John 16:33 - Overcoming the World in Christ

John 16:33

33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

Message: Overcoming the World in Christ

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Speaking: Jesus has been voicing a lot of ideas - and now Jesus says that all that He has been saying has been in order for people to have peace. Yes, this is what I have studied and seen with the words Jesus has spoken in these last several chapters, from chapter 14 on - peace and comfort. He is leaving but He wants the disciples to have comfort in these words. 

Jesus says to the disciples that they will experience tribulation. But Jesus mentions that he has overcome the world. The world is a place of difficulty and trial, but with Jesus by our side, we can walk through life with that comfort and peace that Jesus has overcome the world. Trials are not the end of us. But they are part of life. 

No need to be surprised by tribulations. I just finished a study on trials from a message was recommended to me from Skip Heitzig. He thought of these questions:

1 How do you react when various forms of testing's come into your life?

2 Do you complain about the misfortunes of life or do you thank God for them?

3 Do you advertise your trials, broadcasting them, making sure everybody knows how bad things are for you — or do you bear them quietly?

4 Do you live in the future waiting for things to improve or do you live in the present letting the hardship change your attitude for the better right now?

5 Do you indulge in self pity and seek sympathy from others or do you commit yourself to a life of service for others?

I thought these were great thoughts to ponder in my life. 

Summary: Jesus offers additional encouragement to the disciples that though they will experience trials, He has overcome the world and therefore they will have comfort. 

Promise: Let the world do its worst; if we are in Christ, we will be glorified with Christ.

Prayer: O God, it is hard to hear that trials are inevitable and yet this is a reality in our lives. They are coming. The importance for us is knowing that God is there for us and protecting us and that He has overcome the world and so we can have comfort in this and can know that God is on the throne and will take care of us. You are there God. We need you. You are present. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

TABLETALK - September 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 
• September 2018 (April 13, 2024 - May 9, 2024) John 15:1 - John 16:24 - Continuing Christ's Farewell Discourse and the meaning of abiding in Christ, the analogy of the vine and conviction/guidance of the Holy Spirit

Chapter 15

Vine and Branches (John 15:1-5) - Jesus confirms that He is the true vine of Israel to bear the fruit of salvation now to all. Our response is to trust in Him (abide). 

Burning Branches (John 15:6) - In abiding, we need to be people that our lives look like our faith. In trusting in Christ, abiding in Him is a life of living, asking God to prune, so that our lives are marked by fruit. 

How We Bear Fruit (John 15:7) - As the Father was abiding in Jesus and Jesus did good works, the same thing occurs for us as we abide in Jesus and He in us and good works will done as we ask for them to be done. 

Proving Our Discipleship for God's Glory (John 15:8) - Our purpose on earth is to be called Jesus' disciples, bearing fruit, and all for one purpose - the Glory of God. 

Abiding in the Love of Christ (John 15:9-11) - We love Jesus, we keep His commandments and we abide in His love, just like he showed in His relationship with God the Father. 

Christian Love Defined (John 15:12-13) - Christ-like love is passed on from Him to us to us to others and as He would lay down His life for all of us, I can practice the same sort of sacrifice though in different ways toward others. 

Friends of the Savior (John 15:14-17) - We are Jesus' friend, no longer slaves. He chose us to bear fruit, and we can ask Him in His name and He will give it. We are to love one another. 

The World's Hatred (John 15;18-21) - Like Jesus, the disciples will be persecuted and hated by the world, but this hate is first directed at Jesus. 

Inexcusable Sin (John 15:22-25) - Jesus remarks that no one has a reason to curse Him by hatred or persecution because He has presented Himself as the Son of Man who is equal to the Father. 

The Witness of God's Spirit and People (John 15:26-27) - Jesus sends the helper to testify of Jesus and His followers, the disciples, testify of Jesus as well, having been with him since beginning of His ministry. 

Chapter 16

The Persecution to Come (John 16:1-4a) - Persecution is coming, within the church and outside of it; Jesus encourages us to not stumble and remember the words of comfort He continues to speak. 

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:4b-11) - Jesus confirms it is better for him to leave to the Father, as the Holy Spirit will be with us and convict the world of sin, Christ's innocence and Christ the victor over Satan. 

The Spirit's Guidance (John 16:12-15) - Jesus confirms that the Holy Spirit will speak of the truth of Jesus, glorifying Him, giving us more insight as days go by into the future, and the Holy Spirit is also from the Father.

The Disciple's Confusion (John 16:16-19) - Jesus is telling the disciples He is departing to a place they cannot see Him, but they will see Him again another time, another place. And we can trust Jesus without knowing all the details.

Sorrow, Joy, and Answered Prayer (John 16:20-24) - Jesus states that the best thing for us is Him leaving. While grief hits, the heart will rejoice and no one can take this joy. We will ask according to God's will and also receive a full joy. 

Various Scriptures - What it Means to Grow in Holiness - We are to be intense in our desire to follow God, valuing righteous living and to resist the schemes of the flesh, Satan and the world. 

The Already and the Not Yet - We live now and wait between what our Lord has declared is already true and what has not yet been revealed. I long to be in a place (heaven) I have never been. "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man" (Revelation 21:3). While we live as pilgrims, aliens, strangers here, Christ is the light of this world and we are to shine His light. We are His ambassadors looking to gather up more for the future home. 

