Psalm 97 - Perfect Hatred

Psalm 97

You who love the Lord, hate evil! (verse 10)

Message: Perfect Hatred

What the Lord is Saying: I was going through my mom's papers recently. She kept a lot of papers and was devoted to God in an intense way that I am still discovering. Her time dwelling in God's presence is significant. A couple of weeks ago I sat at her desk. She had a chair in the living room that I often saw her at when I came up the stairs in the morning to get my breakfast and get ready for school. She was in that chair in the early morning hour, praying and studying. But in the den area now, where there was a pool table when I grew up, is another round table which scripture cards on it, a basket with a prayer book devotion and also another one of Mom's bibles. She had multiple Bible's and all had many markings in them. She had multiple devotions. There was a lot of variation. I guess I am the same way. But she had many different devotionals where I have been using the same one for years - Tabletalk - though inching my way through it. As of right now, I am still focused on the 2019 issues. 

The paper I came across this time was a page taken out of the devotional book, "Our Daily Bread." There are two sides or two entries to the paper, so I am not sure which devotional my mom had saved this piece of paper. Haddon Robinson wrote the devotional and I think wrote many of the devotions for Our Daily Bread. She had me listen to a sermon or teaching that he had done one time. I also don't know when this came out, but the entry says, "October 21, Friday." Prior to my mom's death that date occurred in 2016. 

I don't find this particular devotion online anywhere. The devotion ends with a prayer. My mom prayed a lot and she often had prayer books. She gave me one for my birthday on September 4, 1988 when I turned 21, that she did in calligraphy from some prayers by Tozer. In one of this books, each chapter ended with a prayer. Well, each of these entries ends with a prayer. 

I suppose I am trying here to better understand my mom. I admired her and she helped me know God. And in her I saw someone that I wanted to be like. I think I am like her. There are truths here that she saw and that made an impact on her. There are remnants of this throughout the house. She encourages me. And helps me to know God better. 

The prayer reads: 

Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Amen. 

Simple. Direct. 

On the drive in yesterday I was thinking about me and my struggle to pray. And I thought of my mom and wondered if she had the same struggle. And even at times the same struggle to read the Bible and depend on it. I think she might have because she had so many 'help's' in her life to get her knowing God and knowing His truth.  

The lesson from this devotional is in loving the Lord I am to hate evil. 

Looking at this text - Psalm 97 - I refer to one of my books by Phillips, "Exploring the Psalms." I also take a moment to look on BibleHub at the summary stated of this chapter. The chapter begins with "The Lord Reigns." 

Phillips says this Psalm looks forward to a time when the Righteous One, the Beloved will return to Reign on this earth. It is a Psalm of Prophecy, looking forward in the future to the Millennial reign. He sees the first 9 verses as speaking of Jesus the Reigning One and those verses describe him ruling nature and ruling nations. The earth and with the clouds and darkness about Him, rolled away, and there is fire, burning up His enemies, lightning enlightens the world and the hills melt in His presence. This earth responds to His reign and surrenders to Him. And then in verses 6-9 the peoples respond to Him. All those with idols will see them as worthless. Instead "Worship Him." Zion or the Jewish people have often persisted in unbelief of Jesus but they will see that God is exalted and the Lord is most high. And then in verse 10-12 the lives of the people will be seen because the Lord not only reigns but is Righteous. And it is here the people are told to hate evil. Evil is in society but we are on the side of hating it at every turn. And we are delivered from its hand. There is light and gladness and we give thanks for His holy name. 

BibleHub isn't specific in its summary of this being prophetic but it is prophetic in that it showcases God's sovereign and just rule over all of the earth and all people at any time - past, present, and future. There is opposition of the Lord at times such as idols and enemies but there will be a point when these are no more. And the people of God are always to be about hating evil. Because we are those who love the Lord. So maybe this text is speaking about a future time when these situations which right now are ideal but not true because there are opposing forces, but one day there will be a earth that is only about God. So that is the hope. Right now, we are to be a people that hates evil, but right now we are back and forth in that regard. We are selfish and self-serving and defensive and not always only about good. I am to hate evil at every turn, but right now I don't and let it in at times. 

So I return to the prayer of this passage which I am thinking for my mom is found in this passage and Haddon Robinson also mentions Amos 5:15, "hate evil, love good." 

Prayer: I read the prayer again God - Dear Father, help us to handle hatred with utmost care. Help us to direct our hatred only at the things you despise. Teach us what it means to hate the sin and love the sinner. Help me God to only be about You. Don't let my personal feelings impact what you hate. I pray that I can read Your word each day and understand it and not read into it. Let me accept it and read it for what it is. God, I want to be that person that hates evil. I don't want to go along with it simply because others do. I want to stand up and be strong. O God, help me to truly be that person. I am to hate what you hate, but I admit a struggle with this so often and knowing what it is. Truth is hard for me often to come by. 

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

Mark 8:15 - Watch Out for the Leaven of Herod

Mark 8:15

And He was giving orders to them, saying, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." 

Message: Watch out for the Leaven of Herod

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

What the Lord is Saying: It is interesting to see how metaphors are used in the Bible. The dictionary definition of a metaphor is "a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable." It is figurative not literal. Thus, "time is a thief" means to say that like a thief that steals is time that steals moments from us. Or "Life is a roller coaster" means to say that life has ups and downs and can be compared to the ups and downs of a roller coaster. Thus, a metaphor takes one idea and places it into a picture or word picture to help us better understand. 

Thus, in this verse, "leaven" is a familiar item in baking. It is used to cause dough to rise. Leaven is a fermenting agent. It is a substance that makes the dough rise by producing gas and makes bread or baked goods, light and fluffy. Baking powder is a type of leaven, and something that I like, and use when I make biscuits as it makes the biscuits stand up and fluffy instead of being dense and flat. 

The leaven changes the original substance. It makes it different from the original. Puffs it up. It spreads. It changes everything.

For the Israelites, during the exodus, when they left Egypt, they had to leave quickly. They didn’t have time to let their bread rise so they baked unleavened bread. The Israelites time in Egypt was marked by bondage. They were being corrupted. Their time in Egypt started out being good for they went there to escape a famine but over time they were enslaved, Egypt wanted to control them and eventually Pharaoh ordered Hebrew boys to be killed. It began to be a place where they lost their identity as children of God, separating themselves from God's promise. 

Once they were freed from Egypt, the Israelites began to celebrate through commemorations specific things that they were doing at the time they left. One of those was having unleavened bread. In many instances, leaven is representing sin, or corruption or bondage. There are events when the Israelites will remove any form of leaven from their midst and commemorate their exodus. 

