2 Samuel 12:1-15a - David Repents

2 Samuel 12:1-15a

Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die." (verse 13)

Message: David Repents

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

What the Lord is Saying: Nathan comes to David and shares a story or parable with David. It is about 2 men, one rich and one poor. The poor man only has a ewe lamb. "Now a traveler came to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take from his own flock or his own herd." This is a striking verse comparing David's sin in taking Bathsheba to the inability of the man recognizing what he already have. That is the sin we often commit. Not everyone time, but often this is how it is seen - God gives us a gift and we tell God it is not good enough and we need something else. Why? - wanting something different? It feels like to me I would say what I have is not as great as it has been and I need a temporary replacement. Or I see something in the public similar to what I had and want to seize it, but frankly it is taking what God has provided and saying to God, "Not good enough." 

David was caught up in the parable and felt the man who came to the traveler must die. At this moment, he has contempt and repulsion but doesn't see himself in the parable. It takes a moment, but David realizes that he has not simply gotten away with his sin and he repents. He has been exposed and he takes responsibility, but it still seems that he was forced to do this rather than voluntarily taking the consequences. I've watched someone close to me in my life voluntarily take the consequences for his indiscretion. He has suffered over the last year and it has been hard for him. He wasn't forced into it or exposed. And yet, not sure if it has made anything easier or different. To me, it means something but I am simply an innocent bystander. 

The Lord pronounces a consequence in verse 11, "I will raise up evil against you from your own household." Not sure what this means. David's sons die: Ammon is killed by Absalom and then Absalom is then murdered himself by Joab and Adonijah is executed by Solomon. Two sons killer two other sons. Their is division and discord within his family. Absalom also lay with his father's concubines. I think wealth and privilege can at times make one think that they can get away with things. The Lord once again shows David that though what he tried to do secretly instead his consequence will known throughout the kingdom and to this day through the reading of this Word. And so Bathsheba's child is killed. 

What matters in this is repentance and a resolve to Love the Lord. I see this as well in the life of the person I have seen confronted with sin, that they too are focused on loving the Lord now. Nathan tells David his sin was taken away and he will not have pay for it through his life. 

Summary: Nathan reveals to David his sin through a publicly and the Lord exposes David publicly. David repents. 

Promise: God declared David chosen and David's sin does not change this. 

Prayer: To think God that You have chosen me. Thank you for helping me to see my sin as well and to see that You have granted me much and I need to only embrace your gifts and nothing else. Keep me front and center. Thank you for the lesson of this passage and what it teaches people to this day. You are to be praised. Your ways are perfect. 

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

Acts 2:38 - Baptism and Forgiveness

Acts 2:38 - Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Message: Baptism and Forgiveness

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: I am enjoying taking a deeper dive into these studies on baptism and its significance as a sacrament. As I have studied in the last 2 lessons -- Baptism is commanded in Scripture following conversion and it is to be instituted in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit, but the method can be any form with water over the person. Baptism has regenerated all who believe in Christ alone for salvation. For me in these studies, there needs to be a strong emphasis on baptism and its work before God in 3 persons and then being regenerated as a Called One of Christ. It is true that not everyone that is baptized will be part of the kingdom of God but this should not diminish the act of baptism. Baptism needs to be important in the life of the believer, of the person being regenerated. I think it needs to be something that each person that has made a decision to follow Christ does. In the previous lesson it speaks of how there is change in that person or a renewal. 

In today's passage it speaks of the forgiveness of sins. 

The Westminster Confession of Faith speaks of Baptism in 28.1. 

Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, ordained by Jesus Christ, not only for the solemn admission of the party baptized into the visible church, but also to be unto him a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of his ingrafting into Christ, of regeneration, of remission of sins, and of his giving up unto God through Jesus Christ, to walk in the newness of life: which sacrament is, by Christ’s own appointment, to be continued in his church until the end of the world.

Thus, there remains this close relationship between a person repenting and then being baptized. Acts 2:38 states that baptism follows repentance. "Repent and be baptized..." Thus, before one is baptized they repent of their sins.  

There are places in scripture that speak of salvation into the Kingdom of God that do not speak of baptism. I understand now that this does not mean that Baptism is not necessary, but I think repentance is the first key to our lives. It is the commitment and the act to turn oneself from sin and run towards Christ. We repent and then as we do baptism assures us that God has cleansed us from our sin and forgiven us. Thus, baptism gives us confirmation of God cleansing us. 

I definitely have not thought of baptism in this way in my life. I have heard some say it is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. Yet, what it seems to be that we repent and turn from sin and then baptism confirms our forgiveness of sin. A baptized person can be a saved person, but a non-baptized person can still be a saved person and a baptized person can be an unsaved person. I am still not sure it is a requirement but it is very important and with the language about it being so prevalent in scripture, I think it is something that needs to be present in the life of every believer. It is not something to shy away from. 

For me, I believe a person can be complete in Christ following repentance but still it is a command and we need to follow through on baptism to the best of our ability, as soon as we can. I think a person can be complete because of so many instances of this in Scripture. And yet baptism needs to be present in the life of a follower of Christ.  

The Westminster Confession acknowledges that baptism can occur with an infant. I don't understand this thinking. This doesn't seem to be a valid form of baptism, but the reformers I know agree with this thinking.  

I'm still struggling with this. I also think that well Jesus has the authority to forgive sin. He forgives sin often in the Gospels. But forgiveness by people always was in the form of people acting. In the Old Testament, people would sacrifice animals. They carried out an act. In the New Testament people are baptized. And so people have this responsibility to act. As people we need to see these outward signs of our commitment to Him. But let's not get caught up in thinking that doing these acts saves people.  

Summary: People who have repented need to be baptized. It confirms their new birth to the visible church.  

Promise: The water of your baptism is God's unbreakable promise to you to forgive you when you repent. But it is the Spirit that cleanses us. God cleanses us. Baptism reminds us in a visual way to the visible church God's promise to cleanse and forgive. 

