I Corinthians 11:27-32 - The Lord's Supper and Examination

I Corinthians 11:27-32

27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 30 For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

Message: The Lord's Supper and Examination

Time: Not the first, but 2nd letter to Corinthians, but the first to survive and to be considered authoritative. Written in AD 55, it was penned after Paul had reports of quarreling in this church he had previously visited. Paul covers a number of subjects, but all focus on the Christian's life in the church.

What the Lord is Saying: In thinking and studying about the Lord's Supper, it seems that there is more to this observance or sacrament than meets the eye. I think we are tempted to think this is simply a duty and a duty that must be done to stay in good standing with God and the Church. But after further study, it is way more than this. Yes, it is about remembrance. But it is also about being united with Christ. Jesus desired to have this time with us and so He is with us in this time. God redeemed His people and this needs to be celebrated. It is also a means to proclaim what Christ has done and so in a way it is evangelistic. And yet there seems to be a supernatural meaning, like I studied last time, that by taking this I am feeding on Christ. Jesus is the Bread of Life, meaning He is my everything and when I am with Christ in this observance, I am receiving everything I need. 

The idea that there is more to this sacrament than meets the eye can be inferred in today's passage when Paul states that the Lord's supper needs to be done after self-examination for when it isn't done in this way then judgment happens to a person. Verse 30 states, "For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep." 

A quick example of this is found in Genesis 3:14 when "The Lord God said to the serpent, because you have done this, cursed are you..." Our actions can bring about a curse and so we do need to be careful about how the Lord's Supper occurs in our lives. 

In 1 Corinthians 11, starting in verse 17, Paul mentions hearing about divisions among people in the church and he says therefore that when they meet with these divisions, they are not to eat the Lord's Supper. And then in verse 27, remarks that taking of this must be done not "in an unworthy manner." There is consideration that must be made to our brother. This isn't a meal to fill hunger and Paul infers this by saying, "If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home (verse 34)." Thus, eating this is different. It is different than having a meal or eating food. And he mentions we need to "judge the body rightly." This is something to observe that commemorates what Christ has done for us on the cross in saving us, in redeeming mankind, in redeeming Me. Since I have been alive, churches have mentioned that therefore this is a sacrament that only the Saved are to take and receive. The unrepentant and un-regenerated sinner should not take this because they are not yet remembering a change of heart. And this should be done to remember that and to celebrate in our union with Christ. 

Thus, when we come to the Lord's table, we or "a man must examine himself." We need to be careful to state this Supper as ascribing only to Jesus. We use words to describe it and each person needs to be in prayer in not only thanking God but confessing that they are rightly receiving it and are changed because of Christ in their life. 

I am encouraged often in the Bible that I need to be careful. We need to be careful of our actions. We are to consider our ways. The world preaches this mantra of following one's heart and just doing what we want, but God tells us and reminds us that we need to be careful (Luke 8:18; Proverbs 13:3; Mark 4:24; Proverbs 4:23; Deuteronomy 8:11). 

Summary: In coming to have the Lord's Supper, examine oneself, treat this meal as different from other meals and if there is a problem, don't partake of it till it is cleared up. 

Promise: If we come to the Lord's Table confessing our sin and repenting for it, we may freely partake of the bread and wine.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me see the importance of the Lord's Supper. It is not to be taken in a casual manner. It is a serious occasion to examine myself, but it is also a celebration that signifies my new life in Christ and what you have done for me; done that which I could not do on my own. So help me to encourage this, to encourage this in my life and others. Let it bring You glory and be done always for the right reason. Guard people in this in churches and throughout our land and world so that You are always honored Lord and Praise. 

My Utmost for His Highest - April 19th - Is It Not in the Least Likely?

Now the news came to Joab, for Joab had followed Adonijah, although he had not followed Absalom. And Joab fled to the tent of the Lord and took hold of the horns of the altar. - I Kings 2:28

    Joab stood the big test, he remained absolutely loyal and true to David and did not turn after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom, but yet towards the end of his life he turned after the craven Adonijah. Always remain alert of he fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where anyone may go back (see 1 Cor. 10:11-13). You have gone through the big crisis, now be alert over the least things; take in calculation the "retired sphere of the leasts."