God's People in Exile - This is an interesting article. It reminds me of the words, "What is God doing for Heaven's Sake" or the Tom Nelson series on the "Decree of God." This is a great summary of the Bible. Life right now is a mix of exile and restoration. Once we left the garden, we live in a place of exile, not where we were originally intended. The Garden of Eden - The garden was set up with everything that we needed, and we were tasked to multiply people, and expand the borders of the garden to the end of the earth. But we disobeyed God's one and we were exiled. The Curse of Exile - Out of the garden, we fell into God’s curse, which resulted in hard work all of our days, pain in childbearing, and opposition to subdue the Earth. God promised a Redeemer to reverse the curse. The Flood - Man, however, became exceedingly wicked, including yielding to false worship, until finally God wiped out everyone except a remnant, Noah; we can return to God's favor, back to Eden, that it is different. Abraham's Sojourn - God chose Abraham. God lead Abraham to Canaan, but there was a famine that caused him to go to Egypt where He encountered challenges. He made a covenant with Abraham to give him Canaan along with numerous descendants and His kingdom to the entire world. Abraham though never saw it and lived as a foreigner. The Exodus - The promise of Canaan being a great nation was fulfilled, though after centuries of Israelites enslaved to Egyptians. This prolonged suffering not only for personal sin, but all sin of others. Israel was unfaithful during the exodus. He allowed them to leave Egypt, but still they wandered until all left Egypt. The First Kingdom - God made a covenant with David, promising Solomon to rule Israel forever. Israel rose to power and its people too numerous to count. Solomon built the temple - the place where God dwelled and met with His people, yet not walking them yet as He did in Eden. But unfaithfulness set in again, under Solomon's son Rehoboam the kingdom divided to Judah (south) and Israel (north). Both in exile, removed from his throne in Jerusalem.  The Last Kingdom - God did what His people could not, sending His son to lead His people out of exile and build the kingdom throughout the world. We remain in exile physically, struggle with our flesh and sin, but spiritually citizen's of God's kingdom, having the Holy Spirit and seated with Christ in heavenly places. The promise of Jesus returning and renewing heaven and earth, a fullness of God's kingdom resulting. Until then we suffer - but we live and walk by faith. 

Eternity in Our Hearts - The title of this article is taken from Ecclesiastes 3 as the Preacher gives words of God’s providence stating "God has made everything appropriate in it’s time placing eternity in our hearts." This article helps us to remember that we are living now for a future glory of being with Christ in glory. We can begin to love him now us the church, His bride, with a focus on the bride groom (Jesus). We must be careful not to simply stare at the dress only, and think that this dress is the ultimate point of the wedding. As we encounter difficulties living on this earth, it should remind us that this is not our home. Everything we are doing is preparing us for that future day, the bad reminds us of our future hope and the good gives us pause to thank God. Work while in the garden, before sin, had dignity, but after the fall it was toilsome and so in doing it is dissatisfaction which focuses us on a better day. God uses joys and sorrows for our good benefit, to work together for good. We don't understand everything, but we still can see a purpose in things - work is a gift, all is beautiful in its own time, we have eternity in our being, and that evil will be dealt with. There is purpose in history even if we don't understand it completely. Sin corrupts these longings as we focus instead on personal greatness, time is squandered and eternal life mocked. We should be moved to faith. 

Living as Dual Citizens - In the NT we have a contrast, living in the world, according to its ways and the government and yet not of the world and its ideals. We do need to respect government while looking forward to our eternal home. God rules the institution of the world and its governing powers and the church in different ways. Respect our leaders. Governance is God’s plan. 

Living in These Last Days - The last days started 2,000 years ago. God's promises are being fulfilled today. It affects our view of sanctification, family life, church, politics, and much more. 

Separationism - Christians are discouraged by what they see in the world and so some think a monastic life is in order. We are to be a separate people which is hard. But we are not to avoid sinners in the world. We need to be careful about being associated with anyone not our brother and live in a way that contradicts our faith. The church needs to unite and not argue so much within. We need to consider more our witness to the world. 

Living in the World to Come - Sabbath rest and worship offer an oasis for the weary and heavy-laden people of God. It shows us God is on high forever. 

How Providence Nurtures Death - Like a father to his children, God's providence is the Father's care for his children. Despite the hard events in life and trials which are promised to us, God's providence is still present as He nurtures faith in us and all things work together for good. As humans, we focus on the short-term and what is going on now, sometimes seeing that our obedience does not have good results of joy and happiness and freedom from harm. We get hurt by others and so we also learn a need to forgive. We can be generous with what He has given us. This might require adjustments to be made. But, regardless of what we are facing today, remember the Father cares for us. 

Jesus the First and the Last - 

The Pastor's Prayer Life - 

Old Tears - 

Humble Speech - 

Renewing Your Mind - The story of Dr Sproul's show celebrating its 24th anniversary. 

Favoritism in the Church - God shows no favoritism or partiality in the covenant of grace so why do we size up people? 

Working unto the Glory of God - One way we can glorify God in our work is to do our very best. 

The Moment of Truth

John 14:25-26 - Our Teacher the Holy Spirit

John 14:25-26 

25 “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 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 said to you.

Message: Our Teacher the Holy Spirit

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: In looking at these texts a little at a time, it is an interesting progression of thought. In today's verses Jesus returns to the idea of the Holy Spirit, who He mentioned to people in verse 16 when He mentioned asking the Father to send us a Helper. At that time, what we were told primarily about the Holy Spirt or the Spirit of Truth is that He would be with us always - abiding with us and being in us. And then Jesus seems to be responding to the concerns raised by the disciples - a concern that Jesus is leaving them, the disciples, though Jesus has mentioned He will return again (v. 18). 

As I have mentioned and concluded these verses to me have a summary idea of (1) Believe, (2) Ask/Pray, (3) Obey, (4) You have help, a helper or Holy Spirit. I like this idea that seems to be mentioned repeatedly by Jesus that we need to Believe in Him. And believe that God has sent Jesus. But we also need to ask Him and He will do whatever we ask in Jesus name (v. 14) and our lives should be marked by obedience (v. 21, 23), and through it all we have a Helper providing us help (v. 17, and now v. 26). 

I call attention to this because I see that the world focuses on beliefs they have about life and all that there is and even therefore have because of that an obedience or desire to live and love based upon that belief, but they are missing asking or praying to God and they are missing have a Helper or help through all of life's circumstances. And most notably their belief in life is not focused on the unchanging God but rather a changing or evolving worldview in this World. 

God defines our lives. And everything in our life is because of Him. The pastor yesterday in His sermon on lying mentioned Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Our focus in life is always to be on God and what is acceptable to Him. This is what defines our life. 

