TABLETALK - August 2018

I continue in my daily studies to be guided by Tabletalk magazine. 2018 was a study on the Gospel of John and its straightforward presentation of the person and work of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and other doctrines. 

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 

Chapter 13 (continued)

The Betrayal of Christ (John 13:21-30) - Jesus identifies the one who will betray Him, though the disciples don't understand the significance of this at the time. 

The Glorification of the Son of Man (John 13:31-33) - History to date culminates in Jesus being glorified when the Son of Man fulfills His mission for mankind with God receiving Glory and Jesus returning to the Father in Heaven. 

A New Commandment from Christ (John 13:34-35) - Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us so that all will know that we are His disciples. 

Peter's Overconfidence (John 13:36-38) - Simon wants to follow Jesus and go where He goes when He is glorified, but Jesus lets him know that He will come later, but first Peter will deny Jesus 3 times. 

Chapter 14

A Place Prepared for us (John 14:1-3) - Jesus to Peter and disciples promises that though He is leaving, He is preparing a place for them and He will return and they will be where He is going. 

The Only Way to the Father (John 14:4-6) - Like Peter, Thomas does not know where Jesus is going when He says is going away, but Jesus confirms He is the only way to the Father. 

The Father Revealed in the Son (John 14:7-10) - Jesus continues to try to help his disciples understand completely Himself, namely that seeing Jesus is seeing Father and that the Father is in Him. 

The Works We Will Do (John 14:11-14) - Jesus tells his disciples once again the importance of believing in Him and through His words He brings them comfort, letting them know he will work as they ask Him.  

Showing Our Love for Christ (John 14:15) - Christ gives us a simple admonition to show our love for Him by being obedient to His commandments. 

The Promise of Another Helper (John 14:16-17) - Jesus is leaving, but He is sending to those who believe in Him a Helper and this Helper will always be with those that believe in Jesus. 

The Coming of Jesus (John 14:18-20) - Jesus continues to comfort His disciples promising that He will come again. He lives and we will live and like He is in the Father, we will always be in Christ. 

The Indwelling of the Father and the Son (John 14:21-24) - Disciples are to love Jesus and in the process, Jesus will disclose Himself to us, the Father and the Son, growing in closeness to God. 

Our Teacher the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26) - Jesus reminds His disciples He abides with them and the Holy Spirit will be out teacher, reminding us always of Jesus' promises to us. 

Peace from Jesus (John 14:27-28) - Jesus leaves his disciples with His peace, asking them also to rejoice because Jesus goes to the Father. They are to have no trouble or fear. 

Sovereign over Satan (John 14:29-31) - Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them of His ongoing commitment to them and His decree to die for man, once for all. The ruler of the world is coming, but God's purposes are still clear.

Various Scriptures - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is one person of the Trinity, empowering us for ministry, equipping us but also working in us to create works of beauty. We are given courage by the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit changes hearts towards redemption as the Father draws. Upon conversion, we never lack the Holy Spirit, but as New Testament believers we not only are regenerated but we are progressing in holiness, sanctified by the Spirit. 

The Great Shepherd - Characteristics of a shepherd: guardian, protector, gentle, strong, tender and courageous, caring and fierce. They can also be skilled hunters and warriors. Jesus in John 10:14 says, "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me."  This reading reminds me of ways the shepherd protects His flock. A sling was used by David to stop predators at a distance, but a rod was also used to throw at close predators or even the sheep. The staff could pull them away from a rock or thickets. As such discipline may be necessary. We may need to be corrected. Sheep will wander and the Shepherd brings them back. The shepherd is our protector. 

The Psalm of David the Shepherd - David began as a shepherd, but then became king over Israel, his new flock, despite being the youngest of his brothers. As one of the oldest occupations, shepherd is a metaphor often for leading people. God is called a shepherd and elements of a shepherds life are attributed to God's activity. His life as a shepherd impacted his ongoing life, such as leading people, and depending on God when he fought Goliath. A shepherd is constantly caring for a flock, watching, but also caring for needy sheep, and the environment. As a shepherd he was responsible for providing sheep with water, often not easy to come by, and food, locating grass for them. They kept their flocks together, guiding them without the use of fences. He would protect them from predators as well, also gathering them as they would flee to hills or mountains to avoid prey. Thus, there was a close bond between shepherd and sheep, sheep learning to trust and listen to his voice, and his leading. As Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want - As a boy, seeing the book of David as shepherd, painted as the model child, was not what the author represented. And yet a boy did not write Psalm 23, as the words of this Psalm represent a well-tested believer. Psalm 23:1 echoes words from Genesis 48:15-16 when Jacob blessed Joseph and his two sons, "The God who has been my shepherd all my life." God pursued Jacob, like a shepherd pursuing sheep. And the words of 'not lacking' or 'shall not want' are present elsewhere in Scripture, like Deut. 2:7 Moses said, "These 40 years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing."  The Father provides for all of our needs. And Jesus would give everything one day for His sheep so that we have everything we need, lacking nothing ("I shall not want"). 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters - Shepherd is a metaphor for kingship in the ancient Near East. Getting to green pastures or grass was an often dry (needing water) and difficult terrain to cross. But getting there is a glorious ending after a hard trek. And the Shepherd makes the sheep lie down, providing their refuge. The ultimate place of rest for God's people is with God, is being in Christ. In God, in Christ, we have really everything we need. 

