the Twelve.

We could get the impression Judas’ bad choices were preordained – preplanned by God. Someone needed to betray Jesus to fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament.

There’s the direct prediction of Psalm 41:9, ‘Even my close friend, someone I trusted, has failed me. I even shared my bread with him’ – Jesus pointed to Judas’ betrayal as fulfilling that prophecy (John 13:18). Matthew viewed Judas’ selling Jesus out for thirty pieces of silver as the direct fulfilment of a prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-13 (Matt. 27:9). So the question is this: did Judas really have any choice? If not, he was just a hapless pawn in the hands of God, and that seems unjust.

I don’t believe it. Those who connived to get Jesus put on trial, or executed Him, were fully responsible for their crimes. Judas made his own choices too. But God, the great Redeemer who turns around what was meant for evil and uses it for good, took those terrible choices and folded them into the great plan.

We’re responsible for our choices too.

Perhaps some of us find ourselves at a critical turning point: any decision will bring celebration or regret for the rest of our lives.

Let’s choose well.

Prayer: You give me the gift of choice, Lord: help me to use that gift well. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WED 10 DEC

THE HERD AGAIN

READ John 12:1-6 Matthew 26:6-13

FOCUS When the disciples saw this, they became angry.

Why this waste?’ they asked.

Matthew 26:8

We talked about herds earlier, but as we ponder this episode for a few days, I think we’ll find interesting insight into Judas’ character and choices. In this story of wildly extravagant generosity, a woman pours out perfume on Jesus’ head – an expensive anointing. The perfume was worth an average worker’s annual wage. In his version of the event, John gives the impression only Judas got upset with the woman’s action, denouncing it as wasteful. But when we look at the other gospels, we see the whole team were angry – Matthew says they were indignant. They were all wrong.

Sometimes almost everyone is wrong. For fourteen hundred years, learned scholars affirmed the earth was the motionless centre of the universe, until Nicolas Copernicus decided to interrogate the popular consensus.

Illnesses were caused by bad air, and nobody worried about the rats that spread the Black Death. Great discoveries usually begin when someone questions what everyone else accepts as true. Our culture frequently takes a view that is broadly accepted as wise – and woe betide anyone who chooses to disagree, no matter how graciously. But as Christians, we are called to be non-conformists, not disagreeing for the sake of it, but being willing to stand up for truth when truth is a casualty.

Let’s not run with the herd just because the herd is running fast and looks confident in the direction it’s taking. The herd might just be headed over a cliff.

Prayer: Father, give me discernment to know what is really true, especially when Your truth is countercultural. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

THUR 11 DEC

PIOUS BLUSTER

READ John 12:1-6 Jude 1-16 FOCUS He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor... he was... in charge of the money bag. He used to help himself to what was in it.

John 12:6

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He was a world-famous evangelist, a household name, particularly in America. Thirty years ago he became increasingly critical about the state of the Church in the USA and often engaged in loud rants about other Christian leaders. He began to talk endlessly about pornography, rightly pointing out its dangers, and even writing a book about it. And then the truth came out – he had been consorting with prostitutes.

It’s a pattern that I’ve seen repeatedly over the years. That kind, serving person gradually changes. At first, they mutter about insignificant issues. Soon, they morph into someone who can never be pleased, always criticising others, always occupying what they see as the moral high ground. Then it’s revealed that for years, they have been battling their own sins, far more serious than the shortcomings of those they have criticised. It seems they have been pointing the finger at others partly because they felt so unhappy with themselves. Sometimes we attack others because their goodness makes us feel uncomfortable.

Judas went on the attack, blustering on about how the expensive perfume should have been sold with the proceeds being given to the poor.

But the tragic truth was that he repeatedly had his hand in the collective purse, helping himself, abusing his trusted position as treasurer.

If we’re trying to feel better about ourselves by pointing out what we see as shortcomings in others, let’s stop, and check our own hearts and motives.

Prayer: When I am tempted to point the finger of accusation at others, help me to allow You to search my own heart, Father. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

FRI 12 DEC

MANAGING JESUS?

READ Matthew 26:6-16 James 4:7

FOCUS Then... Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?’

Matthew 26:14-15

It’s one of the first lines of enquiry during a criminal investigation: who might have a motive for the crime? As we’ll see, ultimately Judas betrayed Jesus as a result of a myriad of thoughts and emotions: the nudging of Satan and some political leanings as well. We saw yesterday he’d tried to ‘manage’ Jesus when the woman with perfume came with her extravagant offering. Let’s remember the Jews wanted a military Messiah, who would deliver them from the oppression of the Romans.

