November 2019:
11/1/19 Dusty Feet 1
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COMMENTS: Washing someone’s feet was a common way to welcome guests and travelers. Of Course, common way of travel was on a camel or donkey or on foot. Likewise, sockets and enclosed shoes were not available so open sandals or bare feet were most common during bible times. Poorer people would not have access to sandals, so dirty painfilled and dry-bleeding-calloused feet would welcome a soothing footbath and healing ointment.
But even in those days, washing other’s feet was considered a humbling task usually performed by slaves or servants and not by master or land owner. Jesus was judged to be at least a learned scholar and great teacher and at most God’s Son and equal to God. So, for Jesus to wash His disciple’s feet humbled Him and taught humility in action and in heart to His disciples. So why did He use foot washing to teach this lesson to His disciples instead of letting preaching and healing and imprisonment do the job. But, oh, those things have commonly become a source of pride and division by tempting some to think their message was better or their work more important. Such division has caused great harm in the church and with believers and even resulted in cults and false teaching as leaders depended less on seeking Christ and more on using their own talents and abilities and ideas.
No, foot washing is one of those acts of service that doesn’t show exceptional gifts or abilities since anyone able to stoop and move can do so. No, it shows humility at the level and purity Christ is seeking to develop in us. Humility necessary in order to motivate us to seek His help and council both in hard times and good times. Seek His help to choose paths and message and example to share / show / live.
Humility is vital to God and pride is repulsive to Him. He judges pride severely and either rewards humility richly or humbles the prideful forcibly. That should cause us to be concerned enough to reflect and seek His searchful light to expose any pride in our hearts to us so we can repent and receive His help and transforming spirit.
God has great plans and hopes and dreams for those who will humble themselves and follow His council and path. Those who will love and trust Him enough to obey Him especially when His instruction and path makes little sense or good conclusion.
On a trip to the Holy Land, a couple of women walked around the old cities in sandals. At the end of the day, they arrived at their hotel with only one thing in mind—washing their feet. They had a new appreciation for the biblical custom of feet-washing. Every good host in antiquity performed this service for guests, as Jesus did in the Upper Room. He told us to follow His example by serving others.
In the Canadian town of Orillia, a six-year-old boy named Eric became interested in police dogs, and when his mother found some YouTube videos for him, he was impressed by one that showed police officers performing acts of kindness. Inspired by that, Eric decided to perform 100 acts of kindness in his community. He began by passing out flowers to strangers and coffee to police officers, and he has since performed 41 kind acts—with only 59 to go. But after he completes his goal, he intends to set another for 200 acts of kindness.
You don’t have to be six years old to take on the kindness challenge. Whose feet can you wash today? “The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.” Robert Murray McCheyne
11/2/19 DRIVEN BY LOVE 2
| But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: 1 JOHN 3:16-22 “ 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” |
COMMENTS: I think it is unsettling to realize that as Jesus was preparing to go to the cross and preparing to have His last supper with His disciples, they were bickering over who would have the greatest position when Christ’s kingdom comes. It was then that He humbled Himself and washed each of His disciple’s feet. With each foot His towel and wash bowl water got dirtier. With each disciple, He received more dirt but each disciple finally had clean feet. They rediscovered how unworthy they each were and yet how much different their expectations and ambitions were from those Christ had for them. There was little love in their bickering but overwhelming love coming from Christ as He washed each disciple’s feet.
Ronald Dembner, an elderly veteran, didn’t have anyone to drive him home after his hospital stay, so attendants called Uber. Lauren Mulvihill showed up and took him home. When she helped him inside, she was shocked at the squalor and filth. Dembner couldn’t get around and do the cleaning, and he had no one to help him. Mulvihill, a single mom, couldn’t clean the entire house by herself, so she asked for help on Facebook. Dozens of volunteers showed up. They removed the garbage, hauled out old furniture, and pulled up the ruined carpet. The Facebook page grew to more than eight hundred volunteers, some of whom helped Dembner get healthcare services and social aid. His response: “I don’t know what I did to deserve all of this from all you guys.”
Being a servant of God doesn’t necessarily mean going to a mission field, but in seeing a mission field around you and noticing the needs of others. GOING TO THE MISSION FIELD DOESN’T MEAN DOING ALL THE WORK ALONE, BUT TO SEEK HELP SO MANY ARE BOTH BLESSED AND ENJOY BEING BLESSED BY DOING THE WORK. Don’t deprive yourself the blessing of being a blessing but also don’t miss opportunities to show or help others to be so blessed too. More is done by many hands than by two and God gets honor and glory for all so none can take credit or be prideful for what is accomplished.
We have a local food pantry that provides food to over 150 needy families each month. Government funding provides some of the resource needed but Second Harvest, a Catholic based charity, provides most of what is needed. But the greatest resource is the 24+ volunteers who joyfully give time and love to prepare and distribute each month along with a friendly welcoming hand to each individual who comes seeking help.
Second Harvest also organizes an annual meeting where all the local pantries get together for lunch and fellowship and updates on programs Second Harvest are involved in. Sharing ideas and experiences and meeting the Second Harvest staff not only building strong bonds of friendship and support, not only enables sharing ideas that bring improvements and better service to all the pantries, but shares Christ’s love and encouragement and mission in the process by exampling Him in that process.
The Bible says, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
“The call to love is not so much a call to a certain state of feeling as it is to a quality of action.”
R. C. Sproul
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11/3/19 I Am Abounding! 3
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more. Philippians 1:9
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING ROMANS 15:10-13 – 10 And again he says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” 11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” 12 And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
COMMENTS: As I get older and feel the affects of Parkinson’s get stronger, I appreciate more the gift of life and ability to function. Determined will and medications and therapy all help minimize those affects ands enable more mobility. But I also am discovering what my parents and dear brothers and sisters in Christ discovered in their senior years. That heaven is real and look more forward to going there as time progresses. Many reasons for that – aging body and more friends and loved ones living there – complete freedom from sin and temptation – where I can meet and fellowship and discovery of my ancestors and saints of old – but most of all where I can have fellowship with my Lord and Savior without physical limits of fatigue and time to hinder giving Him the praise and obedience He so deserves.
On that day we will live sinless and without the influence of satan to hinder. Live in the eternal home Christ has been preparing and with those who also are free of sin.
Proverbs 28:20 says, “A faithful man will abound with blessings.”
Romans 15:13 states, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Second Corinthians 8:7 tells us to “abound in everything”—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in diligence, and in your love—and see that you abound in this grace also. We’re to abound in “every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
And Peter tells us that if we abound in virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, we’ll never be barren or unfruitful (2 Peter 1:3-8).
We will abound or overflow with blessing and hope and joy and energy to praise and worship Him. We will exhibit all the virtues we so struggle to sustain here. But there is lots of choices to live more virtuous and spend more time in worship and praise. Choices to submit to the Holy Spirit’s influence and council and help. Choices to spend less time on personal – selfish pursuits and more time with Him. Choices that give Him more of us and satan less of us.
If we abound in Christ, we’ll confound the devil, astound the world, expound the truth, and surround your environment with grace.
“Abounding grace has abounding work for its aim. And abounding work needs abounding grace as its source and strength.” Andrew Murray
11/4/19 A Book of Blessing 4
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING PSALM 1:1-4 – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.”
COMMENTS: To be a Christian is to be part of a great Family. A Family with a perfect Father with great resources and Wisdom and accessibility. A Family made up of wise and loving brothers and sisters with many wonderful life experiences to share with us. A family with a wonderful purpose always seeking and welcoming new orphans desiring to be adopted. A Family offering a wonderful future in a wonderful place for not just a few years but for eternity. But best of all, a Family with the One and only True God – Creator – Sustainer – Redeemer – Loving Father – Faithful Friend – Strongest Defender adopting us as His own.
Do you know Our Lord and Creator? Do you have a real relationship with Christ? Do you accept and follow His council? Do you ready your Bible and seek His council? Do you pray to Him and following His nudging to listen to and encourage those you encounter during you working and normal day? Do you seek to know His Will and submit your will to do His when they conflict? Have you admitted to Him your sins and repented of them, seeking His help to gain victory and forgiveness and help to stop doing them?
The evidence revealed in scripture of those who have done so in the past. The evidence also in verified history in generations since. The evidence shared within families of lives of ancestors. The evidence within immediate family and personal testimonies. The evidence within church families when attend and are a part of a “Bible believing” and “Bible following” church. What is that evidence? Examples of lives transformed for the good. Examples of common – normal people doing great long-lasting good impacting the lives of many others. Examples of average – common people exhibiting great courage and strength and wisdom and resolve in doing that good. Examples of common people with exampled Christ with joy and courage not found in other circles or groups. Examples like Joseph, Noah, Daniel, Mary & Joseph, Paul, the Disciples… The list is endless and continues into current living generations.
Take some time to reflect on these examples and on examples within your own family and church and community. Individuals that stand out as being more Christ-like and making a big difference in the lives of others. What do they do that causes them to stand out above others?
Christ lived the perfect life and is our perfect example to follow, but the multitude of others God intends to encourage and support us to add to their voice and example and service for and to Him too.
History not only gives us their example but gives us the results – the perfect way God used their humble service for far greater good and eternal impact and support of His infinite and Wise Will. Satan has a long history of evil determined to destroy. Destroy God and His creation – including you and me. He was free to choose good or evil. Everyone in every generation has been free to choose good or evil too. Freedom to choose and free to act on that choice but NOT FREE TO CHOOSE BLESSING OR CONSEQUENCE OF THAT CHOICE. The result of our choice is totally and completely in God’s hands. His grace often and more commonly brings good and not evil to those affected and even to guilty, but God’s judgment on them is the warning and among His choice as well.
Well, do you want to enter heaven only with a life of regrets and destructive choices but only due to His response to your request for mercy at the 11th hour or would you rather live your remaining days doing His will and showing His grace and love along the journey as others described above have? Wouldn’t you rather bring a few others your influenced positively greet you in heaven too? Not for praise but to join your praise too.
The longer we live as a Christian, the easier it becomes to forget the joy and excitement we felt when we first experienced Christ’s forgiveness and life cleansing. When we first experienced new insight when reading scripture and a bond with other believers in church worshipping together. Such is a great blessing not just for a new Christian but for the believers 20 – 30 – 40 – 50 – 75 years later. The trustworthiness of God’s Word and evidence of that trustworthiness becomes more convincing and evident as we live more years and a rich – powerful blessing available to everyone and all willing to believe and obey and abide in and with Him.
We have a rich and powerful family. The Christian’s heritage and blessing are Our God and His Holy Spirit’s abiding presence and His Word accessible and available through His Family and His Written Word. Answers to life’s questions every generation asks and contemplates. Answers provided in His Word to every generation. Responses and impact from each generation, including our own current generations.
Paul wrote that scripture is useful for teaching, encouragement in battle against sin, correcting our life path, and training and instruction in godly living and righteous living. Instruction and council in wisdom better and different from the world’s wisdom and council.
Thank God today for the blessing of His Word in your life. And renew your commitment to meditating on it day and night.
The truly wise man is he who always believes the Bible against the opinion of any man.
R. A. Torrey
11/5/19 God of Everything to Come 5
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
Revelation 22:13
RECOMMENDED READING: REVELATION 21:1-5 “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
COMMENTS: If we think we have a good understanding of God’s Word and Will. If we think we have a close enough relationship with God to understand and fully know God’s Will. If we think we are fully in God’s Will and have a perfect relationship with Him. If we think we are walking in God’s Will and obedient to Him. If we think we have all God has to offer and need nothing more. If we think we have arrived at the place God desires for us. If we think we no longer need to seek more or a deeper relationship with Him than we already have. If we think our view of scripture is right and all others is wrong. If we think we are living more Christ-like lives than others. If we are proud of who we are and see ourselves as more Christ-like than our neighbors. If we think and believe any of these thoughts, then we are at risk and vulnerable to the sin of pride that brought down King Saul and King Nebuchadnezzar and even Judas. Pride comes when we think of ourselves too highly and above others but also think we no longer need God’s help or council or instruction. Prides comes when we think we no longer have anything to learn from God.
How foolish and arrogant to think God has showed anyone all they need to know or all He has to tell or show them. When we see weaknesses in our neighbor and can’t understand why they struggle because our strengths lie in areas they are weak, we need to remember those areas of our weakness. We need to recognized our neighbor’s strengths and how they compare with our areas of weakness. To believe we are good enough or obedient enough keeps us from further revelation and further instruction from God. Truth is God has so much to teach and guide us along the journey of becoming more like Him. His love and mercy and compassion and understanding spares us from experiencing His judgment in all areas needing correction in our lives at the same time. He knows and sets priorities of cleansing in us and doesn’t expect or force cleansing today when His plan is to for, He and us to deal with other areas of weakness and sin later.
