Proverbs 28:1 - The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
Message: The flight of the wicked
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:
Leviticus 26:17 - I will set my face against you, and you shall be struck down before your enemies. Those who hate you shall rule over you, and you shall flee when none pursues you. 26:36 - And as for those of you who are left, I will send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf shall put them to flight, and they shall flee as one flees from the sword, and they shall fall when none pursues.
Psalm 53:5 - There they are, in great terror, where there is no terror! For God scatters the bones of him who encamps against you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
The righteous man is bold because he has confidence in Jehovah the source of his strength. The righteous person is righteous because of Christ in him. The wicked flee because they are guilty of sin. They fear being found out. They fear being discovered. Sin exposes them.
Promise: We sin because we believe we do not have to fear God.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 31
Grow strong in your weakness. Some of My children I've gifted with abundant strength and stamina. Others, like you, have received the humble gift of frailty. Your fragility is not a punishment, nor does it indicate lack of faith. On the contrary, weak ones like you must live by faith, depending on Me to get you through the day. I am developing your ability to trust Me, to lean on Me, rather than on your understanding. Your natural preference is to plan out your day, knowing what will happen when. My preference is for you to depend on Me continually, trusting Me to guide you and strengthen you as needed. This is how you grow strong in your weakness.
James 4:13-15
English Standard Version
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
Proverbs 3:5
Amplified
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
Isaiah 40:28-31
English Standard Version
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
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.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Proverbs 15:3 - Our All-Seeing Lord
Proverbs 15:3 - The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Message: Our All-Seeing 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 am not sure this is a verse we want to admit is real. "The Eyes of the Lord are in every place." God can see me and see my life and everything in it. Do I really believe that is real, all the time? Because wouldn't my life change in what I did if I completely believed this? In the message this morning, the pastor gave this idea that we often don't really live from our heart. We live in our head often, but not in our heart.
Tabletalk says on January 22, 2015, "The Almighty is no passive observer. He takes stock of every situation, evaluating it according to His unchanging standards."
Proverbs 15:3 goes on, "keeping watch on the evil and the good." Tabletalk continues, "The use of the verb keeping watch in other contexts indicates that our Creator observes in such a way as to prepare Himself for the appropriate course of action. When people do good, God will reward them. When they do evil, they will suffer the consequences. We may not separate this from the biblical truth that outside of Christ, no one can do what is fully good according to God’s perfect standards and that even followers of Jesus fall short in their obedience. This is why we rely only on Christ’s perfect righteousness for our justification (Rom. 3:21-26; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 1:8-9). Still, we cannot allow that precious truth to blunt the force of Proverbs 15:3: God will deal appropriately with all of our deeds. This should motivate us to do what is right—not to get into the kingdom, for our deeds cannot merit salvation—that we might please our Father and receive blessings over and above our heavenly citizenship (Matt. 25:14-30)."
God is interested in our actions. He is interested in our choices. He is watching and keeping watch to see what we are doing and what the result will be.
Promise: I need to remember that the Lord is everywhere.
Message: Our All-Seeing 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 am not sure this is a verse we want to admit is real. "The Eyes of the Lord are in every place." God can see me and see my life and everything in it. Do I really believe that is real, all the time? Because wouldn't my life change in what I did if I completely believed this? In the message this morning, the pastor gave this idea that we often don't really live from our heart. We live in our head often, but not in our heart.
Tabletalk says on January 22, 2015, "The Almighty is no passive observer. He takes stock of every situation, evaluating it according to His unchanging standards."
Proverbs 15:3 goes on, "keeping watch on the evil and the good." Tabletalk continues, "The use of the verb keeping watch in other contexts indicates that our Creator observes in such a way as to prepare Himself for the appropriate course of action. When people do good, God will reward them. When they do evil, they will suffer the consequences. We may not separate this from the biblical truth that outside of Christ, no one can do what is fully good according to God’s perfect standards and that even followers of Jesus fall short in their obedience. This is why we rely only on Christ’s perfect righteousness for our justification (Rom. 3:21-26; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 1:8-9). Still, we cannot allow that precious truth to blunt the force of Proverbs 15:3: God will deal appropriately with all of our deeds. This should motivate us to do what is right—not to get into the kingdom, for our deeds cannot merit salvation—that we might please our Father and receive blessings over and above our heavenly citizenship (Matt. 25:14-30)."
God is interested in our actions. He is interested in our choices. He is watching and keeping watch to see what we are doing and what the result will be.
Promise: I need to remember that the Lord is everywhere.
Jesus Calling: August 30
There is no place so desolate that you cannot find Me there. When Hagar fled from her mistress, Sarah, into the wilderness, she thought she was utterly alone and forsaken. But Hagar encountered Me in that desolate place. There she addressed Me as the Living One who sees me. Through that encounter with My Presence, she gained courage to return to her mistress.
No act of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving Presence. Not only do I see you always; I see you as a redeemed saint, gloriously radiant in My righteousness. That is why I take great delight in you and rejoice over you with singing!
