John 2:1-12 - Stewarding our Schedules

John 2:1-12

And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” (verse 12)

Message: Stewarding our Schedules

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: In life these days, it seems we are worn out from our leisure. I notice this in my life that rest sometimes, not always is more busy-ness, but simply in a different capacity - visiting family, helping out with grandkids. Often taking actual moments of nothing-ness or simple leisure is not done much. I notice people going to the beach to me seems like actual leisure because there is just sitting and watching. 

This passage in John 2 showcases a miracle Jesus performed. And yet this doesn't seem to be a miracle that Jesus intended to do. Often this seems to be the case with Jesus. He has these purposes, but along the way people have needs and so he sidesteps momentarily His purposes to meet people's needs. People are running to him for healing of themselves while the biggest need is for them to be forgiven. And in this situation people have a need - needing wine because it has run out - and they immediately look to the great provider - Jesus. And Jesus responds, "Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come." Jesus includes the disciples in this response possibly. And yet this version, NASB 1995, is the only one that sort of infers Jesus including the disciples. 

In Jesus saying - My hour has not yet come - he is pausing to have his audience consider and remember that his porpoise on earth is one of larger purpose. And one that is divine. The needs that this woman has is momentary and important to her but he has bigger things that need to be done. Yet he takes care of the need. He doesn’t dismiss it and yet he still reminds people of what is most important. But even more clearly he is saying the time for him to work miracles has not yet come. There is order for all things. There is perfect timing.

It seems I need to be more careful of the distractions that come into my life. My days belong to Him. 

Prayer: Lord - help me to remember each day is a gift from you and belongs to you. 

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

John 18:1-9 - The Arrest of Jesus

John 18:1-9

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, into which He Himself entered, and His disciples. 2 Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place; for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3 Judas then, having received the [Roman] cohort, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" 5 They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." He said to them, "I am [He]," they drew back, and fell to the ground. 7 Again therefore He asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus the Nazarene." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am [He], if therefore you seek Me, let these [go] their way," 9 that the word might be fulfilled which He spoke, "Of those whom Thou hast given Me I lost not one."

Message: The Arrest of Jesus

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: It has been almost a month since I have done a lesson in John. Spoke in Sunday school and then took me time reading through articles in Tabletalk and documenting them. In that time, God has taught me a lot and it is always good to be in His word and study it, but also has been good in this last month to take it slower. 

John 14-17 was great, the Farewell Discourse, but now we move to the description of Jesus' arrest, the first and second Jewish trial before arrest, the first and second trial before Pilate, the crucifixion, the burial, the resurrection, Christ approves the disciples, appears to them, and speaks to Peter. It will be interesting to see how John relates these events. For the last 4 chapter I have been knee deep in the Words of Jesus, but now it will move to more descriptions by John, but also Jesus words. 

Verse 1 begins with, "When Jesus had spoken these words" referring to the discourse He gave to the disciples and His prayer. Jesus proceeds to a garden with his disciples. Judas is not mentioned as a part o this group, for the text mentions Judas separately, as one who did know of the garden. Judas brings with him the Roman authorities with the  chief priests and officers. Jesus asks them whom they seek and they remark Jesus and He admits it is Him. They fall to the ground. Jesus asks again letting them know that Jesus is who they seek, not the disciples so let them go their way. 

At first glance of this passage, I wonder as to why those seeking Him fell to the ground. And Jesus also focuses on the idea He is the one they seek, not the disciples, though they follow Him. Significant then, but not significant now, for Christ's followers now seem to be as guilty before men. 

Tabletalk relates that this garden could have been the garden of a wealthy man who allows Jesus to use it when Jesus and the disciples were in town. It is interesting that some 2,000 years ago and probably longer ago, gardens were places of refuge for people to assemble in. The Bible begins with a garden. That these places exist and are akin to all types of people seems significant. Even today, we have elaborate places like this in which people love to go to and see how they are decorated or set up. Their beauty brings to us some sort of comfort and joy and peace. We need this retreat in our lives. I think of Mrs. Hooten in Sunday School and her house with the elaborate garden. And the movie Notting Hill where they meet, fall in love and then end the movie sitting in. We have recently set up a place to sit and rest outside, a pergola area. Again, that we have these places and retreat to them. That rest or enjoyment is necessary in our lives and yet the surroundings are not a television or radio or the arts, but instead God's natural creation. 

Verse 4 remarks that "Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him." This has been consistent from Jesus. He knew this day was coming, but He also was waiting for the appropriate time. And now at this time, He is arrested, but willingly, admitting He is the one they seek. 