As such, in today's text Jesus is speaking to a large crowd and the disciples and says, "Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." Leaven here is not bread, but instead Jesus is saying beware of the corruption of the Pharisees and of Herod. Beware of what they represent and it spilling over into your life. Beware of what they are saying. 

In Mark 6:14-16, Herod is finding about Jesus from others. When people heard of Jesus in that day, it caused them to go to the source or go to Jesus and hear from him directly. Herod instead conjured up his conclusion of Jesus based upon what he heard and concluded with that Jesus is a risen John. Jesus warns his followers of listening to others. Instead go to the source.  

The other problem with Herod is he was only interested in an intellectual understanding. He was not moved to repentance. When we embrace Jesus we experience a heart change. It is not a change based upon what someone tells me I am to change, it is based upon what I want to change. I am called a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."

I have been conversing with some folks close to me. They actually seem to have a good understanding of Jesus and dying on the cross, but they have pointed out to me that they are not hip on making a life change or feeling like they are being told that they need a life change. They only want to go to school, they don't want to live in the real world. They don't want to repent and change their ways. They want the "get of jail free" card only. 

Summary: Jesus warns his followers to focus only on His words and not what others are saying about him. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for giving us this book and the richness of it. 

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

2 Samuel 13:1-22 - Like Father, Like Son

2 Samuel 13:1-22

But Absalom did not speak to Ammon either good or bad, for Absalom hated Ammon because he had violated his sister Tamar. (verse 22)

Message: Like Father, Like Son

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

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 11 was David's sin chapter. Chapter 12 talks of David repenting and some of consequences of that sin. But also some good things that occurred. And now Chapter 13 turns to another unfortunate situation. 

In addition to 4 sons that David had in Solomon, Amnon, Adonijah, and Absalom there were daughters as well and verse 1 mentions one of the daughters - Tamar but then also how one of the brothers loved her. It seems to be about 15 years into David's reign. My commentary says that Amnon did not know where Tamar lived and this frustrated him. Verse 3 mentions a shrewd friend Amnon had named Jonadah. He approaches Amnon and mentions being in love with Absalom's sister. These family members are most likely half-siblings because of the fact David had multiple wives, thus the scripture refers to Tamar as the brother of Absalom. 

Jonadab sets up a caper where Amnon will be ill and ask for David to send Tamar to care for him. Tamar most likely has a skill for cookery even though this was not necessary as the King's daughter and so the caper includes her coming with her cakes to feed them to Amnon so as to make him well. She didn't take the cakes in that room but instead Amnon wanted her to go to the bedroom. When she did, he wanted her to lie with him. Tamar knew this was disgraceful and said she would not. But Amnon was stronger than her and although he asked the question, his intent was still clear to lie with her and he did. 

Then he hated her. After you take hold of your sin, regret stirs up in you. Now Amnon fears the consequences. Sin seems so good at first but then something happens afterwards and it no longer feels good to do it. Regret hits us after we have achieved what we want. The act was horrible toward Tamar but now Amnon wants nothing to do with her. Amnon is treating her like trash. 

Tamar has ashes and tears her long robe to signify the shame she is experiencing. This reminds me of that phrase "Wear your heart on your sleeve" that means to openly and transparently display your emotions, feelings, and affections rather than hiding them. Our emotions often are hidden but Tamar and others openly show their emotions by tearing their clothing. 

Because of the sin Absalom hated his brother Amnon. 

The man is supposed to be head of his household. With many wives and children, David was in a position to not really know what is going on in his household. It seems that possibly the wives and their respective children lived different places. David could have intervened and halted some of this, but instead he did not, possibly having other things going on. This is one of the dangers of polygamy and multiple families. David was chosen as a man after God's own heart, but clearly he has leadership of his family problems while being a good king and warrior. 

Amnon's sin seems even greater than David because of the way he disposes of Tamar after lying with her. The other lesson here is that sin and the temptation of it needs to have some sort of check and balance and not just a free for all. We have thoughts, but they need to be corrected because not all of our thoughts are good. David needed to take responsibility of this with Amnon. 

Summary: David's son Amnon desires his half-brother's sister and with the help of his cousin deceives his father to allowing Tamar to come to him and then he lies with her and discards her. 

Promise: We must fight against sin so that we discern right from wrong better over time.

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and your ways are just. We are people that need correction and accountability. I need it. Thank you again for the men and people in my life that have corrected my behavior and been that check for me against my thoughts. Keep being a tutor for me. And mend those that have gotten off track. Help me to recognize the evil in my children's ways and to say something when I sense your leading. 

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

2 Samuel 12:15-31 - The Consequences of Sin

2 Samuel 12:15b-31

Then the Lord struck the child that Uriah's widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. (15b) 

Message: The Consequences of Sin

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

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 11 records David's sin with Bathsheba. Chapter 12 begins with Nathan and the Lord confronting David with the sin when he had tried hard to escape from it without notice, but there are consequences and this section begins with that consequence - the death of the baby conceived during the act of indiscretion. The child starts out by being very sick. In response, "David fasted." And then the child died and this is confirmed to David. In response David worshipped the Lord. He then began to eat which surprised his servants as they wondered why David responded and he said he fasted while the child was still alive but now that God made his decision he returns to eating. 

David comforts Bathsheba. He lays with her and she has another son - Solomon. 

"Joab fought against Rabbah of the sons of Ammon." David responds by assembling the rest of the soldiers and then capturing the city for Joab. The crown of the king of Rabbah placed on David's head. Then David returned to Jerusalem. 

David petitioned God through fasting and yet the child did not recover and died. We got to God and petition to him but when things don't work out the way we would like our response to God continues. We accept his decision and move on. We trust Him. 

Summary: The child born to Bathsheba dies and David accepts this and God in his mercy grants the couple a new child in Solomon. 

Promise: God will forgive anyone who repents, but some sins have lasting consequences. 

Prayer: Lord, you are righteous and fair. Sin has consequences that we see often. You forgive, but still we can't expect that everything will always be normal afterwards. There will be hurts at times. Lord, let me continue to seek You. I pray many will turn to You, understand their sin and trust in You. 

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

2 Samuel 12:1-15a - David Repents

2 Samuel 12:1-15a

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

Message: David Repents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James 1:5 - Talk to Your Husband about His Sin

James 1:5

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (verse 5)

Message: Talk to Your Husband about His Sin

Time: Thought to be James, the half-brother of Jesus, though he was not a follower when Jesus was walking on the earth. He believed post-resurrection. He likely wrote this in AD 45-48. This is like the first New Testament book written and it was written to Jewish Christians. It is focused on practical application or how God's people are to "act" like God's people and this is a faith that produces life change. 

