2 Samuel 2 - War Between the Houses of David and Saul

2 Samuel 2

However, he refused to turn aside; therefore Abner struck him in the belly with the butt end of the spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died on the spot. And it came about that all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still. (verse 23)

Message: War Between the Houses of David and Saul

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: In the previous chapter David mourned the loss of Saul and Jonathan and now as chapter 2 begins he asks the Lord if he should "go up to one of the cities of Judah." The Lord told him to go. David asked where and the Lord said, "Hebron." He had been living in Ziklag but now he goes to Hebron, the place of burial for Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. And upon arrival, the men of Judah anointed him King there. They stated to him there, "let your hands be strong and be valiant" (verse 7). 

However, the commander of Saul's army installed Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king over Israel. Verse 10 "The house of Judah, however, followed David." Ish-bosheth was king for 2 years. Interesting how this occurred. Abner knew that David was the rightful new king, but he did this anyway, creating a conflict. 

In verse 12-17 Abner and the servants of Ish-bosheth meet up with Joab and the servants of David on opposite sides of a pool. Abner requests a contest with 12 from each group. Each one grabbed an opponent and thrust the spear into the opponent's side. This was a severe battle with David's servants prevailing. 

Asahel, one of the sons of Zeruiah pursued Abner with Abner then telling him to take some of the spoil. But Asahel was not willing. Abner struck him in the belly and he died on the spot. (verse 18-23)

The other two sons pursued Abner but then Abner wondered how much longer and Joab and others "halted and pursued Israel no longer." The servants of David ended up conquering 360 men. Asahel was buried. Abner refused to obey God's will and many died in the process. 

Summary: Following Saul's death, David is anointed king over Judah in Hebron, leading to a divided kingdom and a civil war against Saul's son Ish-bosheth, whose forces are defeated by David’s army. 

Promise: Let us have courage to not resist the truth, but uphold it, even if it at the beginning is not what we want. 

Prayer: God, your word in Proverbs tells me to trust in You and do not lean on my own understanding. When there is conflict or division or uncertainty, help me to trust in Your sovereign plan, believing that You are working things out according to Your best for people. Help me to be kind and wait upon your timing to establish Your kingdom. I pray that righteousness would be upheld always.  

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

I Samuel 17:38-58 - David Versus Goliath

I Samuel 17:38-58

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted." (verse 45)

Message: David Versus Goliath

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: There is a battle Southwest of Jerusalem in the city of Socoh that the Philistines have initiated with Israel. The two areas are on the side of a mountain with land in between and Goliath has made his declaration that if anyone fights him then the victor will be served, meaning the other party will serve the other. David was not even present as a member of the military but was back in Jerusalem tending to the sheep and then providing food for his brothers, but upon arriving on the scene and seeing Goliath makes the bold statement that he could fight him because of his past experience but more notably because of the Lord defeating His foes. 

In verse 38, Saul tries to clothe Saul with garments for battle, but David took them off (v. 39). Instead he took a stick and five stones in his hand from the brook with his sling (v.40). Goliath came to him with his shield bearer in front of him. The Philistine speaks to David, cursing him stating his "flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field" (verse 44).

David responds that he comes in the name of the Lord. "The Lord will deliver [me]...I will strike you down...And i will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth will know that there is a God in Israel." And to this day the earth knows of the story of David and Goliath. "For the battle is the Lord's." 

"And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground" (verse 49). 

David killed him with Goliath's sword. Philistines fled. The men of Israel pursued the Philistines and they lay dead. Israel plundered their camps. David brought Samson's head to King Saul. Saul seem to not realize in that moment that this was Jesse's son. David let him know. (v. 50-58)

David modeled a trust in the Lord, something that Saul struggled with. Saul may have tried to do things for the Lord, but he seemed to lack trust and lacked giving God the glory. People marvel at the sling and the stone, but it was only to show that the power is in the Lord. The sling and stone were still necessary as we still need to arm ourselves. We don't go into fights with nothing. 

Summary: David defeats Goliath stating the battle is the Lord's and brings his head before Saul and declares he is the son of Jesse.

Promise: Look past what looks powerful and trust that God will conquer our foes. 

Prayer: O God, you are great and mighty and powerful. We can rest in You always to take care of the foes in our lives. It may not be immediate but You will conquer and You will prevail and help me now to proclaim You always and put my trust in You can speak of Your power in my life. 

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

Proverbs 11:13 - Keep a Secret

Proverbs 11:13

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets,

But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. 

Message: Keep a secret

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: New Living Translation - "A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence." Why say talebearer when most translations say gossip? In the King James a talebearer is contrasted with a faithful spirit. Talebearer is a stronger word. Saw this online, " A gossip is a broader term for someone who engages in casual, unconfirmed talk about others, often trivial, speculative, or critical, aiming to build themselves up or spread negativity, but the talebearer is the active secret-revealer within that gossip." So the talebearer is more direct and has more of a purpose to spread secretes. Thus, the verse states, "talebearer reveals secrets." The gossip is often spreading information that is unconfirmed. 

I think this can be a hard line to draw at times. As a manager, I know more things than most. It can be hard to know things and then what to share with others, who perhaps are of no help with that matter. I notice this in many circles. Someone reached out to me this week about info on the President. It was one thing I think for the newspaper to report on events happening, but something else for people to then comment incessantly on those events and speculating. I suppose I wonder some times the time we spend investing in activities like this that have not much lasting value and are just speculation. 

Then in contrast is one who is trustworthy, so it is a person that people can share anything with, private matters and they know the word won't get around. We all have events in our lives that are a struggle for us and we need people to confide in. I appreciate the men in my life that struggle with things in life and we have one another, but those matters need to be kept a secret. I need to be seen as a trustworthy person. 

The one with a faithful spirit know how to control one's tongue. 

