Psalm 97 - Perfect Hatred

Psalm 97

You who love the Lord, hate evil! (verse 10)

Message: Perfect Hatred

What the Lord is Saying: I was going through my mom's papers recently. She kept a lot of papers and was devoted to God in an intense way that I am still discovering. Her time dwelling in God's presence is significant. A couple of weeks ago I sat at her desk. She had a chair in the living room that I often saw her at when I came up the stairs in the morning to get my breakfast and get ready for school. She was in that chair in the early morning hour, praying and studying. But in the den area now, where there was a pool table when I grew up, is another round table which scripture cards on it, a basket with a prayer book devotion and also another one of Mom's bibles. She had multiple Bible's and all had many markings in them. She had multiple devotions. There was a lot of variation. I guess I am the same way. But she had many different devotionals where I have been using the same one for years - Tabletalk - though inching my way through it. As of right now, I am still focused on the 2019 issues. 

The paper I came across this time was a page taken out of the devotional book, "Our Daily Bread." There are two sides or two entries to the paper, so I am not sure which devotional my mom had saved this piece of paper. Haddon Robinson wrote the devotional and I think wrote many of the devotions for Our Daily Bread. She had me listen to a sermon or teaching that he had done one time. I also don't know when this came out, but the entry says, "October 21, Friday." Prior to my mom's death that date occurred in 2016. 

I don't find this particular devotion online anywhere. The devotion ends with a prayer. My mom prayed a lot and she often had prayer books. She gave me one for my birthday on September 4, 1988 when I turned 21, that she did in calligraphy from some prayers by Tozer. In one of this books, each chapter ended with a prayer. Well, each of these entries ends with a prayer. 

I suppose I am trying here to better understand my mom. I admired her and she helped me know God. And in her I saw someone that I wanted to be like. I think I am like her. There are truths here that she saw and that made an impact on her. There are remnants of this throughout the house. She encourages me. And helps me to know God better. 

The prayer reads: 

Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Amen. 

Simple. Direct. 

On the drive in yesterday I was thinking about me and my struggle to pray. And I thought of my mom and wondered if she had the same struggle. And even at times the same struggle to read the Bible and depend on it. I think she might have because she had so many 'help's' in her life to get her knowing God and knowing His truth.  

The lesson from this devotional is in loving the Lord I am to hate evil. 

Looking at this text - Psalm 97 - I refer to one of my books by Phillips, "Exploring the Psalms." I also take a moment to look on BibleHub at the summary stated of this chapter. The chapter begins with "The Lord Reigns." 

Phillips says this Psalm looks forward to a time when the Righteous One, the Beloved will return to Reign on this earth. It is a Psalm of Prophecy, looking forward in the future to the Millennial reign. He sees the first 9 verses as speaking of Jesus the Reigning One and those verses describe him ruling nature and ruling nations. The earth and with the clouds and darkness about Him, rolled away, and there is fire, burning up His enemies, lightning enlightens the world and the hills melt in His presence. This earth responds to His reign and surrenders to Him. And then in verses 6-9 the peoples respond to Him. All those with idols will see them as worthless. Instead "Worship Him." Zion or the Jewish people have often persisted in unbelief of Jesus but they will see that God is exalted and the Lord is most high. And then in verse 10-12 the lives of the people will be seen because the Lord not only reigns but is Righteous. And it is here the people are told to hate evil. Evil is in society but we are on the side of hating it at every turn. And we are delivered from its hand. There is light and gladness and we give thanks for His holy name. 

BibleHub isn't specific in its summary of this being prophetic but it is prophetic in that it showcases God's sovereign and just rule over all of the earth and all people at any time - past, present, and future. There is opposition of the Lord at times such as idols and enemies but there will be a point when these are no more. And the people of God are always to be about hating evil. Because we are those who love the Lord. So maybe this text is speaking about a future time when these situations which right now are ideal but not true because there are opposing forces, but one day there will be a earth that is only about God. So that is the hope. Right now, we are to be a people that hates evil, but right now we are back and forth in that regard. We are selfish and self-serving and defensive and not always only about good. I am to hate evil at every turn, but right now I don't and let it in at times. 

So I return to the prayer of this passage which I am thinking for my mom is found in this passage and Haddon Robinson also mentions Amos 5:15, "hate evil, love good." 

Prayer: I read the prayer again God - Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Help me God to only be about You. Don't let my personal feelings impact what you hate. I pray that I can read Your word each day and understand it and not read into it. Let me accept it and read it for what it is. God, I want to be that person that hates evil. I don't want to go along with it simply because others do. I want to stand up and be strong. O God, help me to truly be that person. I am to hate what you hate, but I admit a struggle with this so often and knowing what it is. Truth is hard for me often to come by. 