Prayer: Lord, this subject is one that I continue to struggle with in understand. Perhaps it is the way some people share it with me - with such authority that if a person is not baptized then they are not saved. And yet on the flip side I struggle with it that maybe it is too much of an afterthought. You have given us words that speak of its importance and so Lord help me to be one that confirms its practice. Right now, I'm thinking of my son-in-law Brandon and him sharing to me that he has not been baptized. Help me to encourage him in this. And continue to give me wisdom and guidance as I have future conversations about this with others. 

My Utmost for His Highest - October 28 - Justification by Faith

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. —Roman 5:10

I am not saved by believing; I realize I am saved by believing. It is not repentance that saves me; repentance is the sign that I realize what God has done in Christ Jesus. The danger is to put the emphasis on the effect instead of on the cause — “It is my obedience that puts me right with God, my consecration.” Never! I am put right with God because prior to all, Christ died. When I turn to God and by belief accept what God reveals I can accept, instantly the stupendous Atonement of Jesus Christ rushes me into a right relationship with God, and by the supernatural miracle of God’s grace I stand justified, not because I am sorry for my sin, not because I have repented, but because of what Jesus has done. The spirit of God brings it with a breaking, all-over light, and I know, though I do not know how, that I am saved.

The salvation of God does not stand on human logic, it stands on the sacrificial Death of Jesus. We can be born again because of the Atonement of Our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures, not by their repentance or their belief, but by the marvelous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience. The impregnable safety of justification and sanctification is God Himself. We have not to work out these things ourselves; they have been worked out by the Atonement: The supernatural becomes natural by the miracle of God; there is the realization of what Jesus Christ has already done — “It is finished.”

Mark 8:31-32b- Jesus Reveals His Purpose in Coming

Mark 8:31-32b
³¹ And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³² And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 

Message: Jesus Reveals His Purpose in Coming

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: On their way to Caesarea Philippi Jesus questions the disciples on who others see that he is and who they believe he is. They get it right and He implores them to tell no one as his desire is to continue to be able to teach them about who He is. They are learning but have more to learn.

On the heals of Jesus telling them to not tell anyone about him and that He is the Christ, he then provides a little more information on this subject. It is not that he is saying he is not the Christ, but rather this is not the time to proclaim this. And He began to teach them. This is nice to read. Mark sometimes doesn't mention much about teaching but I also realized that the questions raised by the Pharisees and scribes has their basis in people desiring to continue to keep the law or a certain code of conduct in order to earn acceptance and Jesus is continuing trying to explain a different message of simply repenting and believing. Repentance is turning from sin, penance is doing a work to pay for your sin. We only need to repent.


Jesus speaks of the Son of Man, speaking of himself, so speaking in 3rd person. It seems here that he does this repeatedly to keep who he is a mystery. He is teaching, but who he is needs to remain a mystery somewhat. What we know for sure is he is different from the religion that has been at the core of thought prior.

The mission of the Son of Man, the eventual mission is to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. So he is to suffer, be rejected, be killed and rise again. His mission is to suffer. Our mission many times is to suffer. We don't like it, but it is the truth. It is our intended path. But suffering comes first. 

And he is to be rejected by everyone that is of importance in the religious world of that time. Suffering and rejection are separate. And then he looks forward to death. Jesus predicts his fate here. It is an amazing thing. How is the resurrection valid? Well, Jesus taught it. That's pretty amazing. 

Although Peter had earlier acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ. Here, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. Peter doesn't understand the whole picture. And my guess is he responds like I would. I want to enjoy what I have with Jesus. I don't want him to die.   

The salvation message of the Father sending the Son, the Son dying for his people, and the Spirit applying the son's work to believers is still taking shape in the life of the disciples. 

Summary - Jesus provides more information about himself on the journey they are taking, remarking that he has a mission of suffering, rejecting, death, and resurrection. These things must happen in their time. Jesus has a greater purpose. In the meantime, keep listening to his message and seeing that he is different, radically different.

Promise: I am to read the entire story of the gospel. I'm seeing more and more that suffering and the message of grace is the picture that I need to see.

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for your mission and reminding me that suffering is not a curse. It is normal for things to not go my way. I thank you that right now the sufferings seem to be minimal in my life. I'm at an age that the kids are leaving and sure maybe their lives are tough and it's hard to watch, I still am thankful for the journey and the way you have taught me throughout that process. Thank you for that example that you are. Help me to keep carrying your message forward.

Mark 6:30-34 - Sheep Without A Shepherd

Mark 6:30-34
³⁰ The apostles *gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. ³¹ And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) ³² They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.
³³ The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. ³⁴ When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

Message: Sheep Without A Shepherd

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is now in Nazareth, his hometown, but he doesn't get the reception that we would think. Instead of welcoming him, people question him. But he continues with his message of repent and believe. Jesus is becoming more and more well known and his message is reaching further and further. With that sometimes comes misunderstanding. Herod Antipas, one of 4 rulers of Rome now, wonders if Jesus is a resurrected John. At this, Mark diverts a little to tell us about John and his relationship with Herod and then his untimely death at the hands of Herod because his new wife Herodias felt shame over John's words about her marrying Herod and leaving her 1st husband in order to move up the social ladder.

Jesus has previously sent out his apostles. Multiplying the gospel message is key and Jesus commissions these men to do the work of the gospel, giving them the authority as well to heal people and exercise demons. The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. The apostles were returning to Jesus to tell him all that they had done and taught. Notice, done precedes taught as if, even with the apostles, there was something more electrifying about the miracles that had been performed than the message that had gone out. 

Jesus' response to the apostles is Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while. Jesus knows that they are probably exhausted from their work, perhaps even defaulting to healing people rather than focusing more squarely on the message. They have a need to retreat and rest. We all have this need. I have this need as I am taking 2 days off from work right now in order to take a rest before my new boss starts on Monday. I need a break as well. Jesus, upon creation, gave us a Sabbath day to rest. 

But, this doesn't mean the people will let people rest: They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. It is not clear what the people's motivation was at this time. Was it the radical message or was it the miracles? I'm noticed thus far that Mark is not yet communicating in much detail the message of what Jesus is bringing but he is honed in more on the responses of people. In some ways there is a somewhat hidden message of belief and repentance that is going on in these passages. 

