Psalm 119:145-152 - The Nearness of God in His Word

Psalm 119:145-152

¹⁴⁵ I cried with all my heart; answer me, O Lord! I will observe Your statutes.
¹⁴⁶ I cried to You; save me and I shall keep Your testimonies.
¹⁴⁷ I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.
¹⁴⁸ My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.
¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; revive me, O Lord, according to Your ordinances.
¹⁵⁰ Those who follow after wickedness draw near; they are far from Your law.
¹⁵¹ You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth.
¹⁵² Of old I have known from Your testimonies that You have founded them forever.

 
Message: The Nearness of God in His Word

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: I like how this section because as it is a cry to the Lord for help. Lord, I need your help throughout life. Life is full. Yesterday I had that feeling in the morning of just wanting to rest and take it easy and remembering what my friend Julie said when I spoke to her the previous week, her being retired now and able to enjoy her days. It sounded blissful and yet I wonder if I will ever be there or need to be there. I still think of that message I heard at church last summer about Bible times and how life was about survival and so there was always work to be done. I think this should be my perspective. And this seems to be the perspective of the writer today -- I cried with all my heart. This is someone that comes before the Lord and needs an answer.

Lord, help me to be this person that when I am at the end of my rope, I cry to you. The writer reminds the Lord (as if He needs reminding) that he will observe Your statues. But it is a good reminder that we are full-time followers of God, obedient to His ways, and yet calling to him for favor. Save me and I shall keep Your testimonies. God saves us and our response is to keep His testimonies.

I rise before dawn and cry for help. I come before God with a cry for help. Help me Lord. As I cry, I also wait for Your words. And the words repeat. Hear my voice. Receive me, O Lord. I will meditate on Your word. I stand close to You throughout the tough times, throughout my life. And then i see the contrast here between the wicked who are near to injure and the Lord who is near to truth (v. 150-151). Thank you Lord for being near.

The Psalmist mentions the Lord being near. He is near because the Psalmist is walking with the Lord continually. He is continually present with the Lord. He spends his days in close contact with the Lord. His life is walking with God. Lord, I want to be this person that knows you intimately so that as I navigate life I can do it being near to You and dependent on You.

Promise: Although we do not always feel as if God is near to us, we can be sure that He always draws close to His people when they study His Word and hear it preached.

Prayer: Help me Lord. Help me God. I cry out to You for help. I need you. I will follow You and obey your statutes. I will wait for your words. Keep me far from impatience. Don't let me be a symptom of my circumstances, tossing like wind based upon how things are going at any one time. But instead I want to remain consistent to Your ways. Thank you Lord for being near. Keep me ever mindful of Your ways and You in my life. Don't let me forget.

Jesus Calling: December 31

As this year draws to a close, receive My Peace. This is still your deepest need, and I, your Prince of Peace, long to pour Myself into your neediness. My abundance and your emptiness are a perfect match. I designed you to have no sufficiency of your own. I created you as a jar of clay, set apart for sacred use. I want you to be filled with My very Being, permeated through and through with Peace.
     Thank Me for My peaceful Presence, regardless of your feelings. Whisper My Name in loving tenderness. My Peace, which lives continually in your spirit, will gradually work its way through your entire being. 

Isaiah 9:6
English Standard Version
For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 
2 Corinthians 4:7
English Standard Version
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
 
John 14:26-27
English Standard Version
²⁶ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

My Prayer
Jesus, Father, Spirit, thank you for this year and guiding me through it. You are showing me more each day that you are in fact in control of me, my life, my world, this world and I can trust you for it all. There have been many different challenges this year, that you have brought our way. But, through them all, you sustain us and keep us with You. Many challenges remain but thanks for the simple reminder that you are with us, you are near, as we are your treasure.    

