Judges 4:17-24, 5:6-31 - The Glory of Jael

Judges 4:17-24, 5:6-31

“Most blessed of women is Jael,

The wife of Heber the Kenite;

Most blessed is she of women in the tent." (Judges 5:24)

Message: The Glory of Jael

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Once again, the previous lesson started with the House of Israel falling away from the Lord. God uses an earthly king to discipline His people and then rises up Deborah who gets with Barak to pull these people back to the Lord, first killing off that earthly king. His work is done. Now he must die. Harsh. In addition to King Jabin, Sisera is mentioned, the commander of Jabin's army (v. 7). After Barak routed Sisera and his arm, Sisera flees away on foot (v. 16) and ends up at Jael's tent. Women had separate tents at this time from men. Perhaps Sisera thought this a safe place to retreat. Jael was the wife of Heber who at that time had peace with Jabin (v. 17-18). Jael agrees to keep him safe; he requests water and she gave him milk. He asks her to not let anyone know he is there. Verse 21 though is alarming - as Jael takes a tent peg and drove it into his temple and it went all the way through to the ground. Jael shows this to Barak. So it seems that Jael had a confidence in God, ready to betray Jabin and Sisera. This ends chapter 4. 

I saw the previous lesson the beginning of a prayer by Deborah and Barak. Chapter seems to be a summary of what has transpired by the Lord through Deborah and Barak. Verses 24-31 mention the work of Jael, with the idea she was moved by the Lord in carrying this out. Verse 31 says, "Thus let all Thine enemies perish, O Lord; but let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might." I see here two ideas - 1) The Lord takes care of His people and will take care of perishing enemies. 2) There are enemies that parish. 

Summary: God worked through Jael to destroy an enemy of the Lord. 

Promise: God can use ordinary, common skills to accomplish incredible victories. 

Prayer: Sometimes these lessons are hard to read and understand, but thank you for the hard and challenging to understand passages like these Lord and helping me to understand them. The message is simple - God protects those He calls and enemies will perish. Thank you for calling Your people to yourself. I pray more to be called. 

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

John 12:36b-41 - The Glory Isaiah Saw

John 12:36b-41

36b These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them. 37 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT? AND TO WHOM HAS THE ARM OF THE LORD BEEN REVEALED?" 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 40 “HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM. ” 41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.

Message: The Glory Isaiah Saw

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 John 12, the rejection of Jesus has been prominent. At the beginning of the chapter, Judas questioned the use of perfume by Mary. In verse 10, the chief priests were seeking to put Lazarus to death as many Jews were believing in Jesus on account of what Jesus had done for Lazarus. All of this commotion for Jesus was not welcomed by the religious leaders. The Pharisees mention this further in verse 19. And then also in verse 34 is continued wonder about Jesus and why He should be lifted up. And so John concludes now in verse 37, despite the signs that were being performed by Jesus, "they were not believing in Him." 

John then speaks of a quote from Isaiah when he says, "This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet." - That phrase alone is a common phrase recorded in other places in John and Matthew as a means to record that Jesus was in fact a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. And yet what is being fulfilled here is similar to what occurred in Isaiah when Isaiah was rejected for speaking his message, the message of the Gospel. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 is the prophecy of Jesus by Isaiah or the Messiah's Atonement prophecy. 

But there is something more here and this is people are not believing what they see. John first quotes from Isaiah 53:1 which says, "Who has believed our message? And to whom (among the Jews) has the arm (or power) of the Lord been revealed?" Let's start by focusing on the idea of the arm or power of the Lord as this has been a recurring message of John in this gospel as he repeatedly has mentioned the calling on Jesus' life being from the Authority of God the Father. John 3:16-17 speaks of Jesus being sent by God out of God's love for the World. Jesus' words to the woman at the well were a gift of God in John 4:10. Jesus equates the work of God with His work in John 5:17. In John 5:19, the Son is only able to work by what the Father is doing. John 5:30 Jesus says he can do nothing on his own initiative. 5:43 speaks of Jesus coming in "My Father's name." John 6:29 we are told to believe in Jesus because God has sent Him. John 6:37, "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me." John 6:40, "Everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life." He mentions in verse 40 that the only way to come to Jesus is if it has been granted by the Father. John 8:18 speaks for the Father bearing witness of Jesus. John 8:42 speaks of God must be our Father and if this happens then we love Jesus.