    We are apt to say--"It is not in the least likely that having been through the supreme crisis, I shall turn now to the things of the world." Do not forecast where the temptation will come, it is the least likely thing that is the peril. In the aftermath of a great spiritual transaction the "retired sphere of the leasts" begins to tell; it is not dominant, but remember it is there, and if you are not warned, it will trip you up. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials, now beware of the undercurrent. Do not be morbidly introspective, looking forward with dread, but keep alert; keep your member bright before God. Unguarded strength is double weakness because that is where the "retired sphere of the leasts" saps. The Bible characters fell on their strong points, never on their weak ones.

    "Kept by the power of God (I Peter 1:5)"--that is the only safety.

From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

- Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition. 

My thoughts

He talked of being ready always to hear His voice -- in the previous devotional, and now today we need to be alert to temptation. Temptations often hit us in the little areas, and then they become big. Beware. Yet, do not examine yourself, as if you are looking for it. Be careful examining the sin too much. I've seen this. At times it leads me into allowing the sin into my life. 

News

Jordan Wesley Birthday 1996

Proverbs 7:21-27 - The Gatekeeper of Death

Proverbs 7:21-27
With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him.
Suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as fetters to the discipline of a fool,
Until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it his life.

Now therefore, sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth.
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths.
For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.

Message:  The Gatekeeper of Death

Time: King Solomon is the principal writer of Proverbs. Solomon's proverbs were penned around 900 B.C. In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reveals the mind of God in matters high and lofty and in common, ordinary, everyday situations, too. It appears that no topic escaped King Solomon's attention. Matters pertaining to personal conduct, sexual relations, business, wealth, charity, ambition, discipline, debt, child-rearing, character, alcohol, politics, revenge, and godliness are among the many topics covered in this rich collection of wise sayings.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Background
For me, the crux of the first 20 verses of Proverbs 7 is the pleading from a father to his son to treasure the commandments that he is passing along. Treasure the words of the sage, of the Father God. Stay close to them. Adhere to  them in your life, for only then will you be able to withstand the temptations that will be present in this life. And temptations will be many. But, the sexual temptations, or the carrying away of ourselves to abandon our principles will be the strongest. We can't even give them a moment. The door opens when we allow ourselves to be in a dangerous environment. For the young boy, it is walking down the road of the adulteress, where she lives. There are other ways to get to our destination, so we should not even go there. 

The Problem
These remaining verses catapult the encounter and we get to witness first hand what is in store for the person that gets pulled away. I must admit, as a man, these verses resonate with me because I am pulled away too easily, it would seem. The clothing manufacturers have continued to make clothing that simply show off too much of a woman. I struggle with my eyes and it is a struggle when people are bending over in front of you or wearing short dresses. I'm captivated by my wife, but would prefer it in the privacy of my own home. It's really a horrible thing for the man to live with for it is everywhere. And the phone makes it worse. It is too easily accessible. Thus, the title of this message: the gatekeeper of death.

Studying this passage
Verse 21 begins "with her many persuasions." Again, these to me are not just verbal, but they are visual persuasions. They could be a glance, an alluring look, but most likely they are the way a person carries oneself. 'Many persuasions' also speaks to the many different ways we are confronted with this. The temptation now shows itself in so many different ways. But also in these verses is the inference that the person is reluctant because "she entices" and "she seduces." Thus, even in these verses, one could apply I Corinthians 10:13 in that there is a way out when the temptation presents itself.

And then the striking words of verse 22 "suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to slaughter." The road to death is set. The man is walking it. He is captivated, and yet, his life will never be the same. The visual expression of an ox going to slaughter is such an assault; it is such a picture of what the sin does to us. It because a drug that overtakes all of our senses. The ox is obviously not realizing his destination. The ox is being led somewhere that it is thought will only yield good outcomes. The "slaughter" represents the end, not the journey. But "he does not know it is his life." He is consumed with the moment, not the end. The consequences or results of this act are not overtaken by the momentary high.

And so the chapter ends the way it begins. There are words from the wise one to the son, "Listen to me" and "pay attention." Here is the reason: "Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways" and "do not stray into her paths." In these words is the idea I think of 1 Corinthians 10:13 and it is "don't go there." Don't put yourself in a position that is hard to come back from. Once the ox is on the way to the slaughter, it is too late. I must think about this in my life. For instance, I just realized that when I am down on life, or angry, then it is not good to have my phone with me and so, like going to bed - don't bring it to bed. Leave it in the other room. 