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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 30

I am Leading You along a way that is uniquely right for you. The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self--the one I designed you to be. Because you are one of a kind, the path you are traveling with Me diverges increasingly from that of other people. However, in My mysterious wisdom and ways, I enable you to follow this solitary path while staying in close contact with others. In fact, the more completely you devote yourself to Me, the more freely you can love people.
     Marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with My Presence. Rejoice as we journey together in intimate communion. Enjoy the adventure of finding yourself through losing yourself in Me. 

2 Corinthians 5:17
English Standard Version
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
 
Ephesians 2:10
English Standard Version
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
 
I John 4:7-8
English Standard Version
⁷ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

John 15:4
English Standard Version
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in 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 6

Stay ever so close to Me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you. This is the most efficient way to stay on track; it is the most enjoyable way. Men tend to multiply duties in their observance of religion. This practice enables them to give Me money, time, and work without yielding up to Me what I desire the most -- their hearts. Rules can be observed mechanically. Once they become habitual, they can be followed with minimal effort and almost no thought. These habit forming rules provide a false sense of security, lulling the soul into a comatose condition.
     What I search for in My children is an awakened soul that thrills to the Joy of My Presence! I created mankind to glorify Me and enjoy Me forever. I provide the Joy; your part is to glorify Me by living close to Me.

Deuteronomy 6:5
English Standard Version
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
 
Colossians 3:23
English Standard Version
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
 
Psalm 16:11
English Standard Version
You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

My Prayer
Lord, I want to stay close to You, so help me to narrow my focus and lose what distracts me from you. I want to stay on the path you have set for me. Remind me that doing things your way is the most enjoyable way to live. Too often I am thinking duty is the secret. Help me arrive at church with the right heart, the right motive. Train me before I go to church on how I am to live. I don't want my life to be about rule-keeping to the point that I feel safe because I've kept a set of rules. I don't want anyone to think this is how we live. Help me to stay connected with you in a real life union. Lord, keep grooming me and moving me to love you Lord with all my heart, soul, and might. Remind me that each day I am working for you and for your glory, not to please people. This is true at work, at home, wherever you have placed me. With you, I am on the right path. With you, I have joy. With you, I get all the pleasures I need.

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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.

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Second Monday in Advent 2021

Blessed are those who mourn, For they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 (NRSV))

For those who are unaware, this is St. Nicholas Day on the calendar used by our Catholic and Anglican brothers/sisters in Christ (Eastern Orthodox celebrates St Nicholas on December 19). Very little is known of his life but much has been fabricated mostly to make him look like Santa Claus. Here is a clip by National Geographic that provides a little background of the real person who lived and has been morphed into the person of today.

Who Was Saint Nicholas? | National Geographic https://youtu.be/3jLO6A2NpPU

Over Thanksgiving week, we took our family on the Polar Express in Williams, AZ, a train ride to the ‘north pole’. Upon arriving, there he was all dressed in his traditional red suit, waving as we rode by. Then as we were heading back to where our trip originated, Santa Claus was on board and coming down the aisle of the train car we were sitting in. There were 5-6 children, ages 3-6, seated in front of us. When they turned around and saw Santa Claus coming down the aisle, the look of joy and excitement on their faces was beyond description, certainly a one of a kind look. I just sat there and watched those sweet faces and remembered when I was a child how Santa Claus delighted me. It was an excitement like no other. As I watched those precious faces, I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘where has a smile like that gone in my older age?’ Life has taken its toll on that smile. But then I thought, that smile will return someday, the day I behold our LORD and that smile will remain on my face forever.

So what song should I pick for this devotion today? A search of Santa Claus songs produced 54, most of which I never heard. There are the classics, Here Comes Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Up on the Housetop. Jolly Old St Nicholas has a good thought in it that asks for gifts for Johnny, Suzie, and Nellie and ends with the request for self of what you think is right. (Don’t ever remember thinking that way myself.) But as I went over the songs, this one leaped out at me as the best to reflect upon.