Verse 6 mentions that upon the Roman and Jewish authorities seeing that the one before them was Jesus, the "I am" that "they drew back, and fell to the ground." It is interesting that this would have occurred. Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) suggests that some think this is a miracle, that they would fall down acknowledging that Jesus is God. Either way, it is significant that they fell down. Perhaps there was some sort of manifestation of God that caught these men by surprise but when it occurred they instinctively fell down. That in that moment, there would be a manifestation seems significant. Jesus was willingly letting Himself be arrested and yet in this arrest, was even mentioning possibly of the significance of it all. 

Summary: Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. 

Promise: Jesus is in full control of the events of the crucifixion. 

Prayer: Lord, you are God and King and your are eternal. You know Your goal to redeem mankind and what it entails. You are never out of control but know what will occur and you submit and surrender to it willingly. Thank You for the simple reminder of a garden, an oasis of refuge even I need and the importance of getting away to retreat, rest and regroup. Thank you Jesus for shining forth the Glory of God and showing Us clearly you are God. Keep Me in Your name. And thank you that when people see me and don't like me, you deflect things to You and trying to make me believe it is not about me, but disliking You. You remind me that You have my best in mind at all times. 

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

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 - Keeping the Lord's Day

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 

12 ‘Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant or your ox or your donkey or any of your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you, so that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. 15 You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

Message: Keeping the Lord's Day

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

What the Lord is Saying:

The Sabbath Day has always been to me a very easy command to understand, but a very hard command to figure out how to observe. It seems clear - on the sabbath, do not do any work. Once we were lost (a slave in the land of Egypt), but God rescued us and so we set aside a day, an entire day for him. I've had a few moments in my life I think where I have in fact kept the Lord's Day but it seems rare. I remember having Sabbath days of no TV which seemed more like a punishment than a Holy Day. Sunday's lately have become often a day to help my dad and support him. Before that, they were a TV watching day. In Sunday School yesterday, we read about a Sabbath day's walk which was 6/10th's of a mile or 15 minutes and this constituted the longest one could walk on the Sabbath day. I've always wondered about those in the church as well for the Sabbath day is their busiest day of the week. 

I think the difference, as Tabletalk calls out is some people do work on the sabbath out of necessity. I simply think I need to think about my living practice and always remember the importance of resting. Lately I've struggled with this, working at every moment, either on my job or on ministry. I get burned out easily. I think some cultures might have an easier time with resting, like my friends in India because there normal practice is a 6 day work week. 

My rest though needs to look back to God and to think about what He has done through His death and resurrection. 

Summary: Rest is important. Even taking time to exercise I think is rest. Spending time with You God is rest. I need to remind myself of all that God has done for me and that I do not need to keep working, which lends itself to thinking that God is not in control, but I am. 

Promise: It is vital that we are setting apart a day to gather for worship and fellowship, resting from our ordinary vocations. 

Prayer: O God, you are great and wonderful. I need to remember this continually. Keep me focused on You and what You have done for me, but also what you have done for your people throughout time. Bring back the joy of my salvation continually. Lord, instruct me and guide me in understanding how I need to rest each week from my labor. Give me this understanding and help me prioritize this in my life. Be praised O God. 

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

Bringing me to Christ

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

Guiding our Lives

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

The Law is our Guide

The Centrality of Love - Love and the law go hand in hand. We do not belong to God unless we love our neighbor, and we cannot love our neighbor without knowing and doing God‘s law and loving him. Finding Guidance in the Law - God's Word, all if it, is a guide to my life and I am to meditate on it continually. The One and Only God - I seek to trust and love God above all else today. Images and Idols - Pictures, statues, symbols, art, people are not bad; but be careful about placing too much emphasis on these things I see. Using God's Name Frivolously - Blasphemy or using God's name frivolously are examples of taking God's name in vain. 

My Utmost for His Highest - June 11th - Getting There

Where the Sin and the Sorrow Cease and the Song and the Saint Commence. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

    Do I want to get there? I can now. The questions that matter in life are remarkably few, and they are all answered by the words — “Come unto Me.” Not — “Do this, or don’t do that”; but — “Come unto Me.” If I will come to Jesus my actual life will be brought into accordance with my real desires; I will actually cease from sin, and actually find the song of the Lord begin.

    Have you ever come to Jesus? Watch the stubbornness of your heart, you will do anything rather than the one simple childlike thing — “Come unto Me.” If you want the actual experience of ceasing from sin, you must come to Jesus.

    Jesus Christ makes Himself the touchstone. Watch how He used the word “Come.” At the most unexpected moments there is the whisper of the Lord — “Come unto Me,” and you are drawn immediately. Personal contact with Jesus alters everything. Be stupid enough to come and commit yourself to what He says. The attitude of coming is that the will resolutely lets go of everything and deliberately commits all to Him.

    “And I will give you rest,” i.e., I will stay you. Not — I will put you to bed and hold your hand and sing you to sleep; but — I will get you out of bed, out of the languor and exhaustion, out of the state of being half dead while you are alive; I will imbue you with the spirit of life, and you will be stayed by the perfection of vital activity. We get pathetic and talk about “suffering the will of the Lord”! Where is the majestic vitality and might of the Son of God about that?

