Proverbs 11:20 - Train the heart

Proverbs 11:20 

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,

But the blameless in [their] walk are His delight. 

Message: Train the heart

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: These contrasts are always interesting to me. The contrast here is the perverse and the blameless; the result is an abomination or a delight and how it relates to the Lord. Matthew Henry comments here, "Nothing is more hateful to God, than hypocrisy and double dealing, which are here signified. God delights in such as aim and act with uprightness." It is interesting and amazing to me that this book is written, that we have this collection in Proverbs. It reminds me of Rob's lessons and the numerous ways to say the same thing. Like there is this constant need for more information, in the hopes that people will live their lives in the correct manner. Like, how many different ways can it be said. 

The Lord wants our upright behavior. The Lord wants us to walk in ways of blameless. At my PT appointment there seems to be a recognition by the people of the hospital to be attentive to people's needs. We get these feedback ratings and the good feedback is wanted, the good ratings of customer service. The cable guy knows he needs the good rating even though his demeanor wasn't necessarily great, but he asked for all 10's and I guess you want to give that to him, even though there was something about him that wasn't helpful. But it is wanted is the point. People see that what people want is good customer service. We see this in life. To be respectful. And in many ways that is what these passages are saying over and over. 

It amazes me and makes me wonder how did we get all of these sayings and why did Solomon write them all. I think of Grandmother Payton and Wiley and even my mom and the various sayings around the house, the phrases and the notebooks Wiley had of all the sayings and the clippings my Grandmother had - little motivating words, little reminders. All of these little reminders. 

Maybe this is what we need continually, to be reminded more and more of these truths. 

Source of following statements: 

• In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, intentions, and will.
• The emphasis on the heart suggests that God is concerned not just with outward actions but with the inner motivations and attitudes of individuals.
• The term "blameless" does not imply sinlessness but rather integrity and uprightness in one's conduct.
• The "walk" refers to one's way of life or conduct, suggesting a consistent pattern of living that aligns with God's commandments.

It isn't only the outward God is focused on, but what is on the inside. And living that sort of life that encompasses thoughts, intentions and will. But it isn't about being perfect. And yet in Scripture whatever the failure rate there is - 10% or 15% or more that Jesus covers it. And yet that 10% makes us completely unworthy. LDS thought is do your best and Jesus covers the rest, but this misses the boat. We are stamped not acceptable the moment we sin. Yes, we want to live good lives, but for our own well being, not for God's acceptance. 

Prayer: God, these verses and the meaning of these verses is what I need though at times I don't understand the repetition but I suppose we need these reminders continually. We need the constant reinforcement of the behavior we are all trying to live by. I need these good sources of information and need to be trained in this manner that reminds me that life is about glorifying you. That it is about pleasing you and making you number one. But God I thank you for covering my sin. That you cover it all. That you make it so I can know you. You have given me the right understanding of who you are and who I am in Christ. Keep working on my heart and not only mine but all those I am in contact with, in my life. I thank you for the friends you have given me and the course of life we are all on. Thank you for my grandmothers and the reminders in life that we need to live rightly. I need that reinforcement. Lord, you want my good behavior. Help me to make the right choices in life, to honor you. And I need this good behavior in my life. I live by peace when I live in this manner. 

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

Proverbs 10:17 - Prone to wander

Proverbs 10:17

He is on the path of life who heeds instruction,

But he who forsakes rebuke goes astray.

Message: Prone to wander

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: Verse 16 mentioned life in regards to righteous living. Today's verse states that "the path of life follows instruction." Thus, there is a characteristic people have that are walking well on the path of life, abundant life and that is there are amiable to instruction. Been talking to a guy online and for the most part he just wants to argue. Anything that comes up in the Bible he doesn't like he then calls God perfect. He is in defensive mode. I find a lot of people like this that simply want to a forum to communicate their convictions but don't have a need to learn or this goes beyond just learning to following instruction.

On Sunday, the message was from Psalm 119:33-35 and I noticed something interesting in those verses:

33 Teach me, the way of Your statutes, Lord,

And I shall comply with it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law

And keep it with all my heart.

35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,

For I delight in it.

The idea in the 3 verses is "teach - understand - walk." Now, in this verse today are the words "follows instruction" or "heeds instruction" which really encompasses the same idea. All 3 are important. We spend much of our time in school with teaching and understanding and then life is walking. There is something fulfilling in life from those that follows instruction - they not only listen to teaching, but they follow it. This seems to be the attitude of a Christian continually. People who go to church often recognize that they have not arrived and to listen to a sermon is to acknowledge that you have something to learn, to follow, to change in your life. 

The contrast is "he who forsakes rebuke goes astray." Those that do not follow instruction but are taught and refuse the learning or correction - go astray. To go astray is to error. And this is the way that leads to sin, destruction, and death versus life and blessedness. 