But please don’t misunderstand me. God’s saving Grace cleanses and frees us from our sinful past and present and future. His Grace makes us perfect at His judgment seat before the Father. Christ’s blood sufficiently paid for all our sins past – present – future. But we need to also realize there is still much work His Spirit still needs to do in every believer who still breathes and lives here on earth no matter if 10 years old or 110 years old. No matter if having accepted Christ today or 90 years ago. No matter if never led someone to Christ or having led millions to Christ. When we think we are living a Christ-like life, we need to seek His revealing Hand to show us more of what Christ is like so we can aspire to continue growing. When we stop growing, we start dying and dying in our faith is not God’s Will and should not be ours either! The road of death is often very comfortable and is certainly easier but is never better nor goes to a good destination. Satan always tempts us to take an easier – more comfortable – more enjoyable – more selfish path but never shows us the destination that path leads to. God’s path is usually harder and more difficult and less comfortable and overall much more enjoyable but not at times and certainly is unselfish. But He shows us the destination of that path to encourage our faith and determination to continue. He also walks that path with us often sight unseen but near so we can solicit His help and council when we desire and need it.
God knows and is in full control of past – present – future. He is not bound by time nor imprisoned to live only in the present like we are. His power and wisdom and knowledge are not limited but boundless, so we cannot hope to understand His ways or thoughts and certainly not His plan. We can know His goals but much or even most of the time we cannot hope to understand His ways and circumstances along the path to those goals. Why? Well, in part because He uses satan’s evil deeds and our sinful behavior even to bring about His Will. No, sinning is not His Will, but He will not let our sins hinder or prevent His Will from being accomplished. He will also turn evil into good results because His love for you and me and everyone is so great that He is eager to forgive and restore when we turn from our wickedness.
Satan wants us to think God’s ways and law are evil and bind us while his evil ways are good and liberating. Notice how Christian values and commands and priorities are more and more being demonized in society while evil destructive behavior is being conveyed as good and liberating and our “RIGHTS”.
We dare not forget history. History reminds us God allows us to make our own choices and will protect us from consequences or diminished those consequences for a time but sooner or later there is a time of accountability and judgment when those consequences will fall on hard. God will not be ignored or mocked forever and will either guide us by His Will or destroy us in order to accomplish His Will. It is like trying to stop a freight train by standing on the track thinking we can stop that train by holding our hand out to it like “superman” in the cartoons or movies. No, we can get on the train and go to its destination but we can’t stop that train and shouldn’t want to. Why? Because it goes to a perfect and good destination. It goes to the God who created – knows – loves us like no other and who is preparing an eternal body and home for us beyond our fondest imagination to enjoy with Him. How insane to try to stop His Will or want to, but most do all the time and we do at least some of the time.
Three times in Revelation, Christ refers to Himself as the “Alpha and Omega” (Beginning and End) are found in the words of Christ when describing Himself: Revelation 1:8; 21:6; 22:13. In the book that presents an overview of the culmination of human history on this earth, these words signify that Christ is Lord over all that is yet to come. He has been Lord over the past, He is Lord over the present, and He will be Lord over everything yet to come in His redemptive plan for mankind.
If you can’t understand or comprehend how God can be Triune (Father – Son – Holy Spirit) or how Jesus could be a human on earth praying to God the Father while enduring pain and suffering and death. How Christ can be One with Father and Holy Spirit in mind and involvement at Creation and be everywhere all the time while being separate while on earth. Also, what does it mean for Him to still bear scars and suffering of our sin now after His resurrection? I have pondered these and many more such questions and have some opinions based on that reflection and study of scripture but do not believe my views are without flaw. Why? Because I, like you, can not fully comprehend God this side of the grave or heaven so we need to be careful not to convey conclusions or ideas without that full revelation. As He reveals more of Himself to us, we may be released to share more, but not our own conclusions or ideas. That is how cults and false religions came to pass and are not in God’s Will or Plan.
Not only is Christ Lord over human history, He is Lord over your future as well—the things yet to come in your life. We may not know what the future holds but we know Who holds the future.
Faith makes the uplook good, the outlook bright, the inlook favorable, and the future glorious.
V. Raymond Edman
11/6/19 The Temporary Life 6
The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Psalm 90:10
RECOMMENDED READING: JOB 5:7 “7 Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward..“
COMMENTS: I remember reading the words of psalm 90:10 as a teen thinking 70 or 80 years seems an eternity. I thought of those I knew in their 80’s thinking how long they have lived, but finding it difficult to think of them as a teen long ago like me. I also wondered how they could say that life passes so quickly and even quicker as they got older. For me, since didn’t know from experience how quickly 50 or 60- or 70-years pass, I had no point of reference to judge except maybe remembering 5 years and trying to imagine 10-15 times that amount of time.
But I also felt content believing old age and death were a very long time in the future. But with the passing of beloved grandparents and some neighbors and especially passing of my best childhood friend who drown in 1972 at the age of 20, I began realizing how fragile and brief life really is. I had accepted Christ at age 10, so such realization wasn’t needed to make that decision. But the importance of treating each day as precious and appreciating life and health and opportunity to serve Christ needed to be stronger in me. Wishing time would pass more quickly during hard or difficult times or performing less appealing or enjoyable tasks or dreaming of reaching personal goals and wishing I was there. Enjoying adult freedoms and skills and opportunities not available to children and teens. Enjoying the income and possessions and relationships acquired during adult life after the struggles and hard work has been invested in acquiring them. Seeing adults in their prime enjoying success was to be envied and strived after too, but not enjoying the path of work and planning necessary to achieve those goals. I too recall dwelling on such pursuits as a young teen. Such thoughts would conflict with the faith I acquired after accepting Christ.
But now seeing age 70 quickly approaching, I can look back seeing the strength of youth when dreaming after wealth and success as a young man of 20 or even 30 and say to him to follow God more and enjoy the journey more. Most big decisions I made in those years like obedience to God’s word and choosing career and school and wife and place to work and life I am content were good and wise choice. I recall making those choices as a teen and young man seeking council from God and from wise Christians whom I admired and trusted. Those choices I can say now were wise and have enjoyed the blessings they brought.
Both choices at times to neglect my daily time with God in prayer and devotion and bible study are regrets. Letting the urgency of the day to compromise time I needed to spend with Him first is a regret for me. Letting urgency of some smaller decisions tempt me to decide before taking necessary time to seek and listen to His council and seeking council of those wise faithful Christians God placed in my life.
Thankfully, God’s grace allowed or empowered the consequences of some of those choices made without His input and council to be avoided and healed. Consequences like loss of much savings due to poor investment choices. Consequences like missed opportunities to witness and share Christ with others I felt God wanted me to share with. Consequences of missed opportunities to visit others when God was nudging me to do so.
Sometimes fear or uncertainty of opportunities made me too timid and other times even laziness and resistance to spend the time and energy outside my comfort zone caused me to avoid what could have been blessings too.
Even making impulsive purchases that turned out being financial drains are also among some regrets.
But now in the autumn of my life, I can say:
- GOD IS FAITHFUL TO PROVIDE ALL I NEED (BUT NOT ALWAYS ALL I WANT).
- GOD IS FAITHFUL TO LEAD AND PROTECT AND PROVIDE WISE COUNCIL AND HEALING AND MERCY ALONG LIFE’S JOURNEY.
- GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES, INCLUDING THE PROMISE OF AN ETERNAL HOME AND SAFE HAVEN WITH HIM AT LIFE’S END.
- GOD IS FAITHFUL TO STENGTHEN AND GIVE HOPE AND JOY EVEN DURING HARD OR EVEN TRAGIC AND PAINFUL TIMES OF TRIAL.
- GOD IS FAITHFUL TO ME ALL THE TIME AND TIME ONLY REINFORCES AND STRENGTHENS THE TRUTH AND CERTAINTY OF HIS FAITHFULLNESS.
Well, I now realize more than ever just how temporary human life is but also how fragile and frail this human body is. Yet also how complex and wonderfully reliable our body is and has been too. Granted, it now requires more maintenance and can’t do some things as well so I can’t take such abilities and strength I enjoyed as a youth so much now. Even riding a bike or running or doing tasks requiring good strength and balance are much more difficult. Things that become more obvious and difficult as age and ailments take hold.
The last couple of years some dear Christians I know and love have either die or have had to move from their home to living with children or in a retirement home or facility. Well, some difficult circumstances in life can last for a number of years, but they are still temporary. Mark 4:35-41 reminds and reassures us that GOD IS WITH US IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM! Psalm 90:10 reminds us that life is only temporary but Ecclesiastes 3:11 also reminds us that we are God’s creation designed to life eternally. Therefore, we can conclude and say that our life on earth, with all it’s joys and pain, blessings and hardships, is temporary while our permanent life is eternal and begins with faith in Jesus (John 17:3). Our eternal life will not be corrupted with aging and disease and sin experienced while on earth. Instead, our eternal life is promised by Him to be free of these consequences of sin and in a new earth and new heaven He is already preparing for us (Revelation 21:1).
Whatever your circumstances are today, know that they are temporary. Your permanent life is hidden in God forever (Ephesians 3:9).
“One spiritual mercy is worth more than all temporal blessings.” William S. Plumer
11/7/19 He Is With You 7
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
RECOMMENDED READING: DEUTERONOM 31:1-8 “Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said. 4 And the Lord will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The Lord will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
MATTHEW 28:16-20 “16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
COMMENTS: What if you were invited to a face to face meeting with God and ask Him anything? What would you ask Him? What answers are you seeking that have gone unanswered? Would you ask “Why do bad things happens to good people or good things to bad people”? Would you ask why He doesn’t show Himself to us physically like He walked with Adam prior to the fall in “the cool of the evening”? Would you ask how we can know and understand both His Will and details of His Will and be motivated to do it? Would you ask why doing His Will is so difficult and why He allows us to disobey and do things that are harmful to us? Would you ask why some people die at young ages while others die at an old age after years of suffering in nursing homes? Do you worry such will be how you spend your senior years more than how many years you have left?
Well, the most important questions do have answers if seek them in His Word. God reveals Himself personally to us daily through His Word, through His creation, through the lives of those close to us, through His response to our prayers communicating directly with our soul. He also responds to us by the timing and way He answers our prayers. He gives us memory so we can reflect back and see results of His Will unfolding in the past during past times of trial and even tragedy. Scripture is a wonderful resource providing God’s own Words revealing His Will and motivation.
God’s Word, the Bible, is the most printed and available book on earth and even in countries where government and religious organizations outlaw and do their best to destroy and keep it from people in their country. Only God could find way of providing the life it gives to people in such places. He even provides visions to communicate when necessary.
Why? Well, because He loves and cares for one and all and because He both longs to have a daily personal relationship with us and He knows how much we desperately need Him and that relationship with Him.
In democratic countries where religious freedom is enjoyed and available much more, our understanding and perception of God is different than in countries where Christian persecution is severe. Faith is greater and obedience a much deeper commitment and resolve for Christians under persecution than for Christians enjoying prosperity and freedom to worship.
God’s promise to the Israelites to never leave them (Deut. 31:6) was understood to mean He would protect their life and shield them from those who would destroy them. This promise carries a much deeper meaning and level of faith in those suffering deep persecution and hardship.
David wrote Psalm 23 in the midst of enduring King Saul’s determination to hunt him down and kill him.
Matthew 28:20 shares Jesus’ assurance He would always be with His disciples and also us forever even in the midst of great persecution and suffering and even death. Matthew 10:16 “16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” Gives us direction and preparation to face the evil satan is preparing for us motivated by his determination to destroy us and hurt God.
Well, God does let good things happen to bad people for a time and bad things to good people for a time. He does let Christians endure sickness and unjust persecution for a time. He let Job endure such for a time without letting Job know why or how long. But only for a time and only as supported His Higher Purpose and Goals and Will. In His time all was revealed, and we can now learn and grow from knowing the details and outcome of Job’s suffering. Free will is important to God and making good choices important for us to discover that personal relationship and eternal life God paid dearly to purchase so you and I can know Him and love Him and be in fellowship with Him.
You may not face threats that drastic today, but God is still with you. Tell Him your needs and let His peace guard your heart (Philippians 4:6-7).
“Anxious care is out of place in a heavenly Father’s presence.” Kenneth Wuest
11/8/19 Seeking in the Dark 8
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. Matthew 14:25
Recommended Reading: PSALM 69:14-15 “ 14 Deliver me out of the mire, And let me not sink;Let me be delivered from those who hate me, And out of the deep waters.15 Let not the floodwater overflow me, Nor let the deep swallow me up; And let not the pit shut its mouth on me.”