Genesis 16:7-14
Amplified
But the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness on the road to Shur. And
He said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where did you come from, and where are
you intending to go? And she said, I am running away from my mistress
Sarai. The Angel of the Lord said to her, Go back to your mistress and [humbly] submit to her control. Also
the Angel of the Lord said to her, I will multiply your descendants
exceedingly, so that they shall not be numbered for multitude. And
the Angel of the Lord continued, See now, you are with child and shall
bear a son, and shall call his name Ishmael [God hears], because the
Lord has heard and paid attention to your affliction. And he [Ishmael] will be as a wild ass among men; his hand will be against every man and every man’s hand against him, and he will live to the east and on the borders of all his kinsmen. So
she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her, You are a God of
seeing, for she said, Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked
upon Him Who sees me [and lived]? Or have I here also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me? Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi [A well to the Living One Who sees me]; it is between Kadesh and Bered.
Psalm 139:7-10
English Standard Version
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
Zephaniah 3:17
English Standard Version
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
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.
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.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 - The Sorrow That Attends Knowledge
Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 - 16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Message: The Sorrow That Attends Knowledge
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around
930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of
his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
[Note: Many of these words are taken from Albert Barnes commentary though Barnes only did a commentary on the New Testament and Ecclesiastes was written by F.C. Cook.]
As it began in verse 1, when the book started, these are the words of the Preacher or Ecclesiastes. The Hebrew word for Preacher is Koheleth and Preacher isn't even an adequate translation. It is a person in the act of calling together an assembly of people as if with the intention of addressing them. It is the action of Wisdom personified. Vanity is a key word in Ecclesiastes as it occurs 37 times. It has these meanings:
Leading up to verses 16-18 is the preacher seeking and searching out by wisdom all that are done under heaven (v. 12).
The Preacher says in his heart that he has acquired great wisdom, more than those before him and his heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. He is making the statement that his wisdom is greater than others. He then says he has directed or applied his heart to know what is wise, but also to know what is madness and folly. Folly is a lack of good sense. It is foolish behavior or unwise conduct. Madness is irrational conduct.
To adequately understand wisdom, the Preacher believed he must also know what is irrational conduct and unwise conduct. He was able to clearly see the difference between these two extremes. As he did this, he uncovered that this is also striving after wind. Yes, I want to be wise, but my quest is not only wisdom.
I think the key to Ecclesiastes is recognizing the balance that must occur in life. There must be margin. For in much wisdom comes much trouble and increasing knowledge increases sorrow.
I think the key here is we must understand our limitations. As humans, we don't possess all knowledge and there is a danger thinking that we do or can hope to attain.
[Note: Many of these words are taken from Albert Barnes commentary though Barnes only did a commentary on the New Testament and Ecclesiastes was written by F.C. Cook.]
As it began in verse 1, when the book started, these are the words of the Preacher or Ecclesiastes. The Hebrew word for Preacher is Koheleth and Preacher isn't even an adequate translation. It is a person in the act of calling together an assembly of people as if with the intention of addressing them. It is the action of Wisdom personified. Vanity is a key word in Ecclesiastes as it occurs 37 times. It has these meanings:
- that which passes away more or less quickly and completely
- that which leaves either no result or no adequate result behind, and therefore
- fails to satisfy the mind of man, which naturally craves for something permanent and progressive
- it also is applied to idols, as contrasted with the Living, Eternal, and Almighty God, and thus in the Hebrew it is connected with sin.
Leading up to verses 16-18 is the preacher seeking and searching out by wisdom all that are done under heaven (v. 12).
The Preacher says in his heart that he has acquired great wisdom, more than those before him and his heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. He is making the statement that his wisdom is greater than others. He then says he has directed or applied his heart to know what is wise, but also to know what is madness and folly. Folly is a lack of good sense. It is foolish behavior or unwise conduct. Madness is irrational conduct.
To adequately understand wisdom, the Preacher believed he must also know what is irrational conduct and unwise conduct. He was able to clearly see the difference between these two extremes. As he did this, he uncovered that this is also striving after wind. Yes, I want to be wise, but my quest is not only wisdom.
I think the key to Ecclesiastes is recognizing the balance that must occur in life. There must be margin. For in much wisdom comes much trouble and increasing knowledge increases sorrow.
I think the key here is we must understand our limitations. As humans, we don't possess all knowledge and there is a danger thinking that we do or can hope to attain.
Promise: It is important to realize there are limits to my understanding.
Jesus Calling: August 29
Demonstrate your trust in Me by sitting quietly in My Presence. Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. By waiting with Me before you begin the day's activities, you proclaim the reality of My Living Presence. This act of faith--waiting before working--is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness.
The most effective way to resist evil is to draw near Me. When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word. The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy. When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more.
Luke 12:22-26
English Standard Version
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
Ephesians 6:12
English Standard Version
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Proverbs 16:3
English Standard Version
Commit your work to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.
My Prayer
Lord, I must admit, I have trouble at times just sitting and being quiet. It seems like something is already on in front of me or I am always looking at my phone or something else. I have been reading your EM Bounds on Prayer and I am often reminded at how little I really focus my efforts or time on prayer, this man that would pray for 3 hours each morning.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 28
Grow strong in the Light of My Presence. As My Face shines upon you, you receive nutrients that enhance your growth in grace. I designed you to commune with Me face-to-Face, and this interaction strengthens your soul. Such communion provides a tiny glimpse of what awaits you in heaven, where all barriers between you and My Glory will be removed. This meditative time with Me blesses you doubly: you experience My Presence here and now, and you are refreshed by the hope of heaven, where you will know Me in ecstatic joy.Psalm 4:6-8
English Standard Version
There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Verse thoughts
I am often seeking out every possible place for joy, when God gives me joy and peace in His Word. God is the author of joy.
