I Samuel 14:1-23 - Jonathan Defeats the Philistines

I Samuel 14:1-23

Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few." (verse 6)

Message: Jonathan Defeats the Philistines

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: As I mentioned in the last lesson, in the choosing of God, he was to deliver the Israel people from the Philistines (I Samuel 9:16), though it was his son Jonathan that initiated this while Saul was staying back in Gibeah. In this chapter we pick up the battle. 

Jonathan left to "cross over to the Philistines' garrison...but he did not tell his father" (v. 1). He had to cross over these crags or steep rugged rock or cliff which had names Slippery (“Bozez”) and Thorny (“Seneh”) and in verse 6 he does something his father Saul had not done and mentions that the "Lord will work for us" (v. 6). In crossing over with his armor bearer he looks for a sign from the Lord that the Philistines have been given into their hands. In the process, about twenty men were put to death (v. 13-14). 

We are to be a people that speak of the Lord in our life and give honor and glory to Him for working out the details of our lives. It is God who is at work in our lives. 

Meanwhile back in Gibeah, Saul's watchmen and later Saul saw that Jonathan and his armor bearer were not present. Saul and his men proceeded to the battle. 

"The Lord delivered Israel that day (v. 23)." It was threw Jonathan's initiative that this conquering occurred. He looked to the Lord, but even in looking he did not assume God word work, but rather said words like "perhaps" and then looks for a sign, again showing a confidence in the Lord, but still making a request. 

Summary: The people had in Saul the king they wanted and yet despite being called by God, anointed and set apart as king, in this instance it was his son that initiated the defeat of the Philistines. 

Promise: Our confidence is to be in God and his power and we can forge ahead trusting in Him and waiting to to see how he might work in the process. 

Prayer: God, you are good and I need to be a person that speaks more of You and proclaims You as Lord but also actively working in my life and as things are happening in my life, realizing that You are walking with me every step of the way. Change my thinking. Thank you for the praying time with Pamela and continue to help me to voice my confidence in You, like Jonathan did in this day. 

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

I Samuel 10:1-16 - The Anointing of Saul

I Samuel 10:1-16

Then Samuel took the flask of oil, poured it on his head, kissed him and said, "Has not the Lord anointed you a ruler over His inheritance?" 

Message: The Anointing of Saul

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul has arrived in the land of Zuph, searching for donkeys that his father told him to find. In Zuph he wants to see a seer and that man ends up being Samuel. Samuel is to commission or anoint Saul as king, as directed by the Lord. These events are all part of God's plan. 

Beginning Chapter 10, verse 1, Samuel takes a flask of oil and pours it on Saul's head, anointing him as a ruler. He tells Saul where to find the donkeys. They are near Rachel's tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zuph. (Note: There is a little conflict here about Rachel's tomb and whether this is a memorial site because in Genesis it mentions Rachel's burial near Bethlehem.) Samuel gives Saul further direction, specifically mentioning men at Bethel and how to recognize them as they will give him two loaves of bread. Then he will encounter a group of prophets with musical instruments. It is there that the Spirit of the Lord will come upon Saul and he will be changed. There are a lot of great things that happen to Saul, the Lord choosing him, changing his heart, being with him, and the Spirit of God coming upon him mightily. 

At the end of this section of scripture Saul's uncle comes on the scene and asks him about what all went on with the donkeys and in verse 15 says, "Tell me what Samuel said to you." But Saul's response in verse 16 was only about the donkeys and "did not tell him about the matter of the kingdom which Samuel had mentioned."  

Here this is 3,000 years ago and with an opportunity to share truth with someone and testify to all that God has done in someone's life, Saul does not. He does not share and unfortunately this can be similar to many of us, like me. After a weekend of great revelation or a good time in church sometimes I don't mention church when people ask about my weekend. Instead I seem a little ashamed by it all.  

Summary: Samuel anoints Saul with oil as Saul is still to do the will of God in humble reliance on the Spirit of God. But given the opportunity to testify of God's work, Saul hides it. 

Promise: If given the opportunity, I need to be bold and testify of the Lord's work in my life. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to never be ashamed. There was a man at the mall that felt like I did not speak always with much conviction, like I should have done a better job of asserting my beliefs. If this story really is what I say it is, then why am I not more compelling and why don't I have the urgency to deliver the message. Instead, I am more focused on other things going on in my life. Life is too complicated often or I make it that way and often I forget people. Lord, be number one in my life. Help me to prioritize you always. 