• Jesus performs miracles mostly related to healing and casting out of demons 1:21-2:12
• Controversy is seen in Jesus' friendship with sinners, over Sabbath-work, over Sabbath-healing, Opposition by his Friends 2:13-3:35
• Jesus provides parables that speak to the mission of his disciples but also the various responses that can be anticipated 4:1-34
• Jesus performs miracles more focused on his dominion over the sea, death and dying 4:35-5:43
• Even as the message goes out, there is sometimes misunderstanding of who Jesus is and what he is doing 5:44-6:34

And this is where today's passage brings us. We are witnessing Jesus' power in these passages, his power over lives and people and nature, but that doesn't necessarily mean the message is being received. It is hard to tell. He remarks that they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. As enamored as people were, they were still needing to be taught. 

Perhaps this is what Mark is trying to convey - there is importance in Jesus teaching as he is showing that Jesus keeps coming back to the message. Yet, why is he being so descriptive about the miracles as this is leading up now to the feeding of 5,000 and Jesus walking on the Water. Is this an attempt to build a crowd first and then provide them the message? Is this often what our churches are doing today? Are they providing something fun to bring people into the church? Often, I see this. Whether it is a carnival instead of Halloween or an event at a park, there are these opportunities to bring people in the door. However, the message of the Gospel, of sin, of repentance and believing must be central. We don't do all of those things to then give them a self-help seminar. 

Summary - The apostles have arrived, back from there journey of teaching and doing. Jesus sees that they need a rest, but the masses are still running after them. Jesus remarks that these people are still wondering like sheep without a shepherd. He responds then by teaching them. What they need is to learn and be taught. 

Promise: We need to sit under the solid teaching of God's word. The message is what changes lives, permanently. People will be enamored and flock to Him because of miracles, but the crux is the gospel to believe and surrender, turn from our sin and go continually toward God. 

Prayer: Thank you for Mark Lord and the message that I read from him. At times, I am not sure what I am to learn. I want to know you, through Mark's lens which I know mostly comes from Peter, but I want to know you as these men did in the time you walked the earth. Help me to rediscover you and know you in the way you wanted to be known. Help me to understand your message. Thank you for Godly men and women you have commissioned throughout the ages to teach us. Thank you for equipping and inspiring many. I pray that I too can rest when I need to. Thank you for being my Shepherd and showing me the way.

Mark 6:17-19a - Confronting Public Sins

Mark 6:17-19a
¹⁷ For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. ¹⁸ For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹ Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. 

Message: Confronting Public Sins


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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue. Many of his people did not accept him; he continued to heal, but maybe not to the extent that he could because of their unbelief. The message still goes out. Jesus commissions his disciples with the message of repentance. Many hear of Jesus and his message, wondering where he came from and who He really is: prophet, priest, king. Included in this wondering is Herod Antipas, who killed John the Baptist.

Herod and his family are known for their cruelty. Near the time of Jesus' birth, Herod had all boys age two and younger in Bethlehem murdered. His son, Herod Antipas, married an Arabian princess, then divorced her to marry Herodias, who was married to Antipas brother, Philip. Herodias was Herod Antipas niece. Herodias left Philip for Antipas in hopes of social advancement. Old Testament law forbid this.

In today's passage is the record that John the Baptist made it known that this was wrong. Faithfulness to the Word of God was key. And John the Baptist took a stand against sins of society and it cost him. For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias. At this time, it was wrong to speak out against the rulers of the kingdom. That was a crime that could put a person in prison and for John that happened. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Today, I think the sins of society are so plentiful that while Christians call out sins they very often have to deal with the same sins within Christendom as well. Yet, do we not still have a responsibility to divide the truth and call out sin or do we often revert too quickly to subtle toleration by the words: "don't judge." Another problem I see is sins are so abundant in society. Blasphemy, adultery, idolatry, coveting, lying, slander, sabbath keeping and thievery are some examples of sins that have become socially acceptable that to confront these sins would be a full-time job. 

And yet, isn't it the obligation of the Christian to defend truth by exposing the lies that are being put forth? I believe, however, that we as Christians, because of our quest always for personal safety and preserving comfort, end up not confronting these sins and instead choose to focus on other truths of the Word like loving one another in hopes that the Gospel itself would change people. 

People hate to be confronted with their sin. We will often defend our actions with excuses or point the finger at others, repeating the sin of Eve - the devil made me do it. Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. For Herodias this turned into not simply having John the Baptist in prison, but wanting him put to death. her sin of greed and power, which I'm sure she was justified, resulted in changing husbands and she was not about to have that questioned. Thus, John is martyred for his faith. 

Summary -  The message of the Gospel, while good news to many that understand they are sinners and see the need to repent, for others who believe their sin is justified and therefore, not sin at all, do not want to be told the opposite. But, Christians still have an obligation to call out sin in others, as John the Baptist did and Herod Antipas and his wife took offense of this.

Promise: Christians and the church are to preach against the sins of the state and call both leaders and citizens to repentance. Keep preaching repentance.  

Prayer: Lord, while I want to be a man of the Word, I admit I get caught up in comfort and safety and preserving my livelihood. Forgive me for my selfishness and the way in which I do not defend truth but defend personal safety. Give me wisdom in this day about being true to Truth. I'm too caught up on comfort. I'm too caught up on self-preservation. Lord, give me strength and help me understand what I need to do about confronting the sins of our culture. I do want to follow you Lord in all of the correct ways. Giving you glory, I want this to be my greatest goal.

Mark 6:7-13 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

Mark 6:7-13
⁷ And He *summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; ⁸ and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— ⁹ but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” ¹⁰ And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. ¹¹ Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” ¹² They went out and preached that men should repent. ¹³ And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.
 
Message: Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue, as he has done elsewhere. The people of Nazareth did not accept Jesus. Jesus continued to heal people, but maybe not to the extent that he could because of the unbelief present in Nazareth. But the message of the Gospel still goes out. We must continue to teach and spread the Good News. The reception may be different but our mission does not change.

Jesus is on mission. His desire is to get the message of the gospel out to the people. He is asking people to repent and believe. Mark 1:15 stated this - The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe. Along the way Jesus has healed many, exercised demons, but also extended the message of repentance and believing. He has spoken with authority, forgiving sin, teaching about the purpose of the Sabbath. He has spoken of the different soils or conditions of man. He has shown his authority over nature: stilling the sea and taking charge of weather. And he has declared that he has power over death.

