John 16:1-4a - The Persecution to Come

John 16:1-4a

1 “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. 2 They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. 3 These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. 4 But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them.

Message: The Persecution to Come

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: Well, onto Chapter 16. I am still in the middle of Jesus' farewell discourse with Chapter 15 having more of a focus on the relationship of believers in Christ, to each other, and to the world and the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus continues to refer often to himself and then his position with His Father. Everything he says has a linkage to the Father to help us see that Jesus now is the Father's appointed sacrifice and from this point forward we must submit and surrender to Him, by faith. However, chapter 15 is specifically addressed to believers and so Jesus here in his message I think is speaking to believers in Christ. 

In Chapter 16 Jesus mentions that He is speaking these things in order that the disciple might be kept from stumbling. Stumbling is a reality. We hear things and we are not confident that they are always true, doubt creeps in and in the process we stumble. I think these things probably refers to the Holy Spirit and not necessarily the persecution words. 

In verse 2, Jesus says "they" in referring I think back to those who are persecuting and hating the disciples, again because of Jesus and believing in Him. Now Jesus seems to focus their minds more securely on the persecution that is coming. He mentions that those persecuting often believe they are doing God's work. The Pharisees are an example. It is tragic that much of the persecution that the church experiences is from other churches. I think there is a great tendency of competition between churches and even denominations. I think part of it simply how we are trained in society with the sports and even education and celebrating victors and not losers. In the process, people within the faith are competing against one another. I admit, at times it is an easier target and easier to think something we are better equipped in the Word of God than others. 

Now I don't think verse 3 necessarily applies to the attacks we often get within the church when it says, "These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me." I do believe that many of these attacks are more of competition than asserting that people don't know Jesus or God as Father. But, there also attacks between faiths. 

Jesus concludes in verse 4 that the words He speaks are to be an encouragement, to provide comfort to them. But not necessarily today, but in the future, "when their hour comes." We need to tap into these promises that the Lord gives and let them remind us so that when these difficult times come we can remember He is there with us. 

Summary: Persecution is coming, within the church and outside of it; Jesus encourages us to not stumble and remember the words of comfort He continues to speak. 

Promise: We need to stand firm in God's word, remembering God's promises, so that as difficulties and persecutions happen, we will stand firm. 

Prayer: Lord, you are with us at all times and I pray we would remember better and tap into that comfort that you provide and not react to tough situations but respond appropriately, trusting You. Lord, open the eyes of the blind and even those persecuting so that they will see the evil of their ways. Mend us, your church and all of its different colors and systems. Teach us how to disagree. Teach us how to love one another in all situations. I pray that the world would not receive wrong messages about us in seeing us disagree with one another. 

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

John 15:22-25 - Inexcusable Sin

John 15:22-25

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

Message: Inexcusable Sin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 15:18-21 

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

Message: The World's Hatred

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Acts 17:1-9 - The Role of Reason

Acts 17:1-9
Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” 8 They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.

Message: The Role of Reason

Time: Clearly written by Luke, this book follows the lives of Peter and then Paul after Jesus' ascension into heaven. The book was completed about 62 AD as Paul sat in prison. It provides an account of the growth of the Church and spread from Jerusalem, from a small group of frightened believers in Jerusalem transformed into an empire-wide movement of people who had committed their lives to Jesus Christ, and it should help us to be bold and have zeal in our walks with God.

What the Lord is Saying:

Does it make sense that what we see has always been? Thus, the idea from the atheist or naturalist is this world in which we live in has always existed or has come about over time ever so gradually. Thus, the universe is eternal. Or does it make more sense that it has been designed. Therefore, it has a designer. For me, as I examine the intricacy of the human body, it is difficult for me to see that this body has simply evolved. Thus, it seems reasonable to believe this. Once I have believed in a designer, it makes sense that only the designer knows how to save me.

In this passage, Acts 17, Paul has come upon Thessalonica. This was a large city with a large population. As Paul entered the City, he did what he did with entering any city, he went straight to the synagogue -- they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them. I find it interesting that Paul does not wait for people to come to him. Instead he goes right to the middle of the crowd that is opposed to his thinking and speaks to them. What an encouragement this is and a scary approach to things. His mission is to show people that Jesus is the Christ. Paul is an evangelist and his goal is to go to all the world and preach the gospel.

