2 Samuel 23-24 - David's Last Words

2 Samuel 23-24

The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, he who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through sunshine after rain. (verse 2-4)

Message: David's Last Words

Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader. 

What the Lord is Saying: The author of 2 Samuel in chronicling David's life starts 2 Samuel 23 by saying, "These are the last words of David." David is raised high, anointed and the sweet Psalmist. "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me" and David mentions God equipping him to rule. God has set David apart by establishing a covenant relationship with him. David recognizes something special has occurred with God on his side. Not every person is set aside. Some are worthless. 

David describes the perfect king as well, chosen by God, ruling by God's hand, listening to God and being directed by him. Thus, this is what the ideal ruler looks like. 

David then mentions mighty men and their accomplishments: 

• Josheb-basshebeth - 800 slain by him
• Eleazar - struck the Philistines with 2 others; the Lord brought a great victory that day
• Shammah - took his stand, defended it and struck Philistines; the Lord brought a great victory that day
• Then 3 of the 30 men came to David in cave of Adullam. David wants a drink from the well. Got him drink but he would not drink it. 
• Abishai - swung his spear against 300 and killed them; he was most honored of the 30. 
• Benaiah - killed 2 sons of Moab; killed a lion, an Egyptian
• Then David mentions 1. Asabel, 2. Elhanan, 3. Shammah, 4. Elika, 5. Helez, 6. Ira, 7. Abiezer, 8. Mebunnai, 9. Zalmon, 10. Maharai, 11. Heleb, 12. Ittai, 13 Benaiah, 14. Hiddai, 15 Abi-albon, 16. Azmaveth, 17. Eliabba, 18. Shammah, 19. Ahiam, 20. Eliphelet, 21. Eliam, 22. Hezro, 23 Paarai, 24. Igal, 25 Bani, 26 Zelek, 27 Naharai, 28. Ira, 29 Gareb, 30. Uriah
• 37 in all 

The author here takes the time to mention and list these men. It is important to recognize others always. David did not work alone. He was a leader and had many men that came to his aid. These men formed an elite group that were involved in establishing David's rule. There is community and collective strength in establishing God's purposes. The church body has many members, all contribute and part of the whole. 

Summary: David mentions last words about characteristics of a Godly king and then also lists out all of the men that assisted him in establishing his kingdom. 

Promise: God is concerned not only with the central players in the story of redemption but also with the saints who play lesser parts.

Prayer: God, thank you for using everyone. It is good to recognize the importance of community, of many people working together for Your good. As I speak to someone that lives somewhat on an island and does not have many people in their life, I am reminded of the importance of having many, of the value in having multiple people that can assist and help. Thank you for gifting many the way you have and keep working out all for your glory. 

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

Proverbs 10:4 - Working with a diligent hand

Proverbs 10:4 - Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.

Message: Working with a diligent hand

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God. 

What the Lord is Saying: As I study, I like to review and think about context and common themes. Solomon is going to be giving us 375 proverbs. Obviously there are going to be similar themes. 10:1 was a more general statement about gaining wisdom and the effect that then has on people such as a father, being glad. After this verse, things get more specific. Next is money and the choices we make for acquisition. After work is hunger or what we consume, but here once again, it is about choices and making the right choice. Then in 10:3, we have Jehovah caring about those choices. Yes, we want to be good people, but we also want to be good children of God. This proverb in 10:4 seems already akin to the second one about wealth - poor and rich - are present again. 

Verse 2 speaks of how a person acquires wealth and now in verse 4 it gets even more specific to work. Work is not bad. Work was present before the fall as man was told to subdue the land, rule over creatures, consume food (which meant it would need to be acquired). But after the fall, work did take on a sad appearance or toil or a sad or hard focus (Genesis 3:17). Work and having responsibilities is good, but in work, there are challenges. 

The comparison now in 10:4 is negligence (vice) and diligence (virtue). Looking briefly at other translations: 'lazy' vs 'diligent' (NIV), 'slack' vs 'diligent' (KJV). This negligence or laziness or slack I think can infer a lot of different behaviors. It is a person that wants to get out of working so they can do other things. I notice at work myself and even others that find other distractions rather than working. Distractions I think have increased with the phone, the internet, personal dealings, exercise, reading, walking around and looking busy. I struggle at times doing things that I like to do, that don't necessarily merit much, but keep me interested. These things aren't bad, per se, but I need to be careful. I am concerned about the idea of retirement and whether I will busy myself with things that don't matter as much, rather than being more productive. Thus, I think there is a way to be busy and still negligent. 