 - From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition

Mark 7:24-26 - Jesus Visits Tyre and Sidon

Mark 7:24-26
24 Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it; yet He could not escape notice. 25 But after hearing of Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. 26 Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.

Message: Jesus Visits Tyre and Sidon

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface: Jesus speaks to all the people, going beyond just the scribes, and declares clearly that when speaking of being clean, the key is what comes out of a person, not what is taken in. If the people want to know what defiles, it is what comes out of a person that matters most. Jesus, in a way, concludes the utter defilement of the heart by naming a list of these sins and repeats the idea that evil comes from within. While we stare at the outward, it is what is on the inside that matters most. 

Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. I am reminded in Scripture that lines like this denote considerable time. Jesus getting up from where he was an then going to the region of Tyre. The distance between Capernaum (Galilee region) and Tyre was 35 miles; between Capernaum and Sidon is closer to 50 miles. Thus, to walk this distances would most likely take about a week, unless the terrain was different or the route was different. But we don't know for sure that he went from one place to another or from one region to another. The regions of Tyre and Sidon had a history of being wicked cities, paganism and opposition to Jews. Yet, these places ended up being more friendly to Jesus.

And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it. This is description is unique to the Gospel of Mark, as it is told in Matthew's account. It seems to be an indication that Jesus wanted to avoid publicity. yet He could not escape notice. Christ's fame had spread from Galilee to this region. Perhaps Jesus went to this region for the sole purpose of wanting to get away from the crowds and retreat to a more heathen territory where he could achieve rest or perhaps engage in community with his disciples. I am not sure who was with him or what his motivation was in coming to the region of Tyre and Sidon, but it seems clear now that it wasn't necessarily to minister to any one specifically. Mark mentions that he went to a house (not sure who) and wanted no one to know of it. Although he knew someone, he hoped to be there anonymous, but word of him spread.

Therefore, after hearing of Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. As I read these words and for a moment pretend that I don't know the words of Matthew, who provides a different type of detail from Mark's account, I look at what Mark emphasizes. She fell at His feet. Perhaps she had the feeling that only Jesus could do the healing. And yet, there are no words spoken and the description offered is her daughter had an unclean spirit and the woman kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. This woman's knowledge of Jesus was word of mouth. And from this account it is not apparent what she knew of Jesus other than that he could help her daughter.

For me, personally, as I read Mark's gospel account I sense that there is a sort of tension with Jesus in that people want to be healed and yet Jesus has first and foremost a mission of preaching repentance and belief. And it seems at times that even the healing exercises can at times lose track of this mission. After Jesus was baptized and declared his mission, he calls his first disciples, enters Capernaum and begins to speak things in the synagogue to show his authority and it hear we read then of him rebuking a spirit. But, the rebuke comes after his words that are spoken. The teaching and the command over unclean spirits made news of him spread (1:27-28). And then Jesus heals many more as people come to him but in verse 38 he wants to go us elsewhere, to other towns nearby, in order that I may preach, for that is what I came out for. A leper is cleansed, a paralytic is healed but each of those acts is still couched in speaking of his authority and forgiveness of sins. And so what Mark seems to be wanting to emphasize is Jesus and what he taught and yet very often what people wanted or what he highlighted was Jesus commanding evil spirits to leave or Jesus healing people of their diseases or raising a girl from the dead. But, all the while Jesus is sharing his message, unveiling his truth. He wants the message to shine.

Summary - Jesus seems to retreat to Tyre and Sidon, perhaps in hops of getting away from the crowds. But news of him is there as well and a woman appears to him requesting that an unclean spirit (demon) be removed from her daughter.

Promise: Despite our intended missions, we must be prepared for events that may temporarily take us off our intended path and approach them with the same calling that we have.

Prayer: Lord, continue to teach me from your Word. Lord, I have enjoyed getting to know Mark and his approach to you and your message of salvation. He shows your authority and your power and your way of forgiveness. Lord, everywhere people need to turn from sin and go towards belief in You, trusting in You completely. I pray that this happens in others, in me. I want to know you. And want to make you known.

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 2:28 - Lord of the Sabbath

Mark 2:28
So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.

Message: Lord of the Sabbath

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: In the previous verses, Mark has taken his time to explain the Sabbath. He mentioned that, if necessary, a person can harvest grain on a Sabbath day if that person is in need. Work can be done on the Sabbath. The Sabbath day has been made for man. We are to focus on the principles and look to the reasons for God's commandments and not get obsessed with the carrying out of them to the point that we get bogged down in the details and forget why they are there. Often times, we think there are no exceptions to rules. Rules are there for a reason, to protect us. For the Sabbath, we need a day of rest, but often one makes the commandments more precise and expansive than the Lord has and can even treat the law as merely a list of do's and don'ts by which to then measure one's piety. Piety is a man-made emphasis. God isn't looking for pious people.