Now in verse 7, Jesus began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. Jesus commissioned the twelve and gave them a special type of authority. They were not to go solo, but in pairs. In my own life, I have seen that going to minister in pairs is much more effective and easier than going at it solo. It is important that we support and encourage one another in the work of the gospel. The fact that he gave them authority over unclean spirits and could pass along this authority testifies of the power that He had and only Him to do this. He wanted his teaching to be spread. This authority he gives them is one time and not to be repeated because only Jesus has the authority. 

And He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— but to wear sandals; and He added, “Do not put on two tunics.” He wanted them to travel light. They are to rely on the generosity of others as they go forth. For these disciples they were to trust that people would provide them what they needed. They only needed their walking shoes. They did not need a bag, money or change of clothing. Ministers of the gospel are not to be worldly minded, but heavenly minded and trusting God for his provision. People are hospitable, helpful, and giving. This is no accident. Jesus knew this because God made people like this. Therefore, the disciples do not need to feel like they need everything with them before they go.


And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. As strangers entered a town, the neighbors of the city took them in. They were there to speak a message and share. They were not there to stay a long time. People are more willing to help if you do not stay a long time. They were not to be a burden to anyone.

Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them. They were not to be surprised with the fact that some will not accept him. Just as Jesus, even in his hometown, was not accepted, we will encounter places that do not accept the message of the gospel. But we are not to be discouraged, but simply shake it off and move on. 

They went out and preached that men should repent. The gospel message stays the same: repent. People are to turn from their wicked ways and embrace God. People are to realize they are sinners and need forgiveness. Today, at times, is the feeling that we must first show people that they have disobeyed God, that we must instruct people on what it means to be a sinner. Yet, sin seems to be more clear in each person than we think. While preaching the message of repentance, they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. The casting out of demons and anointing people and healing them was an expression of the work of God in their lives. It further testified of the work and goodness of God. 

Summary - The mission of Jesus and his ministry is simple - get the message out. Jesus knew that he could be more effective in this by sending out the twelve disciples he had called. Thankfully, many are there to provide disciples a meal, a place to stay. People are giving. But, at times we will encounter people that are not. Do not dwell on them. Move on. Always stay focused on the gospel message. People are to repent. Repentance is the key. 

Promise: The message does not change because of people's response. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving us and knowing what we need. Thank you for the message of repentance, for realizing that we need to take a 180 in our lives and go the opposite way. Help me as your bond-servant to continue to get that message out. I pray that I would be faithful to the call and help people see the importance of repenting. Thank you for men like Billy Graham and their faithfulness to the gospel message. Thank you for using him to change lives. I pray that we continue to be faithful to the message of the gospel.

Mark 3:7-10 - Tares Among the Wheat

Mark 3:7-10
7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples; and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and also from Judea, 8 and from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and beyond the Jordan, and the vicinity of Tyre and Sidon, a great number of people heard of all that He was doing and came to Him. 9 And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him; 10 for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him.

Message: Tares Among the Wheat

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: 

It is clear from Mark's gospel that Jesus desires to preach the gospel. Mark 1:14-15 spoke of Jesus and his desire to preach the gospel, repent and believe. In addition to hearing the Gospel, this also showed Jesus' power. Healing people attracted many crowds of people. Yet, as was seen in Mark 1:35-38, Jesus went away to a secluded place to pray and then mentioned to the disciples that they could go to Capernaum so he could preach more. Jesus was obviously not opposed to healing people, but he wanted to see people come to understand the gospel. 

In the gospels we continue to read different healings he performed.  In Mark 3:1, it was healing a man with a withered hand and it happened to be on the Sabbath. .Much of chapter 2 is about Jesus' message being a new message, that was different from the traditions of the past and working on the Sabbath is an example. People missed the message because they were caught up in the ritual of Sabbath keeping and abstaining from work. There is clearly a tendency in people to not be in relationship with Jesus, but instead be about duty and rules. And this passage also emphasizes the danger of following Jesus only to be around the supernatural.

As recorded in today's passage, in Mark 3:7-8 we see a great multitude....followed and how a great number of people heard of all that He was doing. Notice the passage is not speaking of what he said, but rather what he did. Mark mentions here that they weren't coming in masses because of what Jesus was saying, but rather, people heard of all that He was doing. It was his healing that often drew the crowd. There is no problem with this, but do people just want immediate healing or do they want their sins forgiven and their life changed even more by repenting and believing? Can people see the heart of the matter? 

This is my take from this passage for it continues to say -- And He told His disciples that a boat should stand ready for Him because of the crowd, so that they would not crowd Him. Jesus wanted to get on his way. for He had healed many, with the result that all those who had afflictions pressed around Him in order to touch Him. It seems that Jesus desired to preach more than people simply touching him.

Do we just come to Jesus because he will take care of our current ailments? For me, what prompted me to come to Jesus was a fear of death. I was scared of what would happen to me when I die, so by trusting in Jesus I could know for sure that I would go to heaven. But, then I grew to understand better that coming to Jesus is to make me clean from the stain of my sin. In the same way, I think Jesus wants to give people the message of true repentance. 

We need to evaluate our motives for coming to Jesus. The gospel should be at the forefront of our reason for coming to him. For instance, currently, I don't have any nagging ailments or problems or diseases in my life. I don't have any big discomforts. Life is good and fairly problem free. I wonder if my life was different, if my approach to things would be different. I sure hope it wouldn't, but it is hard to say when life gets surrounded by pain and discomfort. I know that cold that I had for the last 2 weeks, I just wanted it out of my life as quick as possible and so went to the doctor 2 days ago, got the medicine and now I'm feeling better. Even my foot that has been a problem since August is now doing better. But many live with hurts and heartaches most of their life. Like my friend Scott, and yet he remains in right relationship with you. So I can understand the problem that is in Jesus' day and our day as well and how people just want to get relieved of their discomfort. But we need to look at Jesus and his message - repent and believe. We need to be reminded that our chief desire is to turn from our sin. Forgiveness is what we need.