COMMENTS: Take some time to think about how much we depend on sight and light to function and move and walk and go from place to place. During daylight it is easy to walk and drive and work and function normally. Obstacles and dangers can be noticed and avoided well ahead of time. But when in darkness without light, the same obstacles and dangers are much more dangerous and we are much more at risk of fall prey to their entrapment and harm. Stop and think. When driving or riding in a car or bus, the vehicles headlights enable moving at normal rates of speed following the contour of the road and avoiding potholes and navigating sharp turns by seeing them ahead of time and making course adjustments at the right time.
But then think about what it would be like if those headlights suddenly went out. The urgency of stopping and getting into a safe place quickly would be essential. To continue at the same speed would quickly become disastrous. Why? Then answer is obvious! The necessary course changes can not be made because they are not seen in time to make those changes. Satan loves to “turn out the lights” and deceive us to believe we can trust him or even ourselves to stay on the best road. Consider how most, and at times we too, allow ourselves to navigate life’s road and our daily routines and choices without the help and light Christ offers to us to guide and warn and show us life’s potholes and sharp turns and dangers. The light of His Word, the Bible; the light of His abiding Holy Spirit dwelling in and with us constantly; the light of friends and family who are faithful and accessing His light. All these resources and prayer giving us direct access and communication with Him enable us to navigate life’s road with sufficient light to do so safely.
The next time you are tempted to skip devotions and your regular time with God in prayer either first thing in the morning or during the day, stop a moment and imagine driving at night without headlights. When feeling a need to stop and pray, realize it is likely God warning us we are driving without headlights or our battery is growing weak and headlights are getting dimmer and dimmer.
Darkness is the absence of visible light, in which humans are unable to distinguish shapes or forms. Those who have experienced total darkness know what a disconcerting feeling it is.
In the “fourth watch of the night”—3:00–6:00 a.m.—on the Sea of Galilee it would have been dark enough for the disciples to be afraid of a form they saw moving toward them across the water. Indeed, they thought it was a spirit of some kind: “And they cried out for fear” (Matthew 14:26). But it wasn’t a spirit, it was Jesus coming to help them as they battled against the rough waves of the sea. While this is an event unique to the disciples, there is a principle imbedded for us: Jesus sees as clearly in our darkness as He does in our light. Our vision may be limited in times of darkness, but His is not.
If you find yourself in a dark place where it is hard to see Jesus, do not worry. He sees you in your moment of need and He will come and comfort you.
This perspective is a new insight for me too and is a perspective I think will be helpful to me too, so pray it will be for you too. AMEN? AMEN!
“I would rather walk with God in the dark than go alone in the light.” Mary Gardiner Brainard
11/9/19 Living Answers 9
Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” 2 Peter 3:3-4
Scripture: LUKE 12:11-12 “11 “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” COMMENTS: Open scoffers disputing what we say or do can be very upsetting and tempt us to say or do things in response not in God’s Will – saying words fueled by anger that a re soon regretted and wish we could erase or undo. But we can’t undo harm we have done. We can only seek forgiveness and healing from damage done. Those forgiven receive a great blessing and opportunity of a renewed and better relationship. Yet, the one doing the forgiving received potentially an even greater blessing and opportunity. The blessing of a stronger relationship not only with the person having conflict but a stronger relationship with God and with others both in the faith and without. God adds freedom and additional resources and opportunities to be a blessing to and be blessed from others (both within and outside the faith) and also even more so with God. God’s blessing is longer lasting – even eternal and involve much more than just material possessions but with more and deeper relationships.
Well, those of you who regularly encounter hostility from unbelievers – hostility for preaching and teaching God’s Word to unbelievers; you know first hand how important it is to be and stay in close fellowship with God and also with other faithful followers. There is great strength that comes directly from God as His Holy Spirit abides in and guides and strengthens us. We are also warned that persecution will increase in intensity and in frequency as the time approaches of Christ’s return.
Faith is “evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). And when others see our faith, they are able to understand our reasons for faith (1 Peter 3:15-16). When in dangerous times or circumstances, the motivation to share the Gospel and to embrace the message it gives becomes more urgent and effective, but the temptation to hide this message also becomes greater due to greater dangers. Peter knew power of temptation and endure the guilt and regret of denying Christ but also the forgiveness and joy of embracing and obeying the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence and council. Dangers and trials and persecution did not diminish after the Resurrection or Pentecost and Peter suffered and was martyred like thousands of others in his day. What changed was not circumstances nor message but inspiration and mindset. God provided and many thousands of new believers were added due to God’s abiding presences and the faithfulness of believers.
“[A Christian’s] faith upholds him under all trials, by assuring him that every dispensation is under the direction of his Lord.” John Newton
11/10/19 Light in the Darkness 10
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
Psalm 71:9
RECOMMENDED READING: PSALM 119:105 “ 105 Your word is a lamp to my feetAnd a light to my path.”
COMMENTS: Long before modern times the way of identifying a light’s brightness was by “candlepower”, which indicated how much or how many times brighter a light source was then one candle’s ability to light. But even one candle in a clear dark night can be seen nearly a mile away. But today, the way of measuring a light source’s brightness is by “lumens”, which is used to measure the brightness of LED light sources.
Light is something we never seem to get enough of. I notice, as I get older, that I require more and more light to see reasonably clearly. I’ve also read that for every 20 years of age that twice as much light is needed to see clearly. That means a 40-year-old needs twice as much light as a 20-year-old, a 60-year-old 3 times and an 80-year-old 4 times.
It amazes me how we can navigate at night with slight light or ride in a car at same speed as in daylight with the help of 2 small headlights. But the instant those lights go out, the car is at the mercy of the road and can fall into a deep ditch or raven in an instant because the driver no longer can see danger ahead and make course adjustments necessary.
But sadly, most go through life without sufficient light to avoid life’s dangers God certainly sees ahead on the path we are one as well as path he may want us to move too. His Holy Spirit is ready and eager to guide us to and on the path of His choosing too, if we only take the time and open ourselves to listen and obey. Granted, all too often His choice is not very appealing to us because it may seem more difficult or illogical to our thinking, but then again, we can’t see like He can. Imagine how turned around we get without a compass or map or other way of keeping us on course and heading toward our destination.
Well, God always gives us enough light to make the step but not necessarily enough to take multiple steps. Why is that? Well, I dare say the answer is most often and most likely to strengthen our faith and trust in Him. Another reason likely is to motivate and encourage us to stay in contact with and in continual relationship with Him.
Sure, we all desire more light and more insight into future. But as long as we can see the next step, we are safe—and God’s Word is that source of light (Psalm 119:105). When the writer of Psalm 71—probably David (see Psalm 70)—found himself in a dark place near the end of his life, he trusted in God to guide him.
God and His Word are all the light we need. We only need enough to follow Him to green pastures and quiet waters (Psalm 23:2).
“We are to order our lives by the light of [God’s] law, not by our guesses about his plan.”
J. I. Packer
11/11/19 UNEXPECTED TRIALS=UNEXPECTED FAITH=UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS
“On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people, and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever come into the assembly of God, 2 because they had not met the children of Israel with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them. However, our God turned the curse into a blessing. 3 So it was, when they had heard the Law, that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.” Nehemiah 13:1-3
COMMENTS: My wife loves making quilts, having made over 30 to date. Her quilting machine makes the quilting job taking hours instead of months. The top portion of the quilt is quite different from the underside which becomes hidden between the middle battings and bottom portion of the finished quilt. The top portion shows fancy stitching and pieces of fabric sewed together but the opposite side reveals loose strings and tangles and disorder, but hidden by the battings and bottom portion sewed together by quilting machine.
In the same manner, God is preparing us to be part of His “quilt”, sewing us into an area He has been cutting and shaping us to fit. We see and feel the painful cutting and the needle piercing us pulling thread through our fabric. We may only see the hidden loose thread or excess fabric on underside of top quilt section. We can’t see the beauty of the finished quilt nor the purpose of us or even the quilt we are to be part of.
But we do know the skilled quilt maker and have seen His past work in the lives of those in previous generations. He gives us the assurance of purpose and life and He also gives us His mercy and love transcending and overshowing pain and trials put upon us in the meantime.
God is still creating and still working on His creation, which satan continues to damage. The only power and damage he is able to do is what we allow him to. He deceives and tempts but cannot destroy unless we allow Him to and help him do it. God may permit a satan’s schemes to persuade many to follow and do his destructive bidding for a time, but one day God says “Enough” and reigns judgment on satan’s followers and then one day soon Christ will return to bind satan, render His judgment, and restore His creation to it’s intended state, and us too. Then we will discover the purpose and positive result God brought from the pain and suffering all His followers enduring over the centuries and will reap a reward that includes an eternal body and home with Him and with loved ones who were also faithful to Him.
As we walk through life, we encounter a lot of problems, but we need to discover and keep reminding ourselves that satan is trying to distract and discourage us by putting these trials on us, but God is in the process of using them to strengthen our faith and preparing blessings for us. So in His time and way, we need to also let Him strengthen our faith sufficiently so we can obey Him in the meantime and trust Him for those blessings until the timing is right for Him to present them to us.
We have to exercise unexpected faith to gain unexpected blessings. We have to trust God when things go wrong, and that involves a decision. Instead of living in constant panic, we have to say, “Lord, here is a curse, but I’m going to trust You to turn it into a blessing. I’ll wait on You, trust in You, and lean on You with all my heart.” That’s the faith that pleases God.
“The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: They may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God.” Margaret Clarkson
11/12/19 BIRD WATCHING 12
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: MATTHEW 6:25-27 “25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
COMMENTS: Have you ever pondered at how well God provides for all His creation. He provides nourishment for trees and flowers and vegetable and fruit bushes grown without human help. They can’t move so He provides nourishment and water to the very roots that hold them in one place in the ground. He provides pollination needed through bees while providing what bees need to make honey for their life. Sunshine and rain and even wind come to each to provide further ingredients needed to sustain life. Have you ever pondered how well God provides for birds and all life without them making preparations for that provision? Humans are the only ones He gives that responsibility to and capacity to do that preparation. Yet even humans could not grow their food or earn income to purchase provision to sustain life of themselves and families without God’s help and provision.
Today’s scripture is a very familiar one and gives clear focus identifying how well God provides daily for His creation. Satan has corrupted and damaged God’s creation by his evil mischief and work, but God still limited that mischief and still provides for His creation. Provision that is so dependable and complete that we all to some degree take that provision for granted. Yet we complain bitterly when deprived even partially for a short time. We worry even at thought of such a loss, considering how devastating it would be if He withheld that provision even for a brief time.
Well, He knows and understand our fragile and fickle nature and gives us scripture and lots of evidence to reassure us that He is still faithful and fully on the job and will not stop. He also reminds us that He expects and requires our faithfulness too in order to avoid punishment for following and supporting and doing satan’s mischief and for walking out from under God’s protective – loving – umbrella of provision and fellowship with each of us. As vulnerable as we are when venture from warm homes into bitter cold weather without proper clothing, so we are also vulnerable when venture in the world without His covering of His Word and abiding fellowship of His Holy Spirit going with us guiding and strengthening and encouraging us.
He provides what we need when we need it, but not always what we want when we want it. We should not forget that distinction and not get confused by thinking many of our wants to be needs because we enjoy them and are used to having them. I too notice, as I grow in years that distinction is becoming clearer and how faithfully He both provides for my needs but also how much I desperately need His constant abiding presence. What I want doesn’t always reflect what I need, but what He provides and is eager to give is always what I need most. The more I realize that, the more effectively I pray and have fellowship with Him and serve Him.
The bird population is estimated to be 400 billion. I’m not sure how that is calculated, but suspect that number is even more staggering when consider population of rodents and insects and various bugs we encounter too. But 400 billion birds mean there is 60 birds for every individual human living. 60 birds to sing to you and demonstrate their grace and skill in flying and show their beauty to you. 60 birds to remind you how well God provides for them and for you. Matthew 10:29-31 (29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.) also reminds us that each one of us is more valuable to God than many sparrows who He faithfully provides for their needs.
Every bird is a messenger of God, and their songs are sermons of reassurance.
“For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” Civilla D. Martin, hymnist
11/13/19 Our Source of Help 13 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2
Scripture Reading: ISAIAH 50:7 “For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed.”
COMMENTS: It is quite common to read or hear a recent news story of someone trapped or stranded and seeking help. Today a devotion I read shared of a rescue last July in Charlotte, North Carolina of a man buried under the rubble of his home when a gas leak ignited and caused the house to explode. The man could not free himself and used his cell phone to call for help and to guide the rescue team to his exact location so they could dig him out to safety.