Perhaps Judas wanted Jesus to take that political route, and so betrayed Him because He was headed to a cross instead. Matthew tells us exactly when Judas decided to finally go through with his betrayal scheme: it was after Jesus was anointed for burial. At this stage, Judas may have thought that military triumph over the Romans in Jerusalem was not going to happen, and Jesus was determined to head toward death.

Some think that, with the smell of burial spices in his nostrils, Judas set up the betrayal in the hope that this would force a showdown, and edge Jesus into the role of a military Messiah.

When we consider that Peter drew his sword and chopped off a chap’s ear as the beginning of a fight, we can see that Judas might not have been the only disciple with a confrontational plan. Judas shows us we should neither try to manage God nor get upset when we can’t force Him to do what we want. Let God be God. It’s a call that we all need to heed.

Prayer: Help me to trust You and submit to You in the harsh realities of life, Lord, rather than be hurt because life is not always what I want it to be. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WEEKEND 13 - 14 DEC

NUDGED BY THE DEVIL

READ John 13:1-2 Genesis 3:1-19

The little girl managed to scream regularly throughout the nine-hour flight. Passengers tut-tutted, and I was tempted to join them, until I remembered some of our own transatlantic journeys with young children. It can be agonising to ask a little one to sit still for such a long time. After being told to hush for the thirtieth time, the child yelled, ‘It’s no good! I can’t help it! I just can’t be quiet!’

Sometimes we adults try a similar approach to our sins. As a pastor, a comment I’ve heard too often is, ‘The devil made me do it.’ Earlier we saw, as we looked at some of the prophesies about Judas’ betrayal, that we need to take responsibility for our actions. I have no idea how it works, but Scripture speaks of a personal devil who roams, tempts, lures and accuses. As we see that Satan somehow whispered into Judas’ ear, we realise that we can also be influenced by dark forces, just as the garden of Eden was ruined by a snake-like hiss, just as Jesus encountered Satan wanting to make a deal in the wilderness, and just as Peter was inspired by the devil to suggest that Jesus avoid the cross. But Judas was prompted by Satan, not propelled by him.

Let’s repeat – we are responsible for our own choices. Perhaps there’s an area of our lives where we are saying, ‘I just can’t help it.’ Change and wholeness might take professional help. It will certainly call for renewed, daily discipline. But while we might be prompted, we’re not propelled.

To ponder: Where do I need to take fresh responsibility for an area of my life, and then invite God to empower me as I choose well?

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08/07/2025 09:14

MON 15 DEC

GOD KNOWS

READ John 13:18-26 Psalm 139:1-24

FOCUS Jesus answered, ‘It is the one I will give this piece of bread to. I will give it to him after I have dipped it in the dish.’

John 13:26

It’s what Christian parents sometimes say to their children when they’re naughty: ‘God is watching, you know.’ While this is basically true, it can give the impression that God is simply a cold, dispassionate policeman in the sky. Worse still, it can create the impression He is eagerly waiting to catch us out, and gleeful when we do trip and fall.

God does know everything. Nothing is hid from His sight. Jesus was fully aware Judas was the traitor and made his identity plain in the way He served the bread. God knows all that is knowable. That truth is not only sobering, but comforting too, because His unfailing love for us is not based on ignorance. He sees all, but loves us still. We can never surprise Him: all our weaknesses, our hidden sins, our thoughts – God is familiar with the lot. But He is not just a robotic bank of knowledge, a heavenly hard drive, but One whose heart is moved by what He sees and knows. We read Jesus was deeply troubled by the knowledge Judas would betray Him. He was ‘troubled’, a word that was used to describe the bubbling waters of the Pool of Bethesda – it’s also used in the New Testament to describethe unpredictable turbulent mood of a baying crowd.

Jesus knows. But He cares deeply too. What we do impacts Him. What we suffer moves Him. That truth can be difficult to swallow, especially when we experience pain and we’d just like Him to take it away. But it is nevertheless still true. God knows.

Prayer: You know the way that I take. You know me. You love me. Thank you, Lord.

Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

TUES 16 DEC

THE POWER OF A MOMENT

READ John 13:26-30 Joshua 24:1-15

FOCUS As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘Do quickly what you are going to do.’