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

My Utmost for His Highest - April 13th - What To Do Under The Conditions

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken - Psalm 55:22

We must distinguish between the burden-bearing that is right and the burden-bearing that is wrong. We ought never to bear the burden of sin or of doubt, but there are burdens placed on us by God which He does not intend to lift off, He wants us to roll them back on Him. "Cast that He hath given thee upon the Lord." (R.V.marg.) If we undertake work for God and get out of touch with Him, the sense of responsibility will be overwhelmingly crushing; but if we roll back on God that which He has put upon us, He takes away the sense of responsibility by bringing in the realization of Himself.

Many workers have gone out with high courage and fine impulses, but with no intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ, and before long they are crushed. They do not know what to do with the burden, it produces weariness, and people say--"What an embittered end to such a beginning!"

"Roll thy burden upon the Lord"--you have been bearing it all; deliberately put one end on the shoulders of God. "The government shall be upon His shoulder. (Isaiah 9:6)" Commit to God "that He hath given thee"; not fling it off, but put it over on to Him and yourself with it, and the burden is lightened by the sense of companionship. Never disassociate yourself from the burden.

From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - classic edition

- Highlights and underlines courtesy of Mom from her print edition. 

My Utmost for His Highest - November 24 - Direction of Aspiration

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters…so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. — Psalm 123:2

This verse is a description of entire reliance upon God. Just as the eyes of the servant are riveted on his master, so our eyes are up unto God and our knowledge of His countenance is gained (cf. Isaiah 53:1 RV). Spiritual leakage begins when we cease to lift up our eyes unto Him. The leakage comes not so much through trouble on the outside as in the imagination, when we begin to say – “I expect I have been stretching myself a bit too much, standing on tiptoe and trying to look like God in stead of being an ordinary humble person.” We have to realize that no effort can be too high.

For instance, you came to a crisis when you made a stand for God and had the witness of the Spirit that all was right, but the weeks have gone by, and the years maybe, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion, “Well, after all, was I not a bit too pretentious? Was I not taking a stand a bit too high?” Your rational friends come and say – “Don’t be a fool, we knew when you talked about this spiritual awakening that it was a passing impulse, you can’t keep up the strain, God does not expect you to.” And you say – “Well, I suppose I was expecting too much.” It sounds humble to say it, but it means that reliance on God has gone and reliance on worldly opinion has come in. The danger is lest, no longer relying on God, you ignore the lifting up of your eyes to Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden halt, will you realize how you have been losing out. Whenever there is a leakage, remedy it immediately. Recognize that something has been coming between you and God, and get it readjusted at once.

Mark 10:13-16 - Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child

Mark 10:13-16
13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Message: Receiving the Kingdom Like a Child

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 -  Jesus continues teaching and instructing the disciples and his followers as he goes through Galilee. We not only have a personal faith, but our faith also has an affect on how we treat others and encourage them to grow in Christ and therefore Jesus admonishes us to consider those around us and be sensitive to their needs. This also applies in our marriages. And here Jesus addresses children.


Since Jesus has returned from the mountain where he was transfigured before 3 disciples with Moses and Elijah he has been teaching many different significant things. He is preparing people for his departure from earth, teaching them much.

• Mark 9:14-19 - Jesus Confronts a Faithless Generation - He remarks on the lack of faith among the disciples and followers because they can't deal with a boy who has been demon possessed. 
• Mark 9:20-24 - Help for Unbelief - He gives confirmation that the calling card of the Christian in getting Jesus to act is belief. 
• Mark 9:25-29 - Dependence on Christ - He reminds us that we must depend on Christ calling on Him through power for him to work. 
• Mark 9:30-32 - Teaching in Galilee - Jesus continues teaching through Galilee, namely that he will be killed and then rise from the grave 3 days later. 
• Mark 9:33-35 - Who is the Greatest? - We are reminded that greatness is found in being a servant, not necessarily being first. 
• Mark 9:36-37 - Receiving a Child in Jesus' Name - We need to receive those that are lesser than us, children, or not the rich and popular, to have God in our lives. 
• Mark 9:38-41 - On the Side of Jesus - The importance of living life and acting out things in the name of Jesus; being dependent on Him. 
• Mark 9:42 - Causing Others to Sin - The follower of Jesus is not simply focused on personal growth, but wants to make sure nothing in his life is causing another person to sin. 
• Mark 9:43-50 - The Unquenchable Fire of Hell - There is a seriousness of offending others and other causing others to sin or ourselves, and this consequence is hell. 
• Mark 10:1-9 - The One Flesh Union - God joins a husband and wife together and we do not simply abandon it when it no longer feels right. It is necessary to keep working at it. 
• Mark 10:10-12 - When God Allows Divorce - Adultery results when a man or woman marries another. Yet, immorality and an unbelieving spouse that leaves is warranted.