In the words of the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Blessing" are the words: "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it." At a an early age, in school, we are trained in the idea of learning and understanding. At home, we are often corrected growing up. Those formative years are years of training that hopefully follow us through life - learn, understand, walk, but also there is correction. The child without the correction goes astray. Sometimes the child needs something stern or clear to see that message that they are going astray. 

But there is clearly a danger in parenting that correction doesn't look like correction, but more exasperation which is mentioned in Scripture in Ephesians, "Fathers do not exasperate your child." That exasperation is the danger in life. Correction is meant to be clear, but not abusive. 

Prayer: O God, thank you for these lessons and the good training that I even received in life. Thank you for school and though it was hard to learn at times, I appreciate the years of that training in reading, being taught, learning, and then the joy of applying it in life and working. I realize I was impatient God at times and wanted to hurry to the application. Thank you for continuing to bring me back to the importance of teaching and understanding. Help me to not be proud. There is tendency in that. There is tendency in thinking I have arrived even when I conduct myself in a way that has little sin. But I pray I would stay on the path of following the instruction I receive and heeding it. Help me to be sensitive to that and how I need to adapt and change. 

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

Proverbs 10:9 - Walk equals Talk

Proverbs 10:9 

He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out. 

Message: Walk equals Talk

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: It is always interesting to see the characteristics of vice and virtue that Solomon contrasts. In this Proverbs he extols integrity, walking in it and that walking produces a security or sureness. It is well grounded. In contrast the one that does not walk with integrity is the one who perverts their ways and that one will be found out or exposed. 

Integrity is a characteristic I hear much about. It is a trait that is commonly spoken of in the circles of men as well. But I suppose it is common for both sexes, but for some reason it feels like it stands out for men, but that could be because I am a man. The King James refers to this as "walking uprightly." 

A quick definition of integrity - "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles." Being honest seems to be given as a virtue in life. It seems everyone agrees about the importance of this. In college, people often said, "let your walk equal your talk." What you say you are going to do, you need to do it. And in our speech it is important to always be truthful. As workers, I think this encompasses being dependable and a person that someone can count on. 

Beyond honest, it is having strong moral principles. I think this means a clear understanding of right and wrong. Morality is huge in our world as well. And yet it is defined in many different ways among people. How we are determining what is right and wrong in our world is changing, but mostly in the area of sexual relations and marriage. Whatever society deems as acceptable becomes morality it seems for people. Purity I think has been a big issue that has been assaulted, not highly as honored as people of faith honor it. A greater premium is placed now on experience and if that experience validates or makes a person feels good, then the standard is no longer a standard. And yet faithfulness is still extolled. So I think the issue of morality as it relates to integrity can be a challenge as we look at person to person. 

Charles Ellicott (1819-1905) in his commentary says that walking uprightly or security means, "He has no cause to fear lest anything to his discredit should come out." I like this. A person who walks with integrity has no fear of anything come to surface. In essence his life will be lived above reproach. The life is lived in a manner where the person really has no concern of being exposed later in life. I think of elections and it seems media or opponents are always trying to dig some dirt up on someone to discredit that person. Well, this is a proverb that says it won't happen because the life has been lived in such a way as there is no fear of that happening. 

But the vice or contrast in this verse says the opposite - "he who perverts his ways will be found out."  To walk in a perverse way is to walk in a crooked manner or a sinful path. This is a person that society hates in religious people - one that is a hypocrite. People not part of the church look at the hypocrite where a person's actions do not line up with their words. And the world hates this. The reality that the world does not understand is our works do no save us. We all are sinners and yet there is an expectation that the Christian, after conversion, will not live in any type of sin. High standards, yes. But I think we need to be more sensitive to this. When we have error, we need to admit and confess it before others. When we sin and we will, we need to confess it before God but also before man. This hurts the pride but our pride it not of importance. God receiving glory is that which is most important and we don't our actions to effect God receiving glory. 

Hence the antithesis of this verse is clear. Live your life with honesty and high moral standards of making right choices over wrong one's so that your life is an open book and there will be no fear of being exposed of any secret sins in the closet. Because this is the fear of the crooked person. The life they live that includes dishonesty and confusion over moral principles and practices other sins has a life that could be exposed. And that person through their actions lives in constant fear. 

Prayer: O God, I want to be this man of integrity - of honesty. Last night in a class I was involved in at church on marriage, we spoke about leaving a legacy. I pray and want my life of legacy to include being honest and right now, there is so much deception that my life is actually known for and I have that constant fear of being found out. Help me to clear out the dishonesty. And give me compassion to those that struggle in their lives to live in a manner that is holy and true. Help me to be a person of forgiveness and patience toward others, but I do thank for the high standard you ask us to hold to and I pray for your strength to live in this manner. Help my children as well. Right now, my oldest son is dealing with this and give him the strength to rise up from the exposure he has had of a sin. Help him to live his best life going forward. 