John 13:27

Judas must have been sitting very close to Jesus. That much is inferred by the detail that Jesus was able to pass the bread directly to him. It’s a poignant picture – one seated so close to the Lord, the light of the world, is about to go out in the darkness. John uses light and dark in his gospel, not only to give us the chronology of an event, but also to set the mood as well. We don’t really know precisely what is meant when we hear John say that Satan entered Judas – scholars have debated this endlessly. But it’s clear this is a pivotal moment. He receives the bread, an act of friendship, and perhaps there is still time for him to rethink his plan to betray Jesus, and experience forgiveness and grace.

Life is a series of hinge moments and significant decisions. We can all look back on a choice made, a meeting we had, a moment of response, a plan we rushed into without properly thinking it through, and see much of life was determined at that moment. What we did then changed everything. Judas took the bread in his hand, and presumably ate it, but his heart remained clenched and hard.

I wish that the Lord would send us an email to let us know when we are on the brink of one of those life-altering decisions. He doesn’t.

And that makes it more important than ever to grow in wisdom, so that we can prayerfully choose well. We saw it earlier, but let’s affirm the truth again: what we decide today might not just affect today, but decades to come.

Prayer: Lord, when momentous decisions need to be made, even if I am unaware of their significance, show me the way. Amen.

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08/07/2025 09:14

WED 17 DEC

STOP AND THINK

READ Matthew 26:14-16 Mark 14:1-11

FOCUS From then on, Judas watched for the right time to hand Jesus over to them.

Matthew 26:16

I may be wrong. Sin is sin. But it seems to me there is a difference between a lapse of judgement, a sudden reaction, and actions perpetuated over an extended period of time, or resulting from careful planning.

Peter betrayed Jesus, but it happened when, under pressure caused by tiredness and fear, he cracked. It was more than a moment – it happened three times during an extended conversation – but it was nothing that Peter had planned or set out to do. But Judas’ turncoat behaviour was a different story. Both Matthew and Mark give us the detail that he cunningly looked for a time when he could lead Jesus’ enemies to Him. Matthew portrays Judas as a conniving opportunist and Mark 14:11 captures the secretive way that Judas pursued his treacherous scheme.

Some think he planned the whole thing for months. And as we’ve seen, Judas had already been lining his own pockets by stealing from the common purse, showing clear disdain for Jesus and the rest of his colleagues. It’s generally believed Judas was more educated than the rest of the disciples – he definitely came from a more prestigious address. Perhaps he felt he had wasted time on a messianic figure who turned out to be so disappointing, and now this was a way to make up for some of his losses.

As we’ll see, Judas would be overwhelmed with regret. If we’re deliberately planning actions that are tantamount to betraying Jesus, let’s step back, think, and allow the madness to subside.

Prayer: Lord, save me from considered, premeditated acts that break Your heart, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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THUR 18 DEC

A TRAGIC END

READ Matthew 27:1-10 Acts 1:15-19

FOCUS So Judas threw the money into the temple and left.

Then he went away and hanged himself.

Matthew 27:5

The tragic ending to Judas’ story is wellknown – he took his own life. Shame is a heavy taskmaster. Even an unsuccessful attempt to return the ‘blood money’ failed to calm his agonised conscience. And he couldn’t even commit suicide successfully.

Most commentators resolve the seeming contradiction between the hanging described in Matthew and the description in Acts: ‘He fell down headfirst in the field. His body burst open’ by saying it sounds like a botched hanging.

Instead of seeking forgiveness, he succumbed to despair. He could see no future.

A recent report told the sad story of a bright teenager who, anxious about her weight, hanged herself in her bedroom. In America, as in the UK, there are frequent news stories of young people who throw away their lives because they don’t get the grades they want, because they have been bullied, or simply because there is a trend in their high school towards suicide. So let me use Judas’ tragedy as an opportunity to ask that we all be aware that despair is transitory.

There are some, perhaps quite close to us, who are vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. If we have any concerns in that area, let’s reach out. And if you feel like life is just too much, and you’re considering a drastic act of selfdestruction, I beg you to think again. There really is another way. Sometimes life seems more of a curse than a gift, but with help and support, you can come through this season.

Please, in Jesus’ Name, choose life.

Prayer: Where despair threatens to choke the life from others – or from me – bring grace and hope for better days, Lord. Amen.

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FRI 19 DEC

WHEN GOD COMES CALLING

READ Luke 1:26-38 Isaiah 6:1-8

FOCUS ‘I serve the Lord,' Mary answered.

