Proverbs 11:19 - A Godly Lifestyle

Proverbs 11:19

He who is steadfast in righteousness [will attain] to life,

And he who pursues evil [will bring about] his own death. 

Message: A Godly lifestyle

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: The previous verse looked similar contrasting the wicked with the one pursuing righteousness and this verse takes on a similar idea. However, the person described here is not momentary in their pursuit of righteousness but steadfast or loyal or unwavering. This is a person with a track record of righteousness. The contrast is one that pursues evil. These two descriptions are contrasting not momentary decisions but multiple decisions over a period of time - with one person consistently righteous and the other pursuing evil. 

The righteous person attains life and life is what everyone is seeking - peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. It is doing things well. One of my favorite verses is I Timothy 4:8 which says, "bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Living for godliness, for righteousness is not only producing present day quality of life but a future life as well. That I might do things always that point in this direction. I want every moment of the day to go in this direction. 

It seems life is a matter of choosing righteousness and deciding what is really righteousness. It is about being unself and looking out for other's interests. Philippians 2:4, "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Pleasing myself is the easy part of life and what I gravitate towards always. I need to be focused on others and meeting their needs. 

In contrast, pursuing evil leads to death. And specifically my own death. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death." Working sin results in death. Am I pursuing Godly ways in my life - reading His word, fellowshipping with others, praying, sharing the message of the Gospel. Death is separation from God. Life is being with God for all eternity, death is being away from God for all eternity. 

I notice a clear effort in business these days to be more in pursuit of serving others and being pleasant and attending to their needs and this is what the Christian is to be about, but not simply to make a business strong or to please a boss, but it is to glorify God. 

Several years ago, I read and did a study of Respectable Sins from Jerry Bridges. These are the sins of life that are sometimes socially acceptable, but often what we focus on is life is big sins like are mentioned in the Ten Commandments which we all know to avoid. And yet these sins are impacting our lives and how we associate with others.  

Ungodliness

Anxiety and Frustration

Discontentment

Unthankfulness

Pride

Selfishness

Lack of self-control

Impatience 

Irritability

Anger

Judgmentalism

Envy, Jealousy

Sins of the Tongue

Worldliness

I think the danger in life always is living lives that are the best they can be and not simply good lives. Being the best is difficult and challenging and selfless. It is staying focused always on others. It is making decisions that go beyond the basics of life. 

Prayer: God, I ask that I am someone in life that pursues righteousness, pursues good behavior, but not simply doing what everyone seeks, but am truly unselfish for the glory of You and seeing truth and seeking life always. Help me to not get comfortable and revert to pleasing myself. But to pursue righteousness always and consistently. Remind me of the principles I really want in my life - focusing on the big rocks of life and pursuing those big rocks. Lord, keep me uncomfortable and keep me focus on pursuing things that are good always, in all situations and let me do it always to glorify You. 

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

Genesis 25:8 - Elderly, Not Happy

Genesis 25:8 

And Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, and old man and satisfied [with life]; and he was gathered to his people. 

Message: Elderly, Not Happy

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

What the Lord is Saying: Aging is difficult. I am finding this out. It seems for me that life simply ran its course for 50 years or so, maybe even 55 for me, but over the last couple of years, I have noticed age starting to set in. Discomforts are rising. My mind seems more cluttered at times. Memory seems harder. Responsibilities are increasing. At times, my ability to complete tasks is taking longer. My analysis seems to increase on things. I have started a book called "From Strength to Strength" by Arthur Brooks. It is a book about happiness and purpose in the 2nd half of life. Even that book I am having trouble making progress on. I want to but other things get in the way or take my focus off of it. The book has reminded me so for that as I sense live coming to a close, there may be a struggle with joy and happiness and purpose. 

I am 58 and told my boss this week that I think I will retire 1 year from next month. It seems the right time. And yet, I don't know what will happen to me after that. Even though I will stop working, I can continue to get paid for a year because of the vacation and sick pay I have stockpiled. 

So this text or reading here seems apt for me. Granted, there are always those older than me. Right now, I am in a Sunday school class and a couple of weeks ago it was said I am a young person in the class since most of the class is made up of people my parents' age. I know my dad continues to struggle following the death of my mom in October 2019. While he misses my mom, his fear of death seems greater. And these two emotions in his life control his life and define it. For him, there is solitude. He manages his day I think. He has routines but it seems that each day is simply an exercise in getting to tomorrow. 

This text today mentions Abraham at his old age, breathing his last, mentioning he was ripe, satisfied and with friends. To me this means, he was ready, satisfied and had people. Perhaps that is the need for any time or moment in life. Living like today is your last. Living with contentment and living with people around you. 

This lesson though lists 3 points today. 

1. The author here points out that Abraham had faith in God. This faith has existed throughout his life as he has learned to trust God and depend on His promises. Uncertainties that come and sufferings that come can be faced because of that faith. I think this means we believe in God's promises and words to us. We believe in the future he has prepared for us, our heavenly home. And we remember the love he has for us. 

Often people remark that they don't know how people make it without God. I have been talking to someone recently that I believe is an atheist. He is thankful for life and appreciates life. He understands suffering and pain. That life is simply this. But for me it life is something more. God's word and that knowledge that I am his creation, and living with him now and for eternity gives me an everlasting peace. I see his work in all things of life and He is my creator. That life is more than today, but tomorrow. And the principles in the Bible are for my best. So it seems empty to not have that. 

2. Abraham was obedient to God. Obedience follows faith. "Trust and obey, there is no other way than to be happy in Jesus" or so the song goes. Obedience produces alignment with God and His ways. As we abide in His ways, we see the fruit that follows and that alone brings peace and tranquility and we know and have assurance that God will not forsake us. 

3. His final point is Abraham walked with God. It seems to the author this meant a relationship with seems to be the product of faith and obedience. He talked to God, listened, and understood Him. This relationship with God assures us and Abraham that God is there. Having built that relationship, we have nothing to fret about it. It moves to more than simply trust, to an alignment.. 

One of the things I have noticed with my earthly father is he seems to have placed his entire well-being in my mom and his dependence on her for everything she did meant that upon her passing, he did not seem like he could be happy consistently. He stopped meeting with friends at Starbuck's, going to his synagogue, relating with people because his foundation (my mom) was no longer there and this has resulted in his extreme solidarity and loneliness to the point that all he has is his health. That health fear has always been there but it has grown in these final days.

