John 2:23-25 - Jesus and the Hearts of Men

John 2:23-25

23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. 

Message: Jesus and the Hearts of Men

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: So far in Chapter 2, Jesus has done a miracle at a wedding, turning water into wine and in the process I believe he also communicates something because in that miracle he provides the best wine so it wasn't simply wine being delivered when it was out, but the wine Jesus provided was the best wine and it showed the people at the wedding the best had come at the end. I think for me it is a reminder that Jesus and what He is providing us through Him is better than anything up to that point God has provided and yet everything He is doing is consistent with God's message from the beginning.

And then Jesus goes to the temple to tell people that what they are doing there is not part of His Father's business. He has authority. Granted, they are using it for their own gain, but nevertheless, the synagogue needs to return to being a place of worship. The Jews at this moment want to understand better and Jesus instead shows that His body is a temple and he will rise again, first providing atonement for people's sin, once and for all. 

Now here in verse 23, John repeats the Passover and remarks that at this time many were believing in His Name. John was proclaiming. John the Baptist was the forerunner. And many are believing. But also mentions that believing by "observing His signs which He was doing." And then Jesus also mentions, "Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them." It seems that while these people were believing it was not a saving faith believing. Jesus was not entrusting Himself to them. Perhaps their belief was only head knowledge and not heart knowledge. 

In some ways this is a little bit of a puzzling statement to me. John remarks that people are believing but perhaps they are too focused on the signs and not on the Savior. Perhaps they are missing the message of John about repentance. Jesus knows hearts. He knows people. And Jesus is remarking that these people maybe are not ready for Him completely for His is "not entrusting Himself to them." It reminds me of the verse in Matthew 7:21 and Jesus speaks, "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." It is not enough to believe, but believe must be followed with good works. I don't think this means that works save us but works do follow our belief. 

Jesus knows us. He knows hearts. We know God knows us. Throughout the Old Testament, over and over, through the Law and the Prophets we can tell God knows us. He knows our motives. And Jesus knows us. He knows us in the same way as God. "and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man." 

I cannot see into the heart of a person. But Jesus can. Throughout life, we have works that help us to show whether a person is saved or not or how there life is being lived, but Jesus is different. Jesus knows people. He knows hearts. 

Summary: People were believing in Jesus' name, but Jesus did not entrust Himself to them. Jesus knows hearts and must have not seen true faith in all people. 

Promise: We can never hide from Jesus. So we might as well be honest with Him. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for saving me. Thank you Jesus for bearing my sin on the cross. I sat in church yesterday as Lamar proclaimed your gospel and wanted to shout but didn't. Your truth was being stated in a clear manner and yet we were all silent. That is your gospel being proclaimed. How wonderful and amazing it is. That you have saved us. And You know me. You know me better than I know myself and You know my real motives. Thank you for these truths and continuing to know and understand you through these words. 

My Utmost for His Highest - March 22nd - The Burning Heart

They said to one another, “Were our hearts not burning within us when He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” - Luke 24:32

We need to learn this secret of the burning heart. Suddenly Jesus appears to us, the fires are kindled, we have wonderful visions, then we have to learn to keep the secret of the burning heart that will go through anything. It is the dull, bald, dreary, commonplace day, with commonplace duties and people, that kills the burning heart unless we have learned the secret of abiding in Jesus.

Much of our distress as Christians comes not because of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test as to whether we ought to allow an emotion to have its way is to see what the outcome of the emotion will be. Push it to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something God would condemn, allow it no more way. but if it be an emotion kindled by the Spirit of God and you do not let that emotion have its right issue in your life, it will react on a lower level. That is the way sentimentalists are made. The higher the emotion is, the deeper the degradation will be, if it is not worked out on its proper level. If the Spirit of God has stirred you, made as many things inevitable as possible, let the consequences be what they will. We cannot stay on the mount of transfiguration, but we must obey the light we received there; we must act it out. When God gives a vision, transact business on that line, no matter what it costs.

            "We cannot kindle when we will

                The fire which in the heart resides,
            The spirit bloweth and is still, 
            In mystery our soul abides;
                But tasks in hours of insight will'd
                Can be through hours of gloom fulfill'd."  -- Matthew Arnold

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

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

Mark 12:41-44 - The Widow's Sacrificial Contribution

Mark 12:41-44
41 And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums.42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

Message: The Widow's Sacrificial Contribution

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, after answering the religious leaders questions turns to His followers and the crowd and has His own messages to put forth. He begins with the proclamation that He is more than a man; He is Messiah; He is Lord, Adonai; He is not simply the son of David. He confronts the assumptions of the day of how the Messiah will come. And then he confronts the religious leaders of the day and their motives as leaders and what they often do in that role to set themselves apart. Jesus tells them that their condemnation will be greater than others, their judgement will be greater than others.

Jesus is near the temple and watching people make their financial offering, perhaps their tithe, to God. In Jesus' day, monetary gifts were deposited in an offering box located in the court of the women, where both men and women could gather. Deuteronomy 12:1-7 is the Lord's instruction for the Jews to bring their offerings to the one appointed sanctuary for worship. Thus, contributing monies to this box was in some ways a public act. People could see who was giving money when someone placed money in the box. Coins were the currency at this time and coins dropped in a box made noise so the sounds was a giveaway as to the amount of money contributed. Jesus knows hearts and He knows people. He sat there and observed people. He makes a contrast between the rich and poor. He remarks that giving is somewhat easy for the rich, but for the poor person giving is even a greater sacrifice.

Jesus has spoken recently that the religious leaders devoured widows' houses. They took their possessions. He has harsh words to say about people's wealth. God is tough on those who have given much.

It is interesting that Jesus is taking this moment to talk harshly about those in religion and their positions, their motives and even our own perception of people. I remember growing up in a church that was working on a huge building program. At the time, they thought it would be helpful to hear from families that had prayed about and taken a role in determining what to give to the church. But they brought the wealthy to the front and let them share their testimonies. Even in church we have a tendency to set apart those that give much. It is big news when someone gives a lot of their money to the church.