Revelation 21:23
Revelation 21:23
English Standard Version
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
My Prayer
Keep me focused on Your Lord. Keep your Face shining on me. I want to surrender to You and allow Your Presence to move through me, giving me strength for each day. I am a sinner in need of Your Presence. I continually do things each day out of anger and impatience. Help me to never forsake spending time with You. I need Your Word daily in my life. I want to know You through Your Words and through Your Presence.
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.
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.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Psalm 6 - A Prayer for Deliverance
Psalm 6 - 1 O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. 2 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. 3 My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord—how long? 4 Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise? 6 I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. 7 My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes. 8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer. 10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.
Message: A Prayer for Deliverance
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 am not sure what exactly (nor are the commentators) the writer of this Psalm (probably David) is experiencing upon him voicing this prayer. But, he felt like it was important to write down and record. He was obviously feeling a deep sense of hurt. It may not been because of any sin in his own life for he does not mention any sin.
O Lord, I am at a low point and while there are times when I need your correction and rebuke because of the sin in my life, I ask that you not correct me right now. This world I live in is corrupt and foul mouthed and disregards you over and over, in more ways than one. You deserve to give wrath and anger, but I ask you withhold it from me at this time. Be gracious to me O Lord for I am at a loss of spirit and vigor. Heal me, for my body aches. And my soul is greatly troubled. Lord, how long? How long must I stay in this state? How long do I stay in this condition?Turn me around. Deliver my life. Save me for the sake of your never-ending Love. You are a God who is to remembered and to be praised, but if I die I cannot do this, and I want to continue to do this. I don't want to wade through the waters of my own misery, but rather I want to turn my focus on You and remember all of the things you have done for me, praising You.My moaning continues. My bed is filled with my tears as I cry myself to sleep. My outlook on life is one of despair and grief. All I can see many times is my enemies or my foes. "Depart from me, all you evil ones, for the Lord hears me and hears me in my weeping. You work evil out, but God is near me." Thank you God for hearing me and thank you God for accepting my prayer. My my enemies be ashamed of their conduct. May the wicked fail in their schemes, immediately. May there ways be confused right now, so they don't continue in their wrath, but it stops, right now.
Promise: God is there in moments of feeling defeated.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 27
Spend time with Me for the pure pleasure of being in My company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days; I can add sparkle to the routines of daily life. You have to repeat so many tasks day after day. This monotony can dull your thinking until your mind slips into neutral. A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to "the world, the flesh, and the devil," all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant Companion.
Even the most confusing day opens up before you as you go step by step with Me. My Presence goes with you wherever you go, providing Light for your path.
Psalm 63:7-8
English Standard Version
7 for you have been my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 119:105
English Standard Version
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
My Prayer (2024)
O God, how easy it is to arise and simply start down the road of engaging with life and all that it presents and before I know it, my time with you is segmented or rushed or completely absent. Keep me centered on the sweetness of being with You, walking through Your words, talking to You about my life and days. Refocus me on You. You are my help. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. When I take those moments to dive into Your words, it brings with it a comfort and peace that yes indeed, surpasses all understanding.
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 17:22 - The Good Medicine of Joy
Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Message: The Good Medicine of Joy
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 know this proverb is the truth. I know that it is good to have joy. I remember working at a Christian book store in the 90s, before the kids were born, and the comment by the owner's wife was that I always looked miserable. I think they were actually thinking about letting me go because that was my demeanor. I don't know if I am thoughtful or feel burdened or what. I do know it is my nature to stay as busy as I can in tasks and sometimes I make things more complicated than they should be. I also generally take on tasks that require a lot of work. I notice people at my work place that always have this joy or happiness towards life. They smile often. Yet, I think they are living this way without having a personal relationship with Jesus. I do have this and yet, why do I not have more joy. I do think I am improving.
Solomon uses the term "medicine" as if to say that a joyful heart promotes health. A "broken spirit" that is this way because of affliction or conscience of sins "dries the bones" or destroys life. The ancients recognized the link between mental and spiritual tranquility and physical health.
Other Proverbs:
Message: The Good Medicine of Joy
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 know this proverb is the truth. I know that it is good to have joy. I remember working at a Christian book store in the 90s, before the kids were born, and the comment by the owner's wife was that I always looked miserable. I think they were actually thinking about letting me go because that was my demeanor. I don't know if I am thoughtful or feel burdened or what. I do know it is my nature to stay as busy as I can in tasks and sometimes I make things more complicated than they should be. I also generally take on tasks that require a lot of work. I notice people at my work place that always have this joy or happiness towards life. They smile often. Yet, I think they are living this way without having a personal relationship with Jesus. I do have this and yet, why do I not have more joy. I do think I am improving.
Solomon uses the term "medicine" as if to say that a joyful heart promotes health. A "broken spirit" that is this way because of affliction or conscience of sins "dries the bones" or destroys life. The ancients recognized the link between mental and spiritual tranquility and physical health.