Prayer: O God, how I want to find my rest in You. How I want find my peace in You, trusting in You day by day. I want to grow daily in that relationship and continue to have faith and follow that up with obedience. Thank you for bringing me to this point right now. Help me to hold onto you. And be ready to die, satisfied and content and surrounded by friends and family. All that you have blessed me with. 

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

I Samuel 21 - David on the Run

I Samuel 21

Then the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod; if you would take it for yourself, take it. For there is no other except it here.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.” (verse 9)

Message: David on the Run

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

What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson, David had fled to Ramah. Now he is in Nob (verses 1-9), that is northeast of Jerusalem only about 2 1/2 miles. Ramah is about 3 miles north of Jerusalem. These are places close by. Later he will go to Gath (10-15). Gath is 40 miles in the opposite direction, west. 

David is on the run. Reminds me of one of my favorite TV series, the Fugitive. Like Richard Kimble, David has been accused of something he believes he has not done. But Saul is after him, much like Samuel Gerard of the police is after Richard Kimble. 

When questioned by Ahimelech, the priest there who seems a little surprised that he has met up with David as he probably knows Saul is after him, David responds with a lie in verse 2. He says he has been sent on a mission by the king and no one is to know what it is about. David needs supplies - loaves of bread. Well Ahimelech only has holy bread. He gets it defending himself that he is ceremonially clean having been denied women since the blood from their period makes one unclean. Ahimelech also for some reason has Goliath's sword and gives that to David as well. 

Jesus refers to this passage as recorded in Matthew 12:1-8 citing in verses 3-4, "Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions— how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone?" The idea there being that there is sometimes something greater than a law set up for ceremonial purposes only and the real issue is David's life and his eventual leadership on the throne. So the ceremonial law is allowed to not be adhered to in order to save David's life. The conflict in this instance was moral law and ceremonial. In this instance, the ceremonial law can give way. Preserving life is more important than preserving a law. 

David did things and said things that were not on the surface proper. He is a sinner but his action kept him safe. 

Now onto Gath. The people recognized him there and so David felt like he should display himself as being insane to get out of that situation because the king of Gath - Achish - wanted nothing to do with a crazy man. 

Summary: David flees to Nob and then Gath. In Nob, the ceremonial law is broken so that David's life can be preserved and he pretends to be insane in order to keep him free from custody of the king in Gath. 

Promise: Perhaps at times, though actions seems wrong, they are justifiable in the situation. 

Prayer: Lord, life is of utmost important always and your purposes in life are most important. Perhaps sometimes life gets in the way of this and the way of the world needs to adjust to the way of God. Give me wisdom and guidance as I speak to people and help me to know how to respond to others. Life is hard and it seems at times people are trying to catch us in a contradiction. Lord, what is important is your love and your plan for me - peace in this life, in your presence for all eternity. Keep my eyes on the prize. 

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

2 Peter 1:3-8 - The Right Tools

2 Peter 1:3-8

3 His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, 6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, 7 godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Message: The Right Tools

Time: Written by Peter, he being influenced by the writings of Paul to Ephesus (Ephesians) somewhere between 62 and 63 AD. 

What the Lord is Saying: We had a guest speaker this morning at church and he did a message from 2 Peter on Right Tools. He used an example of fly fishing throughout his message to basically talk about the fact that God has given us Christians all the right tools that we need to carry out godliness in our lives. 

As is my pattern, I looked at the text and went back to verse 1 to understand a little bit better the context of this passage. Peter's message is written to those Christians that have the same understanding of faith or belief that he does. 

I noticed verse 1 says this faith is "by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ." I wondered with that verse if Peter is linking God and Jesus or if God and Jesus are separate. On one hand, it sounds like he is stating that Jesus the Savior is God. But could he be stating that faith is of the righteousness of God and the righteousness of Jesus Christ?

In verse 2, he asks that "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord." Here again, Peter is mentioning grace and peace because of those (verse 1) having a knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 

Even if Peter is not stating that Jesus is God, he is linking characteristics that are the same of the two - righteousness, grace, peace - all found in the knowledge of God and Jesus. 

Verse 3 - "His divine power." When I read this, that's what made me go back to verse 1 and 2 and think about who's divine power He is speaking about for His is singular and yet so possibly it lends itself to think that verse 1 and 2 and the words of God and Jesus are unified rather than separate. Yet, His divine power could be the last name spoken in verse 2 (remembering that punctuation and verse divisions were added later). But also here we then have Jesus being the one with divine power and God also has divine power. Thus, there is another linkage here with Jesus and God having the same attribute of divine power. 

This here is the point of the pastor's message yesterday morning and initially the first point of the text of 2nd Peter. That to the Christian, the fellow believer and Peter - that through Jesus, his righteousness and our knowledge, those Christians have "everything pertaining to life and godliness." The everything we have is because of the faith we have, the grace, and the peace. This is indeed a compelling statement. We have everything pertaining to life because we have faith "through the true knowledge of Him." 

And later in the text it states therefore, with the qualities mentioned in verse 5-7, namely "moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love -- we are neither useless nor unfruitful." Thus we have everything we need for life an godliness and because of that we will be fruitful and useful. 

This sounds like a promise. This takes me back to verse 4 - "For by these" where these seems to be "everything pertaining to life and godliness." Peter says, "these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature." 

Again, we have everything we need pertaining to life and godliness. We have qualities that we will supply to others and throughout life to be of use and fruitful. Thus, we become divine-like. 

But in this text then is a mysterious statement to me - "He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises." Promises. What are these promises? 

2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness..." There is a promise. 

2 Peter 3:13 says, "But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth." 

We have everything we need for life and being Godly. We are those that have faith and knowledge of God and Jesus. We have been given qualities. We will be useful and bear fruit. We will be divine. And this is all according to His precious and magnificent promises. 

I find this interesting because Peter explains all of these outcomes which we have because of our faith, but doesn't specify the promises, and so his audience must have understood these promises. 

I don't know exactly what these promises are right now. I could look at commentaries and review the different ideas. I suppose for now I will focus on what I know - I have everything I need.

Prayer: God, you have done it. Through faith, I have everything I need to do everything pertaining to life and godliness. I want to discover this Lord. And believe this and trust in this. And help me to share this with others to encourage them. Give us all hope. 

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

Proverbs 10:27 - A Long Life

Proverbs 10:27

The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. 

Message: A Long Life

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: In first reading other translations of this verse there are not many variations though some instead of fear talk of obedience or respect to the Lord. 