There is no problem in waiting for people to come to the church and then in that service to speak directly to them. Yet, this is not our only mission. We are also to go straight to the city centers and speak to those that are thinking another way. And I wonder, are we supposed to go to the churches that are speaking a different way? Are we go and stir the pot in those settings? Paul went straight to the synagogue, to the place that believed something different. And he experienced opposition. I Thessalonians 2:2 says - but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

This makes me think of the open air preaching that sometimes goes on or that way of the master and living waters has mentioned. Yet, I am not sure that is the application here. The one thing that I see though is we tend to stay in safe environments for our ideal today or our mission today is safety, not conflict. Why? We want to preserve our life.

Paul did not enter the synagogue one time and then leave, but rather for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures. From the Scriptures was how his reasoning was done. And what is amazing to me is at this time, the Scriptures meant the Old Testament for he did not have a New Testament. Perhaps he had his stories and memories of Jesus and what He said while walking on the earth and following His resurrection. But it seems clear that the reasoning he did could be done with the Old Testament writings.

I have been reading the book Unveiling Grace by Lynn Wilder, a former LDS follower and what made the difference in her life was the reading of the New Testament and the words of Jesus. This is what moved her son. It is God's Word that changes lives. Paul knew this. Yet, preaching the words of Jesus either move people to the Son or further away. Both can be expected outcomes.

The other alarming record is that Paul went to the synagogue for three Sabbaths or three weeks. He camped out in this place and continued to speak to them. He continued to proclaim the message that This Jesus who I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." This Jesus is the Messiah. This was his message over and over to them, using the scriptures. And what the response? Well, some of them were persuaded. But the Jews formed a mob and set the city in an uproar. Here is the hard part, some followed, but most did not.

And this passage then turns to Jason. Jason seems to be a citizen of Thessalonica and his crime was -- and Jason has welcomed them. Jason was where Paul probably camped out and stayed. Jason and the other followers and Paul were brought out of their residence and placed before the mob. This recount of Jason and others being dragged out gets several verses. Let's be clear there is those that believe, but there are many more that oppose. And we live in a time period now that those who stir the pot are lambasted. So we can stay safe on the sidelines but then we should not be surprised that we are not having much of an impact on our culture or we can get in the middle and see fruit, but also opposition.

Promise: The reason we use in talking to people is by bringing them back continually to the Scripture, to the Word of God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for this passage and helping me wake up more to the idea that I am your ambassador and the best way to preach your gospel is by communicating your Word. I need to accept and realize that while some will accept, many will not. Forgive me for remaining silent all to often because of this. I get too comfortable with this world and living in it and don't want anything to rock the boat or upset my place in this world. Lord, I need to come back to Your word and see that it is true to all of life and this is your message I am to carry.

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 with March being about the sovereign providence of God and looking at how the Bible reveals His control over all things.

Mark 13:9-10 - Bearing Witness To Christ

Mark 13:9-10
9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. 10 The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.

Message: Bearing Witness To Christ

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Christ is in the middle of giving his Mount of Olives presentation or what is known as the Olivet Discourse on the future of Jerusalem and the temple. The previous four verses spoke of warnings that would occur - such as false teachers, wars, rumors of wars, and natural disasters, such as earthquakes. These would be come and the people of God need to be careful to not heed the teachings of those that will seek to coerce and mislead them, and also we are not be frightened.

But beyond these warnings are admonitions and commands that Jesus gives. But be on your guard. In essence, don't assume all is good all the time. Continue to carry out your duty amidst all of these disasters and misleading and deception that are occurring. It is somewhat to sad to see the number of people that have been deceived. It's rather alarming to see. That so many people can be convicted into the think that their truth is the right way is chilling. for they will deliver you to the courts which means people will end up in courts that they think will give them a fair trial but they will not. This nation of ours (USA) is becoming more and more secular and we cannot be surprised of the unjust way in which Bible believing people are being treated now. Yet, still we need to press on and continue the message that Christ has given us: to preach repentance and believe in His name. and you will be flogged in the synagogues; It is easy for me today to see this application to today's time. But for many they would be taken before the Sanhedrin (the ancient Jewish court system). It was normal in these times, in order to keep order, to beat people, scourge them or flog them. and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake; apostles would appear before Gallio (apostle Paul), Festus (apostle Paul's final hearing), Felix (Paul and other Judeans), Herod (John the Baptist), Agrippa (Paul), Nero (Peter and Paul), Domitian, and others. as a testimony to them - We do not simply accept these flogging and punishments, but do it for the testimony of Jesus.