What the Lord is Saying: The author of this article mentions how he wife approached him, graciously, mentioning something that she had been praying about, namely communicating to her husband that he had not led in Bible Study or prayer. As a seminary student, he was crushed, realizing he was not leading his wife. 

My thought of reading this, not yet looking at what the author was going to say are some people I know where the wives are struggling in their marriages because their husbands are not doing any spiritual leading. I admit at times doing this with my wife and even my children, expecting that the church would take care of leading and guiding them or that she would get her spiritual nourishment herself and not realizing that it needs to come from me. And now I see other women dealing with this as well. These husbands do not oppose church or talking about spiritual matters, but they are not actively engaging in leading their wives or families and the wife meanwhile is off growing herself, seeking the Lord, studying God's word without the husband leading the wife. 

Roles in our society are in a disarray. Recently, I was challenged by my pastor to lead my wife in regular prayer. I have been doing it before work. Most of the time it is quick and sometimes it is not real deep or meaty. I need to improve upon that and not let a day go by without it happening. 

This is what his wife did.

1. She prayed about it before confronting. As the verse says in James 1:5, before doing what we would like in our heart to do, we must first "ask of God." Confrontation is not easy. I've had to do it a few times and I believe I have thought about it a lot, but not sure how often I really go to God and ask for his guidance. Often, I notice in my prayers only asking God to step in, but in these moments, the request is to direct me in how I should walk. 
2. She was willing to confront her husbands. It is tragic that often out of being confronted the other party is defensive and feels attacked. I admit that I fall into this as well when anyone asks me a question about why I did something, so it seems part of my need is to pray that if someone confronts me that I would be open to what they have to say. 
3. She was straightforward about the sin. Again, I tend to want things to be palpable and so I often beat around the bush in matters rather than simply being direct. Proverbs 24:26 says, "Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips." 
4. She set a precedent. She opened the door so that future confrontations, if necessary, could occur. Granted, it is a great that as her husband, he responded with tears and was broken. Unfortunately, the defensive responses can make confronting again difficult. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for the people in our lives and the Godly people you place in my life. If I have sinned and someone sees it and approaches me about it, help me to be receptive and not be defensive or seek to justify my actions. Thank you for my wife. Change me so that I am open to confrontation. Help wives that are struggling in this area to pray and be gracious if they do confront. Thank you for addressing all of our needs and wants O God. 

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

Proverbs 13:2 - Violent Words

Proverbs 13:2

From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good,

But the desire of the treacherous is violence.

Message: Violent Words

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Reading Tabletalk and the article "Violent Words" and the author translates this verse, "From the fruit of their lips people eat what is good, but the unfaithful desire violence." There is a contrast here between wise, helpful, kind, thoughtful words and words that destroy or tear down. 

In the heat of anger, how are we sometimes responding? In this moment, the person we are fighting with becomes a sort of enemy with our biting, sarcastic and vengeful words. It could be a friend, co-worker, or even spouse or parent. Often, through our words we want to inflict pain. It happens. Our sense of entitlement takes over. Our expectations are unmet. We feel wronged. 

As quickly as I run to anger, I need to quickly run to repenting, confessing to God first, and then to the other party, asking forgiveness and truly forgiving others. I admit I sort it out first in my mind and try to get past it. 

In these tense moments, I don't have to respond with sin. That sometimes is the hard part for me: how do I act differently? What should I have done instead? How do I take these wronged feelings and not respond with anger and being threatened. How do I pursue the offense without hurtful words? Not sure I know any other way to get it resolved. Sometimes at work I see often that what stirs me up and angers me rarely works out for me, reminding me that my many words of emotion didn't get me anywhere but disappointment and anger and mess up other relationships or other times of enjoyment. 

Prayer: Lord, I need help. I think of my son who struggles with this as well. As he approaches these scenario's which make him made how do we respond differently. How can we still get our concern out and yet not sin? Teach me to do it in love. Teach me to not be swept away by those feelings and still deal with the situation, but with love and hope, seeking you Lord with direction and guidance. 

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

I Samuel 14:24-46 - Saul's Growing Alienation

I Samuel 14:24-46

But the people said to Saul, "Must Jonathan die, who has brought about this great deliverance in Israel? For from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day." So the people rescued Jonathan and he did not die. (verse 45)

Message: Saul's Growing Alienation

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

What the Lord is Saying: In the first part of Chapter 14, rather than Saul doing what he was tasked to do, defeat the Philistines, his son Jonathan instead initiated the defeat. Saul eventually joined in, but there was nothing in his joining that spoke to the Lord doing it. Meanwhile Jonathan went forward mentioning the need for the Lord to work for them. 

In verse 24, Saul makes mention that all men are cursed if they eat before evening and before he has the opportunity to avenge himself, until he can inflict harm himself. They came upon honey but no one ate of it, out of fear of the oath. But Jonathan didn't hear and took the honeycomb. The people saw and warned him. 

The people wanted to eat as they were obviously hungry because of the command Saul had given to not eat until he could get his way. So they took the spoil (oxen, sheep, calves) and ate it oil, even the blood. But Saul stepped in and told them to not sin against the Lord by eating blood. The people did as he asked. "And Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord (verse 35)."

Then Saul wanted more of the Philistines and sought to "go down after the Philistines by night and take spoil among them until the morning light." But the priest (Ahiah) said, "Let us draw near to God." Let us first seek the Lord. He had just built an altar and then he starts to go off on his own without consulting the Lord. The good news is in verse 37 he inquires of God, "Shall I go down after the Philistines?" He has learned. "But He did not answer." Thus, Saul believes a sin has been committed. If there is something impeding the opportunity, then a sin must be occurring. Interesting. Pray and no answer then it must be sin. Or maybe it could be sin. 

Thus, they investigate. It is revealed that because of Jonathan having the honey that Saul is ready to kill even his own son, though he did not know about the oath. Saul is shown again here to be rash. Saul adds to the oaths and then puts himself against his son for the people to decide. 

Saul couldn't see his own sin. Rather than looking inward to himself, he guessed the sin was outside of him. Saul had a vengeance about him. He did things in a rash way. Even when he consulted the Lord, he was unwilling to see the log in his own eye (Matthew 7:3-5). Saul did not live a consistent life of following the Lord. 

Summary: Saul goes back and forth between his own way and seeking the Lord. He has to be reminded to speak to the Lord prior to making a decision. His decisions cause trouble among many. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "When we find ourselves in difficult situations, we should take stock of our circumstances and search our hearts. Not all trouble is due to our personal sin, but much of it can be."