I think one of the things that I struggle with in this is how much entertainment or resting do I need each day. Most of my days are about 17 waking hours and 7 sleeping hours. My work day Monday-Friday constitutes about 11 of those 17 waking hours leaving 6 hours: one hour eating and so 4-5 hours of other activity. Hopefully I have some bible study in that time, perhaps ministry, but I also know at times there are other things. Should I be spending that time entertaining myself or resting. The other night I spent 3 of those hours visiting a couple that is homebound and is not able to get out to visit people. 

The diligent person is careful and industrious. They do their part. There is eagerness and diligence. Hard-working, thorough, intent, earnest, constant, persistent. This is someone who is focused and concentrates. It is a person that recognizes their gifts, how they work and think and then applies those to their life. I think diligent working includes working in those areas that one is gifted or that God has designed you to work.  

I have friends in India and Africa and they are hard-working individuals. But, not rich. It is hard for me to understand this. In America, I feel we have opportunities that they don't have. Their children get educated and money is spent on education. They work hard, taking exams and studying hard for those. But upon finishing school, it is often very difficult or challenging to find good work. 

One of my friends is in Coimbatore, India. I have been speaking to him for about 10 years now and saw him come out of school and start working for 2 months, working full time and yet only earning $65 a month. His living expenses are about $325 per month. He would like to get married but most marriages are arranged and the women want someone who will sustain their lives. As I speak to him, I notice how hard he works. He is working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, only taking off Sunday. He has a 2 bedroom home he now lives in after renting an apartment. When he gets a place to live, to secure it he has to pay a 6 month deposit. Right now, he has been working as a medical coder after he lost his job in the summer of 2023. During the pandemic, he was sent home to work, and most of the time, what allowed him to sustain his life was working overtime. He follows the Lord, prays regularly and I share Bible studies with him. Yet, he is not making it right now. He had a client but that ended March 1 and now he is trying to gain clients but is not finding anyone. I look at his life and his diligence in working and wonder, where are his riches. 

Yet, I learn also that these proverbs that are given by Solomon are not a promise. The focus of this verse is not on being poor or rich, but rather how we work - diligently rather than negligently. The diligent person may get rich, but will also I think feel rich. Richness may simply mean they can sustain themselves. It may mean being actually rich, but not every time. God must still be providential in our lives and we must trust Him for His hand of providence. We still pray - Lord, I trust in You; help me to accept your hand of providence in my life. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your hand of providence, in all situations of my life. You have placed me at the level I am at for a reason. Others have more, others have less. Thank you for instilling in me that desire to work hard and yet I still know that I often train myself at times to be a person of ease. Give me wisdom in the margins and in knowing when I need to work harder and be more productive. I need to guard against laziness. Help those in life, like my friend Harris in India to gain more wealth, just enough to sustain his needs. Help him also to be start in His dealings. 

 

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

John 11:1-10 - News about Lazarus

John 11:1-10

1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

Message: News about Lazarus

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: Chapter 10 is a discussion Jesus gives that He is the good shepherd. And He lays down His life for sheep. And Jesus does this, laying down His life, on the authority of the Father. Jesus recognizes here that some are not His sheep and will not hear His voice. As Jesus speaks further He proclaims that He and the Father are of the same essence, are One, and in response to this the Jews pick up stones to stone Him. Jesus continues to defend that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father. Chapter 10 ends with Jesus leaving Jerusalem, going beyond the Jordan and as He did many believed in Him there. 

Now in Chapter 11 Jesus finds out from Mary and Martha that Lazarus is sick. And He will go back to the area that He came from, Bethany which is only 2 miles from Jerusalem. The disciples are concerned for his safety. But Jesus responds with words about hours in the day to basically say, that He is here now on this earth and He wants to be doing His best for people now. 

This is an interesting passage and maybe I don't see a whole lot of application here, but still I learn about Jesus and His mission and what He values in this world, reminding me of what I need to value in this world - people and being committed to them. 

Also in verse 4 I see a common theme of a miracle that Jesus will do in raising Lazarus and while Lazarus will eventually die again (I would think) the intent of this miracle is "for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." Obviously, people get helped with miracles but the end result of this is that these acts will glorify God. 

Also, Jesus mentions 12 hours in a day, as in 12 hours to do walking, 12 hours to do work. In the USA we have instead shifted to an 8 hour work day, but it reminds me possibly that my days need to be about work and doing work and not simply waiting and relaxing. There is time for this and God provides team each day for this, but I also need to be about work and doing my best with the time He has given me. 

Summary: Jesus leaves Jerusalem, but will return to nearby Bethany after hearing that Lazarus is sick. 