Like women, children did not hold a strong position in the community. In this lesson Jesus talks about the goal to receive the kingdom of God, not acquiring it, achieving it, making it happen on earth, or exercising a strenuous effort to get it, but receiving it. The situation that brought this upon Jesus was that they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them. Obviously, children were coming to Jesus for favor or help or healing, but the disciples, taking on the position perhaps that children should be dismissed rebuked them. The children were innocent and had needs like everyone else.

Jesus responds and shows that they are no different from anyone else and even that they have a special position. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them." Permit them and do not hinder them. Children possess something that adults do not. They have an innocence and a dependence on others. Adults tend to think they are self-sufficient, with no needs and they have it all figured out. Even the disciples and followers of Jesus I think have this tendency. To realize that we have needs I think paints a picture that we are weak.

Yet, Jesus states something radical - the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus gives this idea that the kingdom of God which is what people want belongs not to the self-sufficient, but instead to the children. It belongs to those that still act like a child in believing that they do not have it all figured out. Jesus spoke often of the kingdom of God and it is a central message of his as something that we are to be about. Many times he speaks of the goal for us to be children of God. It seems we are to be children of God in the kingdom of God where we are recognizing God as our king. If we want the kingdom of God we must be like a child.

Thus, Jesus emphasizes the significance of this with the words Truly I say to you. I think Jesus is saying something even more significant when he uses the words, "Truly." It is almost maybe a point of divinity like he has first hand knowledge of what he is saying.

Mark 3:28 - Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men. 
Mark 8:12 - Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation. 
Mark 9:1 - Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.
Mark 9:41 -  For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.

I think Truly is a strong word that Jesus uses to make a point of emphasis. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. Again, the point here is 'we receive' the kingdom of God. For instance, it says in John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. This is not about achieving or working towards, but receiving. This is open hands out and receiving.  

And the manner in which receive is like a child. Thus, there is innocence in the way we receive it. There is the recognition that we are still in need. That we don't have it all figured out. That we are dependent on God. This is the type of person that receives the kingdom of God. And if it is not like a child then Jesus says the person will not enter it at all. That is really significant. If not like a child then not at all.  

Mark concludes this lesson with Jesus And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. This is the impact that Jesus has on the little children. 

Summary -  Jesus has been teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. Here he remarks that to enter the kingdom of God we must be like a child - innocent, dependent, in need of someone greater than us.

Promise: We come into the kingdom only by admitting that we have nothing to give, that all we can do is rely on Christ for grace and forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, I am thankful these messages and truths that we have recorded in the Bible about you. Thank you for leading me to this study so that I can better understand your message to me. Lord, I pray that you would give me that simple recognition always that I am ever dependent on you, that I come to you with nothing to give but am utterly dependent on You. Lord, help me to counsel others on these truths.

Mark 9:25-29 - Dependence on Christ

Mark 9:25-29
²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” ²⁶ After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” ²⁷ But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. ²⁸ When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” ²⁹ And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.”

Message: Dependence on Christ

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 coming down the mountain, from the transfiguration, Jesus encounters his other disciples with scribes. A man with his son who is possessed with a spirit his entire life that makes him mute is here. No one can do anything for this man and Jesus remarks that he (still) has before him an unbelieving generation, for their is no sign that any healing of this boy has occurred. The man then wonders if Jesus can heal his son. If is the key word. Jesus speaks plainly that it isn't a question of can he do it, but will the man believe that he can do it. All things are possible to him who believes.

When Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” Jesus does what Jesus does. He takes care of the situation. After crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out. The unclean spirit isn't done yet and fights back initially, but it does come out. It's as if there is a power struggle. From all appearances, the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!”

But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him; and he got up. Whether the boy actually died here is not important, but there is a picture here that Jesus has been speaking to the disciples about more recently and that is a death and a resurrection. Jesus cast out the demon, but once the spirit left, the boy lay on the ground like a corpse. The young man was released by Jesus from demonic oppression - a picture of what it would take for Jesus to fully and finally defeat Satan.

When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” This is a reminder to us that in matters like this there is no dependence on self but rather our dependence is on prayer. Jesus remarks, "Prayer works." In prayer, we depend on the power of God. The fact that Jesus has given them the authority to do his work doesn't mean they can do it without the dependence on the Lord. Still in these matters they need to call on the Lord for his help. Mark 3:15 remarked that Jesus in calling the disciples gave them the authority to cast out demons. 

Summary - After Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, the spirit cries out and throws him into convulsions and then comes out of the boy. While Jesus was on the mountain, being transfigured, the disciples had tried unsuccessfully to rebuke the Spirit. Jesus remarked that this kind cannot come out but by prayer.

Promise: Regular prayer reminds us that God is on the throne and our full dependence is on Him. 

Prayer: O God, I thank you for prayer, that it reminds me that You are in Control of all things in my life. I need that reminder. Lord, your power is what is needed in my life. More of you. I depend on You Jesus for your love and guidance. Help me. Give me strength. 