Prayer: O Lord, your ways are right and true and I need to lean on You every step of every day. As I engage in conversations with people, direct me. Search my heart Lord. If there be anyway in me that is not glorifying and pleasing to You, let me see it, take stock of it, and seek to change. Help me O Lord. Help me to walk in Your ways. Deliver people over to You so that they see their sin. Keep me strong against the schemes of the devil and those that thwart your Ways.  

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

Judges 20 - At War with Benjamin

Judges 20

And the Lord struck Benjamin before Israel, so that the sons of Israel destroyed 25,100 men of Benjamin that day, all who draw the sword.

Message: At War with Benjamin

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: Chapter 19 was messy. It started with the Danites wanting their own land. Then idolatry and then a Levite and his concubine getting into problems with some unwholesome men. This resulted in the concubine's death and body parts distributed all over the land.   

Chapter 20 begins with a a large group of people gathering as one to the lord at mitzpah. There are 400,000 men there, and the leaders are standing among them. They are in the land of Benjamin. The Israelites ask about the wickedness that has occurred and the Levite responds and explains the situation of his concubine being raped and then him cutting her up and sending her parts to 12 places.  The people of Israel agree to go up against Gibeah. So the gathered of about 10% of the men to go against the people of Gibeah. They ask for the worthless man that came against a Levite, in order to put them to death and remove the wickedness from this area. But the people of Benjamin disagreed, and instead chose to wage war against the sons of Israel, though the odds were not in their favor. 

3 times it mentions the people came together as one. The atrocity of sin mentioned in the last chapter stirred the sons of Israel to now come together - as one. 

The sons of Israel, ask the Lord, who should battle in the Lord, says Judah. The sons of Israel go to battle, but after each day, they asked the Lord if they shall continue for their our losses of life. But each day the Lord says to continue, and then after the second day, he says they will now conquer. It took a while, but Israel set an ambush and eventually 25,000 of the tribe of Benjamin were slain. 

It is unfortunate that the tribe of Benjamin has now turned completely against God. 

Summary: The sin of Gibeah is addressed, but at a heavy cost and a loss of many men on both sides, but mostly in the tribe of Benjamin. 

Promise: The Lord at times does drastic things to rid His people of sin. 

Prayer: Lord, you will eradicate and deal with sin. Either you deal with sin with me personally or you do among your called ones, but you also do it among people at large. Sin is not tolerated. Sin is something people continue to choose. I do pray for Your mercy Lord and that it would continue and you would continue to pull your remnant close to You. Bring many to salvation, but it is hard that so many continue to abandon You and find solutions outside of You God. 

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

Judges 10 and 11 - Jephthah Rises to Lead Israel

Judges 10 and 11

So Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “If you take me back to fight against the sons of Ammon and the Lord gives them up to me, will I become your head?” - Verse 9

Message: Jephthah Rises to Lead Israel

Time: Judges covers about 250 years from death of Joshua to birth of Samuel (1360-1110 BC). The people of Israel largely divided with different local triable judges. It was a period of stirring interventions by the Lord and also great disobedience on the part of the Israelites. Without a king, everyone did right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). 

What the Lord is Saying: After Abimelech dies, 2 judges are mentioned - Tola and Jair. Tola judges for 23 years. Jair judges for 22 years. Not much is said of them but they are mentioned. They are part of the history. It is mentioned that Tola arose to save Israel. 45 years pass. A generation. The good news during this period is nothing bad happened. No news is good news. Things were rotten under Abimelech but now things are good. These two judges were good men, good leaders. 

Then verse 6 states, "The sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord." These same words have been said before - in 2:11, 3:7, 3:12, 4:1, 6:1. This has not been mentioned for 4 chapters. It was not mentioned under Tola and Jair. But now the people have fallen back into idolatry. The problem is they "exchanged the truth of God for a lie. (Romans 1:25)" They served other gods. They broke God's commandment to have no other Gods (Ex. 20:3). Today I think those gods are comfort, safety, riches, entertainment, health. Even a freedom from problems and trials. Anything that robs our personal quality of life I think at times is greater than what God speaks of in His word. I need those things in my life. I do. All of us do. In those times, the problem was they aligned themselves with the non-chosen people and the gods they worshipped. The people of the land that I saw previously that remained in the land - the Canaanites. But their are others. It is like we assimilate ourselves with the world and its ways. It is hard to stand out and be different and easier just to go along. 

Because of this falling away by the people of Israel (people of God), "the anger for the Lord burned against Israel" in verse 7. He sold them or as it says in Romans "gave them over." They were afflicted and crushed for 18 years. They had it good for 45 years, but now for 18 years they were embattled. 

"Then the sons of Israel cried out" (verse 10) stating they had forsaken the Lord. They were proud for a while, not admitting their sin. It took a revival of their hearts a while to occur. But here is the problem - God let them know that it isn't a formula. They turned on God and he rejects their plea. He tells them to go to the gods they have joined forces with. He says to them, "let them deliver you in the time of your distress." Look, you serve those gods, so rather than running to me now you are in distress, maybe you should run to them. Maybe this is a test. Maybe God is trying to test them to see what they will do. 

How do they respond? Verse 15, "We have sinned." That's it. They recognize their sin. Good for Israel. This is the right respond of people and what we are looking for, what God is looking for - people that recognize their sin. 

Yesterday, I read an article about Islam. They do believe that Allah will forgive sins (Sura 39:53). But Christ is not recognized. Instead, Sura 7:8 states: “As for those whose scale will be heavy with good deeds, only they will be successful.” Jesus is missing and as such, the atonement is missing. Even in the Old Testament, burnt offerings or atonements are mentioned. This seems to be missing from Islam. 

Are people simply bothered that bad things have happened or do they really have a desire for God? It almost seems like that what is occurring here. 

Chapter 11 begins and Jephthah enters. Verse 1 he is called a valiant warrior. Gideon was called the same in 6:12 although it was said of him, "The Lord is with you." 

The sons of Ammon are mentioned here. I am not sure what to make of these people. They seem to be adversarial in chapter 10 to Israel. Israel's evil ways in 10:6 includes serving the gods of the sons of Ammon. The Lord's anger resulted in Israel being sold into the hand of the sons of Ammon (10:7). Israel's 18 years of affliction took place in Gilead, a land of the sons of Ammon (10:8). The Lord mentions to Israel delivering them from people that included the sons of Ammon (10:11). But the author then mentions at the end of 10 that the leaders in Gilead would raise up for Israel someone to fight against the sons of Ammon (10:18). 