And so today in these verses is the focus on the Holy Spirit, though Jesus first mentions the idea that He abides with us. He confirms the words He previously said in verse 23 of Father/Jesus having their "abode" in the life of a believer. There is an expression here that our obedience, our following of Jesus, creates this special union with Jesus/Father. And Jesus confirms this with the words, "These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you." Abiding in Jesus will come up in the next chapter in verse 7 but the focus will be on people abiding in Jesus. Here in these verses Jesus makes mention that He will be abiding with us. Perhaps what Jesus is doing is making mention to the disciples the idea that though He is living physically, there is a spiritual presence that will never be in separation from the believer in Christ. Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) says, "He contrasts the outward and transitory presence which was now nearing its end, with the inward and continuous presence, which its end was to inaugurate." Jesus commits that He and the Father will always be with us.

And further still He makes mention of the Holy Spirit who He has already said is in us (v. 17) but now says, "He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." Besides saying He is with us, He says that He is our teacher of all things. He is the one that brings remembrance to us of everything Jesus has said to us. Again, God is with us. And God is with us always. 

Jesus in these words and throughout the concerns placed by the disciples and the fear that Jesus is leaving them is the counter-assurance by Jesus with words of comfort that Jesus will remain with them, the Father as well, and the Helper, the Holy Spirit. We have here the three-fold assurance that God is with us. 

Summary: Jesus reminds His disciples He abides with them and the Holy Spirit will be out teacher, reminding us always of Jesus' promises to us. 

Promise: I love these words from Tabletalk for this day, "Sacred Scripture does not consist of merely human writings. Instead, the Scripture is inspired by our triune God and deserves our full attention and submission. When we are reading Scripture, we are reading not merely a humanly written book but also a divinely written book. Let us treat Scripture as such and seek, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to conform to its teaching."

Prayer: O God, thank you for giving me these words of Comfort. Just as the disciples possibly did not remember them upon experiencing your crucifixion and the masses of people yelling to crucify You, I know I forget them as well - the promise that you are abiding with me and even beyond that the Father is in Me and the Holy Spirit as well, teaching me all things, bringing remembrance to Me of all things. You are my comfort and Joy. You are what I need each moment of each day. You are with me. You can be my strength and I need to remain committed to You, always. Thank you God the Father. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Holy Spirit. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

John 14:11-14 - The Works We Will Do

John 14:11-14

11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

Message: The Works We Will Do

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."  

What the Lord is Saying: The words of Jesus continue in this passage. Jesus has been speaking to the disciples - namely taking questions from Peter, Thomas and Philip and continuing to give them a full picture or a full understanding of who He is. They know Him as Savior and Messiah and their Lord, but they continue to understand Him or are growing to understand Him as not only sent by God but containing the same essence of God. John, our writer in this passage gets this and understands this. And how great it is that I am understanding this as well. 

Jesus confirms in verse 11 the truth, "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me." They are not the same person; distinct but they have the same attributes and essence. So, seeing Jesus is seeing the Father. All that the Father is can be had in Jesus. And Jesus must return to the Father as well. 

This idea of believing in Jesus has been a big idea for Jesus and one that He continually conveys. I remember in John 10:25-27 Jesus spoke of the Sheep that believe in Him and hear His voice. But Jesus also conveys to not only to believe in what He is saying, but believe also in what He has done: "otherwise believe because of the works themselves." Jesus has shown clearly in His gospels His work and what He has done. And yet the idea seems to have been clear in the gospels that seeing His miracles, while helpful, gave the people and disciples confirmation. It was His words and believng in Him and what He was saying that was perhaps most important. 

Now, the rest of this passage will speak of a further idea - from believing to working; from believing to doing. This seems to be the central idea of verse 12. But then in verse 13 and 14 it appears to go back to the work that Jesus will do when we ask - "believing." 

Verse 13 and 14 I think have always been somewhat puzzling verses to people. They represent verses that basically give a blank check it appears to God's provision. "Whatever you ask....I will do...ask me anything...I will do it." This is an interesting passage because it speaks of works we will do and works Jesus will do. Maybe what is clear is that works will be needed. But still this is a hard passage because people are people of need, people of want. And people of faith are dependent on God to provide. They recognize that things come from God. They find comfort in these words to ask whatever and yet people of need have asked God and have not received. And this remains a hard part of faith and not getting always what we ask. 

These words from Chapter 14 start off with the heading in my Open Bible as "Christ Comforts His Disciples." Amazing how much we need comfort. I was going through some books the other day, trying to figure out what I could get rid of and clear space in the garage I guess for other things. I saw a book that my mom had given Pamela and I at one time and written inside of it was words about my mom going through a difficult time and finding comfort with the words of that book and so passing it along to us. 

The disciples at this time are a little nervous. They want Jesus to stay close. They don't want to see him leave. They want to follow Him if He is leaving. They want to stay with Him. Jesus knows this can't happen immediately. Later, but not now. So Jesus speaks to them, offering them words of encouragement and comfort. Jesus wants His words to bring them comfort. There is comfort in knowing that while the disciples can't go with Jesus, Jesus is preparing a place for them. There is comfort in believing in Jesus that He is the only way to God. There is comfort in believing in Jesus that good works will follow. Maybe this won't always happen to us. But still there is comfort in these words, in the possibility and so we believe in Him, in Faith, we trust in Him. We have hope and it seems to be more and more that this is what we need in life, hope. And when we reach a place of no more hope, we move or change places. I had a worker yesterday leave to take a different job. His remark to me was there was no more hope in staying. 

I think of Mr. Talbot and seeing him on Sunday and visiting with him and in that time maybe he gets comfort and I can share with him and know him through that time. 

Summary: Jesus tells his disciples once again the importance of believing in Him and through His words He brings them comfort, letting them know he will work as they ask Him.  

Promise: Jesus continues to work in and through us. 

Prayer: O God, these words that I read, they are hard to digest at times. Maybe because I want the words to mean something that frees me from all trouble. I am normal. I want to be free from all bad and only for there to be good. But in You I find comfort and peace. Comfort from this hard world. And hope for tomorrow. I need those things. Lord, continue to help me show others this. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

My Utmost for His Highest - May 24th - The Delight of Despair

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: - Revelation 1:17

    It may be that like the apostle John you know Jesus Christ intimately, when suddenly He appears with no familiar characteristic at all, and the only thing you can do is to fall at His feet as dead,. There are times when God cannot reveal Himself in any other way than in His majesty, and it is the awfulness of the vision which brings you to the delight of despair; if you are ever to be raised up, it must be by the hand of God.