At the end of this passage is more ammunition. It is the father building the case. He hopes that the son would simply listen to his words. He would hope that this is compelling enough. But, he also then shows the son the results of the sinful lifestyle. This paints the picture of any addiction in our lives.

For many are the victims she has cast down, 
and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, 
descending to the chambers of death.

The language is final. They are victims. They are numerous. This is a problem many have. They are slain - again death. Her house is on the trek to death. Her house is lower than any person really wants to go. It should be clear, but instead deception has taken over. 

Promise: The foolish young man who heeds the call of the adulteress will find nothing but destruction in her arms.

Prayer: Oh Lord, I need help in this. I am not strong. I am too easily lured away. Once the sin starts, it just continues to be a problem. I'm embarrassed as to what this sin has done to me over the years. To think that I can be so easily enticed. Lord, place a hedge around me. I need your protection. Give me strength. Give me rest today. Lord, I want to be free. I hate the feeling of being a slave to it. I want to follow you. Help me Lord. 

Jesus Calling: January 2

Relax in My Healing Presence. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today's plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you. 

Psalm 105:4
English Standard Version
Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!

Luke 10:39-42
English Standard Version
³⁹ And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for a new day. I start this day with You first, not the newspaper, not the morning TV, but instead I begin this day with You. I want to show You and me that You are my priority. Help me to reside in this moment, learn from You and Your words. Hold me firm in You. Some days may not be as lengthy as others, but in each day, keep me centered on You. And then as I walk forth, keep me close to Your Presence throughout my day. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: December 10

Make Me the focal point of your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. When your private world feels unsteady and you grip My hand for support, you are living in conscious dependence on Me.
     Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of My Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My Face. Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy. Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven. 

Isaiah 41:10
English Standard Version
fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
 
Psalm 139:10
English Standard Version
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
 
James 1:2
English Standard Version
Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds. 

My Prayer
Lord, continue to take hold of my captive thoughts and retrain me throughout my day and life to allow you to work through me. I get too trained by the media of this world, impregnated to be a friend of the world and its ways. Help me to be trained by you God and accept whatever comes my way, even if it seems difficult to me. Keep eternity in my heart. You are my God. I do not need to fear. You will strengthen me and uphold my righteous right hand. Your right hand shall hold me.


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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: December 7

I AM with you in all that you do, even in the most menial task. I am always aware of you, concerned with every detail of your life. Nothing escapes My notice -- not even the number of hairs on your head. However, your awareness of My Presence falters and flickers, as a result, your life experience feels fragmented. When your focus is broad enough to include Me in your thoughts, you feel safe and complete. When your perception narrows so that problems or details fill your consciousness, you feel empty and incomplete.
     Learn to look steadily at Me in all your moments and all your circumstances. Though the world is unstable and in flux, you can experience continuity through your uninterrupted awareness of My Presence. Fix your gaze on what is unseen, even as the visible world parades before your eyes. 

Matthew 10:29-31
English Standard Version
²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ³⁰ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Hebrews 11:27
English Standard Version
By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.
 
2 Corinthians 4:18
English Standard Version
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

My Prayer
Lord, you are with me. I need to know this at each moment, at each task in my day. Remind me. I don't want to lose sight of You living, working, being in my life. Lord, I must admit, my life seems segmented. I have time with you in the morning, then time at work, time with family, time doing chores - Help me Jesus to allow me to see You throughout my day so that I am never losing your presence in me. O Lord, thank you for the value you place on me and considering me valuable, that I am your child, and you want to be with me throughout my day.

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Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: July 7

Trust Me in all your thoughts, I know that some thoughts are unconscious or semiconscious, and I do not hold you responsible for those. But you can direct conscious thoughts much more than you may realize. Practice thinking in certain ways--trusting Me, thanking Me--and those thoughts become more natural. Reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them. Don't try to hide them from Me; confess them and leave them with Me. Go on your way lightheartedly. This method of controlling your thoughts will keep your mind in My Presence and your feet on the path of Peace. 