On a different note, as I read the Gospels, and specifically study Mark, I am looking for clues that Jesus spoke of his deity. How is he more than a man? Many faiths do not state that he is God. It is true that Jesus does not come out explicitly and say, "I am God" but are there ways in which he spoke and did things that are things only God can do. For instance, he has already said that he forgives sins. He did this with the paralyzed man that was brought to him by the faith of his friends. Today, he asserts that he is the Son of Man and the Lord of the Sabbath.

From Tabletalk:

God created the Sabbath and by His law determines what men and women may and may not do on the day of rest. By taking that prerogative for Himself, Jesus identifies Himself as the Lord and Maker of all things. 

Jesus was very subtle in his speaking. He refers to himself often as the Son of Man. Son of Man is what we all are, in that we have a human origin, as being sons of a human father. But, Son of Man was also referenced in Daniel 7, as referring to an exalted figure. So, even in this passage he states he is a son of man, but also he is Lord of the Sabbath. So here Jesus is communicating he is fully man, but also fully God. He is more than just a man.

Promise: He is the Son of Man. He is Lord of the Sabbath. He has authority over the Sabbath. Though man, he is more than just a man.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the way you spoke. Thank you for describing yourself the way you have. I pray that you would give me greater understanding of you, so that you will help me defend my faith in You and express to others what I believe based upon your word. Give me the words to say and help me to be bold in my words. Draw people to yourself, as this is what I want to see. I praise You. Help me to rest and take that time to rest. Sometimes it will be during the week as well and sometimes I will need a day and sometimes you will need to get my attention by me being sick, like it has happened recently. I want to honor you with all of my life, all of the time. Forgive me for my weakness.

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

Mark 2:27 - The Purpose of the Sabbath

Mark 2:27
Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.
Meaning: The Purpose of the Sabbath

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:

As I have said, Jesus is teaching here in these verses, and telling his people, his followers, even us today lessons. It is interesting what he is teaching and what Mark is communicating. Thus far, the theme I have seen is that Jesus is letting us know that His message is new, different, unconventional and he is expressing overall our need to turn to Him and embrace Him and trust what he is saying. Along the way, it is the Pharisees or those that are known to be religious that are asking the questions. Yesterday, the issue was harvesting for grain on the Sabbath or doing any work on the Sabbath and once again the point is not that it's not good to take a rest, but if there is a need, breaking a code of conduct will not separate man from God. We are not asked to follow a set of rules, but we are called to follow Christ.

Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." In Jesus' day, in our day, we tend to look at the religious men, the pastors and teachers and hold them high on a pedestal as the pious men of our day. In Jesus' day and today, the orthodox Jewish people not only say that no work can be done on the Sabbath (recently, I've noticed 7th day Adventists also follow a similar code), but they make a very complete list of what constitutes work - from turning on the air conditioner to driving a car to preparing a meal. For the pharisees tying or untying knots or writing more than one letter of the alphabet were defined as labor that would break the Sabbath commandment.

I admit that often I am a hot or cold person that sometimes lives in extremes. I over-analyze application sometimes and in so doing miss the principle and get too focused on the practice or what should not be practiced. I've always struggled with concepts and understanding them and instead side on actionable items. And this was the problem often with religious zealots in that they over-looked the principle and became more obsessed with what constitutes labor or work on the Sabbath. They lived in fear of perhaps doing something wrong. Like yesterday, obviously a person should not spend their entire Sabbath continuing to harvest the field, but if they had a need for nourishment, was their a problem with picking a little grain. The concept was yes, we need to rest from our labor and trust God, but that doesn't mean necessarily that we can't do anything that constitutes work.

Thus, this could be what Jesus meant when he said The Sabbath was meant for man. God gave us the Sabbath so that we could rest. Rest is easy to understand today because we have so many opportunities to rest and we can rest very easily. In fact, we often rest every evening and then for bulks of time on the weekend. But, in Jesus' day rest was not possible for to survive you had to be always working. But God knew the importance of rest and so he instituted a day for it. The principle was that we need to remember to take it easy. As a person, I don't often take off a full day only because resting happens throughout each day often. Thus, it is not the purpose of the Sabbath to then make a list of what constitutes work and what doesn't. To me, that falls into legalism.

Promise: I am to love the Law of God. But, if it becomes fear or their is concern too much in its breaking, then I miss the point. The reality is obedience to the law is never completely possible. So failure will occur so I need to be more focused on what God is teaching me through the commandments versus getting obsessed with obedience to every detail of it that I conjure up.

Prayer: Lord, thank your for this lesson. I admit being a person that gets bogged down in the details, out of fear that perhaps what I'm doing is breaking the law. Help me to realize why you gave us rules and that I will never be completely obedient to those rules so why do I work so hard to make sure I am. You know me better than I know myself. Teach me to trust you. And help me as a Father, as I relate to my children and teach them that I help them see the principle and don't get too caught up in details.