Mark 8:16-21 - The Disciples' Hardness

Mark 8:16-21
16 They began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember, 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” 21 And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Message: The Disciples' Hardness

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: Jesus continues his journey to preach the Gospel: Repent and Believe. Along the way I see 3 main ideas mentioned:
1. Healings that Jesus performs;
2. Lessons primarily to the disciples about the power of God.
3. Questions from the Pharisees about the validity of Jesus.
In the previous 2 verses, there was 1 verse from the disciples that there was no bread and Jesus responded by talking about the leaven of the Pharisees. I was a little bewildered with the leaven response after the exclamation from the disciples that they had no bread, but I suppose we are picking that up here now.

R.C. Sproul states, “We all need to examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word to be sure the deadly leaven of the Pharisees is not working in us, blinding us to the light and making us deaf to the life-giving Word.” Various places in the Bible it mentions that we need to guard our hearts. We need to not think that simply going to church every week or even reading our Bible regularly keeps us safe from temptations we have in our lives to have our light blinded. We always need to be on the alert.

Now I see the link between those words yesterday about the leaven and the disciples being more focused on the current condition of not having bread. The disciples are often staring at seemingly shortages in providence and assuming that their lack of something is a problem. Jesus clearly doesn't want them to worry about things. Instead of worrying God wants us to ask him for what we need. But their shortsightedness is frustrating to the Lord. He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Do you have a hardened heart? - This seems like a strong statement by Jesus. I mean, a hardened heart because they are not trusting God for his providence but instead worried about their next meal? That's it. They are worried about their next meal. They are worried. And Jesus is like, "don't you get it. You can trust me."

But, I struggle with even this. I spend so much of my day worrying. I'm concerned about so many things. But, aren't these things to trust God on? Or are they? I think that is where I struggle. I mean, how far-reaching do I apply this? For instance, my son and his problem of not listening to us. The fact that he comes home late at night sometimes, after midnight, way past our curfew. He isn't out every night late, but sometimes, maybe once a week he will come home at 2am. Do I say anything? Sometimes I do. His behavior will change one evening and then he will be back at it. Do I say anything again? Where on this continuum with him do I simply say, "God I trust you." Or am I supposed to intercede as a parent? Lord, that's where I struggle. I read these words to trust you, but what does it mean? I struggle with being passive or active in my life. It is an either/or sort of thing for me. I don't know how to do both. We've set a priority of school and yet, it feels like the priority is only our priority and not his.

His heart is hard. That's clear. But, is mine hard too? I mean, is it hard because I'm not trusting you but instead relying on what I know? Here, Jesus, explains to them everything. when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” Here is the evidence guys. I took five loaves and I fed 5,000 and there were leftovers. Jesus is saying, "Guys, I took care of your need for food, for the meal, and for after that." When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” Two times he does it. Two times. He provides.

Summary - The disciples don't get it. Jesus keeps taking care of their needs and yet, the disciples continue to not see it. They continue to be bothered and worried that they don't have what they need. Jesus calls out that they have a hardened heart. God is providing, but they are not trusting Him and at the next moment, they are worried about their next meal. Jesus reviews to them what he had done in feeding 5,000 and 4,000 and having food left over. They see it. But, do they understand?

Promise: Jesus teaches us continually. He continually shows us his ways. I do not have to worry. He will take care of my basic needs, not necessarily all of my needs but He is there. I can trust Him. I don't need to worry.


My Prayer: Lord, in these verses, you seem impatient with your disciples. It is like you are tired of them not believing in you, not trusting in you. You are with them through everything and you continue to provide. And they continue to not trust. Is this me Lord, as well? I feel like it is because I wallow back and forth between reading Your Word and even memorizing it, and then not trusting. I have this problem of wanting to be in control. And when I don't get my way, I get mad or sad. I've never noticed this before God, but my heart is hardened. I always thought a person with a hard heart was someone rejecting you. But, these disciples dropped everything to follow you and then struggled with faith in you at the given moments of their lives.
That's me.
That's me.
Lord, I take this moment, out of my day and for this moment, I see myself. I see that my heart is hardened. Lord, I don't know even know how to pray at this moment, what to pray for, so I will just rest in You. And trust that you will speak to me. 

Mark 6:45-46 - The Prayer Life of Jesus

Mark 6:45-46
⁴⁵ Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away. ⁴⁶ After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray.