I’m sure you can recall a rescue story that touched your heart or encouraged you. Just yesterday our news reported a man had fallen the tracks of a city subway and was rescued by a passer by just seconds before the speeding subway commuter train speeded pass. The victim would have surely died and his rescuer put his own life at real risk in rescuing him, putting himself in harm’s way too.
Such stories warm and encourage us and inspire us to acts of service too. Yet, far more common are life giving acts of kindness done by Christ following believers in every town and city and community visiting shut-ins, delivering meals and treats delivered with life giving love and encouragement. Delivering a smile and greeting also to passers-by while doing their daily duties and travels.
Can you recall a time when you were in trouble and needed help? Who came to your rescue and saved your life or even just brightened your day enough to empower you to continue? Well, God’s Holy Spirit is such a friend and rescuer too. We can’t see the lurking dangers so we venture into dangerous circumstances or places unaware and vulnerable.
In our modern world, we have so many different ways to seek and find help. From an expert in a hardware store to an online resource, help is plentiful. And yet, in spite of all the ways we can seek and find help today, we should remember the words of the psalmist: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” All the advice, all the technology, all the expertise—it all ultimately comes from one source: God, the Maker of all things. There shouldn’t be a day, even an hour, that goes by without expressing thanks to God for some kind of help we are given.
Think about your day so far: What help has God given you for which you can thank Him (1 Thessalonians 5:18)? Take some time to reflect and praise Him for His help and abiding presence today.
It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent.
Jeremy Taylor
11/14/19 WAIT AND COMMIT 13
My soul also is greatly troubled; but You, O Lord—how long? Psalm 6:3
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE PSALM 13:1-6 – ” How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,Having sorrow in my heart daily?How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;Enlighten my eyes,Lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4 Lest my enemy say,“I have prevailed against him”;Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5 But I have trusted in Your mercy;My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord,Because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
COMMENTS: We live in a world and time to marvel in. Travel to distance places, which took months or years in our great grandparent’s time only take a few hours today. Even travel ½ way around the world can be accomplished by airplane in 23 hours or less. Access by individually owned automobiles of hundreds of miles can be traveled in a day’s time. Modern conveniences like indoor running water or inside plumbing and bathroom were not even available to the wealthiest 150 years ago. All these modern conveniences and more are still not available to majority of population in poorer or 3rd world countries. Amazingly, cell phones are more available and accessible in even 3rd world countries than necessities are, given many poor citizens there access to instant communications with people all around the world. Yet, what good is happening there that is desperately needed in USA and most other democratic countries. That is a hunger and openness to the Gospel and acceptance of Christ’s redemptive message and transforming gift.
We live in a time of amazing technological advances but in the dark age of morality and respect and compassion toward each other. Why? Because our technology has tempted us to think and believe we no longer need God to sustain a quality of life and even convince ourselves God does not exist nor should have influence in our lives. How tragic since He is not only responsible for our creation and sustained existence but for wisdom needed to live the best quality of life possible.
So what miracles is God doing now? He is making evangelists out of His new faithful followers in Moslem dominated countries where Christian persecution is the worst to the prosperous countries who have rejected God’s love willingly. Christ is using those with greatest need physically to touch those who have excess in material goods. The obvious outcome should be providing that excess resource to minister back to those impoverished people.
However, in God’s spiritual economy, waiting is sometimes part of His plan. We have to remember: God doesn’t need to delay His answers or actions at all. Sometimes He has His reasons. The psalmists often prayed, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13) when they found themselves in anguish or trouble. Yet in balanced amounts came this exhortation: “Wait on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14; 37:9, 34). So even in the days when waiting was the norm, sometimes God’s people grew impatient. Then they were reminded, “Wait on the Lord.” Also, keep in mind we are waiting on God because He is waiting on us or on others not fully doing His Will.
If you feel you are becoming impatient during a trial, remember you are not alone. God is with you and His timing is perfect. And while you are waiting, remember to commit your way to Him and to trust Him for the answer (Psalm 37:5). But also remember and make sure you are living and obeying fully what His Will is dictating.
“Teach us, O Lord, the discipline of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work.”
Peter Marshall
11/15/19 Hitherto… 15
Samuel took a stone… and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12
Recommended Reading: I SAMUEL 7:1-12 “Then the men of Kirjath Jearim came and took the ark of the Lord, and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord. 2 So it was that the ark remained in Kirjath Jearim a long time; it was there twenty years. And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.3 Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the Lord, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.” 4 So the children of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and served the Lord only.5 And Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” 6 So they gathered together at Mizpah, drew water, and poured it out before the Lord. And they fasted that day, and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the children of Israel at Mizpah.7 Now when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.”9 And Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. Then Samuel cried out to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord answered him. 10 Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and drove them back as far as below Beth Car. 12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
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COMMENTS: God requires faithfulness from us. He covenants to provide and keep His promises but does also require something for those He covenants with. He requires faithful obedience. He required obedience of His 10 commandments for the Israelites. He also required them to respond with obedience with specific commands or orders He gives us. For the Israelites, He required them to proceed into promised land after report of giants inhabiting there. They chose to refuse, which resulted in wondering in the wilderness until all who refused had died. The giants were still there when their children obeyed 40 years later, but they had 40 years of thinking about the consequence of disobedience to persuade them. God didn’t want to punish them. He would have rather used blessing to reinforce continued obedience instead punishment but knew such was necessary to avoid further regress into the pit their disobedience would lead them.
God also knew they would disobey again and follow pagan gods but chose to honor those times they did obey and reward that obedience. Hitherto is an old term referring to truth of a comment or conclusion until present. Missionary Henry Martyn keep a journal and made an entry on January 1, 1805. “Hitherto hath the Lord helped me. It is now about five years since God stopped me in the career of worldliness, and turned me from the paths of sin: three years and a half since I turned to the Lord with all my heart; and a little more than two years since he enabled me to devote myself to his service as a Missionary. My progress of late has become slower than it had been; yet I can truly say, that in the course of this time, every successive year, every successive week, has been happier than the former. From many dangerous snares hath the Lord preserved me. In spite of all my inward rebellion, he hath carried on his work in my heart; and in spite of all my unbelieving fears, he hath given me a hope full of immortality.”
We can’t testify of God’s faithfulness in the future except by confident hope He will remain faithful, but we can have confidence He will continue because of proof past history gives evidence of His consistant faithfulness. History recorded in scripture and other proven accurate accounts, but also history recorded in our minds from our own history and testimony given us by our contemporaries. All this evidence is overwhelming, which gives us confidence that God will remain on the job and faithful as we continue to obey Him and keep our end of the bargain – the covenant He made with us.
God remained faithful to Henry Martyn. He was born Feb. 18, 1781 and lived until Oct. 16,1812. He was a missionary to India and Persia and was able to translate Psalms and “the Common Prayer” into Urdu language. He began his work in India April 1806 where he preached and established schools and begin work of translating scripture into local language. In 1812, he was afflicted with a fever that took his life. His final journal entry was “Oh! when shall time give place to eternity? When shall appear that new heaven and new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness? There, there shall in no wise enter in anything that defileth: none of that wickedness which has made men worse than wild beasts, none of those corruptions which add still more to the miseries of mortality, shall be seen or heard of any more.”
He didn’t know he only had 7 more years or that his life would only span 31 years. Did he feel betrayed or cheated when he did realize his life was over? Instead, the realization and glimpse of heaven God had prepared for him and those he ministered to who entered that covenant too far overshadowed plans or expectations on earth. Henry’s translations when on to impact and lead to conversion of far more than what His few years of missionary duties accomplished, but the impact also of those converted during his years of missionary work also went on to do great work and deeds.
That is the miracle and beauty of God’s covenant with us. By partnering with Him, he makes our humble – feeble – weak acts of obedience not only sufficient but exception by magnifying and extending them to create a lasting impact and legacy that continues for eternity. He did that for Henry Martyn and he will for you and me too if we simply obey Him and follow Him. His rewards and blessings far exceed our expectations. They always have and they always will. AMEN? AMEN!
“The same grace and long-suffering, the same wisdom and power, that have brought me so far, will bring me on.” Henry Martyn
11/16/19 At All Times 16
You do not know what will happen tomorrow. James 4:14
Recommended Reading: JAMES 4:13-17 “13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin..”
COMMENTS: As humans, we badly want to know the future so we can plan for and improve our lives based on that knowledge. We all have experiences of those before us and personal experience to confirm the value of pre-knowledge of things to come. Wars have been lost and won based on lack of or knowledge of actions planned by opposite side or enemy waring against. Likewise, a clear understanding of results (benefits or consequences) of taking a certain path or course of action or making and following through on a certain decision helps us evaluate good choices from bad and foolish choices from wise choices. Yet in order to determine wise from foolish or good from bad, there must be a standard or stable gage to judge from. Some cultures judge success only valid as judged by accumulation of possessions, material wealth and power while others judge success by length of one’s life. But God’s standard is degree of surrender and obedience to His Will.
Well, God is the only One who knows the future and is the only One who desires to use that knowledge to bless and give us eternal life. But He is also the only One who has the power and authority and Wisdom sufficient to follow through in accomplishing that goal.
The two spiritual forces at work in the world are the forces of evil directed by satan and the forces of good directed by God. The forces of evil are formidable but they do not know the future nor do they understand the plans of their opponent, God. They do know and understand the weaknesses of humans and are very skillful in recruiting and persuasion that have been effective in persuading humans to make foolish – sinful choices that have consequences. Choices that put them at odds with God and His Will.
God promises to provide for His followers and for all their needs but does not promise a life of conform with all their wants satisfied. God promises eternal life and a home with Him and loved ones in heaven at life’s end, but not a life of luxury and indulgences. He promises a legacy that will be very good and last forever, but not necessarily a legacy we would or could create without His help.
God always keeps His promises but doesn’t always does so in the way and time we envision or want, but always in the best and most impactful way.
Satan, in contrast promises much and delivers little and only delivers short time pleasures that never last nor bring a good lasting benefit. His promises are life but always deliver death and suffering. Even well-planned goals to accumulate power and wealth and a stable comfortable future will fail or at least fall short at bringing satisfaction desired if pursued without God’s blessing and help.
So how do we assure that our choices and labors are in harmony with God’s Will and not satan’s? Mountains of books have been written to try to answer those questions or at least to guide use to find happiness and success in our pursuits. Many have been written by those who achieved success in the form we have desired. Some only achieved that success by finding a way of convincing us they know how and effectively persuaded large numbers of people to buy their book.
But truth is there is only one way to make and accomplish goals that truly bring lasting joy and fulfillment and legacy worthy of investing our lives in. That way is to ask God and then follow His instruction. So how do we do that? Well, much sincerely seeking prayer, much time searching and reading scripture, seeking council of others who are in close relationship with Christ. All this means taking necessary time to find out for certain what God’s Will is and then taking God’s hand and begin receiving a plan and step by step walk of obedience of implementing that plan. Choices made on that journey will be difficult and not completely clear at times. There will be times God will only show us the next step like driving a car at night able to see enough of the road to stay on the road. Other times, He will reveal a glimpse of goal at the distance like driving on a clear sunny day.
Sometimes, He will warn us of coming dangers so we can prepare and avoid them or gain strength and support to get through them. The journey will be unique and not exactly like others, but His ultimate goals and final destination for each of us is common and the same and very good. He wants to be in relationship with each of us and wants us to bring along and include as many willing to come. There is room in heaven for anyone and everyone willing to be in relationship with Him. His sacrifice and payment were and is for every sin and for everyone, but only for those willing to admit their sins and accept His payment for their sins. In doing so, we each accept a wonderful opportunity to be in relationship with our creator – our best friend – the all knowing and all seeing and all wise God who sees the future as clearly as the past and has the power and strength and authority to guide and prepare that future for us.
At the end of life’s journey, God will have our eternal home completed and ready for us. He will be waiting to greet and embrace and welcome us Home. Along with Him be our loved ones who went on before us and those who we influenced for Christ who also went on before us. What a wonderful day that will be. Then we will be able and will praise and worship Him and know Him more intimately than possible on earth. Then we will be able to meet and discover how He guided and helped by visiting the ancients of old like Abraham and Joseph and Daniel and Esther and Noah and Job and …. The list goes on. We will discover how the life our great-grandparents lived impacted us and how we continued their legacy for His good.
I live in and own the house my great-grandparents lived in and owned for 45 years. The same home my parents lived in and owner for 44 year. The home my wife, Arlene, and I have for 38 years and continue to do so. We are members of and involved in the same church they were as well, so there is a strong positive legacy in place continuing to impact the community. What wonderful stories I’ve yet to learn and enjoy from them and from their ancestors. I am really looking forward to that and all God is planning for us in our remaining years here and certainly in the eternity of our final home.