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

Proverbs 10:18 - Hatred begins in the Heart

Proverbs 10:18 

He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.

Message: Hatred begins in the heart

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: This is the first proverb in chapter 10 that is not a contrast between a virtue and a vice but instead is very specific about a person that has hatred towards others. Verse 15 was also a verse that wasn't so much a contrast but a commentary, but this one clear condones hatred. The contrast is one who conceals hatred and one who professes it. The former being a liar, the latter being a fool. In both instances, we need to consider how we view others. We know we need to love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35).

Judas is one of the clearest examples in scripture of one who betrays another person, and in this instance betrays the Christ, the Savior. It’s not clear to me in scripture if Judas consistently throughout his life expressed hatred, but most likely he did not express complete love and trust.

One who openly slanders is one who openly defames or openly brings negativity on his neighbor. One of the instances of this that stands out to me is election season. I think of opponents in election who go out of their way to defame or speak negativity of an opponent. I suppose in some ways they are showing a clear contrast but it’s done in a very disheartening manner.

As we rally around those individuals that we prefer, supporting them or voting them, are we also agreeing with this slander.

Of the two offenses here that one seems to stand out more. Hiding hatred is more of a personal problem that we as people try to do our best to continue to conceal, hoping that it doesn’t come out into the light. "In our modern day, few people admit to the sin of hatred" (Enduring Word). This person is engaging lies toward oneself. They know the truth of how they feel but try to make it out that all is fine. 

Prayer: Oh, father, you are rich in mercy. You take away my offenses, my sin, and you nail it to the across and forgive it in order to restore me to a relationship with you. You cover up completely my sin. I need to guard against any type of slander, either directly by myself, or indirectly, when I support others that slander people. I know this in work life it’s easy to defame my neighbor, agreeing with others as they bring it up. It is too easy to find error and fault in others, and then to speak of it almost like it’s a virtue by calling out their errors. Give me the courage to address it correctly. Give me the courage so that if I noticed some thing I address it with the person.  I know I’m a person that can be quite critical. I can be a person that is bitter when I feel offended. I pray for the foundation of my soul would be blameless, accepting of others. You are the great God. If I find fault, help me to address it with the person and not to simply bad mouth the person behind their back. Thank you for caring for me and loving me no matter what. I praise you. In Jesus' name I offer this prayer. Amen. 

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

Proverbs 10:12 - Loving through Unmet Expectations

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up strife,

But love covers all transgressions.

The Message: Loving through unmet expectations

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: Hatred and Love. They stand on opposite lines, opposite spectrums. The language here is always interesting. The choice of words. Hatred stirs up. When I think of stirs I think of chocolate milk. It is simply where my mind goes. Starting with the pure white milk and then adding chocolate powder or syrup and suddenly the white milk is no longer white and pure, but instead it is impacted completely by the dark color of chocolate. It stirs and discolors that which is pure. 

But it moves beyond this to "stirs up." I find this definition, "Stirs up" generally means to cause a strong emotion or reaction, or to disturb something, often intentionally. Stirring up starts with a substance that isn't in conflict and it stirs up conflict. This represents me so often. I am doing fine, but something comes along to stir me up and suddenly produce something very different in me that is agitated, angry, upset, in conflict. 

This verse starts with Hatred as the active agent. Hatred comes along and stirs up strife. Strife is discord or disagreement. 

Interesting. Hatred and strife are both unfavorable dispositions. I do not want to hate and I do not want to have strife in situations and yet, in this verse both work off one another. It is like in the nature of discord or disagreement hatred is the result of strife. 

NIV - Hatred stirs up Conflict

NLT - Hatred stirs up quarrels

Good news - Hatred stirs up trouble

Literal - Hatred awakens contentions

It is as if, hatred is one thing, standing alone, communicating a contempt for something, a dislike, but then everything stirs up strife. Ellicott says, "Hatred rakes up again old feuds which have slumbered." Joseph Benson says, "they imagine faults where there are none, and aggravate every small offence." 

This interesting. It is as if there is a past feeling that is dormant and in this instance it is stirred up and awakened. It was laying asleep, but now it is up again. 

Yowza. I see this all to often. I suppose I am such an emotional creature, with expectations. Especially in relationships. I have this high expectation in other people and how I think they should be acting. I project on them they way I think they should be and in the process, when they don't meet that expectation, I grow sour and disappointed. However, I don't hate them. I just loathe their decisions. Why can't they choose an alternate way. Often times, or lately it seems it comes down to work. There is something they are expected to do. Almost like a common sense that is present and instead they choose a different way. I brandish them as not meeting that expectation and strife stirs up. I have a problem. And I can't seem to get myself away from it. It just lies there and everyday it stirs up again. I hate the action, but yes, it moves beyond a hatred to then producing strife in me where now my interactions with that person is filled with strife or disagreement. I try to recognize the positive, but keep struggling with that.