Message: The Prayer Life of Jesus

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 - Jesus is in Nazareth, his hometown, but he doesn't get the reception that we would think. Instead of welcoming him, people question him. But he continues with his message of repent and believe. Jesus is becoming more and more well known and his message is reaching further and further. With that sometimes comes misunderstanding. Herod Antipas, one of 4 rulers of Rome now, wonders if Jesus is a resurrected John. Mark then explains how John was killed, mainly because Herodias was confronted with her sin and was upset at John. Now, the apostles arrive back after Jesus had sent them out. Jesus has them go off to a secluded place to get rest, but mobs of people swarm them and Jesus realizes these people need to be taught, so he does that, teaches them. Then the disciple see that they need to eat and send them away, but Jesus reminds the disciples that they can feed these people. Jesus shows them how with God it is possible.

Again, it seems that Jesus is more focused right now on his disciples and teaching them. It makes sense. He has sent them out, to spread the gospel, to share the message of repentance and believe, and teach people. He has given them the authority to cast out demons. He has told them they can trust people to provide for them wherever they go. Perhaps they are still learning what this means. The feeding of over 5,000 was one way to teach them that wherever they go they can depend on God to provide not only their need but people's needs as well.

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida. It is not immediately clear to me why he ushered them away and then He Himself was sending the crowd away other than the fact that He imply needed to leave for the mountain to pray. Perhaps he simply needed to get away and be alone. It makes sense. Jesus, especially, who was the center of all the attention right now, knew that time to be alone, to pray, was always important.

In some ways it is difficult to understand why it was important for Jesus to pray, based upon my understanding of Jesus and his eternal communion with the Father, but I suppose we are similar, to a degree, as the Holy Spirit has been given to us, to live inside, and yet we need that time in prayer as well. We need it daily. Jesus took time to get away, to be alone. If he need it, I must need it as well. But, Jesus is fully God and fully man. Thus, as a man, prayer is a part of his life on earth.

Jesus does send the disciples away, to be alone, but to be alone together, on a ship. He does desire them to be together, to go at life together. Jesus is teaching them something. He is teaching them dependence on Him.

Summary - Jesus asks the disciples to get in a boat, to be together, to perhaps have this time to once again think about their dependence on Him. He is preparing them for something to come, perhaps another test. Meanwhile, he needs time to himself as well. He sends the people away and then goes to the mountain to pray. He is fully man and he needs to pray.

Promise: When we are faced with temptation and need sustenance in life and ministry, we need to turn to God in prayer. God will sustain us.

Prayer: O Lord God, prayer, quiet prayer and solitude with you has always been a struggle for me. There are men and women of God that I have seen throughout time, EM Bounds, AW Tozer, Willa McCurdy, my mom -- these are all people that I have wanted to be like, but I struggle with the daily habit of taking alone time to speak to you. Lord, I know you are with me and you do not grade me, and perhaps I am tougher on myself than I need to be, but I do desire to walk with You and take things before you. Thank you for using the prayers I offer through the Jesus Calling posts to encourage others. It amazes me that those simple prayers can touch people, but that is you at work in me and I give you all the glory. I am just blessed to be a part of that. Lord, I walk with you, on this journey of life, and continue to help me learn from You and trust you.

Jesus Calling: November 25

Thank Me frequently as you journey through today. This practice makes it possible to pray without ceasing, as the apostle Paul taught. If you are serious about learning to pray continually, the best approach is to thank Me in every stiuation. These thankful prayers provide a solid foundation on which you can build all your other prayers. Moreover, a grateful attitude makes it easier for you to communicate with Me.
     When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining. If you practice thankfulness consistently, negative thought patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to Me with a grateful heart, and My Presence will fill you with Joy and Peace.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18
King James Version
¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.
¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.
¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

James 4:8
English Standard Version
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Romans 15:13
English Standard Version 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.


My Prayer
Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank you ahead of time for the experiences I will have today. Some will be tough and some may be uncomfortable for me. I may experience losses that I don't comprehend. People near to me may get hurt. Lord, through these times, help me and those around me to increase our dependence and trust in and on You. Lord, help me to be a person that gives thanks. Lord, you are the author of life. Get my focus on You. Train people everywhere to thank you for life, surrender to you, accept what you provide, and glorify you with their lives. 

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: November 15

Approach problems with a light touch. When your mind moves toward a problem area, you tend to focus on that situation so intensely that you lose sight of Me. You pit yourself against the difficulty as if you had to conquer it immediately. Your mind gears up for battle, and your body becomes tense and anxious. Unless you achieve total victory, you feel defeated.
     There is a better way. When a problem starts to overshadow your thoughts, bring this matter to Me. Talk with Me about it and look at it in the Light of My Presence. This puts some much-needed space between you and your concern, enabling you to see from My perspective. You will be surprised at the results. Sometimes you may even laugh at yourself for being so serious about something so insignificant.
     You will always face trouble in this life. But more importantly, you will always have Me with you, helping you to handle whatever you encounter. Approach problems with a light touch by viewing them in My revealing light. 