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

John 18:37-38a - Pilate's Cynicism

John 18:37-38a 

37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”

Message: Pilate's Cynicism

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: Preface - Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden; Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, though most likely outnumbered, pulling out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seems Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. Jesus is accused by Annas regarding his impact, answers that Annas should ask those that have been impacted, but Jesus is then sent to Caiaphas bound. Peter was questioned two more times about his association with Jesus and two more times Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus. The high priests take Jesus to Pilate, but Pilate puts it back on the Jews but they mention they are not permitted to put anyone to death. Jesus responds to his accusers, spoken from Pilate, that His kingdom is not of this world and He is not here to overthrow a government. 

Pilate now moves in his conversation to Jesus a little more tongue in cheek, not believing what Jesus is saying, but speaking to him like he's a madman. Are you a king? What is truth? Pilate had previously questioned Jesus in response to the accusations by the Jewish leaders. Jesus mentioned previously about being a king, yes, but not of this world. Pilate tries to get this clarified further from Jesus. Jesus in his response basically tries to explain matter-of-fact to Pilate that before one will acknowledge Him as King they must believe in Him. Jesus speaks radical words -- "I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

Jesus has entered this world. He is not of this world, but he has come into the world. His purpose is to testify to the truth - the truth of salvation, eternal life, his authority as one sent from the Father, the living water, bread of life, to be born again - to charge His disciples to preach the same. For those that are of the truth, they will Hear His voice. So not everyone. Not everyone has Jesus as King. He is not a king to everyone. He is showing who belongs to Him and who does not and for those that belong to Him He will be their king. 

This is the truth today. And honestly can be difficult at times in speaking to people. There are people I speak with that are not of the truth and it seems clear for those that are not, they are not living their lives by God's standard, by truth, but instead continue to live it according to their way. Some have some semblance of God, but not completely. They must be regenerated or reborn or be new creatures, but they are not. They must be given new hearts, but they don't have it. This is hard to witness, to be around, to see. We are looking for those that will come to know the truth and let it change them. Pilate was not of the truth. For after this he asks, "What is truth?" 

Many people are like Pilate - seeking an answer to a question, but not seeking the Answer. They are pragmatic. They want to check the box, but they don't want the complete transformation. I have a man right now that can't see past his current situation. Sometimes this happens in life. It gets all consuming and we can't see anything else. Oh if we could see the Truth. 

Other verses

“Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭23‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

- interesting verse - basically we are to be about truth, wisdom, instruction, understanding. Jesus is the Truth. 

“O Lord, do not Your eyes look for truth? You have smitten them, But they did not weaken; You have consumed them, But they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to repent.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

- Jeremiah 5 is Jeremiah searching for a righteous person but in Judah not finding one. The chapter shows the craftiness of man to avoid God, pretending to align with him, but refusing correction and repentance. Like Pilate Jesus shows people the right way, but some refuse to change. 

“and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NASB1995

- The events preceding the Day of the Lord. People refuse to believe. They don't receive the truth to be be saved. And so God proceeds to allow them to believe the false. The reality is some will not turn from Him and God is in control of this for they continue to not want Him. ‬‬

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

‭‭3 John‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Summary: Jesus came to testify of truth, to be about truth. This is what God is looking for in people - a people that walk in the Truth of Jesus. 

Promise: I am called to stand for truth, in matters great and small. 

Prayer: Lord, it is compelling to read Your words, to experience You - The Truth. I am to walk in this truth daily. Keep correcting me and moving me to be about this truth so that others see it in me. Help me in my relationships, at work, at home with my wife, with my children, at church, with my dad, with friends and people I am challenging to walk in Truth. Give me patience and give me grace in all of this. It can be a toil but I want to also experience rest. This world is imperfect and it is hard. I hurt for people that struggle through these truths. Thank You Jesus for showing me the Way. Keep me strong and running the race, not losing sight of the goal and the Prize. Keep me humble. Keep me loving. Help me now for this weekend and possible time of refreshment. I pray for the Pilate's of this world. Give me wisdom with them, not letting them get me down. But simply responding in a way that glorifies You. I would love to see them change but help me to not get too focused on that. Keep me under your wings. O God, I need you. 

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

John 12:33-36a - Walking in the Light while There's Still Time

John 12:33-36a

33 But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die. 34 The crowd then answered Him, “We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, in order that you may become sons of light." 

Message: Walking in the Light while There's Still Time

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

What the Lord is Saying: As I begin these lessons, I always like to review as these lessons are often small little chunks of information, as I walk through these passages rather slowly at times. Thus far, this is lesson 8 in chapter 12. 