The contrasting element of this verse is somewhat simple - love covers all transgressions. I don't know why in me, but I seem to focus more on the negative side of things rather than this - lover covers all sins. Love covers all troubles, vices, offenses. Love comes in the door. Ellicott says, "Love covers up and refuses to look at any wrong done to it." Joseph Benson states, "willingly forgives and forgets the injuries and offences of others, and so prevents contention and mischief." Love does the opposite of stirs up conflict, it prevents the conflict. I suppose currently I don't want to let the offense off. But I need to do that. I need to forgive. But it is hard when I feel so justified. It is almost like love becomes more real when it can look past offenses and does not raise up contention. This is when love is really real. I can love others that have different beliefs. I can love my kids when they often don't go the right way, follow God in the way they should. I need to do more of this - love when my approval hasn't been met. 

I admit Lord I struggle. 

Prayer: It has been 2 months since I did one of these Proverbs Father. My goal, as you know, was to do one a day, but that does not happen. I guess one is better than none. Father, this one is a tough one for me. I see the promise, the contrast, and yet, I admit a big struggle in feelings of justification in allowing strife to remain present rather than simply allowing love to cover it. I try to forgive but struggle in the forgetting. And then it rears its ugly head again. Help me with this Lord. That I may love no matter what. At times at work, I need to call attention to problems, but help me to not let it upset the relationships I have. Help me to pick myself up and remain positive and happy and have joy. Not only when everyone is on the same footing as me, but when there are differences. I need to accept and love and keep having joy. Give me Your strength God because I don't have it. 

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

John 17:14-16 - Staying in the World

John 17:14-16

14 I have given them Thy word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil [one]. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 

Message: Staying in the World

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: As I mentioned in the last lesson, this prayer by Jesus does not so far have much intercession. Instead it is him speaking to God and describing his relationship with God and who He is in relation to God and who the disciples are as well. The actual requests for people are not predominant, but instead through these words are truths and promises that he is speaking. I continue to find this interesting. Most of my prayers or the prayers I heard are so focused on God doing something in our lives. I mean, it is good I guess that we come to God admitting we need his help. Like at our small group meeting yesterday, as I listened to the requests and how focused they are on making our lives better. There was some praise which was good. There is mention of people that are important to us and we don't want to see them hurt. 

And yet, as I listened to this and then also read this prayer I see so little intercession. Yesterday in the lesson, there were two thoughts of request -- "Holy Father, keep them in Thy name" and "that they may have My joy made full in themselves." Every other word is acknowledging truths. 

In our home group, Bill had us read Psalm 47. This is only a Psalm of praise. No requests. Just thankful to God. Interesting. 

Hated by the world - So today's passage begins (v. 14) with Jesus stating that He has given His disciples God's words. And the world does not like them because of this. With God's word with them, they are not popular before the world. Why are they hated? Because they are not of the world. They are not living according to its ways. Wow. We see this often. And yet we are baffled by this. It seems by our comments that we expect the world to live in a Godly way or manner. They are the world. Our job is to save them, not to complain about them purely. If we see a problem, then we do something about it. 

Stay in the world - In verse 15 we have 2 requests that I see. First they are to stay in the world. Jesus wants us in the world. "I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world." He wants us in the world. He wants us to be a light, to shine brightly. I just wonder in all of our complaining about the world, if we are really shining brightly in this world of ours. Are we really being a bright light to our world? 

I started reading a book called, "Sharing Jesus [without freaking out]" and in the beginning of the book he offers what I saw was a 3 fold description of why we are sharing the gospel with people. We can (1) help people see that their life matters, (2) that their passion to live comes from God, and (3) that the good news of Jesus can rescue them from pain. I love these words because of what is said - life matters, living is from God, and Jesus rescues us from the pain. There is pain living in the world. But Jesus gives us peace through that pain. I just love those words. I just don't think we approach the gospel sometimes in that way. God, yes, wants to give us eternal life, but he also wants to bring something to our life today - that it matters and we are anchored by God and he frees us from pain. That is the bright light we need to be. 

Be kept from the evil one - And also in verse 15 is the charge from Jesus to "keep them from the evil [one]." Again, we are to stay in the world, but be kept from the evil one. The reality is that the evil one, and Jesus recognizes this, is at work in the world. Evil is in the world. Jesus does want us to be free from this and he is praying this for us. Don't let the evil get a hold of you. We are not of the world, just as Jesus is not of the world, but we live in it. 