I noticed a very similar idea with the following verse (possibly also by Solomon): 

Ecclesiastes 8:12-13

Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and still lives long, yet I also know that it will go well with those who fear God, who are reverent in His presence. / Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

It does seem like that ungodly ways in people do result in a shorter life, but perhaps we hear of the lifestyles of those in the public eye more often and the appearance that their life is shortened. It seems those that live long lives are those that have taken care of themselves and lived simpler lives. 

Ellicott's Commentary cites those who are "shortening their lives by excessive anxieties, or the pursuit of pleasure." Whereas, Proverbs 17:22 says, "A joyful heart is good medicine." I also notice actions like stress often cause anxieties which can make problems with bowels and an upset stomach. Promiscuous lives result in the occurrence of diseases. It seems righteous living produces a peace in life perhaps that others do not experience. 

Prayer: Father, I pray I would be one that lives in a righteous manner, not only with the peace of Christ, but doing the right thing and making good choices. 

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

Proverbs 10:17 - Prone to wander

Proverbs 10:17

He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,

But he who forsakes rebuke goes astray.

Message: Prone to wander

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: Verse 16 mentioned life in regards to righteous living. Today's verse states that "the path of life follows instruction." Thus, there is a characteristic people have that are walking well on the path of life, abundant life and that is there are amiable to instruction. Been talking to a guy online and for the most part he just wants to argue. Anything that comes up in the Bible he doesn't like he then calls God perfect. He is in defensive mode. I find a lot of people like this that simply want to a forum to communicate their convictions but don't have a need to learn or this goes beyond just learning to following instruction.

On Sunday, the message was from Psalm 119:33-35 and I noticed something interesting in those verses:

33 Teach me, the way of Your statutes, Lord,

And I shall comply with it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law

And keep it with all my heart.

35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,

For I delight in it.

The idea in the 3 verses is "teach - understand - walk." Now, in this verse today are the words "follows instruction" or "heeds instruction" which really encompasses the same idea. All 3 are important. We spend much of our time in school with teaching and understanding and then life is walking. There is something fulfilling in life from those that follows instruction - they not only listen to teaching, but they follow it. This seems to be the attitude of a Christian continually. People who go to church often recognize that they have not arrived and to listen to a sermon is to acknowledge that you have something to learn, to follow, to change in your life. 

The contrast is "he who forsakes rebuke goes astray." Those that do not follow instruction but are taught and refuse the learning or correction - go astray. To go astray is to error. And this is the way that leads to sin, destruction, and death versus life and blessedness. 

In the words of the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Blessing" are the words: "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it." At a an early age, in school, we are trained in the idea of learning and understanding. At home, we are often corrected growing up. Those formative years are years of training that hopefully follow us through life - learn, understand, walk, but also there is correction. The child without the correction goes astray. Sometimes the child needs something stern or clear to see that message that they are going astray. 

But there is clearly a danger in parenting that correction doesn't look like correction, but more exasperation which is mentioned in Scripture in Ephesians, "Fathers do not exasperate your child." That exasperation is the danger in life. Correction is meant to be clear, but not abusive. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for these lessons and the good training that I even received in life. Thank you for school and though it was hard to learn at times, I appreciate the years of that training in reading, being taught, learning, and then the joy of applying it in life and working. I realize I was impatient God at times and wanted to hurry to the application. Thank you for continuing to bring me back to the importance of teaching and understanding. Help me to not be proud. There is tendency in that. There is tendency in thinking I have arrived even when I conduct myself in a way that has little sin. But I pray I would stay on the path of following the instruction I receive and heeding it. Help me to be sensitive to that and how I need to adapt and change. 

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

Proverbs 10:16 - To Life

Proverbs 10:16

The wages of the righteous is life,

The income of the wicked, punishment.

Message: To Life

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: Verse 16 continues the theme of finances from verse 15. Although verse 15 wasn't really a pronouncement on wealth being preferred over poverty, there were some common sense observations given about each, namely that wealth makes life a little easier and poverty has potential to provide more problems. Yet, in many ways, I see often a little difference here. Granted, America is a place that many describe as a land to fulfill dreams. One thing is clear and that is the infrastructure of the United States and the foresight in developing technology (highways, paved roads, rail) has clearly made a difference in this land in encouraging developing and progress.

But verse 15 also did not really deal with a contrast in anything spiritual. Granted, many of the proverbs could be applied in any walk of life, though it seems clear that Solomon or the write is contrasting righteousness rather than wickedness and those themes are more in line with traditional Christian thought and ideals. And yet, these days, even calling anything righteous or wicked seems more old school or traditional as there is little that is decreed as wicked now and most is based upon personal choice or preference. 

The contrast here is between the righteous and the wicked. "The wages of the righteous is life, the income of the wicked, punishment." Both the wicked and righteous in these verses is earning money. There is labor worked, income made, wages earned for each. But the outcome of what they are earning or how money is spent is the difference. But this is not a verse encouraging wealth or poverty, though it does assume labor is being worked. I appreciate that assumption, for I think each of us is meant to work. 

Even in the garden of Eden people had responsibilities to care for the land and animals (Genesis 1:26-31). What occurred after the fall was their work became toil (Genesis 3:17-18). Work went from a joy to a burden. Both it seems are present today. Most people in life are dreaming of a day of not working. It seems we place too much of an emphasis at times on not working. This might be a result more of urban sprawl as farming seems to assume life long work. Granted, I have been healthy and so therefore, work has been easy and fairly easy to obtain. I remained concern over many people that do not work and choose instead to have the government support them. Granted, there are complicated reasons for each. But, to me, the idea of supporting one another and their needs is more of a responsibility of the church. And most people should find an opportunity to work or even serve. 

In the NASB version, the earning of the righteous brings life. NLT adds "enhance their lives." But most versions simply state life. The contrast idea is wickedness in the NASB is punishment. Many other versions state sin as the unwelcome outcome. The NIV adds death. 

I think here the righteous person is a Godly person and so the life that comes from wages supports a person that is concerned about living a righteous life. In scripture, life, in my observation, is the goal. God's love has an intended outcome of everlasting life (John 3:16). And the biggest obstacle in life - sin - is dealt with through death, the opposite of life (Romans 6:23). For the most part, this is the greatest goal of people throughout the ages. One thing remains, no matter the time period or point in history, we want an abundant life. We want to be able to possess it in its full potential. The righteous ends up with something with his/her earning, while the wicked ends up with nothing. 

I think there could even be an application of savings in this verse because life encompasses doing things that immediate funds cannot do, such as a vacation, or large investment. 