Prayer: Lord, my speech -- it seems like a constant issue and I suppose it is as I learn information and then knowing what to share, what to talk about. I suppose it is our past time to talk about things. And yet I wonder how much we should. I can read articles, engage in work activities, listen to music, serve others, and do those things, but simply sitting back and talking of others, I need to watch out for this in my life. 

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

I Samuel 12 - Hope for Israel

I Samuel 12

And Samuel said to the people, "Do not fear. You have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart." (verse 20)

Message: Hope for Israel

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: Saul is now most assuredly the king over Israel. Samuel was the last judge, but now Saul is their first king. He is the king the people wanted. In the last chapter he conquered the Ammonites in the area of Gad under the leadership of Nahash and despite some thinking he was not capable, he showed that he was capable. 

In I Samuel 12, Samuel offers a speech now - a sort of farewell address to the people. To Israel he says in verse 1 "I have listened to your voice....and have appointed a king over you." Samuel has done all that he can do in his life for the people of Israel: "I have walked before you from my youth even to this day (verse 2)." Samuel says he has taken no bribes but has walked with integrity (v. 3, 5) and the people of Israel agree (v. 4).  The Lord appoints leaders, starting with Moses and Aaron "who brought your fathers up from the land of Egypt (v. 6)." The Lord has acted righteously before you (v.7):

1. The people of Israel (under the name Jacob) went into Egypt and Moses/Aaron brought them out (v.8). 

2. But the people forgot the Lord and they ended up in the hands of the Philistines (v.9). 

3. And the people cried out to the Lord: We have sinned...We have forsaken...We have served other gods...Deliver us....We will serve Thee (v. 10). 

4. The Lord sent men to deliver you and delivered you from the hand of your enemies (v.11)

5. Finally, you wanted a king and the Lord provided you the king you wanted (v. 12-13). 

In verse 14, Samuel provides the concluding thought or command or promise to the people that is the same promise given in all generations: 

If you will fear the Lord and serve Him, and listen to His voice, and not rebel against the command of the Lord, then both you and all the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God (v. 14). 

This is what we need to do in life: follow the Lord your God (v. 14). Jesus proclaimed this to the disciples: "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19)." 

Conversely though, "If you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel...then the hand of the Lord will be against you (verse 15)." The pattern or idea is simple. Follow, listen, obey and all will go well with you. As I read Proverbs this is the simple message - do good, not evil. We go to church every week basically hearing this same message - do good, not evil. With it holds a promise that we all need. We resist it. People say, "I don't want God's authority over me." People instead expect the worse. People have failed them so they judge God by what people have done. But God is faithful and merciful, but he has set in plan a motion of good for all, if they will seek it. 

The Lord will do "this great thing...before your eyes (verse 16)." 

Samuel mentions to them the evil they have done in asking for their king (v.17). He sends rain and thunder and the people feared (v. 18). Ask for the mercy of God by you act of selfishness (v. 19). But the people still have a chance so "serve the Lord with all your heart (verse 20)." If you turn aside, you will seek after futility "which can not profit or deliver" you. The things that are not of the Lord are not of profit. They will not deliver. Thus our problem, we seek after other things all of the time -- again it is simple - serve the Lord with all your heart. 

Verse 22 - "The Lord will not abandon His people...the Lord has been pleased to make you a people for Himself." Samuel states his responsibility in all of this - "to pray for you...and instruct you in the good and right way (verse 23)."

"Fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart (verse 24)." Do not act wickedly (verse 25). 

The message remains this simple always. This chapter is a great summary of God and the Christian life. Do good and serve the Lord. This chapter does not promise a life free of problems. It does say that going after ungodly things is futile and those things will not deliver you, but the reason we do what we do is to serve the Lord - to Fear the Lord - with all your heart. What do we get out of it? That we are the people of God. 

Don't listen to the lie that life is meant to satisfy yourself. Follow God. Simply follow the Lord and serve Him with all of your heart. 

Summary: Samuel gives a beautiful summary of our life - we are to serve the Lord with all of our heart. We are the people of God. 

Promise: Matthew Henry - "If God shall not rule us, yet he will judge us." 

Prayer: Lord, your message and your way is simple. We make it complicated and we have made it always complicated. You set over us all this bounty and then give us a command. We focus on what we cannot do (in eating from the tree) rather than seeing that you have provided all that we need and we need to simply serve you with all of our heart. But even when we choose our own way, you give us another chance. We are your people God and You want us. What the world offers God is futile and will not deliver. You deliver. Seek after You. Life is not easy though. And you are not promising an easy life, but a life of peace and contentment. I need to follow You. Thank you for the promise of Your word God. Thank you for the peace that is found in your word and this chapter which is a great chapter to begin this year with and doing - "serve you God will all of my heart." Keep directing me daily in what this means God. Keep directing me in what it means to serve You God. There is freedom in trusting You and serving You. Thank you God for this. Help me this year to keep my focus on this - on what you have provided. Place my focus always on this. 

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

Joshua 2 - Rahab Trusts the God of Israel

Joshua 2:11 - When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.

Message: Rahab Trusts the God of Israel

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: Chapter 1 - After Moses' death, God calls Joshua to lead Israel across Jordan, to the promised land of Canaan, a gift from God - God will be with him and them - be strong and courageous - be careful to do God's law - prepares Israel to enter Canaan - the people confirm their obedience and following of Jordan. 

Now I move into Chapter 2 - Joshua sends spies to view the land, especially Jericho and they lodged with Rahab, the harlot - the king of Jericho speaks to Rahab to have her surrender these men - she states she does not know where they are - she told leaders they had left but actually she brought them to her roof - she knows the Lord has given Israel this land - heard about drying up of Red Sea - and heard about destroying Sihon and Og - God is God to heaven above and on earth beneath - hopes to be dealt kindly and father spared and household - the men promise her safety - but swear her to secrecy - her household only will be spared - provided a sign by tying a cord of scarlet - they remained in the hill country 3 days waiting for pursuers of them to flee and then returned to Joshua telling him that the land is in their hands. 