Jesus here is addressing motives and appearances which is what he spoke about in regards to the religious leaders position: many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

In looking at the differences between giving by two classes of people, I see an interested contrast and that is what it means to truly worship God with our wealth. Jesus called attention to the fact that woman, the poor widow, actually put in more than all the contributors because she gave all she owned, all she had to live on. In the last several years as I have engaged in conversations with individuals from Africa, notably those in very poor parts of the world and I hear often of their struggle to meet basic living expenses and then also hear from a pastor in Uganda, living in a farming town called Tororo, I am struck with this idea of true worship. I don't comprehend here at times what it means to give sacrificially because each time I give there is often something left, actually there is a lot left. Giving is simply another expense type. [Note: I volunteer with the ministry - globalmediaoutreach.com]

I also remember when my wife and I were younger, living in a house for the first time, having recently had our first son, child and I lost my job and Pamela wasn't working and we were struggling financially. People in our lives came to our rescue. They gave us funds. They provided us out of their abundance. I will always remember our life insurance man or the person trying to garner our business (Woodmen of America) and then also a couple on staff with Navigators. They both said that they had a little extra and they chose to give their little small abundance to us. To me, I thought that was an act of giving, true giving. While my wife and I have given funds over the years to a number of causes, our giving continues to hover around or maybe at times just slightly exceed a 10% amount of our income. But, I am not sure if it has ever reached a level of sacrifice. Maybe it has at times. Often, I am thinking giving is done with the idea that we are replacing what we would have spent on something else with giving. But, I am not sure we are ever going without something for the sake of our gift. I think this is what Jesus is talking about here.

So one hand I feel we need to move to a realm of giving sacrificially but also, Jesus is talking about giving with the heart. This is how I need to give.

Summary - Jesus is in the process of communicating truths to His followers. He has now spoken of his position as man and Lord. He also talks directly about religious leaders and their responsibilities or rather the way they abuse their power. He also now speaks of giving and specifically giving to the temple/church with the right motives, not based upon what we have, but based upon an attitude and desire to truly give.

Promise: From Tabletalk - R C Sproul wrote, "God is not so much concerned with what we give as how we give." The Lord is looking at our hearts and He esteems those who have hearts that are willing to make sacrifices for His kingdom. 

Prayer: Lord, I have read this. I have drawn some conclusions, but I am still a little at a lost as to what this means to me and how I am to apply these truths to my life. To me, you are looking at motives in these two individuals. So, Lord, help me to figure out my motive and what it might mean to sacrifice.

Mark 12:38-40 - Religious Men Who Prey on the Needy

Mark 12:38-40
38 In His teaching He was saying: “Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places, 39 and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 40 who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.”

Message: Religious Men Who Prey on the Needy

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 now teaching. He is teaching in some ways like he hasn't before. He is on a mission and he is conveying His message. The religious leaders of the day have asked their questions and He has responded, but now he puts forth his message starting with showing the scribes that He is Lord, He is Messiah, He is more than a man.

Jesus is speaking now directly to the large crowd. The previous verse had stated - And the large crowd enjoyed listening to Him. They enjoyed it and so he kept speaking. When Jesus first entered Jerusalem he cursed a fig tree. While the tree appeared to look like a tree of fruit it was actually not producing any fruit at all. He proceeded to go to the temple and discovered that the temple was not being used for its intended purpose, but was instead being used as a means to earn money and/or exchange goods, a sort of storefront. Jesus confronted the leaders, but they are not accustomed to being questioned and they did not respond well. What followed was a series of questions against Jesus.

Jesus now takes this moment to talk about religious positions, most notably here, the scribes who use their religious position for personal gain. As James says the teacher is held to a higher standard and in many ways it is the teacher -- looked upon and attention focused on -- that is tempted to live as a person that is very different from others. Jesus could have spoken about anything here, but He chose this message and I think that is significant. After pronouncing that he is more than a man, that He is Lord, he then addresses those who lead others in the faith and how those leaders should not conduct themselves. I have had a years-old conversation with an atheist who lives outside of London and one of his first and main complaints is this - the often appearance that the clergy or priests are above him or of greater value than him. They put forth this separate idea, but also a separate and better idea. This is what Jesus is talking about here.

Beware of the scribes - Beware of the scribes, but more completely, beware of the religious leaders among you. We need to stand guard over those that put forth the idea that they are the leaders, the religious leaders.  The scribes who like to walk around in long robes. The first thing that we see in a person is often their dress. Why is it that religious people always have to put on their best clothes and go to church? Perhaps it is meant as a form of respect. But even in a day when we are becoming more casual, certain groups continue to walk around in their best clothes door to door. I am thinking of the Jehovah's Witnesses. They appear at our door in nice clothing. They must know that the average person answering their door is not going to be in nice clothes but they make sure they appear this way, perhaps to display a person of authority. Businessmen and leaders and Mayor's wear suits each day. It seems to be a sign of authority. Right here, Jesus addresses this and says beware or look out. Take notice. As in, there could be a problem here with the fact that they are walking around in long robes. This was a rich robe in the day which reached down to the ankles and was adorned with fringes. The scribes took pleasure in this type of display. We feel good when we dress up. And in this casual time that we live in those that are dressing up are standing out even more.

The scribes also like respectful greetings in the market places and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. They wanted to hear the public acknowledgements from people. Again, important people are noticed by everyone. When they walk down a corridor or path or make an entrance people notice. There is no problem with this. This is normal, but the scribes problem was not that this simply occurred, but that Jesus says they liked it occurring. They liked the greetings, the chief seats, the places of honor. I think that one of the things that people loved about Abraham Lincoln was that he was a simple man. He was different from the leaders of the day. He stood out - yes, but he was like everyone else. Nowadays, our president often comes from very prestigious means and families.