Last night my wife and I watched the biopic movie "I Am: Celine Dion" about her current state of life in having stiff body syndrome. She is 57 and has stopped performing because of it. One of the first questions posed in the movie to her is where you would like to go (or travel). She remarked that while she has performed all over the world, in many different places, she did not really go to any of the places or rather experience those places. In essence she was working and though her work produced much joy in her life she still did not get to experience really traveling to new places.  It was an interesting observation, that though she was very wealthy and had a huge house and land, there was something missing for her outside of her home even if she can never perform again. There was a fullness of life she might never experience. Not to say this is what every person wants. Some people experience a full life never leaving the city they were born and live. Their ideals are different. So to each person, a definition of what is life might be different, but for each person life is something we dream of possession. However it is defined, it has a goal. 

The labor or wages of the wicked is punishment or death or sin. The contrasting outcome is everything we don't want. But again, the contrast here is not being rich or poor, but it is how one conducts their life. I have always remembered a custodian who worked at the airport around 2002 that I would often see and speak with. He fulfilled a dream in having a home - a manufactured home and he took great pride in his lawn and taking care of his yard. For him, this was his full life and possessing it for him was life. But for the wicked earnings produces nothing of lasting value. 

The wicked life is ruined. It leads from sin to sin. In this sin outcome, one commentator mentioned luxury in the description. A premium price is needed for luxury and it is a high degree of comfort, pleasure and enjoyment. I have wondered at times if this luxury life is what we need this side of heaven. It seems that we do not want anyone to live in extreme poverty or in a realm in which they have no provisions. And so it also seems that the reverse or extreme luxury is likewise something that is unnecessary. This is a hard one to me. I suppose if people are employed to support those in luxury in a fair manner - equitable wages and normal working hours then it might be fine, but I am concerned of the life that is only lived in luxury. 

In some ways, I struggle to really see the outcome of the wicked. The wicked person today can achieve so much. One of my friends mentioned a lady that prostitutes herself in life to men who are older and have wives that are now unfulfilling. He mentioned how men pay big dollars to simply receive words of affirmation, encouragement and to be listened and wanted. And this woman makes over $100,000 per month. Sexual activity may also be involved. Her life seems to be wicked, and yet she is gaining a lot of riches through the process. But perhaps that is because we once again value opulent living. And the sin and death and punishment here just that. 

Prayer: God, I enjoy these Proverbs. It is interesting to examine the thoughts around each and what they really mean. Thank you for the mind you have given me and the joy of pondering these ideas. I pray that I would be a person of righteousness and seeking to live my life in a righteous way. I think this is all that we want in life. We want to be free of sordid gain for in that type of wicked producing life even if the outcome seems beneficial it lacks integrity and honesty. Help me better understand that meaning. Help me be a person that encourages righteousness. Be glorified always God. In Christ's name and because of Him I pray. Amen. 

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

John 19:23-24 - Jesus' Garments Divided

John 19:23-24

23 The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. 24 They said therefore to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be”; that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “THEY DIVIDED MY OUTER GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS.”

Message: Jesus' Garments Divided

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: At any crucifixion, the soldiers carrying out the execution had rights to the accused's clothing. In this case, the soldiers cast lots to determine how to divide our Lord's garments. This was a seemingly random event, but something also customary. In our gospel though it is mentioned and attention is brought forward to us to consider. 

This passage fulfilled a scripture from Psalm 22. In looking at that Psalm it contains language in 31 verses of a cry to God of anguish and pain. In a book I have, "Exploring the Psalms" by John Phillips, copyright 1985 he mentions that the event which resulted in these words is not apparent. Whatever it was, he describes a situation graphically, "He was pinned to one spot, his enemies gathered all around, deprived of his clothing, subjected to at least one form of torture (for his hands and feet have been wounded), absolutely friendless. Somewhere in the background were many friends but even so his enemies were many and strong, his sufferings prolonged, and his mental and spiritual anguish intense. His chief pain, however, lay in the fact that God seemingly had abandoned him." It is Psalm written 1,000 years before the crucifixion of Jesus and yet it captures the feelings that Jesus must have felt at the cross. 

Yet, in all of the words from this Psalm:

• why have You forsaken me? 
• I cry by day, but You do not answer; 
• despised by the people. 
• Be not far from me, for trouble is near; 
• all my bones are out of joint

Instead, what is referenced here in John is verse 18 of Psalm 22 - "They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." 

Perhaps what John wants us to see here is despite the greatest event in history happening here before many, the death of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ - in the midst of it were soldiers that didn't see anything significant about the event but were treating it like anything else. And then were focused on Jesus' clothing and who gets what, deciding to cast lots to determine who gets what. 

It is a reminder of what happens every Sunday. So many in our world go on with their lives while only a remnant gathers to worship God and learn from Him at church. Each day I arise early to have my time with God in His word or try to do this each day - and yet I know this practice is not held by many. Most of us simply carry on their lives, engrossed in their desires and their wants and events and focused on providing for their own needs. 

For the soldiers they were missing something right in front of them. They failed to see the significance of that moment. Instead, they were going on with their lives. 

Summary: The soldiers, like they do at any crucifixion, take Jesus' garments and divide them for their own use, casting lots, but this too fulfills scripture from Psalm 22:18. 

Promise: Christ was stripped of His clothing, that we might be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Prayer: Help me God to not miss what you are doing. I too often am so focused with my day and what I am going through and wanting to accomplish that I miss out on what You have right before my eyes. Wake me up and help me to find significance in what you have for me - be it at church worshiping you and listening to a sermon or in a class or whenever I am in. Help me to focus on the moment that You have before me, even with my wife as she shares her day. And help us Lord to be focused on praying. 

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

John 14:4-6 - The Only Way to the Father

John 14:4-6 

4 And you know the way where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

Message: The Only Way to the Father

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 Going: Always interesting to see the context of those verses that we hold on so much to in our lives. Jesus is preparing to be glorified and will be going somewhere the disciples will not be able to go - maybe dying and then returning again when He is resurrected. But the point of this verse is the disciples are struggling with Jesus' words. He is instructing them and asking them to trust Him. Peter wondered in 13:36 where Jesus was going. And now Thomas as well in verse 5 wants assurance of the way. Jesus expands on this idea, moving us to the understand that He is the Way - He is the Truth - He is the Life -- The Way to the Father is through Him. 