The gospel must first be preached to all the nations.

“The fulfilment of this part of the prophecy we learn chiefly from the writings of the New Testament, which inform us that the gospel was preached by Paul in Arabia, and through the vast tract from Jerusalem to Iconium in Lycaonia, and in Galatia, and through all Asia Minor, and in Greece, and round about to Illyricum, and in Crete and Italy, probably also in Spain and Gaul. Besides, the gospel reached much farther than this apostle carried it; for we find him writing to Christians who had never seen his face. Also, we have still remaining Peter’s epistles to the converted Jews in Pontus, Asia, Cappadocia, and Bythynia. Probably the gospel was preached in these and many other countries by the Jews who sojourned there, and who, having come to Jerusalem to the passover, were converted on the day of pentecost. The Ethiopian eunuch, converted by Philip, would carry it likewise into his country. But whatever way it happened, the fact is certain, that in most of these countries churches were planted within thirty years after Christ’s death, or about ten years before the destruction of Jerusalem." - James Macknight (1721-1800) Scottish Minister

So this literally took place. The gospel was indeed preached to the known world at the time before the destruction of Jerusalem. This is also encouragement for me to preach the gospel, wherever I go and to support others who do this, like Shane and Alicia who are in India, which I discovered is the world's second biggest country with 1.3 Billion people. Wow. I had no idea.

Summary - This passage has relevance mostly to 2,000 years ago and its immediate prophetic fulfillment of the disciples and followers experiencing persecution for their faith. It was prophesied that the Gospel would also be preached and it was before the destruction of Jerusalem.  

Promise: Faithfulness to Christ may lead to difficult times, trials, and even arrest before governing authorities. But, through all of this we are to be witnesses and continue to proclaim the gospel. 

Prayer: O Lord, you are beautiful, thank you for tough times. Remind me that I can go through them because you have been so great to me and it is all for your glory. Thank you for the men and women that have come before me and have shown me what it means to suffer and die for the sake of Your Name. Lord, I struggle at times today knowing what it really means to suffer for You with all of the creature comforts I have and I often think that much of life now is protecting myself against that suffering. I think of the missionary that died recently in Cameroon after raising support for 3 years and then being there for just 2 weeks. That is hard to reconcile, but you will be glorified no matter what. Keep me focused on You day in and day out, teaching me what it means to follow you.

Psalm 119:161-168 - The Treasure of God's Word

Psalm 119:161-168
¹⁶¹ Princes persecute me without cause,
But my heart stands in awe of Your words.
¹⁶² I rejoice at Your word,
As one who finds great spoil.
¹⁶³ I hate and despise falsehood,
I love Your law.
¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous ordinances.
¹⁶⁵ Those who love Your law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
¹⁶⁶ I hope for Your salvation, O Lord,
And do Your commandments.
¹⁶⁷ My soul keeps Your testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.
¹⁶⁸ I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies,
For all my ways are before You.

Message:  The Treasure of God's Word

Time: Based upon authorship and subject matter, Psalms cover a range of centuries. David is mentioned 73 times, Solomon 2, Moses 1, and 50 designate no specific person. It is believed they were compiled around 537 BC. The psalms deal with such subjects as God and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin and evil, judgment, justice, and the coming of the Messiah.

What the Lord is Saying:
The Persecuted Man (v. 161)
Men can do harm to us for only so long. But those people are temporary. God's word is eternal. So my heart stands in awe of Your words. It is somewhat hard for me to write these words and really understand their meaning because attending church has always been lawful for me; to worship God has always been my choice; I live in comfort, in security and freedom to worship what I wish. I haven't been placed in a position where I've had to choose. I can only pray and hope that, given the choice, I would hold to the Word of God. 