In Chapter 11 Jephthah is born as a Gileadite. But not by Gilead's wife, like his brothers, but by a harlot, which resulted in the brothers sending Jephthah away from them. Then these sons of Ammon are mentioned again as fighting against Israel (11:4). The elders of Gilead in response believe Jephthah to be the answer to lead the people (Israel not mentioned here) against the sons of Ammon (11:6). Jephthah is surprised he has been chosen (11:7). But the leaders confirm that Jephthah is the one to lead all the inhabitants of Gilead (among with I think the sons of Israel are as well) against the sons of Ammon (11:8). Jephthah makes a point that the Lord must be with him in this fighting and leading (11:9). Jephthah makes a statement to recognize that to defeat the sons of Ammon the Lord must be with him, and then the elders of Gilead would make him a leader. Back in 8:23 Gideon responded to leadership that God is the true leader of the people. But there the people make him head (11:11). 

Jephthah sends a message to the sons of Ammon wondering about the strife between them. The sons of Ammon respond that taking our land by Israel is the problem. Jephthah responds they didn't take the land, just wanted to pass through it and did not get permission. Since they were unwilling the Lord possessed all of the land of the Amonites through fighting (11:21). The Lord did this for the people of Israel (11:23). The sons of Ammon however rejected these words from Jephthah (11:28). 

Then the text mentions the Spirit of the Lord coming upon Jephthah (last mentioned towards Gideon, the previous judge in 6:34) as he heads to the son of Ammon (11:29). Jephthah then makes a vow to the Lord (11:30). If God will, then he will offer up "whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me" as a burnt offering to the Lord (11:31). The burnt offering shows a person's complete devotion to God. It is offering a spotless animal as atonement. And so the sons of Ammon were subdued (11:33). 

The chapter ends with a conversation between Jephthah, regarding his daughter. He returns from the battle and is greeted by his daughter with her celebrating his return (dancing with musical instruments) (v. 34). He remembers his vow, tears his clothes because he she is the one that has come out to greet him, not what he wanted because his vow to the Lord is to sacrifice the one who comes of the door first to greet him (v. 35). The daughter trusts her father though and tells him to do as he has vowed (v. 36). The vow the daughter and Jephthah agree to is not a burnt offering which is not allowed - see Leviticus 18:21; 20:2; Deuteronomy 12:31-32; 18:10-12. Instead the vow that is described as her not having any relations with man. I saw a Bible commentary online that said, "He was willing to give up his only hope of grandchildren and perpetuation of the family line, enduring a social stigma, in order to obey God."

Jephthah kept his vow, though the scripture renders the vow as a burnt offering. It seems possible that the burnt offering is a translation error. Burnt offerings are animals, not people. The daughter coming out was God-ordained. Thus, there is a little problem here with the text possibly. If he adheres to sacrificing the life of his daughter then he breaks the rules of the Law prohibiting sacrifice of humans. If he does what he did then the burnt offering described was wrong. And verse 29 starts with the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him. The bottom line though to me is he kept the promise for a sacrifice. 

Summary: Israel declares they have sinned and Jephthah rises to lead Israel. He makes a vow to the Lord and honors it by his only child and daughter being barren, a curse somewhat among the people to not have any offspring. 

Promise: Our promises to God are more important than societal and even religious traditions. We should be true to God, admitting our sin. 

Prayer: O my Lord, Father, Hashem - you are the one I respect and revere. I need to trust in You and I want to trust in You and be true to how you have called me to live and be. Thank you for these readings and that these records are preserved and the examples remain timeless. You continue to send leaders to instruct us and guide us, but ultimately it is only You that saves and You provide your Son Jesus to atone for my sins, forgiving me for all eternity. I confess I am a sinner. Lord, there are many in my life that I pray would see this - their sin and then the relationship with you that follows. Jephthah reminds me follow You true. What situations in my life would cause me to make a vow? To make a promise to You in order for you to get me out of a jam? I am not sure. But I can keep my word. When I take on a responsibility I can follow through on it and this is something I need to improve on. 

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

Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin at Ai

Joshua 7

So the Lord said to Joshua, "Rise up! Why is that you have fallen on your face? Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have been taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things. Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become accursed. I will not be with you any more unless you destroy the things under the ban from your midst. - (v. 10-12)

Message: Achan's Sin at Ai

Time: Joshua "Yahweh saves" led Israel, under God's command, to victorious conquest of the Promised Land. The book spans about 25 years, beginning about 1406 BC. The conquest of Canaan, numerous military campaigns and regathering of the nation are major components. 

What the Lord is Saying: At Jericho, the Lord God tells Joshua that Jericho will crumble and within the City the goods or treasures of the City will be devoted to the Lord (v. 17), to be burned and only the treasures (bronze, gold, silver, and iron) will be spared and again go into a treasury (v. 19) - thus for the use of the tabernacle. In Chapter 7, it states that Achan from the tribe of Judah took some of the things that were devoted to the Lord, under the ban or accursed (v. 1). Joshua sends spies to the land of Ai (v.2) and they said only to send 3,000 men for the people of Ai are few (v. 3). But the men of Ai struck down 36 of their men (v. 5). Joshua is broken by this and wonders now before the Lord why He has led them to this when they could have stayed near Jordan (v. 6-9). The Lord show Joshua that the sons of Israel sinned and so turned their backs on their enemies (v. 10-12). They are to destroy the items taken under the ban. Achan (family of Zerahites) does not come forward but only admits he has sinned against the Lord (v. 20) after Joshua had found him out. Joshua went and retrieved the items taken and he all of Achan's family is stoned and burned with fire and the "Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger." Sin was dealt with at this place now called the Valley of Achor (v.26). 

The Lord provides direction to his people as to how they are to fight the battle and he does amazing things in the process. But in that process he tells them things they are to do and not to do. This story is similar to even the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. God provides everything they need but tells them to not eat of the tree of garden. They disobey and mankind is cursed. In this situation, not all people are cursed, but only those that commit the offense - Achan but there is also a defeat at Ai that occurs, in the killing of 36 men. The moral seems clear - accept God's providence which includes his directions and stay close to them. I think of the Jewish people and they seem to stay close to God's laws and yet don't accept the Messiah he provides. Christians accept the Messiah and yet many continue to live their own ways. We are to be a people that accepts the gift of God, but also adhere to his rules. 

The Lord did not fail to keep His promises. The people failed to be obedient and failed to keep their promises. 

Summary: The people of Israel next go to Ai, but here they take in casualties due to one family disobeying God at Jericho and not being obedient to the Lord and ultimately their lives are taken. 

Promise: Our private sins have an impact on others. Be quick to turn from all sin. 