This entire book has been Jesus asking people to believe in Him. To trust that He has been sent by the Father. Everywhere this message is key to this gospel. And the plot thickens and now Jesus says that the only way to get to the Father is through Him. Radical statement. And in some ways this text is a turning point to the rest of this gospel. This idea has already been central to this book when Jesus stated:

• John 4:14 - Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life. 
• John 5:24 - Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
• John 6:35 - Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst."
• John 6:40 - For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”
• John 6:51 - I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”
• John 7:37-38 - If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’
• John 8:12 - Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
• John 8:58 - Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." 
• John 10:9 - I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 
• John 11:25-26 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

So now to say, "I am the way, the truth, the life, no one comes to the Father, bur through Me" is simply a culmination of all that He has said so far. 

Summary: Like Peter, Thomas does not know where Jesus is going when He says is going away, but Jesus confirms He is the only way to the Father. 

Promise: Let us resolve never to deny that Christ is the only way to the Father, and let us pray for strength to confess this truth no matter the pressure to say salvation is available through other means as well.

Prayer: O Lord, Your message is clear and consistent and yet it is hard when people don't understand You. And yet You have said some will not. It is hard for those to keep their blinders on. Help me to be good about giving a response even when I struggle to do this. It helps me and helps my faith. Help me to continue to speak Your truth. Thank You for being clear in Your word. 

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

John 12:20-26 - Death and Glory

John 12:20-26

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 26 If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Message: Death and Glory

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: This chapter starts with Mary anointing Jesus which had the disciple Judas questioning it, then he went to Jerusalem as Passover was near and was greeted their with people crying out Hosanna 'Save Me' and blessing Jesus' arrival and Jesus comes on a donkey. But these things were not understood by the disciples at the time, though later they would look back and understand. Despite of this many still were understanding though the Pharisees were bothered that people were understanding. 

Verse 20 mentions Greeks who were part of those going to worship. Verse 21 they want to see Jesus. Philip told Andrew and both came to Jesus (verse 22). And then we have some lessons by Jesus. As I look at the Bible, now and through chapter 17 will be a lot of Jesus talking and speaking. 

Jesus begins in verse 23 by saying His hour has come. Up to this point he had mentioned it was not yet time for his departure. Hour is an interesting word for it seems to refer to time more than only an hour. It is language that is often said in the Bible that is not literal but refers more to a span of time. Either way, Jesus realizes the Son of Man will be glorified. Jesus refers to himself in the first person and as he does says Son of Man. This title has great meaning for Jesus will be the perfect man in taking away the sin of the world, substituting as the animals did annually, but Jesus will do once and for all. He has mentioned thus far his authority that comes from the Father.  But conversely is his person, fully man. Son of Man is simply a term for human. Ezekiel was called a Son of Man. 

In verse 24 he makes a reference to a grain of wheat dying to produce fruit. He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." It is interesting because he clarifies a little what He means by the hour having come for him to be glorified. He speaks of a grain of wheat falling from its stalk, no longer receiving nourishment from it and falling to its death. 

Alone. This is interesting because there seems to be something significant here. Jesus will die alone. Salvation is not a group effort it is his personal death. He will die. He is also alone in salvation. He is it. There are no other answers for the salvation of man. And so he compares himself to this grain of wheat and is speaking of Himself. 

I don't know it is an interesting phrase of meaning. Once it goes to the ground though, it will bear fruit. His death results in resurrection and out of this resurrection will come fruit. Many will be saved out of this resurrection. Disciples are washed in the blood of Jesus to bear fruit. 

In verse 25, Jesus mentions further that to love life is to give it up. Jesus loves mankind. He loves all people. God loves the world (John 3:16). But to keep people always with God he must lose that life. And Jesus mentions one must hate their life to have life eternal. We must give up our life. Again this is another phrase that speaks to life and giving it up or surrendering it. 

These are the words of Jesus that feel the hardest for me to obey in this life. To hate one's life is just so opposite to how my life is lived. I think often of the pandemic and this complete focus people had on preserving life. I never saw it more clearly than during this time. And I suppose I continue to witness it in this life - this zeal and 100% desire to stay well, to preserve life, to keep going. And yet that approach seems so opposite to these words. If there is one thing that continues to keep me hiding from the preaching of the gospel it is this - I love my life. Not that I think I will be killed for sharing my faith, but in that thirst to do things that protect me and my well being and keep me from being embarrassed or labeled a radical, I stay hidden from the public eye. I talk of everything going on in this world but the salvation of others. In sharing about my week, it is all about what I have experienced in that week. Nowhere am I losing my life. I might lose my life to serve others but even often in serving others there is selfish gain in stroking pride, in stroking my accomplishment, in thanks. There just isn't enough 'surrendering.' There is self protection. 

And so verse 26 is the natural next verse -- If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. After losing one's life, we then serve Jesus. And in this service is a promise - serve Me and the Father will honor him. And so that's it. Serve Jesus. Lose one's life. Die to your life and it will bear fruit. Lose one's life. Serve Jesus in losing one's life and dying to it. I am a servant. Larry Norman wrote that song and I remember him saying he wrote this about his dad because his felt this expectation to do what his earthly father said. He couldn't do what he wanted to do in his life. Instead he is a servant. And yet born out of that experience by Larry Norman in which he seems to write almost in anger is the idea that we can be the Lord's servant. Do this serve and your life will be honored. See the connection - to have one's life honored by Father God, what must we do? Serve Jesus. The two are connected. 

Summary: Greeks looking for Jesus and then Jesus speaks about his future death and how He will and we need to lose our lives to find fruit and abundant life. 

Promise: Serve Jesus and the Father will Honor you. 

Prayer: O God, your words are truth and life to me and yet assaulting to me. It is so hard God because I love myself too much. And instead I need to love You. Not simply more than I love myself. I need to love You. Lord, keep assaulting me with these words and training me and teaching to lose my life for Your sake. Lord, I need to make more mention of You in my day. I need to lose my life. I need to follow You in losing one's life, hating one's life, serving you Jesus. This is my journey and if I am being honest my real desire and ambition as a Christian, a Christ-Follower. 

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

John 11:36-44 - Lazarus Resurrected

John 11:36-44 

36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?” 

38 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” 44 The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”

Message: Lazarus Resurrected

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: My journey continues through this passage of scripture about Jesus encountering Lazarus. He had left Jerusalem, but then based upon a request from his friends - Mary and Martha - returned to Bethany near Jerusalem despite the disciples not thinking this was the best move for Jesus. And yet Jesus knows his purpose in raising Lazarus and doing what he was going to do. He has a confidence in what He will do. And He has a mission in confirming the disciples faith. He seems to know that they need what He will be doing. And yet He isn't really revealing what He will do. Mary and Martha wished he was there sooner, prior to Lazarus dying to heal Lazarus and yet Jesus seems a little bothered that they would think there was a limit to how he can help. 