    "He laid His right hand upon me." In the midst of the awfulness, a touch comes, and you know it is the right hand of Jesus Christ. The right hand not of restraint nor of correction nor of chastisement, but the right hand of the Everlasting Father. Whenever His hand is laid upon you, it is ineffable peace and comfort, the sense that "underneath are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27)," full of sustaining comfort and strength. When once His touch comes, nothing at all can cast you into fear again. In the midst of all his ascended glory the Lord Jesus comes to speak to an insignificant disciple, and to say--"Fear not." His tenderness is ineffably sweet. Do I know Him like that?

    Watch some of the things that strike despair. There is despair in which there is not delight, no horizon, no hope of anything brighter; but the delight of despair comes when I know that "in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing. (Romans 7:18)" I delight to know that there is that in me which must fall prostrate before God when He manifests Himself, and if I am ever to be raised up it must be by the hand of God. God can do nothing for me until I get to the limit of the possible.

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

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

Malachi 3:6 - The God Who Never Changes

Malachi 3:6
For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Message: The God Who Never Changes

Time: Malachi delivers a message to the Judean people who worship at the temple, but our turning away from the true worship of the Lord. This is after the completion of the second temple. Late 5th Century BC, possibly during Nehemiah's return to Persia, around 433-424 BC.

What the Lord is Saying:

The message here is simple: God does not change. These are the words spoken by Malachi, a prophet of the Lord. His book is the final book of the Old Testament, about 450 years before Christ. This idea only should bring comfort to us - that God does not change. Malachi was speaking a message to his people here in chapter 3 of purification by a messenger. As we study and look back at this message, knowing Jesus came, we naturally want to see this as a prophecy of Jesus and His coming to cleanse the temple, cleans the people. However, the text is not completely clear that this is about Jesus. What it is clear in addressing is the need for the people of Judah to be cleansed, to be purified. In verse 7, they have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. He speaks of the kinds of people that are present: the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me. 

And in between these words is the proclamation that I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. By not changing, to me, this means that the Lord's expectations on His people does not change. He still remains a selfish God that wants His people to honor Him and worship Him. He gives them statutes for them to be kept. He expects his people to honor him and not seek their own way. When they do this they become human idol factories, thinking that their own way is the better way. 

What is clear is that the Lord will purify His people. This is a message from God that has remained throughout history. God is our redeemer. And yet this call to purification still requires a response. God may choose us, but there still is a response that is required from man. In verse 7 he says, "Return to Me." 

We think at times that the message of the New Testament, of repentance and love is so very clear, but it is the same message, but simply has a more clear presenter: Jesus Christ. But the message remains: God redeems. Man returns to Him. Our God does not change. 

That's His message and we can accept it or reject it, but that is His message. God will not change. He sits outside of time. One of my brothers in the Lord begins our prayer time weekly with, "Thank you for a new day." It is a reminder that we change. We celebrate with jubilation the turning of time, the beginning of a new year recently. It is 2019. Time is growing. Life is changing. We are growing daily, aging. We are changing. But, our God does not change. We look forward to a day of no change when things will remain the same and when our true relationship as true worshipers will be present. 

Promise: Each day I can rely on the One who is incapable of changing and will never allow His promises to fail. My security remains in Him. He promises to always keep me safe, safe in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, you do not change. You remain the same and your Ways remain the same. Thank you for being that anchor, the rock, the fortress, the horn of our salvation, our stronghold. I love You Lord. You are great. I need this reminder in my life daily that though I live in a day of improvement and wanting each day to be better than the next, I can rest in the idea that You never change. You desire me and desire people to know you and listen to You. You are a selfish God and you always know what is best for me. Lord, I want to return to You. Each day Lord I want to return to You. I want to listen to these words you have spoken through your prophet Malachi 2500+ years ago that remain true to this day: Return to You. As I live and move and change, keep pulling me back to your message, reminding me that you are still there. You still want me. I can still return to You. Lord, I admit my ideals are often the ideals of this world - for daily happiness and enjoyment and peace and security and comfort -- and even as those things are okay, help me have a stronger love for You and seeking you and desiring to never disappoint You. I know you will always take me back, but still I want my life to honor You. You deserve it. And I need it. It is the only way to live.


Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines with January being about the doctrine of God.

Mark 8:34-35 - Cruciform Discipleship

Mark 8:34-35
34 And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 35 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.

Message: Cruciform Discipleship

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - After Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ - the Jewish Messiah - Jesus states his mission of suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. Peter rebukes Jesus over this, wanting to correct him. But Jesus sees that Peter misunderstands and exhibits tough love in rebuking Peter, calling him out as Satan because his words are motivated by man's interests instead of God's.  


It seems that Jesus has arrived in Caesarea Philippi and he proclaims a direct message to the people, something I haven't seen him do much in this gospel. If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. This three-fold commandment has always seemed a little outrageous or extreme to me, to the point that I do not know at times how I can in fact live this way day in and day out.

This is not a popular message, I feel, in today's times, especially in America where we are commissioned it seems to "Be all you can be." In life, the focus so often is on me. But, Jesus specifically states that a person must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me. I still find it interesting that in a way this is Jesus' second message to us. He started out in chapter 1 with, "Repent and believe." And now here is the message, "Deny and Follow." In some ways there is similarity. The desire is to turn from yourself.

Come after me
First, is the desire to come after Jesus or follow Jesus. So there is a redundant message here. If we are to follow Jesus we need to deny one self, take up my cross, and follow. So, twice he says follow. Therefore, we need to clarify what is between the follows. 

Deny Oneself
To deny oneself is to relinquish your personal will and surrender that will--always to the Lord. I've been reading about this recently in the book Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. The first Respectable Sin he addresses is ungodliness - or having an attitude daily that is not towards God. Conversely, to have an attitude toward God is to think of God throughout the day and to seek His will in all things. Yes, that is the goal. I will fall short. But, I can still press on. I can still try to live this way.