Psalm 132:11:18 - A Throne and Temple in Zion

Psalm 132:11:18

¹¹ The Lord has sworn to David a truth from which He will not turn back: “Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.
¹² “If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I will teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever.”

¹³ For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation.
¹⁴ “This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
¹⁵ “I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her needy with bread.
¹⁶ “Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, and her godly ones will sing aloud for joy.
¹⁷ “There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed.
¹⁸ “His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown shall shine.”

Message: A Throne and Temple in Zion

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: I enjoyed the first 10 verses of this chapter, thinking about worship and the sacrifice of David took in his life of building a temple and taking an oath to focus on a place of worship. Now, as a move through these verses, using the Phillips books I have on the Psalms, there are 4 Promises: Regarding the Scepter, the Sanctuary, the Saints, and the Site. 

The Scepter (the Lord will govern righteously and enforce righteous behavior)
The Lord has sworn to David a truth from which He will not turn back. Hezekiah had taken care of the temple, now he mentions the promise or oath the Lord had made to David's dynasty. It was a bold statement, for Hezekiah was making it at a time he was childless. 

Of the fruit of your body (David) I will set upon your throne. If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I will teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever. Hezekiah's father was not a good man (Ahaz). Ahaz reigned over Judah from 741-726. Ahaz was a man of idolatry. Hezekiah would reign for 29 years over Judah. In 2 Samuel 7:16, God's promise to David and his throne was unconditional, meaning David didn't have to do anything to get it. God made a promise to him without any work required of David, "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (David was the 2nd king of Judah around 1000). After David was Solomon from about 970 to 931 BCE. Solomon's promise was conditional - And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. - I Kings 3:14. Did Hezekiah wonder about this? David had 2 surviving sons from Bathsheba - Solomon and Nathan. Solomon's descendants included Hezekiah. Hezekiah's sons included Jeconiah (also called Jehoiachin and his name later shortened to Coniah). Jeconiah had 11 sons but none of them took on the throne and thus, the royal line to Christ though Solomon came to an end. Solomon's line is traced to Joseph. But David's other son Nathan, the legal line, is traced to Mary.

Could it be that Hezekiah, knowing what kind of father he had, wondered if the promise of God was still unconditional?

The Sanctuary
For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation. Zion is the final resting place of the Ark, in Moriah. This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it. God's resting place, as he states is Zion, not in a Muslim mosque. I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her needy with bread. The result of this place will be abundant and complete satisfying (possibly pointing to the Messiah). 

The Saints
Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, and her godly ones will sing aloud for joy. Here is a promise to the priests and that they would be made righteous, or have salvation. Before ministering, a man must be right with God and man. Again, these are now words from the Lord. Hezekiah makes this switch in verse in verse 14 and it continues to the end of this Psalm. God will make man righteous. He clothes them with salvation. And the response of man is singing with joy. 

The Site
There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed. These verses continue to speak of the product of the temple residing in Zion, God residing in Zion: The Horn of David (The Messiah) will spring forth. A light or a lamp will shine forth for the anointed. I wonder what Hezekiah thought. He may have thought this would come from his seed. But, his seed would actually end this. Manasseh would come from his seed and Manasseh was not good. So these are words of confidence from the Lord, the Lord has prepared a lamp for His anointed.  

His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown shall shine. The dreadful things said of the Lord's enemies will be exposed and judged. There will be shame. Yet Jesus, the Lord, will be crowned. 

Promise:  This Psalm chronicles the Davidic covenant, as seen through Hezekiah and what Hezekiah put his hope and trust in. And it what I put my hope and trust in.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your promises, that they never end. You fulfill them, even if at times, we think they may come about in our own way. Thank you for salvation and making us right before You, making us righteous and clean. Thank you for your promise and how it is interwoven throughout time. Thank you for the anticipation of the Messiah, to take away the sin of the world. There is hope in You. 

Psalm 116:1-9 - An Answered Prayer

Psalm 116:1-9
¹ I love the Lord, because He hears
My voice, my supplications.
² Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call as long as I live.
³ The cords of death encompassed me
And the terrors of Sheol came upon me;
I found distress and sorrow.
⁴ Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I beseech You, save my life!”

⁵ Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is compassionate.
⁶ The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.
⁷ Return to your rest, O my soul,
For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
⁸ For You have rescued my soul from death,
My eyes from tears,
My feet from stumbling.
⁹ I shall walk before the Lord
In the land of the living.