Jesus shows emotion and now here in verse 36 the Jews who are on hand make a remark. Lazarus, we have already identified, is an important person, and Mary and Martha are even people of distinction. "See how He loved him!" was the comment by the Jews. And they make a remark about how Jesus should be able to do something as remarkable as healing a blind man he didn't even know. It seems the Jews understand something here about Jesus. That He is a great healer. 

Jesus comes to the tomb and tells them to move the stone. Martha remarks that it will smell. Perhaps the stone was in place to keep the smell in the tomb. Either way, Martha doesn't understand yet what Jesus will do. He remarks that Martha will see the glory of God. 

And then Jesus speaks to the Father. He has mentioned his relationship to the Father prior but here he actually speaks to the Father - thanking that the Father hears Him. And He is making this remark for the benefit of the people standing around Him - "so that they may believe that You sent Me."

Then Jesus calls Him back from the dead. And tells them to unbind him and let him go. 

Summary: Jesus calls Lazarus to life from the grave as Martha and other Jews are watching. 

Promise: Jesus has authority over life and death. 

Prayer: Lord, you are Holy and True and your ways are always right. You are indeed sent from God and through You we believe. help those in unbelief to know You and become more serious about their love for You and their life living for You. I pray for the man Travis I saw yesterday and that He would get involved in church and get closer in His life with You. Make yourself real to Him. Help my son oldest son Tyson to do his job well and be consistent in making it to work on time. Help these people. Be glorified. 

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

John 11:17-27 - Source and Sustainer of Life

John 11:17-27

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off; 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. 20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”

Message: Source and Sustainer of Life

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus has now arrived in Bethany. Mary and Martha had sent for Jesus to tell him of Lazarus being sick (11:4). When Jesus arrives, Lazarus is already in the tomb having been dead for 4 days. Martha proclaims to Jesus her belief that things would have been different for Lazarus if he had been here when Lazarus was still alive. She understood that Jesus has a unique relationship with God the Father. Jesus tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again to which Martha agrees and understands this when in the future, at Christ's return, he will be resurrected. But Jesus then makes a more compelling statement that is consistent with the statements he has made in the past when He proclaimed Himself living water (4:13), the living bread (6:51), the Light of the World (8:12) and that he says, "I am" (8:58). Jesus is way different from any one else. And He is the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Him will die, but then keep on living. And Martha confirms her belief in Him. 

John notes in verse 17 that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. This is significant for John to mention because of the ancient Jewish belief that for 3 days following death, the soul hovers over the body and thus there is the possibility of the soul reentering the body and bringing it back to life. By mentioning four days, the soul has departed for good and the body remains in the grave until the resurrection at the end of the age. Thus, when Jesus raises Lazarus it will be proof of His supernatural power and authority. 

Lazarus seems to be well known. Verse 19 mentions "Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother" giving the idea that Lazarus or Mary and Martha were significant members of the Jewish community. And then Mary later anointing Jesus with perfume in chapter 12, expensive perfume gives the possibility that this family was prominent in the community. Thus, what Jesus was preparing to do carried with it more significance because of the possibility wealth and raising a well known person. 

By Jesus mentioning He is the "resurrection and the life" he is stating that he is the source and sustainer of life. There is no life apart for Him. Unless we are with Him we cannot achieve eternal life with God in heaven and will suffer the wrath of God. John is mentioning about Jesus once again that believing in Him results in eternal life. This continues to be the consistent theme of the book of John. Again, Jesus has already mentioned that in this present life He is the source of all we need when He declares Himself to be the Water of Life and the Bread of Life, thus supplying in Himself every need of spiritual thirst and spiritual hunger. And now He goes beyond this life to the future. Jesus is all we need. 

Jesus tells Martha, “Your brother will rise again." This is an encouraging word He gives to Martha who up to that point regrets that Jesus has not come sooner. But Jesus in His response looks to the future and Lazarus' future and gives Martha the assurance that He will rise again -- at this point not being clear which resurrection that will be for Jesus has not been clear if he will immediately rise him from the dead or if this speaks of the peace to all family members that are in Christ of their resurrection to eternal life with Jesus. Either way, the words can be an encouragement to Martha. 

Daniel 12:2 has given the promise that, "And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." So Martha's response in verse 24 confirms her understanding. There is possibly a little disappointment in this statement for again she was focused on him remaining alive. 

In verse 26, Jesus mentions that we are to believe but we are also to live in Him. But this is not really a new idea because He is previously inferred this when speaking that a full life on this earth now is yielding to Him and trusting in Him to provide our needs. 

Jesus continues to speak with confidence. And so we can rest in that assurance. 

Summary: Jesus arrives in Bethany, and speaks to Martha, who is sad he is late, though Jesus assures her is the Resurrection and the Life and believing in Him results in eternal life to all. 

Promise: Death will not have the final word for all those who are united to Him by faith. 

Prayer: Lord, I continue to speak of You as I speak to people with questions about You and whether You need to be believed in. Your words are clear and we must hold onto them. You are the resurrection and the life. You are living water. You are the living bread and the Light of the World. Help us to believe this and like someone has said recently to know what it means to really believe in You. I want my days to be lived by this truth. You grant me peace and assurance continually through Your word. Help me to help people to walk with You continually, to study Your words and be an encouragement to Many. Continue to encourage me and help me to stand with You. Continue to deepen my faith. Draw people to You. Draw family members closer to You and help them to really believe in You and that You provide for their needs. Out of fear we tend to do things our own way. Yes, Lord, I believe in You and Yes, Lord, I will live for you. 

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

John 1:4-5 - The Word of Life and Light

John 1:4-5

4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Message: The Word of Life and Light

Time: Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. 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: Yesterday, I started with a discussion introducing John. In that introduction, John takes us back to "in the beginning" to charge that Jesus was there, with God and was God and all things came into being through Him. John helps us better understand Jesus. In chapter 20:31, he states that his purpose in writing is to believe Jesus. And we are to have Life in Him. 

Today in verse 4, he brings this to my attention even more. In Him was life. It is an interesting word play because we all have life. We are breathing. We are walking the earth. We are living. And yet John calls attention still to this word "Life" and directs us to the idea that this life is different with Jesus. And the life that John is communicating He also says is the Light of men. In verses 1-3 John mentions Him as creator - God in Genesis 1 creates the world and everything we see with a Word and John characterizes Jesus as the Word and in creating life, Jesus now is shown as life. And He is also the Light for all. Light illuminates and shows us the Way. The morning light comes into our world and shows us the way. 