Amy Grant - Grown-Up Christmas List
https://youtu.be/RmF2rsDHOZc

This is a good example of the beatitude quoted above. When we mourn the ills in the world and long for them to be changed, we begin by praying for the needs of people (to the One who can really do something about it). What is likely to happen is that we will become involved in being a part of the LORD’s solution. In doing so, that would truly reflect the spirit of St Nicholas for what we know of him.

With love, Bob (Malsack)  - provided with his permission

Jesus Calling: November 5

You can live as close to Me as you choose. I set up no barriers between us; neither do I tear down barriers that you erect.
     People tend to think their circumstances determine the quality of their lives. So they pour their energy into trying to control their situations. They feel happy when things are going well, and sad or frustrated when things don't turn out as they'd hoped. They rarely question that correlation between their circumstances and feelings. Yet it is possible to be content in any and every situation. 
     Put more energy into trusting Me and enjoying My Presence. Don't let your well-being depend on your circumstances. Instead, connect your joy to My precious promises:

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. 

I will meet all your needs according to My glorious riches.

Nothing in all creation will be able to separate you from My Love.

Philippians 4:12
English Standard Version
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
 
Genesis 28:15
English Standard Version
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.
 
Philippians 4:19
English Standard Version
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
 
Romans 8:38-39
English Standard Version

³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Prayer (2019)
Yes, Lord, I want my well-being to be defined by my closeness to you and not my circumstances. Forgive me Lord for letting worldly gains, money, define my mood. Lord, I want instead to be defined by the simple promised that you are with me...wherever I go. That you will not leave me...that you will supply every thing I need - forgive me for thinking life is about meeting my wants in order to be happy. It is Your Love God that I need. Convince me of this because Lord I get so distracted so much. But, as I arise this day and look to Your Words, may they not only bring me comfort, but define me. Give me the strength to walk each day in this definition. 


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.

Psalm 139:13-24 - God's Loving, Personal Knowledge

Psalm 139:13-24
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
O that You would slay the wicked, O God; depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed. For they speak against You wickedly, and Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Message: God knows me, the wicked should be far from me and I need to be careful of who I am

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

My reading for 12/15/15, what stood out to me was how near the Psalmist was to God. And then how the Lord was not simply near but also desired to lead. And now as I turn to the rest of Psalm 139, I see further the intimacy the Lord has with the Psalmist, and me. 

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I notice the words here. This isn't simply knowledge of us, but this is forming of us. Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made. How sad that some people won't to make a change to what God has done, calling it a mistake. And yet I suppose there are defects that may occur, but even in this, there is a struggle in identifying what is a defect. I guess when I think defect, I think born with a cleft palate. And yet many now are saying they were born the wrong gender. The bottom line is we are each fearfully and wonderfully made and I can take that to mean that I am not a mistake. I am valuable. 

In Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me. This is most interesting. God has ordained days for me. He knows the time of my beginning and when I will depart this earth. Do I really walk around in life realizing that this is His knowledge? It may not change my day to day behavior, but I can trust in Him. 

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. Again here is that reminder of how valuable I am to God. He thinks of me. He has thoughts of me. I try so hard to remember God and yet, it says, He remembers me. That is so wonderful. I am valuable.  

O that You would slay the wicked, O God. To see others that want to do nothing with God is a mystery. My atheist friend actually just became an agnostic because he thought that God was possible, but he didn't believe in any of the religions then defining God. It is one thing for there to be a God, but no man gets to carve out and decide how that God is defined. But, the Psalmist clearly says that those that hate God are our enemies. I am to avoid them. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. On the heels of talking about those that are enemies of God, I need to make sure that my life does not mirror that persona in any way shape, form, or way. I am to be led in the everlasting way. 

Promise: God has loving and personal knowledge of me. 

Psalm 139:1-12 - Our All-Knowing, All-Seeing Lord

Psalm 139:1-12 - O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.

Message: He is there, I don't understand, but He wants to lead me.