God promises the land to Israel and yet Joshua is still careful, sending spies to check things out. We are to be wise in our action even as God promises. Rahab's home might have been more of a type of private inn. Sort of like the western saloon where people come to get away but also find women waiting to take care of them along their journey. 

Rahab does lie to protect these spies from the opposition and in turn there seems to be a justification in this rare sense to the sin of lying. The focus of this chapter though seems to be that Rahab places her faith and trust in God. She knows God is on the throne and wants to be protected, her and her household. She has heard of his great acts. Rahab sought refuge in the Lord. And because she bowed to Him, she would be spared. She knew that Israel was coming and probably thought her area would be pillaged and so she wants to be protected. 

Rahab is someone that placed her faith in God. 

Summary: Joshua sends spies to Jericho and Rahab hides them, protects them and states her faith and belief in God and wants to be protected in the future from any wrath coming.   

Promise: I am to run to God in faith, like Rahab did, daily turn from sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, I am to be a person like Rahab that puts my faith and trust in You. I hear of stories of how you have worked and those stories encourage me. I am encouraged by the work that you have done in others lives and this strengthens my faith. Protect me from the wrath that is to come. Wrath is a real thing and sin is serious. What matters is you protect your called ones. Thank you God for being in control and being over all. Thank you for theses words and helping me understand them. 

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

John 16:16-19 - The Disciples' Confusion

John 16:16-19

16 “A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” 17 Some of His disciples then said to one another, “What is this thing He is telling us, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, “Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me’?

Message: The Disciples' Confusion

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: If anything, it seems Jesus is speaking to the disciples in simple ways in hopes that they will understand him, but despite this they remain confused as he gives this final discourse to them. And yet Jesus is not telling them clearly where He is going. Simple describes his vocabulary, but clearly describes specifics. He said to them in John 13:14, "Little children, I am with you a little while longer....Where I am going, you cannot come." Here he is speaking of being glorified in which He knows He will be ascending to God in heaven after dying on the cross for all sins. He will bear the punishment of all sin, being our atonement. In 13:36 He says, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow later." He is going to heaven and at some point the disciples will be with Jesus in heaven as well and then He mentions His Father's house in 14:2. 

It is normal for the disciples to want to know all the specifics when Jesus makes these statements. I am the same way today. We are the same way today. We want to know it all. We aren't ready to behold only some of the details. God wants us to trust him, but many don't want to trust God because they expect to know everything, to get every question answered. We know a great deal and we know that when we have faith in Him and believe in Him he hears us and saves us. We know these things. 

When I look at today's passage, Jesus is either talking about His death and resurrection or maybe He is simply speaking about His crucifixion from the time He is captured to seeing Jesus on the cross. I am not sure. Jesus is going to change before their eyes. And what we need to do is trust Him. Most likely based upon the next verses He is talking about His coming death on the cross. Coming alongside the disciples I need to trust Him. 

Summary: Jesus is telling the disciples He is departing to a place they cannot see Him, but they will see Him again another time, another place. And we can trust Jesus without knowing all the details.

Promise: In times of uncertainty, I need to come to God and let him know I am confused and ask Him to comfort, not necessarily to get all the answers, but to place our faith in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, I trust You and I thank you for giving me clarity often with the details of my life, but if I don't understand it all, then let me still trust You and believe in You. You have not let me down and You have promised me eternity and so therefore I can trust You for that. I am your follower and am grateful for things that I do know yet still. Thank you for speaking to me and revealing things to me. I remain close to You. 

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

John 14:1-3 - A Place Prepared for Us

John 14:1-3

1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.

Message: A Place Prepared for Us

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

What the Lord is Saying: I now begin chapter 14. In chapter 13, Jesus is beginning to prepare more for his departure from earth as he knows it is getting closer. As this is occurring, most of the disciples are committed to Jesus but one is unwilling to surrender and Jesus announces the betrayal of Judas while also emphasizing that Jesus' disciples are those that are willing to live and act as He lives and acts practicing what He does. While the chapter mentions betrayal, it also reveals the knowledge Jesus has for people - knowing Judas will betray him but also knowing Peter will deny him. Peter, a representative of the disciples, speaks to Jesus, wanting to follow Him. Jesus talks of the glorification that will occur of Him - and how the cross will culminate much in history. The disciples won't follow Him to the where He is going to be with the Father because they probably don't understand completely what is going on. But they will come to heaven one day. 

So now I jump into Chapter 14 and Jesus continues now to be taking about the future place in which the disciples will join Jesus. He is leaving to go and prepare a place for his disciples, for his followers. Going back to Chapter 13, verse 36 Jesus says, "You cannot follow Me now" and then 14:2 says, "For I go to prepare a place for you." I like this thought that Jesus is leaving this earth, going to heaven and preparing a place for us, for his disciples. 

From a literal point, Peter asks the question in verse 36 and Jesus answers Peter in verse 36 and then states further in 14:2 that He is preparing a place for you, which could only mean Peter. So how do we know these words can be applied to all the disciples or all people? One idea is the conversation with Jesus is expanded to "no one" or everyone in John 14:6. Some have said Peter acts as a representative for the other disciples in asking questions, so all of these words by Jesus would then also be towards the disciples. And then from there we can expand the disciples to everyone. 

Going back to verse 1, I continue to see in John's words the linking of God and Jesus. It is as if John through his book is imploring the audience, the Jewish people, who believe in God to also believe in Jesus. He does this by frequently speaking this idea of - if you believe in God you will also believe in Jesus. The most basic idea seems to be that God sent Jesus and if that occurred then we need to believe in the one that God sent. And yet also stating these words, "Believe in God, believe also in Me" almost gives the idea that to believe in God is the same as believing in Jesus. As if there is something more than simply believing that God has sent Jesus to believing in God and Jesus is the same thing or the same belief because Jesus is God. That's the leap of faith it seems the Bible is moving people towards. And now in modern day Christianity the leap that the Church is imploring all people to believe. 