He restores my soul - In Ezekiel 34, the Lord condemns the shepherds of Israel for not bringing back sheep that have strayed (v.4). It is the task of the shepherd to bring them back. We were dead in our trespasses and sins and He brought us back. He turns our mourning into dancing. He restores the individual, but he restores also the entire flock. It takes time. He restores us and we can restore the soul of others. 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake - We rest in green pastures, but then we keep walking. In Luke 15:5 Jesus speaks of a shepherd rescuing a lone sheep and carrying it home. Jesus is intent on leading us away from evil, out of peril, into safe paths. God never gives up and He is always pursuing. I do not boast (Romans 3:27) as every act of salvation is His doing, but I still walk in the path of righteousness. He leads. I walk. And I remain on the path. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me - The journey to the Promised Land is fraught with dangers and perils, thus we need a Shepherd. The Shepherd-Ruler tradition goes as bar back as written history. Like Hammurabi (1750 BC) called himself the Shepherd. God himself speaks of this in Hosea 4:16. The valleys have been applications - chronic physical and mental anguish and disease, economic hardship, worry and anxiety about loved ones, enemies, betrayal and loss - and we have the comfort that God is with us, with me. 

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me - The rod and staff is what the shepherd use to govern his flock. The rod warded off predators; the staff was a tool to hook onto the sheep to bring them back. Christ watches over us. Jesus has compassion on His people as they were sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34), possibly thinking of Zechariah 11:10 and the termination of a previous covenant. The Word is our light (Ps. 119:105) and the Spirit is with us, we have leaders (pastors) speaking truth and helping guide us - all instruments (rod/staff) that God uses to comfort us. 

You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies - Now we have the best for the end. David's enemies are observers at the feast. Often in our world, the Christian thinks God has forgotten him, like suffering and bad times are winning. Sheep receive their reward while enemies are cast out into darkness, but here are watching. Jesus has promised us to welcome us into His kingdom on the last day, to feast, but not alone but with everyone else He has gathered. The enemies can only watch. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows - David at times has to treat diseases in his flock. We have been purchased and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. The 2nd time a lamb wanders away the shepherd breaks one of its legs and the lamb would be carried. The lamb was hurt but for the benefit of the lamb, to stay close. Oil smooths troubled water and nourishes. Despite all that Christ suffering on the cross, His cup was overflowing and He had unshaken peace. May oil always bring us peace. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life - The goodness and mercy of God are following his children every step of life. 'Surely' means there is no doubt of this. God is perfectly good in His character and flawlessly good in all His actions. His mercy is His unconditional love. Goodness and Mercy are constantly following us. There will not be a single day that He is not close to us. We go astray but He is always near. We can never escape His love. 

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever - Psalm 26:8, "O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells." God's house is the journey's end. But the Shepherd is our host taking care of us. And we will be in a place more glorious than Eden. 

Blessings of Repentance - Repentance is changing our minds about sin and turning our lives back to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. We turn and are confident in Christ because of faith. Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death reconciles us to God. Our Father loves us. The Holy Spirit makes our hearts new. We have faith, we have repentance. The blood wipes our sin as far as east from the west and we are free. After faith when we sin, we confess, not to restore our righteous status for that cannot be changed, but it removes the stain on our spirit. We are refreshed. 

Where Do You Find Your Identity - Author mentions that in Luke 16 Jesus talks of a rich man and Lazarus and how the rich man's name is not identified. Lazarus carried to Abraham's side (in heaven); rich man to Hades. Doesn't mean that rich men go to Hades as Jesus mentions what is impossible with man is possible with God. In Germany, author notices that many in the community where he started a church, people identity themselves based upon their wealth. With wealth they are good; when things go sour there isn't much to the person. Perhaps this is why Jesus doesn't mention the man's name in Luke because wealth is all the person is. But our identity should be first in Christ, anything else and we are utterly forsaken. Trusting in Jesus is eternal, an idol temporary satisfaction. We are complete by God's grace, as children of God. 

The Theater of Glory - The fingerprints of God are everywhere. God gave us brilliant colors and stunning variety in creation, from the Milky Way to the millipede. May it ignite our hearts with worship. 

Scars of Sanctification - Scars are often with us for life. Something that happens at a young age can remain with us for life. They remind us of healing that has occurred. And yet scars often bring pain as some always hurt. They give us lessons. In heaven, our scars will be gone (Eph. 5:27). The only scars in heaven are Christ's. 

Becoming What We Behold - Each Christian longs to be more like Christ, to constantly be different and this is prompted by the Holy Spirit, who gives new birth (John 3:5-8) and fills us to walk not by the flesh but by the Spirit. We become like Jesus as we worship Jesus. Genesis 1:27 shows us that we are designed to be His image bearers, reflecting either our Creator or something else in creation. In the OT, God's people turn to idols -- Israel bows down to the golden calf, elsewhere they go after false idols. Whatever we worship will reap ugly vices in our lives. So we need to be conformed to the image of Christ. Submit to the Spirit and allow Him to speak to you through His word. How to worship: 1. Contemplate/Meditate - ponder His goodness; think on the Lord; read His word thoughtfully. 2. Praise/thanksgiving/singing - Sing and make melody to the Lord, lightening the heart and engaging the body. 3. Obedience/action/service - find tangible expressions in works of merciful neighbor-love. Be empowered by the Spirit and become like Him. 