Promise: God’s timing is not our timing, and His timing is always perfect.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the messages that I continue to study and read about in this Gospel of John. Thank you for giving John these words to say, that I might hear them, learn more about You and How you work and then how I am to conduct myself in these days. You are to be always glorified God. I think you for the many miracles you have done in my life - simply providing me great parents, a wonderful wife, great children, a great place to work and live and joy for each day. It all is under the umbrella of grace and provides fulfillment I don't deserve. But I thank you for being so gracious to me and pray that You would help me be a better ambassador for you in this new year. Give me opportunities to speak to more people. Help me to be faithful in this way. Bring all the glory to You God. Watch over my children - train them in You. Save my father. Rescue him. Help me to accept always what You provide. 

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

Genesis 2:15 - Finding Your Vocation

Genesis 2:15 - Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.

Message: Finding Your Vocation

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying: As I continue to ponder these lessons about vocation, I am reminded that God calls us to work in various fields of service. Each of us are to do the work that God calls us to without thinking one area is better than another. All are important. Romans 12:4-6 mentions that we are many members in one body and we need to discern what God has given each person to do. Not everyone is alike. "For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us." 

Lately, I have come to realize more and more that God's call on everyone's life is the same. However, some people will only be pursuing their own self interests and not glorifying Him in their service. But this doesn't nullify God's purpose for people's lives. I Thessalonians 4:3 say, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification." We are one body with one distinct purpose: to glorify God and to grow in Christ. 

Yesterday, I was out walking and neighbors asked me about the vacation my wife and I had recently returned from and I described it as a great time and then as I walked away I voiced, "Back to the grind." I regret saying those words now but it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that work is a grind and an inevitable but somewhat unwelcome part of life. As the passage mentions today, God has created man to work. We have a task to do and that He has called us into. It brings meaning to our lives, but also is for our good and growth, to provide people what they need and want, and so by working we are loving our neighbor. Even in Revelation 22:3 it mentions that in the new heavens and earth, we will continue to be servants of Him - "There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him." So I need not be dull of work or think it is a grudge or an inconvenience and that I am simply working for the weekend. 

Work can be difficult but this does not mean that since it is difficult that it is work that I should not be doing. I Timothy 5:8 reminds me that the work I do is to provide for my own needs. "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Summary: God gifts us to work in a certain way, for our good and for the good of others in loving them. 

Promise: We need to find work that is sanctioned by God's word and for which we are gifted. We only have to ask ourselves what we like to do and how we can provide for ourselves and our families while doing it. 

Prayer: Lord, you are good and gracious and it is wonderful to see how our work takes care of our needs, but also glorifies You in the process, helps others, and in turn, loves our neighbors. Help me to remember this and forgive me thinking it is a grudge or a life inconvenience. I know many times I have thought if I had a lot of money, I would not need to work, but I need to remember that the money you provide is not only for me, but to help those in need. Keep me reminded of this. Many are living in difficult situations and I could assist them, though it is hard. Give me discernment in doing this. 

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - The Mandate to Work

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.

Message: The Mandate to Work

Time: Paul visited Thessalonica to help start the church and then returned to Corinth to write these two letters around AD 51. He was concerned the church was being misguided so he thought to assure them of the authenticity of his letters and also to encourage them about end times in order to help establish them further in their work here on earth. 

What the Lord is Saying: The previous lesson to this one, which I did back on May 9 spoke to the idea that in working we serve others. We work so that we can serve others and give to others. I think this is an important lesson and in today's passage it is further clarified. 

I have struggled at times with those in our country that are not working and yet I do not think that means a person must always garner a paycheck in order to be seen as working. For instance, a mother staying home to raise children is working. Whether the children are homeschooled or not, children are at an age where they need guidance and nurturing and oversight and training. I am thankful for my mom that always at home while I grew up, interacting with us, preparing meals, preparing us as we returned home, helping us learn to make good decisions. It was important for her to give to ministries as well and I know my dad was willing to share his earnings with her in helping her to give to others. 

Other people retire but they still look for opportunities to serve through volunteer work. And I am impressed always of the number of people with disabilities that are continuing to work. In my work the vending machines are supported by the Commission for the Blind and we have certain city purchases that first must be looked to be provided by companies for disabled people. I like this and this encouragement that despite life challenges for mobility and reasoning that people can and are still working. I have a friend that has not worked for 15 years and it is hard for me to see this in him. He is quite defensive about his inability to work and at times he has volunteered, and at times served his parents like a parent would have served a child, but often I wonder if his daily activities are too involved in time passing by. I suppose I am thankful that up to this point I have not had to experience these challenges. So it is easy for me to be critical of others when I am not walking in their shoes. 