Psalm 20:7
English Standard Version

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Verse Thoughts

Chariots and horses are military terms and the control of those is in the hands of man, thus the contrast to we who instead trust in the name of the Lord our God. I feel good with the things I think I control - my money, my time and I must admit I feel an inner turmoil to jockey back and forth between trusting God and trusting in those things. In church and during my quiet time, yes, it is all about trusting God, but the rest of the time, is this what people would say about me? 
 
I John 1:9
English Standard Version

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 
Luke 1:79
English Standard Version

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Romans 14:10-12 - The Judgment of God in Christ

Romans 14:10-12 - ¹⁰ But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. ¹¹ For it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall give praise to God.”

¹² So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.

Message: Leaving Judgment to God

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

I continue to walk through Romans 14, which I think looks at Christian Liberty, or how the Christian is to live in a multifaceted world that has many different choices and points of decision, and many of these are not directly addressed in the Word of God. So, in these matters, how am I to conduct myself? As a Christian, I have already seen some key principles in the preceding verses: 

• "Each person should be fully convinced in his own mind." - Verse 5; To me, this means as the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin or things points of emphasis or discipline in my life, I am to examine my life and go forward fully convinced. 
• "Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." - Verse 8; To me, this means that no matter what these differences may be, the bottom line is I am in the Lord's hands and my life is to lived to Him and for His glory. This is my motive. This is my number one motive in life. I am not living to benefit myself, but for His glory and praise. 
• "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?" - Verse 4; To me, I am to not ever make it that I am somehow better than another person because I think my convictions are correct. This is a huge application to me. I can be convicted about something but never to the point of belittling someone else. But this doesn't mean I should never judge, for the scripture is clear that judgment is necessary upon my brother that is publicly in sin. 

People love to focus on other people's sin or problems. It is our human nature to look down on others as it shifts the focus off of us and onto someone else. It means that we don't have to look at ourselves, but just the log in someone else. 

Why do you judge?
I remember Romans 2:1, "Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself." This was after Paul showed the digression of the person that rejects God in chapter 1. No one has an excuse, but when we judge someone else, we condemn ourselves. Again, it isn't that we are not supposed to judge, but we must be careful when we do it and how we do it. I'm thinking of church discipline for one. If there is a question or doubt, then simply leave it up to God. 

Each of us will give an account
I think I often judge someone else because I am impatient. And I want to be God. I want to be judge and jury and give what I think is rightfully to another person. I am subtle with being critical. But the important thing is to remember that God has it under his control. He will take care of it. Each person will give an account of himself to God and every knee will bow before God at one point. 

  

Promise: I ought to be more concerned with how my thoughts and attitudes will be evaluated on the final day than with how God will measure the heart of others.

Jesus Calling: May 18

     Come to Me with your plans held in abeyance (suspension). Worship Me in spirit and in truth, allowing My Glory to permeate your entire being. Trust Me enough to let Me guide you through this day, accomplishing My purposes in My timing. Subordinate your myriad plans to My Master Plan. I am sovereign over every aspect of your life!
     The challenge continually before you is to trust Me and search for My way through each day. Do not blindly follow your habitual route, or you will miss what I have prepared for you. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. 

John 4:24
English Standard Version

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

Verse thoughts
“True” worship is contrasted with the worship regulated by the temporary provisions of the law, especially the separation of Jews and Gentiles and the requirement of temple worship at Jerusalem. The ceremonial and sacrificial aspects of the law were not false; they were temporary and provisional. Worship “in spirit” is worship in the Holy Spirit. He continues the work begun by Jesus. Prominent marks of the age of the Spirit are the removal of the barrier between Jews and Gentiles, and the ability of Christians to worship without the need for a temple of any kind.

Isaiah 55:8-9
New King James Version
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Verse thoughts
God’s thoughts concerning grace exceed human imagination and beyond human comprehension. 

My Prayer
Lord, help me to comprehend that what You want for me is my best. I want so badly for my kids to trust my words and you want the same from me; to walk in Your ways, allowing You to consume me. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Romans 2:14-16 - The Work of the Law on the Heart

Romans 2:14-16 - 14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.

Message: Everyone has a law written on their hearts. Everyone.

Time: Romans was probably written during Paul’s third missionary journey from Corinth to a Jewish/Gentile church in Rome (around 56-57 AD).