Summary: Jesus says in this prayer we will be hated by the world, but we are to stay in the world and he prays that we (disciples) will be kept from the evil one. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Let us resolve to stand for Christ today, no matter the consequences, knowing that in Him we have everything.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for explaining to me the truth of You and Your Word and also training me in the way I need to speak to you. I learn from you God and see that prayer is talking to you and in my talking I want to be someone who takes time to speak in such a way that I acknowledge you for the great God that you are. I do this in my singing in church, but I also need to do it with my own words, in quiet, declaring who you are and all that you have done for me. Teach me Lord to pray this way. My words can be few for my requests. And yet they rarely are because I am so good at talking about those things in life that are dear to me. Lord, you are holy. The truth of you is that You love people. All that You want to do God is make yourself known in creation. 

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

John 15:22-25 - Inexcusable Sin

John 15:22-25

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 But [they have done this] to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'

Message: Inexcusable Sin

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: Interesting, at first glance Jesus seems to sort of washing his hands at the inevitable outcome of the world. He is giving the outcome it would seem of the world. Again, I think of this man I have been speaking with. He says he believes and prays to God, but Jesus was only a good person, not the Son of God. Jesus is saying however that if you reject Him you are also rejecting the Father. I can see that this is quite a claim. I have shared the gospel multiple times with this man, in many different ways, but he has been firm in stating He does believe in God and prays to God, but he does not believe in Jesus and only thinks he is a good person. Overall he thinks his good deeds is enough. But Jesus and John in this gospel is making the strong statement over and over - and speaking to primarily a Jewish audience - stating that when a person rejects Jesus that person is also rejecting the Father. In other words, once God has sent His son on the earth, things change. 

Jesus continues his worlds toward the world that he mentioned in verse 18. Verse 22 begins with another "if" statement. The verse makes me think that since Jesus showed up and was resurrected in AD 33, everyone is now accountable to him. This verse has some funny language - "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin.'  The sin that Jesus was referring to here was hate (v. 18) and persecution (v. 20). I think the idea is if Jesus had not come and they had not seen his miracles and heard His words, they would not be accountable to Him. But Jesus did come and He did testify and they were given an opportunity to hear of Him, "but now they have no excuse for their sin." Jesus did come to this earth and so people are accountable. I think that's a key idea I have been sort of searching for or wondering. Now that Jesus has come and died and been resurrected and shed his blood, all are accountable to Him. There is no other gospel. We can't simply say I believe in God only. 

Therefore, "He who hates Me hates My Father also."  A person has to accept Jesus. A person can't just hang on the Father now and the Father only. He repeats these same ideas and closed in verse 25 with a quote from the Old Testament. In this quote, Jesus is mirroring a situation that happened to David (Psalm 35:19). Albert Barnes (1798-1870) comments, "David was conscious that he had done them no wrong, or that he had given no occasion for their conduct toward him, and hence, his prayer is simply a request that justice might be done." And Jesus says, ‘THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.' They have had the opportunity. Jesus has given people the opportunity. Like David, there is no cause for them to hate him as He has been true to himself. 

Summary: Jesus remarks that no one has a reason to curse Him by hatred or persecution because He has presented Himself as the Son of Man who is equal to the Father. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, " As we meet people who claim to love God without serving Christ, we must be clear that they cannot love God unless they are servants of Jesus the Savior."

Prayer: Jesus you are true. You have been sent by God. Lord, I believe now and understand that when people hear you and hear you preached they are accountable to You. There are no other options. Thank you for these truths and help me be a faithful witness of You always, helping people rightly understand You. 

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

John 15:18-21 - The World's Hatred

John 15:18-21 

18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, "A slave is not greater than his master." If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake. Because they do not know the One who sent Me. 

Message: The World's Hatred

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: I continue to press on with these lessons. On the side, I'm talking to people online and sometimes get discouraged because people don't understand the Gospel. And now I read this verse with Jesus talking about the world hating us Christians at times with Jesus reminding us it has hated Him more. In my Bible this section from verse 18-25 is about the 'Relationship of Believers to the World.' 

At first glance these words seem like a surprise. Jesus I think still is comforting His disciples after announcing his glorification or return to the Father and reminds them He is with and the Holy Spirit will help. But he also then starts to speak of abiding in Him and that love He has for us and we are to have for him and faithful obedience to His commands follows this. But now this abrupt turn to those that hate us. We have been talking about loving one another. 

There definitely seems to be a difference in how Christians think and how the world thinks. I see this in conversations and must admit it is challenging to help people understand truth. The struggle I have most of the time is when someone says they believe in God or even says that they pray. So there is something there as far as acknowledging but then getting them to the place of them surrendering to God seems hard or hard for them to figure out. Even as I present the gospel it is like something is not registering. 

But when looking at those that are opposed like another man I'm talking to then the words are much stronger and clear in people's disdain. Jesus is clearing speaking of a difference - believers and those of the World. That is another tough concept to the non-Christian who I think somewhat believe at the end of the day everyone will end up in the same place. And it is interesting that the Bible so clearly talks about two different type of people - followers/believers/disciples and then the World. The fact that there is opposition to the church and the gospel is clear and evident. There is no intention for all to be accepted by God and we see this portrayed as well. 