Not everyone can live in their ancestor home or live in the same community. God often has different plans taking some to live in distant places or to live in other homes or buildings without knowing history of previous tenants. That is good too, because the same God guides them too and their legacy is just as true and lasting. They too will be able to hear the stories their ancestors are waiting to tell them. They too are longing for more to come worship their Lord and Savior with them.
Worshipping God will be wonderful, but doing so with loved ones will be especially wonderful. We are involved in practicing for and presenting a Christmas Cantata. The Choir is made up of members from 8 different community churches. The fellowship and common joy in singing His praises and joy hearing will bring to those who will come and hear when cantata is presented will be and is wonderful too. But such will not come close to comparing to worship and praise we will enjoy in heaven. Just take a few minutes to reflect and imagine what it will be like.
If you say, “I can’t sing”. Well no matter. Somehow, I think God will enable all to praise and sing His praises. There will be no good thing we will miss out on when we get to heaven. AMEN? AMEN!
The psalmist said, “My times are in Your hand” (Psalm 31:15).
“I will bless the Lord at all times” (34:1).
“Trust in Him at all times” (62:8).
We don’t know what tomorrow holds, and we don’t have the wisdom to exercise perfect timing in all the events of life. But God is the great Timekeeper. We can bless Him and trust in Him at all times. When you don’t know what to do, wait on the Lord and watch for Him to work. His timing is impeccable.
“When you accept His schedule, you know for certain you will receive His very best blessings.” Charles F. Stanley
11/17/19 Unexpected Blessings – Unexpected Strength 17
But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. 2 Timothy 4:17
RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: 2 TIMOTHY 4:9-18 “ 9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
COMMENTS: Paul was passionate and faithful and worked tirelessly on the mission of preaching and teaching Christ’s message of salvation to all. He planted a number of churches and wrote letters to them, which have become a major part of New Testament scripture. They not only ministered to Christians long ago in those cities but to Christians in every generation since. He had no idea that his letters would hold such a high esteem to be included while others were not. But Paul was human and got discouraged at times because the demands of ministry were very draining and did have disappointments mostly related to some who heard and rejected the Gospel message. Yet, Paul knew that would be the case and knew he needed to put results in God’s hands and avoid “beating himself up” trying to outguess what he could have done differently. Likewise, he did express disappointment in his letters and identified some who were attacking and trying to destroy Paul’s work and accomplishments. He identified them in his letters so others would be alerted of their mischief and take necessary precautions. But I also can’t help but suspect Paul expressed his disappointment so others would join him in trying to stop that mischief from doing further damage and also expressing that disappointment as an expression of prayer for God to bind their mischief as well.
Forgiving those who abandoned him or quit in the middle of doing Christ’s work was difficult for Paul because he didn’t understand why anyone would do that. He also found it difficult to understand those who rejected the gospel and tried to inflict damage to the church and its members. However, maybe it was because he understood their motives and efforts because he was in their camp for a number of years inflicting harm and persecution on the church too.
I also believe even thought he knew and preached redemption from Christ is a gift and not earned, he certainly worked like someone trying to earn his salvation. Well, his motivation was gratitude for that give that gave a response of a labor of love and gratitude instead of obligation. Paul probably was frustrated that some would still rather embrace theology of working for salvation when truth provided a much better and enjoyable motivation to work at sharing Christ’s message and gospel.
If Paul were alive and writing his gospel letters today, would he mention our names with gratitude or disappointment? Would he ask for us to come while he was in prison to help him or would he warn others about us?
Paul knew he had little time before facing his death, so wanted to use remaining time wisely and try to add a bit more to his legacy so churches would remain true to Christ and continue to grow. He would soon face death at the hand of Nero along with countless thousands of others before God would stop him.
Are their Nero’s’ trying to stop the Christian message today and stop those trying to share and live by that message? Who are those trying to do so today? We are living in exciting times of fast changing technology but also fast changing world views and moral standards because Christian world view and moral standard, which has not changed, is quickly becoming less believed and accepted and practiced.
So, what will we and our families and friends and Church family face in months and years ahead? Christian persecution is increasing and is already at an all time high globally. Likewise, even or especially in democratic countries where Christianity was dominant and world view and moral standard respected and followed. The USA was founded and established using the Bible and It’s teaching as the foundation for its law. One hundred years ago even those who didn’t claim to be Christian still respected those who were and saw value in following God’s moral law and standard.
Widely known and accepted then were the experiences of bible heroes like Daniel and Moses and Isaiah and … Widely known and believed were the words of wisdom they and many others “The one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me” (Daniel 10:18). Moses promised, “As your days, so shall your strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25). Isaiah said, “And to those who have no might He increases strength…. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
Today more and more are not only ignorant of the Bible’s teachings and wisdom but unwilling to read and unwilling to be open to learn. The biblical record is clear for us to follow, we are strengthened in our inner man when we turn to God for His help and power. That is making today a much more dangerous time and evil more prominent and bolder. Places of growth and deepening in Christians is actually in countries of severe persecution and deep poverty and hardship. By contrast, countries with modest persecution and a common prosperous lifestyle available to most are becoming more indifferent and even hostile to the Gospel message and moral code and world view it teaches. BUT GOD IS FAITHFUL AND WILL NOT ABANDON OR REMAIN SILENT FOR HIS PEOPLE. HE MAY ALLOW THEM TO SUFFER FOR A TIME LIKE THE EARLY CHRISTIANS WHO ENDURING PERSECUTION FROM ROMAN TYRANTS. BUT HIS PROMISE OF AN ETERNAL HOME AND A BOND OF LOVE FOR HIM AND EACH OTHER, WHICH ENERGIZED AND ENCOURAGED THEM ALSO WILL ENCOURAGE AND STRENGTHEN US. THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT HELPED THEM WILL ALSO HELP AND KEEP US UNTIL WE ENTER THE ETERNAL HOME, HE IS PREPARING FOR US TOO. We don’t have enough strength in our bodies and personalities to handle unexpected crises, but remember—there is unexpected strength from the Lord. Draw strength from Him today.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand/upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
From the hymn, “How Firm a Foundation”
11/18/19 GOD’S PERFECT TIMING (GPT) 18
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
RECOMMENDED READING: ECCLESIASTES 3:1-11 “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:2 A time to be born,And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;3 A time to kill,And a time to heal; A time to break down,And a time to build up;4 A time to weep,And a time to laugh; A time to mourn,And a time to dance;5 A time to cast away stones,And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace,And a time to refrain from embracing;6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”
COMMENTS: I’ve been fascinated with the engineering and craftmanship that went into making a mechanical pocket watch and wrist watch. I had several old watches that I inherited from my father. The wrist watch was his, the pocket watch was his fathers. That interest also included old wind up clocks. One such wall clock has hung in our church sanctuary shortly after being built in 1894. It was donated by the Shaffer family who owned the clock already for many years before. It still runs and keeps perfect time. So, do those watches. I also have bought a few newer used mechanical watches as price and condition gave opportunity.
Newer watches and clocks use batteries instead of a balance wheel or winding stem to provide energy to move hands. They are even more accurate and also reasonable reliable for many years and certainly much cheaper to purchase. But clocks are no longer built with human hands but mass produced by machines.
Time is a commodity we all must live within and commodity we all are entrusted with equally each day. Time enables us to focus on different tasks one at a time. Time enables us to learn and grow and mature and build in manageable steps. Children are not capable of performing adult tasks or possess adult skills, They lack experience and discernment to make adult decisions. Hardships, illness, instruction, wise council of others all serve to help build character and discernment and strength to make us prepared for future challenges.
Christ purchased our forgiveness and place in heaven. He purchased our access to Himself – to God the Father – and also to the Holy Spirit. Access to the Holy Spirit also means the Holy Spirit’s access to us. As we give Him attention and opportunity, the Holy Spirit provides wise council, wise teaching, strength and heart and soul training for future dangers and challenges and struggles.
Yes, we need time for devotion each day. We need time for rest each day. We need time for meals and personal care each day. We need time with family and friends each day. We also need time each day to do work assigned or responsible for. Work needed to earn resources needed to sustain life. Work that also includes work God has called us to do for Him. When we allow His Holy Spirit input in our jobs as well as in our hearts and homes. When we fellowship with His Holy Spirit like a constant companion and friend and co-worker. When we listen to His council and consistently follow His council and wait for His council before making major decisions and choices. It is then we discover the most efficient and most effective us of our time and avoid much loss or wasted time due to fixing mistakes and redoing defective work.
Scripture tells us there is a time for everything, even grieving and anger as well as for joy and work. Proper balance and order are important. It would be ridiculous to build a house before laying a proper foundation to build it on. Building a life that blesses ourselves and others and honors and obeys God’s Will can only be reached by spending time to find out God’s Will and allowing Him to prepare us both to understand that will and also discover the logical way and sequence of doing that will. When we do God’s Will in God’s way and in God’s time, we begin to discover God’s goals are achievable.
100 years ago, and older when railroads became the most effective mode of distance travel, the necessity of engineers to use an accurate timepiece was vital. If engineers on trains had watches that showed the same time, then those engineers would know where other trains were and could predict and avoid difficulties or collisions from trains using shared tracts. Transporting travelers in shared tracks was necessary but only safe if trains began on schedule, traveled on scheduled routes and at scheduled speeds and made scheduled stops for scheduled times. Synchronized watches meant watches were set to the same standard reference clock, were calibrated so they would continue to show the same exact time, and would be wound regularly and used regularly to make any course adjustments so train would continue to follow the proper path and schedule.
Life is much like that. When we calibrate our lives from the Master (God) and follow the schedule and path He supports, then not only will the destination be reached, but the journey on that path will also be the best because it will be of His design and to His schedule / plan. Dangers and collisions and detours are nearly impossible for you and me to successfully avoid because we lack full knowledge and foreknowledge of when and where those dangers lurk. We also don’t know the impact of delays and distraction and other variables have (both good and bad). God wants to give us distractions that bring good results. Satan wants to give us distractions that are destructive and even disastrous. You and I likely will not be able to be able to discern that difference without His help and input and influence.
So be aware and be careful but be disciplined to put and keep your eyes on Him and your hand in His. Then if we fall in a hole, He will be there and your hand will reach up to Him right away before harm develops. Likewise, His light will minimize and avoid instances of falling into unnecessary traps or holes.
OK, I know all this discussion is good and is a good reminder to pray and seek His council first instead of following our own wisdom and then seeking His help when get in trouble. We all have personal experience to confirm which is better. But we all know just how difficult it is to keep this discipline and sustain that discipline. But difficult or not, the urgency and importance of doing so is vital both for us, those we love and influence and interact with, but also vital to Christ as well. His Will is essential and will be accomplished either with us or in spite of us, but His Will is also in line with the best for us too, so neglecting or living counter to His will also does us more harm and causes our influence and work harm too.
Through prayer and the truth of Scripture, we can gain a better sense of GPT: God’s Perfect Timing. Turn to Him and rest in His presence and the knowledge that nothing is beyond His sight. Develop no fret waiting. Poet J. J. Lynch said, “His wisdom is sublime, His heart profoundly kind; God never is before His time, and never is behind.”
“Delay does not forget God’s servants nor cause His faithfulness to fail; rather, it fortifies their souls and vindicates His name.” V. Raymond Edman
11/19/19 THE WATER OF WORSHIP 19 O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1
Recommended Reading: JOHN 7:37-39“37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”[a] 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”
COMMENTS: God’s Will is simple and straight forward. It is simply to be in close fellowship with you and me and all His creation while providing life and provision during that fellowship. He desires and dreams of that fellowship without the distractions and stumbling blocks satan keeps laying on us. But He wants that fellowship to be our choice made by our free will so He continues to allow satan to do his mischief of deception to persuade us to follow His path that leads to death.
Well, God’s Will overall is clear, it may be less clear in more specific instances. Less clear may be His direction on specific choices and decisions we are required to make along life’s journey. Choices that impact our lives and lives of those we love and care for. Lives of our family, church family, co-workers, friends, and neighbors. Granted, we may think our choices don’t impact others but if reflect on past, we soon realize our choices do impact others greatly. Our choice of spouse determines what our children will look like and be related to and how they will be raised. Where we live impacts outside influences on our life and our families. Also, where we live and work also determines the circle of influence we will have as well as influence on us.
Well, Romans 8:28 reminds us God uses both our wisest as well as our most foolish choices to His honor and our good. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter what we choose to do. What it does say is that God loves and desires to replace evil with good and convince us how much better good is than bad. How much better His Will and His Ways are than ours are and satan’s especially.