Other Proverbs:
- Proverbs 14:30 - A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.
- Proverbs 15:13 - A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
We can promote a cheerful heart by dwelling on the bright things of our lot; by counting up the mercies which are left, rather than dwelling on what we have lost. When the heart is full of the light and love of God, can it be other than cheerful? How can this be obtained except by a living union with Jesus Christ. In Him there is an infinitude of supply of peace and joy, sunshine and light.From Our Daily Walk:
In a Better Homes and Gardens article titled “Laugh Your Way to Good Health, ”Nick Gallo made an observation that echoes what Solomon wrote thousands of years ago:“ A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Gallo said,“ Humor is good medicine-and can actually help keep you in good health.” He quoted William F. Fry, M.D., who describes laughter as “inner jogging” and says that it’s good for a person’s cardiovascular system.From Our Daily Walk:
Comparing laughter to exercise, Gallo pointed out that when a person laughs heartily several physical benefits occur. There’s a temporary lowering of blood pressure, a decreased rate of breathing, and a reduction in muscle tension. He said that many people sense a “relaxed afterglow.” He concluded, “An enduring sense of humor, especially combined with other inner resources such as faith and optimism, appears to be a potent force for better health.”
Christians, above all others, should benefit from laughter because we have the greatest reason to be joyful. Our faith is firmly rooted in God, and our optimism is based on the assurance that our lives are under His wise control.
Entertainers who can make people hilarious with their humor draw fabulous salaries. Laugh meters register the success of a performer, and mil-lions subscribe to the old axiom, "Laughter is the best medicine." We who know the Lord recognize that the adage just quoted contains a good deal of truth. However, we also realize that the world's gaiety is usually shallow, because it does not come from within, nor arise from true contentment of spirit. What men really need is the "deep-down laughter of the heart." Therefore the writer of Proverbs says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Physicians will confirm that people with true faith in God and a real "will to live" have a much better rate of survival than downhearted, depressed individuals. Yes, "laughter of the heart" is a splendid "medicine"!Promise: This is a truth I need to see more of in my life.
The words "rejoice" and "joy" appear in the Bible hundreds of times. Think of Paul writing his epistles from a Roman prison and saying, "Rejoice, and again I say rejoice!" Yet, when we think it through, this is not so strange, for believers should be the most contented of all people, knowing that their Savior has forgiven their sins, given them peace with God, and that He constantly guides their feet. Then, to crown it all, eternal glory also awaits them at the end of their earthly road. No wonder the Psalmist exclaims, "Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous" (Ps. 97:12).
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 26
Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm--your Peace in My Presence--need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.
Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you.
John 16:33
English Standard Version
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Psalm 105:4
English Standard Version
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!
John 14:27
English Standard Version
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
My Prayer (2019)
Lord, I love the quiet of the morning, rising, seeing the breaking of the dawn. The day is quiet and peaceful. It is fresh and untainted. It is a sweet time to be with You God. I start this day anew with You. O Spirit, forgive me for so often fighting with You - You simply want me to rest with You always as you reveal the new life that You have placed in me - to make me like Jesus not simply in these few minutes with you in the morning but throughout the entire day as I engage in obstacles, trials, uncertainties - as I encounter people that are also following You but also those that are going the opposite way. The world does not give this peace, yet so many around me are seeking to find it in the world. It is only in You Jesus. I have it.
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 1:8-9 - Heeding Godly Authorities
Proverbs 1:8-9 - 8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching,
9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
Message: Heeding Godly Authorities: There is value in both father and mother
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:
Hear, My son
The reader here is addressed with parental kindness and also authority. These words are to be heard, so they need to also be said. The father is to be present in the son's life. He is to speak and be giving instruction. The ambition or goal of the father is not simply to be a buddy or a pal, but to be an instructor and teacher. I was thinking today that my son's highest ideal is often pleasing himself or pleasing his children. My son has difficulty seeing too far in the future. I must watch out for him. I must give him information and guidance that he possibly doesn't see or he see's, but does not place much priority on it.
Forsake not
Do not forsake or reject or neglect the teaching or the law of the mother. The father here instructs. The mother lays down the rules that are to be followed. The father gives instruction to those rules. Children need to value their parents words, especially those that take the time to say something.
Adornment
To the Israelite's mind no signs or badges of joy or glory were higher in worth than the garland round the head, the gold chain round the neck, worn by kings and the favorites of kings. Thus, the words of a father and the teaching of a mother, yield, when followed, the highest worth in the kingdom or time or place.
In going through the 10 commandments with people, my friend often has noted with people the placement of the commandment, "Honor your father and mother" and where it sits in relation to the other commandments. It is the first commandment for those commandments that speak of relationships a person has with others. It precedes murder, lying, stealing, coveting, adultery. Before any of those commandments is the call to honor your father and mother. It is, as if, those words are heeded then the rest of the commandments are not needed.
Promise: Hear and do not reject your parents.
9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
Message: Heeding Godly Authorities: There is value in both father and mother
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:
Hear, My son
The reader here is addressed with parental kindness and also authority. These words are to be heard, so they need to also be said. The father is to be present in the son's life. He is to speak and be giving instruction. The ambition or goal of the father is not simply to be a buddy or a pal, but to be an instructor and teacher. I was thinking today that my son's highest ideal is often pleasing himself or pleasing his children. My son has difficulty seeing too far in the future. I must watch out for him. I must give him information and guidance that he possibly doesn't see or he see's, but does not place much priority on it.