New Covenant Worship: Lift Up Your Hearts - In corporate worship, believers are united with God in heaven (Heb. 12:22). "Sursum Corda" is a liturgical assertion that God, by His Word and Spirit, lifts the hearts of believers into His heavenly presence. But this presence is not gained by our performance of communion, but rather by God dwelling with us, by the sending of His Spirit. Worship is a union the believer has with the presence in Christ. Jesus offers Himself and we draw near to God. In Hebrews, we learn that Mount Sinai was a temporary place of worship and the tabernacle a shadow of things eternal. Mount Zion is a better covenant with permanent promises (8:6). We don't need to go to a specific place to worship because we are in His presence now. But still in both covenants is our need to offer acceptable worship. So let us set our hearts on things above (Col. 3:2) and prioritize our meeting together (Heb. 10:25). We are redeemed to proclaim God both now and forever (I Peter 2:4-5, 9-10). 

Why We Don't Share the Gospel - No one loves rejection, but maybe it is not bad as we think. Two primary fears for not sharing Christ with others: (1) Fear of rejection - The gospel is offensive to many people. But we can learn during times of rejection and it can help us grow. It is part of the path of following Christ. The reality is when we talk to others about Jesus, we don't know where the conversation will go and we have to trust the Holy Spirit. So we need to replace our fear of rejection of people with a proper fear of God. (2) Fear of failure - We are called to be faithful, not win every task. Even when people do not come to faith, we please our Father. The gospel, not our answers, is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). 

Finding a Pastor - 1. Prepare. 2. Agree. 3. Lead. 4. Search. 5. Propose. 6. Preach, pray, and talk. 7. Recommend. 8. Consider. 9. Vote. 10. Welcome. 11. Encourage. 

John 10:17-21 - The Shepherd's Charge from His Father

John 10:17-21

17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.”

19 A division occurred again among the Jews because of these words. 20 Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is insane. Why do you listen to Him?” 21 Others were saying, “These are not the sayings of one demon-possessed. A demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?”

Message: The Shepherd's Charge from His Father

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

What the Lord is Saying: This passage, beginning in verse 1, is teaching giving an allegory stating that He is the door and He is the shepherd for the sheep. The sheep are those of the fold of Israel (v. 1), but also those that are of another fold - the Gentiles (v. 16). His sheep hear His voice. Others my try to dissuade the sheep, but the sheep are in tune to the shepherd, which is Jesus. Salvation is found in Jesus. 

And then in verse 11, He mentions that the shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep. Just as the Father knows the Son Jesus, Jesus knows the sheep (v. 15). Jesus, as a man, a perfect man, has a relationship with Father God that is unique. And the benefactors of this relationship is His sheep. Verse 17 is a verse that communicates - God's Love, His death, and His resurrection. Jesus will die but then He will take back His life again. He does this all by the authority of God (v. 18). Even as Jesus dies on the cross, he states, "And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.” Having said this, He breathed His last (Luke 23:46). 

After stating this, the division continues among the Jews listening, some believe He has a demon and some do not. This word for division is used in John 7:43 and John 9:16. 

Summary: Because of the Father and Son's love toward one another, Jesus will lay down His life and take it up again (resurrection). This continues to cause division among the Jews. 

Promise: Jesus is our Shepherd who guides us wherever we should go. 

Prayer: Thank you for the Special relationship God you have with your Son Jesus. You sent Him into this world of ours that I live in  to show us the way of salvation. In Jesus' name we are saved. Let all people behold this truth. Give all people this understanding. God, you are good and holy and your ways are right. 

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

John 10:1-10 - The Door of the Sheepfold

John 10:1-10

1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them.

7 So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Message: The Door of the Sheepfold

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: As I read this passage, I think about the last lesson from Jesus that I really enjoyed. Jesus comes into the world so that people will make a decision about Him - some will follow, some will not. Everyone will be divided into those two realms. 9:39 mentions (1) those who do not see may see and (2) those who see may become blind. The seeing and the not seeing seem to represent those that will be open to Jesus, discovering who He is, and moving into a relationship with Him. Those who are blind already have their mind made up on what they see and what they see is not Jesus necessarily. They are hardened. 

That is a great lesson for me. It speaks of the reality of our world. And also makes me wonder as we share the Gospel, and figuring out our audience and where they are at in that relationship. I listened to our missionary that serves in Lisbon today state that it takes 3 years for a seeker in this post-modern world to come to Christ. They have to see people and watch them for a while before they will make that decision to follow Christ. This doesn't mean we are not to evangelize and share our faith, but we need to realize that for many people it won't be a quick process, like maybe it was in the 80s. 

Now, in chapter 10, we have a story that Jesus tells that many will call an allegory. Jesus speaks of a door. The door is an entryway or a port in which people will walk into. A door is a place to transition from one world to another. I think of the CS Lewis series, Chronicles of Narnia, that mentioned at many times this transition from one world to the next. And so Jesus begins with this idea of coming through a door. But he first starts with those that don't enter by the door, those that don't go past the door to be with the fold of other sheep. Fold here is speaking of a group or community of other sheep. Rather than going through the door, they are trying a different way. Those that go about in a different way are thieves and robbers. 

In this story, not just anyone can enter through the door. The door is reserved for the shepherd to come through. And at the other side of the door is the sheep, the lost. Jesus also mentions the doorkeeper which must be the Father as Jesus has been charged by the Father. It seems the sheep are trying to get out. The door opens, the shepherd speaks and calls the sheep to come out (verse 3). After calling "his own" (verse 4), which doesn't mean calling all but only his own, the shepherd walks ahead of them and the sheep follow him. His voice being the one they know. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd. And verse 5 mentions strangers. The sheep are not following a stranger but someone they know. 

The disciples response to Jesus telling this story is one of question. They don't understand. So Jesus offers the explanation. Jesus says I am the door. Those before Him were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. Enter through Me and be saved. Thieves come to steal and kill and destroy but Jesus comes to give abundant life. 