On the heels of Jesus rising Lazarus from the dead in Chapter 11, Mary anoints Jesus with an expensive bottle of perfume. This impacts some people while others are not impressed and want to see him and Lazarus put to death. Passover is near and Jesus is greeted in Jerusalem prophetically or in a similar way as kings have approached others, with palm branches yet with humility, riding on a donkey. The disciples continue to follow but still do not understand Jesus completely, but one day they will, we know this. Meanwhile, the Pharisees remain bothered. 

And then there are certain Greeks that are looking to Jesus and then Jesus begins to give some discourses or words of knowledge. He starts by speaking of his future death and how we need to lose our lives or hate our lives to find fruit and abundant life. Jesus admits he is troubled about future judgment coming before God and yet he knows God has a purpose for people, to give them assurance and Jesus is therefore willing to submit to this. The Father has a purpose at judgment and that is to cast out the prince of this world, Satan, and Jesus by his resurrection and ascension will draw men to Himself at an alarming rate. 

John is interesting and he offers commentary as Jesus is speaking. Like in verse 33 He says - "He was saying this (or these things) to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die." I just noticed the words in verse 32 in which Jesus said, "I be lifted up from the earth." I am sure it doesn't mean this, but as I think of a cross, I think of him being carried in on that cross and then it is lifted up and is upright and then He will die on that cross and He will bear the punishment for our sins. And He will conquer life by dying and then being resurrected. Perhaps this is what John's words are explaining. 

The multitudes are not pleased to hear this. They are not wanting a King or Messiah that will die. They don't see the rescue of them from that happening. They want a Messiah to be a political savior to them, to overthrow the Romans and restore the Jewish state to full independence. The people have read the Law (the entire Old Testament) and they see an everlasting reign for the Messiah: 

Psalm 89:29 - “So I will establish his descendants forever and his throne as the days of heaven."

Ezekiel 37:25 - They will live on the land that I gave to Jacob My servant, in which your fathers lived; and they will live on it, they, and their sons and their sons’ sons, forever; and David My servant will be their prince forever.

But still a man can die for His people and then be raised to fulfill this eternal reign. But they ask Jesus in verse 34, "Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus continues to get this question. Many are believing but many are not, for Jesus is on a mission and has an objective and that objective continues to get in the way of what people naturally want from Jesus. 

This lesson concludes with Jesus stating that He is the Light and He is walking with people now and people need to believe in Him now. Tabletalk for this day remarks that "it will not be any easier to believe after Jesus is crucified and is resurrected from the dead." What better time is there to believe in Jesus than when he is walking right beside you? And yet once he dies on the cross and rises again, the impact from that will grow the church exponentially. In both instances, there is no better time to believe than right now.

Summary: Despite many expecting Jesus to solve a political agenda, they have, Jesus makes it clear that salvation is found in believing in him right now, while he is with them.

Promise: All of us must trust in Christ for salvation today, and we must continue trusting in Him tomorrow as well.

Prayer: Oh, God, as I read the Scriptures and hear how you had worked and been walking this earth. I do often think that there would be no better time to believe in you than when you were walking right beside me physically. And yet through your word, and through the actions of your death, burial and resurrection and ascension, we have the clear testimony, as well of you conquering sent on my behalf, and concluding the work that you intended for all people, to be our permanent and complete substitution, and I have eternal life with you.

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

My Utmost for His Highest - May 25th - The Test of Self-Interest

Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left.” - Genesis 13:9

    As soon as you begin to live the life of faith in God, fascination and luxurious prospects will open up before you, and these things are yours by right; but if you are living the life of faith you will exercise your right to waive your rights, and let God choose for you. God sometimes allows you to get into a place of testing where your own welfare would be the right and proper thing to consider if you were not living a life of faith; but if you are, you will joyfully waive your right and leave God to choose for you. This is the discipline by means of which the natural is transformed in the spiritual by obedience to the voice of God.

    Whenever right is made the guidance in the life, it will blunt the spiritual insight. The great enemy of the life of faith in God is not sin, but the good which is not good enough. The good is always the enemy of the best. It would seem the wisest thing in the world for Abraham to choose, it was his right , and the people around would consider him a fool for not choosing. Many of us do not go on spiritually because we prefer to choose what is the right instead of relying on God to choose for us. We have to learn to walk according to the standard which has its eye on God. "Walk before Me. (Genesis 17:1)"

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

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

My Utmost for His Highest - May 1st - Insight Not Emotion

I have to lead my life in faith, without seeing Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:7 (Moffatt)

    For a time we are conscious of God's attentions, then, when God begins to use us in His enterprises, we take on a pathetic look and talk of the trials and the difficulties, and all the time God is trying to make us do our duty as obscure people. None of us would be obscure spiritually if we could help it. Can we do our duty when God has shut up heaven? Some of us always want to be illuminated saints with golden haloes and the flush of inspiration, and to have the saints of God dealing with us all the time. A gilt-edged saint is not good, he is abnormal, unfit for daily life, and altogether unlike God. We are here as men and women, not as half-fledged angels, to do the work of the world, and to do it with an infinitely greater power to stand the turmoil we have been born from above.