But there are also little ways I can do this as well. There are conversations I could go along with, that don't glorify God. I do have opportunities to choose God and not the world. And I know there are times I've failed at this in order to keep the applause of men predominant in my life. 

The Praising Man and What He Discovered (v. 162)
How do I treat God's Word in my life. Is it more important than anything else? Do I count it as the highest treasure in my life? Would I trade all I have, the worldly wealth, my earnings, my possessions for it - if that was the choice that was presented to me that I had to take? Again, I hope I would. I hope that I would rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great spoil. I do know that I need to continue to look to it and study it.. I never graduate from the Word of God. I never reach a point in my life when I know it all, It remains a needed part of my day to return to it. 

The Praising Man and What He Detested (v. 163)
If I love God's word and set it on high, then inversely I detest what is not God's word. I hate and despise falsehood. What is the common phrase today: Coexist. It is the idea that all spiritual roads are equal, that they all lead to the same destination. What is important is something not nothing. But I am not to tolerate those beliefs that don't agree that Jesus is God and his sacrifice on the cross is the only way. And I also believe that I should not argue with those other denominations that agree in Jesus but practice in a different way. On that front, I need to stand with them. But, I need to be clear that what is good is not just doing something. The other day I met a person and he made the comment that as long as a person finds what he believes to be his faith then that is fine. It's as if, it doesn't matter what you believe, just as long as you believe in something. But, this is not what is meant here. 

I think the difficult is the world views hatred toward falsehood as hatred toward people that put forth the falsehood. And so they don't believe that the two can, coexist. But, as I learned years ago, hate the sin, love the sinner. I think I need to love people with the Gospel of Jesus and seek to always bring it before them. But, I also need to be clear that I hate sin and hate the culture of sin that I often live in. I am not to be a friend to the world. I need to be more careful of this because the ways of the world continue to seep more strongly into all of life. 

The Praising Man and What He Did (v. 164)
Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous ordinances. What an encouragement this is to pray like this each day. If I did this each day, wouldn't it change my perspective throughout the day. One of the things I think I struggle with each day is praise and thanking God for what He has done in my life. If I took the time to praise Him, maybe as I eat, wake up, morning, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack, bed time - and that would be seven times. "Thank you Lord for this new day and for all I shall learn today of Thy wondrous love and care." 

The Peaceful Man (v. 165)
Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble. Everyone is looking for peace and here is a formula, per se, for peace in our life. We are to love the Law of God. Laws of this land, we often think, are there to constrain us and keep us from enjoyment. But they are to protect us and how good it is then to love the law. Do I love God's laws and commandments? Do I love the Gospel and seek to follow it carefully all of my days? 

The Patient Man (v. 166)
 I hope for Your salvation, O Lord, and do Your commandments. There is something sweet about doing the right thing and then stepping back and saying, "Yes, I did it." Last night I stayed at work later than normal, like 3 hours later, but it felt good. There wasn't much going on at home, but it sure felt good to get the weight of work just out of the way. I hate living a life of regrets and missing out. I want so much more to be able to do the right thing and then enjoy the peace of having done it. And so any time I do anything for the Lord, once again, there are no regrets. 

The Passionate Man (v. 167) 
My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. Keeping the law can often be done out of duty. But, this says that my soul keeps...and i love them. The innermost part of my being desires to keep the promises that God has extended to us, what he holds dear. Again, as I have seen, doing the will of God, when it is not out of guilt, yields peace. And in this phrase the Psalmist reminds me that that practice of doing it is out of not just love, but exceeding love. 

On this earth, I see this exceeding love with my wife. The joy of being with her yields a desire to do anything for her. I see this in my kids in my desire to want them to have the best yields a desire to do anything for them. Thus, acts of service seem easy, so why is it with me that giving at times seems hard. Maybe God it is because I am a pleaser, meaning I like to please people. And I get caught sometimes wanting to please my family and yet wanting to please those that need it as well, and often need it more. 

The Lord spoke to Moses to ask the children of Israel for funds in regards to building the tabernacle and he didn't just want givers, but wanted every man that giveth it willingly with his heart (KJV). Just like doing the work of the law exceedingly, I am to give willingly. 