Tabletalk mentions the context of this passage: Raising sheep in first-century Palestine: Individual flocks were led by particular shepherds during the day, but in the evening, various flocks would be gathered into one large, walled sheepfold for safety. The sheep would intermingle during the night, but when the shepherds returned the next day to retrieve their sheep, it was easy for each shepherd to find his flock. Each shepherd uttered his call, and only the sheep that belonged to him would come.

Reading this changes my understanding of the passage. The sheep have only a shepherd but others will try to get to the sheep, thieves and robbers or false prophets. Jesus is the only source of eternal hope and security. Only Jesus is the gateway to eternal life. 

Summary: Jesus provides an allegory of sheep that hear the voice of the shepherd and follow Him while strangers try to get to the sheep. 

Promise: All of us must be alert and watch out for false teaching and false teachers who may try to infiltrate our churches.

Prayer: Thank you God for the message of the sheep and You being the door, the good shepherd that we follow. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit guiding us into truth and helping us navigate our way. As those thieves and strangers come, give us the grounding in your word to withstand those and instead help us keep our eyes on you the Shepherd. Thank you for this truth and providing us abundant life. Help me to show others the door that opens up to following You. 

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

John 10:11 - Particular Atonement

John 10:11 

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Message: Particular Atonement

Time: John is not recorded as the author, but unanimous testimony of early Christians, like Iraneus in the 2nd century declare him the author. Plus, the eyewitness account give rise that it was one of the close knit disciples and Peter already penned through Mark and James died soon after the resurrection, which leaves John. It is thought this book was written between 85 and 95 AD. The Deity of Christ is a striking quality of John's gospel. 

What the Lord is Saying:

In Penal substitution, Jesus dies in place of others, but who are the others that He dies for? Whom did He intend to save? In John 10:11, Jesus, the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. Is every human being His sheep? Later in 10:26-27 Jesus says, you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice. Thus, there is a clear contrast in the words of Jesus - My sheep and not of My sheep. And so does the good shepherd lay down His live for everyone or just his sheep. Hard to say. Verse 11 says "the sheep." There is a common doctrine put forth of limited atonement versus unlimited atonement. In limited atonement, the thought is that Jesus lays his life down for his elect. Not everyone will be saved, that is clear and true, so if not everyone is saved, then did Jesus die for all people or only those that he saved. The Tabletalk magazine I read from the Reformed Faith states that Jesus died for only His Sheep, not all sheep. 

To explain further, if Jesus died for all sinners and meaning, he bore the punishment for all sinners, then it perhaps does not seem logical that some of those he paid the punishment for would then end up in hell. Now, many would argue as well that each person has a choice in his/her own salvation. So Jesus can die for all sinners and each sinner then chooses his own salvation. But this is something I have already studied previously. For instance, earlier this year I looked at Is Grace Cooperative. Granted this was a meaty sort of discussion as there have been a lot of competing thoughts on this issue. The message of the Gospel is to everyone, but we know not everyone will be saved - as we see also here there are sheep that hear and sheep that do not hear. Those that do not hear do not have in them the desire and the only way man has the desire is if God brings grace into a person's life to effect change and a new birth. 

Many thinkers argued something else, that man is involved in this process of choosing God. I think man sees this from his perspective, but it also seems very clear that many people, no matter how much arguing or reasoning you do with them, they refuse to encounter God and surrender to Him with their lives. It seems many sample God, but not many really seek Him and seek His word. So again, some will hear His voice and some will not. This is the way it is. But we are not to lose heart. We remain faithful. 

Thus, the clarification offered is Jesus dies for sinners and there are sinners that hear His voice. He does not die for those that do not hear His voice because then God would be unjust to punish in hell someone for who Christ died. This would mean that man needs to be involved and can in his soul have a desire for God apart from Him and that Jesus dies but the sinner is only changed when he chooses. But the argument we've studied is man only has a capacity or desire for God when God puts it there. God chooses us.  

I've studied this and studied it, but I will say, it is still a challenge to understand for me. But I press on and I continue to try to be faithful to His word and obedient to Him and in this obedience is speaking the truth of love to others. 

Promise: Christ died for all kinds of people, but Jesus did not die for everyone without exception. If you believe in Jesus, He had you particularly in mind when He made atonement for your sins. He loves you in particular that much. 

Prayer: O God, you have saved me. Part of my struggle with this verse is the struggle in you choosing me when I see others, that appear to not be chosen and are not on course to be chosen, from what I can see. I know that the road is narrow as you say. All I can say is thank you Jesus for showing me and leading me and letting me walk on this Narrow Road. O thank you God. You have made this unworthy man worthy. 

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 May is about solus Christus - Christ Alone; April was about salvation by grace alone; March about the sovereign providence of God; February was about the doctrine of revelation and the various aspects of the doctrine of Scripture that sola Scriptura seeks to preserve; January was about the doctrine of God.