And so one hand the "Arm of the Lord" or power of God in sending Jesus and that authority that Jesus has from God on the earth is something that people are not believing.  

Beyond that, there is something more. The idea that the Lord is revealed to people and yet I think as a human we prefer the notion that people simply choose not to believe. Why? Because the onus then is on man and his free will. And yet these words from John are saying something different. Previously Jesus said in John 6:44, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." And now in verse 39, is the statement, "They could not believe." They could not, almost like they were incapable.

Verse 40 - HE HAS BLINDED THEIR EYES AND HE HARDENED THEIR HEART, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT SEE WITH THEIR EYES AND PERCEIVE WITH THEIR HEART, AND BE CONVERTED AND I HEAL THEM. Now going back to the quoted text in Isaiah 6:9-10 is some different words. It says, "9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: 'Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and return and be healed.”

Hmm. John has, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I believe put forth a more pronounced word of Isaiah 6:9-10. It is interesting because this message from John is that their eyes have been blinded and their hearts hardened. "So that they would not see...and perceive...and be converted." I mean, the words of Isaiah 6:9-10 are a little different, but I guess the same meaning. It is significant that these words from Isaiah were quoted both by the Christ (Matthew 13:14-15; Mark 4:12), by St. John (John 12:40), and by St. Paul (Acts 28:26-27). So these are words held by distinctive people. 

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) sums up this passage in Isaiah 6:9-10 in a great way:

God sends Isaiah to foretell the ruin of his people. Many hear the sound of God's word, but do not feel the power of it. God sometimes, in righteous judgment, gives men up to blindness of mind, because they will not receive the truth in the love of it. But no humble inquirer after Christ, need to fear this awful doom, which is a spiritual judgment on those who will still hold fast their sins. Let every one pray for the enlightening of the Holy Spirit, that he may perceive how precious are the Divine mercies, by which alone we are secured against this dreadful danger. Yet the Lord would preserve a remnant, like the tenth, holy to him. And blessed be God, he still preserves his church; however professors or visible churches may be lopped off as unfruitful, the holy seed will shoot forth, from whom all the numerous branches of righteousness shall arise.

I love that summary. And again, as I have studied and saw in John 3, it is the Spirit which awakens man to an understanding of Divine mercies. In Romans 1 is the great treatise on men who abandon God and so Paul says He gave them over. And Henry speaks of this here that there "is a spiritual judgment on those who still hold fast their sins." I wonder, is the way the writers of Scripture see it, as they are writing and seeing people reject the complete evidence given. And in the process they are hardened to the work of God, almost refusing to see the truth before them. And the only awakening they have is the Spirit. 

This passage is titled "The Glory Isaiah Saw" by Tabletalk. As one goes back to Isaiah 6, there is potentially a prophecy Isaiah sees of the Glory of Christ, "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple." These words have longed thought to ascribe to Christ. And so this message now from these verses is Isaiah seeing the great strength of God ("Arm of the Lord") and Him being revealed (to some) and hardened (to others). As John records in verse 41, "These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him."

Summary: While Jesus previously appeals to the multitude to believe in Him now, John takes us back to Isaiah to show us that some who refuse are hardened toward believing. 

Promise: God used the hard hearts of Jesus' opponents to fulfill his salvific purposes. He can use what others mean for evil for our good. 

Prayer: O Father God, thank you for saving me, first and foremost. You are a gracious God and awoke me to a desire to know you and see you for the answers to life. Continue to awaken hearts, helping people to know You as Savior and Lord. Thank you for these truths, though they are hard at times, they make sense. Give me wisdom about sharing them with others. Give me patience and understanding with others. 

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

John 3:22-30 - Christ Increasing

John 3:22-30
22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized— 24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.” 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Message: Christ Increasing

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: Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus is over. In the process we've learned a lot, namely that the Spirit awakens people to a knowledge of their own sin, and in the process people are united to God in Christ for all eternity, no longer living in darkness but now following the Light; born again, through faith. 

Now we resume activity with John the Baptist, Jesus and the disciples. Jesus along with the disciples and John are baptizing people in the City of Aenon "because there was much water there." This provides a clue or information to us that baptism seems to be by immersion. And there is a remark that John is baptizing because he is not yet in prison (v. 24). 