When I do a quick word study of life I see it is the Greek Word Zoe and it is speaking of everlasting or eternal life. Matthew 7:14 mentions us entering into life and few will find it. Matthew 19:16 is the rich young ruler asking about eternal life. Matthew 25:46 contrasts this eternal life with everlasting punishment. And so life is lasting and eternal and continuous. But, I think life is also speaking of breathing and Jesus is that. 

There is a peace we who believe in Jesus have about life that I don't think is present in this world. Often, I hear followers of Christ wonder how non-followers make it through life without Jesus. Jesus brings purpose and fulfillment to life. He is life and that life with Him is eternal. 

"...and the life was the Light of men." This life, this eternal life, this full life is what we want. It is what people want everywhere. It is what they are looking for. We work and yet in that work we want more. We want time off to enjoy and drink and be with people we love. We desire to have a family. We want to succeed in our vocations, as parents, as children. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the Life." And so this life lights our way. This is the same light that Jesus mentions is us. With Jesus in our Life as the Life then we also as His children are the light to all around us. 

And this light is in opposition to darkness. "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." When Jesus is not a person's Savior and Lord, the light, who is Jesus, is not fully comprehended. 

It is almost as if John is looking for those words to help us see and understand the fullness of Jesus and Him in our life. He is beginning. He is life. He is light. Before there was light there was darkness and Genesis 1:2 describes, "The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep." And then light happened by the Word of God. 

Summary: Jesus - the Word - is beginning, is eternal and complete life, is light to our way, which darkness cannot fully comprehend. 

Promise: Unbelievers benefit from life and truth even while failing to recognize that these things come from God alone. It is our job to remind those around us that life and light come from God and that the Lord calls us to repent and trust in Him to benefit from His life and light eternally.

Prayer: O Father, I love these words. They are simply and yet they are are full and complete. They are everything to me and to our World. You are life, full life, and eternal life. And you are light, coming out of the darkness and shining to me and to our world. Life and light is evident to all and yes, I need to help all understand that you are the Source of all life and light. 

John 20:30-31 - The Fourth Gospel

John 20:30-31

Why This Gospel Was Written

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Message: The Fourth Gospel 

Time: Throughout church history, Christians have consistently attributed this gospel to Jesus' disciple John, the brother of James, the son of Zebedee. John was one of the inner circle of Jesus' most trusted companions. It's most likely that John wrote his gospel while he was in Ephesus, and that he wrote it for an audience that lived outside Palestine, perhaps in Asia Minor. John appears to have had in mind members of a Jewish community who had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, but who had continued to worship in the synagogue. John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing he was to confirm the belief that Jesus was both the Christ and the Son of God.

What the Lord is Saying: I am glad to be studying the book of John for I remember early on this being a book one is to study once they become a Christian. For those searching and for new Christians, as a youth it was always a book people said to read first. It also seems to be a book that many who believe in alternate beliefs or even question Jesus as God have spent the most time changing the translation or rather focusing on. I previously did a study on the Book of Mark so this will be great to focus on this gospel. 

Tabletalk magazine records similar thoughts, stating it is often a book for children and then also a book that requires many commentators a lifetime of study. The book has a distinctive style. 

How it is different from Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic Gospels):

Synoptics - focus their attention on Jesus' ministry in Galilee

Fourth Gospel - also tells of the visits Jesus made to Judea and Jerusalem

Synoptics - Jesus teaching mostly in parables

Fourth Gospel - Many lengthy discourses given by our Savior

But still many similarities and the differences are not contradictions, but different points of emphasis. John, one of the disciples, heard much more private instruction versus the Synoptics recording more of what the crowds also heard. 

Today's passage summarizes his purpose in writing this gospel: 

1. so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; 
2. and that believing you may have life in His name.

Summary: This gospel, like the others has similarities, but is also a more private discourse and understanding of Jesus the Christ so that we will believe and have Life in His Name. 

Promise: Pray that my study will help me to know My Savior better and be equipped to follow Him faithfully and love Him more deeply. 

Prayer: O God, you are good. Your ways are right. And I call you Lord and Savior, my Lord and Savior. Thank you for visiting me personally through Your Spirit and continually helping me understand your Word through Study. Thank you for these studies. I pray that I would come to know you better so that I will always follow You and continue to love You more deeply. Do a great work in me as I study these words. Help these words and thoughts to stick to me like glue so that I will take them with me wherever I go on this earth, to be a light to all I come in contact with. Draw people to Yourself. 

I Corinthians 7:17-24 - Called from Every Vocation

I Corinthians 7:17-24

17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.

21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

Message: Called from Every Vocation

Time: Not the first, but 2nd letter to Corinthians, but the first to survive and to be considered authoritative. Written in AD 55, it was penned after Paul had reports of quarreling in this church he had previously visited. Paul covers a number of subjects, but all focus on the Christian's life in the church. 

What the Lord is Saying: It is interesting to me to understand the context of this passage. In Paul's day, the City of Corinth was the most important city in Greece, as it was a hub of worldwide commerce, but it also was a culture that was degraded and included idolatrous religion. Paul, in this book is firm as he deals with (1) divisions in the church, (2) disorder in the church, and (3) difficulties in the church. The New Testament church is young. Christ was crucified in AD 33 and so this is 22 years later, at a time when this church does not possess the Bible that I have in front of me today in its entirety. At this time, there would have only been penned Matthew, Galatians and James and yet we simply don't know how much of these letters or words were a part of the church. And so this letter Paul is writing to the Church becomes their doctrinal statement and my guess is much of how their church begins is through word of mouth. 

Chapter 7 gives the listener at the beginning principle for married life and at the end principles for the unmarried as well as remarriage. In the middle, my Open Bible has today's reading with a heading of "Principles of Abiding in God's Call." Again, I find this interesting that Paul seems to be addressing how one is to live. 

He writes to an audience that is probably Jewish and yet also Gentile. And he brings up first circumcision - an important practice of the Jew and yet he states what should be important in the life of a follower is not this practice (verse 18), but rather what is important is keeping the commandments of God (v. 19). Verse 19 seems to be the pivotal verse of this section and namely the last part -- what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. What matters is our obedience not who we are (freeman or slave, circumcised or not). Verse 23 says, you were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. We are to be a people of God. We need to be concerned about what God deems important. God has bought us, called us, made us all free (verse 22 - the Lord's freedman). 