Also, the word "if" is used often, not previously but here. "If the world hates you" or "If you were of the world" or "If they persecuted me" or "If they kept My word." The "if" is not a definite situation but a possibility. Suppose this happens. And maybe the "if" refers to the fact that not all will experience this because not all will know Jesus the way He intended. 

Verse 19, 20, 21 continues the same information stated a little differently regarding disciples not being greater than their teacher, the Messiah. We are not of the world, but if we subscribe to the world and its ways, they will love us. But we are not of the world or we are not to be of the world.  Verse 20 mentions that a slave or servant is not greater than its master simple means that the disciple can expect the same treatment that Jesus receives. And all things will be done to the disciples for the sake of Jesus. 

Summary: Like Jesus, the disciples will be persecuted and hated by the world, but this hate is first directed at Jesus. 

Promise: The world cannot help but hate us, because those who are in rebellion against God hate everything that is not also in rebellion against Him. 

Prayer: God, you bore the punishment for me and have saved me from eternal separation from you. You are all I need in my life ultimately. Keep reminding me of this. I thank you for the community of the church that provides me encouragement amidst the tough times in our world. Help me to have the negative words towards me bounce off and yet I do know they are rejecting You first, but this still remains hard to accept. 

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

Deuteronomy 5:17 - Murder, Self-Defense, and Hatred

Deuteronomy 5:17 - You shall not murder.

Message: Murder, Self Defense, and Hatred

Time: This book chronicles farewell messages by Moses, the 120 year old leader of the Israelite, primarily intended for the lay person. It covers about one month, at the end of the forty-year period in the wilderness - 1405 BC. It is a renewal of the old covenant given at Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab.

What the Lord is Saying:

For the most part this remains a command that society still prohibits in line with bible believing people. Taking another human life remains an offense. In the Hebrew, to murder is to deliberately take an innocent life. But not all killing is murder. "If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account (Exodus 22:2)." In this case the innocent party is the one that has been attacked and thus, that is the life that must be preserved. This has been applied to war conflicts as well in defending ourselves against another aggressor. Yet, abortion is an area in which the killing of an innocent life is allowed, believing that a woman's feelings or choices outweigh the child. But the idea of modifying human life has become a common theme now in civilization. Personal choices are becoming a greater concern to people than the sanctity of life or how God has defined life. 

Jesus took this principle of murder a step farther in declaring that ungodly anger breaks the sixth commandment. 

21 “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. 23 Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. 25 Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent."

I'm not sure if Jesus is saying that hatred is murder, but he does seem to be saying that anger and hatred is also an offense to the Lord and so just as murder is an offense, hatred or anger is also an offense. If anything- what Jesus is saying is -it is not simply our outward actions that are an offense before the Lord, but our inner thoughts as well. Our words are as important as our actions.

It is an interesting thought an idea - first regarding murder and then self-defense and now hatred.  

Summary:  Murder is not unforgivable and yet like any other sin, even hatred, we need to avoid it. It has consequences in this life. Fortunately everyone still in society agrees. Self-defense is a little harder to define, but God I believe understands type time of killing. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Murder is not the unforgivable sin...as Christians, we are perhaps more prone to break the sixth commandment by harboring angry hearts. Ungodly anger against another person violates the sixth commandment, so let us seek to eliminate that sin in our lives.

Prayer: O Father, you are Holy. This is clear. Forgive me for my anger and hatred over the years. Forgive our society for thinking murder does not apply to unborn babies. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness and help us to focus on You each day. 

Note: I follow the readings from the Tabletalk Magazine devotional, though I am a little behind and working through 2017 devotionals. 2017 is a study of key biblical doctrines celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. The month of July is about the right use of God's Law; June was justification by faith alone; May about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April, salvation by grace alone; March, the sovereign providence of God; February, the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January, the doctrine of God. 

Bringing me to Christ

The Restraint of the Law - the law is given for lawless, unholy, disobedient people, to restrain us from acting on our sinful thoughts. Restraint and Guilt - the law is meant to restrain Christians and non-Christians alike; so that others may see Christ. The Law's Revelation of Sin - The Law reveals sin, at times making it more desirable, and show the sin which people commit and the complete standard it expects. The Law and Our Powerlessness - We are powerless over the Law and Sin revealed. It is in Christ that we receive forgiveness and the power to resist sin. The Law our Guardian - The law is not a tool of justifying me, but rather it is an instrument to bring me to Christ and show me my need for Him. 