Prayer: Lord, I admit I hide at times in my sin and think that it is only affecting me. But I have seen my anger hurt others and cause lasting problems not only to me but those in my family's path. Obedience to Your ways is what matters and I need to simply live my life in obedience. I am to honor You in all I do. Thank you for your amazing providence and all that You provide for me. Help me God to be good stewards of what You have provided and continue to provide. 

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

Various Scriptures - The Cross of Christ

I Corinthians 15:17  

And if Christ has not been raised your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 

Message: Atonement: Our Only Hope

What the Lord is Saying: Why is atonement our only hope? Because our sin makes us imperfect. In order for us to be accepted, our sin must be atoned for. For man to be reconciled to God, sin must be dealt with. This is the consistent message of scripture, beginning in the Old Testament when the blood of animals was the means by which sin was atoned for, ultimately looking forward to the blood a perfect lamb found in Jesus. It is the central idea of the Christian faith - that sin separates us from God and the only way to be reconciled is through trusting that Jesus covers that sin. The idea of atonement is not unique. Everywhere in society we see some sort of atonement occurring. When a person is wronged, people seek to make up in some way for a wrong committed. Prison terms are ways a person's life is atoned for an offense. Fines and penalties in our courts for wrongs committed is a form of atonement. Even saying "sorry" is a form of atonement. In the scope of our relationship with God, as this scripture states, without Jesus rising from the dead, faith in Him has no value. 

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Psalm 85:10 

Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 

Message: Sin our Relationship to God

What the Lord is Saying: God is our creator. We live in the Father's World. In the Garden where he originally placed man and woman, there was complete freedom to live and work and play. There was only one sin to avoid - eating from a fruit tree. Through one man, sin came into the world. When Adam sinned, as our federal head or the representative of the human race, his response becomes our response. Through one act of disobedience all our guilty. Due to each person being imperfect and sinning, the debt cannot be paid by any person that has committed sin. Jesus becomes our federal head - through his infinite worth in satisfying the requirements - his sacrifice becomes a substitute for all, But it can only happen if that gift is received. There must be a payment for sin in the same way we see payments in society through saying sorry, levying fines, and prison sentences. We can be made righteous through the cross. Righteousness and love meet at the cross. 

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Matthew 20:28

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. 

Message: The Ransom of Christ

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus came to give his life for all? No, for many. He will restore many from their position of being under the Adamic state of condemnation. Verse 16 of Romans 5 brings the same idea: "For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification." A trespass condemned us all. A free gift (Jesus offering his life for mine) brings justification. Jesus comes to earth to bring a gift to man. Ransom is a payment for the release of someone else. What is owed? Death. We earn death from the wage of sin (Romans 6:23). The ransom payment is the life of Jesus, lived and then his death on the cross. Sin had to be covered and covered completely. 

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Matthew 1:18-21

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 

Message: The Extent of the Atonement

What the Lord is Saying: Did God intend for Jesus’ death to atone for all people or only for some? If Jesus died only for some, then all of the some experience the outcome of the atonement. Thus, the atonement was perfect in that God designed it and it achieved its outcome, to save those that benefited from its work. If Jesus died for all and yet not all are saved, then his atonement was in way unsuccessful. And instead it only paved the way and man is responsible for claiming the ransom - with some believing and some not believing. So does God limit the extent of the atonement or man? Scripture points more to God than man. Faith is the instrument, but the gift is from God. 

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I Peter 2:21-25 

21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. 25 For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Message: Two Kinds of Obedience

What the Lord is Saying: There is a distinction that can be made of active obedience and passive obedience. Active is Jesus' work on earth - living a perfect life so that he would be a perfect substitute. Passive is him going to the cross, not of his own doing, but arrested by Jewish officials and sentenced later by Pilate; this was not his doing. By trusting in Jesus or having faith in Him for what He has done, his perfect obedience is transferred over to our account. The penalty is due and the penalty is paid by what Jesus did on the cross and how he lived on his path. 

Summary: The Atonement rescues us by Jesus living a perfect life and ransoming His life so that our life of sin can be paid for by Him and through faith in Him; we are restored from the condemnation we received when Adam sinned to being justified and escaping God's wrath. 

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

John 19:28-30 - Redemption Accomplished

John 19:28-30

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Message: Redemption Accomplished

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: Being crucified was extremely painful. Adding to this was the problem of hanging on the cross in the Palestinian sun which exposed Jesus also to dehydration. 

Jesus has shown us that this entire process has been a fulfillment of scripture and him asking for something drink also seems to point to an application, but it is not clear. As I read the text in verse 28, it seems to say that now everything had been accomplished according to the scripture and my first reading was that the words of requesting something to drink was something extra. Tabletalk proceeds to find verses in Psalms, and most notably Psalm 69:21. But, the actual meaning of “knowing that all things had already been accomplished” seems to exclude the idea of a further accomplishment. It is as if everything has been accomplished and now he seeks some sort of relief for his physical suffering. 

After receiving the sour wine to quench his thirst, he announced "It is finished" and passed away or died. I feel like I need to be saying more about this other worldly and momentous moment. I love the song by Petra titled It is Finished. The idea that Jesus made this statement is the culmination of all that he came to this earth to do - to be God's authority on earth and to also live as man, in a perfect way, staying free from sin - going to the cross to be the perfect lamb. This is what we know now, but as I have read John, has this been the outcome that Jesus has mentioned or is has it been inferred by what He has said. Meaning, the idea that He would be the payment for sin, is that a message that is apparent? I mean, "it is finished" seems to embody that statement. Otherwise, what else is finished? His time on earth? 

But John did specify this as this book began in John 1:29 as he saw the approaching Jesus  “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"

Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus is clearly shown as the entry point for people to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5); believing in Him merits eternal life (John 3:15; 6:40, 47; 10:10; 11:25-26; 17:3; 20:31). Believing Jesus also changes the person's ways and actions (John 7:38; 8:12; 14:11). Believe or you will die in your sins (John 8:24). Keep His word and never see death (8:52; 14:21). Jesus will also lay down His life (John 10:15, 17). His time on earth is temporary (John 12:8; 13:33; 16:17; 20:17). The Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin (John 16:8). 

"It is finished." It is like Jesus is saying, I have come and done all that you commanded me to do. And now He will return to the Father. I guess it is interesting that it appears the idea that Jesus died for sins is only a reference by John at the beginning of this gospel with Jesus being the lamb of God. 

Summary: Prophetic scripture has been accomplished and Jesus speaks of his thirst and is quenched of that thirst, gives up His Spirit and proclaims, "It is finished." 

Promise: Dr. R.C. Sproul writes in his commentary John: “When [Jesus] said, ‘It is finished,’ He was saying not just that His life was over but that His mission had been fulfilled. His purpose in coming to earth and going to the cross was accomplished.