I'm noticing that in these descriptions from Jesus he does something interesting. He tells people the motives of the scribes. I notice these words that he uses - walk around, like, devour, and for appearance's sake. They are not simply adorning themselves or hearing these acknowledgements because it is a normal thing. They like it. They enjoy the notoriety. They devour people. They are doing this for appearance. Jesus gets to the heart of the matter. He gets to people's motives. And that is what we need to be leery of, or beware of. Beware of those people that like these things.

The scribes also devour widows’ houses. They took an individual who was suffering a loss and didn't know how to tend to her property and affairs because the man as the leader of the home had taken on that role. And now they sweep in and devour the widows' house. They possess the property by deception. The problem here is greed or avarice. Like the movie Dirty Rotten Scoundrels where men often took advantage of a woman's wealth, this is what scribes would do. They used their position to meet the selfish need of their own for acquisition. It is fine to have things, but Jesus isn't simply addressing this. He is rather addressing the motives of these men.

for appearance’s sake offer long prayers - We are impressed by a praying man. Prayer, public prayer is difficult and somehow we value those that can do it. And praying to God is simply one of the highest desires we have. These scribes offered long prayers. Again, it was another way to say that they are different. A long prayer can be good, but it can also be done in such a way to focus more on the person making the prayer than the One we are addressing. And Jesus condemnation is that their long prayers are given for appearance's sake. Jesus is getting at people's motives.

And in all these things is a promise, but in this instance not a good promise - these will receive greater condemnation. Paul will say that there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Jesus himself states, however, with this individuals that there condemnation will great. People may trick others and may pretend to be more godly than they are, but people will never mislead God. Condemnation speaks of judgment or damnation. The problem is that they used religion to deceive. They took something set apart for God and used it for their personal gain and Jesus says that their judgment will be greater than those who did not act in this way or have this special position. 

Summary - Jesus confronts head on religious leaders and anyone that uses their position as a representative of God for their personal gain - that gain may be monetary, but Jesus focuses more on a person's motive and that they do these things to have a power over others. Jesus has spoken much about the Power of God in people's lives. God has the power. If God calls people to ministry, people must understand that they are there only to reflect Him, not to gain things personally. Jesus has proclaimed himself to be more than a man and now he comes head on to those that lead others in this regard. 

Promise: Let God take care of outcomes. He knows. He knows people's true hearts and we can trust Him to take care of those who use religion for their personal gain. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this message. Lord, I notice this often in leaders and it sickens me and it is good to know that you notice it and that you will deal with it in Your way. I can trust You for outcomes. I can trust You for results. As people, we need to be careful in our roles as we lead people. Guard us against those that use their position to their own advantage. 

Mark 10:19-22 - Overestimating Obedience

Mark 10:19-22
¹⁹ You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰ And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” ²¹ Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” ²² But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Message: Overestimating Obedience


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 teaching us many lessons. The lessons have not simply been me-focused, but also focused on others. And he is speaking in ways that are contrary to the culture - being dependent on Him and being sensitive to people and understanding to the lesser ones. As Jesus is setting out on a journey, a man runs up to him and begins to question him on how he can inherit eternal life, first calling him Good and as Jesus will do, he wonders if this man really understands what he is asking. 

Yesterday, in the passage, this man (a rich young ruler) asked Jesus a question, but maybe didn't realize who he was asking. And though he wanted to know something - what shall I do to inherit eternal life?, he perhaps didn't know who he was asking this question. He called Jesus a Good Teacher, but only God is good so perhaps the man didn't realize that he wasn't simply a rabbi as rabbi's are often called Good Teacher. 

And now in this passage the man makes a statement again, but does not really understand what he is saying. Jesus in verse 19 is still responding to the man's question and he says to him - You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother. It almost sounds like Jesus was going to say something different eventually. This rich young ruler, was he a religious man already? Jesus mentions the commandments and he acknowledges that he knows them, and has kept them -
Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up. Jesus clearly though knows what he is asking and has a plan. He knows this man, better than he knows himself. He is giving him the benefit of the doubt. By him answering that he has kept these commandments, though it is probably unlikely he has kept them perfectly, yet Jesus is fine with his answer that he has. 

Yet, like before in calling Jesus a Good Teacher, thinking Jesus was a rabbi possibly and not the Son of God. The man seems to possess an element of pride. He obviously thinks he has done what is necessary to inherit eternal life. He feels good about his chances. And then Jesus pierces him.
One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. As if it was just one thing. But, in a way it is, for there is something in his life that he clearly loves more than anything. This is what Jesus confronts him with. 

I don't think Jesus really expected him to sell as he possessed, but he did want to show him that despite keeping the commandments he still had something that he valued more than God. In other words, keeping the commandments was something he was willing to do, but his real love, money and possessions was something he was not willing to give up. Jesus remarked that following this, he could and come, follow Me. In other words, to inherit eternal life involved coming and following Jesus.

But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. This actually seems like an odd response, but I suppose an honest one for the man. The fact that he would respond having said he kept all of the commandments, but then was unwilling to part with his possessions in order to get eternal life seems odd to me. So basically he preferred his possessions to rewards in heaven. 

I get concerned about this sort of believing that appears to be a problem with many. Have some religions or faiths set up structures of rule keeping and people feel like if they keep the rules then they are safe and yet, when Jesus exposes the heart in this man, his heart is actually far from God and his ways. He doesn't have genuine faith. 

It is also interesting the commandments that Jesus gives this man - they are all outward commandments or how we treat other people. He did not give him any commandments related to how we view God. But, perhaps Jesus wanted the man to see the contrast, to expose the fact that he thinks he is keeping the commandments and yet his heart is far from God because he is not willing to give away all that he has. 

Summary - A man has come to Jesus asking what he can do to inherit eternal life. He calls Jesus Good and Jesus attempts to correct him so the next he calls him simply Teacher. This man knows that he has kept the laws, the 10 commandments and yet he still asks the question of eternal life. Jesus states he must show it is more than rule-keeping, but a matter of the heart. The man walks away because his heart is wealth and he won't give up his wealth for something in the future.