Guiding our Lives

The Guidance of the Law - The Law is a guide in our lives for what pleases God and what it looks like to walk in holiness. The Antinomian Error - We were slaves to sin, but now we are slaves to obedience and righteousness. Judaizing Legalism - The error of Judaizing Legalism is the idea that obedience brings about God's acceptance of us for salvation. The Deadliest Form of Legalism - This legalism is that one would get too focused on external practices instead of focusing on the heart.

The Law is our Guide

The Centrality of Love - Love and the law go hand in hand. We do not belong to God unless we love our neighbor, and we cannot love our neighbor without knowing and doing God‘s law and loving him. Finding Guidance in the Law - God's Word, all if it, is a guide to my life and I am to meditate on it continually. The One and Only God - I seek to trust and love God above all else today. Images and Idols - Pictures, statues, symbols, art, people are not bad; but be careful about placing too much emphasis on these things I see. Using God's Name Frivolously - Blasphemy or using God's name frivolously are examples of taking God's name in vain. Keeping the Lord's Day - It is vital that we are setting apart a day to gather for worship and fellowship, resting from our ordinary vocations. Honoring Father and Mother - Parents are to rear their children in faith, teaching them to respect authority and children are to follow.

Mark 14:63-65 - The Humiliation of Christ

Mark 14:63-65
63 Tearing his clothes, the high priest *said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. 65 Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps in the face.

Message: The Humiliation of Christ

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus has been arrested and it is Thursday night. He has been seized under the cover of darkness, after he had prayed. The disciples and people fled; even one man who started to get apprehended got away naked, but he still got away. But, then Peter and John followed Jesus to the Sanhedrin court. They first accused Jesus improperly and so Jesus didn't respond. But then they asked Him if he was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed (God). And this time Jesus answered and acknowledged and even spoke of His future.

Jesus has just remarked to this question - “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” And the response Tearing his clothes, the high priest *said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” Blasphemy is speaking sacrilegiously of God. It is not showing reverence to God. The high priest felt like he had all the evidence he needed to condemn Jesus to death because he had admitted to being the Messiah, the Son of God.

Jesus had admitted in the previous verses that He had a special relationship with God. He admitted that He was the Son of God and then He also calls himself the Son of Man. Now the question that has been raised is blasphemy here referring just to Jesus having a special sort of relationship with God or it referring to him having more than just a special relationship but being God himself. Traditional Christianity would be the latter while many religions such as Muslims, Jehovah Witnesses and liberal Christians say the former.

What we do know for sure is he was utterly offended. We know this because of the tearing his clothes. This was probably a man of multiple tunics and tearing ones clothes was a sign of exceptional grief. But this wasn't simply a tearing of one's clothes, but it was a violent tear. The Greek word is rent and it implies violent dramatic action. The high priest is making a point. He is calling attention to Jesus' words. But I still wonder what his motivation was in doing this. He wasn't someone that wanted or felt like there was a need for any more evidence. He had all the evidence he needed and getting witnesses to testify against Jesus was more of a formality. So perhaps the tearing of His clothes was more to enunciate with clarity that nothing more is needed for Jesus has made the claim. Was Jesus just embodying an exceptional person or was he stating that He was equal with God and thereby God.

And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death. It seems that the JW's for one focus not on Jesus admitted he was the son of God, but instead focus on Jesus saying that he had a special place of distinction at the right hand of God. Whatever this meant at the time, the people felt like he was worthy to be condemned to death. Would Jesus claiming that God has reserved for him a special place be enough for him to be crucified or was this more likely because he was proclaiming to be God.

Some began to spit at Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him with their fists, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers received Him with slaps. It is now about 3am. Jesus has not slept as the night before was his last night of sleep. What follows now is not just contempt but the greatest contempt that people would have on someone. To spit on someone was a sign of this sort of contempt. And then if that wasn't enough there was blindfolding and then beating him with their fists. And Mark and Luke record that they would say to Jesus to Prophesy.

In some ways this is puzzling because nowhere have we seen this type of rage of Jesus and yet it must have been present. There must have been many that equally hated Jesus as those who loved Him in a great way.

Summary - It is now late into the morning and because of Jesus saying that he is the Son of God and calling himself the Son of Man, the charge of blasphemy is given and Jesus is now being spit on, blindfolded and struck with fists.

Promise: Jesus is voluntarily taking this humiliation.

Prayer: Lord, you were humiliated for me. That is clear. Please continue to reveal yourself to me. You were hated in a way I have not seen recorded yet in the Scripture. I worship You.

