History Makers: Devotions, Downloads & Dad Jokes
Pastor Matt Prater runs a radio show called History Makers but it turns out this book is only connected to the show by the author and his faith. because this book is mostly a series of short Bible devotionals. There’s a couple of months worth of devotionals plus some short radio spots. We’ll gave you some samples of each.
This book is worth a try whether or not you are a fan of his show or never heard of it! Prater normally interviews famous people on his show but the Bible itself is the hero in this book.
Zechariah 7:8-10 NIV
And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: This is what the Lord Almighty said: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”’
Regardless of our political views, we should all have a hear for true justice, mercy & compassion. The Bible makes mention of especially caring for widows, the fatherless, foreigners & the poor. There are many charities who care for these groups, but we should not leave it up to them to care for them. Think of ways you can care for those you know in these categories. Pray for them, make contact with them, ask them how you can help them, build a relationship with them. Ask yourself, “How would Jesus reach out to these precious souls?”
Prayer Heavenly Father, forgive me for not being proactive in caring for these precious souls. Show me how I can love with your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
John 18:36 NIV
‘Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”’
Jesus could have led a political uprising; he had the numbers, and the opportunity was there. Instead, he came to bring the Kingdom of God, a spiritual kingdom.
One of the greatest criticisms of “religion” is that it has started wars and caused so much trouble. Jesus didn’t come for a physical overthrow; he came with an unseen kingdom. Whenever there was a miracle, it was the kingdom of light overcoming the kingdom of darkness.
The example of some Muslims trying to introduce Sharia law is an example of trying to overthrow a system with a religious system. Jesus had no such plan. His plan was to see people transformed by the Gospel, then that would bring God’s rule and reign in people’s lives.
What are the weapons of our kingdom? Prayer, servanthood, giving, love and the word of God. Not guns, or bombs, or cyber warfare, but spiritual weapons to defeat the kingdom of darkness.
Prayer Lord, give me insight into your kingdom. Help me fix my eyes on the things unseen, not on the things of this world. Give me kingdom eyes, kingdom hands and a kingdom heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Write your thoughts here, what is God saying to you about this passage?
Isaiah 58:6-8 NIV
‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.’
I remember doing work experience when I was 16 at Newtown Mission. I was a Country boy in Sydney, and I was shocked at what I saw among the drug addicts & the downtrodden during that week. I realised how sheltered I’d been, and how important it is for Christians to care for those who are at rock bottom. This is true fasting, to share food, to provide shelter & cloth- ing. Have you considered serving at a Soup Kitchen or a homeless shelter? Do you have margin in your life to be intentional & serve the poor?
Prayer Heavenly Father, show me where I can serve those who you love. Open the right door for me to be your hands & feet. Use me for your glory Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.
Radio Spot
Research shows that the divorce rate for couples who marry in a church is 40%. For those married by a Celebrant it’s 60%. For those who live together before they are married it’s 80%. And for those couples who read their bible daily it’s 1 in 1051 that get divorced. When we follow God’s design of marriage, it’s always the best way. The Bible tells us to seek Wisdom from God above all else. To forgive each other, to serve one another in love. This is the opposite to the world’s way. The world says live for yourself, the Bible says to Love God & love others. With all the confusion and attacks on marriage. Maybe it’s time we get back to a firm foundation, let’s pray for stronger marriages, and for wisdom in our families.
History Makers: Devotions, Downloads & Dad Jokes by Matt Praster is available from Koorong Ark House publishers, $30.99