This passage also has application to me at my work and that I am not idle with my time and that I am a person that is busy while I work. I definitely have seen the struggle in my job to not work hard and instead dabble in other things. Rather than spending time with people after work, we often spend time at work, not doing our jobs so that we can visit. It is normal practice and yet I am not sure it is the best option. 

We are to be a people that works. "For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies." Paul mentions the need for us to discipline ourselves in I Timothy 4:7, one of my favorite passages. It is a reminder that each day we need to train ourselves to work. \

I know there are people that are unable to work, people with severe disabilities. But I think we need to be careful we do not too quickly move people over to that identification. Paul is clear that if you are willing to work then you should not eat. Those are tough words and yet we all have a tendency for laziness and our society is training us more and more in distraction. Let us make sure in life that believers are the best workers. 

Summary: We have a mandate to work, if we are able, and not only work, but to it to the best of our ability, not lazy, but striving to be the best worker possible. 

Promise: We love our neighbors through our vocation and hope that our neighbors see us as hard working and diligent workers. If we are not working at this level, then we are not loving our neighbors. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for instilling in me a desire to work and do my best. I have been trained well and encouraged always to find the vocation that is the best fit for me. I thank you for my father's leadership in this with aptitude testing. And thank you for tough bosses, like Roger Minke who woke me up and helped me see that I am to do my best always in my work. Thank you Holy Spirit for instilling this in me. Give me discernment in others and how I might help them. I pray for those I am in contact with that are working hard, but are not seeing lasting provision, bring that provision to them. Help them. And show me how I can help others continually through your Word and through in other ways you lead me. Help me to not be lazy in helping others. 

Ephesians 4:28 - Loving Neighbor Through Vocation

Ephesians 4:28 - He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.

Message: Loving Neighbor Through Vocation

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: This passage in my bible is under the heading of 'Put on the New Self.' Paul is delivering a message to Christians on how they are to live, providing them responsibilities, their behavior, their conduct. And in these words he is speaking of how the Christian is to act toward his neighbor. 

Verse 29 was a hallmark verse for me as a Christian growing up. Coming to Christ at the age of 14, I remembered being a person that had cursing show up in my life. And so verse 29 was of great encouragement to me -- "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." 

This passage encouraged us that work is way to encourage others. I do not think this is my first thought when it comes to work. I think first of providing for my family and fulfilling my calling. I suppose I go into work first and foremost with that in my mind, but I also take pride in doing my job well, trying to make good decisions and lead the organization in good business. 

But this passage seems to give greater light to words from 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. It speaks of shedding the old things and the old ways of living and instead take on a new mission and role. Verse 25 says to "Lay aside falsehood." And in verse 26 to not sin with our anger. And now in verse 28 to no longer steal. Instead of being a thief we are to be one who shares what we have with others. 

I have found myself doing this often with people that I have met abroad. After spending time with them and testing them to see if they are reputable and then also praying about those situations, I have felt a need to help those who are less fortunate. All of these individuals are black or African American. And so Pamela and I from our labor have been of help to them. But I am not sure I have had the same idea about people here in Albuquerque and specifically at my job here at the City of Albuquerque. 

The reason I work is to give to those in need. I am to provide but also to alleviate suffering. I am to go the extra mile not simply for those halfway around the world, but those next to me. 

Summary: I am to labor diligently in my vocation as as to have resources to share with those who cannot meet their own needs. 

Promise: Christians are called to love their neighbors as they love themselves and one of the ways we can do this through our vocations. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in mercy and you have given me so much. You have provided me a good job with good resources of funds. Help me to not be selfish in my receipt of these monies, but to be a person that is giving to others. Give me wisdom though as I truly want to help those that are going to be good with the money I share with them. Direct me to those in need and help me always to do what is right in giving. 

I Peter 5:1-3 - New Covenant Ordained Ministry

I Peter 5:1-3 - Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God, and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 

Message: New Covenant Ordained Ministry

Time: Peter wrote to a group of people that probably included Jews and Christians at the time of probably AD 64, as the persecution of Christians by Nero was ramping up. It is thought Peter spent his final years in Rome. Peter calls people to root themselves in the perseverance and presence of Christ.

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus is the only mediator between us and our Creator (I Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, man Christ Jesus.) There are not classes of believers, but instead all believers offer holy and acceptable service to the Lord whether the calling is full-time ministry or working in a secular context. 