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

As I think about the Psalmist, as I think about him stopping for a moment and capturing these words, they actually seem very familiar. The Psalmist is expressing thoughts and ideas that have enveloped me at various times. The Psalmist has a union with the Lord and in his words, denotes a familiarity and closeness to the Lord. The Lord is not a distant creator, but the Lord is near. The Lord is present with him. As he lives, the Lord is there, by him. It doesn't matter where he goes in life or what he experiences, God is there. There is a simple way about these verses. 

Our time is busy and filled with so much. My body screams for rest, like it did last night, with my stomach hurting and back hurting, as the day had too many stresses associated with it. I was cloudy with worry and anxiety, that did me no good. I had work thoughts, child thoughts, commitment to preparing for a party thoughts, family together thoughts; there was so much going through my head. And yet, was the closeness of God in those situations of life there? 

What stands about regarding these verses is the simple idea that yes God is all-knowing and all-seeing, but He is that way, because He is near. He cares. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. God is present with me. As one person on this earth, he is making me feel like I am the only person on this earth. No one values me more. No one knows me better. He is there with me. 

It is words like this that, undoubtedly, I do not comprehend. Knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain to it. This recognition that the Lord is this close to me, where I am, what I am saying and thinking, that is the kind of idea that is hard for me even to realize. That anything would be near to me like that. It is hard to comprehend. 

But, God is not simply present and near me and listening and knowing of my thoughts. Even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. He is beside me to direct me. He knows me so that he can show me what to do. Lord, this is what escapes me so often. This is what I have difficulty capturing. That by being close to me you will lead me. Lord, the events of my day are too much for me to handle. I do not simply want to learn to be more efficient and more self-sufficient. My ideal is to not learn to stand up for myself, all the more. To be honest, that is not my ideal because then I will think I can do it all without you. Yes, I am a hard worker and yes, I care about my work and people and quality, but Lord, I need Your help. I need Your leading. I need Your right hand to lay hold of me. 

You are not nearby to just keep up. But, you are there to guide me. I need this guiding Lord. Forgive me for thinking I can do it on my own. 

 

Promise: God is greater than we are; he is not like us; he has not just more knowledge but a different type of knowledge. Learn to know Him and depend on Him.

 

Jesus Calling: October 25

I am God with you, for all time and throughout eternity. Don't let the familiarity of that concept numb its impact on your consciousness. My perpetual Presence with you can be a continual source of Joy, springing up and flowing out in streams of abundant Life. Let your mind reverberate with meanings of My Names: Jesus--the Lord saves, and Emmanuel--God with us.  Strive to remain conscious of My Presence even in your busiest moments. Talk with Me about whatever delights you, whatever upsets you, whatever is on your mind. These tiny steps of daily disciplines, taken one after the other, will keep you close to Me on the path of Life.

Matthew 1:21, 23
English Standard Version

²¹ “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

²³ Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

Acts 2:28
English Standard Version  

You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will make me full of gladness with your presence.

My Prayer
Lord, you are my Savior. You have saved me. Continually, each day, I fight sin in my life. It is present, but it is also a reminder that I need you and you have saved me. You didn't just save me, but you are with me, throughout life. Keep me near to you. Even in the busiest moments of my life, help me to know that You are near, fighting for me, cheering for me, carrying me, taking me through the struggles of life. Talk to Me and help me to talk to You so that you are the one in my life that I am speaking to daily. This is how I stay close to you by being reminded that you are close to 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.

Jesus Calling: October 14

Be prepared to suffer for Me, in My Name. All suffering has meaning in My kingdom. Pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate your trust in Me. Bearing your circumstances bravely--even thanking Me for them--is one of the highest forms of praise. This sacrifice of thanksgiving rings golden-toned bells of you throughout heavenly realms. On earth also, your patient suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles.
     When suffering strikes, remember that I am sovereign and that I can bring good out of everything. Do not try to run from pain or hide from problems. Instead, accept adversity in My Name, offering it up to Me for My purposes. Thus, your suffering gains meaning and draws you closer to Me. Joy emerges from the ashes of adversity through your trust and thankfulness. 