So how? I'm a step-by-step person I suppose. I watched the movie War Room last night and it spoke to me on the subject of fighting our battles with prayer. In essence, as we navigate difficult people and circumstances in life, I first must think about how I am to treat them - with love, compassion, and if I have a problem with them - the problem should be something I am taking to the Lord. I need to be praying for God to fix that problem. For me, this is about denying myself, or denying my will or as it says in Proverbs 3:5, "Do not lean on my own understanding." That is the antithesis it seems of denying oneself.

Take up his cross
So Jesus makes this command prior to going to the cross. The cross is a horrible instrument of execution. Get ready to be treated like a criminal. It is to experience shame. Tabletalk devotional defines this as "the shame and persecution this world heaps upon believers." So, would that be take up the shame and persecution or rather, don't go along with the worlds definitions of life. Take up those things that are contrary to God. Deny yourself and deny the world's ideals. It just doesn't seem like a coincidence that he would say, "take up your cross" when he is going soon to die on a cross.

To experience self-denial is to loses his life. When I deny my self, it implies to self's. I am denying myself. The old self that wants to live opposition free, shame-free, suffering-free, death-free. The new self says, "I want Jesus more than I want to be free from opposition. I want Jesus more than I want to be free from shame. I want Jesus more than I want to be free from suffering. I want Jesus more than I want to be free from death."

There is nothing wrong with me denying myself or losing myself.

Save leads to Lose
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it - I don't want to lose my life, so don't save it. Save means I will pursue acceptance. I will pursue comfort. I will pursue my own glory. I will pursue safety. This is what it means to save my own life. John 12:25 - Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. So, whoever will save his life in this world, he will lose it forever. Whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. So I will embrace not being accepted, not being comfortable, not coming out on top, not being safe.

This doesn't mean I look for suffering or I look to be uncomfortable or I look to be unsafe. But, when these situations arise in my life, I bear my cross. I seek you to see what you would have me learn in those situations.

So, if the focus on my world is being free from opposition, getting my glory, not ever experiencing suffering, always being comfortable, then I will not experience eternal life. Those are tough words, but truth.

Summary - Jesus has just rebuked Peter asserting that he knows the way that is before him. And here he further clarifies that contrary to what Peter thinks, he has a mission and Peter will need to deny himself and what he desires to experience that mission. Jesus very clearly tells us that to follow Him is to deny oneself and take up our cross.

Promise: Following Jesus is the opposite of the old world thinking or my old self thinking to gratify myself and achieve my way in all things. Life is not about my pleasure. It is about seeking the Lord and then seeing what He provides, realizing that sometimes opposition, unsafe, suffering, and uncomfortable are things I need to experience.


Prayer: Lord, I often am living my life in opposition to your calling on my life. Rather then denying myself, I spend my day pleasing myself. I fill my appetite as I wish. Whenever suffering or heartache comes my way, I very quickly ask it to be removed from my life. Rather than waiting to see how you will rescue me, I want the problem to be gone immediately.There are things in my life that I know I need to do. You are always teaching me and reminding me Holy Spirit to do things. Too often, I ignore you and take the easy road. Too often, I ignore you and take the selfish road. I do not want to live like this anymore. Holy Spirit, as you speak to me, I want to listen and obey, even if it means experiencing shame, opposition, suffering, death. Lord, too quickly I choose a life that is all about being accepted, having comfort, getting my own glory, being safe. Lord change me. Change my thinking. Re-write the thinking in my life. Re-write this in me so that I am pursuing that which is hard. When I do hard things, I save my life. O Lord, I hate how selfish my life has become. As circumstances happen in my life, help me to accept what you are teaching me.

https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/what-does-it-mean-to-take-up-our-cross

Mark 4:13-17 - The Path and Rocky Soil

Mark 4:13-17
13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17 and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

Message: The Path and Rocky Soil

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

This chapter is interesting. I already see a consistent message in this parable of the sower and that is that God chooses and calls people to himself. There seem to be more that do not respond than respond. In the parable there are 4 surfaces, but only 1 with good soil. The other 3 are beside the road, on rocky ground, among thorns.

It reminds me of the ministry of apologetic's that has grown very strong over the last several years. It is a ministry I think that has always been present, but perhaps more well defined today. However, at times I have struggled to understand its purpose. I say that because as I now study these 4 surfaces in which the seed (the gospel) is being dropped, while there are characteristics of these surfaces I have often thought that apologetic's is helping to change 3 of those services to the fourth, the good soil. And based upon my experience, that process is not easy. It requires a lot of work. It seems similar to my desire to change the grass in my backyard that is Bermuda to Fescue grass. That is a process that will not come easily. I will have to uproot all of it, not just the grass, but the soil and roots underneath what I see. Thus, as I talk to people and use apologetic's, I notice a similar process. It is difficult and uprooting something or someone that already thinks they are healthy and growing is a difficult process. Convincing them that the Fescue grass seed is better is not easy. In fact, I can't convince them, but instead it takes an agent outside (of both types of grasses) of both persons to intercede. That agent is God. God changes hearts, not man.

I am reminded of a book I was reading called Christ-Centered Apologetics by Joel Furches in which he states that the chief audience for apologetic's is not the multitude, but rather the followers. Apologetic's can and should be studied, for the purpose of confirming God's truth to His followers. Yes, it can be part of our toolbox when talking to people that we consult, but that is not its chief aim in studying.

Picking up this passage, verse 13 says And He said to them. I believe 'them' is the same as His followers in verse 10. He is addressing His followers. This is a message to them first for they have been given the mystery (v. 11). Then He says - Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables? This is interesting. Jesus is saying that understanding this parable is key to understanding all the parables he will offer. And he says Verse 14 - the sower sows the word so immediately we know that the seed is the Word of God. It is his message to all.

Today's passage looks at 2 surfaces:
1. The path beside the road
These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
2. The rocky soil
These are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

As I read this, I am immediately thankful that Jesus is telling us about all of the different sources and he is telling us what happens to the seed, the word, when it falls on those surfaces. We are called to preach and the reality is different soils we receive the message differently. I don't know why, but that message is startling to me, somehow in a new way. Almost, as if God does not want us to ever get discouraged because he wants us to understand that outcomes are never our responsibility. Obviously, it is normal for me to take training classes and improve on my delivery because I want to do my role as a speaker in the best way that I know. However, this preparation and training is not so that more will be saved. As my boss at the City said a number of years ago in describing the work that we do, "Focus on the presentation, not the result."