So, if we are sincere in knowing and following the choices God desires for us to make, we need to learn the importance of praying and seeking Him first before the urgency of making the choice is pressing on us. To be in fellowship so frequently and consistently that we are already ready to receive His council when ask. His abiding Holy Spirit enables us to be in fellowship with Him 24x7x365 even though our humanity finds it almost impossible to sustain a prayerful attitude and openness for extended time. But just as exercise is necessary to build strength and stamina in order to carry greater loads, so is prayer and scripture study and fellowship with other believers needed to exercise our faith and skill in communing with God through His Holy Spirit.
I Thess. 3:16-18 “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
God, in His Grace, is eager to forgive since He paid the ultimate price necessary to buy our forgiveness. But forgiveness can not be implemented until each individual asks for and receives it and opens it. That is done by recognizing and asking forgiveness for our sins and turning from them and to Christ requesting His mercy and forgiveness and asking for Him (the Holy Spirit) to come into our heart and soul to clean and guide us to live and follow His way and turn from the sinful path previously on. He also promises to forgive us as often and as many times as necessary in order to be in and sustain an ongoing fellowship and Christ centered relationship with Him in which our thoughts and actions and words reflect His influence more and more and satan’s influence less and less.
God’s will is for us to be like Him and not like satan any more. His will is to welcome us into heaven to live with Him forever enjoying both His company and company of others.
His will is to partner with us in doing His Will not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude. How that plays out and unfolds in our daily lives and daily choices we make, that is where we are each unique and require unique council and guidance from Him and from His Word and fellow believers. The best choices usually are pretty obvious but some are less clear. Why? I can’t say, but do believe He desires always to draw us into deeper fellowship with Him, so inviting us to go deeper to find those answers encourages us to desire and yield to going deeper. Otherwise, we would likely get lazy in our relationship with Him, resulting in pulling back from fellowship instead. We can’t be stagnant and sustain a meaningful relationship with Him. Work and discipline are necessary as is anything and everything worthwhile. Any meaningful relationship with a spouse or child or friend requires work to keep the relationship viable and fresh. We can’t expect to show and tell our spouse that we love them once and then neglect them and expect that relationship will survive or continue. Farmers and gardeners know the necessity of cultivating and removing weeds and even watering their crop or garden if they expect to receive a good harvest. A harvest that can not be gathered until the proper time has arrived. We are God’s crop and our loved ones are His too but also ours. God wants us to partner with Him in doing His Work and accomplishing His Will in the lives of others. He wants us to enjoy fellowship with Him as much as He enjoys fellowship with us as He and we do His Work as we continue down the road of life each day. That is His Goal and Dream for each of us. But, again, He will never force us into such a relationship. It has to be our choice made by our own free will and His help is only given when invited and sought.
Daniel Webster was once asked, “Mr. Webster, what is the most sobering, searching thought that ever entered your mind?” Without hesitancy, the staunch statesman replied, “My personal accountability to God.”
It is so easy to fall into our daily routines without regard or thought of God’s constant influence and involvement in our lives. Every beat of our heart, every step or thought or word we speak all are because of God’s Grace and involvement. When tragedy or hardship comes, we try to fix or resolve situation ourselves involving as few others as possible, including God. Only considering going to God when all other options fail or when know no other options will help.
BUT CHRIST WANTS US TO GO TO HIM FIRST! WE DESPERATELY NEED TO GO TO HIM FIRST! No one has ever regretted going to God in prayer first before making major decisions or before responding to a major life event or situation. But everyone has one of more regrets from trying to deal with such first before reaching out to God. Why is that? Maybe we are afraid or expect God will respond too slowly. Maybe we are afraid we won’t like or agree with His response. Maybe we simply want to see if we are smart and strong enough to successfully respond alone. Pride fools us into thinking we can and should. We really don’t like to rely on others and don’t feel successful until we accomplish alone our goals.
Well, forgive me for keep repeating this but is vitally important to remember that God deeply desires regular fellowship with us, but also to reveal Himself to us. Yet, He knows we are not able to receive that fellowship without proper preparation and mind and soul change. We simply are blind and deaf to Him until we allow Him to open our eyes and ears and souls. Sometimes it does take a life change or tragedy to do that. Sometimes it takes removing some distractions from our lives to do that. Sometimes it takes a message or sermon or insights from a friend to do that. But whatever it takes, the blessing from going to God often and first are beyond our needs and hopes because they first wait for God’s best instead of settling for our best attempts.
God often seems to be late, but His timing is perfect and never late or ineffective. We would do well to find an accountability partner to remind us of this and confront us when we are weak or discouraged or going down a wrong path trying to go ahead of God. TO REMIND US THAT GOD NEVER FAILS! HE NEVER HAS AND NEVER WILL! AMEN? AMEN!!
Are you in a dry and barren place today? Drink deeply of the Spirit and be refreshed through worship.
“Worry and worship are mutually exclusive.” John Blanchard
11/20/19 He Leads, We Follow 20
Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-8
RECOMMENDED READING: ROMANS 8:38-39 “38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. “
COMMENTS: There is no better guide than one who has traveled the same path and successfully reached the same destination, especially if has done so many times. Testimony of others give credibility reliability of the guide. GPS captures data collected by far more resources than individual guides and even maps can do. But all serve us better than our own judgment or recollection unless such memories are reinforced by repeated personal trips to the same destination or reaffirmed by other sources.
In a crisis or when circumstances or need is urgent enough to necessitate haste without delay or distraction to a destination like a hospital, a reliable resource can make the difference between life or death. Likewise, there is no better guide than one who does more than just giving verbal or written directions. Even better is when that guide instructs us to follow him and stay close to him. The guide who is willing to take us to that urgent destination. To reject such an offer and opportunity would be foolish.
Have you done just that, following someone who has agreed to lead you to a destination, but you slow due to another distraction or another car pulls in front of you and forces you to fall back or loose site of the guide? Then you see the guide’s car pulled off the road waiting for you to catch up and then pulls out in front of you to once again guide you. Such has been my experience many times, especially in city traffic and conditions where written direction is too confusing or complicated to be sufficient. With GPS, the need for such a guide is less common but still is necessary at times.
Well, we have such a spiritual guide to lead us to our final destination and through dangers and obstacles and narrow paths that lack guardrails or safety barriers. David, wrote many of the psalms recorded in scripture and in Psalm 63 refers to God as giving those safe passage who stay in the “shadow of His wings” by following close behind Him. Close enough that God upholds us with His right hand. He is advising us from His own experience and recommendation to get as close to God as possible because He can be trusted to guide us and protect us successfully through any danger and difficult journey.
The Gospels give us the example of Jesus leading His disciples instructing and correcting and showing them how to live and respond as well as when and where to go. Jesus leading His disciples, with them following close behind (Matthew 16:24). Today, make sure that you stay close to God, following Him throughout your trial. The Holy Spirit is God focused on doing just that – abiding with you and me 24x7x365 and focused on instructing and encouraging and strengthening and inspiring and, yes, preparing us for the journey. We may know and have a clear understanding of the final destination or goal and many of the short-term destinations or goals along the way, but there will be “bends in the road” and “potholes” and “detours” we do not know or anticipate or planned for. Without following close behind and often hand in hand with His Holy Spirit, we will surely fall prey to those obstacles or dangers and suffer because of not doing so. We will suffer and those we impact will suffer too.
So, why keep trying to do LIFE alone for even a moment? Why keep learning the hard way that obedience to God is always the best way. That waiting for His instruction and timing is also always the best way. AMEN? AMEN!
“Joy is delight at God’s grace which enables us to endure our trials.” George Seevers
11/21/19 FROM DEATH TO LIFE 21
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness. Psalm 30:11
RECOMMENDED READING ISAIAH 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
COMMENTS: I love the Psalms for a number of reasons. They express both praise and anxiety, gratitude and frustration, worship and expression of love towards God as well as pleas for help, and observations of God’s ways as well as so much more. Many of the psalms are written by David during times of real danger as well as during times of success and peace. Others are unnamed by obviously written by someone who likewise experienced God’s ways and timing. Fellowship with God is a common anchor while seeking God’s intervention and rescue from imminent death or devastation at the hands of enemies, including satan. Psalms was written long before Christ came and lived and taught and died and rose. Long before His mission was fully revealed or implemented. But even then, God had that plan in mind and was making preparation for it. Even though the psalmist, either David or an unnamed priest or other follower, had no idea or imagination of how God would answer their prayer nor envisioned what God was already working on centuries in the future. They only knew what they wanted God to do and urgency of their need.
But they knew the God who had carried and sustained and provided help and escape in the past and trusted God’s judgment and promises and trusted He would come through again. They didn’t have evidence of history we have. The evidence from David’s time through Christ’s human lifetime and on until present as proof and confirmation God is faithful to us and to His promises. They didn’t know that history because it hadn’t been written yet. They didn’t know God’s plan of redemption Christ would implement. They couldn’t know or understand that plan so couldn’t seek the redemption bought.
But God already had built into that plan a way of providing that same redemption for those whose lifetime spanned the years and centuries before Christ’s human lifetime. Yet, the psalms they wrote reflect an understanding and faith in the same God who revealed Himself to them as He still is to us. The Holy Spirit had not then been revealed and provided intimately to each believer like was done at Pentecost and since, but the Holy Spirit was intimately involved with the Father and Son in the centuries before even back to and including creation.
Some psalms provide a glimpse of worship during important events in Israel’s history, like Psalm 30: “A Song at the dedication of the house of David.” In the case of Psalm 30, the psalm was probably composed by David at the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem. So why the dramatic reference to David having nearly been consigned to the grave as a result of God’s anger (verse 3)?
Because Jerusalem, the site of the proposed temple, was almost destroyed by God as a result of sin on David’s part (1 Chronicles 21). Instead, God’s mercy (1 Chronicles 21:13) prevailed and Jerusalem was spared (though thousands in Israel were judged). So, when the temple was dedicated, David composed a psalm of praise to God for His mercy and healing.
Yes, David and his contemporaries knew God’s mercies and redemption very well. They knew how prone they were to sin and neglect of life-giving fellowship with God but they also knew how willing God was to forgive and restore when they repented. They knew and experienced God’s justice and judgment, which was certainly deserved, but also knew God’s mercy undeserved but available.
Well, they might not have embraced the concept that God loves and desires for even our enemies to repent too. But God wanted the Israelites to do more than enjoy God’s blessings. He wanted them to evangelize His message to the pagan and idolatrous gentiles of their day. He wanted them to follow God’s direction but they instead followed and worshipped their gods instead. That is why God judged them as He did during the time of Daniel. But God forgave and restored them when they repented and desires to do so even for their enemies. An example if Nebuchadnezzar who inflicted terrible things on the Israelites but also forgave him when he finally repented. I look forward to listening to Daniel’s account in heaven someday but also Nebuchadnezzar’s account too. Both will reflect how perfect and wonderful our God is.
But in the meantime, we can talk to and listen to many contemporaries even in our own churches and families and communities who have wonderful stories to tell too. Taking time to reflect on our own stories is valuable too, especially as we enter a time of Thanksgiving and Christmas (Advent) and New Year. God has done so much but has so much more to do and wants us to join Him in that work.
Praise Him for deliverance, praise Him for His mercy, praise Him for turning your “mourning into dancing.” The burden of sin has been lifted, the decree for your death has been lifted because of “the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13) shed for you.
“When all Thy mercies, O my God, my rising soul surveys, transported with the view, I’m lost in wonder, love and praise.” Joseph Addison, hymnist
11/22/19 THE POWER OF CONFESSION 22
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Psalm 32:4
RECOMMENDED READING 1 JOHN 1:6-9 “6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. “
COMMENTS: We all know verses like John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” and Romans 10:9 “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” and Proverbs 28:1 “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” and Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Which teach and remind us how important it is to recognize and repent from our sins to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness but also to receive the Holy Spirit’s help and presence to enable us to have fellowship with the Father and Son and Holy Spirit and gain traction and success in turning from sin and turning to living a more Christ-like life.
I John 1 tells us repentance is not genuine or complete until our lives reflect the change we are pledging and professing. That is the hardest part – sustaining the level of positive change we desire and know needs to happen and God Wills and paid dearly to make happen. But we need to understand and prepare because that old devil won’t give up easily and uses all tools he can to discourage and keep us from sustaining the change we need to. God knows and understands and is prepared to also sustain His mercy and forgiveness and abiding help. Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient to continue forgiving us and the Holy Spirit is able and prepared to provide sufficient help in battling satan and all the temptations and distractions and emotions he continues to use to discourage and keep us from the level of fellowship and change God desires and plans for us.