 
    If we try to re-introduce the rare moments of inspiration, it is a sign that it is not God we want. We are making a fetish of the moments when God did come and speak, and insisting that He must do it again; whereas what God wants us to do is to "walk by faith." How many of us have laid ourselves by, as it were, and said--"I cannot do any more until God appears to me." He never will, and without any inspiration, without any sudden touch of God, we will have to get up,. Then comes the surprise--"Why, He was there all the time, and I never knew it!" Never live for the rare moments, they are surprises. God will give us touches of inspiration when He sees we are not in danger of being led away by them. We must never make our moments of inspiration our standard; our standard is our duty.

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

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

My thoughts

Right when God wants to use me, I start talking of the trials I am going through and difficulties. Basically, I am saying to Him, it is the wrong time. I must remember that I am here to do His work. That is my purpose. Walk by faith is my creed. I speak to often of wanting God to appear and then I will work, but He wants to work in my life in the obscurity. Be content with the now.   

My Utmost for His Highest - April 7th - Why Are We Not Told Plainly?

As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. - Mark 9:9

     Say nothing until the Son of man is risen in you--until the life of the risen Christ so dominates you that you understand what the historic Christ taught. When you get to the right state on the inside, the word which Jesus has spoken is so plain that you are amazed you did not see it before. you could not understand it before, you were not in the place in disposition where it could be borne.

     Our Lord does not hide these things; they are unbearable until we get into a fit condition of spiritual life. "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (John 16:12)" There must communion with His risen life before a particular word can be borne by us. Do we know anything about the impartation of the risen life of Jesus? The evidence that we do is that His word is becoming interpretable to us. God cannot reveal anything to us if we have not His Spirit. An obstinate outlook will effectually hinder God from revealing anything to us. If we have made up our minds about a doctrine, the light of God will come no more to us on that line, we cannot get it. This obtuse stage will end immediately His resurrection life has its way with us.

     "Tell no man . . . " --so many do tell what they saw on the mount of transfiguration. They have had the vision and they testify to it, but the life does not tally with it, the Son of man is not yet risen in them. I wonder when He is going to be formed in you and in me?

Oswald Chambers - From My Utmost for His Highest Classic Edition

- Underlines and highlights are courtesy of Mom from her Print Edition,

My Utmost for His Highest - March 19 - Abraham's Life of Faith

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going. - Hebrews 11:8

In the Old Testament, a person's relationship with God was seen by the degree of separation in that person's life. This separation is exhibited in the life of Abraham by his separation from his country and his family. When we think of separation today, we do not mean to be literally separated from those family members who do not have a personal relationship with God, but to be separated mentally and morally from their viewpoints. This is what Jesus Christ was referring to in Luke 14:26 (If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.)

Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason -- a life of knowing Him who calls us to go. Faith is rooted in the knowledge of a Person, and one of the biggest traps we fall into is the belief that if we have faith, God will surely lead us to success in the world. 

The final stage in the life of faith is the attainment of character, and we encounter many changes in the process. We feel the presence of God around us when we pray, yet we are only momentarily changed. We tend to keep going back to our everyday ways and the glory vanishes. A life of faith is not a life of one glorious mountaintop experience after another, like soaring on eagles' wings, but is a life of day-in and day-out consistency; a life of walking without fainting (Isaiah 40:31 - Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.) It is not even a question of the holiness of sanctification, but of something which comes much farther down the road. It is a faith that has been tried and proved and has withstood the test. Abraham is not a type or an example of the holiness of sanctification, but a type of the life of faith--a faith, tested and true, built on the true God. "Abraham believed God . . ." (Romans 4:3). 

Oswald Chambers -From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition

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.

Proverbs 5:21 - Our Ways Before the Lord

Proverbs 5:21- For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths.

Message: Our Ways Before the Lord

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

What the Lord is Saying:

I have heard some say that God merely starts the engine and then lets it run, referring to a description of God over this universe. But, this is not what Solomon is expressing here, but rather mans ways are before the Lord and he is fully aware of his every step. God is so concerned about the decisions that we make in this life and how we conduct ourselves.  

I need to remember this as I go through my day. I need God's wisdom and grace throughout my days. 

The Lord sees all we do, whether good or bad. This should haunt us but also comfort us.

Promise: I do not have to be on the front page because the One that matters most is watching what I do, see's it, and he will give me what I deserve as far as rewards, but ultimately I am accepted into heaven because of the righteousness, not of me, but of Christ.