Then in verse 25, a discussion commences about purification, evidently a common discussion at this time. And the remark is that Jesus is getting all the people to be baptized and none are coming to John and the disciples. Is it a competition? John clarifies that he is not the Christ and he is only helping and preparing the way for Jesus. It is Jesus that descended from heaven and has been given authority from heaven. John does not have the authority. He admits once again that he is not the Christ. The attention is to be placed on Jesus. Jesus has given him a purpose in his living but that living is to glorify Jesus. From Tabletalk -- "Just as the friend of the bridegroom rejoices when the groom gets married and does not seek to be the center of attention at the wedding, so John rejoiced as Christ’s ministry increased." 

"He must increase, but I must decrease." Or as the song we sang says, "God rules." It is all about Him. 

Summary: God gave Jesus authority and we are commissioned to be His ambassadors, giving Him all the attention. 

Promise: He increases. The acclaim we receive from Him on that final day will be far greater than any acclaim we might receive from other people on this side of glory.

Prayer: God, it is opposite to the way of the World today. I decrease, You increase. Yet, Lord, I know that in eternity I will increase and You will lift me up while many may have bright days now but for eternity it will not continue for them. Keep that in the forefront of my mind. There is great freedom in You and I praise You for this. 

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

Jesus Calling: December 25

As you wait attentively in My Presence, the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines upon you. This radiant knowledge transcends all understanding. It transforms every fiber of your being: renewing your mind, cleansing your heart, invigorating your body. Open yourself fully to My Presence, be awed by My glorious Being.
     Try to imagine what I gave up when I came into your world as a baby, I set aside My Glory, so that I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions--a filthy stable.That was a dark night for Me, even though angels lit up the sky proclaiming "Glory!" to awe-struck shepherds.
     When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, heaven's vistas open up before you--granting you glimpses of My Glory. I became poor so that you might become rich. Sing hallelujahs to My Holy Name!

2 Corinthians 4:6
English Standard Version
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
 
Philippians 2:6-7
English Standard Version
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
 
Luke 2:13-14
English Standard Version
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

2 Corinthians 8:9
English Standard Version
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

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

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

Psalm 93 - God's Eternal Reign

Psalm 93
¹ The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The Lord has clothed and girded Himself with strength;
Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.
² Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting.

³ The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
The floods have lifted up their voice,
The floods lift up their pounding waves.
⁴ More than the sounds of many waters,
Than the mighty breakers of the sea,
The Lord on high is mighty.
⁵ Your testimonies are fully confirmed;
Holiness befits Your house,
O Lord, forevermore.

Message: God's Eternal Reign

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:

God's Reign or his royal office as king; his sovereign rule. The Lord God has embodied strength, fully clothed in it. God is our strength and so, therefore, our world is firmly established. God's throne is forever. He is eternal. His creation testified of who He is. He is Holy.

It is our calling to declare the goodness and majesty of is Creator. I'm sitting here, 2016, and hearing a TV in the background and wondering, are we in fact declaring our Creator's goodness. Do we pause to do this? Would our lives look any different, if it was 250 years ago? I wonder. We have conveniences today that seem to only distract us. But, still, am I declaring the goodness and majesty of the Lord.

Lord, I'm concerned that I let myself get distracted and I find myself thinking too much about pleasing me. My days praising You are really rather a few minutes here and there, at prescribed moments, along with others. Help me to encounter your greatness more.
Here are Matthew Henry's words on this chapter:
The majesty, power, and holiness of Christ's kingdom. - The Lord might have displayed only his justice, holiness, and awful power, in his dealings with fallen men; but he has been pleased to display the riches of his mercy, and the power of his renewing grace. In this great work, the Father has given all power to his Son, the Lord from heaven, who has made atonement for our sins. He not only can pardon, but deliver and protect all who trust in him. His word is past, and all the saints may rely upon it. Whatever was foretold concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, must be fulfilled in due time. All his people ought to be very strictly pure. God's church is his house; it is a holy house, cleansed from sin, and employed in his service. Where there is purity, there shall be peace. Let all carefully look if this kingdom is set up in their hearts.

Promise: We need to keep revering God's name.

Jesus Calling: December 21

My plan for your life is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears -- through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory.
     Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles -- and you will. Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory. 

Psalm 63:2
English Standard Version
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
    beholding your power and glory.
 