- Attributes of Jesus - The Divine Nature of Christ meaning Jesus is God, the God-Man, God became man, The Human Nature of Christ Jesus has the qualities of man (hunger, needing rest, not knowing future events, being tempted), Jesus the Last Adam as Adam was our federal head in ushering all sin to man, Jesus makes all alive for those in Christ, Jesus the True Israel as Israel was called by God to be His true messenger, but Jesus is the one that truly fulfilled this call, Jesus the Messiah is the One that rescues and delivers His people

- The Word of Jesus - Obedience in Childhood reminds us that each day Jesus grew in obedience and favor with God, Obedience in Baptism showed Jesus fulfilled all righteousness, as John had been baptizing all new believers, Obedience in Temptation - like men called by God before, Jesus is tempted, but he resists and defends Himself with scripture, showing perfect obedience, Obedience under the Law as Christ was born under the Law, and kept the Law perfectly to redeem man, Obedience in Suffering as even in suffering Jesus learned obedience, a sinless man suffering for sinners, 

- His Titles - Christ Our Prophet, speaking for God, with divine inspiration, His words absolutely trustworthy and never fail to accomplish His purposes, Christ the Priest, clearing the way for human beings to approach the Father in heaven through prayer, Christ Our King is King of Kings, the last and final monarch of our lives for He did it all, 

- His Atonement - In Penal Substitution the penalty is paid by a substitute and Jesus paid the penalty of sin, once for all, and now with Particular Atonement is the reminder that Jesus had me in my mind when He went to the cross, not everyone, but only those who will hear His voice.  

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.

Ecclesiastes 12:11-12 - To Study or Not to Study

Ecclesiastes 12:11-12
11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.

Message: To Study or Not to Study

Time: The Book of Ecclesiastes does not directly identify its author. The conventional belief is that the author is Solomon. The book was likely written towards the end of Solomon's reign, approximately 935 B.C. It is a book of perspective whereby the speaker reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly things. Most every form of worldly pleasure is explored by the Preacher, and none of it gives him a sense of meaning. He accepts that life is brief and ultimately worthless without God and advises the reader to focus on an eternal God instead of temporary pleasure.

What the Lord is Saying:

Words of the Wise
This passage comes near the close of the book of Ecclesiastes. It seems to summarize what has been said to this point by the Preacher, emphasizing that the the words of wise men or the inspired words that are coming from Almighty God are like goads. For us today, a goad is a spiked stick or a board in which nails were embedded with their points exposed encouraging an animal such as a cow or ox to keep moving by the animal feeling a sharp pain. Thus, the words of the wise are seen as a goad. Wise words sometimes hurt and are partly unwelcome as we traverse through life, on our own, left to our devices. But, we need to be poked and reminded of our purpose. As seen in Psalm 23:1 (The Lord is my shepherd), the ancient Hebrews often referred to God as their "shepherd." Thus, these are words given by one Shepherd -- the Lord God.

Reminders are sometimes corrections that sting a little. We traverse through life often with an expectation of how things are to go and wise words at times assault us a little, prodding us or reminding us. I notice this often in my life as I often get corrected at work. I make a point that I think is appropriate and come to find out there is a rule that contradicts my point. Getting corrected continually is sort of tough. It hurts to the psyche, but it is necessary and I shouldn't resist it, though I do.

Excessive Reading
But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. Here is a warning to be careful about how much time we spend studying and seeking information. We need to be people of action, not just study. I even see this as an application to pray for I notice my own tendency to spend a lot of time in study and gaining knowledge and not enough time praying or taking what I have learned and praying. Again, as has been talked about, I need that gentle prodding and reminder. The reason I study is to see how the Lord wants me to live. That is my purpose.

Promise: Seek Wisdom. Seek Godly wisdom, but also be a person of action not simply study. Welcome the wisdom from God, even it means getting corrected or reminded of what I need to do.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this insight that I need, though I may not always want or desire. Getting corrected is a humbling experience. Help me to read what I need to read, but also be a person of action. Thank you for the wisdom of your Book. Thank you that it is what I need each and every day.

Jesus Calling: December 25

As you wait attentively in My Presence, the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines upon you. This radiant knowledge transcends all understanding. It transforms every fiber of your being: renewing your mind, cleansing your heart, invigorating your body. Open yourself fully to My Presence, be awed by My glorious Being.
     Try to imagine what I gave up when I came into your world as a baby, I set aside My Glory, so that I could identify with mankind. I accepted the limitations of infancy under the most appalling conditions--a filthy stable.That was a dark night for Me, even though angels lit up the sky proclaiming "Glory!" to awe-struck shepherds.
     When you sit quietly with Me, the process I went through is reversed in your experience. As you identify with Me, heaven's vistas open up before you--granting you glimpses of My Glory. I became poor so that you might become rich. Sing hallelujahs to My Holy Name!

2 Corinthians 4:6
English Standard Version
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
 
Philippians 2:6-7
English Standard Version
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
 
Luke 2:13-14
English Standard Version
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

2 Corinthians 8:9
English Standard Version
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

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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 30

I AM with you. I am with you. I am with you. Heaven's bells continually peal with that promise of My Presence. Some people never hear those bells because their minds are earthbound and their hearts are closed to Me. Others hear those bells only once or twice in their lifetimes, in rare moments of seeking Me above all else. My desire is that My "sheep" hear My voice continually, for I am the ever-present Shepherd. 
     Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My voice. Beginners need a quiet place in order to still their minds. As you advance in this discipline, you gradually learn to carry the stillness with you wherever you go. When you step back into the mainstream of life, straining to hear those glorious bells: I am with you. I am with you. I am with you. 

Jeremiah 29:12-13
English Standard Version
¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.


John 10:14, 27-28
English Standard Version 
¹⁴ I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me
²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

My Prayer
Help me to not get too big for my own britches and continually see that I am but a sheep and I need a shepherd daily to guide me. 

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.

Psalm 23: The Lord, Our Shepherd (Part 3)

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Message: My Shepherd, So I don't have a want

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 have been taking this lesson slow. Or rather, I have been having trouble getting through it. My study in the Word has just been slow lately. These lessons through the wisdom literature are a little different as they jump around. It is different from the Romans study I just finished that had a clear beginning and end of each book. But, I also have just sort of lost some consistency.