The ingredient key to success in sustaining God’s change in us is our willingness to use our wills and actions to continue to move towards Christ and away from satan. To put our eyes and attention on His Word when pulled to the sins of our past. To seek help from Christian brothers and sisters when temptations are knocking at our door. To pray and seek the Holy Spirit’s help also and pray more and more and deliberately avoid those places and even some people that are the source of those temptations, while going to those who strengthen and encourage us instead.
Repentance is not only possible but achievable when we just do it and value success more than allowing the enjoyments of temptation to stay near. But we also need to prepare and recognize as long as we breathe and have a heartbeat, we will be at battle with satan who will continue to try different tricks and deceptions and enticements to distract us. Resisting him is much easier when we have our eyes on Jesus and our hand in the Holy Spirit’s hand. Learning to do that consistently and all day while doing our daily tasks and work and meeting obligations and commitments is not humanly possible but is not intended to be possible. Instead, it is possible when we keep in fellowship with Him because HE WANTS TO BE IN FELLOWSHIP WITH US 24X7X365. It is not teaching us to be successful without Him but to be successful with Him. AMEN? AMEN!
California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. In periods of modern droughts, aerial photographs document the receding water levels in reservoirs around the state—shorelines growing wider and drier as water levels fall.
Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32—a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his “bones grew old” and he groaned “all the day long” (verse 3). It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10).
Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. Hiding sin does not remove it from God’s sight; but when we seek God’s forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restored—that is the power of confession.
“The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession.” Richard Sibbes
11/23/19 UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS – UNEXPECTED COMPASSION 23
God… comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
RECOMMENDED READING 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.“ COMMENTS: Thanksgiving Day is upon us once again, a day when families gather for a feast and fellowship. A day of reflection of all God’s blessings and provisions, a day to express gratitude and appreciation for all God has and continues to do. A day also to express gratitude to others who have meant so much and did so much for us as well. To live and work in a democratic country where human rights are help sacred and defended is a blessing most of the world can only dream about. But paradox is that in most “free countries”, Christian persecution is beginning to raise its ugly head too, but not nearly so severe yet as in much of the rest of the world. Yet, grown in Christian churches and in number of people accepting Christ each year is not in those “Free” countries but in those countries experiencing the worst persecution and where being a Christian means imprisonment or even death. Growth in countries dominated by Muslim religion and believers.
Why? The Muslim religion offers a purpose and mission but not hope and forgiveness. Christ offers redemption and forgiveness. Christ offers hope and love and a relationship with our Creator. Millions are coming to Christ out of the Muslim faith because they recognize something, they desperately need that Islam can not provide.
No matter where we live, dangers and hardship will find us. Most of those dangers never overtake us, but sometimes a particular danger or circumstance disrupts us, like a life-threatening disease or accident or dementia. A house fire or tornado or hurricane or flood are real dangers that can come upon any of us anytime. There are 7.53 billion people living today who will endure one or more of these or other hardships or disasters. Common suffering can and often creates a bond of fellowship with others enduring the same affliction.
So, if God allows adversity to come in your or my life, perhaps it is because He wants to use you or me to comfort and encourage others also suffering. Imagine how many ministries have been started by men and women longing to use the lessons and insights they learned in a crisis and wanted to encourage others too.
A common and significant blessing during trials is compassion toward others suffering. A compassion that is more commonly accepted and appreciated as being genuine and without ulterior motives. The capacity and ability to comfort others often comes from the experience of suffering and enduring hardship personally. Especially when comforting comes first from Christ and His Holy Spirit because the source of strength and comfort is from its true source. A source with more than enough resource and desire to share.
Suffering and hardship only last for a defined time, but transformation and fellowship with each other and with Christ is eternal, as is the home in heaven He is already preparing for each who puts their trust and hope in Him…
So, our prayer and vision need to be “Lord, through this trial, equip me to better serve You in the future. Give me unexpected compassion.”
“Among all the names that reveal God, this, the “God of all comfort,” seems to me one of the most lovely, and the most absolutely comforting. The words “all comfort” admit of no limitations.” Hannah Whitall Smith
11/24/19 Over the Edge 24
Have faith in God. Mark 11:22
RECOMMENDED READING: MARK 11:20-24 “20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
COMMENTS: How much do you trust God? I am amazed when watch skydivers jump out of an airplane completely trusting their parachute will open and spare them from certain death. I am also amazed at how those who rappel or climb cliffs entire trust their anchors and rope to hold them. But then again, what do we have similar trust in. How about trusting our automobile headlights working in the middle of the night going 70 miles per hour on an interstate highway with big trucks whizzing past us.
You and I put our lives completely in the hands of things and people who are far less reliable than God is. Jesus promised never to leave or forsake us. He promised to prepare an eternal home for us in heaven, a place where we will abide with Him forever. His Holy Spirit abides with us providing wise council and strength.
So why do most put their eternal hope of heaven in belief they can earn their way to heaven or are good enough when scripture tells us no one is. (Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”)
Jesus went to the cross to bear the guilt and punishment for our sins, a free gift available to any and all who simply admit their sins, repent of them, and accept and open Jesus” gift of forgiveness and grace. (Romans 10:9-10 “9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.)
There is a multitude of scripture proof that Jesus is God, He willingly died and was rose to pay the Father’s price for sin for the sole purpose of providing the choice of redemption and forgiveness to each one of us. The Father required the price of judgment and death for sin but allowed His Son Jesus to pay that price. John 14:6 tells us “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
We have history, from ancient and even since creation to and including contemporary history both personal and recent globally to prove God keeps His promises and is who He says it is. We have more than ample proof that God can be trusted to provide safe haven when we die. The overwhelming proof is we can trust Him and believe what He promises.
So, can we trust what we think or believe or what others might tell us? NOT NEARLY AS FAR AS GOD BECAUSE WE HAVE ALL LIED AND BEEN DECEIVED AND BEEN WRONG! So, should those who believe they can earn their way to heaven or are good enough to get in heaven be believed? NO! NO! NO! Why? BECAUSE GOD TELLS US OTHERWISE!
So, who do you and I believe? Our own preferences or the devil’s temptations? Isn’t about time we put our trust in Someone worthy of that trust instead of people and things and circumstances that encourage us to believe otherwise without a valid basis to do so.
Jerry Bridges wrote, “It often seems more difficult to trust God than to obey Him. The moral will of God given to us in the Bible is rational and reasonable. The circumstances in which we must trust God often appear irrational and inexplicable…. Yet it is just as important to trust God as it is to obey Him.”
The ups and downs of life may be God’s way of teaching us to rely on Him. You can trust the rope of His grace.
“In order to trust God, we must always view our adverse circumstances through the eyes of faith, not of sense.” Jerry Bridges, Trusting God
11/25/19 EVERYDAY PRAISE 25 Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Psalm 145:2
Recommended Reading: PSALM 34:1,71:6 “I will bless the Lord at all times;His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” “From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.”
COMMENTS: How often do you say “thanks or thank you”? That a moment and reflect on all the acts of service and kindness others do for you. Things like cooking meals or doing laundry or giving a ride or a call or visit or …. I believe, we will soon realize just how blessed we are. Then reflect on how many acts of kindness we do and share. Do we do as much as we receive? Are we a kindness consumer or a kindness supplier?
Well, such an examination is not complete unless we consider all the acts of kindness God does for us each and every day. How often do we express our gratitude and praise and worship? Even if faithful to do so on Sunday’s, that is not nearly enough. He deserves our love and praise and gratitude every moment of every day. We need to be in an attitude of prayer and attitude of praise and gratitude.
So how do we achieve and sustain an attitude of praise and worship and gratitude towards God? Well, reminders placed at key places each day so our day is filled with more opportunities. We should be quick to express gratitude for answers to prayer or help in difficult times and situations. The above verses from Psalm remind us of the importance and need we have to express gratitude every day and everywhere we go. Doing so keeps the line of communication open to God and keeps us alert to the Holy Spirit’s council and instruction as well as strengthens our faith by keeping us aware of His influence all the time and everywhere. Such a realization helps us believe and notice just how completely God is involved in our lives all the time and everywhere we go. Also, realizing He is equally completely involved in everyone else’s lives too. “The measure of our spirituality is the amount of praise and thanksgiving in our prayer.”
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
11/26/19 GOD HEARS 26 Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8
Recommended Reading: PSALM 107:43 “Whoever is wise will observe these things, And they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”
COMMENTS: God is slow to anger and judgment but abounding in steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 103:8). Scripture, both old and new testaments are full of scriptures that underscore this truth and wonderful Good News. Christ’s life and sacrifice and Resurrection not only underscores this truth but shows God’s initiative to provide what humans have not been able to – earn the privilege or sustain conduct worthy of God’s mercy and relationship with us.
Well, that certainly was not a surprise to God even though time after time the cycle of Israel being obedient to and in fellowship with God to indifference to rebellion and sin and rejection of God to God’s judgment and Israel’s repentance to restored fellowship with God and obedience of His commands again. Even though God knows the future and knew they would sin again and He would have to judge them again, He also knew they would repent again.
Christ came so humans would have an option that was missing – an advocate with the Father, Jesus, and a partner committed to counseling – encouraging – strengthening – guiding – helping us constantly so we can sustain that relationship without the cycle of sin and judgment any longer. God no longer had to judge sin because Jesus took punishment the Father required.
We think, when we encounter tragedy or difficulty, that we are the first to encounter such and that God has never dealt with the same with those before us. BUT THAT IS NOT TRUE. There is no one better equipped or wise as God is and available to us like the Holy Spirit it. The Holy Spirit not only offers the wisest council but has the ability to change people and circumstances. In terms of the trials in our lifetime—dry periods, spiritual or physical imprisonment, sickness, storms and turmoil—there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). When we cry out to God from the depths of our soul, He is ready to answer our prayers according to His will.
Psalm 107, gave four examples of God’s deliverance of His people. They had wandered in the desert, some had been imprisoned, some had been afflicted with illness and were near death, and some had been beset by storms on the sea. And in each case, God intervened and delivered those who were in need. Four times, the psalmist exhorted the people: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness” (verses 8, 15, 21, 31).
Consider what a blessing and gift God has given us, what a resource He gives us that equips and enables us to battle and win daily and unsurmountable problems. We should take this final challenge to heart: “Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord” (verse 43). God hears our prayers, whatever our needs.
Yank some of the groans out of your prayers, and shove in some shouts! Billy Sunday
11/27/19 The Power of Forgiveness 27
Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. Luke 23:34
RECOMMENDING SCRIPTURE: LUKE 23:32-38 “32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
COMMENTS: It may seem like an odd time to focus on scripture of Christ’s crucifixion and Easter message during Thanksgiving and pre-Advent season, but what another message should we be more thankful for or remember as we observe and honor our Savior’s birth. Likewise, remembering the Thanksgiving season and Christmas season during Lent in the spring is also very appropriate because the core of the Thanksgiving gathering and observance and core of Christmas celebrations and traditions and family gatherings comes back to the birth – life – death – Resurrection – Ascension – Pentecost ingredients of the Fulfillment of the Plan and Promise of Salvation God created and implemented for each and every human. A plan able to save every human willing to accept and open that plan.
Christmas family gatherings and gifts and Thanksgiving family gatherings and meals hold wonderful memories for millions while some have painful memories of such times because of conflict and tragedy and consequences of sins committed by family members. Pain and resentment linger long past the reasons for conflict have gone or faded.
But Jesus was born and lived and died and was Resurrected to pay the penalty for all sins by all people. When we accept the gift of salvation that Jesus’ sacrifice bought, we invite God into our lives as our guide and counselor and friend but also as our mighty warrior and personal body guard best able and willing and equipped to battle our mortal enemy, satan, and his armies of demons focused on our death.
Jesus doesn’t condone our actions and sins, but completely forgives and forgets those sins when we ask for His forgiveness. The two criminals who were crucified with Christ both had opportunity to receive His forgiveness, but only one asked for it, so only one went into eternity forgiven. What a waste for an expensive gift to go unopened because the intended recipient refuses to open it. What a waste for anyone to face eternity when such a precious gift is available to him or her. But millions have accepted that gift and millions continue to accept that gift and millions will at some point in their lives. Thanksgiving is observed in USA and Canada in the last week of November. Other parts of the world have a Thanksgiving observance at another time of year. But anytime and all times are appropriate to reflect on our blessings and worship Him with a heart filled with gratitude. Gratitude fills us with joy and praise for our God and energizes us to obey and serve and worship Him. Gratitude also gives us a more positive attitude and energizes us to perform our daily duties and obligations far more effectively and efficiently and enjoyably too. Gratitude positively impacts our physical as well as our spiritual health and will even extend our mortal life significantly too.
So, take some time to reflect – count your blessings – note all God has done and continues to do – begin being a blessing to others. Be Christlike in your interactions with others today—show His heart of compassion by forgiving those who may have wronged you.