2 Corinthians 5:7
English Standard Version
for we walk by faith, not by sight.
 
John 11:40
English Standard Version
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

My Prayer
You are power Lord. You are Glory. Oh, I adore You. Your Glory is seen by all, each day whether recognized or not. The sky above keeps on going and never stops just like Your love for us keeps on going and never stops. The trees are rooted in the ground, branched out, like the way You have taken up residence in me with deep intertwined roots that will not be shaken. Throughout all time people have witnessed this- Your Power and Glory. This world is trying so hard to push you out and pretend You are not present, that humanity is the ultimate ruler. Forgive us Lord for wanting to be in charge. Forgive us for taking what you have created and calling it a mistake and thinking we know better. We think we are so powerful, that we can decide when life is lived. Forgive us Lord. Thank you that through all of this you still offer us a gift, a free gift, that we can't earn even as we try. We don't deserve the gift but that doesn't change you giving it to us. Yes Lord, Yes Lord, I have looked upon you. I believe and I see the Glory of God!!

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

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

Jesus Calling: December 20

When I joined the ranks of humanity, born into the humblest conditions, My Glory was hidden from all but few people. Occasionally, streaks of Glory shone out of Me, especially when I began to do miracles. Toward the end of My life, I was taunted and tempted to display more of My awesome Power than My Father's plan permitted. I could have called down legions of angels to rescue Me at any point. Imagine the self-control required of a martyr who could free Himself at will! All of this was necessary to provide the relationship with Me that you now enjoy. Let your life become a praise song to Me by proclaiming My glorious Presence in the world. 

John 2:11
English Standard Version
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
 
Luke 23:35-36
English Standard Version
³⁵ And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 

Psalm 92:1-5
English Standard Version
¹ It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
² to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
    and your faithfulness by night,
³ to the music of the lute and the harp,
    to the melody of the lyre.
⁴ For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
    at the works of your hands I sing for joy.

⁵ How great are your works, O Lord!
    Your thoughts are very deep!

Thoughts on December 20, 2018
Today's reading reminds me that the Jesus we have before us is not always the Jesus that people want. Jesus, on this earth, was a man of humility. He didn't answer His accusers maybe in the same way that Hollywood would script it. He remained humble and He remained a servant. His death and resurrection were his mission. His focus was redemption and saving me and you and bridging the gap between us and God that we are incapable of bridging (though we still try and try, but remain unsuccessful). On this earth, he lived as a man and took on the pain of a man. Yes, he could have gotten out of it but He didn't. And yes our Praise of Him should be present even more than it is. By Grace, through faith, we are united and have peace.

My Prayer on December 20, 2018
Lord, as I inch toward Christmas Day, I hate that getting gifts bought, wrapped, and mailed often is my mission and then I want to sit back and enjoy the day. But I want to thank you for providing me that enjoyment. I don't deserve it. I never will. But you continually show me that you are in the redemption business and You will always shower Your love on me to free me both now, today, and for all eternity to Rest with You. You have Lord made me glad by Your work and the works of your hands I sing for Joy. O How Great are your works, O Lord! O How Great. Keep me focused on those works as I work, as I enjoy, as I receive gifts, as I give gifts, as I gather with people I love, as I walk by people I don't even know. Lord, I need You and need Your strength in me. Thank you for saving me. I'm still not understanding why you saved me but I'm not going to focus on that, but instead focus on praising Your name.

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

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

Psalm 113 - God Highly Exalted

Psalm 113

Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!

Message: God Highly Exalted

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:

Purpose
This Psalm has been described as a Psalm used in churches settings or public worship as a call to worship and praise. It is interesting how this is used or even needed whereby something is read that brings people together and aligns them in bringing themselves before the throne of God.

Psalm 113 is one of the Hallel psalms grouped with Psalm 113-118 and was sung by the ancient Jews before the Passover meal, and is often used today. Hallel means, "praise El (God)."

Content
The call takes place in the first 3 verses: Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, Praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised. The name of the Lord is to be praised. The name of the Lord is to be set apart from everything else in life. The name of the Lord is a constant in our lives from the start of the day to the end. No matter what occurs, the name of the Lord is to be praised. These words make sense that they need to be sung because we get off track in this world; I get distracted. Yesterday, even in going to church, I was feeling the loss of someone and not in the right frame of mind. This Psalm would have helped me get myself focused on worship. 

This Psalm begins with the words of praise and then gives the reason we are to be motivated to praise Him.