Promise: Let us live our lives doing the things that matter most, ministry, discipleship, serving, loving God and desiring to give glory to Him in all we do and trust Him with our life. And then trust him for the outcomes of our lives.

Prayer: Lord, you are good and glorious. I pray that I would be reminded each day to come to you with a desire to repent, believe and continue to follow you. I thank you for this message. I continue to stumble at times. I continue to struggle with just wanting personal satisfaction and joy and entertainment. I want what I think is due to me and along the way sin can creep into my life. Help me to honor you, even in the private and quiet moments, when no one is looking. I want to be a true disciple, not just one when everything seems easy.

Mark 1:14-15 - Jesus Preaches the Gospel

Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Message: Jesus Preaches the Gospel

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: 

Well, Mark is progressing, rather quickly. His accounts so far are rather brief, starting with John - the preparing the way for the One coming (v.7), Jesus' baptism (v.9), Jesus being tempted by Satan (v. 13) in the wilderness and now -- Jesus is preaching the gospel of God. Interesting because verse 1 it says, "the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ." now Jesus says he is preaching the gospel of God (v.14). Is there a difference or are they the same? - the gospel of Jesus and the gospel of God. Mark begins with Jesus at age 30. John said it was a baptism of repentance and the forgiveness of sins. 

Verse 14 - "Now after John had been taken into custody." Herod imprisoned John. That is kind of startling. Is preparing the way over?

"Jesus came into Galilee." Thus far, Jesus has left Nazareth, where he had grown up, and then gone to Judea and is now heading into the retired country of Galilee. Obviously, John's conviction must have occurred in Judea, so he was on his way out. But the region he headed were populous areas, full of activity. He is preaching the gospel of God. This is his mission - to preach the gospel of God -- the good news. In thinking about the message of faith from God up to this point, for me, it seems like a message of repentance for forgiveness, for belief in the Gospel. We clearly need good news, so each of us, me, can begin a new life, believing, repenting, being baptized, and going forward.

"The time is fulfilled." This moment is not by accident, but on purpose. The time of the appearance of the Messiah has been prophesied thousands of years and Jesus now concludes that prophecy by stating that it has been fulfilled. Time of preparation is complete. Again John is in custody so preparation is no more. Jesus is here. 

"And the kingdom of God is at hand." This is it. All that God has wanted in history is to be with his people, to walk with them, and to be in right relationship with them. God has so much to provide and he is simply looking for people repent and believe.

"Repent and believe in the gospel." Thus, here is our response. Repentance is turning from our sin. It is an about face to go in the opposite way of that sin. If sin is lying it is going in the opposite way and instead always desiring truth from our tongue. Wherever you are headed in life, turn to God; believe in the gospel or believe in the good news. What is this good news? We must keep reading. one thing we know is it is turning from sin. John mentioned it is forgiveness of sins. What is clear is repentance and forgiveness of sins (v. 4). Thus, there is already faith or believe that is being asked. What is clear is that our current paths, our man-made roads and not the way and we must repent.

Often, this is what people are doing in life - seeking all the answers first, then they will change. But, the Lord is asking us to change first and then the answers will come.

Promise: The gospel is not a message that "you can have your best life now" or that "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." The gospel is Jesus Christ - repent and believe and follow him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for Mark and thank you for the simplicity of the Gospel. Thank you for a new day and to begin again. I turn from my sin, from my paths, from my understanding and I believe in you now. I believe in you. Bring repentance to people everywhere. I think of Derek outside of London, Lord, and his ambition to have every question answered first, Lord, show him that it's about believing, it's about repenting first, giving up his direction and turning to You. Help him and people to trust in this path. Thank you for working and living in me.

Mark 1:4-6 - The Wilderness Preacher

Mark 1:4-6
4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey.

Message: The Wilderness Preacher

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:

Overview
As I look at these verses, which speak of a time before Christ has shed his blood, I am reminded that the Gospel message is central to the entire Bible. This was really a revolutionary idea that John was preaching. To repent is to turn from one's sins. It is to acknowledge sin in your life and then to turn from it. Up to this point baptism or the cleaning of oneself was at times done for Gentiles as they converted to Judaism. Cleanliness and being unclean are very common principles in Judaism and so the washing signified that the person was now clean. But, Jewish belief overall focuses on the advantage of simply being a Jew, not necessarily a changed heart which anyone can exhibit.

My take
I wonder if this is a preamble to Christ's coming and the baptism of the Holy Spirit that will come. Up to this point sins were dealt with through the blood of the lamb on the altar of the Temple. In some ways, I think this is a difficult passage to read, understand, in light of the message that is yet to come. In the next verses, Mark will speak of Jesus and his coming. So, is John preparing a way for Jesus and helping people to understand the message that is to come? Does this mean these acts are practice or are they salvation?

Again, the message here is repentance or confession of sins, baptism, forgiveness of sins. The key here seems to be a changed mind. In these verses, Christ, Jesus, is not mentioned, yet. Does that matter? Is that important? I am not sure.

So, I take a moment to look at what John MacArthur is saying about these verses. He mentions that John is proclaiming himself as a prophet by his dress recorded in verse 6. he leather belt around his waist and the robe of camel's hair signified clearly that he declared himself to be a prophet.

Here John is preparing for the arrival of a king. Anytime we prepare for an arrival, we get things in the best shape that they have been in thus far. We clean the house, clean the surroundings, in anticipation of someone. Here, people are being cleaned. John's message is to Roman Christians. It is to Jews and it is to Gentile. As mentioned, some Gentiles may have been baptized in the past, to show they were being cleaned of their old life and could now enter into a new life of Judaism. But, John brings this message to everyone - Jews and Gentiles. So, he remarks that even the Jew should be baptized, which I'm sure was a surprising message. Thus, the Jews are being called no better than the Gentiles. All need this same act of baptism.

This is not baptism in Jesus' name. It is getting oneself ready for baptism in Jesus' name. Baptism is not salvation. It is a picture of salvation. Thus, I think this is a preparation message, but not the final message. I don't think full salvation is occurring, but rather preparing people for the inner change that is going to come. The gospel message as spoken of in verse 1 is confession, believing and accepting the substitution of Christ. John is preparing the people for this message by first putting for the idea that all people, regardless of race or religion or tradition need to confess their sins and seek a change for forgiveness.