Prayer: Lord, I am always trying to understand your truth. As I have studied this gospel I am moved by the words that John has put forth to me - the focus being on Jesus and believing in Him and then great things happening - a full life, a life of great action, and an eternal life ultimately. I know for sure I need to believe in You God and it is through Your Son Jesus that You are made known and I do believe in You. Help me to continue to understand the truth of Your word, the truth of who You are and who I can be in You. Thank you Jesus for living a great life. Keep defining truth in my life. 

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

John 16:4b-11 - The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

John 16:4b-11

4b These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. 5 “But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

Message: The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

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: The farewell discourse that Jesus gives in John 14-17 continues and for me I feel like he is giving comfort to the disciples - assuring them in him going away that this is the better outcome for everyone and also assuring them that everything will be okay for them, namely because the Holy Spirit, the Helper, will remain with them. 

The Helper or Holy Spirit's ministry purpose Jesus states, "convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment." John 15:26 said the Spirit would testify of Jesus. John 14:26 says the Helper will teach you all things and bring remembrance all that Jesus said. The Spirit will work in the Christian's life teaching all things and bringing to the forefront of people's minds all that Jesus said. What an amazing and well needed attribute and benefit the Christian receives. 

And then the Spirit will convict the world in their sin, righteousness and judgment. I know in my conversations with people in other parts of the world, especially the African countries, even parts of the Middle East, and Indian countries that people are coming to faith and eyes are being opened and the so the Holy Spirit is at work in convicting. At times in America though I don't see this happening currently at a great rate. I think we have Christians recommitting lives, but it seems we have a lot of people leaving the church or young people not starting church after leaving the homes in which they have been raised. For the world, I wonder at times if many God has given over or allowed them to pursue their sinful ways since they seem to love those ways so much - as this is talked about in Romans 1:24-31. I say this because the Gospel does not seem to be penetrating. Now I also think the church has diminished their evangelism as well. Granted, it is hard to continue in these efforts when the audience continues to ridicule, ignore, or be indifferent to the message. 

I think verses 9, 10, and 11 are interesting:

concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 

concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; 

concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

Conviction for sin as people are not believing in Jesus so their sin needs to be exposed. That seems clear to me. Even more specifically it is rejecting the Lord Jesus. This is the chief sin people are guilty. People refuse to submit to him and instead choose to reign their own lives. This is the big regret that people will have as voiced by Zechariah 7:10, "And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and mourn." 

Second, the conviction concerning righteousness of Christ. The world would be convicted and convinced that He was indeed innocent for any crimes people have said he committed. And people will be amazed. His resurrection and ascension will show everyone that He is not an imposter. By Jesus being raised from the dead he would be shown to be innocent, and thus confirmed that He was sent by God. And Jesus will no longer be seen by them until he returns to judgment. 

Third, the conviction concerting the judgment or that God is just and He will execute judgment. By Jesus dying, Satan is judged or condemned. Jesus is victorious. Judgment will be executed on all of the foes of Jesus. 

And thus we have in these words the confirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit in converting man and woman. 

I am convinced of my sin and that Christ is perfect, not an imposter but the Son of God and Satan will be judged while Jesus will be victorious.  

Summary: Jesus confirms it is better for him to leave to the Father, as the Holy Spirit will be with us and convict the world of sin, Christ's innocence and Christ the victor over Satan. 

Promise: Great words from Tabletalk, "The Holy Spirit was active in the world before the ascension of Jesus, but the outpouring of the Spirit as the result of Jesus’ ministry has meant a mightier work of the Spirit among the nations. People around the world have been streaming into the kingdom of God as the Spirit has given them new hearts to believe in Christ. Because of the Spirit’s work, we can be confident that He will use our proclamation of the gospel to grow the kingdom of God."

Prayer: O Lord God, you are iindeed the great one and have lived the perfect life to be the perfect substitute and save me forever. You are coming again. Satan is vanquished. You are indeed King. O Praise the Name of Jesus. O thank you Holy Spirit for your comfort and reminding me always of my condition, my need for a Savior. Lord, I pray you would continue to awaken souls, especially in this land of America. Help your servants like me to be faithful to preaching Jesus and His gospel truth and turn hearts around to you. 

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

Various Scripture - Total Depravity Lessons

Genesis 1:27

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Message: The Heights from Which we have Fallen

What the Lord is Saying: It is clear from my study of the Bible, of these Gospels and even of the last two chapters of John 8 and 9 that many do not believe. They have a slant away from God. They are not trying to discover Him. They are people without a need for they believe they have the answers and their reason for talking about Jesus is to discredit Him and to add evidence or credence to their lives that He is not real and should be rejected as Lord and Savior. We describe these people being totally depraved. They don't want the things of God. 

But in saying one is totally depraved, this does not mean a person is utterly depraved and has only evil in them. I believe all the good we describe in our world as good has as its author God. And so whatever is good is from God, even if the one giving the good may not acknowledge God. As today's verse says, every person has been created in the image of God and every person has the potential and will do good things as a God creation. For those that refuse to acknowledge God, there seems to be something in them that prevents them from this acknowledgement. They are depraved. Sin has darkened their understanding of Him. Depraved does not necessarily the person acts with evil as their ambition for their lives. 

This is a hard lesson and many will not understand it because we hold onto this notion that people are good. People are good but their willingness to accept Jesus and live for Him above all things in life is what we are talking about here. We are talking about whether people will have a desire for spiritual things and desire to glorify God above everything else in their lives. We are talking about people and whether they will deny themselves and take up their cross. Yesterday, the pastor talked about sinners and I thought to myself that for one to come to know God they first must see that they are a sinner, that they are in need, that they are imperfect and need something more than themselves. That they don't have all the answers. 

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Luke 11:11-13

11 Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Message: Utter Depravity

What the Lord is Saying: I have acknowledged that people can do good - be kind to others, even love unconditionally, and they can do these even unselfishly as well as selfishly. But their goal in doing these things is very often not to honor God. Even those who do evil often could have done more evil. We may think that what they have done is entirely evil, but it always could have been worse. Thus, utter depravity is always sinning to the greatest degree possible, again all of the time. But as Luke 11 shows, even those being evil still give good gifts to their children. Everyone has potential, but that doesn't mean everyone has a desire to please God with how they live. 