The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. The Lord rules over all creation. The Lord is our true commander and chief. He is our president. He ordains life. He is My King. He is My leader. He is the one I am to bow down to and worship.

Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth? There is no one like Him. God is not simply someone we insert into our lives; there is nothing like Him. He is our great creator. I need to understand my place in this world. I need to understand my position.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord! No matter the position or condition of man, the Lord exalts man. God makes us important. Man has a desire within him to be exalted. Man wants to be aligned as one of the leaders, as being in charge. I see this everywhere. We want to be on the winning team. We want to be a part of the group that knows all the answers. We want to be part of the group that knows better and more than anyone else. We want to be special and distinct. This is innately what man wants. Man wants to be victor. But, man does not place himself in this position, but is the Lord that makes us the chosen ones. He is the one that sets us apart. And this is why I praise Him. This moves me to praise Him because of who He has made me to be. The Lord chooses me out of His grace and mercy, not because He sees some greatness in me. He elects me and sets me a part. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! 

Promise: I come to him each day as empty, as needing Him. I have no righteousness of my own. Apart from Him I am nothing. He redeems me. This is what I do. I come to him on bend knee. He has made me glad. 

Jesus Calling: June 6

Seek My Face, and you will find fulfillment of your deepest longings. My world is filled with beautiful things; they are meant to be pointers to Me, reminders of My abiding Presence. The earth still declares My Glory to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear.
     You had a darkened mind before you sought Me wholeheartedly. I chose to pour My Light into you, so that you can be a beacon to others. There is no room for pride in this position. Your part is to reflect My glory. I am the Lord!

Psalm 105:4
English Standard Version

Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!

Psalm 19:1-2
English Standard Version

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
² Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.

Isaiah 60:2
English Standard Version

For behold, darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will be seen upon you.

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 28

     Let Me anoint you with My Presence. I am King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in unapproachable Light. When you draw near to Me, I respond by coming closer to you. As My Presence envelops you, you may feel overwhelmed by My Power and Glory. This is a form of worship; sensing your smallness to comparison to My Greatness.
     Man has tended to make himself the measure of all things. But man's measure is too tiny to comprehend My majestic vastness. That is why most people do not see Me at all, even though they live and move and have their being in Me. 
     Enjoy the radiant beauty of My Presence. Declare My glorious Being to the world!

I Timothy 6:15-16
English Standard Version
¹⁵ which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

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.
 
Acts 17:28
English Standard Version
for

“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

Psalm 145:3-6
English Standard Version

³ Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and his greatness is unsearchable.

⁴ One generation shall commend your works to another,
    and shall declare your mighty acts.
⁵ On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
    and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
⁶ They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
    and I will declare your greatness.

My Prayer (2018)
In your presence, I am. Lord, we need your power and glory. We need to see You and enjoy the radiance of Your glory. In America Lord, we are a hurting people right now. There are atrocities that continue to happen at our public schools as people assault and kill those innocent ones. Natural disasters are prevalent. Everywhere Lord we need more of You. People need more of You. Help us Lord to proclaim your name and value you as number one.

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: April 15

     Trust Me, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

     When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me and don't be afraid. 

Isaiah 12:2
English Standard Version
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”

Verse Thoughts

“Salvation” is taken, as in the New Testament (John 4:22; 1Peter 1:9-10), as meaning more than mere deliverance from danger, but including the highest spiritual blessings. This verse is also a quote from Exodus 15:2. 

Psalm 61:2-4

English Standard Version

² from the end of the earth I call to you

    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
³ for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

⁴ Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Verse Thoughts

I have often seen in western movies where people will hide themselves behind a rock to shelter themselves or hide themselves from gunfire or battle. Thus we see here we are led to the rock, to something that is my refuge. But it is also higher than I am. A Savior or Redeemer on the same level as us could not save us. We must have one that is supreme over all things, that which is divine. Psalm 62:2,6,7 says God himself is my Rock.

2 Corinthians 3:18 

New King James Version

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Verse Thoughts

That every day I might reflect more and more Jesus, and that the likeness of Christ becomes more and more what I am about, and this is possible because of the Holy Spirit. 

My Prayer
I will not be afraid because You God are my salvation, my strength and my song. You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell with You forever, hidden under the shelter of your wings. Help me to not forget you are Near.