Message:  An Answered Prayer

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: 

First Glance
I love the Lord because He hears me; he hears my requests. He turns his ear toward me and I can then call on him as long as I live. Death surrounds me and the terror of hell comes upon me to the point that I find distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord saying, "Lord, save me, please save me." You are gracious; you give me what I do not deserve. You are righteous; your ways are pure and right. You are compassionate; you are there for me no matter my situation or my condition. You preserve me; I fall and am low and you save me. Therefore, I can rest again. I can rest because the Lord deals with me in a generous manner, lavishing gifts of grace and compassion on me. You have rescued me from death. You have rescued my eyes from tears and my feet from stumbling. I can now walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 

That last line reminds me of the Bash-n-the-Code song sung by Rebecca Sparks called Land of the Living, their first release, back in 1986. "We walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Jesus is king in the land of the living." My guess is that refrain came from this text. 

The idea is I can now walk in life, with people, freely, completely, because I have been delivered. I have been impacted by God's grace. I have been rescued from death, tears, and stumbling. I love the Lord. 

Promise: Regular prayer is what is needed in my life as I need this reminder that I am delivered and forgiven and rescued.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the words from this Psalmist. Thank you for the reminder that You are near. You have rescued my soul from death, my ears from tears, my feet from stumbling. You have shown me grace and compassion. Thank you for listening to me and hearing my prayer. 

Genesis 2:15 - Taking Care of Home

Genesis 2:15
Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.
Message: Taking Care of Home

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

What the Lord is Saying: While the Lord own all and owns all of our resources, from the beginning, even before the Fall, Adam was placed in charge of the garden and tasked to cultivate it and keep it. 

As I read through different translations of this verse, the 1st part -- The Lord took the man and put him into the garden of Eden -- remains fairly unchanged from translation to translation. It is interesting because God didn't direct man and lead him to the garden but he took him and put him. This isn't a suggestion, but a mandate by God of man's purpose. This was to be his permanent home, dwelling place.

After placing Adam in it, he is tasked to dress it, work it, or cultivate it. The land was indeed paradise. Remember, there is no Fall at this point, but still the land needs tilled and sowed. Also, in the process he is told to keep it, take care of it, watch over it, guard it, and/or maintain it. Thus, it was possible for it to ruin. Thus, an unproductive harvest does not constitute sin. And there are animals that could hurt or destroy it. Despite sin not being present, it is possible the adversary was present. Adam is tasked to guard the land given him.

As such, I need to protect that which God has given me and count it as a gift what I have. I am to care for my home and keep it safe from intruders. There is a responsibility in having a home and possessing God's gifts. I am to care for these things.

Promise: Thus, we are responsible to use His resources to provide for our families, and we are to protect and increase what the Lord has given to us. God will hold us accountable for what we do with His creation.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your providence and providing what you have for me. Help me and remind me that it is yours and I am your servant caring for it. Keep me grateful and keep me diligent to care for it. Thank you for helping me to do this and providing me the means to care for it and those near me.

Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant

Proverbs 6:6-11

⁶ Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,
⁷ Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler,
⁸ Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.
⁹ How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
¹⁰ “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”—
¹¹ Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.

Message: Go to the Ant

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: As I've learned elsewhere, I have things to learn, even from the ant. In verse 6, I am told to look to the ant, o lazy one, and observe her walking about and then be wise. Take notice of the smallest creature on the earth and realize there is much to be learned from this creature. I continue to find it interesting that the ant's life span is about 30-45 days and yet with no leader each ant has the inborn train of preparing her food in the summer and gathering what the ant will need for the harvest. So, they are gathering for other ants that will live on after them. How can one look at this and say this is all birthed by chance?

Verse 9 begins with 2 words - How long - describing the strange idleness of man. Granted, sleeping and playing and sitting in front of a TV I think all are examples of being a sluggard. Just being out of bed is not enough to escape the sluggard tag on our lives. But, for me, the time I spend staring at a screen, seeking to be entertain by it when there are other things I could be doing. I was at my parents last night and noticed the books by my Mom's nightstand and noticed once again the books of great Christian writers she was taking the time to go through. She is not a sluggard but she is spending time equipping herself in a better way, desiring to bring glory to God. It is a beautiful picture. I look at the house and things I could do and there are many. Help me Lord to not constantly go toward the tube but engage in activities of meaning with my family and friends.

Promise: Be careful about continual acts of putting off to tomorrow what could be done today.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for examples that you provide with even the smallest of your creatures. You are a good God and a kind God and thank you for your Word that encourages us and reminds us in the ways in which we are to live. Lord, train me to surround me with only good sources of information in my life.

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 - Embracing our Finitude

Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
¹⁶ When I gave my heart to know wisdom and to see the task which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), ¹⁷ and I saw every work of God, I concluded that man cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover; and though the wise man should say, “I know,” he cannot discover.