Yet, we still set apart people those for leadership in the church. Like today, elders are set aside to care for and shepherd the flock. Other texts will name other leaders such as deacons (I Timothy 3:8-13). Leaders are not however more important than non-leaders of the Church. There is not greater holiness in these leaders of the church. Those with least valuable gifts and callings are as vital to those with a more recognized and public role (I Corinthians 12). 

• The same God works all things in all persons (6).
• All the members of the body, though they are many, are one body (12). 
• The body is not one member, but many (14).
• Foot, hand, ear, eye - not any is less a part of the body (15, 16)
• One cannot say, I have no need for you (21).
• Even those that seem to be weaker are necessary (22). 
• Those less honorable, have more honor (23).
• No division, but all care the same for one another (25)
• If one suffers, all suffer. If one honored, all rejoice. (26)

Summary: Elders and deacons are set apart for specific roles. But those who are not set apart for these roles still are essential members of the church. All are vital, equally. 

Promise: Do not think you are invaluable because you are not called to the leadership roles of the church. All are valid and significant. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to understand my role. Thank you for calling me to be of the laity of the church and showing me how I can still be of service to you in an impactful way. Keep giving me understanding and enlarge my ministries. Help me to be impacted and for many others to be impacted by Your work in their life. At my current church, help me to serve and give me and my wife understanding of our roles in this body and how we are to serve. I pray that people feel cared for and heard. Help me to learn better to listen and encourage. Thank you for the peace that is only found in You. 

My Utmost for His Highest - May 15th - The Habit of Rising to the Occasion

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. - Ephesians 1:18

    Remember what you are saved for--that the Son of God might be manifested in your mortal flesh (see 2 Corinthians 4:10). Bend the whole energy of your powers to realize your election as a child of God; rise to the occasion every time.

    You cannot do anything for your salvation, but you must do something to manifest it, you must work out what God has worked in (Philippians 2:12). Are you working it out with your tongue, and your brain and your nerves? If you are still the same miserable crosspatch, set on your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sanctified you.

    God is the Master Engineer, He allows the difficulties to come in order to see if you can vault over them properly--"By my God have I leaped over a wall. (Psalm 18:29)" God will never shield you from any of the requirements of a son or daughter of His. 1 Peter 4:12 says--"Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." Rise to the occasion; do the thing. It does not matter how it hurts as long as it gives God the chance to manifest Himself in your mortal flesh.

    May God not find the whine in us any more, but may He find us full of spiritual pluck and athleticism, ready to face anything He brings. We have to exercise ourselves in order that the Son of God may be manifested in our mortal flesh. God never has museums. The only aim of the life is that the Son of God may be manifested, and all dictation to God vanishes. Our Lord never dictated to His Father, and we are not here to dictate to God; we are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. When we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine to feed and nourish others.

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

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

My thoughts

God with us. Never forget that my salvation is so Christ can work through me. That is the hope of my calling. I must work out in me what God has worked in. That is a great reading of Philippians 2:12 that so many have given the idea that our salvation is by works. We are not saved by works. God enters our life and daily I need to surrender to Him so that His works in me will be manifested. I must look different if I am to say that God has saved me. Difficulties come my way for me to then vault over them. He allows the difficulties. Responding to trials centered on God shows that God is in me and I am trusting in Him. God with me. That's why I am here so people will see God in me.

My Utmost for His Highest - March 30th - Holiness v. Hardness Towards God

And He saw that there was no one,

And was amazed that there was not one to intercede;
Then His own arm brought salvation to Him,
And His righteousness upheld Him. - Isaiah 59:16

The reason many of us leave off praying and become hard towards God is because we have only a sentimental interest in prayer. It sounds right to say that we pray; we read books on prayer which tell us that prayer is beneficial, that our minds are quieted and our souls uplifted when we pray; but Isaiah implies that God is amazed at such thoughts of prayer.

Worship and intercession must go together, the one is impossible without the other. Intercession means that we rouse ourselves up to get the mind of Christ about the one for whom we pray. Too often instead of worshipping God, we construct statements as to how prayer works. Are we worshipping or are we in dispute with God--"I don't see how You are going to do it." This is a sure sign that we are not worshipping. When we lose sight of God we become hard and dogmatic. We hurl our own petitions at God's throne and dictate to Him as to what we wish Him to do. We do not worship God, nor do we seek to form the mind of Christ. If we are hard towards God, we will become hard towards other people. 

Are we so worshipping God that we rouse ourselves up to lay hold on Him so that we may be brought into contact with His mind about the ones for whom we pray? Are we living in a holy relationship to God, are are we hard and dogmatic? 