James 1:2-4
English Standard Version

² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Psalm 107:21-22
English Standard Version

²¹ Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
²² And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
    and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

My Prayer: Lord, I admit that understanding value in suffering is hard for me to comprehend, especially when so much of the world that I live in trains me in the idea that entertainment, pleasure, comfort, and safety is not simply what we all want, but what we all think must be present at all times in our lives. Sometimes, the greatest obstacle I have in talking to people about You is the idea that you allow suffering to occur. Yet, you show me continually good that comes through it, though I know other suffering I won't understand till I reach the other side. I'm not sure I will ever do what you ask and that is, embrace the suffering, but with your help and strength I do want to trust You through it. Jesus walked into Jerusalem knowing that he would be spit on, mocked and then deeply wounded to the point of death. As much as I hate pain, I really can't comprehend the extent to which he suffered and that he would then do it to set me free. So in that suffering, something really good resulted. O Lord...I can't wait to be welcomed Home. 

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 14:19 - Peace and Mutual Upbuilding

Romans 14:19 - So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Message: Building others up

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

What the Lord is Saying:

So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding of one another. - Amplified

So then we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that helps strengthen one another. - Living Bible

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. - New King James Version

For me, the overriding theme I see from this text is having a concern for others. It is a willingness to put aside my own momentary desires or wants in order to build up another person.

The beginning of verse 19 has the same thought in mind in each translation with the phrases, "let us pursue" or "we must always aim" or "let us definitely aim or eagerly pursue". Thus, this isn't a statement of, oh by the way. The overriding thought of the believer in his relations to one another is to seek peace. This is something that is definitive and means I must make a special effort.

Philippians 2:3 says, "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves."

I do not think that this means we cannot disagree. I also do not think that this context means unity in thought. Right now, in my life, I am in in a state of personal sacrifice as I raise my children. Their needs are greater than mine own. However, This does not mean I give them everything they want. But I am the parent, the authority, often the strong person, and I need to behave in such a way that I am aiming for eagerly pursuing peace in our relationship. This presents a challenge. It is a daily struggle. I have a need to provide for my family and do those things that are best for them and it is hard to navigate between what they want and what I think is best. I tend to err on the side of giving them what they want which is often at the expense of my own desires. I hope that I am making the right decision but I also think I get too focused on thinking there is only one right decision. I guess I just hope that by giving them what they want I am not harming them.

Well, back to the passage.

I think it is somewhat of a given that I am going to do what's best for myself. And so it is necessary to be reminded that I am to build up others. One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 4:29, which to me says we are to not tear down others with our words, but edify them, or bring them up. 

Warren Wiersbe says that our desire is not to get everyone to agree with us, but to pursue peace. Don't cause others to stumble, but help them to grow and mature in Christ. 

One of the things I liked about attending a small church was the building up that takes place among different age groups. And yet small churches don't always yield this. I attended a small church and people lived in a rural area and were accustomed to being to themselves and not opening up or sharing much. So, the small church didn't guarantee community. 

I've noticed that some churches have two different services, catering to different likes of worship styles. The problem is this manufactures separation rather than community. It may not be the intent, but it is tragic that we cannot compromise.
 
Promise: If I desire to focus on others and everyone does this, then each person's needs will be met.

Jesus Calling: February 18

    I AM with you. These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair. Because you are human, you will always have ups and downs in your life experience. But the promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go. Sometimes you may feel as if you are in a free fall, when people or things you had counted on let you down. Yet as soon as you remember that I am with you, your perspective changes radically. Instead of bemoaning your circumstances, you can look to Me for help. You recall that not only am I with you, I am holding you by your right hand. I guide you with My counsel, and afterward I will take you into Glory. This is exactly the perspective you need: the reassurance of My Presence, and the glorious hope of heaven. 