Forsake not
Do not forsake or reject or neglect the teaching or the law of the mother. The father here instructs. The mother lays down the rules that are to be followed. The father gives instruction to those rules. Children need to value their parents words, especially those that take the time to say something.
Adornment
To the Israelite's mind no signs or badges of joy or glory were higher in worth than the garland round the head, the gold chain round the neck, worn by kings and the favorites of kings. Thus, the words of a father and the teaching of a mother, yield, when followed, the highest worth in the kingdom or time or place.
In going through the 10 commandments with people, my friend often has noted with people the placement of the commandment, "Honor your father and mother" and where it sits in relation to the other commandments. It is the first commandment for those commandments that speak of relationships a person has with others. It precedes murder, lying, stealing, coveting, adultery. Before any of those commandments is the call to honor your father and mother. It is, as if, those words are heeded then the rest of the commandments are not needed.
Promise: Hear and do not reject your parents.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 25
I am the eternal I am; I always have been, and I always will be. In My Presence you experience Love and Light, Peace and Joy. I am intimately involved in all your moments, and I am training you to be aware of Me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with Me in this training process.
I have taken up residence within you; I am central in your innermost being. Your mind goes off to tangents from its holy Creator, time after time. Do not be alarmed by your inability to remain focused on Me. Simply bring your thoughts gently back to Me each time they wander. The quickest way to redirect your mind to me is to whisper My Name.
Exodus 3:14
English Standard Version
God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
I Corinthians 3:16
English Standard Version
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
Verse thoughts
The great purpose of Christianity is to make His genuine followers like Jesus Christ. The temple of God is the church. Jesus' presence is manifested by the Spirit. His Spirit dwells in us, thus He (the Spirit) is making us like Jesus Christ.
Psalm 25:14-15
English Standard Version
14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
Verse thoughts
Only those who have been born again, who have true fellowship (friendship) with the Lord can understand Him, know His covenant. We should not be baffled that people do not understand us. As a follower of Jesus you are going to be different, separate, unique - don't resist this and don't expect those that are not called will be like you. Yes, often we feel caught (in a net), yet our eyes remain on Him. He will help us out of any trouble.
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.
and he makes known to them his covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
Verse thoughts
Only those who have been born again, who have true fellowship (friendship) with the Lord can understand Him, know His covenant. We should not be baffled that people do not understand us. As a follower of Jesus you are going to be different, separate, unique - don't resist this and don't expect those that are not called will be like you. Yes, often we feel caught (in a net), yet our eyes remain on Him. He will help us out of any trouble.
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.
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 - Vanity of Vanities
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
3 What does man gain by all the toil
at which he toils under the sun?
4 A generation goes, and a generation comes,
but the earth remains forever.
5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down,
and hastens to the place where it rises.
6 The wind blows to the south
and goes around to the north;
around and around goes the wind,
and on its circuits the wind returns.
7 All streams run to the sea,
but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow,
there they flow again.
8 All things are full of weariness;
a man cannot utter it;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there a thing of which it is said,
“See, this is new”?
It has been already
in the ages before us.
11 There is no remembrance of former things,
nor will there be any remembrance
of later things yet to be
among those who come after.
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
3 What does man gain by all the toil
at which he toils under the sun?
4 A generation goes, and a generation comes,
but the earth remains forever.
5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down,
and hastens to the place where it rises.
6 The wind blows to the south
and goes around to the north;
around and around goes the wind,
and on its circuits the wind returns.
7 All streams run to the sea,
but the sea is not full;
to the place where the streams flow,
there they flow again.
8 All things are full of weariness;
a man cannot utter it;
the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
nor the ear filled with hearing.
9 What has been is what will be,
and what has been done is what will be done,
and there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there a thing of which it is said,
“See, this is new”?
It has been already
in the ages before us.
11 There is no remembrance of former things,
nor will there be any remembrance
of later things yet to be
among those who come after.
Message: Vanity of vanities; the perspective of life
Time: Solomon's authorship is not stated. Solomon's reign as king of Israel lasted from around 970 B.C. to around
930 B.C. The Book of Ecclesiastes was likely written towards the end of
his reign, approximately 935 B.C.
What the Lord is Saying:
The focus here with this book is not that all things are meaningless and there is nothing in life that is of value, but "vanity" means that we need to put our lives in perspective. There should be lessons we learn in this life that do not make sense, just for this life. Our perspective should be eternal. We should see that this life is temporal, as this chapter mentions often:
The focus here with this book is not that all things are meaningless and there is nothing in life that is of value, but "vanity" means that we need to put our lives in perspective. There should be lessons we learn in this life that do not make sense, just for this life. Our perspective should be eternal. We should see that this life is temporal, as this chapter mentions often:
- What does man gain by all the toil (v.3) - man works hard, but his hard work has often few results; yes, it may add to a standard of living, but that is temporary often; man needs to be focused on the quality of his life verses just gaining his toil.