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Romans 1:21-23

21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

Message: Radical Corruption

What the Lord is Saying: RC Sproul has mentioned that instead of saying with are totally depraved, perhaps we can use the phrase radical corruption. Every part of our being is corrupted, even though each of us has the ability and can still practice good. We are not evil to the fullest extent. And it is radical because sin has corrupted every part of our human nature. We are not simply creatures where we are looking for the good to outweigh the bad. We are bent away from God and the things that please him. We have to train ourselves to be Godly (I Timothy 4:7-8). We will do good out of fear of punishment, not necessarily out of love for God. In today's passage, even though we know God we don't thank Him for life and instead look inward to define life. We reason away him thinking we are being wise. My atheist friend in London does this all of the time. He believes I am gullible and he is smart. He has exchanged God for an animal to define man. 

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Romans 1:24-31

24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful;

Message: The "Normalcy" of Sin

What the Lord is Saying: One of the problems with total depravity or radical corruptness in the eyes of many is the fact that sin has somewhat been normalized and we in society often acknowledge certain sins as offensive like murder, but other sins that every one seems to commit like telling white lies or being disobedient to parents or even using God's name in a flippant manner like the slang, OM_, has made us complacent to the seriousness of sin and disobeying God. The Parable of the Tax Collector voices words from the Pharisee that he is not like the tax collector. He doesn't do the really bad stuff so he must be okay. And then he says he does do certain works to offset any bad that has been committed. What he fails to see is the holiness of God and His standard. The one-time sin is as great as the multiple sinful life. Many will agree with most of the sins listed here in Romans 1:29-31 like murder, but what about gossips or those even who are arrogant, boastful or lacking in understanding, do we often place those on a different chart of acceptable behavior? 

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Romans 1:32

and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

Message: The Sinfulness of Sin

What the Lord is Saying: It is bad enough that we have normalized sin, but we take it a step further as Romans 1:32 states. The move of sin to acceptable behavior comes about when we come together in groups and sometimes simply one with another to agree over the sin. I think this is the move in society that we see to further normalize it. I think the homosexual and pride events that are now an annual celebration in our cities are a stark example of this, taking something that is blatantly wrong and we instead join forces to celebrate it, in the name of loving our neighbor. God loves us, but hates sin and nowadays society doesn't know how to separate those two ideas. And yet we even do this as Christians, sometimes in sharing prayer requests out of concern for our Christian brother it might move to pride that we are not like that other person and we are shocked by the sinfulness of their behavior. I must admit that I will often pick apart someone's behavior, getting others to agree with me - and all the while I can feel the Holy Spirit convicting me to not speak in this manner. I sense the Spirit providing a way out (I Cor 10:13) and yet the more I speak, the harder it is not to not speak. 

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John 8:14

Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.

Message: Enslaved to Sin

What the Lord is Saying: Many can acknowledge that we are all sinners, that we all disobey God. In sharing with people in an evangelism setting, people can admit often they have told a lie. I've mentioned previously that people are capable of doing good. God is good and all that He has created has been good and so anyone can be a conduit for this good. But the harder idea is moving to pleasing God. Mark 12:30 gives us the goal: "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." That move to all is the big step in us. God clearly wants this as we see numerous examples of this throughout the Old Testament. The issue here is we like to think that each of us is capable on our own to move us out of a bad situation. I love reading people's testimonies of how God has changed their lives. Often the one's that stand out are the people that have practices a very clear life of opposing God. And then to see the awakening that took place in their life. Some are moved to this awakening but others aren't. It seems clear that God sovereignty is the key that we often don't recognized or call to our attention. Lately I've been memorizing Ephesians 2:1-2, "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walking according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience." This is a radical statement that I seriously wonder if many of us believe or can accept or even see. That we were spiritually dead and that this deadness was because of the prince of darkness and an evil spirit moving in people towards disobedience. 

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Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Message: Total Moral Inability

What the Lord is Saying: I did not realize when I was writing earlier that this next lesson is on Ephesians 2. This is a powerful text. But this idea in verse 2 verses is people are enslaved and living in disobedience. What will make them change? Paul uses powerful language to say a person is dead. It seems consistent to Jesus saying one must be born again. What will shift them will be their faith in verse 8. But prior to that they are living on this earth - dead. A sober reality. A sober proclamation. But as I have seen, what changes in people is the Spirit of God awakening them. But how this is done I am not sure we are clear on. And so these lessons have yes chronicled the condition of people, that some are depraved or stated another way, radically corrupted. The world has corrupted their thinking. The prince of the power of the air has corrupted them. In our world we see those who are made alive in Christ and those who are not. I think we need to find the harvest and pray that the Lord would lead us to the harvest, that we might share with them to help them discover Jesus and the Savior he can be to their life. We are His workmanship (verse 10). 

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

John 8:21-30 - How Not to Die in Sin

John 8:21-30

21 He said therefore again to them, "I go away, and you shall seek Me, and shall die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come." 22 Therefore, the Jews were saying, "Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come?' 23 And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. 24 I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins." 25 And so they were saying to Him, "Who are You?" Jesus said to them, "What have I been saying to you from the beginning? 26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him; these I speak to the world." 27 They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. 28 Jesus therefore said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." 30 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. 

Message: How Not to Die in Sin

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

What the Lord is Saying: This section is called, "The Light of the World" through the end of the chapter. He has said he is the light of the world. And then he mentions how he states He is true based upon the witness of two, "The Father who sent Me bears witness." And so, "If you know true the Father, then you will know also the Son." 

Then, Jesus records words I don't recall before from John as he states he will go away one day (verse 21). And He mentions people dying in their sin. He is from above, not of this world. And people will die in their sins unless you believe. There is a contrast here that he speaks of once again. Those who die in their sin and those that do not by believing, "I am." That He has authority. The I am phrase is the same phrase used in the Greek translations of Exodus 3:14 and Isaiah 40-55 where God refers to Himself. He has been sent by God. He is living water, bread of life, light of the World. Or do not believe in this and you will die in your sin. There is a contrast in beliefs. There is mere belief that Jesus is the Christ, but there is belief that goes beyond that, to acceptance of all Jesus said He is. This is growing more clear as we read more and more. 

See, Jesus has so much to say to them. It is another reason why his time has not yet come for him to go. He will go away one day. But now is not the time. 

And Jesus continues to speak from the Father. They often did not believe Him but maybe as He speaks from the Father, people will believe. 

And after speaking these words, John proclaims to us that many came to believe in Him. 

Summary: Jesus says he will be going away and to be with him one must believe in Him or die in their sin. He is I am and is sent by the Father. 

Promise: If we die in our sins, our end will be Judgment, but if we die in faith, in believing in Jesus and who He said He is, we will live with Christ forever. 

Prayer: O God, you are rich in love and power. Your ways are different. You are from the Father. I trust You and believe in You. 

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