Then in verse 3, Jesus says, "I go and prepare a place for you." And "I will come again" And "receive you to myself" --- "that where I am, you may be also." 

Rather than speaking of heaven, could this be going back to verse 13:31 and the idea of the "Son of Man glorified." Jesus, fully man, will be glorified. God will transfer all of His glory to Jesus. And could this be talking of the resurrection? That place could be heaven, but that place could also be the freedom found in Christ when all of our sins are clearly paid for. Jesus has been walking the earth and assuring people that He is real and He is equal to God and He can be trusted, but on the cross, all sin will be paid. And until all that sin is paid, being with Him and with the Father cannot happen yet. 

Jesus is giving Peter (and the disciples) the promise that while He needs to leave and they can't come with him right now, that He will come back and then they will be able to be received to Himself. John prepared the way for Jesus. Jesus is preparing the way for His followers. The High Priest entered the holy of holies annually to offer the blood of the sacrifice and Jesus now will be going to the cross to offer His blood, sacrifice to save all. 

Overall, Jesus is saying, "Trust me." He is telling Peter and the disciples that they do not need to be concerned, that while they want to be with Him and follow Him now, He will be back and they will be together. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: We shall meet again, and dwell in a place where there shall be no more separation and no more tears.

Prayer: Lord, the promise I receive from you is to trust You even when I do not understand all that is ahead of me. I get scared and nervous and I want to be in control, often believing or stating that I know best. But you tell me as you have told the disciples to trust you. And whatever it means to be glorified, whether it is salvation or bringing me one day to heaven, your promises are rich and complete and it reminds me that You are the author and you are the great provider of all. Lord, I can trust You. I can believe in You and Your promise, always. Thank you. 

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

John 12:42-43 - A Call to Commitment

John 12:42-43

42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.

Message: A Call to Commitment

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 last lesson spoke of people rejecting Jesus. And that even through rejection the prophecy of ages past, as in from Isaiah, has been fulfilled. Jesus continues to walk toward the cross, but along the way he is ministering to people, healing people, while also showing people He is called by the Father and has the same authority as the Father and is equal to the Father - and repeatedly we see descriptions of people "believing" in Him and this is a sharp contrast to those that are not believing in Him. Thus, to believe in Him seems significant. 

There are 3 Latin words used by sixteenth century Protestant Reformers to describe the elements of saving faith: 

• notitia - knowing the basic facts concerning the person and work of Jesus
• assensus - the belief that these facts are true
• fiducia - personally entrusting ourselves to Christ to save us

People are to go from knowing to believing to trusting. And then while it is not part of salvation, after trusting people cannot help but then exercise their lives in visible ways. People bear fruit, showing their good works, confessing Jesus before others. 

In these gospel accounts, in seeing the contrasts from people believing and not believing, perhaps what I don't see is accounts of people trusting Christ and yet Jesus is declaring these truths as he speaks of living water and bread of life which seem to speak to a full commitment to God. But even today's words contrasts the previous verses of people rejecting God and states in verse 42, "Nevertheless many of the rulers believed in Him." So was this assensus belief only or did it also include fiducia? We may not know. 

Reading further perhaps is additional evidence for it says "but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him." Is this describing a people with belief but not trust or is belief already complete and they are not yet mature to live their faith out before men. I think we all experience fear of declaration at times. Yet, John describes here people that believe but are not confessing Him because of the fear of being left out of their current religious life at the synagogue ("for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue). This is interesting because they believed that believing in Jesus, the mere belief excluded one from the synagogue, despite Jesus being one that declared himself in the synagogue. Perhaps because these were rulers believing they believed that rulers of the faith surely could not also be synagogue adherents. 

But then the text makes it a little clearer when it says, "for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God." Once again this describes the commitment we are to make before the Lord - moving our belief to trusting and in that trusting willing to go to any length to being a child of God. Rulers were believing - yes! But then we don't see the works of the faith though works are not described here, but what is being described is whether we declare that we are in Christ and as such we are willing to have our lives change which may mean changing where we worship and changing those in our lives we previously sought for approval. 

In my life, I see this occurring in my life as I am a person that seeks approval. I think a child can't help but want approval from their parents. They want to make their parents proud in some way. I always think of Tyson playing upwards basketball, probably around 5th grade or early middle school and playing in a game, making a shot on one end and as he goes down the court he looks over at me. He has done something good and he moves his eyes toward me - look at me Dad. Look at what I did. Are you not proud of me? I also remember the time in our house on Moon when I got mad at him and the other kids and he went immediately to drawing a picture, taking me back to us going to the Lobos football game and taking us back to a good time we had together, trying to restore the relationship. Those two moments - my son looking to me, declaring himself to me, wanting me to recognize him. Those are two of the most memorable moments of me as a father to my oldest son. My son wants my approval and wants to know that everything is fine between us. 

So in this text are we seeing a description of people believing only and then is the defense to entrusting or the signification of trusting found in declaring God before men, no matter the cost. And perhaps did believing in Jesus then not include synagogue worship?

Summary: Following belief in Jesus should be a desire only now for the approval of God and yet people can still at times continue to seek the approval of man instead. 

Promise: Possibly we have not trusted in Christ if we are not willing to declare our faith publicly before others. 

Prayer: Lord, I continue to unpack these truths from You. Even as I know that I am your follower, describing it and defining and contrasting that faith from those that don't believe remains a goal of mine. As a converse with people that hold to different views or maybe even more advanced in their knowledge, I am challenged to unpack further these truths. I do want my faith to be not afraid of disappointing man or even not getting their approval because I want to be more concerned about your approval God. My faith needs to be before others. I am not to be hiding my faith and only a Christian with good speech in church. But proud of my faith beyond the church walls, at work, in my neighborhood and before others throughout the walk of my life.        

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

Deuteronomy 29:29 - Defining the Will of God

Deuteronomy 29:29 - “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."