Psalm 89:15
English Standard Version
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face

John 16:33

English Standard Version
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

My Prayer (2022)

Lord, thank you for being with me as I go about my day, as I experience situations, as I am with people, as I come upon difficult situations. You are with me Holy Spirit, guiding me and directing me. I need not be afraid. There are times when things happen that are such a challenge to me. Thank you God for being with me, for showing me that even in these circumstances there is peace. I want to continually walk O Lord in the light of your face. 

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

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

Jesus Calling: January 25

Let My Love enfold you in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of My Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch to see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.

Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will open up step by step.

Hebrews 13:15
English Standard Version

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

2 Corinthians 3:18
English Standard Version

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Psalm 73:23-24
English Standard Version

²³ Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

My Prayer
Lord, sometimes I need to sit in the quiet of You and not feel like I have to be busy all the time or engaged in activity. Activity includes sitting in front of a screen. Sometimes I wonder if I am really allowing You to work in my life or if I stack my life with so much that You can barely get a piece of it. Help me be a child that just holds my parents hand and is led. 

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 26

Come to Me when you are hurting, and I will soothe your pain. Come to Me when you are joyful, and I will share your Joy, multiplying it many times over. I am All you need, just when you need it. Your deepest desires find fulfillment in Me alone.
     This is the age of self-help, Bookstores abound with books about "taking care of number one," making oneself the center of all things. The main goal of these methodologies is to become self-sufficient and confident. You however, have been called to take a "road less traveled": continual dependence on Me. True confidence comes from knowing you are complete in My Presence. Everything you need has its counterpart in Me. 

John 15:5
English Standard Version

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

James 1:4
English Standard Version

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

My Prayer
Lord, I am hurting today. Granted, it is emotional, concerned about my son and his current poor choices he is making with his life. You know about it. We've talked about it, but it hurts. It hurts to see him throwing his life away at the age of 15, with not a care in the world. Soothe my pain. Why is it I just come to you when its bad? Rarely do I come to you and celebrate victories. Yet, you are reminding me of this. You are reminding me that I need to keep coming to you. I want to be centered on you and run to you, no matter the experience and have confidence that you will take care of the problem. I do want to depend on You, not me and not even on what an author says about how I should handle this or that situation that is under your control. You are all I need. I want to believe that and live like that every moment of the day.

Update: October 26, 2017, 9:50am, Albuquerque, NM - I appreciate your prayers and standing in the gap with me. My son is 16 and still a challenge, but also a joy. His mother and I continue to commit him to the Lord, praying Ezekiel 36:26 for him daily and we are thankful for friends and many that support. We dis-enrolled him from school last month and he's doing an online public school with mostly my wife's help, as he is more accepting of her. We are praying for good people in his life, preferring people that honor God with their life. His idol of choice is Cannibas and we feel it has a big hold on him these last 2 years.  He was in substance abuse counseling for 16 months, but recently quit that since he has no desire to be sober. We understand that in life not everything works out the way we want it to, but this never changes our dependence on God and our trust and belief on Him to do the impossible and no matter the outcome, we want to continue to abide in Him. Thank you. 

Update: October 26, 2019 - My son is 18 now; he graduated from high school and is working now at a local restaurant. The bottom line is I love my son and nothing will ever change this. All of us have a tendency to turn to things not named God to cope with life and the struggles and disappointments and hurts we experience - but God remains the only anchor and help and the only one that brings true peace. While it hurts for anyone to not see this truth and naturally it hurts the most for those closest to us -- my response remains the same - love people, love God, and pray that more people, including my son, will love God more than anything else and turn to Him throughout all of the turns of life. Thank you for coming alongside me in this journey. 

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 23

As you turn your attention to Me, feel the Light of My Presence shining upon you. Open your mind and heart to receive My heavenly smile of approval. Let My gold-tinged Love wash over you and soak into the depths of your being. As you are increasingly filled with My Being, you experience joyous union with Me: I in you, and you in Me. Your Joy-in-Me and My Joy-in-you become intertwined and inseparable. I suffuse your soul with Joy in My Presence; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore. 

John 17:20-23
English Standard Version

²⁰ “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, ²³ I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Verse thoughts:
We are to be united as one in the Body of Christ. Our Lord prayed for this, for us. We are to have union with Christ and the Father in Him, through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Wars often erupt between different religions, but may the people of God, through Jesus Christ not be fighting one another but coming together in unity so that they can clearly see this love. This is what the Lord prayed for us.