- A generation goes, and a generation comes (v. 4) - if we just look at our lives, we see history; one people are present, then another
- We can watch the earth and its movements (v. 5-7) and see that it just goes through cycles; again, this should remind us that life is temporary and repetitious.
- Eye/ear not satisfied (v. 8) - the eyes and ears always want more out of life. One TV show will never do it; i need a series to see and listen.
- Under the sun (v. 3,9) - there is nothing new under the sun; this should point us to a different sun; another time and place; I should be reminded that nothing is really new (v. 10); it all repeats, just in different ways.
This is most interesting. Our perspective needs to be eternal. This doesn't mean that there is no happiness we can take from the world, our job, our money, our families, but we are to keep them in the right perspective and focus on them in the right way. What Solomon will often do is weigh them and find, to their fullest extent, they are missing something. Isn't it amazing how many movie stars, musicians, with fame and fortune, still overdose on drugs and die? They have everything they had hoped and yet they don't have peace and are still looking for comfort in something else.
Promise: Ultimately, we can only find meaning in the Creator who creates all and invests life into all.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 24
I am all around you, hovering over you even as you seek My Face. I am nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe. If My children could only recognize My Presence, they would never feel lonely again. I know every thought before you think it, every word before you speak it. My Presence impinges on your innermost being. Can you see the absurdity of trying to hide anything from Me? You can easily deceive other people, and even yourself; but I read you like an open, large-print book.
Deep within themselves, most people have some awareness of My imminent Presence. Many people run from Me and vehemently deny My existence, because My closeness terrifies them. But My own children have nothing to fear, for I have cleansed them by My blood and clothed them in My righteousness. Be blessed by My intimate nearness. Since I live in you, let Me also live through you, shining My light into the darkness.
Psalm 139:1-4
English Standard Version
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
Ephesians 2:13
English Standard Version
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21
English Standard Version
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.
Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 23
Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love.
When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do.
Genesis 22:9-12
English Standard Version
9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”
Ephesians 3:20
English Standard Version
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
Exodus 33:14
English Standard Version
And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.
Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
Psalm 119:9-16 - God's Word In the Heart
Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Message: God's Word in the Heart
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:
Background
In beginning to read Psalm 119 yesterday, I felt like the first 4 verses were sort of different than what began in verse 5. From verse 5 on, it seems to be a prayer. The first 4 verses were more of a declaration that we need to have a perspective or an orientation to walking a blameless way, walking and keeping the law of the Lord, seeking Him with our whole heart, acknowledging that God has asked us to keep diligently His commands. This is who I am in Christ. This is my position before the Lord. The Lord calls me, I answer, and my life is to be lived in purpose to Him and His commands. And then I discover that while I thought at first it was primarily about being secure with God forever for eternity, as He learn and walk in His ways I discover this is the only way to live in peace. Suddenly, there is a freedom in Christ.
Here is verse 9 continues the prayer.
A young man ponders his future (v. 9)
Looking at verse 9, I see a statement and then a man confessing to the Lord a desire. "How can a young man keep his way pure?" I think sometimes I have forgotten what it is to be a young man. Young men are specially exposed to temptation. As a young man, principles are still being established in their lives. The young man is pondering the question, "How can I be saved from the corruption of my own heart, and escape the temptations to which I am exposed to in my early years and lead a pure and upright life?"
But, I also see that maybe this question is not even being asked. I think at its most rudimentary level the Christian is actually always asking or should be asking himself questions. As life is lived in the world and an engagement occurs with the world and its ways, are we asking questions? Or are people just living? I think what I see often is there is simply a going through the motions of life which occurs. Acceptance and belonging are so important in those early years. So the ambition is not necessarily purity, but instead it is belonging to another. So, the young person needs to ask the question and even be reminded that seeking purity is important.
The answer to this question is to take heed and guard themselves according to God's word. And yet this may still be the question. The Hebrew of this phrase is "to keep according to thy word." And so the second phrase is not the answer yet, but instead a continuation of the question, so "how can a young man keep his way pure, guarding it according to your word?" But, the answer would still be for the young man to guard his life according to God's word. It is true that life needs to be anchored by God's words.
With my whole heart I seek you (v. 10)
Yet, I see something a little different in verse 10 if the entirety of verse 9 is the question. Verse 10 begins with the statement, "With my whole heart I seek you."
It is interesting, one of the major turning points, I believe, in my marriage, has been to really hone in and live out that little principle from Paul in Ephesians, "Husbands, love your wives (Ephesians 5:25)." I tried so hard over the years to find ways to fix my problems, setting up accountability partners, making sure I am not in compromising situations, reading and memorizing God's word. I do think all of these things are good and needed and necessary, but it wasn't until I really focused in on the idea of "loving my wife" that then those things made sense and worked. But, it started with having a love for my wife.
And here in this verse 10 is the phrase, "With my whole heart I seek you." As the psalmist writes those words, "according to your word," the word he speaks of, at that time, consisted of what? Not sure, but it definitely wasn't much. It was mostly words to Moses. At this time, the Word was still evolving and would for hundreds of years. And yet their were basic tenets that were clear.
I think what is important is to read verse 9 and 10 together. Yes, we are to start with seeking the Lord with my whole heart. It is because I have a desire to be pure, but it is in the context of God's word. Those must stand interconnected and not be separated. People in life, over time, will definitely see each of those at different times and in seeking them they will think they have achieved it all, but they all must stay connected.