Message: Defining the Will of God

Time: Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy. It is a collection of sermons given during the 40-day period prior to Israel’s entering the Promised Land. He restates the Law to a new generation and provides a discourse on how to live a blessed life in the Promised Land. The year was 1406 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: Last night, a friend asked me, "Why do things happen the way they happen on earth?" It was an interesting question and yet a question I responded we should ask right now. It speaks to today's lesson about the will of God on earth. Man looks at life and ponders. Why do things happen like they do? Is it all random? Or is there a plan or order? When the God dilemma is mention, most people tend to look at God and his/her own life with this idea of "what have you done for me?" It is natural. We are on this earth, living, and breathing. We are working and doing. But we are very "me" focused on this earth. And the question of God is much of the time about how He interacts with me and helps me. So when life messes up my life or works in a way I don't understand, we respond with, "Why?" 

The more I live life, the more I see that life is about God rather than life being about self. And yet we live in a very self-centered world. Often, we are fine with God as long as all of our needs are met. It is like there are two lines, one line being our life and another line our life with God and at various times those lines may intersect but overall we are living two lines. As I grow, I see that the lines should be on top of one another and the line of God should be on top at all times which means who He is and what He wants is of most important. 

In this passage of scripture, Tabletalk distinguishes between revealed will and secret will. The verse mentions "secret things" and "things revealed." More specifically, the will of God overall is being referenced here. Things revealed are things we know from scripture: God's commands, His gospel, His Law, His promises. In other words, what He has told us in Scripture. I need to always run back to scripture for it is God's letter to me. He has placed in the letter instructions and what I need to know. But I need to remember, it is all about Him so what He describes to Me is what is pleasing to Him. Yet He created me and this world, so I can trust in Him. 

Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 143:10 - Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

The key to these verses is these ideas of God. His Word defines my path and the light. And my focus is to be on His will. And also the great promise that the Spirit will lead me. So life and living is from the framework of God - my lamp for my path led by the Spirit. He defines me. 

Beyond "things revealed," there are "secret things" or what God is doing throughout History or His eternal plan for creation. 

Ephesians 1:11 - In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will

God has a purpose and it His job to work all things according to His will. I think the hard part is His will includes things that He does not find pleasing. I think this is a hard thing for man to reconcile, that God allows suffering and evil to occur. To man, this is unfair. And also it is hard when good people don't do well at times in live while bad people prosper. Or why do two good people have different outcomes? Again, we stop and stare and wonder why does it seem to not make sense to me. Yet, God says in His word He has a purpose. He ordains these things throughout life so that He can work in and through them for our good and His glory, both of which He does find pleasing in themselves. 

In these verses, notice what is not mentioned: "what I want" or "my will." See, I think the important thing in life is over time to push out my desires so that my desires become what He wants. And then I am more than willing to trust Him for what I don't know. As a father and mother, we lead and provide a lamp to our children, but we are mostly their guide. They don't need to know all the details of how dad and mom earn and manage the household. They need to simply take care of that which has been revealed to them. At various times, the will of the child gets in the way and the father and mother will need to correct the child. The child is getting off course and must be steered back. The child is often in discovery mode and asking a lot of questions. Sometimes the parent will answer and provide explanations, but at other times, the parent will respond with, "Because I said so." As children we need to be able to trust all of these replies. Parent, "Do what I say and let me take care of the overarching plan." God says the same thing. 

One thing to remember is we are people focused on information. We want to know, but we must remember always we are God's children as His children what is important is our path. This is why I always go back to Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Summary: God has two wills in a way - a revealed will or what we can know for the path we walk on and his secret will, what He knows and we can trust Him. 

Promise: The right way to pursue the will of God for our lives is to ask, what is pleasing to Him? 

Prayer: O God, thank you again for the clarity of your word. Keep reminding me that I am always your child, at times only needing to know the path and the light of it, at times understanding, but always trusting. Keep my focus on You and help this world be defined by You, not me. You will still give me things I need and want and will provide me lots of enjoyment. There is so much goodness of this world that you have provided for me. Help me to others focus on what I have, never on what I don't have. Be glorified always. 

Ephesians 5:25-33 - The Vocation of Husbands

Ephesians 5:25-33 - 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are parts of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, as for you individually, each husband is to love his own wife the same as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

Message: The Vocation of Husbands

Time: Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians sometime in AD 60–61, around the same time he wrote Colossians and Philemon. Ephesians deals with topics at the core of being a Christian - faith and practice, no matter the situation.

What the Lord is Saying: This is possibly one of my favorite verses in the Bible because it has taught me so much about my marriage and yet it is so simple - Husbands, love your wives. It is amazing what can be accomplished by these simple words. These words keep me out of trouble. I find that when I take my eyes off of my bride and knowing her, I get sidetracked and off in areas I should not be involved in. 

But right now, in this month's lessons, I am looking at vocations and this is the vocation of a husband. As I read this text I noticed some things:

• Husbands, Love your wives - again, first and foremost we are to love them. 
• We mirror Christ's love for His Church, His called ones. He wants always the best for His Church and we should always want what is best for our wives.
• Jesus gave Himself up. He died for the church. And we as husbands should have the same type of willingness to give ourselves up for our wives. 
• Jesus had a purpose in giving Himself up - to sanctify His people and present them as clean. This is also my job as a Husband, to make my wife the best she can be always and present Her before God.
• I present my wife as Jesus present me with all glory. This is my greatest prize on this earth. 
• I love her like I love myself. 
• And yet me and my wife are part of a bigger body of believers. So we should not ever think of ourselves too highly. 
• Before Him, my wife and I are one. That is hard to fathom, but it is true. 
• After all this, the wife will respect her husband. She must. 

As a reminder, Protestantism doesn't elevate certain people or positions as having greater calling than others. The priesthood of all believers says all have a similar level of calling, just some called to serve in the church and some as leaders in our world. Some are ordained for ministry and some are not. 