Psalm 16:11
New King James 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, why is it that division and separation is suddenly what marks our lives. Lord, you prayed that we would be a people of community and would come together as one. Granted, the truth of the Gospel is to be our first and foremost foundation. We are to be a people that stand for truth, but once we do, we need to be a people that focuses more on what we agree on and less on what we disagree on. We want to be a people that you are proud of. Jesus you taught us to turn the other cheek. You tell us always that vengeance is yours and you will deliver those in affliction. Help us Lord, Help me Lord to turn the other cheek and let you take care of outcomes. Help us be a people of unity. 

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.

Proverbs 21:30-31 - Our Wisdom and God's

Proverbs 21:30-31 -

³⁰ No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
    can avail against the Lord.
³¹ The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but the victory belongs to the Lord.

Message: Our Wisdom and God's

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Here in these verses, I believe, is the idea that no amount of personal wisdom, understanding, or counsel can ever lessen the need for the Lord. Nothing is greater than God. Sin, is our attempt, to rescue ourselves, through our own means. We do not want to look to God and His ways for accountability, but rather we want to think that our own personal outcomes will succeed in giving us peace, wisdom, understanding, or counsel. This is the big danger with sin. It deceives us when we think that sex outside of marriage is okay or getting drunk is not that big of a deal (i needed it; it helped me to be rescued from the stresses of life or looking at pornography is okay because i don't have an outlet for that sexual need or lying is okay because I do not want to hurt someone or stealing is okay because I have a need and society is not meeting it, and the list goes on. Rather than submitting to the Lord and His ways, we find these pursuits are able to rescue us from what life presents to us. We then view ourselves as wise, having understanding, and recipients of good counsel. 

And verse 31 is a reminder that even the best laid out plans for man does not excuse him from God's path for man. Is it good to eat properly? Yes. Is it good to manage our money well? Yes. Is it good to go to church on Sunday? Yes. But, I am to not thing that by doing these things, I will then avoid God's intended path for me. The victory belongs to the Lord, not to me. He gets the glory. The horse is made ready for the battle, but the victory is the Lord's. I submit and surrender to Him. 

Promise: God has the final say in all matters.

Jesus Calling: June 24

     Hold My Hand--and trust. So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well. It is virtually impossible to stumble while walking in the Light with Me. I designed you to enjoy Me above all else. You find the deepest fulfillment of your heart in Me alone.
     Fearful, anxious thoughts melt away in the Light of My Presence. When you turn away from Me, you are vulnerable to the darkness that is always at work in the world. Don't be surprised by how easily you sin when you forget to cling to My hand. In the world, dependency is seen as immaturity. But in My kingdom, dependence on Me is a prime measure of maturity. 

Isaiah 41:10
English Standard Version

Fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 62:5-6
English Standard Version

⁵ For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
⁶ He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

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 14:9 - Lord of the Dead and the Liviing

Romans 14:9 - For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Message:  Lord of All

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

What the Lord is Saying:

What is this freedom I now have in Christ? What is this peace that passes understanding? What is this assurance of my salvation? It is that I belong to the Lord Jesus and therefore I am completely accepted by God. Man and mine's deepest desire is to belong and be accepted; it is to be a part of something bigger than me. This is what I have in Christ and this is the meaning of this verse. "For to this end." In verse 8, "whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's." This is why Christ died.

This is why Christ dead. This is the message that everyone needs to hear. Why did Christ die? Because I was dead. In my sin, as a fallen creature, I was dead. And Christ's death gave me a new life. When I have money, when I have things, when I have creature comforts, when I have few obstacles and problems, when I have all of this, then I think I don't need anything and that means, I don't need God. I don't need a Savior. I can hold myself up. It is through weakness and life in all its imperfections that I discover I can't do it on my own.

I remember this song from Resurrection Band, from their "Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore" LP, called "Can't Do it On my Own:"

I've tried to understand what went wrong and tried to figure out why it took so long,
I've tried to go back through my past and just undo the selfishness,
I've tried to turn my heart from stone into a heart of tenderness. 

But I can't do it,
I can't do it on my own,
I can't do it,
I can't do it all alone,
I can't do it,
I can't do it on my own.

I try and try and try, but I can't do it on my own. But, people in life like to see if they can.

He died and rose again. This confirms the reason for his death and resurrection.

Wayne Barber always says, "God never said we could. He can, and He always said He would."

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Christ made the ultimate sacrifice to buy us back, and because He paid the price, He alone has the right to judge His people."

Jesus Calling: May 14

     I am a mighty God. Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day's demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation.
     I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength. 

Luke 1:37
English Standard Version

For nothing will be impossible with God. 

Verse Thoughts - This is towards Mary in response to Elizabeth having a child at an old age.  