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 14

    Do not hesitate to receive Joy from Me, for I bestow it on you abundantly. The more you rest in My Presence, the more freely My blessings flow into you. In the Light of My Love, you are gradually transformed from glory to glory. It is through spending time with Me that you realize how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. 
    Sometimes the relationship I offer you seems too good to be true. I pour My very Life into you, and all you have to do is receive Me. In a world characterized by working and taking, the admonition to rest and receive seems too easy. There is an intricate connection between receiving and believing: As you trust Me more and more, you are able to receive Me and My blessings abundantly. Be still, and know that I am God. 

2 Corinthians 3:18

New American Standard Bible
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

Ephesians 3:17-19

English Standard Version
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Psalm 46:10
English Standard Version
   “Be still, and know that I am God.

    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”

What the Lord is Saying to Me
Life is redefined when we walk in the Presence of the Lord. The key here that is mentioned is a life that is in Christ sees life different and experiences life differently. As we spend time in His word we get to know the Lord more and become stronger with Him. And so life is defined not so much by what we experience day by day living in the world, but by who we are in Christ. 

It is a true that the life in Christ seems too easy at times. In this world everything comes with a price and with hard work. And what Christ offers He offers as a free gift. And He tells us to rest. Yes, we are to work and live daily with Him, but we are also to rest and trust Him with the toils of that day we are resting.  

My Prayer
Lord, you remind me of the importance each day of knowing simply that you are God. You want me to know this each day. You are God. I am not. And because of this I can overcome the world. I can be exalted. There is a desire in me to be great, but my greatness is in relation to who I am in Christ. This is the fulness of God. Let my goal in life be You and living in You.

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: April 5

    Let Me fill you with My Love, Joy, and Peace. There are Glory-gifts, flowing from my living Presence. Though you are an earthen vessel, I designed you to be filled with heavenly contents. Your weakness is not a deterrent to being filled with My Spirit; on the contrary, it provides an opportunity for My Power to shine forth more brightly.
    As you go through this day, trust Me to provide the strength that you need moment by moment. Don't waste energy wondering whether you are adequate for today's journey. My Spirit within you is more than sufficient to handle whatever this day may bring. That is the basis for your confidence! In quietness (spending time alone with Me) and confident trust (relying on My sufficiency) is your strength. 

2 Corinthians 4:7
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

Verse Thoughts
We have the gospel and it is here described as a treasure, meaning it is of inestimable worth. And yet the possessors of that gospel are earthen vessels--weak, feeble, liable to various accidents, fragile, basically unworthy to hold such a valuable treasure. And yet, we have the ability to do great things, not because we are great, but because of the great Power of God at work in us.

Isaiah 30:15
English Standard Version (ESV)
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
“In returning and rest you shall be saved;
in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
But you were unwilling,

Verse Thoughts
According to Albert Barnes, the design of this verse is to give a reason for the destruction that should come upon them. That reason was, that God had indicated to them the path of truth and safety, but they chose not to follow it, and refused to put confidence in him. In returning to God; that is, if you are converted and surrendered to him, resting on God for assistance, and not seeking the alliance of Egypt (people that want nothing of God), in a collected, quiet state of mind, by putting simple trust in God, you shall be safe; your enemies shall not be able to overcome and subdue you. That's the plan, but you were unwilling.

My Prayer
Lord, I open the door of my life to You and welcome You in. Lord, I want to filled with You. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live in me and be the presence of You in me. Keep me connected to You and Your word. I want to be content and have a quiet state of mind, daily putting my trust in You. 


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: April 2

    I have promised to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches. Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace. I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live; but there are weeds growing there too: pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds. I do My work in various ways. When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly into your heart. In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up. I also send trials into your life. When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away. Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce far outweighs the trials you endure.

Philippians 4:19
English Standard Version
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:17
English Standard Version
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

My Prayer
Lord, you will supply every need of mine? Lord, why don't I really believe that? I wonder if its because I think my needs are so great and vast and numerous. I guess its because I already have so much -- food, shelter, work, comfort, entertainment, rest -- and so what I think I need -- security, health, freedom, retirement, a new phone, a new car, a new house, food variety, sweets, fancy clothes, a vast network of friends, family, loved ones, vacations, respect, appreciation, to be valued -- is perhaps not really a need at all, but a desire. Yet, I look around and see what others have and naturally think I should have the same. So, my wants get blurred often into needs. Lord, you give me peace and when I really believe that, I know I don't need to worry. So place me in that mindset, conform me to the truth of your Word, not the way I want Your word interpreted. Help me to see that trials are often what I need, even though it hurts. Lord, I want to be a child of God, defined by You. Re-train me God.