Marriage was established by God in creation and the role of husband is a nonordained vocation. The husband has a calling and a special role, first and foremost to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Yes, husbands lead but not in a domineering way. It is a leadership based upon a deep love. A wife's needs are more important than a husbands needs. Just as the Son of God took on the form of a servant. 

Philippians 2:5-11

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

This is the role of man - to empty Himself, be a servant and humble himself. Interesting that the submission of the woman to the leadership of the husband includes the husband humbling himself as a servant. He is to serve His wife. This seems opposite to what our traditional values have taught. 

Summary: Husbands have a nonordained vocation to love their wives, humbling themselves as Christ did towards His church, and serving their wives. 

Promise: Husbands must love their wives as Christ loves the church, which means they must be willing to die for their wives. The husband's willingness to die for his wife may take the form of actual, physical death, but for most husbands, being willing to die for their wives entails living sacrificially for them. 

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for my wife and I thank you for your words that encourage me daily how I am to sacrifice for her, put her first, and serve her. You show me the correct way to live and in the process, this reaps incredible benefits on my life and my enjoyment of my wife and how we serve You together. Thank you God for knowing exactly what I needed. Keep me humble and help me continually to look to You for answers and not the world. Shield me from this world and how it distracts me away from these purposes continually. Draw people to yourself and right wrongs in our nation and world over these issues. I praise You God.  

My Utmost for His Highest - May 31st - God First

Put God First in Trust. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. - John 2:24-25

    Our Lord trusted no man; yet He was never suspicious, never bitter, never in despair about any man, because He put God first in trust; He trusted absolutely in what God's grace could do for any man. If I put my trust in human beings first, I will end in despairing in everyone; I will become bitter, because I have insisted on man being what no man ever can be--absolutely right. Never trust anything but the grace of God in yourself or in anyone else.

Put God's Needs First. Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. - Hebrews 10:9

    A man's obedience is to what he sees to be a need; Our Lord's obedience was to the will of His Father. The cry to-day is--"We must get some work to do; the heathen are dying without God; we must go and tell them of Him." We have to see first of all that God's needs in us personally are being met. "Tarry ye until . . . (Luke 24:49)" The purpose of this College is to get us rightly related to the needs of God. When God's needs in us have been met, then He will open the way for us to realize His needs elsewhere.

Put God's Trust First. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. - Matthew 18:5

    God's trust is that He gives me Himself as a babe. God expects my personal life to be a "Bethlehem." Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transfigured by the indwelling life of the Son of God? God's ultimate purpose is that His Son might be manifested in my mortal flesh.

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

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

 

Genesis 22:1-14 - Living According to Faith

Genesis 22:1-14

Message: Living According to Faith

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Today I looked at Matthew 5:11 and it speaks of the promise that we will be reviled for our faith. It is not the sort of promise that we are looking for in our life. The promises we gravitate towards are those in which we are going to receive a blessing and yet persecution and being reviled for my faith is a blessing. It joins me with Christ's sufferings and the sufferings of saints in the past and looks me forward to a future reward. But often we present the gospel with this idea that it will make life easier in some way. We try to sell it before people like we would a new cell phone plan or a new TV or air conditioner, to make life more comfortable. But the reality is the Christian life is about suffering. There is obviously great peace in knowing we are saved for eternity and God has looked down on us and chosen us and we will continue to rejoice and sing those praises, but we must look at our faith as work, hard work to be Christ in me, God with us, and live and work and die for His glory. 

Jesus promises that trials will come. What makes life different with Jesus is how he works through us to stand up under those trials. We have a hope that never blemishes. Our hope is sure. 

In this lesson today is Genesis 22 and test put forth to Abraham to offer up his long awaited son Isaac. He had had a son, Ishmael, but that was through his wife pushing the maid on him in an impatient manner, rather than waiting for God. God kept his promise though. Even though they sought out other avenues for children, God still kept his promise to provide them a son. It was in old age. And now in Genesis 22 the unthinkable is thrown at Abraham. Take your son Isaac and offer him as a sacrifice. Here is the son he had waited for and God calls him to make a sacrifice. Abraham delayed in his departure to do this (Gen 22:2 says "Go now" and in verse 3 he waits till morning.) 

But then, upon seeing Abraham's faith, God does what He will always do, offering a substitute. God wants our faith in him. Faith is the calling card in our life to renewal. We must live this sort of life continually with God. We live in faith, trusting in Him, that He will come through. With Abraham, the substitute was told to him in advance. He was told to do something - sacrifice - and yet God interceded. God will intercede in our life. What is important is living daily by this faith. This is the faith that marks my salvation and this is the faith that needs to chronicle my life. Abraham was not a superhuman. He struggled. I struggle. But Abraham did trust. And I can trust. 

Promise: From Tabletalk -- Authentic faith does not trust God when times are good. It also believes God and acts upon His Word when difficulties come. Life will be hard. But the Lord will be with me, with us, even if the cost is high. A reward is waiting. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank you so much for this morning of being in Your word and the last year of the lesson in BSF in Genesis and spending that time going through Genesis with other men, learning from them and from you. Thank you for faith and that in you I have all I need. Life is hard. It has been and will be and I don't chagrin this because you told me it would be. But you are near. You are with me. And you will take me through all difficulties. Just help me to not guard myself from difficulty and acquiesce into the mold of this world that seeks freedom from trials, safety at all costs, and entertainment. I want to only be about faith. Thank you for providing the substitute of Jesus that changes my life always. I do praise You.  