What the Lord is Saying:

Verses 14-16 are a clarification of verse 12. Here is a further clarification of the light or the standard that the Gentile has received. The Gentile can't say that they are not accountable to God because they are not the chosen people and therefore did not receive the Law. The amazing thing about God's law is that it is in written on our hearts.

When I speak to people, using the 10 commandments, it is amazing that in talking about lying, stealing, adultery, murder, or disobeying parents, these are all things that people realize they should not be doing. Thus, the Law is written on their hearts. No one has to tell them that lying is bad or stealing is wrong.

The Unheard
Verse 15 also reminds me of the answer to the question that I often hear and that is, "What about the person that has never heard of Christ?" Well, it is clear here that all people have a standard inside. The Jews were given the Law and are clearly accountable to it, but all other men have a written law on their hearts, their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them and so they are accountable to the law in their hearts.

And so, in my thinking, just as in Romans 1:20, everyone knows that there is a God based upon the testimony of creation, man should always know there is something greater than himself. Could salvation be for someone that hasn't ever heard of Christ the simple recognition that there is something beyond themselves? That they are accountable to their own law and yet there is still something above them.

Coveting and the secrets of men
The last commandment or the sin of coveting is one that has always stood out to me and in verse 15 and 16, it is mentioned. It reminds me that my thoughts are acting as judge and jury often when I consider what to do. And ultimately, God's judgment will fall on my secrets.

This is really a major thought that man really can't comprehend. The scripture is clear that it isn't just what comes out of a man in their actions that is a problem, but it is what is on the inside that sometimes never comes out. Just because I would never say what I'm thinking or do what I'm thinking doesn't mean I am not accountable for what I am thinking. 

The Changing World
One of the biggest problems I see as time goes by is the standards of scripture are no longer accepted in the world as standards. 100 years ago, stealing and lying were also judged in life, but now they are not held in the same level of wrongness. They are excused. When we don't spend our time training ourselves by the Word of God, then we get trained by the world and the world's standards are becoming more blurry. 

Promise: It is a great promise that the standards man are consistent for everyone, the Gentile, the Jew, the religious, the non-religious, those aware of the Law and God, those that don't. Everyone is accountable for the Law is written on their hearts.

Jesus Calling: February 12

I am ever so near you, hovering over your shoulder, reading every thought. People think that thoughts are fleeting and worthless, but yours are precious to Me. I smile when you think lovingly of Me. My Spirit, who lives within you, helps you to think My Thoughts. As your thinking goes, so goes your entire being. 

Let Me be your positive Focus. When you look to Me, knowing Me as God with you, you experience Joy. This is according to My ancient design, when I first crafted man. Modern man seeks his positive focus elsewhere: in sports, sensations, acquiring new possessions. Advertising capitalizes on the longing of people for a positive focus in their lives. I planted that longing in human souls, knowing that only I could fully satisfy it. Delight yourself in Me; let Me become the Desire of your heart. 

Matthew 1:23
English Standard Version
 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).

Psalm 37:4
English Standard Version
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

My Prayer
Lord, thanks for being with Me. Forgive me Lord for getting wrapped up in what I want out of ministry and life. You know Me right now and I'm hurting a little or am confused because all that I think people want out of me and value is my arms and legs, or me doing. They don't want my mind or thoughts. They don't even want to be questioned. But, just trust that their way is the best way. It's hard Lord. You have given me a longing and a desire within me. I want what is best for your church and yet it's hard when it feels like the church isn't getting what is best.

But, Lord, I put so much stake in a message or a program when You are the real answer. Prayer is what changes hearts. Your Word reminds us that for a need in the harvest the answer is prayer. You send out laborers to the harvest. So, Lord, are you sending me in this way. Is this what You are pushing me to do?

Lord, I'm amazed at how full each day is. There is so much to each day. There is so much wrapped up in it. Lord, I do want my thoughts to center on You. I don't want to be trained or coerced by the world and its ways. I know I tend to fill up my world with a lot of stuff. I have a hard time saying "no" to things. I want to try and fit it all in.