2 Corinthians 12:9
English Standard Version

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon 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: May 2

     Living in dependence on Me is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times, because they amplify your awareness of My Presence. Tasks that you used to dread are becoming rich opportunities to enjoy My closeness. When you feel tired, you remember that I am your Strength; you take pleasure in leaning on Me. I am pleased by your tendency to turn to Me more and more frequently, especially when you are alone.
     When you are with other people, you often lose sight of My Presence. Your fear of displeasing people puts you in bondage to them, and they become your primary focus. When you realize this has happened, whisper My Name; this tiny act of trust brings Me to the forefront of your consciousness, where I belong. As you bask in the blessing of My nearness, My life can flow through you to others. This is abundant life! 

Proverbs 29:25
English Standard Version
The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Verse thoughts
In this little verse, I am cautioned to not fear the power of man. When I raise the value of man, a snare is laid out before me. How often have I looked first to what a man thinks of me and in the process denied God? And often by doing that, sin is crouching at my door. Abraham feared man (Pharaoh) denying that he had a wife and it came back to hurt him. What a danger this is to us and yet, as we trust in the Lord, we are guaranteed safety. The key I see here is the word, "trust." By trusting in God, I am set on high.

John 10:10
English Standard Version

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Verse thoughts
The thief or false teacher comes for one purpose: to plunder; and thus the aim of the thief or false teacher is only self-glorification.  On the contrary, Jesus comes, not only so that I can escape judgment and hell, but for complete and abundant life. The life He has in store for me cannot truly be comprehended. It will be a life of eternal joy and peace and I will be exalted.  

My prayer
Lord, I pray for your power in Me, that I would seek You and turn to You everyday. Lord, forgive me for those times when I turned from you and embraced rather the validation of man. Lord, I want my life to be one of trust only in You. This tough time we are going through right now with our son as his denial of You and his trust in things that don't last has done just what you said, it has moved me to a dependence of You. I need events like this to remind me that I am not in control. Just in my life, you are making something good out of this tough circumstance. 

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: March 16

    It is good that you recognize your weakness. That keeps you looking to Me, your Strength. Abundant life is not necessarily health and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me. Instead of trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the lookout for what I am doing. This mind-set will free you to enjoy Me and to find what I have planned for you to do. This is far better than trying to make things go according to your own plan.

    Don't take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with Me. You have Me on your side, so what are you worried about? I can equip you to do absolutely anything, as long as it is My will. The more difficult your day, the more I yearn to help you. Anxiety wraps you up in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts. When you look to Me and whisper My Name, you break free and receive My Help. Focus on Me, and you will find Peace in My Presence. 

Philippians 4:13
Amplified Bible
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Proverbs 17:22
English Standard Version
A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

My Prayer

Lord, you remind me that it is in my weakness You are strong. Living in the world, I tend to define a great life by being healthy and/or being wealthy, but rather it is being In Christ and living my life depending on You Lord. It is in my weakness Lord that you are more clearly seen. Help me to not think that I should flee from things that make me uncomfortable. Lord, I don't want to live in fear, so impress on Me the victory I have in You. Lord, I can accept any situation and be content in it, not because I am special or have great peace of mind, but because You give me strength. 

Lord, help me to laugh more and not to take each moment so serious. There is joy in you. You tell me not to worry about anything, but rejoice always. Help me to get my focus on You and not on my circumstances. You are a great God and I can find Peace 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. 

Jesus Calling: April 1

I am calling you to a life of constant communion with Me. Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life. You yearn for a simplified lifestyle, so that your communication with Me can be uninterrupted. But I challenge you to relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered world. Accept each day as it comes, and find Me in the midst of it all.

Talk with Me about every aspect of your day, including your feelings. Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me. A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day. Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead, ask My Spirit to guide you moment by moment. He will keep you close to Me.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
English Standard Version
pray without ceasing,

Proverbs 3:6
English Standard Version
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

What the Lord is Saying to Me
Isn't it interesting that Proverbs 3:6 says, "he will make?" We are to acknowledge Him and then He will make our paths straight. It doesn't say that when we acknowledge him, our defined paths will be straight. But, he will make straight my paths. And he decides what is a straight path. I think that is significant. Maybe what I call the perfect path for my life is not what He defines as the straight path. Could it be that me going through a hardship or an uncomfortable situation is a straight path?

I think this is what she may mean that I need to "relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered world." My uncluttered world is a comfortable one, free of obstacles and inconveniences. And in that world I often am not a praying man. When I am living a comfortable life, my focus is on rest and entertainment and taking it easy, but when trials arise, I look to pray. But, I am to be about pray continually; without ceasing.

My Prayer
Lord, You are my strength. You carry me. You aren't simply a crutch, but You carry me throughout the day. I need your help. Guide me and direct me. Be my words. Thank you for sending Your Spirit to reside with me and be in me. I am the temple now. Thank you for always 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.