He delights to show mercy! (Sunday, Micah 7, 1 Peter 5)

I'm both glad and sad that this is the last post on the 'Daily Delighting in the Word' blog...

Above All, Love (Saturday, Micah 6 & 1 Peter 4)

It's been good being part of this blog, and spending time lingering on passages of the Bible, and trying to think more deeply about God's Word. The Word is infinitely deep, so there will always be more depth to plumb, it's just a matter of whether we are willing to spend that time making it happen.

For my last post I just want to reflect on one simple little phrase, that is of enormous consequence in our lives.

An Effective and Credible Apologetic (Friday, Micah 5, 1 Peter 3)

In the exhortation by the apostle Peter (1 Peter 3:15) to be ready to give an answer or make a defense for the hope that you have, he uses the Greek term "apologia" from which we derive the word apologetic, a logical and careful defense of the Christian faith.

Declaring and living (Thursday, Micah 4, 1 Peter 2)

Some Christians are all talk, they speak about Jesus, they read their bible, but they move to the other side of the road to pass by a stranger or avoid someone in need.  Other Christians are all about helping those in need, but have forgotten that their real need is Jesus

Imperishable! Imperishable! Imperishable! (Wednesday, Micah 3, 1Peter 1)

Where would you keep your most valuable treasure to guarantee utmost security? A safe, perhaps? If you were a structural engineer, what materials would you select to build a structure that would last forever? Maybe diamonds? As we read 1Peter 1, we discover God’s bank vault for a treasure most precious to us and the materials he selected to construct us from in order to qualify us for that treasure.

Spiritual Warfare? (Tuesday, Micah 2, Ephesians 6)

People often get hyped up about spiritual warfare and satanic attacks.  They have a myriad of techniques and methods of dealing with Satan, from special forms of words, 'In the name of Jesus I command you to come out from him', to excessive movement and heightened emotion (If I can rock back and forth and pray as quickly and loudly and ecstatically as possible then surely I'll scare the evil spirit off - like a car alarm perhaps?).  And this strikes fear into peoples hearts, because they're not sure whether they're 'doing it right' or with enough emotional energy and gusto.  You know what - in the most prominent bible passage on spiritual warfare I don't see any of that.

God stomps on sin (Monday, Micah 1, Ephesians 5)

This is the kind of 'coming down' of God you really don't want.  He's coming down basically to stomp on Samaria and Jerusalem because of their sin...

Jesus Loves You (Sunday, John 21, Ephesians 4)

hope this blog makes sense, as am at internet kiosk with the rugby world cup blaring (Ireland v Wales)! go wallabies.

Less Than The Least (Saturday, John 20, Ephesians 3)

"I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me.." (Eph 3:7-8)

I often forget what an amazing miracle that God used Paul, and that through him a good portion of the Bible was written and that through him the gospel went out into the world. I often forget Paul's background, and just how unlikely it was that he would go on to do what he did. Him saying that he was less than the least was no false modesty.

Payback (Friday, John 19, Ephesians 2)

When was the last time you were dealt with unjustly? How did you respond? When we are at the receiving end don't we feel so justified in getting our payback.

Resolute obedience (Thursday 6 October 2011, John 18, Ephesians 1)

This passage clearly demonstrates Jesus' amazing humility and determined obedience to God's will as his time on earth draws ever closer to an end.


The previous chapter focuses on Jesus' prayers for himself, his disciples and for all believers as he prepares for his death. I wonder what role this focus on prayer plays in him being able to be so accepting of God's plan even though it would be painful to the point of death?


Early on in Chapter 18 he is almost saying 'bring it on!' when he approaches those hunting him down...he doesn't shy away or try to avoid them but does the very opposite, coming out to greet them! And when Peter tries to violently intervene by cutting off the servant's ear, Jesus is starkly resolute: Shall I not drink the cup the father has given me?(v11) He knows what he has to do - continue to obey God.