‘May it happen to me just as you said it would.’ Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:38

Let’s step away from the stories of some of the disciples for a few days as we get ever closer to Christmas. We move from the treachery of Judas to the obedience of Mary, mother of Jesus.

I’ve mentioned him before, but Tom Paterson was my hero. A brilliant corporate strategist who worked with some of the world’s biggest multinational companies, Tom’s personal life hit a crisis when his young daughter, Ginny, died from spinal cancer. In despair, Tom, a follower of Jesus, began to misuse alcohol, and soon realised he had two options – to let alcohol kill him, or to submit to God. As a strategist, he knew surrender takes thoughtful strategy – it’s a deliberate process, not a moment of emotion. Nor was that the end of his sorrows: he and his wife lost two more of their children. He weathered the worst possible storms, but to his dying day he was wonderfully committed to submitting to the loving rule of Jesus in his life.

For Mary, Gabriel brought stunning news, but it would be costly. One of the most privileged human beings in history, carrying the Saviour of the world, she would face misunderstanding, rejection, confusion, fear, and ultimately would witness her son’s execution. But her response to Gabriel’s words is a tremendous example to us all: let it be as you have said. Like Isaiah, she offers herself with abandoned availability.

When God comes calling, may He find we have the same attitude and the same willing, servant hearts.

Prayer: Here I am Lord. Use me, send me, spend me. Amen.

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WEEKEND 20 - 21 DEC

FEAR

READ Luke 1:46-56 2 Timothy 1:6-7

A friend who was at the heart of the last British general election campaign summed up how all of the political parties encourage the population to cast their vote for them: they use fear. The best way to persuade is by making people afraid of what might happen if they trust the other party.

Our conflict-torn world gives us plenty of reasons for fear. With all that is currently going on in our world, with massive economic turbulence, concerns about political leaders, and unresolved wars, fear keeps rising. But Mary’s song tells a different story – about One who would topple the thrones of kings, humble the exalted, and exalt the humble.

Both Mary and Elizabeth shared the hope of Israel, a nation living under the scourge of Roman occupation, that a Messiah figure would rescue them.

That rescuer has come, and like Mary, our response should be songs – and lives – of grateful worship. But we still live in the time when His kingdom is breaking out, but is not yet fully here. One day, every knee will bow.

The despots will kneel. The King has come, and the King is coming. And that means we do not have to allow fear to dominate us.

Whatever happens, faith says that ultimately a day is coming when His perfect reign and rule will prevail. May that truth quieten our hearts today.

Jesus repeatedly tells us not to fear. That must mean that fear is not inevitable, and trust instead of fear is therefore possible. Let’s not be afraid today.

To ponder: What do you most fear? How does your faith affect your capacity for fear?

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MON 22 DEC

CONFUSION

READ Matthew 1:18-19 Matthew 16:5-12

FOCUS Her husband Joseph was faithful to the law. But he did not want to put her to shame in public.

So he planned to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:19

At this point in biblical times, a man and a woman would be betrothed (engaged) for around a year before marriage and sexual union took place. Such an engagement was a serious contract and required a ‘divorce’ to end it.

It must have been an incredibly difficult conversation, when Mary sat down with her fiancé and told him that she was pregnant.

Joseph was bewildered and panicked, and no wonder. The gospels don’t try to skim over the sense of scandal and unease that this announcement would have created.

Any woman who insists that her surprising pregnancy has resulted, not from sex, but from an angelic announcement and an act of God Himself would certainly find herself under suspicion! But the God who could arrange a virgin birth did not initially prevent misunderstanding or confusion, although help would soon come through a dream that Joseph had.

It’s wrong to think what God does and says will always make perfect sense, and there will never be any misunderstandings when He is at work. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus’ teaching, and then His disciples are slow to ‘get’ what He was saying, or misapply His words altogether. And Christian history is littered with stories of passionate believers misapplying biblical passages and doing great harm to the world as a result.

Let’s be people who don’t just read Scripture, but who ponder it as well, and who are willing to carefully evaluate our conclusions about the Bible and what it is saying to us.

Prayer: As I reflect on Your Word, help me to understand Your heart, Father God. Amen.

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TUES 23 DEC

TWO SAVIOURS

READ Luke 2:1-3 Revelation 17:14

FOCUS In those days, Caesar Augustus made a law. It required that a list be made of everyone in the whole Roman world.