I notice in society right now that Love becomes the highest ideal, but Love is only truly love in the context of recognizing Who created it. Just because I feel love and feel a belonging doesn't mean it is correct. It must be in the context of God and His word. I am not to wander from His commandments.
I think one of the big applications of this right now in society is the homosexual relationship. The focus is on love and two people loving each other and that becomes the highest good. Then, after that is achieved, then they try to bring the Bible into it. The bottom line is homosexuality is not consistent with biblical teaching. From Adam and Eve, to even Jesus, the assumption in relationship talk is a man and woman, a husband and wife. What homosexuals do is begin with premise of love and then try to define the Bible around it. The context of these verses is to start with a desire for purity, base it on the commands of God and then seek Him with our whole heart.
Treasured God's Word (v. 11)
This is a great verse, "I have stored up your word in my heart." God's utterances or His words are the treasure in my life. It is deposited into my heart. I work hard and earn money and then money allows me to buy things I need. I work and build up mini-treasures that allow me to live. This is the idea, God's word is our treasure.
And these words, treasured or stored in my heart, are there to keep me from sinning. I should be a changed person with God's words close to me.
Teach me (v. 12)
What has happened? I have yielded to you Lord. I do not want to wander. Your word is stored up in my heart. Now, teach me. Make me more and more acquainted.
My lips declare (v. 13)
This is not an inward, personal, practice of following God's commands and sticking to His ways. This is something my lips will declare. My mouth makes known to others the change that has occurred. I do not simply study God's word to be personally well versed, but my zeal is to show other people. It is to help others see and know God's truth.
I delight in God's laws (v. 14)
This is not a toil or a burden, but this is my delight. I love having things and buying things and filling my lot, but in the ways of God I delight, as much as in all riches.
Mediate (v. 15)
You words will I meditate on and fix my eyes on.
Not forget (v.16)
I will not forget. This will not be a momentary thing in my life. The world will try to crowd my thinking with other things. But, I will not let it happen.
Promise: The Bible is not simply stored in our lives and homes. It is studied, it is meditated on, it is my delight, my treasure, it is taught, my lips speak of it, I never forget it.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
10 With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
13 With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
14 In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
Message: God's Word in the Heart
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:
Background
In beginning to read Psalm 119 yesterday, I felt like the first 4 verses were sort of different than what began in verse 5. From verse 5 on, it seems to be a prayer. The first 4 verses were more of a declaration that we need to have a perspective or an orientation to walking a blameless way, walking and keeping the law of the Lord, seeking Him with our whole heart, acknowledging that God has asked us to keep diligently His commands. This is who I am in Christ. This is my position before the Lord. The Lord calls me, I answer, and my life is to be lived in purpose to Him and His commands. And then I discover that while I thought at first it was primarily about being secure with God forever for eternity, as He learn and walk in His ways I discover this is the only way to live in peace. Suddenly, there is a freedom in Christ.
Here is verse 9 continues the prayer.
A young man ponders his future (v. 9)
Looking at verse 9, I see a statement and then a man confessing to the Lord a desire. "How can a young man keep his way pure?" I think sometimes I have forgotten what it is to be a young man. Young men are specially exposed to temptation. As a young man, principles are still being established in their lives. The young man is pondering the question, "How can I be saved from the corruption of my own heart, and escape the temptations to which I am exposed to in my early years and lead a pure and upright life?"
But, I also see that maybe this question is not even being asked. I think at its most rudimentary level the Christian is actually always asking or should be asking himself questions. As life is lived in the world and an engagement occurs with the world and its ways, are we asking questions? Or are people just living? I think what I see often is there is simply a going through the motions of life which occurs. Acceptance and belonging are so important in those early years. So the ambition is not necessarily purity, but instead it is belonging to another. So, the young person needs to ask the question and even be reminded that seeking purity is important.
The answer to this question is to take heed and guard themselves according to God's word. And yet this may still be the question. The Hebrew of this phrase is "to keep according to thy word." And so the second phrase is not the answer yet, but instead a continuation of the question, so "how can a young man keep his way pure, guarding it according to your word?" But, the answer would still be for the young man to guard his life according to God's word. It is true that life needs to be anchored by God's words.
With my whole heart I seek you (v. 10)
Yet, I see something a little different in verse 10 if the entirety of verse 9 is the question. Verse 10 begins with the statement, "With my whole heart I seek you."
It is interesting, one of the major turning points, I believe, in my marriage, has been to really hone in and live out that little principle from Paul in Ephesians, "Husbands, love your wives (Ephesians 5:25)." I tried so hard over the years to find ways to fix my problems, setting up accountability partners, making sure I am not in compromising situations, reading and memorizing God's word. I do think all of these things are good and needed and necessary, but it wasn't until I really focused in on the idea of "loving my wife" that then those things made sense and worked. But, it started with having a love for my wife.
And here in this verse 10 is the phrase, "With my whole heart I seek you." As the psalmist writes those words, "according to your word," the word he speaks of, at that time, consisted of what? Not sure, but it definitely wasn't much. It was mostly words to Moses. At this time, the Word was still evolving and would for hundreds of years. And yet their were basic tenets that were clear.