Promise: We cannot rely on membership, family affiliation, lineage, our history of Christian service, our birth into a religious family in order to be saved. Salvation comes through individual confession and cleansing by God.

Prayer: Lord, continue to give me wisdom, divine wisdom as I read these words and study them. Help me to have your understanding of these texts. Continue to teach me. I am not saying I have arrived. I want to be taught by the Spirit of God. Keep teaching me.

Study Question: Often in life, traditions can affect how we live and our surroundings affect us as well. Sometimes naturally we are the same religion as our parents. Yet, Jesus came to save sinners and did not give the idea that you can be saved only by family affiliation. For each person, there needs to be an individual and internal change in that person that occurs or each person saying they believe in Jesus. In your life, when did you realize you were a sinner and you needed God’s forgiveness for your sins?

Psalm 51:1-9 - David's Plea for Forgiveness

Psalm 51:1-9
¹ Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
³ For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
⁴ Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

⁵ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
⁶ Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
⁷ Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
⁹ Hide Your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities.

Message: David's Plea for Forgiveness

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:

I've heard that this Psalm is a great prayer for a sinner, pleading for God for His forgiveness. These words here so clearly convey our need for the Lord's love and forgiveness.

Blot out my transgression...wash me thoroughly from my iniquity...cleanse me from my sin...you know...i know...i have sinned, against you God...against you I have done evil. You have every right to judge me for you are blameless. In sin, I came into the world, but what you desire me if truth and wisdom. Purify me then. Make me clean. Wash me so I will be whiter than snow. As a clean vessel, i then will hear joy and gladness from you and I will rejoice. Hide your face from my sins that continue to be committed and see my sins no more. 

It is clear throughout scripture that God's message to people is "Believe." But that belief is predicated on one idea and that is that I am a sinner or I have sinned. It is true, that over time, and even as we age, most of us rid much sin in our lives, but the reality is we are still sinners, whether the quantity is 1 sin or 100. God has always said in scripture that their must be atoning sacrifice for sin. Sin separates us from God and to restore that relationship their must be atonement. Throughout history, he has provided that atonement. For many years it was blood sacrifice in the form of an animal on an altar, a temporary fix, but at all times, people looked forward to a permanent fix- Messiah.

This is what we are asked to believe. Believe God and believe that he has our best interest in mind and that he has provided us with the answer. And at its core there is the recognition that I have sinned and my transgression needs to be removed by a Savior. This is the message then of these verses from Psalm 51. It is the recognition that I have sinned and God is the one that cleans me. Thus, I believe.

But, within acknowledgement of sin and believing that God provides the atonement for my sin, is also then the desire to not sin. But, this desire, I believe, comes about after believing and putting the trust in God's provision, for God then gives us a new heart, with the ability to see our sin for what it is, know that it displeases God and then the desire to go and sin no more. This is an about face that now occurs in the life a believer. It doesn't mean that I will always no longer hate sin for their will be moments that I don't trust God's provision and seek out my own solutions, which often result in sin; but it means that my overarching focus is to live for Christ and deny self, walking by faith, not by sight.

Promise: Christians are new creations in Christ.

Jesus Calling: November 20

I AM pleased with you, My child. Allow yourself to become fully aware of My pleasure shining upon you. You don't have to perform well in order to receive My Love. In fact, a performance focus will pull you away from Me, toward some sort of Pharisaism. This can be a subtle form of idolatry: worshiping your own good works. It can also be a source of deep discouragement when your works don't measure up to your expectations.
     Shift your focus from your performance to My radiant Presence. The Light of My Love shines on you continually, regardless of your feelings or behavior. Your responsibility is to be receptive to this unconditional Love. Thankfulness and trust are your primary receptors. Thank Me for everything; trust in Me at all times. These simple disciplines will keep you open to My loving Presence.

Ephesians 2:8-9
English Standard Version
⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 3:16-19
English Standard Version
¹⁶ that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Psalm 62:8
English Standard Version
Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us.   Selah

My Prayer (2022)

Lord, you remind me here today of the simple fact that you love me, just as I am. You want me just as I am. As Jesus spoke on this earth, he focused on us repenting and his forgiveness, so I do need to turn from my sin, but I also need to always remember that your acceptance of Me has nothing to do with my importance and only has to do with your performance leading to the cross, on the cross, and resurrecting - thus, it is all about You. O Lord, that more and more people would recognize this in our world today. Help me Lord to be your ambassador. And yes, may I trust in you Lord at all times. 

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

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

Job 42 - Job's Repentance and Restoration

Job 42

Message: Job's Repentance and Restoration

Time: The time of Job is unclear and commonly debated. Often the language of the book can give clues. It seems to be that Job had a lifespan of close to 200 years as Job 42:16 says he lived 140 years after the events in the book.

What the Lord is Saying:

I've been studying these chapters in Job, somewhat selectively, based upon the readings of Tabletalk. It's taken me a while to get through them for the words are poetic and generally are tough for me to understand. As I saw last time, Chapter 42 concludes the book with Job answering the Lord, the Lord speaking the truth about his friends and then God restoring Job's fortunes.

There are 17 verses in this chapter.

Job's Confession
The first 6 verses Job answers the Lord and in his response he admits his error before the Lord. He has listened to the words from the Lord, like chapter 38 that I looked at, and he now understands better. He says in verse 2, I know you that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. It is a rather simple proclamation that Job makes stating that he knows that the Lord can do all things. He is omnipotent, meaning God can do anything or he has unlimited power. I can go about each day with the simple understanding that God is in control.

Job is now a humble person. I think it takes a lot to be humble these days. We are a proud and puffed up people and we think our intellect and knowledge puts us in control. Job mentions in verse 3, I have declared that which I did not understand. He admits that he has made an opinion on things that are beyond his understanding. It's one thing to talk about God through the words of a song, like Chris Tomlin does in God is incomprehensible or rather indescribable. We need this. We need to realize that God doesn't need to be described completely. We need to let there be things about God that are indescribable. We need to admit that there are things we do not know.