1. It is interesting the audience and the description of those beside the road. It resonates for I see these people often. The word is sown. The word is preached. They hear, but they immediately are taken away some place else. And they are lured away by Satan. The word was trying to take root in them for that is what the Word does, it takes root in us. That is its purpose, but they have been distracted. Who knows how long they are lured away. This doesn't appear to be a permanent luring away, but rather momentary is possible. The word will be sown again to them and perhaps at another time they won't be lured away.

2. For the seed that is sown on rocky places, these individuals receive it with joy. They like it. They could even make a decision for Christ. I think of Christian concerts when I was younger and the altar calls or revival services or crusades. Many received the message with joy, but often it was temporary. Something else that is interesting is Jesus says when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. Affliction and persecution arises because of the Word, because of the Gospel, because of the message. The gospel is not all about providing us good times and no problems. Rather, affliction and persecution are a necessary part of our growth. Yet, we are conditioned to think that affliction and persecution are contrary to God working in our life and what God wants of us. The problem here is not the affliction and persecution, but that when it hits, the person falls away. The person rejects the seed, the Word. The person no longer believes the message. What an amazing truth for our lives, for this time, when the world is telling us only "Let the good times roll."

Promise: True conversion is proven over time as people stand for Christ even under much suffering.

Prayer: Thank you again Jesus for saving me. Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking to me and calling me to be yours now and forever. Help me to be sensitive to people, continue to preach the word, even when it seems they are on shaky ground. You can change hearts at any time. Thank you for taking the time to explain these truths and giving me complete understanding so that I will not be discouraged.

Mark 1:7-8 - The Forerunner's Message

Mark 1:7-8
7 And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Message: The Forerunner's Message

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word immediately used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Mark's Gospel begins with the address that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist will prepare the way for the Lord. John was dressed as a prophet and started with the subject of water baptism, confessing sin, and forgiveness. His purpose in speaking was not to elevate himself, but instead to elevate the One who is coming. 

The One Coming
He begins to describe the One who is coming after him. He says he is mightier - in nature, in his office, in mission, in works, in deeds and in words. Mark speaks of the magnitude of this man by stating how unworthy he is to even untie his sandals. To stoop down and loosen the sandals was commonly the act of the servant who afterwards carried them. In essence, John is saying that he is not even worthy to be this man's servant. Mark I believe wants us to understand the greatness of this One coming. He has been baptizing people, but this One will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Again, he is so much more. 

The Holy Spirit
I picked up a book recently by Francis Chan called Forgotten God. It is about the Holy Spirit and his concern that the church today and Christians today, at least in the circles he is involved in, don't have a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit. And as I look at this verse from Mark, I wonder the same thing as he points out the baptism or the picture of renewal is brought forth by the Holy Spirit. 

These verses speak of the significance of the pouring out of the Spirit: 

• Isaiah 44:3 - I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring and My blessing on your descendants; 

• Joel 2:28 - It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; 

• Acts 1:5 - for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now; 

• Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit;  

• Acts 2:17 - ‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind;  

• Acts 10:45  - All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also;  

• I Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit

1. The Spirit of God is promised by the Savior to convict the world of sin: John 16:8 - And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. 
2. The Spirit of God will enlighten or teach: John 14:26 - 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 said to you. John 16:13 - But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.
3. He will comfort in the absence of the Savior: John 14:18: I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 16:7 - But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.
4. He will change hearts: Titus 3:5 - He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Promise: That John in the wilderness foresaw the Spirit coming again also points to Jesus as the leader of a new exodus, one that will accomplish an even greater work of salvation on behalf of His chosen servants. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the way in which you orchestrated the coming of Your Son and the sending forth of Your Spirit. Help me Lord to further embrace and understand the work of the Spirit in my life. Thank you that the Spirit works continually, convicting the world of sin, enlightening and teaching, comforting, and changing hearts, my heart. Thank you for being active and that you aren't waiting on me to be receptive. But, help me to acknowledge and praise You in the way you are meant to be praised. Keep me humble and deeply in Love with you each day. 

Study Question: Do you think your understanding of the Spirit of God or the Holy Spirit has changed over the years since you trusted in Christ as Savior? That he comes to convict the world of sin, enlighten or teach, comfort us, and change hearts. Have you thought about the fact that right now, today, the Holy Spirit is speaking to you and teaching you in your life?

Psalm 119:73-80 - God's Word, Affliction, and Glory

Psalm 119:73-80
Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Your precepts. May those who fear You turn to me, even those who know Your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, so that I will not be ashamed.

Message: God's Word, Affliction, and Glory

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:
So after several stanza's on the need and love for God's word, the Psalmist takes a moment to mention that there was a time in his life when God was not on the throne and he turned away in his affliction. And in these verses he continues a little with those thoughts.

The first verse of each of these stanza's I notice end up being sort of a theme for the section. This is an acrostic psalm, a prayer, and each of the 22 stanza's begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Lord, your hands made me and fashioned me

There is maybe a new thought here, but I also look back and the preceding verses where he says, "It is good for me that I was afflicted that I may learn Thy statutes. The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver." God's law is of the highest value in my life. It is in my afflictions that I get to know this law better, that I get to know God better. Lord, I do hope this is what comes of difficult times, more devotion to You and Your laws.

Give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments
As my maker and my creator, my understanding is dependent on Him. Lord, I yield to You and ask that You teach me. I desire to be obedient to Your commandments and to learn them, but I need Your understanding. Give my children and wife understanding, that they may learn Thy commandments. Give the people that I speak to online and the people at church; help us be a people that are following You all of our days.

May those who fear Thee see me and be glad because I wait for Thy word
I desire to be friends to those that serve and honor You. The Christian desires to be around other good Christians. People don't want to be like evil, but want to be around those that are good. Lord, keep me in the path of the saints and keep my children and wife in those paths. I pray their highest desire and goal would be to be around other strong in faith people.