Zephaniah 3:17
English Standard Version
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Psalm 73:23-26
English Standard Version
Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Thoughts
The Lord is with me. He is beside me. He is in my midst. He thinks the best of me, rejoicing over me with gladness. He calms me in the mist of the turmoil of my day, month, year. He will sing over me. He holds my hand. He guides me. And He has a future for me. I am His favorite. He is the strength in my life and with me forever.

My Prayer
Lord, it is always a challenge to realize you are close, beside me, near me. But, show me this is true and continue to confirm yourself in me, each day. Truth and theology and promises are easy to read, but knowing you are near is tough for me. Be my comfort. Thank you for giving us the Word and the differences of the writers and speaking through those words in unique ways. I praise You. Thank you for being with 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.

Daniel 6

Message: Integrity in the Life of Daniel

Time: Darius the Mede beginning his reign (just as Nebuchadnezzar's dream predicted). Darius ruled from 539-525BC. Judah's 70 years of captivity ended in 539BC.

What the Lord is Saying: Darius the Mede>>3 administrators (Daniel one of them)>>High Officers>>120 provinces

Daniel set himself apart from the other 2 administrators. The king planned to have Daniel be over the entire empire. This made the other administrators and high offers suspicious of Daniel and they wanted to find some fault in him, but found nothing. He was (1) faithful, (2) always responsible and (3) completely trustworthy. So, they sought to assault his faith. So they proposed a law to King Darius that for 30 days no one can pray to any other but Darius. If they disobey, those person(s) will be thrown into the den of lions.

Daniel made no change in his life, continuing to pray 3 times a day (with the windows open). The officials found and told the King. The king wanted to find a way to excuse or save Daniel from this judgment. But he couldn't go back on his signed word. Daniel was thrown into the den of lions with the king offering, "May your God, whom you serve faithfully, rescue you." A stone was placed over the mouth of the den. The king left and fasted, refusing his usual evening of entertainment.

The King returned the next morning to the lions' den calling out to Daniel, asking him if his God had rescued him. Daniel responded, "Long live the king!. God sent angels to shut the lions' mouths. I have been found innocent (no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus). He was removed from the den while the officials that had snagged him were thrown in with their wives and children. The lions tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.

The King sent forth a message throughout his kingdom that God will endure forever: His kingdom will never be destroyed; his rule will never end; he will rescue and save his people; he will perform signs and wonders in heaven and on earth; He has rescued Daniel.

So Daniel prospered.


Promise: Leaders may change, but God's word and his promise to His people never changes.

This chapter's significance chronicles the consistency of Daniel. He did not go to pray 3 times a day because of the announcement that men could only pray to King Darius, but rather he went to pray 3 times a day because this was his normal daily action. Our lives should be lived in consistency. If we are living right and honoring God daily in our lives, then when things happen beyond our control, it is not as if we must then make a charge and attack these seemingly obstacles, but rather we must remain steady and continue in the discipline of the Lord.

Unfortunately, our lives don't often mirror this. When 9/11 occurred, the following Sunday was high attendance Sunday. Death and destruction often move us to suddenly get holy. But, our devotion should remain steady through any time, good or bad, happy or sad, rich or poor.

Great Bible Men and Women

MOSES

Mediator of the old covenant -- received the Law of God and took it to the people of Israel; brought the needs and sins of Israel to the Lord in prayer. God spent Moses' life preparing him for this calling. Moses came the poor means, but was spared from death and raised in the courts of the Pharaoh. But it was the weak and helpless he always came to the aid for: like the killing the Egyptian that had killed one Moses' own (Hebrew); saving the daughters of Jethro out shepherding their flock. And he was meek.