For me, this becomes clearer and clearer with each new day. God, I don't understand what is going on in people's lives. I don't understand why some people have and some people have not. I must admit, I am weak, in that my mind wants to ponder this and wants to examine this and figure it out, but O God, help me to turn from that and simply acknowledge that you are omnipotent and I need not understand every tit and tattle. Help me to accept the unknown. Help me to stay in what I do know. Give me wisdom in the day to day. That's where I want to live. If I don't know it, then I need to bring it before you and pray for it. This should be my calling card for life. Forgive me for being so quick to thinking that I must understand it all before I can step forward.

Lord, verse 4 of this chapter, seems to put forth this sentiment well. Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask you, and You instruct me. This is how I should come before God. I come before Him praying and asking and waiting for His instruction. Help this to be all I need.

I like what Albert Barnes says here:

The most holy men may have occasion to repent of their presumptuous manner of speaking of God. We all err in the same way in which Job did. We reason about God with irreverence; we speak of his government as if we could comprehend it; we discourse of him as if he were an equal; and when we come to have any just views of him, we see that there has been much improper boldness, much self-confidence, much irreverence of thought and manner, in our estimation of the divine wisdom and plans. The bitter experience of Job should lead us to the utmost carefulness in the manner in which we speak of our Maker.

Even the most holy men have occasion to repent. 


God Displeased with Job's Friends
God speaks to Job's friends and simply says, you have not spoken of Me what is right and he asks them to repent by offer(ing) up a burnt offering for yourselves. When God confronts us, we need to repent.

O God, forgive me for thinking I know better than you. Forgive me for thinking that I know how to raise my children. Forgive me for thinking that I have it all figured out and that I even have you figured out. Help me to be on my knees more and studying Your Word and accepting of your ways. Keep me anchored in a path of not questioning. I am to father and care for my children. Show me God what this means more and more.

God Restores Job's Fortunes

Job needs to have a right understanding of God. This is what I need in my life. The Lord restored the fortunes of Job. This restoration wasn't necessarily immediate, but it was lifelong. God is more interested in my character than my wealth or social position. I must be focused here.

Job had it all, but then lost it all. He questioned God, but then had a right understanding of God. And God blessed Job. His later days were greater from his beginning. The hallmark of his life was putting his trust in God.

Lord, help me to trust you. Help me O God. Keep me focused on you. 

Promise: Expect restoration while we persist in faith and do not speak ill of the Lord. God will keep his promises.

Psalms 51 - Psalms

Psalms 51

Message: Psalms

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:

To be wise, one needs to have a strong prayer life.  I have said earlier, that wisdom comes about by the fear of the Lord. It is honor and love for the Lord. It is to have reverence and awe. It is to resolve to apply what God has revealed in order to live a life that pleases Him in thankfulness for the salvation that He has provided.

Part of learning is also deepening oneself through the act of prayer. It is leaning on the Lord and trusting Him and His ways. It is talking to Him in an open and honest manner. It is being transparent and allowing Him to be transparent with us. What we want is wisdom. What we want is learning to see life from His perspective.  

Psalm 51 was read recently in church during the confession of sin part of the service. It was very good. Ryan does this and does this so well. I love his perspectives. 

Have mercy on me, O God, (I have sinned, but look past it)
    according to your steadfast love; (You can, because you Love)
according to your abundant mercy (Your mercy is great)
    blot out my transgressions. (Erase my sin)
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, (Your washing yields no more sin on me)
    and cleanse me from my sin! (I am clean)

For I know my transgressions, (I confess and I see my sin)
    and my sin is ever before me. (It is clear)
Against you, you only, have I sinned (My sin is a sin against you)
    and done what is evil in your sight, (It is evil in your sight, not simply bad)
so that you may be justified in your words (Sin does not belong in front of you)
    and blameless in your judgment. (You are free from sin and its result)
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, (Sin marks my beginning)
    and in sin did my mother conceive me. (Sin marks my beginning)
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, (But instead truth is your delight)
    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. (You teach me wisdom)


Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; (Make me clean)
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (You make me white)
Let me hear joy and gladness; (You make me glad)
    let the bones that you have broken rejoice. (You take the broken and make it joy)
Hide your face from my sins, (My sins will be far from you)
    and blot out all my iniquities. (My sins will not even be seen)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, (May my heart be clean)
    and renew a right spirit within me. (Make my spirit right)
Cast me not away from your presence, (Though I deserve to be far, bring me close)
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me. (Keep  your Holy Spirit near me)
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, (Bring back the joy of my salvation)
    and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Bring willingness to me)

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, (I will show sinners what your ways mean)
    and sinners will return to you. (Many will know you)
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, (Deliver me)
    O God of my salvation, (God of my salvation)
    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. (You are the righteous one)
O Lord, open my lips, (Give me speech)
    and my mouth will declare your praise. (I will praise your Name)
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; (You do not need a sacrifice)
    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. (Or an offering)
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; (What you want is a broken me)
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (I want to be contrite before You)

Promise: Come to the Lord when I sin. Do not run away. Hide myself in Him.

Jesus Calling: April 24

     Rest in the stillness of My Presence while I prepare you for this day. Let the radiance of My Glory shine upon you, as you wait on Me in confident trust. Be still and know that I am God. There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Me. As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us. When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in the process.
     I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid. Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning. Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me. Repent of this tendency and resist it, whenever you realize you are wandering down this well worn path. Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment. I accept you back with no condemnation. 

Psalm 46:10
English Standard Version

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”

Verse thoughts
I think the key for me is to be still and know that God is with me, that His presence is with me, throughout all of life's circumstances. And to realize that God has brought particular circumstances into my life so that I will know that I can trust in God's person and trust in God's plan.

Romans 8:1
English Standard Version

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Verse thoughts
Condemnation is to judge, discriminate or pronounce sentence against. And so there is no judgment or there is no pronouncement of a sentence against me. Why? Because I am in Christ Jesus. A change has occurred and so judgment, talked about in Romans 2, doesn't have a hold on me any longer. What an incredible comfort in my life that I don't really comprehend until I see who I am in Christ. I have escaped death.