Message: Embracing our Finitude 

Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around 930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of his reign, approximately 935 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

Finitude is the state of having limits or bounds. As a reminder Solomon has been called the wisest man in the world. I love verse 17 and have memorized the first part of it. Personally, I can accept that I do not know everything. I am a finite creature, with limits right now. God reveals himself in ways he deems appropriate. There are amazing ways of providence and redemption that he has displayed in my life and for those things I can trust him. There are many things I do not understand and for those I must hold on to the truth of what I do know and trust God that his plan is established. 

People everywhere are saying, "I know." But, we don't really know. No one knows it all. What people do is come up with something that feels safe to them, that makes sense within the bounds of who we are. Yet, to be a child of God is to recognize that I have limits in my understanding.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has made everything beautiful in its own time, and he has set eternity in our hearts, yet so that no man can find out the work with God has done from beginning to end." So in these verses, 16 and 17, what is it that Solomon is saying that is different from what he previously said? 

In verse 15 is the words that man has nothing better to do under the sun that to eat, drink and be merry. Verse 16 is the reason verse 15 has been stated. He is arguing now for this conclusion. 

Here are thoughts from Rev. Joseph Benson, a Methodist minister who lived to be 74, dying in 1821. Over the course of 7 years, 1811-1818 he published his notes from the Old and New Testament. He was a contemporary of John Wesley. living in Cumberland, England.

he had diligently studied wherein man’s wisdom consists, and had observed the restlessness of men’s minds and bodies in other courses; and to see the business — To observe men’s various designs and employments, and their unwearied labours about worldly things. For there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep — Having now mentioned the business which is done, or which man doth, upon earth, he further adds, as an evidence of man’s eagerness in pursuing his business, For even by day and by night he — The busy man; seeth not sleep with his eyes — He grudges himself necessary refreshments, and disquiets himself with endless cares and labours.

It is clear that I am to be a student of God's word, desire to read it and know it. But, at the same time there is a freedom in Christ, that I can trust in what God is doing. I am not to worry. I am not to fret. I am to pray if something of concern comes to mind. I am not in control. If there are things I do not understand, it is better to enjoy life than to be obsessive about uncovering those mysteries. This is what I conclude from Benson's words. Man, if left to his own devices is restless. The whole work of God cannot be grasped, so there is no reason to toil to discover it.

I found this quote from the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary published in 1871by Robert Jamieson, Andrew Robert Fausset and David Brown, who lived in Glasgow, York, and and Glasgow, respectively.

I saw that man cannot find out (the reason of) God's inscrutable dealings with the "just" and with the "wicked" here (Ec 8:14; Ec 3:11; Job 5:9; Ro 11:33); his duty is to acquiesce in them as good, because they are God's, though he sees not all the reasons for them (Ps 73:16). It is enough to know "the righteous are in God's hand" (Ec 9:1)

We simply conclude that God is good. His ways are good. We will not understand his dealings with the just and wicked, but we can conclude the righteous are in God's hand. 

Promise: We are to enjoy life and we can, because God is in control. We are to live in the comfortable enjoyment of God's blessings. I

Jesus Calling: November 4

Walk peacefully with Me through this day. You are wondering how you will cope with all that is expected of you. You must traverse this day like any other; one step at a time. Instead of mentally rehearsing how you will do this or that, keep your mind on My Presence and on taking the next step. The more demanding your day, the more help you can expect from Me. This is a training opportunity, since I designed you for deep dependence on your Shepherd-King. Challenging times wake you up and amplify your awareness of needing My help.
     When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you. Trust that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead.  I will give strength to you, and I will bless you with Peace. 

Exodus 33:14
English Standard Version
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Deuteronomy 33:29
English Standard Version
Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you,
a people saved by the Lord,
the shield of your help,
and the sword of your triumph!
Your enemies shall come fawning to you,
and you shall tread upon their backs.”

Hebrews 13:20-21
English Standard Version
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 29:11
English Standard Version
May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace!

My Prayer

Lord, it feels like, life, trains us at times to resist problems. We are trained to not deal with any difficult circumstances, but instead to remain in a state of ease, comfort, and being entertained. Lord, your Word tells us to count it joy when we encounter various trials. Lord, I want to be trained by you to respond to adversities in a way that honors You. As I do this, I'm sure I will stand out and you will get the glory. You have told me that your presence will go with me and you will give me rest. You will give me rest in the midst of struggles. You will give me peace. You will give me strength. You can keep me happy even as a traverse through struggles. Train me God, O train me. Thank you God.


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.

Jesus Calling: October 24

Lie down in green pastures of Peace. Learn to unwind whenever possible, resting in the Presence of your Shepherd. This electronic age keeps My children "wired" much of the time, too tense to find Me in the midst of their moments. I built into your very being the need for rest. How twisted the world has become when people feel guilty about meeting this basic need! How much time and energy they waste by being always on the go, rather than taking time to seek My direction for their lives.
     I have called you to walk with Me down paths of Peace. I want you to blaze a trail for others who desire to live in My peaceful Presence. I have chosen you less for your strengths than for your weaknesses, which amplify your need for Me. Depend on Me more and more, and I will shower Peace on all your paths.