Promise: The crux of what Jesus called this man to do was, come, follow Me. All my time and days should be about following Him. Not simply checking boxes that I am good enough.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the real faith that you have given me, for the instruction of your Holy Spirit in my life. Lord, equip me as your follower to help others see that You are the only true God. Forgive me for making the things of my life more important than You. I pray that You would meet people where they are at and draw them to yourself. Give me the courage to do this, even in my own family. I pray for my son Derek that you would make him supple and he would be willing to see beyond his addictions. Re-train me God. Center me on You. 

Mark 9:38-41 - On the Side of Jesus

Mark 9:38-41
³⁸ John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” ³⁹ But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. ⁴⁰ For he who is not against us is for us. ⁴¹ For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.


Message: On the Side of Jesus

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

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - Jesus continues in Capernaum and continues with the thought that as we desire to be great ourselves and also we desire to have God in our life, being there for others, serving others, and receiving little people as valued people, as no different from the powerful is what we must do.

It's interesting in this study of Mark, to see the disciples and what Mark is emphasizing repeatedly, the teaching from Jesus that is sort of the Opposite Way of how people see their lives. The disciples in their discourse thinking about who among them is the greatest means that they see themselves as a a separate or distinct group. They are unique. But, more than being unique, they think of themselves as special. And this special feeling makes them feel like they are on a higher plane than others. And the danger here now in John's words was that what Jesus is trying to teach his disciples, namely that they need to lean on God's power and trust God's power and live life in Jesus' name was reserved for the disciples. But it is not.

John said to Jesus, Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name. So the disciples saw that someone outside of their circle was attempting or trying to cast out demons in Your name. Obviously, someone had understand Jesus' teaching. In describing the scene John gets it right. What Jesus is saying to them over and over is to cast out demons and do things in His Name, in the name of Jesus. And here is someone that is doing that. 

Yet, John has a problem with this person and thinks possibly that he isn't allowed to do this because
we tried to prevent him because he was not following us. Wow. This person shouldn't be doing this because he is not one of us. The complaint was not that he "was not following you, Jesus" but that he "was not following us." And yet he was following Jesus. But, the man was clearly bearing fruit, so this is how he should be evaluated. 

Today, I think of an application in this message as to how we often will align ourselves with a denomination or type of church and then think that only those people in that church are following the Lord. And if a person is outside of that church, and therefore not part of our church, then they are not doing it correctly. But Jesus says to look at the fruit. Let the fruit of the person be the guide and not what group they are involved with. 

Thus, Jesus says, "Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me." If a person does something in the name of Jesus then he will be incapable of speaking evil of Him. Again, Jesus says to focus on the fruit. Is the fruit correct? Is their motivation correct? I wonder at times if people that belong to different sects that we know on a whole to be wrong are still wrong. I know in my faith there is certain terminology that I expect to hear in people and when I don't hear those words I often don't think they are true followers or followers of Jesus at all. Yet, Jesus says words that are similar to the words of James in his book when he says that faith alone, without works is a dead faith (James 2:17). Our lives of faith will have works. 

Jesus then speaks For he who is not against us is for us. Psalm 115:1 has these words that Chris Tomlin, the worship singer, crafted into a song: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory. There are two kinds of people, those who are for Jesus and those who are not. This really is one of those teachings from Jesus that I struggle with because he is focusing on works and he is saying that if people say they are for me, then they are, they are not against me. I struggle because of the divisions us in Christendom, specifically the conservative ones view those who are more experiential in their faith. I mean, Jesus here sort of points out a bottom line thought, and that is, "are people for me? Do they act in My name? If so, they are for me and we shouldn't be trying so hard to make them out to be people who are not following after him. I think it is okay to debate over their theology, but we should not be so quick to say they are not for Jesus. 

Jesus says For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. But are there boundaries on essential matters? Yes, and yet, I don't understand sometimes followers who seem to be truly following Jesus even if the leaders of the church or organization they are in are leading them on a different course. This can be a tough lesson. 

Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.  

Promise: I learned these words from reading the book of Numbers - Be Careful. I need to not be so quick to judge others as being wrong, focus on their works and then talk to them about their faith. But, don't quickly turn them away because they belong to the wrong group. 

Prayer: Lord, the message that you preach is a message that is an opposite way sort of message. It is different from the way I am often trained in the world and that world training includes how different religious sects train me. Lord, teach me the truth in this message. Teach me what it truly means and how I should view other people in my life. Lord, I want all people to know you and I stare often at their theology rather than their works. Help me to start with their works and then make a bridge to discuss theology. I think of the online ministry I am involved in and this is tough, because we only know from people what they share. Again, help me in what I think about others, to be true to You and Your Word.

Mark 7:20-23 - Evil in Heart

Mark 7:20-23

20 And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23 All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

Message: Evil in Heart

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 speaks to all the people, going beyond just the scribes, and declares clearly that when speaking of being clean, the key is what comes out of a person, not what is taken in. What is unneeded to the human body are thrown off and eliminated through waste. If the people want to know what defiles, it is what comes out of a person that matters most. Jesus is declaring this radical message over and over - the heart. We need to focus on the heart. 

Jesus is emphasizing that what comes into a man - be it drink or food, even eating with unclean hands is not what defiles a person, but rather that which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. There is a clear contrast here that he is emphasizing.The Pharisees and scribes questioned why the disciples were not maintaining the tradition of hand washing that was thought to render people clean. Ultimately, Christ explains that cleanliness is an interior matter. It is the state of one's heart that determines cleanliness for the heart is the origin of all uncleanness. Before any sinful deed can be committed, it is conceived in the heart. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts...All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. 

God and man see people differently. This, to me, further emphasizes the radical nature in which Jesus came. I Samuel 16:7 says, But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This verse reminds me of the way God has always been and therefore God sees in a way that man does not see. Naturally, we look at the outward and our prisons are set up because people have committed outward violations. The civil law is set up like this. But, God and Jesus go beyond the outward to the inner. This must be a difficult thing for society to comprehend for everywhere we are trained in the idea of the outward, but everyone God trains us on what is on the inside that matters most. 