But, this is a good reading. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." I am still amazed by these words, that with the Lord, I really do not have wants. And yet I notice as I get my eyes off of time in the word, wants creep up. And then I looked at the fact that God is the one that supplies all of my needs, He is the active agent in my life.

So today I look at those verses that seem to be the most popular verses and the reason this chapter is a strong anchor in the lives of so many upon death, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." What is key to this phrase? God is with me. Isn't this interesting? This is a Psalm, a chapter, words that so many people hold onto. What are they holding onto? They are holding onto this idea that "God is with them." This is the ultimate desire of each person: that God is with them. There is nothing to fear because God is with them. Even though they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with them. They can traverse anything in life, even the darkest of days, because they always know that God is with them.

This verse almost sounds like Paul because in verse 3 it states that "he leads me in the path of righteousness" or the right way or right path. As I was reading and studying through this chapter, I was reminded that this isn't just a verse that speaks of death, but it really is talking about any dark or gloomy part in our lives. Verse 4 is really a further clarification of verse 3 which ends with "he leads me in the paths of righteousness." Paths of righteousness are right path or right ways. So, in that dark and gloomy valley, though I could not guide myself, I will not be alarmed; I will not be afraid of wandering or being lost; I will not fear any enemy there, for My Shepherd is there to guide me still. Valley of the shadow refers to any path of gloom or sadness, solitude, or sorrow, dark or dangerous way. God is trying to remind us that He will accompany us and can lead us safely through, however dark it may appear. The true believer has nothing to fear in the most gloomy scenes of life; he has nothing to fear in the valley of death; he has nothing to fear in the world beyond. "For Thou art with me." Though invisible, thou will attend me. I shall not go alone; I shall not be alone. The psalmist felt assured that if God was with him he had nothing to dread there. God would be his companion, his comforter, his protector, his guide. O, how I hope we can both believe and hold onto this.

Promise: God is there, even when things seem low; even when I am walking through a dark point of life, experiencing pain or loss. Even in those moments, I have nothing to fear. God is with me.

Psalm 23 - The Lord, Our Shepherd (part 1)

Psalm 23 - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Message: My Shepherd, So I don't have a want

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 have never, personally, studied this Psalm. It is one of those passages of scripture that I think is overused, but maybe that is not possible. I feel at times people know it or use it without really understanding it. It is interesting how it has become the funeral psalm.

It is just 6 verses.


The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Because the Lord is my shepherd, he takes care of me, guides, and directs me. He knows my needs and he satisfies them, so therefore, I shall not want. Isn't that sort of incredible, that I could trust God and then not want. That I would find my sustenance in Him. 

I was talking to someone recently about the Christian walk. We were talking about the fact that when God saves us, by grace through faith, we have everything we need and we spend most of our life trying to convince ourselves that this is really true. Church is interesting because every week we gather together to basically be told the same thing: Christ is sufficient to meet our needs. Each week, I leave work and pretty much start this tug of war relationship with God. I serve him, I serve him not. I serve him, I serve him not. I sin. I trust. I sin. I trust. In Christ I have everything I need, but I often just don't live in this manner. Instead, I want to make my own moves, do my own thing, but in the end, and generally at church, I am confronted with the same gospel message, the same truth, the same realization that without Christ being my anchor, I fail. 

Psalm 48:15 - And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day." 

Isaiah 40:11 - He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

John 10:27-28 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

That John verse is incredible. I have been talking to this atheist now for several years. We talk back and forth. He's always asking Christian questions, but never really interested in the answers and really can't understand my perspective. He just doesn't get it. He thinks I'm a bright guy, but he can't understand me believing in the Bible. He isn't a sheep. He is a wolf. He can't hear God's voice.  

Psalm 34:9 - Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

This idea of not wanting is so prevalent in the scripture. It is so opposite of how we live in the World. I just think God knows what I need and his timing is perfect. Therefore, can I really make the effort to see Him as my shepherd and then not want? 

The whole idea behind the 10 commandments, specifically the relational ones beginning with no. 5 is to not want. It's when our desire becomes so great that we get into trouble. Honor your parents. Trust them. Do not murder. Like people. Do not steal. Believe that God can meet your needs. Do not lie. Accept that the truth is what you need. Do not commit adultery. Again, trust that God can take care of your needs. Do not covet. Again, God can take care of your needs.  

Promise:  The Lord is My Shepherd and so therefore I do not have to want

Jesus Calling: June 26

     Stay calmly conscious of Me today, no matter what. Remember that I go before you as well as with you into the day. Nothing takes Me by surprise. I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me. I will help you cope with whatever the moment presents. Collaborating with Me brings blessings that far outweigh all your troubles. Awareness of My Presence contains Joy that can endure all eventualities. 

Psalm 23:1-4 
New King James Version

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
² He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
³ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17
English Standard Version

¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

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.

Zechariah 13

Message: What will the return of Christ mean to Israel? Israel will be cleansed from her sin.

Time: Written after the Temple Was Completed circa 480-470BC

What the Lord is Saying:

On that day refers to the tribulation period, a future time, when Israel will be cleansed from their sins and impurity. Is Israel cleansed right now? Right now, they have rejected the Messiah and cleansing comes by faith, but the Lord has always promised restoration for His people and one day there will be restoration for all. Israel will come to repentance and a fountain of forgiveness will be released on them.

Romans 10:3 reminds us that people try to establish their own righteousness and this is what Israel or Jewish people are currently doing. They are trying to decide on their own the standard of righteousness and this is also the greatest problem of people at large today. Most people are deciding themselves what it means to be righteous. They are mapping out their own way to define this rather than submitting to the Lord. People set up rules and they set up codes and ways that must be followed. They have erected perfect churches and those people set the standard.