Mark 13:11-13 - Enduring to the End

Mark 13:11-13
11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Message: Enduring to the End

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on the Mount of Olives and delivering a message to his disciples and followers, a prophecy of the destruction of the temple and different things that will take place. He has just mentioned that people will be delivered over to the synagogue officials, governors, kings, for His sake. This is what awaited the first-century disciples after His ascension. Christians are not simply to wait but to be active in bearing witness to the World. We can take these messages as well and apply them to today as we await the final judgment of all people, though those words were fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

The disciples would learn in this message that the Holy Spirit would speak for them When they arrest you and hand you over,as mentioned in the previous verses. They do not need to fret or be frightened and neither do I. do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. As we encounter difficulties in life we tend to get obsessed about our response, but Jesus wants us to focus instead on staying obedient to our calling and what He is doing in our lives and let Him take care of the words that we are to say. We can be confident in the Lord and that He will speak.

And in those perilous times of being accused and beaten, Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. The disciples should not think that they would at least have the acceptance and support of their family members because in these times they will be betrayed by family. I think something must definitely occur in people when we are close to death, when we fear that our life is on the line or that we are imprisoned. We tend to go into self-protect mode. I wonder often how I would respond in these situations. Would I let things occur or come to the aid of my family, if it was my brother or mom or other near relatives? I hope that my focus would be on Christ.

Jesus lets the disciples know beforehand that these betrayals will occur so that perhaps they can be better prepared for when they do occur. You will be hated by all because of My name. Again, this is a sobering truth. In these times of wanting to be popular is the reminder that instead we will be hated. I see a church today that is being more compromising in their beliefs with the idea that they are accepting of people. The few that stand their ground seem to be alienated. When we come to Christ we give our all, but many of us struggle with this and want to remain attached the creature comforts of our world. Our aim often is not complete adherence but adherence as long as safety, security, and comfort are not jeopardized. This world I notice is increasing in their abandonment of fearing God. More and more we are falling into subtle indifference. The family is no longer about a husband and wife, a man and a woman, but same sexes and changing sexes are here. Idolatry is rampant as many things are taking place of bible study and prayer. Church is not a priority for many, but simply a nice thing to do, if you have time. Truth is changing for a standard law to a personal low. Each person's truth is said to be acceptable and tolerable. The fair treatment of all people has become the greatest ideal. Often we spend our lives protecting life rather than ministering to others. I find my days are centered more on going through the motions. I'm not sure I am hated because I'm not really standing for truth. I wanting people to like me and value me so that comes at the expense often of being true to my calling in Christ.

Jesus records these words - but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Life is found in endurance. Life is not a sprint, but a journey. Our goal then is to make it to the end and the believing Christian will make it to the end. We are quick to say that we are not saved by works, but believing Christians do work to the end. Though Salvation is not based upon those works, a working Christian is a true follower of Christ.

Summary - Jesus sends forth a tough message here stating that difficulties will arise and they will be present. The disciples do not need to be shocked for even their family members will betray them as they are hurled into courts and prison time because of their faith. They will be hated but as a believer in Christ, a true believe, our lives are marked by endurance to eternal salvation.

Promise: Our Lord is focused on our future at all times. I think we are too focused on our now.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I am not one of these people that betray another Christian, but Lord I pray instead that I would rely on your divine grace and will.

Jesus Calling: May 20

     When your sins weigh heavily upon you, come to Me. Confess your wrongdoing, which I know all about before you say a word. Stay in the Light of My Presence, receiving forgiveness, cleansing, and healing. Remember that I have clothed you in My righteousness, so nothing can separate you from Me. Whenever you stumble or fall, I am there to help you up.
     Man's tendency is to hide from his sin, seeking refuge in the darkness. There he indulges in self-pity, denial, self-righteousness, blaming, and hatred. But I am the Light of the world, and My illumination decimates the darkness. Come close to Me and let My Light envelop you, driving out darkness and permeating you with Peace. 

I John 1:7
English Standard Version

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Verse Thoughts
Verse 5 says, "God is light, and in him is no darkness." I am to walk in the light, walk in God. A true Christian does not walk in darkness, but only in the light. It is this walking in light that allows us to have fellowship with one another. There is an intimacy of being in the Body of Christ that is like nothing else.  

Isaiah 61:10
English Standard Version

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 

Verse Thoughts
This is the OT picture of imputed righteousness, the essential heart of the New Covenant. When a penitent sinner recognizes he can't achieve his own righteousness by works, and repents and calls on the mercy of God, the Lord covers him with his own divine righteousness by grace through his faith.  

John 8:12
English Standard Version

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

My Prayer
Thank you Lord for forgiving all my sin and cleansing me, I am seen by You as pure, and as white as snow. It amazes me because I know the darkness of my life. Sure, I can put on a good front with people most of the time, but you know my inner thoughts, and you can hear the words I often express toward people even as I sit there listening to them talk. Thank you for saving me. The fact that I sinned one time made me not perfect and in need of a substitute. Thank You Jesus for redeeming me so that never again will sin have a hold on me. Yes, I want to live a life that honors you but I'm thankful that no matter what happens, you have covered me with the robe of righteousness.