Then Jesus' interactions before the various authorities, none of whom seem to want to take reponsibility are interspersed with Peter's denials. In some ways we're in a better position today than Peter was as we have the Gospels and subsequent books of the bible that help us understand without doubt who Jesus was - we know for certain that God raised him from the dead. Yet, what would we do if we found ourselves in Peter's situation today, knowing that death by association would be the outcome if we proclaimed our faith when challenged? Would we stay true to the Lord or shy away? It's worth us keeping in mind that we have brothers and sisters in Christ facing these very challenges in other parts of the world, suffering persecution or even death simply because of their faith in Jesus - why not say a prayer for them right now, and ask the Lord to keep them firm in their faith the way Jesus was?

Phil (9am@Engadine)



Tomorrows Readings: John 19, Ephesians 2

Truth? You ought to be joking! (Wednesday, Deuteronomy 11, John 17)

Imagine that you knew that you were going to make your very last prayer before you die what would you pray for? In John 17 we have the great farewell prayer of the great High Priest for himself and for his bride, the church. The prayer has five main petitions but in light of Deut. 11 and our series on Psalm 119, I will focus only on aspects emphasizing the centrality of God’s word to salvation, life and godliness.

He doesn't ask much (Tuesday, Deuteronomy 10, John 16)

God doesn't really ask much of the Israelites: only to 'fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?'  (v12-13)

Friends with benefits? (Monday, Deuteronomy 9, John 15)

Do you think Jesus a bit demanding of his friends in verse 14? 'you are my friends if you do what I command.'  I would say that a person who follows the commands of another is that persons servant, not their friend.

Going Home (Deuteronomy 8, John 14)

"Home is where the heart is" right? Not sure who came up with that saying, but it seems to be pretty biblical.
These two themes (heart & home) are prominent in today's passages.

God's Too Hard Basket Is Always Empty (Saturday, John 13 & Deuteronomy 7)

I love Deuteronomy Chapter 7. I'd like to reflect on two aspects of it that really strike me. Firstly, God's amazing power and how He can make the seemingly impossible possible in our lives, and secondly God's great, great love and faithfulness for His people.

Passing on the Baton (Friday, Deuteronomy 6, John 12)

What will be your legacy? What is it that you wish to preserve above all else beyond your own life and onto the generations to come? Is it the family name? Is it a contribution to society?

From grieving to believing (Thursday 27 Sep, John 11, Deuteronomy 5)

I must admit that whenever I read this passage I can't help thinking of our former Prime Minister John Howard likening himeslf to Lazarus with a triple-bypass. While his label was amusing (at the time, wearing a tad thin now), his transition to PM wasn't anything remotely close to the significance of Jesus raising Lazarus to life after several days buried in a tomb.

A Willing Sacrifice (Wednesday, John 10, Deuteronomy 4)

Jesus certainly knows how to make a scene.  In John chapter 10 alone he gets called 'demon possessed and raving mad', he nearly gets stoned, he is accused of blasphemy and then nearly seized again.  It seems a persons response to Jesus will be one of two extremes and ultimately, it comes down to one thing...

Does God use human suffering in order to glorify himself? (John 9 and Deuteronomy 3)

When Jesus and his disciples encounter a man who was blind from birth, it sparks a theological conundrum for his disciples: “...who sinned this man or his parents that he was born blind?” (v2). Jesus’ answer shifts the focus from cause to purpose: “...so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” (v3).

Who's Your Daddy? (Monday, John 8, Deuteronomy 2)

I feel somewhat inadequate to post again after so many insightful reflections from everyone over the last few days.  Thank you - your comments have challenged and provoked me in my walk with Jesus in many ways!
As I open up John chapter 8 on this tired Sunday evening, the words of Jesus seem unnecessarily confronting.  He claims we're either children of God or children of the devil!

How to make an 11 day journey last 40 years? (Sunday, John 7, Deuteronomy 1)

Deut 1.2 - It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.

No, the Israelites were not just very slow walkers or prone to a bit of window shopping (heck, there was nothing much but desert to look at). They epitomised fallen humanity, very resistant to trusting God and slow to grow up into maturity. In the forty years in the desert God was making and moulding His people Israel. He was teaching and disciplining them, readying them for life in God's promised land.

Stop Grumbling and Believe! (Saturday, John 6 & Psalm 119:161-176)

When God starts talking to me, then I'll consider listening. When He shows me some proof that He's actually there, then I might believe.