Jesus does not just clean us one time, but his cleansing is continual. We are continually forgiven. Forgiveness happens because of the blood of Jesus. It was one act and yet the cleansing keeps on happening (I John 1:9).

Verse 2 speaks of the fact that the spirit of impurity and the false prophets will be removed from the land. Those agents of evil will be no more. What an exciting day that will be. Sin will continue because men and women will remain, but the spirit which is constantly moving people away from Christ and instead toward the practice of just good works will be removed. To the point that in verse 3 that if a child tries to prophecy his parents will stab him to death. Even though there is no closer union than a parent/child, the hatred of false prophecy will override that.

Verse 4 is interesting because the outer garment that is worn to identity one as a prophet will be no more. It will be gone. There are so many garments that are worn that try to set people apart and show them as papal people and yet, often, those that wear it aren't true to the calling of Christ. But, at this time, those clothes will be removed. No one will want to even come close to being attributed to a prophet.

Verses 7-9 seems to be distinct from the previous verse because "on that day" in not mentioned. This shepherd will be struck down. The sheep will be scattered. Two-thirds will die, one-third remain. And that remaining third will be brought through the fire. They will be pure, refined, purified, and God will answer them and call them His people. This could be talking about Jesus and His Church, which we now live in.


Promise: God's People are cleansed

Zechariah 11

Message: The Lord Jesus Christ is to be rejected as the King at His first coming

Time: Written after the Temple Was Completed circa 480-470BC

What the Lord is Saying:

People are often deceived by falsehood and yet people willingly go along for the ride. God is there, eager to pull them back and yet as they continue to go in the direction of please themselves, God eventually gives them over (Romans 1) to the desires of their hearts. This appears to be the picture here. Could the cedars be people that have been well rooted and established and yet now are burned to the ground because they continue to wallow in the wrong direction? 

But the true shepherd rescues the deceived people. He cares for them. They were not careful, but He cares for them. As a shepherd, he had two staffs--1. Favor or Grace and 2. Union. And he got rid of the evil. And he broke the staffs into two, possibly signifying that the original covenant God had with Israel had now been broken and the Gentiles would also receive the blessing He has. Israel continued to forsake the message and devise their own methods of spirituality.

And one day, the Lord will provide a worthless shepherd, a false shepherd (Antichrist). As a shepherd the people will look to it and yet this shepherd will do them no good whatsoever.

Promise: Follow the True Shepherd

Zechariah 10

Message: The Lord will restore His people

Time: The focus remains on the first coming of Christ. This is taking place after the completion of the temple. 480-470BC

What the Lord is Saying:

• The Lord promises a restoration for his people. 
• He will send rain, restoring their pastures (crops) to abundance. 
• His people need a shepherd, otherwise they walk lost and aimless, trusting in pipe dreams.
• A shepherd has the power of making the flock strong and glorious. 
• God will send a Cornerstone
• The Cornerstone will make His warriors mighty
• His warriors will trample their enemies because the Lord will be with them. 
• The Lord will strengthen His people because of His compassion. 
• He is their Lord and His people will have happiness because of something they take in apart from themselves (like wine). 
• They will listen to me when I call. 
• The few remaining will grow numerous.
• Though they are spread out, they will be united. 
• And they will one day be regathered. 
• The Lord makes His people strong. 

"By my authority, they will go wherever they wish." - not sure what this means

What I see from this passage is our need for a shepherd. Without a shepherd, the sheep or we, wander, trusting in words from others that never really lead us down the right path. Being in Christ, being with the Lord, means being guided by Him and what results by being in Him is a joy or happiness that in a way, is outside our knowing of how this happens. Like the way drinking wine effects us.

Verses 1-3 remind me of how little has changed in history. Sure, we have changes, but in the end, many look for guidance from idols and people that they think are making sense, rather than trusting in the Lord, the Shepherd. And then the sheep struggle remaining faithful. That's why, as I study God's word, I'm amazed by the phrase "be careful." It is a phrase I see often in Scripture. We must be careful for it is easy to be veered off course, even from those that are over us.

Lord, I pray you would gather Your sheep and Your sheep would hear your voice. Lord, make me more dependent on You. Help me to see that my strength is found in your camp and following after you. Thank you for calling me.

Promise: The Lord makes His people strong.

Jesus Calling: March 3

    I love you for who you are, not for what you do. Many voices vie for control of your mind, especially when you sit in silence. You must learn to discern what is My voice and what is not. Ask My Spirit to give you this discernment. Many of My children run around in circles, trying to obey the various voices directing their lives. This results in fragmented, frustrating patterns of living. Do not fall into this trap. Walk closely with Me each moment, listening for My directives and enjoying My Companionship. Refuse to let other voices tie you up in knots. My sheep know My voice and follow Me wherever I lead. 

Ephesians 4:1-6
English Standard Version
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

John 10:4
English Standard Version
When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

This does remind me of what I've been reading in Zechariah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. These books often speak of Israel's faithfulness and God does not welcome their actions of disobedience, but His gracious acts are because of who He is. It's not that He looks past the sin, but His goodness is greater than we could ever know. It's a great reminder of His love for us.

I need to pray and lean on the Spirit for His guidance. Walk closely with the Lord each day. The Lord is before us and we follow Him. Not because of what we see, but because of what we hear. We know His voice.