Luke 2:1

As we look at the actual details of the birth of Jesus, Luke makes a deliberate contrast between the existing seat of power and Jesus’ humble, impoverished beginnings. Octavian, otherwise known as Caesar Augustus, ruled the entire Roman world. The great-nephew of Julius Caesar, he was a military genius who gave the empire an enduring sense of security. He had god-like status, and he was the first Emperor to be called ‘Augustus’, a title previously reserved for the divine. He was also known as ‘Saviour of the whole world’ in some parts of the empire. And he was a prince of peace, literally. The doors of the Temple of War in Rome were to be closed for forty years.

This was the Roman empire at the height of its powers.

Then there was a young teenaged girl, at full term in her pregnancy, struggling to make an 80-mile journey at the command of Augustus.

But Luke wants us to see the irony: the real Son of God, the authentic Saviour of the world, is carried in her womb. All is not as it appears.

The real King is hidden from view, heralded by only a few, but He is the King, nevertheless.

We often feel powerless, especially, as I mentioned earlier, when fear is rampant.

Augustus seems to be in charge. But look again. Quietly, across the world, the Kingdom of the real King breaks out, and one day, as we’ve seen, that Kingdom will fully come, as ordinary people like us commit to love and serve our King – the One and only Saviour.

Prayer: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. Amen.

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WED 24 DEC

ANGEL SONG AND THE RISING SUN

READ Luke 2:8-18 Job 38:1-7

FOCUS Suddenly a large group of angels from heaven also appeared. They were praising God. Luke 2:13

GOING DEEPER

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It’s that beautiful eve again. Over many years, one of my favourite moments during the Christmas Eve service at Timberline Church has been when thousands of candles are lit, then held aloft in unison.

The prophet Malachi had promised ‘the sun that brings life will rise. Its rays will bring healing to my people’ (Mal. 4:2). Old Zechariah realised the dawn had come, and prophetically stood on tiptoe, knowing that the ‘sun’ was coming in ‘the Son’: ‘His kindness will bring the rising sun to us from heaven. It will shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death’ (Luke 1:78-79).

When the universe was created, including the sun, moon and stars, the angels celebrated: ‘When it happened, the morning stars sang together. All the angels shouted with joy’ (Job 38:7). Now it was music time again, and the angels joined voices at the creation that eclipsed all creations – the birth of the Saviour, the light of the world. In a dark Bethlehem night, a light shone brightly.

We’re no longer in the dark, scrabbling around to find the meaning of life or the way to live it.

As Christians, we’re not just people obeying a high moral code: we are living in nothing less than the bright sunlight of God’s revealed heart. Not only has light come, but the Light has come. So let’s live in the light, choosing His ways, celebrating His coming and, in word and deed, sharing the news that planet Earth no longer has to live in the dark.

Prayer: Help me today to walk in the light, Lord, and live beautifully and thus shine for You. Amen.

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THUR 25 DEC

LOOK FOR THE MANGER

READ Luke 2:8-12 Proverbs 3:5-6

FOCUS ‘Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.’

Luke 2:12

Imagine how bewildered and exhausted Mary must have been. And Joseph had the emotional trauma of watching his beloved giving birth in such unsuitable surroundings.

Did they wonder if they had been the victim of a collective delusion?

Certainly Elizabeth’s experience and the meeting between her and Mary had helped reassure them. And now, in the midst of the chaos, God provides yet more confirmation, as the shepherds come with yet more news of angelic activity and announcements of a Saviour. This was further evidence, this time from outside the holy family, that all they had heard was really true. And notice how God was kind to the shepherds. Luke talks about the manger three times in this episode. God used the manger – a feeding trough – to point the shepherds to the right baby. With so many people travelling for the census, and such a crowded little town, perhaps there were many displaced families, sleeping where they could, and so the manger was the sign that the shepherds had found the right place.

I often wish guidance was more straightforward, especially when I am trying to make a very significant decision. But let’s know that when it comes to directing us, God is on our side. If we seek Him, He wishes to point us in the right direction, and understands our propensity to get it wrong. May you have a happy Christmas Day, as we celebrate the God who is both with us and for us.

Prayer: I celebrate Your coming, Lord Jesus.

Guide me, even when I am not aware of Your guidance. Amen.

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FRI 26 DEC

SIMON THE ZEALOT

READ Luke 6:12-16 Acts 1:12-14

FOCUS Here are their names... Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot.