This is a pretty common standpoint of people today. Believing in something that seems intangible, something that can't be concretely proven by science, something that requires a 'leap of faith' is seen as naive, ignorant and foolish. Reading John 6 though, it seems like not only was this also the standpoint of people in Jesus' day, but even in the face of Jesus, standing there in the flesh, doing miracles. Those people stared point blank at 'proof', and yet still it wasn't enough. Proof doesn't necessarily breed belief.

Are You a Runner? (Friday, John 5, Psalm 119:129-160)

It's fair to say that everyone responds to tough times differently and in their own way. But as I reflect on some difficult and tragic times in the past, I have not always turned to God in trust and dependence, but in some cases have run the other way.

Would we be so bold? (Thursday, John 4, Psalm 119:97-128)

Two things struck me while reading John 4 - which challenge the way I sometimes relate to non-Christians and also the way I approach arming myself with the Gospel.

You can't birth yourself! (Wed, John 3, Psalm 119:65-96)

My brother and his wife have just had their first child and every time I see and hold a little newborn I am reminded how miraculous birth really is!  A whole new person has arrived into the world!  A new little person who is completely dependent and utterly helpless has come into existence.  I guess conception is the real miracle in that case really - but that's another story.  So what does Jesus mean that being born again is necessary to see and enter the Kingdom of God?

Jesus, not so meek and mild... (Tuesday, John 2, Psalm 119:33-64)

If I had been in the temple on the day of John 2:13-25 I would have been very afraid.  Jesus doesn't just politely ask people to leave, he whips them out, he overturns tables.  Considering the power of Jesus and the miracles he performed in his lifetime, could you imagine what he could do in anger!?!  And this wasn't just a spur of the moment thing, it was pre-meditated - he took the time to make a whip out of cords to drive them out.  This seems so far from the meek and mild Jesus of Christmas carols.  What has got into Jesus?

Testify! Brother John - (Mon, John 1, Psalm 119:1-32)

Good morning,
Sorry I realise I probably missed many of you who have already read, reflected and prayed over the scriptures this morning and then been disappointed not to find anything on this blog.  We'll endeavour to make sure the post is up the night before from now on.
One of the things I find when I read my Bible is I need something to slow me down.  It's easy for me to read a few chapters of the Bible, all the while my mind racing with other things, and not even remember what I've read.  A helpful way to slow yourself down is to write something down.  

Reading Plan:

Date                Reading 1           Reading 2
 19/09/2011    John 1                 Psalm 119:1-32
 20/09/2011    John 2                 Psalm 119:33-64
 21/09/2011    John 3                 Psalm 119:65-96
 22/09/2011    John 4                 Psalm 119:97-128
 23/09/2011    John 5                 Psalm 119:129-160
 24/09/2011    John 6                 Psalm 119:161-176
 25/09/2011    John 7                 Deuteronomy 1
 26/09/2011    John 8                 Deuteronomy 2
 27/09/2011    John 9                 Deuteronomy 3
 28/09/2011    John 10                 Deuteronomy 4
 29/09/2011    John 11                 Deuteronomy 5
 30/09/2011    John 12                 Deuteronomy 6
 1/10/2011     John 13                 Deuteronomy 7
 2/10/2011     John 14                 Deuteronomy 8
 3/10/2011     John 15                 Deuteronomy 9
 4/10/2011     John 16                 Deuteronomy 10
 5/10/2011     John 17                 Deuteronomy 11
 6/10/2011     John 18                 Ephesians 1
 7/10/2011     John 19                 Ephesians 2
 8/10/2011     John 20                 Ephesians 3
 9/10/2011     John 21                 Ephesians 4
 10/10/2011   Micah 1                 Ephesians 5
 11/10/2011   Micah 2                 Ephesians 6
 12/10/2011   Micah 3                 1 Peter 1
 13/10/2011   Micah 4                 1 Peter 2
 14/10/2011   Micah 5                 1 Peter 3
 15/10/2011   Micah 6                 1 Peter 4
 16/10/2011   Micah 7                 1 Peter 5