 

Psalm 119:33-40 - A Heart Inclined to God's Law

Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, 
and I shall observe it to the end. 
Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law
and keep it with all my heart. 
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, 
for I delight in it. 
Incline my heart to Your testimonies 
and not to dishonest gain. 
Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, 
and revive me in Your ways. 
Establish Your word to Your servant, 
as that which produces reverence for You. 
Turn away my reproach which I dread, 
for Your ordinances are good. 
Behold, I long for Your precepts; 
revive me through Your righteousness.

Message: A Heart Inclined to God's Law

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: 

I think of David, putting together these words, crafting them with a Bible at that time that was very small. And so his relationship with God was more of a relationship that what mine is often today. I am thankful for God's word and need to know it. But, I wonder if I would maybe talk to Him more if I didn't have this big book of lessons. 

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes. Teach Me, O Lord. Guide my steps. My desire is not momentary and temporal, but it is life long. I shall observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may observe Your Law and keep it with all my heart. Write your word on my heart. Help me God to understand what Your words mean and how they apply to every part of my life. Your Law is meant to be observed and adhered to in my life. It is to kept. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments. Make it so I don't have a choice. Make your commandments so clear and apparent in my life so that they are written on me. For I delight in it. For they are my joy. Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to dishonest gain. Lord, where does my heart reside? What does my heart strive after? It is sometimes to do a good job or be a good father or be a good husband; it is to take care of my house; it is often to please my family in a way that results in not surrendering my wealth to You and Your house (church). Incline my heart to your testimonies and words; make not dishonesty a part of my life in any way. 

Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways. Lord, there are so many things that are fleeting and going away in this life. Make it so that I value You and Your ways. Make it so my eyes are centered on You. Lord, train me in things that last.  

Establish Your word to Your servant, as that which produces reverence for You. Again Lord, make Your Words my priority.

Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your ordinances are good. [It is interesting that here in this stanza the words reproach and obedience are contrasted; Barnes says that reproach is also the word shame or dishonor. Naturally, we hate to be corrected; we hate discipline; reproach is to express disappointment or disapproval. NIV translates this as disgrace; NLT translates this as shameful.] God, there is shame and dishonor in wandering from you, in seeking out my own way. As I do this, I turn myself from you. I look often at your commands and somehow they are meant for my harm and yet by turning from you I receive unhappiness and an unsettled life. Keep me God centered on your ordinances. Keep me focused on that which is good. Keep me resting in Your Word each day.

Behold, I long for Your precepts; revive me through Your righteousness. I want to long for your precepts. It is the righteousness of God which has saved me. I pray my greatest desire is sanctification. May I long for the knowledge of Your every word. Again, Revive me. Resuscitate me. Awaken me from the dead. Lift me up for righteousness represents life and unrighteousness represents a life that is being led away from God. Lord, revive me.  

Promise: Revive Me Lord, in your ways, in your righteousness. Make me walk in the path of your commandments. This is where I want to reside.

Psalm 119:1-8 - The Blessedness of Keeping God's Law

Psalm 119:1-8

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!

Message: The Blessedness of Keeping God's Law

Time: The psalms were written by many different people across a period of a thousand years in Israel's history. They are thought to have been compiled and put together in their present form by some unknown editor shortly after the captivity ended about 537 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

At first glance, this is a great statement and then a great prayer, beginning in verse 4.

Blessed are those whose way is blameless
The New Living Translation says, "Joyful are people of integrity." As has been studied earlier, these two phrases evidence Parallelism. And so these two phrases here are synonymous parallelism as they repeat the same idea in both lines. So, it means the same thing "whose way is blameless" and "who walk in the law of the Lord." 

Now, this is interesting because having a way that is blameless or walking in the Law of the Lord is something I will never do. I will never achieve this. I am incapable. Is this a reminder that I need a Savior to completely perform this task and I also need a Savior to help me perform this task? I don't think this means I never try, but I can start each day afresh in this idea to have a blameless way and walk in the Law. I think therefore that what David or the writer is saying is that my life is to be oriented towards walking in the way that is blameless. It is to be my desire.

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies
Once again, if this is parallelism and synonymous parallelism, as the first verse is, then keeping his testimonies and seeking him with my whole heart, are the same. To keep his testimonies would be, I think, to keep his laws and thus, would be to always seek him with my whole heart. If I am truly seeking him, then I am doing what he says. And the next verse continues this repetition. I wonder if verse 1 and verse 2 and verse 3 are all the same thought? Verse 3 says, who do no wrong and walk in his ways.

He has commanded
God has spoken. The urgency to do what he says rests on the fact that He tells us to do it. David says that God is commanding us that His ways are to be kept diligently. They are not simply to be kept. They are to be kept diligently. Diligently is constantly in effort. Again, I can't do this. I must have divine help to even make an effort or try to attempt this. I will still fail, but I cannot think for a moment that I can have any success without God's involvement in my life.