It's the Christian that sees that he has escaped death because the Christian knows what it is to be dead. I think this is an important point. As I talk to people that are seemingly lost (apart from Christ), it is hard for them to see they are lost. And it is hard for them to see any danger for them remaining where they are at - in Adam.

This is why it is so important to read and meditate on the scripture. When I don't read it and meditate on it, then I am really living in Adam, with all of my focus on life and how my life should improve. This is the way the world lives. The world is all about self-improvement. The Prince of the World--Satan--deceives people into thinking life is all about self-improvement.  When we are reading God's Word and studying it, there is a shift in our life from self-improvement to self-awareness. This moves me to embrace people and be concerned about them.

My Prayer
Lord, it is hard for me to comprehend your words to me of 'no condemnation.' But, it makes me love you more. I know that I can return to you and that there is nothing in my life so grave, so ill, so bad that you will not forgive me and open back up your arms for me. I pray that I would respond to the circumstances of life trusting You and not by being afraid. It is hard because there are so many things that come up in my life that are unpredictable and unsettling and uncomfortable and I am so weak. Give me your strength. I do pray that I can rest in You each day. And that I will believe more and more each day that I am in Christ and all I need is You.

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

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

Romans 11:19-22 - Broken Branches

Romans 11:19-22 - ¹⁹ You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” ²⁰ Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; ²¹ for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. ²² Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

Message: God's kindness leads us to repentance. Those that fall away receive the severity of God.

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Up to this point
I have been walking through text that is talking about the grafting in of the Gentiles because the Jewish people turned to their own way of righteousness rather than accepting the righteousness which is by faith. Paul communicates very directly how God's grace means that people are chosen by God based upon His choosing. Because of this, we never are to be arrogant or prideful about our faith in Christ. We haven't done anything special to deserve it. Yet, through all of this I am to be a witness and proclaim the message of the gospel continually in my life.

Broken branches - 19,20
Remember, branches (the Jewish nation) have been broken so that I might be grafted in. It is prophetic that the Gentile people have been grafted in, brought in to the family of God. However, we are not be conceited. Conceited is somewhat similar to pride, talked about in Romans 11:18. To be conceited is to have an excessively conceited view point of one's abilities or appearance. The focus is not to be on me. But, I am to live in Godly fear. Fear is to have reverential awe of God. Either way, my focus is not to be on my abilities, but instead to be on God and what He has done. 

Set aside for having pride - 21
This is an interesting verse because Paul shows that the Jews were set aside or not grafted in because of their unbelief and then he says that the Gentiles could find themselves in the same predicament because of their pride or self-conceited attitude.  

Kindness and Severity Contrasted - 22
We know earlier that God's kindness leads us to repentance (2:4). The problem with people is they fall away, and God is severe with them. God's kindness however lea2ds to repentance. God chooses people through His kindness. People reject God. Interesting contrast. It's not that God chooses some to hell, but rather they fall from Him and He gives them hell, yet in the reverse He chooses some with His kindness. It is always an interesting contrast. 

Promise: God prunes branches.



 

Romans 11:16-18 - Wild Olive Branches

Romans 11:16-18 - ¹⁶ If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. ¹⁷ But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, ¹⁸ do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.

Message: Beware of feeling prideful

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

From the Amplified: Now if the first handful of dough offered as the first fruits [Abraham and the patriarchs] is consecrated (holy), so is the whole mass (or lump) [the nation of Israel]; and if the root [Abraham] is consecrated (holy), so are the branches [the natural ethnic Jews]. But if some of the branches [the ethnic Jews] were broken off, while you, a wild olive shoot [believing ethnic Jews and Gentiles] were grafted in among them to share the richness [of the root and sap] of the olive tree, Do not boast over the branches [All Jews] and pride yourself at their expense. If you do boast and feel superior, remember it is not you that support the root, but the root [that supports] you.

Once a person belongs to something special and even a group that has an elite distinction, often what occurs is pride or a feeling that one earned their way into this situation. Pride may be one of the chief sins in life. Os Guinness in his book Steering through Chaos looks at the 7 deadly sins and the first sin is pride.

Pride, to me, means that we think that we are in the position we are because of something we have done and also, by being in the position we are, our position is greater than others. Pride rears its head in many different situations in life. At sporting events, the victor in the match might have pride. At a job, receiving a promotion or being a manager might result in pride. Any time a person receives recognition or a pat on the back or hears, "Job well done" pride can be at the fore front.

It is somewhat difficult to not have pride. I was reading, earlier this week, an article about being ordinary and this is something we are not encouraged to be in life, but instead we are often encouraged to be extreme or high or to stand out from the crowd. In raising children, I see this everywhere. It is hard because in raising children, I want my child to have confidence as this helps them to achieve goals and be productive. But, in that confidence should not be an elitist attitude.

I find this interesting and fascinating that Paul, after interjecting that the Gentiles, upon the sin of the Jew, received the gospel and the gracious gift of salvation, quickly comes to this illustration to present the message that these converts are not to boast over those that haven't been chosen. He wants them to remember that their position is not because of their own good works, but because of being placed with the distinguished one (Abraham, later Jesus Christ).

Wow, this is hard. It is so hard to not have the elitist thinking in life. I have done it so many times, but I must go back to Romans 1:21 which says "For even though they knew God, they did not give thanks." Our first response and here, the first that goes astray in the life of the God follower, is not giving thanks. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Thank God in everything." My first response is not to puff out my chest or clap that I am on the top podium or pat myself on the back or throw a bumper sticker on my car that declares my position or sneer at my adversary or opponent because I was the victor, but my first response is to "give thanks."

It is to say, "Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul, thank you, Lord, for making me whole; thank you, Lord, for giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free."

It is interesting when sports figures often do this or ever stars or performers. It is interesting when the first they do upon winning a game or accepting an award is to thank God. This is accurate and fitting. This is correct. Our first response should always be that God is to be thanked.

Promise: As fallen human beings, we are constantly tempted to believe that the reason we are Christians is that we are somehow better than others. Even within the church, we are tempted to believe that we have a monopoly on God's grace and that others who are not part of our denomination are second-class citizens in the kingdom of heaven. If we ever find this feeling in ourselves, let us repent. 



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