My Utmost for His Highest - April 28th - What Will You Get

But you, are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I am going to bring disaster on all flesh,’ declares the Lord, ‘but I will give your life to you as booty in all the places where you may go.’ - Jeremiah 45:5

    This is the unshakeable secret of the Lord to those who trust Him--"I will give thee thy life." What more does a man want than his life? It is the essential thing. "Thy life for a prey" means that wherever you may go, even if it is into hell, you will come out with your life, nothing can harm it. So many of us are caught up in the shows of things, not in the way of property and possessions, but of blessings. All these have to go; but there is something grander that never can go--the life that is "hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)"

    Are you prepared to let God take you into union with Himself, and pay no more attention to what you call the great things? Are you prepared to abandon entirely and let go? The test of abandonment is in refusing to say--"Well, what about this?" Beware of suppositions. Immediately you allow--What about this?--it means you have not abandoned, you do not really trust God. Immediately you do abandon, you think no more about what God is going to do. Abandon means to refuse yourself the luxury of asking any questions. If you abandon entirely to God, He says at once, "Thy life will I give thee for a prey." The reason people are tired of life is because God has not given them anything, they have not got their life as a prey. The way to get out of that state is to abandon to God. When you do get through to abandonment to God, you will be the most surprised and delighted creature on earth; God has got you absolutely and has given you your life. If you are not there, it is either because of disobedience or a refusal to be simple enough.

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

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

My Thoughts

The classic edition mentions "prey", while the current edition says, "prize." The danger in life is to focus on what has been given to me rather than focus on the one who has given it and being in union with Him. To surrender or abandon my life is to do it completely, without expecting anything in return. It is not "surrender" and then I look to God for a prize. The prize I will receive in abandonment or surrender is God given life.  

Genesis 15:1-21 - Our Faithful God

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, 
“Do not fear, Abram,
I am a shield to you;
Your reward shall be very great.”
Abram said, “O Lord God, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.” Then behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. And He said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it.” He said, “O Lord God, how may I know that I will possess it?” So He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, and laid each half opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds. The birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.

Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward they will come out with many possessions. As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. Then in the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet complete.”

It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying,
“To your descendants I have given this land,
From the river of Egypt as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenite and the Kenizzite and the Kadmonite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Rephaim and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Girgashite and the Jebusite.” - Genesis 15:1-21

Message: Our Faithful God

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

What the Lord is Saying: 

This month's devotional series is now switching to focus on faith for a bit following a teaching series that RC Sproul did called Living By Faith. Thus far, this study has looked at the idea that we as believers in Christ, we are declared righteous in Him by faith alone (sola fide). Our righteousness is based on the perfect obedience of Christ. We access it by faith and faith alone. And this faith continues to manifest itself daily as we walk and He sanctifies us in Him, moving me toward living Holy as Jesus lived. 

I listened to the first message RC Sproul did for this series. He mentioned this is his favorite chapter in the Bible for it is where faith is declared or salvation is declared and it is where God reveals Himself. And it starts with the phrase "Do not fear" which he believes is a key for all scripture that is repeated to us continually. He begins the message by talking about faith and reason and the idea from some that faith in God is a sort of blind faith. But blind faith is believing though there is no evidence for belief. And with God in our lives, there is evidence of how He has cared for us and demonstrated His kindness toward us. God does not call us to a blind faith. Throughout scripture we have reasons everywhere of why we believe in Him. The true definition of faith is trust. I trust God no matter what. 

In this passage today is one such example of God's trustworthiness. Abraham believed God and wss justified. His belief in God merited Abraham's righteousness. But then Abraham asks God for evidence of His promise and the Lord provides it. In that moment, God comes and passes between the pieces and made a covenant with Abraham that His descendants would be numerous. God must keep His promises. He is God. He cannot die. The curse of death cannot fall upon Him. God will be true. 

Promise: We have a trustworthy God. We can trust God because His very nature prevents Him from breaking His promises. 

Prayer: O God, you are Lord and King. And you have allowed me to experience your peace, your grace, your faithfulness in my life. You grant me a peace that surpasses understanding. This world preaches an opposite message to peace, but one of fear always and seeking solutions that are not in You. Help me to cling to You always, to trust in You no matter and to always treat others the way they want to be treated. I don't want to Fear. I want to be a person of faith. Show me the way. 

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

Mankind's Condition - The Sins of the Gentiles - Though born with God being evident, Gentiles do not honor God or give thanks, look to their selves for truth, and God gives them over to their sin, and in the process God's wrath is sin which will culminate on the Day of the Lord. The Sins of the Jews - Jews thought their status meant only Gentiles were true sinners. Romans 2 and 3 explains that Jews are just as guilty before God. 

The Law Speaks - The Law and Accountability - the Law reminds us we are sinners and doing good will not outweigh this bad; I am condemned. Righteousness According to the Law - The Law can make one righteous if obedient to all, but we are sinners. Human Inability - man cannot make himself righteous because he is a sinner. 

Only Justified through Christ (God) - The Obedience of One - with Jesus all obedience was completed in Him which resulted in Him taking on all sin; we trust only in His words, not ours. God's Initiative In Justification - God initiates the act of justification through the work of Christ alone; he saves us out of His kindness. Faith and Justification - no one is continually righteous; only through Jesus one will be made righteous; to be made righteous one must believe in God, ask for His mercy. 

Saved by Faith - Faith and Righteousness - Faith is what God uses in us to build the bridge to being accepted by God and restored to a right relationship with Him. Justification and Sin - Nothing changes the fact that we are sinners, but our status before God changes by Christ's obedience as this declares us to be righteous. Not by any of our works - Justification is by faith alone. By adding any work, we must add all works. Why Faith - Faith is the instrument [or what we do] to usher in to our life the finished act of righteousness. 

Faith Works - What is Saving Faith - Saving faith is not simply understanding truth, it is believing the truth is true and then living by that truth. Justification and Our Good Works - Once God declares us righteous by the righteousness of Christ, we cannot help but do what is right. Keeping Grace Gracious - if being restored to God's plan is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works. Don't mix the two. Keep them separate. But keep them both extremely valuable. Faith and Sanctification - I am declared holy by faith, but daily I choose holiness. I am living my entire life by faith.

Jesus Calling: April 10

     Trust Me in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.  

     While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life. 

Jeremiah 17:7
English Standard Version (ESV)

     “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
         whose trust is the Lord.