I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteous
Lord, afflictions are right; they are indeed the highest form of being right; they are righteous. The goal of each person it to be seen right in the presence of God. Jesus, in dying for us, transfers his righteousness to us by faith. It is here I think about God's dealings with me in times of affliction. It is a good thing. It's funny we see these people and do not want to be like them and yet they appear to be the strongest people around, such as Joni Eareckson Tada or Nick Vujicic. It is amazing to hear them talk about the ministry they have. O Lord, I want to run from the darkness, but not from hard times. Show me what it is to be close to You in hard times.

And that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me
What an amazing thought -- that in God's faithfulness to me he has afflicted me. It was in my best interest. The affliction is not done in malice or by chance; it was because God saw a good reason why it must be done. It needed to be done. Again, I do not think this way, but affliction is a sign of God's faithfulness.

O may Thy lovingkindness comfort me, according to Thy word to Thy servant
It is through the mercy of God that I am comforted. God will comfort me. Everything else in life is a placebo that provides momentary comfort, but true comfort comes from God. It is through God's mercy that I have any happiness. God and His word brings me peace. Give me comfort God according to Your lovingkindness.

May Thy compassion come to me that I may live
It is the Lord's tender mercies that I need...to live. What a great promise that is found here in God's words. Lord let me experience thy mercy and favor.

For Thy law is my delight
I will find my happiness in obedience to Your words. God, protect me in times of trouble. You are able. You are completely everything to me.

May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Thy precepts
Light and darkness do not work together. It really should not be a big surprise when the lawless, arrogant, wicked ones treat God's children with contempt and lies. There is no reason that people should be mean and wicked, but they are. They do not like the light. The evil one does not want to change his ways so he will not be kind to the righteous.

May those who fear Thee turn to me, even those who know Thy testimonies
I need friends that are God's children. There may be those that are arrogant and wicked and living in darkness that do not desire my companionship, but O God, keep Your children near to me and in my sight. Keep me close to those that are near to You.

May my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be ashamed
Lord, I pray that there is no defect in me, no imperfection in regard to Thy Laws and commandments; keep me close to them, guided by them because I do not want to be ashamed. Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel meaning he had no reason to deny its power and his love for it as he speaks to others and so may my obedience to your statutes be in a way that I am not ashamed at how I live or am living.

Promise: Affliction sometimes is the result of evil people, not ourselves being evil.

Psalm 119:49-56 - The Word of God in Times of Trouble

Psalm 119:49-56

Remember the word to Your servant, in which You have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me.  The arrogant utterly deride me, yet I do not turn aside from Your law.  I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O Lord, and comfort myself.  Burning indignation has seized me because of the wicked, who forsake Your law.  Your statutes are my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.  O Lord, I remember Your name in the night, and keep Your law.  This has become mine, that I observe Your precepts.

Message: The Word of God in times of trouble

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:

In this part of Psalm 119, the longest Psalm and chapter of the Bible, the psalmist remembers the word that has been given to him, here referring to the scriptures given thus far in the Old Testament, but today being the full revelation of scripture, and the word provides aid to him in times of trouble. This is my comfort in my affliction. God's word is where we can go to revive us and give us comfort. 

But, what I find interesting in this passage is the word of God that gives him hope is more specifically, the law, God's ordinances, His statutes, His precepts. It is true that the words of God's word chronicle the Hope we have in the future, hope for a better place, a different place where intimate communion with God will be an everyday occurrence. But, how is that God's laws and ordinances and statutes are able to give us comfort in our affliction? 

Here the Psalmist states, "I have remembered Your ordinances from of old, O Lord, and comfort myself." God's promises and words have been there throughout His life. His word provides us what we need. I always think of Proverbs 3:5-6 and how it reminds me that simply trusting in God will make my path straight. There is comfort in the way God has set up this world. In the garden, Adam and Eve had everything that they needed but still got lured away. They believed the serpent that they were to doubt God, and so they lusted for power, and for the greed that they could be like God and have everything. They had what they needed but they believed the lie that because they didn't have the entire picture, they didn't have everything. God had already given them a command and that command protects them. To this day God commands us. The 10 commandments as a reminder are not suggestions, but they are there to protect us. How often have I told my children that my wife and I really have their best interest in mind. They want to see it all but we are asking them to trust us, that we see it all. 

This to me is what it means to trust God and His word and His command. His command that they could eat everything in the garden but not one tree had their best in mind. God provides us with everything that we need. His commandments of loving Him, keeping the Sabbath holy, obeying our parents, are all there for our protection. They give us comfort that God is in charge and His ways are the best ways. 

Promise: God redeems us through His hand of providence, namely in providing His Son, Himself, our righteousness, so that we can enter His presence for all eternity. We have all we need in Him.

Psalm 23: The Lord, Our Shepherd (Part 3)

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Message: My Shepherd, So I don't have a want

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 have been taking this lesson slow. Or rather, I have been having trouble getting through it. My study in the Word has just been slow lately. These lessons through the wisdom literature are a little different as they jump around. It is different from the Romans study I just finished that had a clear beginning and end of each book. But, I also have just sort of lost some consistency.

But, this is a good reading. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." I am still amazed by these words, that with the Lord, I really do not have wants. And yet I notice as I get my eyes off of time in the word, wants creep up. And then I looked at the fact that God is the one that supplies all of my needs, He is the active agent in my life.

So today I look at those verses that seem to be the most popular verses and the reason this chapter is a strong anchor in the lives of so many upon death, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." What is key to this phrase? God is with me. Isn't this interesting? This is a Psalm, a chapter, words that so many people hold onto. What are they holding onto? They are holding onto this idea that "God is with them." This is the ultimate desire of each person: that God is with them. There is nothing to fear because God is with them. Even though they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with them. They can traverse anything in life, even the darkest of days, because they always know that God is with them.