Psalm 23:1-3
English Standard Version

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
³     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name's sake.

Genesis 2:2-3
English Standard Version
 
² And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. ³ So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Luke 1:79

English Standard Version

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.

My Prayer
Lord, forgive me for being distracted by technology and always filling my time with this website or this application or that game or that piece of media. Lord, instead of focusing on your call for my life, I spend too much time just being entertained. But Lord, you remind me that peace isn't found through a screen but through a relationship with You. Keep me on the right course. With you as my shepherd, I shall not want. Show me that rest is not simply staring at screens, but resting with you, reading your Word, meditating on it and serving your people. I want to live in the way of peace so change my habits so that I always glorify 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.

Jesus Calling: August 5

Sit quietly in My Presence while I bless you. Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it. Rest in My sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents. Do not wear yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures. Keep looking to Me and communicating with Me, as we walk through this day together.
     Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry. A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving. When you rush, you forget who you are Whose you are. Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom.

Psalm 37:7
English Standard Version

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!
 
Romans 8:16-17
English Standard Version 

¹⁶ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

I Peter 2:9
English Standard Version 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

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.

Jesus Calling: June 27

Rest with Me a while. You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days. The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Look neither behind you nor before you. Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion. Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.
     I designed time to be a protection for you. You couldn't bear to see all your life at once. Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you. Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence. The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment. I am with you, watching over you wherever you go. 

Psalm 143:8
English Standard Version

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
    for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
    for to you I lift up my soul.
 
Genesis 28:15
English Standard Version

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

My Prayer
Lord, I come to you in the morning. I seek you this day. You are with me. You live in me. I do not live my life alone. You are my protection, my rest. Wherever I go, you are there. I can trust You God. 

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.

Jesus Calling: June 17

     Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities--things that are beyond your control. Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.
     Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.
     Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather, take My yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is comfortable and pleasant; My burden is light and easily borne. 

Proverbs 17:22
English Standard Version

A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 31:25
English Standard Version

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.

Matthew 1:23
English Standard Version

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”

Matthew 11:28-30
Amplified

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

My Prayer
Help me to laugh at life more. Help me to not be so serious. Help me to accept your providence in my life. I worry too much Lord. I am too consumed with present situations and events, to the point that I don't see clearly.

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.

Jesus Calling: June 10

     Rest in Me, My child. Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen. Pray continually, asking My Spirit to take charge of the details of this day. Remember that you are on a journey with Me. When you try to peer into the future and plan for every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion who sustains you moment to moment. As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don't even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours. How foolish you are, My child!
     Remembrance of Me is a daily discipline. Never lose sight of My Presence with you. This will keep you resting in Me all day, every day. 

I Thessalonians 5:17
English Standard Version

Pray without ceasing.

Verse thoughts
I remember when I was volunteering for a local Christian radio station in the late 90's and went to pick up Mylon LeFevre at the airport for a concert he was doing in town. As I picked him up and we were walking down the concourse, I introduced myself, and as we walked he voiced, "Thank you God for sending Chris to pick me up."  It was simple, but it spoke to me about how I can pray without ceasing by having an attitude of prayer throughout my life. 

Psalm 62:5
English Standard Version

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.

My Prayer (2019)
Lord, I want You to be on my mind, in my thoughts throughout my day. You live inside of me but often I treat you like You are far away or that I have to get in some special position or wait for a special time to speak to You. But you remind me that you are with me all the time and so therefore, I can talk to you like I would with anyone else that is with me. I don't want to ever lose sight of Your Presence in my life.

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.

Jesus Calling: May 24

     Bring Me your mind for rest and renewal. Let Me infuse My Presence into your thoughts. As your mind stops racing, your body relaxes and you regain awareness of Me. This awareness is vital to your spiritual well-being; it is your lifeline, spiritually speaking.
     There are actually more than four dimensions in this world where you live. In addition to the three dimensions of space and the one of time, there is the dimension of openness to My Presence. This dimension transcends the others, giving you glimpses of heaven while you still reside on earth. This was part of My original design for mankind. Adam and Eve used to walk with Me in the garden, before their expulsion from the Eden. I want you to walk with Me in the garden of your heart, where I have taken up permanent residence. 

Genesis 3:8
English Standard Version

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Psalm 89:15
English Standard Version

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

My Prayer
Lord, help me to come to you for my rest. I often go to the television to relax, but let me come to You. Give me quiet moments with you and allow you to work through me, relaxing me so that I can regain an awareness of You. Like Adam and Even walked with you in the garden, I want my days to be about walking with you. Remind me that I can talk to you wherever....whenever. Keep me alert to what you are doing and help me to continually testify of you in the world in which I live.

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.