Luke 6:13,15

As we turn back now to consider three of the disciples of whom very little is known, I have a familiar tune circling in my mind. It’s a hymn from my schooldays, ‘Jerusalem’, a very British anthem that asks the question: ‘And did those feet in ancient times, walk upon England’s mountains green?’ The implication is that Jesus came to Britain, but we have no evidence that this was the case.

And as we turn to Simon the Zealot, we discover another tradition that may not be accurate, but the Coptic Church of Egypt believes he preached in Egypt, Africa, Great Britain, and Persia. Nicephorus of Constantinople wrote: ‘Simeon born in Cana of Galilee who... was surnamed Zelotes, having received the Holy Ghost from above, travelled through Egypt and Africa, then Mauretania and Libya, preaching the Gospel. And the same doctrine he taught to the Occidental Sea and the Isles called Britanniae.’

Whether the Zealot came to Britain or not, what we do know is that the disciples took seriously the command of Jesus to take the gospel message to the world. Charged with a mission, not just to Israel, but to the planet, they travelled extensively in a day when doing so was costly, time-consuming and dangerous. Pray today for people who have laid aside comfort, security and personal ambition to serve as missionaries. And if they are willing to cross seas for Jesus, surely, we can make ourselves available today to carry the message in word and deed to our circles of influence.

Prayer: Today, Father, some of your servants are feeling isolated – far from family during this Christmas season. Strengthen them.

Amen.

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WEEKEND 27 - 28 DEC

CHALLENGED TO THE CORE

READ Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 5:38-42

GOING DEEPER

lifewithlucas. co.uk/ goingdeeper

There’s quite a lot of scholarly discussion about Simon being called a Zealot – no less than three theories exist about what the name meant, but we’ll explore just one of them briefly.

The most common theory is that Simon was a member of a group of political extremists who stood ready to use all means, including violence, to rid Israel of the hated Roman occupiers. The Romans ruled by the sword, and the Zealots thought violence was the only reliable pathway to freedom. While there’s not much information about this group, what we do know is that, eventually, many in Israel agreed. The great Jewish revolt of AD66-70 was brutally put down by the Romans, and led to the sacking of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple, and a national scattering of the people. If this had been Simon’s philosophy, he might have struggled initially with the teaching of Jesus as it confronted his nationalistic worldview. All that talk of turning the other cheek, forgiving your enemy, and going the extra mile (a Roman soldier could commandeer anyone to carry something for them, for a whole mile) was totally at odds with Simon’s passionately held viewpoint. But he allowed his agenda and political views to be challenged and shaped by Jesus.

I’ve met Christians who seem to love their country more than God, and whose politics shape their faith rather than allowing their faith to shape their politics. Let’s allow Christ – not our culture – to shape how we think and act.

To ponder: How do you feel about faith being shaped by politics?

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MON 29 DEC

JAMES THE LESSER

READ Mark 3:16-19 Mark 15:40

FOCUS There were also Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, and James, son of Alphaeus.

Mark 3:18

Many years ago, I worked hard on a project, chairing a group that oversaw a large budget, and engaged in countless negotiations to bring the project to a successful result. The day of celebration came when, at last, the project was officially launched. Speeches were made, thanks were shared with various contributors who were named and applauded – and I was not mentioned at all. I know. It shouldn’t matter. Supposedly, I did it for Jesus, not for the appreciation. Call me immature, pathetic even, and you’re probably right. But it hurt.

James a totally obscure member of Jesus’ team. Apart from appearing in the lists of the apostles, there is but one other reference to him, and because there are a number of people with the same name in the story, we can’t be sure if it refers to this James. And history calls him James the lesser (some call him James the Younger), or just James, son of Alpheus. Great. The James who was not-asgreat-as-the-other-chap-called James in the team. Nice.

Without excusing poor leadership that fails to bring appropriate encouragement when it’s due (I say this as a leader who has surely messed up in this area), being overlooked gives us a genuine opportunity to learn and grow in the discipline of secrecy. We can avoid the temptation that beset the Pharisees, who loved to be seen and applauded (Luke 11:43).

When we’re overlooked, let’s know that God looks at what we do, and celebrates.

Prayer: Lord, You see. May that be enough.

Amen.

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TUES 30 DEC

JUDE OR THADDEUS

READ John 14:15-22 Matthew 6:33

FOCUS Then Judas spoke.