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

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

Romans 12:9 - Genuine Goodness and Love

Romans 12:9 - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

Message: We love based upon the Love given to us by God.

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

What the Lord is Saying: 

Leading up
In Romans 5, it spoke of God's love pouring out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit (5:5). And Christ dying for us was a demonstration of God's love (5:8) toward us. Nothing, in our lives, can separate us from the love of Christ (8:35). And we can conquer things because of His Love (8:37). Nothing in life can separate us from the Love of God (8:39). This is our example of love. It is poured out or freely given. It is sacrificing, so it is not self-seeking. It is unconditional. It is not based upon a condition or act or performance of another person. And love gives us the power to accomplish anything. No matter what we ever will do or have done or currently are doing, that love is always there for us. There could be no greater example of love. 

The message of this chapter has been on love. The previous three verses focused on gifts that we as believers in Christ, of the church, are to make sure we recognize that we have and we are serving these gifts to others in our lives. We are part of the body of Christ. We are unique and we are members of one another. We are to present ourselves to God and not be conformed to the ways of the world. The ways of the world are often self-seeking. They are selfish. They are about focusing on self. But, our mind is to be renewed each day to this act of looking outside of ourselves, to others. 

Love
Now, in verse 9, we are to understand that in this service, in this sacrifice, it it to be a genuine love. It is not to be two-faced or about multiple selfish motives. The goal is not to get something, but it is to give something. 

There was a break from verse 8 to verse 9. Verse 8 ended the description of the gifts. Verse 9 is not a gift, but it is a command to every believer. I am reminded of my children and when they have done something wrong, we tell them to shake hands or say you are sorry or hug your sister. In that moment, they are angry and upset and we are forcing their hand on being loving. They are in a state where they don't want to be loving and yet we are forcing them to love. This clearly is not what Paul is speaking about here. This love is not to be forced or based upon being coerced. 

This verse must be the hallmark idea or feeling of all that we do in Christ as we serve others. In everything that we do, we do it with genuine love toward others. We are not trying to get the award or get the recognition or get the payback or a return. I am always amazed by those preachers that stand up and say, "if you will do this for God, then you will get something incredible in return." That is not the sentiment here. Our focus is not on ourselves. Our love is to be genuine and again, in no way, to be self seeking. 

This is hard because so much in our life is focused on pleasing ourselves and getting things for ourselves. "Everybody is working for the weekend" was the popular song by Loverboy as I was in middle school. And it reminds me of what I see often at work. The work week begins with one goal in mind, the end of the week and the weekend so that we can have "me" time. And I often here at work about the great retirement that we have. So, beyond each day, every month and year is inching ourselves towards getting out and getting a retirement. But, I am to love my work and the fact that through it I get to help people and serve them. 

Abhor evil, cling to good
Then, I think, here is a sort of separate thought. We are to hate evil. This is becoming harder and harder because the line between good and evil is becoming much more blurry. And as we begin to hate things that we view as evil, society now sees those same things as being practically good and so the Christian is then viewed as intolerant. 

And yet we are called to not simply hate. The Greek word for hate is stugeo, but this word is apostugeo. It is used in the New Testament only in this verse. It is a continual vigilance to separate ourselves from that which is evil. Yes, it is to hate, but then it is to not want to be near it. We must daily surrender to the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. We don't possess the power on our own to stay away from evil. We will have victory's and we will be defeated at times. Thankfully, our standard is not perfection, though we strive for this. 

Because we are abhorring what is evil, we cling to what is good. Cling is the Greek word kollao. In the same way that evil is expressed by having a complete hatred toward evil, good here literally means to glue, cement, join or fasten together. Just like abhor, cling is in the present tense which means this is to mark the believer's daily lifestyle. And once again, we are unable to do this on our own, we must daily surrender ourselves to the Holy Spirit, the one that speaks the truth of Jesus and His life in our lives.

The most familiar use of the word kollao (cling) in the New Testament is taught about the husband and wife relationship, that when one gets married, they leave their father and mother and cling together, the man clings to his wife, and the two become one flesh (Matthew 19:5).

We really must daily evaluate the connections we have made with the World and what it is offering to us. We must be very careful, even in our churches, whether we have brought into the church ideas and notions and beliefs from the outside world and are now calling them Christian. We must pray each day, "Lord, I want to be careful. I think of the great words of Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." This should be our daily cry to God. And then as we surrender to Him, we pray for a willingness in ourselves to accept what God has provided. For the Christian, we surrender to the Lord, realizing that often we have trained ourselves over time to be close to the things of the world, so as God shows us the right way, we are to pray that He gives us strength to accept what He provides.

Promise: Because love is one of God's attributes, any understanding of what it means to be made in His image and to live in a way that pleases Him must take into love into account.