Here sins are listed to clearly show their inner origins: fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. The first six in this list are acts that are seen outside of the flesh while the second six are attitudes behind the acts. 

First on the list is fornications. It is interesting for there is such a great power of sexual sin and sexual temptation that has been present in every culture of man. It was a problem 2,000 years ago and it is a problem today. The internet in the last 25 years has seen the proliferation of this sin. This is a sin that seeks to become more and more private.

Second is thefts. To be a thief is obviously abhorrent in society. But, for me, the acts of being a thief are changing. We most definitely grade this sin, in that taking a dollar versus $100 is seen a way different. With the advent of movies in the home came forth the issue of piracy. Even the internet and youtube made piracy of music more prevalent to the point that they had to figure out a way to make money on listening to music and now it has become the norm to listen in this manner. 

Third is murders. For me, personally, Roe v Wade in 1973 was the biggest change that occurred over the issue of murder for society accepted that murder of the fetus was warranted based upon a woman's choice. In the nineties, doctor assisted suicide started to appear as we looked at the other end of the spectrum, the elderly. Again, sin began to be disguised as warranted behavior. Society still today does not view either of these as murder. 

Fourth is adulteries. Adultery is not a new thing. It is a sexual sin practice that has been present for thousands of years. As a person that loves to watch old movies, adultery in the movies has always been present. There was a notion that if one was wealthy then they more easily could afford a mistress. The woman as an object of the man's desires crept more and more into people's thoughts and was then culminated with pornography being viewed as entertainment. 

Fifth is coveting. Coveting is a internal desire seen outwardly. Consumerism has made coveting a normal practice. The desire to have what your neighbor possesses is viewed as competition and moves us to be a strong business person. 

Sixth is wickedness. This is all kinds of wicked behavior. Thus, anything not covered previously is covered here. 

This is what we see and now Jesus focuses on what is on the inside. Deceit means lying, not telling the truth, deceptiveness, false witness. Lying can be pretending to be something we are not. Lying shows up in church all the time as people want to pretend to others that they are religious in order to get acceptance from society. 

Sensuality shows up in our behavior and speech. It is a dirty mind. Once again, society has made having a dirty mind being completely acceptable. Its amazing to think of the TV sitcoms and their attitudes and behaviors that made having a dirty mind comedic.  

Envy is to look with hate or to look with anger. 

Slander is to have abusive speech such as blasphemy. I went and saw a movie yesterday, one I should have avoided for the slander or abusive language that occurred in the movie, all under the disguise of laughter and entertainment was incredible and the most haunting thing was to witness children in the movie laughing at themes most likely they did not understand at all, but only laughed because their parents also laughed beside them. 

Pride is the feeling of being superior to others. And then foolishness, to be unthinking or senseless.

The issue that I'm seeing more and more is the normalizing of these sins in society. We don't think of these in a serious light because we have such a thirst for entertainment that we excuse these behaviors because they have made us laugh or enjoy life. 

Summary - Jesus, in a way, concludes the utter defilement of the heart by naming a list of these sins and repeats the idea that evil comes from within. While we stare at the outward, it is what is on the inside that matters most.  

Promise: Sin and holiness are fundamentally issues of the heart. Although holiness can be faked before men, God is never fooled. 

Prayer: Lord, I want to walk in holiness. I thank you for forgiving me of my sins and I'm embarrassed of how prevalent these sins continue to be in my life. I should know better. Thank you for the reminder and continue to clean me up, not only so that my witness is better but so that I can have peace with myself in life. 

Mark 3:1-6 - The Pharisees' Hard Hearts

Mark 3:1-6

1 He entered again into a synagogue; and a man was there whose hand was withered. 2 They were watching Him to see if He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. 3 He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” 4 And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.

Message: The Pharisees' Hard Hearts

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:

Jesus and the Sabbath. I didn't realize how much air time this subject got in the Gospels and specifically here in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus has already commented that his disciples picking grain on the Sabbath wasn't an offense. The Sabbath was made for man, to provide rest, and yet if there is a need, it is okay for someone to do a little work. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath meaning he has complete authority over this day. Now in Mark 3, I read that Jesus enters the synagogue once again. He started in the Synagogue in Capernaum in the heart of the city before deciding he should get away to the smaller cities, as he didn't want to be found out by the masses and be called out prior to his time. He knew that his mission of being the Messiah would unnerve many.

Jesus has already healed on the Sabbath. And on this day he heals again. Perhaps the message that Mark is taking a moment to present and for all to consider is the stubbornness of those who have been presented with a message and yet continue to ignore it. It says in verse 6 The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him. And before this already saw their true colors in verse 5 After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart. 

I think this is a reminder that many people simply have a hardness of heart and despite the evidence giving them, they will not change. These Pharisees were that way and they didn't simply hear of Jesus, but had first hand evidence of Him. I'm always reminded of the words of Roy Holt at Tijeras when I gave a message about reaching out to people and he wondered why I was spending so hard trying to get certain people (JW's, Mormons) to come around to the gospel when they clearly had a hardness of heart. Those words have always stuck with me. Roy went on to be with the Lord probably 15 years ago. But, I'm still always reminded that perhaps my time needs to be spent on other things. Prayer needs to continue but people like Derek in London clearly have a hardness of heart and an unwillingness to even consider something else, so it does not seem necessary to continue to try to persuade him. Those are just a few examples from my life. It is sad, but it is true. And the work of the Gospel still must continue.

Promise: Let us pray for the Lord to give us soft hearts and the willingness to obey Him even when it violates traditions found in the Bible.