Lord, I pray for my kids and my family. Lord, I give them to You. I bring them to You like Abraham brought Isaac and placed him on the altar. They are in Your hands. I trust You for their outcomes. I pray for them. I pray for their strong growth in You. Define their world. Help my son Derek and his growing up time that he is experiencing and the pressure to fit in and go along and be a part of others. We haven't sheltered him, but have allowed him to roam and be. At times, he doesn't make good decisions. I pray that he would learn from his choices and most importantly, I want to encourage him to return to You. Give him wisdom. Give him zeal to do the work of his school work to the best of his ability. Bring good people into his life that can encourage him to be him, not simply to fit within a crowd. Bring people that make wise choices not simply choices to rebel the establishment or the tradition.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 29

Keep your focus on Me. I have gifted you with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of your mind. Only the crown of My creation has such remarkable capability; this is a sign of being made in My image.Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence. In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you reset in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me.

Psalm 8:5
English Standard Version
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

Genesis 1:26-27
English Standard Version
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

2 Corinthians 10:5
English Standard Version
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Isaiah 26:3
English Standard Version
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You,
because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You [i.e. trusts  in you].

My Prayer
Lord, I want to focus on You and only You. Lord, I want You to get my praise. Lord, thank You for giving me the ability each day to be focused on You. That I don't have to be a product of my circumstances. My circumstances are there and make up my life, but my life in You, in Your presence, sits far above my circumstances and you define my life via my Trust in You. Lord, help me and others near me to see that we are made in Your image.

Lord, I want to surrender my thought life to You. To this day, I get weak and I plan out how I'm going to be far from You, I want to instead present my thoughts to You and be confident in You and trust in You.

Lord, my friend Karl really struggles with this and he has habitually now surrendered his flesh not to You, but to the one of this world. Lord, give him the strength each day to surrender his life to You. I pray that he would not be in a mode of defeat, but that you would give him a thirst for righteousness all the days of the month. Distract him from his sins. Help him to see that You are his strength. He is weak. You are strong. And your plan does not include his sins. Rescue him. Focus him on You. Help me to encourage him properly and in a way that honors You.

Peace. Lord, that is my desire. To have peace. I am restless instead. I am concerned. But, I want to stand in Your peace. Don't let me get distracted.

Lord, I want to destroy anything, any desire or craving that is against being about God, and instead take every thought and make it captive to Christ. So, that every thought enters my life on the high road.

What a beautiful picture of trust. Lord, I want that trust in my life. I want to commit myself to You. I want to lean on You. And hope confidently in You. That is trust.

Lord, you know that I'm unsettled with my job. There is emptiness there. There is not complete joy. I provide for my family as the provider and yet the future is not encouraging. I don't know what would hold for me in a future source of income, but I want to give You that idea and surrender to You and be ready if You direct me elsewhere. I want to be on the alert for that. Lord, as you speak to me, I want to listen and obey. (Update: July 2013 - God provided a new job for me and even 3 years later, while more challenging every day, it is not empty and there is joy. Thank you God.)

Bring me people to disciple and fellowship with. Give my wife and I unity on this so that we could discover a way to fellowship with others.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 28

I AM with you always. These were the last words I spoke before ascending into heaven. I continue to proclaim this promise to all who will listen. People respond to My continual Presence in various ways. Most Christians accept this teaching as truth but ignore it in their daily living. Some ill-taught or wounded believers fear (and may even resent) My awareness of all they do, and think. A few people center their lives around this glorious promise and find themselves blessed beyond all expectations. 

When My Presence is the focal point of your consciousness, all the pieces of your life fall into place. As you gaze at Me through the eyes of your heart, you can see the world around you from My perspective. The fact that I am with you makes every moment of your life meaningful. 

Matthew 28:20

English Standard Version (ESV)

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Psalm 139:1-4

English Standard Version (ESV)

 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
 You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

My Prayer
Lord, what a great reminder that You are with me always. How quickly I think that I'm living life on my own and having to will myself through life on my own. Lord, keep me on that high road, trusting you all the time, with my circumstances below. I think of Psalm 23 and that first line, "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want." With you by my side and always with me, I can trust my life because it is in your hands. This doesn't mean the circumstances of life will always make sense to me, but I can trust you still. You have shown yourself to be faithful.

Lord, as I read or hear Your Word, I pray that it becomes a part of my life and not just head knowledge.

Help me to live in Your presence. I want to see life through Your perspective.

You know me Lord. You search Me and know Me and You are acquainted with all my ways. You know my thoughts and my days activities. How often do I pretend that you are not there.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.