“I was reminded by my toddler never to go to bed in anger.” Mary Katherine Backstrom
11/28/19 Access 28
We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access. Romans 5:1-2
Recommended Reading: ROMANS 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
COMMENTS: We live in a time when more when individuals are more and more vulnerable to personal invasion. Hackers are stealing personal information on millions of people. Detailed personal information not available in such detail 20 years ago and, therefore, more potentially dangerous and valuable to criminals. Likewise, ficticious information can be published and viewing all over the world with little limits or safeguards on social media – a term not known nor available 30 years ago. Likewise, ethical and moral constraints universally accepted have faded into “obsolescence” compared to 30 years ago. Shooters bent on killing as many people as possible have invaded schools and even churches far more commonly, making any social gathering place at risk.
Yes, these are dangerous time but also times to have great hope – confident hope – hope in Jesus. In free – democratic – affluent countries, all too many churches are suffering from smaller – older – weaker congregations while believers in oppressed – atheistic or Muslim – communistic or dictator ruled countries, where Christians are bitterly persecuted, are experiencing dramatic growth. John 14:6 gives us Jesus’ own words declaring that He is the only way to access and be justified by the Father. Access to God the Father of all is only through the redemptive life and death and resurrection of Jesus. There is not other way.
The Bible uses the word “access” three times to describe our freedom in approaching God. Romans 5:2 says “we have access by faith” through Christ to the Father. Ephesians 2:18 adds, “For through Him we both [Jews and Gentiles] have access by one Spirit to the Father.” And Ephesians 3:12 concludes, “We have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.”
God is not only an endless refuge for us in times of need, He is always accessible. God uses facial recognition software—when you approach Him, He sees the countenance of His Son. He uses a simple password—JESUS. And one thing is for sure—heaven will never be hacked!
““God the Father,” to whom we have our access; “God the Son,” through whom we have access; “God the Holy Spirit,” by whom we have our access.” John A. Broadus
11/29/19 Unexpected Blessings – Unexpected Freedom 29
The Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Peter 5:1-4 “ The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”
COMMENTS: Have you ever taken some time to reflect on positive impact others have had on you and on the choices you’ve made. Make a list of some key people in you life over the years. Some are likely in heaven now but a few may still be alive and continuing to impact you. Truth is, though, even those long gone still continue to have impact on you as you remember their words and wisdom and life. For me the greatest impact was mostly from family – my father, mother, sister, aunt, several pastors, a few key Christians in our church family. Then the impact of my wife’s parents and of course my wife of 41+ years, Arlene.
So what influences are you allowing into the lives of your children and grandchildren? Choices we make related to spouse or job/career or community and church live in, Thanksgiving 2019 is now history and this Sunday will begin Advent season celebrating Christ’s Birth. Such a wonderful time of year. So a good time to stop and reflect and count / list as many blessings God has given us both in material provision as well as His followers who have impacted our lives.
Gratitude is important to our physical as well as spiritual health. Gratitude positive affects our attitude and emotions and enables us to think more logically and clearly when making choices / decisions and simply thinking more clearly and logically. Gratitude helps us react and interact more effectively with others. Therefore, gratitude also empowers and equips us to gain valuable discernment and wisely so to avoid dangers / foolish choices and consequences from those foolish choices. Likewise, grateful people tend to be liked and make true friends more easily – friends who bless and help in times of need.
God did not intend for us to live alone but to live and interact and help and be helped by others. God intends for us to be friends and have friends. He also intends for us to be His friend too and draw others to become His friend too. God intends for us to trust and depend more on Him by trusting and obeying Him more and more.
When we can’t control the outcome, we can trust the Overseer. The word overseer was used in the New Testament for church leaders, but here the word is used of Christ. He’s the One who oversees and watches over us—caring, guarding, superintending, and overruling. When He oversees your life, He sees everything from His perspective. He knows every detail and is able to arrange and rearrange them for His purposes.
That’s why we bring impossible situations to Him. Think of the many biblical heroes who faced impossible moments. The sheer impossibility drove them to say, “Lord, what is Your will? I can do nothing. I commit this to your oversight.”
When you have an impossible circumstance, it’ll weigh you down until you give it to the Overseer of your soul. Then you’ll find an unexpected blessing—freedom. It’s no longer your problem to solve—it’s His. It’s no longer your burden to bear—it’s His. Thank God we have a good Shepherd and sovereign Overseer who can manage and even specialize in the impossible!
Today, take your problems and the potentials—your worship and your worries—and give them all to the Overseer of your soul.
Robert J. Morgan, He Shall Be Called: 150 Names of Jesus
11/30/19 Inner Strength 30
| Strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16
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| RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READING: EPHESIANS 3:14-21 “14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
COMMENTS: How does your day go when you begin with a fully charged and rested body and spirit? Fully charged after a full night sleep and a focused time of bible ready – study and prayer before starting your day’s duties and work. Then compare with days began after insufficient sleep time or interrupted sleep time. Also, when morning devotions were skipped or short changed. I don’t know your experience but am confident it matches mine. Proper rest and sufficient time and focus on morning devotions enables me to begin day fully energized and focused, which makes a huge positive impact on results of day and on both results of day’s work and remaining energy at end of day. Attitude makes a huge difference on how effective our day goes. Even difficult days are more enjoyable and problems more efficiently and effectively addressed with a good attitude. Why? Well, here is a list of some of the reasons.
Cell phones are a modern marvel beyond the imagination of those 2-3 generations before us. How a small device can enable us to talk to anyone in the world and even see them is amazing. But capability of such devices to do even more functions is equally amazing. Such devices also bring dangers and temptations because satan is skilled at creating evil uses for good things. Cell phones have saved lives by providing communications and tracking information to rescuers. But every cell phone requires recharging or it will not function. Respecting the limits and providing regular care enables cell phone to function when needed. We too need to respect the needs of those we depend on and our own bodies and souls so those who depend on us can continue to do so. Every time we fly on an airplane, the flight attendant will first demonstrate how to buckle and unbuckle the seatbelt and also use the oxygen device if an emergency arises. Noteworthy is the instruction to place the device on our own face before aiding others in doing same. The reason is we need to be alert and strong so can aid others. Likewise, before we can effectively encourage or help others or effectively do our jobs or fulfill the obligations or duties or ministries we are hired or volunteered or called to do, we must take necessary time to recharge and refresh. John Wesley said before he would face challenging days packed with more obligations and commitments than time would permit, he would spend more time first in prayer so he would be equipped and in proper focus with the Holy Spirit. Doing so would enable him to manage day more efficiently and wisely with proper discernment so priority would be proper. We would do well to learn from his experience and do likewise. The energy you need for living is already inside you. It’s the indwelling Holy Spirit. When you receive Jesus as your Savior, He sends His Spirit to occupy your body and soul. That’s the power of our omnipotence God. We receive power from Him for the Christian walk from the Holy Spirit. We should pray daily for strength and might through the Spirit in our inner being. When trouble comes, we discover afresh the inner strengthening of the Holy Spirit’s presence. He gives us the power to walk in victory. So, walk in the Spirit. Keep in step with Him and let His power give you the strength you need today. “God and the Holy Spirit are able to do far more than most believers ever conceive.” |
GIDEON BIBLE REFERENCE SCRIPTURES:
HELP IN TIME OF NEED:
- The way of salvation: John 14:6, Acts 16.32, Romans 10:9
- Comfort in time of loneliness : Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5-6
- Comfort in time of sorrow 2 Cor. 1:3-5, Romans 8:26-28
- Relief in time of suffering 2 Cor. 12:8-10, Hebrews 12:3-13
- Guidance in time of decision James 1:5-6, Proverbs 3:5-6
- Protection in time of danger Psalm 91, Psalm 121
- Courage in time of fear Hebrews 13:5-6, Ephesians 6:10-18
- Peace in time of turmoil Isaiah 26:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7
- Rest in time of weariness Matthew 11:28-29, Psalm 23
- Strength in time of temptation James 1:12-16, 1Cor. 10:6-13
- Warning in time of indifference Gal. 5:19-21, Hebrews 10:26-31
- Forgiveness in time of conviction Isaiah 1:18, 1Jn, 1:7-8
SUGGESTED READINGS (HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS):
- The creation Genesis 1-2
- The fall of man Gen 3
- The flood of Noah Gen 6-9
- The call of Abraham Gen 12:1-9
- Deliverance of Israel from Egypt Exodus 11-14
- Dedication of the temple 2 Chronicles 5-7
- The Babylonian Captivity of Israel 2 Chr. 36
- Revival of Israel after captivity Nehemiah 8-9
- Promises of the coming Messiah Isaiah 9:2-7, Ps22, Is.53
- The Birth of Christ Mtt1:18-2:23, Lk1:26-2:40
- The Triumphal Entry Lk19:28-44
- The last supper Mk14:2-26
- The Garden of Gathsemane 26:36-46
- The Betreyal of Jesus 26-47-56
- The arrest and trial of Jesus Jn 18:12-19:16
- The death of Christ Lk 23:26-56, Jn19:16-42
- The resurrection of Christ Lk24, Jn20
- The ascension of Christ Acts 1:1-12
- The coming of the Holy Spirit Acts2:1-21
- The conversion of Paul Acts 9:1-31
- The heroes of Faith Hebrews 11
SUGGESTED READINGS (SPIRITUAL STANDARDS)
- The 10 commandments Exodus 20:1-17
- The sermon on the mount Mtt 5-7
- The golden rule Mtt7:12
- The greatest commandment Mtt 22:36-40
- The righteousness of Faith Romans 3:19-28
- The Royal Law James 2:8, Romans 13:8-10
- Christ’s New Commandment John 13:34-35
- Christian love 1 Cor. 13
DYNAMIC DOCTRINES
- God’s greatness and man’s weakness Isaiah 40
- The two fold Revelation of God Psalm 19
- Man’s universal guilt Rom 1:18-2:16
- Atonement Leviticus 16, Romans 5
- The new birth John 3
- Justification by Faith Eph 2:1-10, Gal 2:16-21
- Christ, the Good Shepherd Ps 23, John 10:1-18
- Christ’s intercession for His Own Jn 17, Heb 7:25
- The High Priestly Work of Christ Heb. 7:25, Heb. 4:14-16
- Christ’s Humiliation and Exhaltation Philippians 2:5-11
- Resurrection of the Christian Dead 1 Cor. 16, 1Thess. 4:13-18
- The second coming of Christ Mtt 24, 2 Thess. 1:7-2:12
- The Last Judgment Rev. 20:10-15
- The New Heaven and New Earth Rev. 21-22
PRACTICAL PRECEPTS:
- Christian Home relationships Eph. 5:22-6:4
- A model wife and mother Prov. 31:10-31
- Marriage and divorce Mtt 19:3-9, Malachi 2:14-16
- The sin of adultery Prov. 6:23-33
- The prodigal son Luke 15:11-32
- Employer-employee relationships Col 3:22-4:1
- Business and prof. principles Ps15, Prov. 3:1-12
- Seperation of worldliness 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1, 1 Jn 2:15-17
- Decisions of doubtful things Rom.14
- Christian fruitfulness Jn15
- Heavenly wisdom James 3:14-18
- Christian responsibilities Rom. 12-13
- Christian stewardship 2 Cor. 8-9
- Christian witnessing Mtt 28:18-20, Jm17:18-20
- Prevailing prayer Mtt 6:5-15, Philippians 4:6-7
- Heavenly priorities Mtt 6:25-33
- Brevity of man’s days Ps 90
- The causes of war James 4:1-4
- The value of the soul Mk. 8:36-37
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT:
- ITSELF: 2 Tim. 3:15-16 , Psalm 19:7
- GOD: Psalm 99:9, 1 Tim.1:17, Isaiah 45:21-22
- MAN: Gen. 1:27, Gen 2:7, Isaiah 43:7
- HEAVEN: Rev.21:3-4, 21:27
- SIN: Romans 5:12, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23
- HELL: 2 Thess 1:8-9, Rev. 20:15
- CHRIST –HIS ADVENT Micah 5:2, Mtt.1:21-23, Lk 2:10-11
- CHRIST – HIS PERSON John 10:30, 14:6
- CHRIST –HIS WORK Lk. 22:19-20, 1 Peter 2:24, Col.1:14, Isaiah 53:5-6
- CHRIST-HIS RESURRECTION Lk. 24:36,39, 1 Cor. 15:3-4
- FAITH Acts 20:20-21, Heb. 11:6, Eph. 2:8-9
- LIFE John 3:3, 1:12-13, 3:36, 2 Cor.5:17
If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com“. There you will find 514 blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present.
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