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.

Malachi 2

Message: God is to be set apart and praised and honored and His covenants are to be taken seriously. 

Time: Late 5th Century BC; After Malachi I when the Lord came down on the people for not giving God their best and the priests were willing to accept second-best.

What the Lord is Saying:

The Lord Rebukes the Priests
(v. 1-2) Our priority to the Lord is to give honor to His name. This is the whole and entire purpose of the tabernacle and the role of the priests: to give Glory to God in the Highest.

Reminds me of the Chris Tomlin song, "Glory in the Highest."
    You are the first
    You go before
    You are the last
    Lord, You're the encore
    Your names in lights for all to see
    The starry host declare Your glory

    Glory in the Highest.

This is our chief aim of life, to glorify God and give Him the honor he deserves. How can we not do this and then think God will bless us?

(v. 3) When I don't honor God, but then bring to Him offerings and expect a blessing, it is odd. How I live like this. I secure my salvation in the Lord and then I live my life in such a way as to just barely give God what He deserves and then sit back and expect my life to fall into place. (v.4) I am to repent. The covenant is to seek the Lord, repent of my ways. (v.5) Would I just realize that I am to stand in awe of the Lord and realize who He is.

King James Version - over and over we see God telling us to not fear.

Deuteronomy 1:21 - Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Joshua 1:9 - Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 10:25 - And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. 

1 Chronicles 22:13 - Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.
1 Chronicles 28:20 - And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.

2 Chronicles 20:15 - And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. 

2 Chronicles 20:17 - Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you. 

2 Chronicles 32:7 - Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: 

Isaiah 51:7 - Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. 

Jeremiah 23:4 - And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. 

Jeremiah 30:10 - Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.

Jeremiah 46:27 - But fear not thou, O my servant Jacob, and be not dismayed, O Israel: for, behold, I will save thee from afar off, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and be in rest and at ease, and none shall make him afraid. 

We walk in control of our lives most of the time because of something we fear and yet over and over the Lord reminds us to "fear not."

There are actions of the true priest and how he is to act and conduct himself (v. 6-7). His instruction is true. He walks in peace. He walks in an upright way. He turns many from their focus on sin. He guards knowledge. People look to him for instruction. He is a messenger sent from the Lord. But, the false priest acts in the opposite manner (v. 8,9) and has poor outcomes or results. Many stumble, many are corrupted and you are partial in your instruction, trying to have your cake and eat it, too. Your name will not be set apart.

Judah Profaned the Covenant
All of us have the same God. God is the one that created us. So, why do we often act so poorly toward one another (v. 10)? We do we often act that we are not of the same family. That is a hard question for life. Family members can go their separate ways at times but we can still leave in love. We are pondering leaving our church right now, but that doesn't mean we think any less of the people that are there. Specifically here in this passage (v.11) the concern is placed on Judah and their unfaithfulness and the way they have treated those things in their life that should be sacred. They haven't placed the honor they should toward the Church. God loves His Church and yet how often do people instead go out and choose to marry the world instead? We need to be careful that we don't act this way and then occasionally think that are service to God will bring blessing to our life (v. 12).

It wasn't enough that people disregarding God's covenants and did not give Him honor, but they turned their back on the wife of their youth and instead went after foreign wives (v. 13-16). They went outside the church and went instead to other places to seek after other women. God is the one that establishes the covenant between husband and wife and then we often turn our back on it and go after other wives. The overriding issue here is how we don't take serious enough the covenants that God has set up for us. 

The Lord is wearied by our words. Our throat is an open grave (Romans 3:13). Our words begin to no longer have value (v. 17).


Promise: God is to be honored. Give Him the honor He deserves by following what He teaches throughout His word. Don't look to being favored by man. Persistence of sin in our life will lead to all kinds of problems in our lives.

Jesus Calling: March 26

   Waiting on Me means directing your attention to Me in hopeful anticipation of what I will do. It entails trusting Me with every fiber of your being, instead of trying to figure things out yourself. Waiting on Me is the way I designed you to live: all day, every day. I created you to stay conscious of Me as you go about your daily duties.
    I have promised many blessings to those who wait on Me: renewed strength, living above one's circumstances, resurgence of hope, awareness of My continual Presence. Waiting on Me enables you to glorify Me by living in deep dependence on Me, ready to do My will. It also helps you to enjoy Me; in My Presence is fullness of Joy.   