The Perfect Man (v. 168) 
I keep Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You. Nothing is not seen by Him. His ways are ever before Me. Lord, if I could continue to live life with no regrets, it would be a beautiful thing. And Lord, it seems to be that the hallmark of doing that, at least by this text, is begin a person that keep your precepts and your testimonies. In the previous verse the motivation was from the heart and now it is motivation from the head, from the logic that God already sees all that I do anyway, so I might as well do it right the first time. 

Promise: The Word of God is nothing more than a great treasure. And with its practice yields great peace. I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of this continually, all my days. 

Prayer: Lord, I want to continually stand in awe of You and Your words, more than any other power in this present life. Lord, I want the Word of God to the highest and most valued treasure in my life today. I ask that as I love your word, I would make it clear that I stand in opposition to that which is not your word and is falsehood. I don't want to play both sides of the fence. Lord, I want to praise you and think of praising you more each day. Help me to take a moment to praise you 7 times a day. Lord, I need a smile on my face each moment of each day. I need to be happier in the moment and excited about what you have before me. Help me Lord to love your law. Lord, there is such great reward in doing the right thing. Help me Lord to do that each day, to choose the good. Lord, you have shown me how easy it is to love exceedingly and serve others and do things for others in service to  you, but I also want to be a cheerful giver. Teach me this Lord. Teach me to give in peace with no regrets. Remind me that you are watching anyway and I can always know that I will please you. 

Psalm 119:73-80 - God's Word, Affliction, and Glory

Psalm 119:73-80
Your hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. May those who fear You see me and be glad, because I wait for Your word. I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, according to Your word to Your servant. May Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Your precepts. May those who fear You turn to me, even those who know Your testimonies. May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, so that I will not be ashamed.

Message: God's Word, Affliction, and Glory

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:
So after several stanza's on the need and love for God's word, the Psalmist takes a moment to mention that there was a time in his life when God was not on the throne and he turned away in his affliction. And in these verses he continues a little with those thoughts.

The first verse of each of these stanza's I notice end up being sort of a theme for the section. This is an acrostic psalm, a prayer, and each of the 22 stanza's begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

Lord, your hands made me and fashioned me

There is maybe a new thought here, but I also look back and the preceding verses where he says, "It is good for me that I was afflicted that I may learn Thy statutes. The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver." God's law is of the highest value in my life. It is in my afflictions that I get to know this law better, that I get to know God better. Lord, I do hope this is what comes of difficult times, more devotion to You and Your laws.

Give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments
As my maker and my creator, my understanding is dependent on Him. Lord, I yield to You and ask that You teach me. I desire to be obedient to Your commandments and to learn them, but I need Your understanding. Give my children and wife understanding, that they may learn Thy commandments. Give the people that I speak to online and the people at church; help us be a people that are following You all of our days.

May those who fear Thee see me and be glad because I wait for Thy word
I desire to be friends to those that serve and honor You. The Christian desires to be around other good Christians. People don't want to be like evil, but want to be around those that are good. Lord, keep me in the path of the saints and keep my children and wife in those paths. I pray their highest desire and goal would be to be around other strong in faith people.

I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteous
Lord, afflictions are right; they are indeed the highest form of being right; they are righteous. The goal of each person it to be seen right in the presence of God. Jesus, in dying for us, transfers his righteousness to us by faith. It is here I think about God's dealings with me in times of affliction. It is a good thing. It's funny we see these people and do not want to be like them and yet they appear to be the strongest people around, such as Joni Eareckson Tada or Nick Vujicic. It is amazing to hear them talk about the ministry they have. O Lord, I want to run from the darkness, but not from hard times. Show me what it is to be close to You in hard times.

And that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me
What an amazing thought -- that in God's faithfulness to me he has afflicted me. It was in my best interest. The affliction is not done in malice or by chance; it was because God saw a good reason why it must be done. It needed to be done. Again, I do not think this way, but affliction is a sign of God's faithfulness.