I think what is important is to read verse 9 and 10 together. Yes, we are to start with seeking the Lord with my whole heart. It is because I have a desire to be pure, but it is in the context of God's word. Those must stand interconnected and not be separated. People in life, over time, will definitely see each of those at different times and in seeking them they will think they have achieved it all, but they all must stay connected.
I notice in society right now that Love becomes the highest ideal, but Love is only truly love in the context of recognizing Who created it. Just because I feel love and feel a belonging doesn't mean it is correct. It must be in the context of God and His word. I am not to wander from His commandments.
I think one of the big applications of this right now in society is the homosexual relationship. The focus is on love and two people loving each other and that becomes the highest good. Then, after that is achieved, then they try to bring the Bible into it. The bottom line is homosexuality is not consistent with biblical teaching. From Adam and Eve, to even Jesus, the assumption in relationship talk is a man and woman, a husband and wife. What homosexuals do is begin with premise of love and then try to define the Bible around it. The context of these verses is to start with a desire for purity, base it on the commands of God and then seek Him with our whole heart.
Treasured God's Word (v. 11)
This is a great verse, "I have stored up your word in my heart." God's utterances or His words are the treasure in my life. It is deposited into my heart. I work hard and earn money and then money allows me to buy things I need. I work and build up mini-treasures that allow me to live. This is the idea, God's word is our treasure.
And these words, treasured or stored in my heart, are there to keep me from sinning. I should be a changed person with God's words close to me.
Teach me (v. 12)
What has happened? I have yielded to you Lord. I do not want to wander. Your word is stored up in my heart. Now, teach me. Make me more and more acquainted.
My lips declare (v. 13)
This is not an inward, personal, practice of following God's commands and sticking to His ways. This is something my lips will declare. My mouth makes known to others the change that has occurred. I do not simply study God's word to be personally well versed, but my zeal is to show other people. It is to help others see and know God's truth.
I delight in God's laws (v. 14)
This is not a toil or a burden, but this is my delight. I love having things and buying things and filling my lot, but in the ways of God I delight, as much as in all riches.
Mediate (v. 15)
You words will I meditate on and fix my eyes on.
Not forget (v.16)
I will not forget. This will not be a momentary thing in my life. The world will try to crowd my thinking with other things. But, I will not let it happen.
Promise: The Bible is not simply stored in our lives and homes. It is studied, it is meditated on, it is my delight, my treasure, it is taught, my lips speak of it, I never forget it.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 22
Trust Me, and don't be afraid. I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust-muscles. You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons. When you start to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me. Speak out loud, if circumstances permit. Resist the devil in My Name, and he will slink away from you. Refresh yourself in My holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will shine radiantly upon you.
Remember that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Me. You have been judged NOT GUILTY for all eternity. Trust Me, and don't be afraid; for I am your Strength, Song, and Salvation.
James 4:7
English Standard Version
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Romans 8:1-2
English Standard Version
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Isaiah 12:2
English Standard Version
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.
Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.
Psalm 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!
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.
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.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Jesus Calling: August 21
Wait with Me for a while. I have much to tell you. You are walking along the path I have chosen for you. It is both a privileged and a perilous way: experiencing My glorious Presence and heralding that reality to others. Sometimes you feel presumptuous to be carrying out such an assignment.
Do not worry about what other people think of you. The work I am doing in you is hidden at first. But eventually blossoms will burst forth, and abundant fruit will be borne. Stay on the path of Life with Me. Trust Me wholeheartedly, letting My Spirit fill you with Joy and Peace.
I Kings 8:23
English Standard Version
And said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart;
Galatians 5:22-23
English Standard Version
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
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 21:30-31 - Our Wisdom and God's
Proverbs 21:30-31 -
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
can avail against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord.
can avail against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but the victory belongs to the Lord.
Message: Our Wisdom and God's
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:
Here in these verses, I believe, is the idea that no amount of personal wisdom, understanding, or counsel can ever lessen the need for the Lord. Nothing is greater than God. Sin, is our attempt, to rescue ourselves, through our own means. We do not want to look to God and His ways for accountability, but rather we want to think that our own personal outcomes will succeed in giving us peace, wisdom, understanding, or counsel. This is the big danger with sin. It deceives us when we think that sex outside of marriage is okay or getting drunk is not that big of a deal (i needed it; it helped me to be rescued from the stresses of life or looking at pornography is okay because i don't have an outlet for that sexual need or lying is okay because I do not want to hurt someone or stealing is okay because I have a need and society is not meeting it, and the list goes on. Rather than submitting to the Lord and His ways, we find these pursuits are able to rescue us from what life presents to us. We then view ourselves as wise, having understanding, and recipients of good counsel.
And verse 31 is a reminder that even the best laid out plans for man does not excuse him from God's path for man. Is it good to eat properly? Yes. Is it good to manage our money well? Yes. Is it good to go to church on Sunday? Yes. But, I am to not thing that by doing these things, I will then avoid God's intended path for me. The victory belongs to the Lord, not to me. He gets the glory. The horse is made ready for the battle, but the victory is the Lord's. I submit and surrender to Him.
Promise: God has the final say in all matters.
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