Prayer: Lord, I'm always amazed that you have saved me. As you have me converse with people in my life, direct me to those that have a desire for you. If there are those, after much talk, continue to deny you, center me on praying rather than conversing and spending my time on this. Thank you for working in people's lives and my confident remains in you to draw people to yourself. People like my son, who desperately needs you, but right now is not listening. Use people beyond me to draw him to you. I pray that he would start looking. Thank you for your great love for all.

Proverbs 7:21-27 - The Gatekeeper of Death

Proverbs 7:21-27
With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him.
Suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as fetters to the discipline of a fool,
Until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it his life.

Now therefore, sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth.
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths.
For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.

Message:  The Gatekeeper of Death

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: 

Background
For me, the crux of the first 20 verses of Proverbs 7 is the pleading from a father to his son to treasure the commandments that he is passing along. Treasure the words of the sage, of the Father God. Stay close to them. Adhere to  them in your life, for only then will you be able to withstand the temptations that will be present in this life. And temptations will be many. But, the sexual temptations, or the carrying away of ourselves to abandon our principles will be the strongest. We can't even give them a moment. The door opens when we allow ourselves to be in a dangerous environment. For the young boy, it is walking down the road of the adulteress, where she lives. There are other ways to get to our destination, so we should not even go there. 

The Problem
These remaining verses catapult the encounter and we get to witness first hand what is in store for the person that gets pulled away. I must admit, as a man, these verses resonate with me because I am pulled away too easily, it would seem. The clothing manufacturers have continued to make clothing that simply show off too much of a woman. I struggle with my eyes and it is a struggle when people are bending over in front of you or wearing short dresses. I'm captivated by my wife, but would prefer it in the privacy of my own home. It's really a horrible thing for the man to live with for it is everywhere. And the phone makes it worse. It is too easily accessible. Thus, the title of this message: the gatekeeper of death.

Studying this passage
Verse 21 begins "with her many persuasions." Again, these to me are not just verbal, but they are visual persuasions. They could be a glance, an alluring look, but most likely they are the way a person carries oneself. 'Many persuasions' also speaks to the many different ways we are confronted with this. The temptation now shows itself in so many different ways. But also in these verses is the inference that the person is reluctant because "she entices" and "she seduces." Thus, even in these verses, one could apply I Corinthians 10:13 in that there is a way out when the temptation presents itself.

And then the striking words of verse 22 "suddenly he follows her as an ox goes to slaughter." The road to death is set. The man is walking it. He is captivated, and yet, his life will never be the same. The visual expression of an ox going to slaughter is such an assault; it is such a picture of what the sin does to us. It because a drug that overtakes all of our senses. The ox is obviously not realizing his destination. The ox is being led somewhere that it is thought will only yield good outcomes. The "slaughter" represents the end, not the journey. But "he does not know it is his life." He is consumed with the moment, not the end. The consequences or results of this act are not overtaken by the momentary high.

And so the chapter ends the way it begins. There are words from the wise one to the son, "Listen to me" and "pay attention." Here is the reason: "Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways" and "do not stray into her paths." In these words is the idea I think of 1 Corinthians 10:13 and it is "don't go there." Don't put yourself in a position that is hard to come back from. Once the ox is on the way to the slaughter, it is too late. I must think about this in my life. For instance, I just realized that when I am down on life, or angry, then it is not good to have my phone with me and so, like going to bed - don't bring it to bed. Leave it in the other room. 

At the end of this passage is more ammunition. It is the father building the case. He hopes that the son would simply listen to his words. He would hope that this is compelling enough. But, he also then shows the son the results of the sinful lifestyle. This paints the picture of any addiction in our lives.

For many are the victims she has cast down, 
and numerous are all her slain.
Her house is the way to Sheol, 
descending to the chambers of death.

The language is final. They are victims. They are numerous. This is a problem many have. They are slain - again death. Her house is on the trek to death. Her house is lower than any person really wants to go. It should be clear, but instead deception has taken over. 

Promise: The foolish young man who heeds the call of the adulteress will find nothing but destruction in her arms.

Prayer: Oh Lord, I need help in this. I am not strong. I am too easily lured away. Once the sin starts, it just continues to be a problem. I'm embarrassed as to what this sin has done to me over the years. To think that I can be so easily enticed. Lord, place a hedge around me. I need your protection. Give me strength. Give me rest today. Lord, I want to be free. I hate the feeling of being a slave to it. I want to follow you. Help me Lord. 

Proverbs 24:12 - Our All-Seeing God

Proverbs 24:12
If you say, “See, we did not know this,”
Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts?
And does He not know it who keeps your soul?
And will He not render to man according to his work?

Message: Our All-Seeing God

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: In looking at this passage of scripture and trying to understand what it is saying and my application, I back up, first. to verse 11 - Deliver those who are being taken away to death, and those who are staggering to slaughter, oh hold them back. Perhaps this passage is speaking to one that is seeing the pain of another or watching the demise of another and yet offering the excuse See, we did not know this. It is like the priest that walks on the other side of the road so as to not see the man hurting (Levite). Presented here then is one shirking his responsibility. It is true, we have so many hurting in our world, it is impossible to help them all, and so often our response is to help no one. Yet Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? or does not God know our hearts. Yes, he sees our actions, but he can also see our hearts. The fact that someone (God) can know our motivation, thoughts, our heart, what we are thinking -- this must scare many people.

And does He not know it who keeps our soul? Does not God know us better than we know ourselves?

And will He not render to man according to his work? Work is not just outward, but also inward. God knows hearts.

Promise: God knows what we are thinking, our motivation, our reasons for doing what we do. He is in control. 

My Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that you are all-seeing and understand me better than I understand myself. Remind me that each day I need a Savior. I need a redeemer for I cannot even catalog in my life all the ways that I wrong you day to day. I pray that my life would be honorable and good. Help me as a parent to lead my family well and draw them each to a closer relationship with you so that they follow you all the days of their lives. 