The Prayer
Lord, may my ways be steadfast or unwavering in keeping your statutes. This is my goal and really, my dream. If I were to do this Lord, then I shall not be put to shame. I hate that feeling of distress when I do something that is wrong or foolish. And yet the only way to avoid this is having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I cannot do this Lord on my own, I admit this. I need you. I want to praise you with an upright heart or an honorable heart. Teach me your rules. It is my desire and my intent to keep your statutes. I do not ever want to be far from you or lost from you.

Promise: My place of righteousness is always based upon the life of Christ in me. 

Jesus Calling: July 14

Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life. 

Psalm 37:23-24 
English Standard Version

²³ The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
²⁴ though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand.

Psalm 16:11 
New King James Version

¹¹ You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

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


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

Jesus Calling: June 28

Taste and see that I am good. This command contains an invitation to experience My living Presence. It also contains a promise. The more you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness. This knowledge is essential to your faith-walk. When adversities strike, the human instinct is to doubt My goodness. My ways are mysterious, even to those who know Me intimately. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than your ways and thoughts. Do not try to fathom my ways. Instead, spend time enjoying Me and experiencing My goodness.

Psalm 34:8
English Standard Version

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Isaiah 55:8-9
English Standard Version

⁸ For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

My Prayer
Lord, you are kind, gracious, and merciful to all your people. You are good. You are so very good. Not a day goes by that I understand why you would save a wretched man like me. You have given me peace now and for all eternity. Your thoughts are not my thoughts. Your ways are not ways. I always am wanting my way instead of simply loving you Jesus always in all things. I wallow back and forth based upon good things happening to me or not. Forgive me for wrapping up my place with you each day based upon my circumstances. I watch men all the time try to figure out the beginning from the end, denying You often or stating that You are not even real. Thank you for making yourself so real to me. Help this world see You for who You really are. We've grown into a world in which opinions from everyone are so prevalent, to the point that beholding You as the truth is absent at times. But, I want to lift you up and not simply in this quiet moment, but give me the courage and confidence each day to shout Your name before people. As opportunities present themselves, help me to be a witness for You. Lord, I don't want my days to be about me and mapping out how my way will always be full of comfort, ease and safety. I want instead to praise Your name and accept whatever that comes, even if it is opposition, suffering, or death, because I know I'm with you forever. I want to hide myself in You. 

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

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

Romans 13:12-14 - Living in the Light of the Day

Romans 13:12-14 - ¹² The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. ¹³ Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. ¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Message: Put on the Lord Jesus Christ

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Overview
As a person in Christ, I am to "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ each day. I have a responsibility in how I live and breath and act in the world in which I live. I was reading from an article in TableTalk about living an Ordinary Life in such a manner that glorifies an extraordinary Man. It referenced I Thessalonians 4 and (1) controlling my sexual desires and living a pure life, (2) loving one another, especially those in the church, and (3) work hard and be content not being noticed. So, as I read these verses now in Romans that are a culmination of this section on my responsibility toward my neighbor, it helps me to focus on walking properly, put on the armor of light, cast off the works of darkness, make no provision for the flesh, do not gratify the flesh's desires, but instead put on the Lord Jesus Christ in my life. 

I have really enjoyed thinking about discipline and training myself and it is often a quest to live within the means of the person God has made me, and learn to control myself, so that I will walk in Christ. 

My central reason for living like this is not so that I would like pious or God would shine a light on Me, but I live this way to glorify God with my life for He has saved me, and there is no other way to live, but a life of gratitude. 

If people see good in me, then it is because of Jesus in Me and I want to give glory to God for this. 

Breaking it down

The night is far gone (v.12)
The night or darkness is cut off or has come to a close. I must remember that God declares me completely righteous ("The righteous man shall live by faith (1:17)"; "the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe (3:22)") and so in Christ the night or the opposite of light has been cut off and I am far gone from it. 

The day is at hand (v.12)
The glory of living in heaven is near. On one hand, living in darkness is gone from my life, and living with God in heaven is near or at hand. In between, I am being sanctified or growing in holiness and conformity to Christ. 

Preparation (v.12)
What does a person do that is preparing to go to the White House? They should put on their good clothes and clean themselves up. I think of all the details that occur when someone like the president comes to town for a visit. People roll out the red carpet, sometimes not literally, but often in ways such as making the surroundings look nice, making themselves look nice, and making sure every detail is ready. As a Christian, I am preparing to go to heaven, and even now, I should be in constant preparation. I should be living in anticipation of that day. I will want to put aside the works of darkness and instead present myself in the Light.  I am to put on the armor of light. This armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, hope, love, humility. 

Walk in the daytime (v. 13)
In the daytime, all of my actions are clearly seen. It is at dark that foul and wicked deeds are done. I am to live as if all my conduct were seen and there was nothing to conceal. My life should be lived the same way in private that is in lived in public. In public, my life is on its best behavior. But, my private life should be lived in the same manner. 