JOSHUA

Led newly formed nation of Israel into the Promised Land against a people more sophisticated militarily and greater manpower than Israel. God reminds Joshua to be strong and courageous. Joshua had confidence. He could conquer Canaan because he had experience and confidence, more importantly, in the Lord. Though he had experience, it was God's faithfulness to the Word of God by giving Joshua the ability to lead the people, seeing that Joshua was on the Lord's side. This is what is most important.

DEBORAH

God raised Deborah up to rescue His people from their enemies. The difference this time was he used a female. Her time was the time of the Judges when Israel was not united as a nation, but existed as a loose confederation of tribes. At times, the Lord would endow a leader or judge with His Holy Spirit, to rally the Israelites together to defeat a foe. Who was oppressing Israel at the time of Deborah? Jabin, king of Canaan, for 20 years. And so Deborah rallied the people against Jabin. The mightiest general in the region was defeated by an "ordinary" housewife. God uses the ordinary.

ESTHER

Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia, helped deliver her people during the reign of King Ahasuerus. Through this she had to overcome the fear of what may happen to her. The king of Persia needed a new queen after his queen, Vashti, refused to dance before his friends at his feast. Esther won the king's favor and became queen. The book of Esther does not mention the name of God. Esther's fear was whether to come to the rescue of her cousin Mordecai, who was refusing to bow to one of the king's advisors, Haman, and risk the Jews being wiped out. Initially Esther didn't get involved, but realizing she needed to do something to stay alive she went before the king.

INFLUENTIAL NEW TESTAMENT WOMEN

The Lord's mother gave birth to the Messiah and helped raise Jesus to honor the Father. Mary and Martha, two sisters, and friends of Jesus. Jesus always treated women with respect which was not the norm at this time. Women were the first witnesses to His resurrection.

Jesus Calling: January 15

My face is shining upon you, beaming out Peace that transcends understanding. You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace. As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze too long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens. When you start to sink, simply call out "Help me, Jesus!" and I will lift you up.
     The closer you live to Me, the safer you are. Circumstances around you are undulating, and there are treacherous-looking waves in the distance. Fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. By the time those waves reach you, they will have shrunk to proportions of My design. I am always beside you, helping you face today's waves. The future is a phantom, seeking to spook you. Laugh at the future! Stay close to me.

Philippians 4:7
English Standard Version
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 14:30
English Standard Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Hebrews 12:2 
English Standard Version
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

My Prayer
There is peace in You Jesus. You bring peace. I know I am justified. I know that I don't have to do anything to earn Your affection, Your Love, Your approval. You give me peace that surpasses all understanding. If You saved me, then You can handle my day to day struggles. Nothing should be able to steal the peace in my life.

How often Lord do I let a little problem sink me. I over-analyze it and search for a man-made solution rather than calling on You first and seeking You first. I found myself doing this yesterday and through it I could get very little done. Teach me and train me to call on You saying, "Help me, Jesus." Last night, there was anger in me and I found myself darting off into areas I should not go. When through it all, you are there, ready to help me.

Your peaces surpasses understanding. This verse reminds me of Proverbs 3:5-6 and how I am not to lean on my own understanding. I focus too much on how I think I see things and not enough resting with You and realizing that peace is what has solved my ultimate problem in life.

Keep me close to You Lord. Lord, trials will come. Problems will surface. But, help me to call on You and seek Your answer to any of those problems. Let me surround myself with You, confident that You, through me, can conquer anything. When Peter walked on water, it was You working through him, but the moment he took his eyes off of You, he sunk. I sink when I take my eyes off of You.

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

Hebrews 2:13; (Isaiah 8:17-18)

And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
(Hebrews 2:13 ESV)

This is a reference to the Messiah speaking, as a man, placing his hope, his only hope in God. Jesus identifies himself with the people--fully man. "I will look to him; I will put my confidence in him." And this relationship Jesus has with His people is the same closeness a father has with his children. They were of one family; one nature. He identifies with man.