Jesus Calling: April 4

    I meet you in the stillness of your soul. It is there that I seek to commune with you. A person who is open to My Presence is exceedingly precious to Me. My eyes search to and fro throughout the earth, looking for one whose heart is seeking Me. I see you trying to find Me; our mutual search results in joyful fulfillment.
    Stillness of soul is increasingly rare in this world addicted to speed and noise. I am pleased with your desire to create space where you and I can meet. Don't be discouraged by the difficulty of achieving this goal. I monitor all your efforts and am blessed by each of your attempts to seek My Face. 

Zechariah 2:13
English Standard Version
Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

2 Chronicles 16:9
New King James Version
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.

Psalm 23:2-3
New King James Version
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, sometimes I need to just stop. I need to halt and not be so busy with so many different things. Remind me that I need times of lying down, and being beside still waters, for you to restore my soul. Sometimes when I am busy my world gets cloudy with so many different inputs and I put you aside. I want to be a loyal follower. I don't want to be inconsistent. Help me to be more silent and turn off the TV, my phone, and everything that distracts me day in and day out. I want to sit on your path and enjoy Your presence. 


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

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

Romans 10:5-8 - The Message Concerning Faith

Romans 10:5-8 - 5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. 6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), 7 or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,

Message: The Message Concerning Faith

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Leading Up to Today's Text
At first glance, in reading Romans 10, Paul seems to be clarifying further the meaning of the Law. I wonder if people really see the tough love that Paul is communicating. It is really tough love. And yet it is not like he is favoring the Gentile over the Jew at any time. He states "For all have sinned (3:23)." I think Paul knows that he needs to be clear with his listener regarding the righteousness of God because he knows how they think.

Back in Chapter 2 Paul spoke to the Jew to let them know that if they choose to live their life based upon what they are thinking, practicing their righteousness through good works then they will be judged by the standard of the Law. With God, there is no partiality. The Jew was very good also with seeing the splinter in other people's eyes. But, sometimes they didn't point the finger back at themselves. But, Paul reminds them that the focus of their life is not from the praise of men, but from God (2:29).

The Jews are a special people. There is no doubt about it and Paul upholds this in his words. They kept and preserved the text of the Scripture, the oracles of God (3:2). But, just by holding on to it doesn't make them right before God. The problem with man is not that his goodness can overshadow the bad, but the problem with man is he has been bad. Yes, he is to live a life that honors God, but not because that will earn God's favor. We are sinners incapable of being righteous on our own.

In the Old Testament sin was a big problem. Animals must be killed in payment for people's sin. This would happen in the temple. God required this substitionary death. Yes, we need to say we are sorry for sinning and yes, we need to confess our sins and yes, God will forgive us. But, sin must be paid for by another once and for all. The Old Testament did this temporarily by way of a perfect lamb or animal, but it always looked forward to a Messiah that would completely take away the sin, once and for all. This occurred in Christ and now because of it man can be free.

In Chapter 4 Paul communicates that this is not anything new, but Abraham was also made right before God though His faith (4:2-3). It is our willingness to trust God and Him alone that makes us right with God. And he shows that circumcision is not null and void. Circumcision is "the sign...the seal of the righteousness of the faith." Paul never wanted to remove anything from the Jew's life, just clarify the meaning of what God intended. It was the same message that Moses spoke and Abraham spoke. Abraham's promises were not because of his lineage, but because of his faith. He believed God (4:11).

Two lives in contrast
People live in only two manners on this earth. They live by a set of rules, adhering to those rules (verse 5). Or they live by faith (verse 6-8). Man either works to be righteous. Or righteous is imputed to man by faith.

In giving the Law, there is a theoretical idea within the Law that if you keep it, you will be justified. This idea is throughout the Bible.

Leveticus 18:5 states, "So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the Lord." The key in this word, is "if he does them." Yes, a person may live if he does them. It is amazing how a verse like this has created so many religions. And each religion then comes up with what they believe our the things that must be adhered to, in the realm of the Law, in order to be saved.

Paul states in Galatians 5:3 that, "And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law." Paul states the separation between Christianity and every other faith. Can the entire Law be kept? No. So, those other religions must believe that God will have a secret formula at judgment to determine if a person is accepted. 

Paul offers the remedy in Romans 10:9, "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

This is the dividing line. Deuteronomy 27:26 states, ‘Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

Paul quotes this verse in Galatians 3:10, "For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” 

Has he quoted this correctly? Paul specifies that everyone is cursed if they do not abide by all things written in the book of the Law. The question could arise whether he is quoting the same as the meaning of Deuteronomy 27:26. My bet is people look at Deuteronomy 27:26 and try to make it sound like that God only wants people to confirm that the Law is relevant. But, then the question will always arise as to whether adherence has to be in full. If the meaning of Deuteronomy 27:26 is only that we are to confirm that the Law is relevant in our life, then the question will always come up as to how relevant should it be? Can we get by on partial abiding by the Law? None of us are perfect. We may believe that we can be perfect at some point in our life (though I don't while we are on earth), but even if that is believed, what about all the years in which a person was not perfect? 

Paul's argument is we try to justify ourselves by adhering to the law, but the moment you do not obey all of it or the first time you mess up you forfeit righteousness. 

Was the law meant to be kept? Yes. But, not as a means to justify oneself. This is the dividing line between Christians and all other faiths. 

Verse 6 meaning
In Romans 10:5-6 Paul quotes from Deuteronomy. He does not quote entire verses or passages, but instead quotes phrases. It was not necessary for him to quote entire verses. The word of God was central to Jew and he knew it. 

Paul states first a phrase from Deuteronomy 9:4 "do not say in your heart." Deuteronomy mentions how God would give over to Israel the Canaanites. But, this giving over had nothing to do with Israel's righteousness. 

This is really an amazing passage:

Deuteronomy 9:1-5 “Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand before the sons of Anak?’ Know therefore today that it is the Lord your God who is crossing over before you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and destroy them quickly, just as the Lord has spoken to you. “Do not say in your heart when the Lord your God has driven them out before you, ‘Because of my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land,’ but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is dispossessing them before you. It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord your God is driving them out before you, in order to confirm the oath which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

The Lord handing over the Canaanites had nothing to do with Israel's righteousness. Why? The passages states that the Israelites are stubborn. He delivered Canaan over to Israel because of Canaan's sin and unrighteousness. 