"But there is no one interceding properly"--then be that one yourself, be the one who worships God and who lives in holy relationship to Him. Get into the real work of intercession, and remember it is a work, a work that taxes every power; but a work which has no snare. Preaching the gospel has a snare; intercessory prayer has none.

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition

 

My Utmost for His Highest - October 17 - Greater Works

"and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." - John 14:12

Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work. We think of prayer as a common-sense exercise of our higher powers in order to prepare us for God's work. In the teaching of Jesus Christ prayer is the working of the miracle of Redemption in me which produces the miracle of Redemption in others by the power of God. The way fruit remains is by prayer, but remember it is prayer based on the agony of Redemption, not on my agony. Only a child gets prayer answered; a wise man does not. 

Prayer is the battle; it is a matter of indifference where you are. Whichever way God engineers circumstances, the duty is to pray. Never allow the thought--"I am of no use where I am;" because you certainly can be of no use where you are not. Wherever God has dumped you down in circumstances pray, ejaculate to Him all the time. "Whatsoever ye ask in My name, that will I do (John 14:13)." We won't pray unless we get thrills, that is the intensest form of spiritual selfishness. We have to labor along the line of God's direction, and He says pray. "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:38)." 

There is nothing thrilling about a laboring man's work, but it is the laboring man who makes the conceptions of the genius possible; and it is the laboring saint who makes the conceptions of his Master possible. You labor at prayer and results happen all the time from His standpoint. What an astonishment it will be to find, when the veil is lifted, the souls that have been reaped by you, simply because you had been in the habit of taking your orders from Jesus Christ. 

Mark 16:20 - The Gospel Goes Forth

Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.]

Message: The Gospel Goes Forth

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 - The Gospel of Mark records Jesus coming on the scene and preaching a message of "repent and believe." Mark records Jesus' 3 year ministry as he navigates through towns in Judea with His 12 disciples. As Jesus goes many come to follow Him and see Him. Some are there in hopes of being healed while many are also there to listen to Him teach. Along the way also scribes and chief priests question Him at various times and seem to be threatened by Him. Jesus speaks in a way that many are not accustomed to hearing. He talks of His authority and refers to Himself often as the Son of Man, thus living as fully man. But, He also does things like calm the sea, cast out demons, heal paralytics, forgives sin, raises a daughter from the dead. Mark often records brief information about Jesus and often focuses on the people around him and the impact of what Jesus is saying. Jesus talks about his death and resurrection 3 times. He challenges the disciples to do as He does but they struggle with this. The disciples struggle with applying the truths that Jesus asks them to do. Eventually Jesus comes to Jerusalem and prepares to die. The disciples still don't believe it. But Jesus fulfills the prophecies. He says one will betray Him and Jesus does. He is seized by the Jewish leaders at night and then turned over to Pilate with the hope that he will die. Pilate takes it before the people and the pronouncement of crucifixion falls on Jesus. He admits he is the Son of God and the people call Him the king of the Jews, something he does not deny. He is beaten, scourged, spit on, mocked and receives much pain. Mark is specific about the crown of thorns and the pain of those thorns from beatings with a scepter. Eventually Jesus ends up at the cross, already very weak. Even on the cross He is mocked. The area grows dark for 3 hours on Friday with Him on the cross as He seems to deal with God's wrath. He feels God the Fathers rejection and cries out and then dies. He is buried that same day, before the Passover and then appears to Mary Magdalene, and the disciples. It takes the disciples a while to believe He has risen. Jesus confronts their hardened hearts, but then also commissions them to preach the Gospel - the message of believing and being baptized. They will do great things in His name. He ascends to heaven and takes His seat at the right hand of God.

This book has been exciting to study as I come now to the end of it. It's a message from Peter through Mark. I think it's the first time I've really studied one of the Gospels. I've listened to sermons before and read through it several times, but it has been great to study it more completely. I've been trying to discover the message that Mark presents of Jesus. He does speak of Jesus being fully man and fully God, as is evidenced by the many attributes of God. There are some very clear statements about Him being God. I'm not sure if people realized though what was going on and who He was. Some did but Mark doesn't always present many details about these occurrences in the life of Jesus. It seems that it will take Jesus leaving for them to really understand His message. But, it is clear Jesus did what He set out to do - come to earth as man, live it, experience it alongside us but with the authority of God and then died on the cross, experiencing darkness on the cross and rejection and then dying finally. He rose on the 3rd day, but not really 2 full days later. He appeared and then went to heaven.

This final verse now speaks of this going forth of the disciples and their message to the world.