Lamentations 3:24-26
English Standard Version

 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him. 

 It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31
English Standard Version

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 16:11
New King James Version

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

My Prayer

Waiting Lord is not something that I automatically do. It is a trial often to wait in this culture that tells me I can have anything I want now. I am so impatient Lord. I notice in life how entertainment, comfort, peace, safety are expectations and often mandatory parts of each day for me, that I am trained daily to never have to wait. Teach me Lord to wait on You for Your timing. And waiting can be a good thing. I want to trust in Your timing. I want to rest in the fact that your timing is perfect. Forgive me for always thinking that my way is the best way. Help me Lord! Help me Lord to wait!


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: February 24

    Be still in the Light of My Presence, while I communicate Love to you. There is no force in the universe as powerful as My Love. You are constantly aware of limitations: your own and others'. But there is no limit to My Love; it fills all of space, time, and eternity.
    Now you see through a glass, darkly, but someday you will see Me face to Face. Then you will be able to experience fully how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. If you were to experience that now, you would be overwhelmed to the point of feeling crushed. But you have an eternity ahead of you, absolutely guaranteed, during when you can enjoy My Presence in unrestricted ecstasy. For now, the knowledge of My loving Presence is sufficient to carry you through each day.

1 Corinthians 13:12
King James Version

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Today. Now. In comparison to the future or eternity with God. That is the contrast to look at here. We think we are illumined now and we are on this quest to gain more knowledge and understanding. And through that effort we feel confident. And yet, in this verse in 1st Corinthians, Paul wants to remind us and tell us clearly that this day, today, and the knowledge we have is nothing in comparison to the experience we will encounter in heaven. But, this does not mean that our knowledge will change to having all knowledge or that we could ever know God the way He knows us, but in comparison to today, in which we now see things with obscurity, in heaven, that will be gone and we will see clearly. 


Ephesians 3:16-19
English Standard Version
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

We are strengthened not by our own doing, but by the riches given to us by the Lord, through His Spirit. And we know then that Christ wants to dwell in us through faith. God wants to fill us with his fullness and His ways. He didn't come just to save, but to live in us. Yield to the Spirit. 

My Prayer
Lord, change my ways. I pray that my will would be surrendered to You. Thank you for comforting me today and giving me clarity. My strength today is based upon You working through me. Help me to look forward to heaven and being with you face to 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.

Ezekiel 10

Message: The Glory of the Lord leaves the temple. The glory of Israel was over them.

Time: Ezekiel sees a vision of the glory of the Lord, departing. 

What the Lord is Saying: Ezekiel sees some sort of vision of the glory of the Lord. He sees the angels and is told to take a handful of burning coals and scatter them over the city. From what I've seen so far in Ezekiel, he is receiving pictures of the judgment that is coming on Israel and Judah by the Chaldeans. Man thinks this judgment is coming from men, but it needs to be clear that this is the judgment from God worked out through men. And in no way does this mean that the men that are carrying it out are somehow holy. God uses what he wants to judge.

But, it is clear her that the Lord is at work. The angels had four faces, an ox, a human face, a lion face and the face of an eagle. Each of these forms obviously represented something. 

The glory of the Lord is seen leaving the temple. God is leaving these people by way of a chariot. This is significant. His presence is departing from them. 

Promise: The Lord carries out his plans. People think they know everything about God and try to keep God under wraps, but the Lord can move away from people. We must always trust in Him and surrender to Him.

Ezekiel 1

Message: This was hard for me to see without using a commentary. The first 3 chapters of Ezekiel speak to his calling. And chapter 1 is a picture he saw of God in all his glory and splendor coming down from heaven and presenting Himself.

Time: It was probably about 594 BC. Ezekiel was 30 years old.

What the Lord is saying:
God is difficult to describe. And His appearance is difficult to behold. What I see hear is that Ezekiel was describing something amazing. There could be angels all around. This could be a clear vision of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. As they moved it was like an army moving. The power that Ezekiel witnessed must have been incredible.

Promise: Why God is made known, man falls on his knees. This is what Ezekiel did. When he realized that this was the glory of the Lord, he dropped to his face.