Not living in lewd behavior, strife, or envy (v.13)
There should not be any disorder or sensuality, rioting and drunkenness, lewd, immodest behavior. These are common to the heathen. There is a deception that is present in these sins. Often, there is the thought or idea that this type of behavior or living is better than simple monogamy. But, really this just is another type of drug or greed that takes place in life. Often times, what I notice in life, is that trusting God is difficult because we have things presented to us that seemingly have clear outcomes and they are things that the heathens shout from the rooftops that there is nothing better than these enjoyments. But, God asks us to trust Him. He created us and he created sensuality and so he most definitely understands how it should best be a part of our lives. And I need to remember this. My happiness in marriage means I am submitting to the Lord and accepting His hand of providence. 

The vices that are listed here are not independent of one another, but are often performed in concert with the others. Our envy results in us feeling like we must have what other people have. 

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (v.14)
Put on takes on the meaning of putting on a jacket or apparel. Jesus was different from anything in the previous verse. He was temperate, chaste, pure, peacable, and meek. He is to be my example, my guide, my pattern and guide. 

No provision (v.14)
On the contrary, make no quest for anything that is contrary to the Lord, or is natural man's desire.

Promise: Jesus is My everything

 

Jesus Calling: May 24

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

Genesis 3:8
English Standard Version

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

Psalm 89:15
English Standard Version

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

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

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

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

Jesus Calling: February 7

    Come to Me for Rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.

    Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be. You will get through today one step, one moment at a time. Your main responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me guide you through the many choices along your pathway.

    This sounds like an easy assignment, but it is not. Your desire to live in My Presence goes against the grain of "the world, the flesh, and the devil." Much of your weariness results from your constant battle against these opponents. However, you are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up! Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence. 

Romans 8:28

Amplified Bible (AMP)

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.

Psalm 42:11

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

My Prayer
I am tired. I don't feel right. I wake up in the morning, cloudy and just off. My head is spinning. I felt this way yesterday afternoon as well. Maybe it is still remnants of the illness. I'm not sure, but it doesn't feel right. Take charge Lord. Take charge of My life.

Lord, help me to be guided by You each step. I want to remain attentive to You. Guide me. Direct my paths and my time.

Forgive me for the way I choose things often that don't glorify You. I get impatient. I want rest and I want it in my way. I need Your strength.

I want to be bold. Help me look for ways to share You with others

Help me to Hope in God. And trust in His providence. 

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

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

Jesus Calling: February 1

Follow Me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways.
     Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

Psalm 18:29
English Standard Version
For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.

Psalm 91:11-12
Amplified Version
For he will give His angels (especial) charge over you 
to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 
They shall bear you up on their hands,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

2 Corinthians 5:7
New King James Version
for we walk by faith, not by sight.

My Prayer
Lord, don't let me be far from you, but help me to concentrate and focus on You each step. Keep me under Your control. Lord, I want to be ready for what is before me and that means that instead of focusing on what is ahead, I focus on You. I keep my focus on the High Road and let you define my walk. Don't let me get bogged down in what I see, but rather focus on Faith and living and walking by faith, not by sight. Lord, I admit that is really hard. Sometimes I think it would be easier if I was blind, literally, because then I would be forced to be led. Yet, my guess is, I would still think I am in control. Yet this is the picture I want in my life, to be blind and led by You.

Don't let me get ahead of myself. I do need to think about the big picture in decisions and even child rearing, but help me to not be stressed by future events that are completely uncertain. I can trust You for those outcomes. I can trust You; no, really, I can do it. Don't let me get sidetracked from today that I miss opportunities you have given me to talk to people about You and remind them that You are all we need.

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

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

Jesus Calling: January 31

I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.
     Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watch-care, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

Psalm 28:7
English Standard Version
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

Matthew 6:34
English Standard Version
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 56:3-4
English Standard Version
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?

Genesis 28:15
English Standard Version
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

My Prayer
You are my strength Lord. I wish I would realize this more each day. My days have so many weak moments when all I need to do is call on You for strength. Like the disciples on the boat with You Jesus as the storm turns violent, too often my focus shifts to the storm instead of remaining on You. You are my shield. You are the Protector of me, protecting me from any harm. Nothing can hit me too hard. Even though Job lost family and belongings, his most important investment--You--remained. Remind me that You are there. I can see You and You are working in me throughout these moments in life that I often am struggling with.

Lord, you have set this day in motion. It's not a surprise to You or a mystery, so therefore, help me to walk in You, in Christ. I want to remain with You, in touch with You. Remove worry from my life, and let me rest in You. "Don't you worry, tomorrow will take care of itself, I'm taking care of you." Those are words from Allies, the music group, and it's a reminder that Anxiety and worry are not to be a part of me. If fear rises up in me, I can put my trust in You. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

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

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