And they went out and preached everywhere - they were obedient to His commission to preach the gospel throughout the world. But the did not go alone as they went while the Lord worked with them. Jesus is gone from walking beside them physically but He is still with them spiritually and with us. They walked and He as Lord worked. Jesus' position now is clear. He is God. He is holy. His is on mission. And He confirmed the word by the signs that followed. Much would occur now in future events. Miracles followed them as they went forth. Whether those same signs still follow us today is unclear. Many would say those signs were only present during the earthly lives of the apostles, thus ending around 100 AD. The thought is the throughout history, miracles have been present at some times, but not present at other times.

At this point there is exuberance by the disciples in taking the message. Again, they are beginning to follow Him now that He is gone in the way Jesus expected while He was with them. The faith has been received now. And much will be different going forward.

Summary - The message of the Gospel now goes forth, everywhere.

Promise: From Tabletalk December 20, 2016 - When God saves His people, He equips them to preach the gospel according to their abilities where they find themselves. The gospel message is not something we can keep to ourselves, but we must proclaim the lordship of Christ to our children, our spouses, our friends, our family, and our communities. Let us pray for boldness to preach the gospel, and let us make disciples where God has called us.

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for being with us as the message of You and Your Gospel goes forth throughout this world. There are signs of You all the time. Give me wisdom to see these. Even as the world continues to be contrary to your message, shine bright through Me and all the Christians of this world who are your true followers. I pray we would love you with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and then love one another with the same degree of love that each of us loves ourselves. Continue to help me Jesus understand You and Your message and Your gospel. I do want to carry the light. But you must work with me, through me and in me as you have said you would. I pray your light stays visible for me at all times.

Proverbs 14:4 - The Mess of Productivity

Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue (abundant crops) by the strength of the ox.

Message:  The Mess of Productivity

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

What the Lord is Saying: There are multiple messages in this passage, but the central one is that productivity is messy. Much revenue comes from the strength of an ox. An ox was a key component of agriculture, especially during times when there wasn't automated equipment. An ox can do more than a person. It is a hard working, large animal. But, it also must be fed and cared for. It is an animal that can be messy. So, if you desire cleanliness and always keeping things clean and never making a mess, then you will have to accept sometimes not being very productive. There is nothing wrong with keeping things clean but its okay to let things get messy as well. Do we try to find ways to be productive without being messy. That seems to be the message here. Harvesting is a long-term result or consequence and for that, we may have to experience temporary disarray.

I think there is also a word here toward animals and their usefulness which often gets lost now in our technologically savvy way of the land.  

Promise: The issue here to me is trusting the process. God has provided animals to help us succeed. And this help may be messy and that may be hard for people that like things to be clean. But, we must be willing to sacrifice something that is important to us to yield a long-term benefit. 

Prayer: Lord, you are good. Your ways are right. Help me Lord to trust in your outcomes and realize what you have provided for me in this world to assist me. Help me, at times, to roll with the punches and not stare to quickly at the here and now, but to trust you for the outcomes that you have clearly set up. Thank you for overseeing all of life and providing me what I need 

Matthew 25:14-30 - Investing for the Future

Matthew 25:14-30
“For just like a man to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who the two gained two more. But he who received the one went away, and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them. The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“Also the one who the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
“And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
“But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
“For to everyone who has, shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Message: Investing for the Future

Time: The date of Matthew's composition is anywhere from 55-60 AD probably in Antioch of Syria. The writing is most likely to the Jews. His purpose was to show them that Jesus of Nazareth was the expected messiah and both his genealogy and his resurrection were legitimate proofs of this.

What the Lord is Saying: The essence of this passage is profit making or doing something with the resources God has given you. We are to spend less than we earn. The Bible speaks against quick wealth. Proverbs 20:21 says - An inheritance gained hurriedly at the beginning will not be blessed in the end. There are many different schemes to get rich quick because our desire for things is never ending and we think all would be better if we could have everything now. Thus, the allure of winning the lottery is in a way of acquiring all that we need at one moment. Work is often seen as an enemy in life and we tend to focus so much on play, yet many people with great wealth continue to work. I don't think it is just a desire to wanting more, but there is joy in investing in something and seeing a dividend from your work. There is nothing wrong with holding onto what we earn, but we also must have a plan for that which we acquire. I struggle with this. It seems the needs of life, ever since the kids have been born, is so great. I'm not just focused on spending for 1 or 2 people, but thinking about 5 and there seems like there are always many decisions to make with money. 

Promise: No matter how much one earns or already possesses, it can be increased through patient and wise investing.

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and I need your wisdom. Lord, I tend to repeatedly spend more than I have. Dangling in front of me are investments. I think of this house and the things that I feel like it needs and I feel a desire to take some of the equity that I have build up and use it to purchase things for my house. I think about this wedding and what will be spent on it.  I want to be wise, but it is hard Lord. Help me to make good decisions.