Verse Thoughts
I think of this often that I am to live and be all that I can be, trusting in God's statutes and following His ways, but in all my circumstances, I am to rest in His outcome for my life and all it's parts. He is sovereign and He will do what is best in me. I tend to grade those outcomes and decide if I like them, but I rather must trust Him.

Romans 8:28
Amplified
     We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Verse Thoughts
I need to remember the context of this passage because "working together for good" is a thought that is based upon "present sufferings (v.18)", "frustration (v. 20)", "bondage (v. 21)", "groaning (v.22)", "wait patiently (v.25)", "our weakness (v.26)". Help me remember this Lord because I tend to think good is material wealth, happiness, career acclaim, but it seems to be more about the assurance that the finish line awaits as I go through present sufferings.

Psalm 40:2
ESV

     He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
         out of the miry bog,
     and set my feet upon a rock,
         making my steps secure.

I Peter 2:9
New King James Version
     But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 

My Prayer
Help me find reason and comfort in each moment of my day. I can give a timely word to people in need. I want to trust in You Lord. Help me to see that the mistakes I make, the anger, the impatience, can be used by you to transform me. Your grace is amazing. Thank You for lifting me up from the pit of destruction and setting my feet upon a rock and making my steps secure. Thank You for choosing me and making me holy and setting me a part to be Your special people. Lord, I praise You and praise You again. I once was blind, but now I see. And it's all because of You. 

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

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

Mark 6:47-52 - Jesus Walks on Water

Mark 6:47-52
47 When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. 48 Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He *came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. 49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and *said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.” 51 Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, 52 for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened.

Message: Jesus Walks on Water

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 comes to Nazareth and continues to teach but also experiences a little opposition from his friends and family. He sends out his disciples to teach and heal, as necessary. The message is becoming more well known. Herod Antipas, one of 4 rulers of Rome, wonders if Jesus is a resurrected John (John has previously been killed by him and that story is recounted I think partly to show us that the message of the gospel is sometimes not well received). The disciples return and report on what they have done and taught. Jesus sends them away for rest, but the people are there waiting for them, in the 1000s. Jesus teaches the people. The disciples then send them away for food, but Jesus shows the disciples how they can be fed. Jesus then puts the disciples on a boat, sends the people away, and goes to the mountain to pray.

When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. This is no accident. Jesus is once again going to teach the disciples something. Most recently, Jesus has commissioned his disciples to be witnesses and do the work of restoring lives, physically and spiritually. Yet, the disciples still have lessons to learn. In the feeding of the 5,000 to me the lesson to the disciples was "you can do it. you have my power. let me show you what that means." And now as he prepares to walk on the water, he is giving them another message.

Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He *came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them. The disciples were in a boat, working together, trying simply to stay in their boat and go forth as the wind is against them. It is not a calm sea and suddenly Jesus, on the water, approaches them. Their world is swirling and he is walking. They are fighting against the elements of nature and he is walking. They are in the middle of hostility and he is walking.

But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. As they saw him, they thought they were seeing a ghost. Though he has done amazing things to this point, any time he does something new they are amazed and startled and don't immediately think that it is real.

But immediately He spoke with them and *said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid. It is simple. I have not changed. Though the world and nature is crazy about and a mystery and an unknown, I have not changed. Do not be afraid.

Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped. The wind was in motion to challenge them. He was once again teaching them by putting them in this boat. He was showing them a lesson.

And they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the loaves, but their heart was hardened. See, did they learn anything from the loaves? No. Currently, though Jesus has commissioned them and wants them to share the message he has of repentance and believe, they still do not comprehend it all. They are still unsure of many things, including Jesus and his power. Yet, Jesus still wants to use them and believes they can be effective. Jesus knows that they can be used.

Summary - Jesus continues to teach the disciples, showing them that he is in control of all and wherever they go they can trust him. No matter what the experience presents itself to them, he can still be trusted. He will literally and figuratively calm whatever comes into their lives.

Promise: Just being with Jesus is not enough to create faith in our hearts. The only hope is for God to take out our hearts of stone that refuse to believe and to give us hearts of flesh that beat with faith in Christ (Ez 36:26).

Prayer: Lord, give people what they need most: new hearts. I talk to many people and they all need new hearts. Thank you for the movie I saw this weekend - I Can Only Imagine - and how Bart witnessed what you and only you could do in the life of a person. It was an amazing thing to see him experience You and have his eyes opened. Thank you for the beautiful story that I just wanted to see again and again. Keep changing hearts. Keep changing me. Give me patience and sensitivity to those that are not there - like the two Derek's in my life. Bring them to you. I wait with expectation and hope, trusting in You.

Jesus Calling: January 22

STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment--accepting things exactly as they are--and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.
     Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind. 

Psalm 52:8
English Standard Version

But I am like a green olive tree
    in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Amplified Version
5 
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

My Prayer
Lord, so many times in my life you are there, simply saying "I got this." In turn, all that I need to do is trust You. You remind me to not worry, but instead pray about everything and you are teaching me that when I pray it is turning the control over to you. Why is it that prayer is too often the last thing I do when faced with a difficult situation? It's like I try to solve the problem my way and then when I can't, I say, "Well, I guess God is going to have to care of this." Lord, forgive me for putting you second or third or even last. I want to put you first, instead.

When I pray it is often simply asking to remove something in my life making me anxious, and yet you remind me that these are the instances when I often grow the most and even experience great blessings. My problem Lord, I admit, is that I don't trust you in every aspect of my life; too often, it is me that is saying "I got this." But, yes, it is possible to trust You in all situations.

Yet Lord, as Daniel Amos sang, don't let me take another trip down memory lane. Instead, I can start afresh and anew each day. I can pray, "Thank you for a new day." I can begin again. I can start at the present moment.

I really do want to trust in You Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I want to acknowledge You for the promise is real that you will remove obstacles in my life as I do and keep me on a straight path.


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.