O the danger we have in thinking that God's providence is because of our righteousness.  God saves Israel even while they are stubborn and unrighteous. 

Remainder of verse 6 meaning and verse 7 and verse 8
And Paul also mentions Deuteronomy 30:11-14, “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may observe it." See Paul is letting people know here in Rome that God has already done the work. The word is in their mouth and heart. 

Deuteronomy 30: 6 states, “Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live." The Lord circumcises our hearts so that we will love God. We submit and surrender to Him. And He provides.

Promise: God does the work to establish His saving relationship with us. -- Tabletalk, August 7, 2014 

Romans 6:16-19 - Slaves to Righteousness

Romans 6:16-19 - 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Message: It should be that we can't help it, as a follower of Christ, to be a slave of righteousness and in turn reach sanctification.

Time: Paul wrote Romans from Corinth as he prepared to leave for Palestine. Phoebe (16:1,2) was given the great responsibility of delivering the letter to the Romans believers. At this time, Rome had a population of 1 million, many of whom were slaves. The Romans church was doctrinally sound, but it still needed rich doctrine and practical application. Rome had massive buildings but also slums.

What the Lord is Saying:

Background
From 6, verse 15-23, is the Believer's Death to Sin in Practice. Yesterday, the question was asked, now that a person is under law, can they ever sin, even if it is just once or twice. Earlier in chapter 6, it was clearly stated that sin is dead from the perspective of God through Christ and I am made alive in Christ. And so the person in Christ needs to realize that we are complete in Christ and our biggest obstacle in life is when we live outside of this condition.

No matter whom you serve, you are a slave
Whether we serve sin or serve obedience, we are a slave (verse 16). I can be a slave of sin or of obedience. At times, in my life, specifically when I was growing up, I struggled with those people that were, so-called goody too shoes. Maybe what I disliked is the confidence they had in doing things well, like school work. They seemed to take great pride in its accomplishment and were good at it. And I struggled because I was not good at it. So, I found myself poking fun at their studious behavior. I remember one summer when the quest was to read books. I had read like 3 books that summer and felt very accomplished only to found out the boy across the street had read an unbelievable amount. I thought it was somewhere in the 70's or even 100. My jaw dropped and I just assumed it was a ruse. Yet, he was good at being a slave of education and learning. 

Thanks to God, we are slaves of obedience
Something interesting has happened as I make a commitment to follow Christ. I become a slave of righteousness. The questions that are asked in this chapter, verse 1 and verse 15, are in essence completely contrary to what a Christian or Christ follower or regenerate sinner would ask. Why? Because in Christ (verse 17 and 18)we have been freed from sin and have become slaves of righteousness.

This is something I struggle with at times. I see Christians or proclaimed Christians in my life that don't seem to have a complete life change. There are changes in principle but not always in practice. They still retain their old life in some shape or form. Perhaps it is a foul mouth. Or perhaps there is no desire for corporate worship or church. Perhaps there is a thirst for alcohol (which in our country equates to a lifestyle contrary to the cross). Or there is little thirst for Bible reading, but more interest in just self-improvement. Yet, here in these verses, it is clear. I have been freed from sin. I became a slave to righteousness. This doesn't mean I always am righteous but I am in turmoil when I'm not living in a righteous manner. I think this is the Christian. The follower or true worshiper really has a tension with sin. And not just because it reaps poor dividends in life. The true worshiper doesn't want to displease God any longer.

There is a goal: sanctification
Verse 19 reminds us that these aren't just things we do, righteous living or sin living. But, they are resulting in a transformed life. If we are a slave to the flesh, then impurity and lawlessness will result. The purpose of the Christian is to follow Christ all the days of his or her life and thus move towards Christ likeness. This is who we are in Christ.

Promise: By being in Christ, God frees us from sin and we become slaves of righteousness.

Romans 2:26-27 - The Place of Circumcision

Romans 2:26-27 - 26 So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law?

Message: The Gentile can be circumcised

Time: Romans was probably written during Paul’s third missionary journey from Corinth to a Jewish/Gentile church in Rome (around 56-57 AD).

What the Lord is Saying:

Paul continues in chapter 2 to build the case that what the Jew has erected over the years as the things that a Jew sets them apart from other people and makes them acceptable to God, namely association with the Law of Moses and having circumcision -- is not what God really wants of them. And he shows how a Gentile can actually be a Jew.

Verse 25 showed them that an outward act won't save them. And now in verse 26 and verse 27, as is Paul's custom, he drives the point further by stating that a Gentile, who hasn't been circumcised can keep the Law and be better off from a Jew that has simply been circumcised. So, the outward ritual is not significant, but obedience is significant.

Paul is not saying that the Gentile is able to be saved by keeping the Law. He is communicating to the Jew that their preconceived ideas of what God wants from them are wrong. There is value in being a Jew, but Paul will get to this in Chapter 3. Paul has said that everything depends on obedience. Again, he is using sort of a hypothetical statement to show that the Law points us toward obedience and complete obedience to the Law is what God wants and therefore if someone has that complete obedience then they are truly circumcised (whether or not there has been an actual cutting away of the foreskin).

There isn't anything magical about being circumcised. Circumcision should be a sign of an inward change. A label on a can tells us what is inside the can. But, it is possible that what is inside the can contradicts the label. What is ultimately important is what is inside the can. What is inside will end up marking the outside significant before God.

These verses probably made the Jew very defensive. And remarks of "How dare you?" might have been exclaimed. In verse 27, Paul again repeats partly what he has already said before, like in verse 13 and verses 17 through 20. He states that it is not significant to simply known what the Law says and have circumcision, but significance is in doing the Law and so this is what stands out. 

Promise: The heart is always what is most important to God.