O may Thy lovingkindness comfort me, according to Thy word to Thy servant
It is through the mercy of God that I am comforted. God will comfort me. Everything else in life is a placebo that provides momentary comfort, but true comfort comes from God. It is through God's mercy that I have any happiness. God and His word brings me peace. Give me comfort God according to Your lovingkindness.

May Thy compassion come to me that I may live
It is the Lord's tender mercies that I need...to live. What a great promise that is found here in God's words. Lord let me experience thy mercy and favor.

For Thy law is my delight
I will find my happiness in obedience to Your words. God, protect me in times of trouble. You are able. You are completely everything to me.

May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; but I shall meditate on Thy precepts
Light and darkness do not work together. It really should not be a big surprise when the lawless, arrogant, wicked ones treat God's children with contempt and lies. There is no reason that people should be mean and wicked, but they are. They do not like the light. The evil one does not want to change his ways so he will not be kind to the righteous.

May those who fear Thee turn to me, even those who know Thy testimonies
I need friends that are God's children. There may be those that are arrogant and wicked and living in darkness that do not desire my companionship, but O God, keep Your children near to me and in my sight. Keep me close to those that are near to You.

May my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be ashamed
Lord, I pray that there is no defect in me, no imperfection in regard to Thy Laws and commandments; keep me close to them, guided by them because I do not want to be ashamed. Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel meaning he had no reason to deny its power and his love for it as he speaks to others and so may my obedience to your statutes be in a way that I am not ashamed at how I live or am living.

Promise: Affliction sometimes is the result of evil people, not ourselves being evil.

Romans 12:14-15 - Rejoicing with Others

Romans 12:14-15 - ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Message:  Thinking of others as more important than yourself
 
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Thus far
I continue to walk through these admonitions in Romans 12; Paul is encouraging me to walk in the Light. The life of a Christian is not an easy road. God asks me to do things that are against my nature. As trials come my way, I am not to immediately seek an escape route, but instead persevere (verse 12); I am to look to serve those in the Body (verse 13); and I am to go out of my way to show love to strangers (verse 13); I am to share a brotherly love with people of all different walks of life (verse 10); I am to continue to hate what is evil (verse 9). God is tasking me to live a different way. As a Christian I should stand out and be distinct. I am to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17). 

The response to being persecuted
These words are of the same thought of Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount that when an evil person slaps us on the cheek, we are to turn the other cheek to him also. We are not to fight fire with fire. Jesus also said in Matthew 5:44 to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus on the cross said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

In some ways, it is hard to see myself experiencing persecution because of my faith, but I do receive persecution at times. Sometimes it is not from an enemy, but I do have unwelcome things happen in my life. I may have a boss or leader that makes me look foolish or calls out my sin in public. At home, I have a child that talks back to me or a wife that doesn't respect my words. At the mall, I may have a person that doesn't agree with me. I have entitled this section, "The response." My response many times to people is out of anger. I feel attacked. People don't place importance on things like I do. My kids don't listen to my words. They don't respect my view nor my rules or parameters. And yet they expect what is important to them to be important to me. It hurts and often my words in response to them are cutting and demeaning and not kind. I belittle them. I exasperate them. I do not bless them. I am receiving a curse often and I am not responding correctly.

I wish I could turn a switch and have people be more responsive. I think this is often why I like work. People want to do a good job at work, for the most part. They want to do a good job for me. They want to please me. They want me to think highly of them. I get respect at work. I have a title as a manager and that means something to my employees.

I do not have a title at home and I don't feel like my children desire to please me. I think when they do well, they look for my approval or praise, but they don't seek out my joy. It is the not the reason they do things. That is hard. And that response by them often moves me to curse them and belittle them and be sarcastic. And yet, they are the most important people in my life and I am to bless them, even when they don't bless me. I am to respond to them correctly. I am not to feel attacked.

I just don't live in that world much. I do not get respect much at home. I feel often like I am just an innocent bystander and that I just live in my world and do things that I like and should not try to make what is important to me important to others. I am very weak and I need God's strength if I am going to make it.

Rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep
On the same tone, Paul encourages me to celebrate other people's victories. And when a person weeps, I am to weep. I am to come alongside others. I don't mind weeping with those that weep because none of us want to weep and to see someone hurting, I want to naturally help them. But, boy is it hard to rejoice when someone else is rejoicing. It is a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am always in competition mode, with family members, with neighbors, with co-workers, with everyone. I am in this mode of good things happening to me and not to others. Often, when another person gets a new car, it hurts. Why not me? When a person has a nice yard, I wonder why I don't. Even when their grass is growing nicely, I am bothered mine doesn't. I hear of the victories and accomplishments of their children and wonder why mine are not star performers. It is hard to rejoice with others that are rejoicing. It is hard to hear about someone getting an amazing deal on a car. With this too, I don't have the strength and I need God's help.

Promise: I must cultivate a joyful attitude that celebrates when others succeed and receive the things I most want for ourselves. Only the Holy Spirit can enable me to do this, and He will do so as I call upon His assistance.

 

Romans 8:35-37 - More Than Conquerors

Romans 8:35-37 - 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written,“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Message: The Love of Christ sets us apart and we are more than conquerors in Christ

Time: This book was probably written between 56 and 57 B.C. Paul was in Greece, probably Corinth when he wrote. It was sent to Gentile believers, but also believers with a strong Jewish element.

What the Lord is Saying:


In chapter 3, Paul started asking questions and this is continued throughout the book. The questions are meant to possibly come from an imaginary person or maybe an individual that could possibly raise a question as Paul is speaking.

Paul continues in these verses to offer encouragement to the Christian as a face trials in their life, once again while they are in Christ. The Christian is saved at the end of chapter 3, the imputation of righteousness is confirmed by our father Abraham in chapter 4, and the believers death to sin is declared in chapter 5. In 6, 7 and 8, the believers life of sanctification is described. And through this process of being made holy by the Spirit of God a Christian will undoubtedly have questions, and come under attack and have trials. Paul wants to assure the believer that nothing can come against them. Yesterday, we had the reminder that no charge can come against us. There is nothing that can condemn us.

The love of God
Now in verse 35, Paul shows us how the love of Christ will never cease. [I wonder why love is mentioned here and not earlier. Paul has talked about the Lord being with us in prayer, that no charge can come against us, that God is there for those He chooses, and now, he culminates this with talk of the Love of Christ. Just interesting. It could just be a shift from the legal relationship we have in Christ, versus now in these verses the relational aspect of that relationship in Christ.]

Nothing

It is interesting then the list that Paul gives us of struggles to face. He had mentioned tribulation in chapter 5 reminding us that we can exult in our tribulations for they produce hope. Yet in this verse tribulations is the beginning point of struggles in our lives. Tribulations are something that we experience every day in some form or another. They can be small and they can be large.

Distress can occur because of a loss, like a job or a close friend or family member dying to soon.

Famine is something I rarely experience. I don't even know if I can say I have ever experienced famine. Can I say that I've had to go without food for a long period of time? Maybe, but it was probably my own choice.

Nakedness is also something that I've only experienced in a dream. And even in that dream it was humiliating and stressful, but in real life I never have. I guess it could also mean to be exposed or to be humiliated.I have been embarrassed many times but I'm not sure if I've ever really been humiliated.

In peril, I think that would be if I was scared of my life. I think I have experienced this a couple of times, But it has only been momentary, driving in the car, narrow narrowly missing a crash, on my bike, but never anything that lasted longer than a few moments.

And finally death or a sword. Definitely not on that one.

I think what this all is trying to say is that no matter how difficult the situation, even if it might end up in death, the love of God is not absent and remains with us, with me.

In verse 36, Paul quotes from Psalm 44 where the psalmist cries out to God for the alleviation of the suffering he endures for the sake of his faithfulness to the Lord. It is a stark reminder that suffering is not something that will be avoided or not present in the life of the believer in Christ. It should not take us by surprise. It is real and it will occur. And it has the potential of occurring in many forms, but no matter how or when or why, we can rest assure that the love of Christ remains with us. 

Not simply withstanding, but conquering
Verse 37 expresses that we don't simply put up with these difficulties in life, but we overcome them and work through them and eventually conquered them. The strongest sentiment here is that we conquer death.

Promise:  From Tabletalk, July 3, 2014, "Let our enemies do their worst---they cannot overpower our living and loving God."