This verse almost sounds like Paul because in verse 3 it states that "he leads me in the path of righteousness" or the right way or right path. As I was reading and studying through this chapter, I was reminded that this isn't just a verse that speaks of death, but it really is talking about any dark or gloomy part in our lives. Verse 4 is really a further clarification of verse 3 which ends with "he leads me in the paths of righteousness." Paths of righteousness are right path or right ways. So, in that dark and gloomy valley, though I could not guide myself, I will not be alarmed; I will not be afraid of wandering or being lost; I will not fear any enemy there, for My Shepherd is there to guide me still. Valley of the shadow refers to any path of gloom or sadness, solitude, or sorrow, dark or dangerous way. God is trying to remind us that He will accompany us and can lead us safely through, however dark it may appear. The true believer has nothing to fear in the most gloomy scenes of life; he has nothing to fear in the valley of death; he has nothing to fear in the world beyond. "For Thou art with me." Though invisible, thou will attend me. I shall not go alone; I shall not be alone. The psalmist felt assured that if God was with him he had nothing to dread there. God would be his companion, his comforter, his protector, his guide. O, how I hope we can both believe and hold onto this.

Promise: God is there, even when things seem low; even when I am walking through a dark point of life, experiencing pain or loss. Even in those moments, I have nothing to fear. God is with me.

Zechariah 10

Message: The Lord will restore His people

Time: The focus remains on the first coming of Christ. This is taking place after the completion of the temple. 480-470BC

What the Lord is Saying:

• The Lord promises a restoration for his people. 
• He will send rain, restoring their pastures (crops) to abundance. 
• His people need a shepherd, otherwise they walk lost and aimless, trusting in pipe dreams.
• A shepherd has the power of making the flock strong and glorious. 
• God will send a Cornerstone
• The Cornerstone will make His warriors mighty
• His warriors will trample their enemies because the Lord will be with them. 
• The Lord will strengthen His people because of His compassion. 
• He is their Lord and His people will have happiness because of something they take in apart from themselves (like wine). 
• They will listen to me when I call. 
• The few remaining will grow numerous.
• Though they are spread out, they will be united. 
• And they will one day be regathered. 
• The Lord makes His people strong. 

"By my authority, they will go wherever they wish." - not sure what this means

What I see from this passage is our need for a shepherd. Without a shepherd, the sheep or we, wander, trusting in words from others that never really lead us down the right path. Being in Christ, being with the Lord, means being guided by Him and what results by being in Him is a joy or happiness that in a way, is outside our knowing of how this happens. Like the way drinking wine effects us.

Verses 1-3 remind me of how little has changed in history. Sure, we have changes, but in the end, many look for guidance from idols and people that they think are making sense, rather than trusting in the Lord, the Shepherd. And then the sheep struggle remaining faithful. That's why, as I study God's word, I'm amazed by the phrase "be careful." It is a phrase I see often in Scripture. We must be careful for it is easy to be veered off course, even from those that are over us.

Lord, I pray you would gather Your sheep and Your sheep would hear your voice. Lord, make me more dependent on You. Help me to see that my strength is found in your camp and following after you. Thank you for calling me.

Promise: The Lord makes His people strong.

Jesus Calling: March 6

    Continue on this path with Me, enjoying Presence even in adversity. I am always before you, as well as alongside you. See Me beckoning to you: Come! Follow Me. The One who goes ahead of you, opening up the way, is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand. I am not subject to limitations of time or space. I am everywhere at every time, ceaselessly working on your behalf. That is why your best efforts are trusting Me and living close to Me.

Hebrews 7:25
English Standard Version
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Psalm 37:3-4
English Standard Version 
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

My Prayer
(3/6/14) - Lord, may I find comfort today in You. Help me to recognize Your nearness in my conversations, in my daily disciplines. You are there. Draw me closer to You. 
(3/6/17) - Lord, sometimes the adversity in my life is challenges I place on myself. Lord, my anger, which has always been a problem with me, got the best of me Saturday night when I laid into my son because he wasn't listening to me and heeding my call. So, I went to yelling and cursing to demand his adherence. But I showed him then how to deal with situations in life that are unwelcome. Lord, I get concerned that I am training my children at times to not deal with their problems correctly, and instead to yell things. My 16 year old son proceeded to punch a hole in the wall, thus he demonstrated his anger. Lord, forgive me. I hate those times because it is hard to see myself as Your child and be accepted into your presence for I act in a manner that is not befitting for a child of God. I fail and it feels like I am distancing myself from you through those actions. Thank you that I took the time to seek out reconciliation with my son and offered my apology but I still think I permanently misdirected the ship of life into a course that does not glorify you. Lord, help me to stay in Your Presence and even for my kids to stay in Your Presence. I realize I make mistakes and that I often get in the way of my own growth, but bring me back to the cross. Remind me that you are there, close. And I need to trust in You. Help me to learn how to deal with these situations where my kids are simply challenging my authority.


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

Jesus Calling: March 2

    I AM the resurrection and the Life; all lasting Life emanates from Me. People search for life in many wrong ways: chasing after fleeting pleasures, accumulating possessions and wealth, trying to deny the inevitable effects of aging. Meanwhile, I freely offer abundant Life to everyone who turns toward Me. As you come to Me and take My yoke upon you, I fill you with My very Life. This is how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes. This is also how I bless you with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory. The Joy is Mine, and the Glory is Mine; but I bestow them on you as you live in My presence, inviting Me to live fully in you. 

John 11:25
English Standard Version
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,

Matthew 11:28-29
English Standard Version
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9
King James Version
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

My thoughts
The crux of life: believing in Jesus. The reason is because it yields life, eternal life. We find rest only in Jesus. True rest in life is found in Him. The Word is so rich and provides Life to us. We have all that we need in Christ.

The phrase take my yoke upon you is an interesting one, possibly because yoke is not a word in my daily vocabulary. A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. Yoke is used as a metaphor by Jesus to help us see that we attach this crosspiece to our lives, almost me with the Spirit, relying on the strength of Christ who bears my burdens. The yoke in this sense is almost rest. We rely on Jesus. We learn from him. The effort of life which we often found so great of a burden, with Christ, relying on His strength, allows us to instead of work, it being rest for our souls.

 
My Prayer
Lord, I find comfort in You. Help me to run past my sin, to "go and sin no more," and yield to You. I want Your Life in me. Breathe in me and then help me as I live. To pray. To be bold for You. I need You. I want to rest in You. Take all my burdens that I run after, seeking a bigger piece of the pie, assuming I will find happiness, rescue me from those toils. As I experience difficult situations in my life, I want to lean on You and trust you for the outcome and rest in You. You are peace as I live in Your Presence.

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.