Genesis 2:15 - Taking Care of Home

Genesis 2:15
Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.
Message: Taking Care of Home

Time: Genesis is the first book and Moses is credited as authoring. The book spans 2400 years of time. It was originally written in Hebrew.

What the Lord is Saying: While the Lord own all and owns all of our resources, from the beginning, even before the Fall, Adam was placed in charge of the garden and tasked to cultivate it and keep it. 

As I read through different translations of this verse, the 1st part -- The Lord took the man and put him into the garden of Eden -- remains fairly unchanged from translation to translation. It is interesting because God didn't direct man and lead him to the garden but he took him and put him. This isn't a suggestion, but a mandate by God of man's purpose. This was to be his permanent home, dwelling place.

After placing Adam in it, he is tasked to dress it, work it, or cultivate it. The land was indeed paradise. Remember, there is no Fall at this point, but still the land needs tilled and sowed. Also, in the process he is told to keep it, take care of it, watch over it, guard it, and/or maintain it. Thus, it was possible for it to ruin. Thus, an unproductive harvest does not constitute sin. And there are animals that could hurt or destroy it. Despite sin not being present, it is possible the adversary was present. Adam is tasked to guard the land given him.

As such, I need to protect that which God has given me and count it as a gift what I have. I am to care for my home and keep it safe from intruders. There is a responsibility in having a home and possessing God's gifts. I am to care for these things.

Promise: Thus, we are responsible to use His resources to provide for our families, and we are to protect and increase what the Lord has given to us. God will hold us accountable for what we do with His creation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your providence and providing what you have for me. Help me and remind me that it is yours and I am your servant caring for it. Keep me grateful and keep me diligent to care for it. Thank you for helping me to do this and providing me the means to care for it and those near me.

Proverbs 10:4-5 - The Diligent Hand of the Prudent Son

Proverbs 10:4-5
4 Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.
He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

Message: The Diligent Hand of the Prudent Son

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: Even there were not any verse or chapter divisions in the original manuscripts, the beginning of this chapter says -- A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a grief to his mother. Solomon in Proverbs is primarily speaking to a son or his children to discuss things to think about, mostly regarding behavior. The reality is that left to our natural state, we have a tendency to live lives of complete selfishness. We do not naturally please others. For example, a child has to learn to share. For some it is easier than others. I see this in myself often, my selfishness takes over in so many areas. Yes, I work hard, but often I think that hard work then merits a meeting of my expectations.

These two proverbs contrast the hard working with the lazy. This is a common theme. I have learned in life that it is not just about working hard but working hard in a wise manner. After college I worked in a credit union as a teller for just about 6 months. In that job, I worked quickly but not always carefully. I enjoyed being faster than everyone else, but along the way I wasn't always the most accurate. My next year was spent volunteering in radio and doing temp jobs. In those jobs I sometimes didn't have big time requirements and could work at my own pace. Then, I got a job in retail. It wasn't just working hard that was important, but being wise in that work and working with a smile on my face, which has always been a challenge. In this process, I went back to school and then went to work at an accounting office. I worked hard, but not hard enough. My boss was similar to my boss now, expecting me to get the job done and not being focused on my time. I took a few afternoons off to watch Lobo basketball and didn't come in like he did on the weekends and he let me go. That was a wake up call for I spent another couple of months looking for work while having a wife at home and a new child. I then worked in Santa Fe and had different demands placed on me and I responded, thought it was still a challenge. That was a good job, but I still felt inadequate many times and I wasn't sure I was working well. I then took a job back in Albuquerque with a friend being the resident accountant for a small business. That was a job I didn't have much confidence in and I let others decide how I would work rather, though they looked to me for advice often.

I think overall I have learned to be diligent as verse 4 speaks.

And now I look at my children and I must admit their idleness makes em bothered. I think they spend too much time in entertainment and recreation mode. But, I also need to remember myself and what I had to learn and I need to give them time to learn as well.

Promise: Different seasons of life dictate often how often we spent quality time with the Lord and quality time working, but it is always important to be diligent and work in a wise manner.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the experiences that I have had. Some have been hard to go through, but through them you have taught much about myself. Forgive me for continually thinking of myself as deserving something because I simply work hard. You have gifted me in a certain way to be a certain person and this is who I am. And remind me that I am simply behaving in a way that is consistent with my make-up. Help me to be patient with my wife and children. I need your help Lord, I often act in way that I am not proud of. I want to instead bring glory to Your Name.