Walk. Walk in a way that mirrors what God has done for me. Be humble because He is humble. Be gentle towards others because He has been gentle towards Me. Have patience with myself and other people. Why? Because He has been patient with me. Come alongside one another in Love. Why? Because God's Spirit is in us and wants us to be united. There is oneness in Christ, in God, in faith -- so there must be oneness in each other. The oneness isn't a command because of anything but our position in Christ.

My Prayer
Lord, give me the strength each day to stand firm in Christ. I pray that I would practice humility, gentleness, patience, and a love community.

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

Jesus Calling: February 15

    Come to Me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me. 
    Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.
    When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn't be afraid of anything. Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will. Thought this may feel frightening--even dangerous, the safest place to be is in My will.

Luke 1:37
English Standard Version
For nothing will be impossible with God.

Ephesians 3:20-21
English Standard Version
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 23:1-4
English Standard Version
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

We often look at our needs or circumstances and think there is no hope. But, if we started with the Lord, then we would begin with a focus on Him and Him carrying us through life and therefore, our needs and circumstances wouldn't be insurmountable. And then they wouldn't be impossible. We get so wrapped in what we see and forget that God is there and He is working. Rather than trying to get Him to align Himself with us, we need to get ourselves aligned with Him. 

We must never get His power and His power in us as we surrender to Him. Again, we want to Him to bless what we have versus seeing what we have as a blessing from Him. Do I start with me or do I start with Him? Let God be glorified and praised because God is at work and His power is working through me, so what seems unlikely is because I'm looking at it through my eyes instead of His. 

Sheep just live and accept their lot. They don't want. Because they trust their shepherd and His provision. And He provides greenery, water, sustenance for life. He sets me on the right course. Trials will come, tough times will be there, but no need to fear, for He is with me, there to comfort me.

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for the reminder that You are there. Forgive me Lord for trying to determine my way. Help me instead to submit and surrender to You and accept what You provide. You are indeed able to do more than I can imagine. Thank you for being my shepherd. 

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.

Ezekiel 34

Message: Prophecy against the shepherds of Israel; the Lord is our Shepherd and the Lord has a covenant of piece

Time: The Lord speaking to Ezekiel

What the Lord is Saying:

The Lord tells Ezekiel to speak against the shepherds. What was their problem? They focused first on their own nourishment and then looked out for their flock, second. This is obviously a problem. The shepherds drank milk, wore wool, and then butchered the the best animals. But they did not take care of the weak. They have not sought out and looked after the lost. Instead, they have been harsh. And the sheep have scattered, and no one is searching for them. And the message is that the shepherds have neglected the flock.

Immediately, I see several applications for this passage. The father should care for his family. The pastor should be more concerned with his church than his self. The Christian needs to look out for those wandering and meet their needs. I thought of Cliff that I met yesterday in church and within a minute he was letting me know he was getting a divorce. Wow. And I just directed him to the auditorium. Why didn't I stop and figure out a way to minister to him? He didn't sound like God was in his life. But, I didn't do anything. I let him wander. O God, rescue Cliff and draw Him.

I also think of my kids and how I am constantly making it sound like it is a trial for me to do everything for them. And yet they are children. They need a shepherd even though they are prone to wander.

This is our role as believers and stewards of Christ. And my role as a husband, manager, leader, to look out for the flock and give them what they need.

The Lord says, "I myself will search and find my sheep." Is this because the shepherd he set up abandoned them? Or is He just saying that He is the one that finds the sheep? Either way, the Lord will work to bring his sheep back into the fold, no matter the circumstance that they are in. The Lord will feed them. He will gather them and bring them back into his own land. He will give them good pasture. He will seek the lost, bring back the strayed, bind up the injured, strengthen the weak.

And he mentions that he will be judge over the lean and fat sheep. The fat don't need to be around. The problem is these sheep don't just take the good pasture, but they instead want it all.

And the Lord desires to make a covenant with them. They will be secured where they are at and they will not have to fear the enemy. I will send them rain when they need it. They will know that "I am the Lord."

Promise: This is an interesting passage. Did the shepherd not do good enough and so then the Lord stepped in? The bottom line is that God takes care of his own, but he wants his leaders to also tend to their flock. As we seek the Lord, we will never be led astray.

Jesus Calling: January 28

I AM with you always. These were the last words I spoke before ascending into heaven. I continue to proclaim this promise to all who will listen. People respond to My continual Presence in various ways. Most Christians accept this teaching as truth but ignore it in their daily living. Some ill-taught or wounded believers fear (and may even resent) My awareness of all they do, and think. A few people center their lives around this glorious promise and find themselves blessed beyond all expectations. 

When My Presence is the focal point of your consciousness, all the pieces of your life fall into place. As you gaze at Me through the eyes of your heart, you can see the world around you from My perspective. The fact that I am with you makes every moment of your life meaningful. 

Matthew 28:20

English Standard Version (ESV)

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Psalm 139:1-4

English Standard Version (ESV)

 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
 You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

My Prayer
Lord, what a great reminder that You are with me always. How quickly I think that I'm living life on my own and having to will myself through life on my own. Lord, keep me on that high road, trusting you all the time, with my circumstances below. I think of Psalm 23 and that first line, "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want." With you by my side and always with me, I can trust my life because it is in your hands. This doesn't mean the circumstances of life will always make sense to me, but I can trust you still. You have shown yourself to be faithful.

Lord, as I read or hear Your Word, I pray that it becomes a part of my life and not just head knowledge.

Help me to live in Your presence. I want to see life through Your perspective.

You know me Lord. You search Me and know Me and You are acquainted with all my ways. You know my thoughts and my days activities. How often do I pretend that you are not there.

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.