‘Lord,’ he said, ‘why do you plan to show yourself only to us? Why not also to the world?’ The Judas... was not Judas Iscariot.

John 14:22

Jude, (as he was possibly called to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot), was also known as Thaddeus. He was probably a brother of James the Lesser/Younger, and is another possible member of the Zealot party. Another Galilean fisherman, church tradition says he went to preach the gospel in Edessa near the Euphrates river, and was eventually martyred, according to some traditions, near Ararat. He was also a very effective evangelist with a healing ministry.

Apart from being listed in the gospels and Acts as being part of Jesus’ team, Jude makes only one appearance in the Jesus’ story.

Along with the rest of the disciples, he has witnessed firsthand Jesus’ raw power. Now, as a good Jew (and especially as a Zealot), he wanted Jesus to show His power to Israel as a nation. The word ‘show’ means physical demonstration. Like many, Jude probably longed for that military Messiah who would overthrow the Romans.

In a sense, many of us feel the same way. As I write these words this morning, a television news bulletin is reporting that the scourge of human trafficking in Britain is far worse than we thought. Sometimes I wish God would just rise up and sort out the wicked oppressors who perpetuate such outrageous injustice. It’s right that we feel that way – we’re called to seek first the Kingdom, and God’s righteousness – which means that we want things to be right. Let’s not lose our anger about what’s wrong. As we’ll see tomorrow, one day all that’s wrong will be righted – but God has another way for now.

Prayer: Moved by the injustice in our world, may I pray, act, and trust You, mighty God.

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WED 31 DEC

JESUS’ ANSWER TO JUDE

READ John 14:15-23 Matthew 5:13-16

FOCUS Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them. We will come to them and make our home with them.’

John 14:23

As I said yesterday, sometimes we just want God to intervene, grab the really bad people by the scruff of the neck and render some swift justice. But let’s take a look at the response Jesus gave to Jude, who so wanted a Messiah to display raw power to the nation. Jesus pointed Jude to another way of demonstrating the truth of God to the world. Jesus’ words here are very rarely commented on (I’ve never heard a sermon on them). But Jesus outlines a new way to grab the attention of humanity: the way of love – love shared between us and God, as we become united with the Father through Christ, and God makes His home in and with us.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to a ‘show and tell’ lifestyle. We do talk about what God has done – that’s evangelism. But we are also called to live in a radical new way, with the God of the universe settled at home in our hearts and lives. In a broken and dysfunctional world, here is the challenging news – we are the answer. Even as I write that last sentence, I want to delete it. It seems arrogant, pretentious even. But this is not what we say of ourselves, but what Jesus says about us. Like the disciples of old, it is only with God’s help we can live in such a way.

May it be true of us all today, and in this new year that beckons us forward.

As we navigate the uncertain future, filled with the Spirit, walking in love, we can change our world. May it be so. And a very happy new year to you and yours!

Prayer: Enable me to live a life that is salt and light today, loving Father. May this be my resolution. Amen.

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PLEASE STAND WITH JEFF AND KAY TO HELP THOSE LIKE JANET It is a challenge to keep producing Life with Lucas Bible notes at an affordable price. Print, paper and postage costs go on rising.

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NEXT TIME: WISE WORDS

Wisdom - it seems in short supply in our clamouring world where there is so much shouting and not enough listening.

In the next issue of Life with Lucas, Wise Words, we’ll look at Solomon, a man who has been celebrated through the centuries for his wisdom. And we’ll ponder the words that are usually attributed to him - Ecclesiastes. Join Jeff as we seek to find, not just more information, but some biblical wisdom that is absolutely relevant for our lives today.

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How do you pick a team that will help you to change the world? That was the question that Jesus faced as He took the initiative to select a band of young, unproven men to be His disciples. They were to spend three stunning and adventurous years walking with Him, hearing His heart, witnessing His wonders. And most of them died because, ultimately, they determined to be faithful to Him. Today, we are His disciples - and we can learn so much as we spend time pondering their journeys!

Life with Lucas is written by Jeff Lucas, an international author, speaker, broadcaster and coach. Married to Kay, his passion is to equip the Church with biblical, practical Bible teaching, marked by vulnerability and humour.

Jeff is a best-selling author of 34 books, and broadcasts weekly on Premier Christian Radio.

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JeffLucasUK

lifewithlucas.co.uk PO Box 239, Heathfield, TN21 1EH, UK Tel 01892 752920

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