Look at the similar thinking in Galatians 5:6, a writing by Paul that occurred at the same time. he says, For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Circumcision is a rite or ritual, but liked I learned in the October 2017 issue of Tabletalk when I studied sacraments, this practices can be important and perhaps we can even say they are needed but I still can't say they are required. If Paul is telling us that circumcision does not mean anything in regards to freeing a man or being purchased, then it seems the purpose of the rituals or sacraments is therefore to point us towards God. And so they can be important, but we always need to be mindful that they do not in and by themselves lead to salvation nor are they on a salvation timeline or checklist that leads one to being saved or in Christ. But rather they can help us and point us toward that right relationship with God. 

I Corinthians 1:17 - For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel... This does not mean that baptism is not important. In that verse he seems to be saying to not let the issue of whether you have been baptized or not divide you. Rather be united by the gospel and who we are in Christ. 

In time I have really come to enjoy the British minister Alexander Maclaren and his writings from the 19th century. He breaks this chapter and verse down in a way that really resonates with me. Again, don't get too caught up in the ritual that you miss the relationship with Jesus. Galatians 5:6 says what is important is faith working through love. In today's passage it is keeping of the commandments of God. It is doing the will of the Father. Jesus said in Luke 22:42, Not my will, but thine be done. 

Galatians 6:15 says, For neither circumcision anything, not uncircumcision, but a new creation. What is most important is my newness in Christ. What matters is getting to that new state of John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

And so I am back to what is key. What is the key? Faith is the key. By trusting in Christ I become a follower of Christ and become one that keeps the commandments of God. I am a new creature created in Christ Jesus for good works. And so I want to live for Him. I want to learn from Him. I want to be like Him. And yet I live in the world and am called to be in the world and yet not to be conformed to it. Every step, every day I am Christ. I am His. And as His I am to be about the will of the Father. It is automatic if I let it. If I let my mindset change, it will change. Don't make it about duty or checklists or rituals. Make it about Him and letting Him renew me. Let my mind be renewed. 

And so today, this lesson, "Called from Every Vocation", the lesson is simple. Be it freeman or slave, it does not matter. I am called to do the will of the Father. I do the will of the Father whether circumcised or uncircumcised, whether having been baptized or not baptized, taking the Lord's supper or not, married or not married, having children or not having children, rich or poor, Gentile or Jew, black or white, Baptist or not, Lutheran or not, Presbyterian or not. What matters is not me or my affiliation, but the will of the Father. It is not form or ritual, it is being in Christ so that then all things will flow forth. Wherever God has placed me, that is where I serve Him. 

Summary: Be it freeman or slave, it does not matter. I am called to do the will of the Father. 

Promise: The important thing to remember is that wherever we labor, we can labor for the glory of God and the good of our neighbors. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for waking me up this morning. I woke up bothered by last night and the work I was doing. Whatever it was that woke me up it brought me to Your Word and brought me to a lesson that has been on my mind so often and a lesson that I so badly wanted to know and see. The lesson is that You have saved me. And in saving me, you have made me knew. O God, how I want to get out of the way and instead let you Spirit live in me the will of the Father. It only happens because of Christ being in me. Awakened by the Spirit, brought to faith by Christ, so that I may do the will of the Father. Renew me daily. As I live in this world, I do not want to be conformed to it. Keep me non-conformed. Keep me trained for Godliness. Keep me close to you. Thank you for calling me at this moment in the work you have and from it I can serve you as good as anyone else. What matters is being in Christ. Thank you God. Thank you for gripping me today with these truths. If I can, help me to pass it on. 

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.

Exodus 20:12 - Honoring Father and Mother

Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you.

Message: Honoring Father and Mother

Time: Most likely this book was penned by Moses. The book covers a period of approximately eighty years, from shortly before Moses’s birth (c. 1526 BC) to the events that occurred at Mount Sinai in 1446 BC. The Bible's message of redemption appears in Exodus as well: though the children of Israel were enslaved in a foreign land, God miraculously and dramatically delivered them to freedom, provided the Law, established the system of sacrifice, and gave instructions on building of His tabernacle. God began to fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

What the Lord is Saying:

The promise in this verse is what for me has stood out -- that your days may be prolonged. I remember a friend saying that if we were to truly do this command, then the rest of the commands would not be necessary. And in some ways this lays the foundation for all the other commands. 

As all of us begin life, we see that God has established authority in our lives from the beginning. And our first step is to honor our father and mother. More authorities will come in life - in school, jobs, at church, our elected officials and leaders, law enforcement, but it all begins with the command to honor our father and mother and submit to them. 

This text from Romans 13:1-7 has been looked at a lot over the last few years as we think about this virus and our response to it. 

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

I think in these verses is a basic understanding that we are to be in subject to our authorities. Unless we are told to do something that is not in line with God's word. I think we as humans are struggling with this more and more. I have a person right now at work that ignores authority. He is asked to do something and he tells the person "no." It makes me wonder his home life and how he might have learned about authority growing up. 

As I think about this command I see that Paul repeats it in Ephesians 6:1-4 and also repeats that in following it we will live long on the earth. Maybe this phrase is meant to say that our lives will be better. I think I need to look at this as well in my life. Right, I am struggling with the authority in my life at times, not agreeing with my boss, who is about 15 or more years younger than me. I want to be autonomous because of my experience and I need to do a better job of deferring to her. I can tell as I get older and the thought that I am getting wiser that I begin to think that authority is not as important. I fall out of the shadow of my parents and think I am more on my own. 

The verse in Ephesians is also a verse for me as a parent, a parent that is a disciple of Christ and that I need to be teaching my children in the way of the Lord. I think we instilled this in our home. I am concerned that at times it was fear based but hopefully my kids through the Holy Spirit caught onto the importance of this, even now as they are living on their own. 

Summary: Parents are to rear their children in faith, teaching them to respect authority and children are to follow. God orders authority and establishes it. It begins with parents but continues in many other forms throughout our lives. 

Promise: As Tabletalk says, "Teaching children to honor their parents and other authorities is not only right according to God's law, but it is also good for society." 

Prayer: O God, you are a great God. I thank you for this new day, a new day to worship and serve you and walk with You. Lord, I thank you for the parents that you gave me and learning the importance of submission and respect. I pray that you would continue to teach me what this means and you would continue to instruct my children in this even as they are no longer under our roof. Help us all to remember that submitting to authority improves our life. Your commands are there to protect us but also to improve our lives and make life more satisfying and enjoyable. 

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.