John 18:25-27 - Simon Peter Denies Jesus

John 18:25-27

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed.

Message: Simon Peter Denies Jesus

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, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, and pulls 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 seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus (the first time). 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. 

Verses 19-24 were about Jesus and his confrontation with Annas. Now 25 seems to be picking up where verse 18 left off and Peter warming himself at the first after denying Jesus for the first time. Now in these verses he denies Jesus two more times.  

I suppose there is an interesting contrast here. Jesus stands up to Annas and Caiaphas and says he spoke the truth of Himself and to ask the disciples. And then Peter when given the opportunity to speak denies Jesus several times. 

From Tabletalk -- Dr. R.C. Sproul writes in his commentary John that Jesus “had no need to die for people who are sinless, for there are no such people. He gave Himself for people who have it in them to betray Him, people like you and me. However, He will never betray those on whom He sets His love, but will love them faithfully for all time.”

Summary: Peter was questioned two more times about his association with Jesus and two more times Peter denies being a disciple of Jesus. 

Promise: We can never be worthy of Christ's love. But we should be people that confess Jesus as Lord. 

Prayer: Lord, you are holy and true. Your ways are right and you are faithful to Your words. You stand for truth and You are faithful to your message. As sinners Lord, we often are instead denying You before men. I pray that this would not be so in my life. I do hope that when given the opportunity I would surrender myself to You. I ask that I have the courage to hold up your name before others and glorify You in all I do and say. 

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

John 18:19-24 - Before a Kangaroo Court

John 18:19-24

19 The high priest therefore questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. 21 "Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; behold, these now what I said." 22 And when He had said this, one of the officers standing by gave Jesus a blow, saying, "Is that the way You answer the high priest?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, bear witness of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?" 24 Annas therefore sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 

Message: Before a Kangaroo Court

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, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, and pulls 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 seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. 

In verse 19, the high priest is questioning Jesus, it seems with a desire to find out his impact. This is unorthodox for someone that has been arrested, for the questioning should be only addressed to the witnesses instead of the accuser. Jesus makes mention of this in verse 21 - "Question those who have heard what I spoke to them." Why go to the accuser to ask him about the impact he has on others, instead go to those that have possibly been impacted. 

Jesus remarks that He spoke "openly" and did not hide, but went to the temple and synagogues. 

But this did not go over well with those asking the questions, for one of the officers hit Jesus for him responding to a question with a question. And yet Jesus was simply being honest and responding to questions. But then Jesus was sent away by Annas to Caiaphas and sent bound. 

This lesson is titled Kangaroo Court based upon Tabletalk for this day (November 6, 2018). A kangaroo court is "a mock court in which the principles of law and justice are disregarded or perverted." There is a predetermined verdict regarding the accused. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: Like Jesus we need to hope that justice prevails when we are accused. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you were authentic in your time on earth, being forthright in the information you provided of yourself and your relationship to the Father. You did not hide, but stayed at the forefront of those that would later accuse you. You were authentic in your approach always with Your people and You are fair. You went to the cross to redeem me and I praise You for Your sacrifice and all that you did for me. Keep me humble and trusting in You always. 

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

John 18:12-18 - Taken to the High Priest

John 18:12-18

12 So the [Roman] cohort, and the commander, and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound him, 13 and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. 15 And Simon Peter was following Jesus, and [so] was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought in Peter. 17 The slave-girl therefore who kept the door said to Peter, "you are not also [one] of this man's disciples, are you? He said, "I am not." 18 Now the slaves and the officers were standing [there], having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves, and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. 

Message: Taken to the High Priest

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: Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, though most likely outnumbered, in 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. 

Now the description of Jesus' formal arrest occurs. He is taken to Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. Annas however was high priest prior and as the patriarch of the priestly family, probably was seen by many as still holding the title. Caiaphas had emphasized that Jesus should die. Peter followed along with another disciple (probably John because entrance to the courtyard signified wealth and John had it from his family).  But given the opportunity he denied being a disciple. Peter made out to be one of the boys, warming himself with the high priests at the fire. And yet this denial was predicted by Jesus, reminding us that Jesus knows all things. 

I am not sure I see much else from this passage really. 

Summary: Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. 

Promise: I trust in Jesus for He knows what is ahead of me, but I remain responsible and choose wisely. 

Prayer: Lord, as I think of this passage and your arrest for my sins that You will pay for. I hope that I will not be one of the crowd, denying you when given the opportunity. I ask that I would have the courage to stand up for what I believe and announce You before others and yet I know many times I have not. And sometimes hide, but I pray for boldness and that I would display to others the person I am with You and the one You have called me to be. 

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

John 18:10-11 - Peter's Misguided Zeal

John 18:10-11

10 Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave’s name was Malchus. 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”

Message: Peter's Misguided Zeal

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: Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Yet, now in verse 10, Peter seems bothered that this has occurred. Peter strikes one of the high priest officials slave with his sword, cutting off his right ear. The slave's name is identified here as Malchus. But Jesus tells Peter to put the sword back into its sheath, remarking that the cup (God's wrath toward sin and Jesus atoning for sin through a blood sacrifice) is to be taken - as the Father is giving it to Jesus to receive and drink. 

Peter is trying to defend Jesus here on the Mount of Olives as he is being arrested. 

Psalm 75:8 - For a cup is in the hand of the Lord, and the wine foams; it is well mixed, and He pours out of this; Surely all the wicked of the earth must drain and drink down its dregs. -- all the wickedness of the earth comes forth from the cup. 

Ezekiel 23:31-34 - 31 You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore I will give her cup into your hand.’ 32 Thus says the Lord God, ‘You will drink your sister’s cup, which is deep and wide. You will be laughed at and held in derision; it contains much. 33 ‘You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow,

the cup of horror and desolation, the cup of your sister Samaria. 34 ‘You will drink it and drain it. Then you will gnaw its fragments and tear your breasts." - The cup is deep and wide and filled with much. It is a cup filled with contents that make people mad. 

Revelation 14:9-11 - 9 Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” - There is nothing worse than the wrath of God. 

Jesus understands that He is submitting and surrendering through His arrest to experience the wrath of God, in all that it encompasses. 

Peter thought he was doing good, acting in an admirable way possibly, but Jesus knew his arrest was needed. Peter was short-sighted and didn't know the whole picture, only what was in front of him at that moment and at that moment, his master was being taken away and despite all that Jesus had been talking to him about and explaining in His farewell discourse He still was being affected by the events in front of him and did not want to see Jesus leave. 

Summary: Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, though most likely outnumbered, in 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. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Let us be humble, remembering that we are likewise capable of rash actions that do not serve the gospel."

Prayer: Lord, what a privilege it is each day to grow in my relationship with You because I know each day how prone I am to go a different direction. I struggle Lord daily to seek my own will and think that my life is meant to serve myself. I thank you for the time to reflect on You and all that You have for me. Help me to have my day defined by You and then to know how you are leading me. I feel at times that You speak to me in so many ways. And yet I am not sure that my focus is securely on You, but I thank You that Your spirit is at work in me, speaking to Me and giving me strength and direction each day. Guard my steps. Help me to follow Your guidance so that I find wisdom to serve You in every situation. Keep me humble as I am often not serving You or have that tendency each day. Keep me productive. Keep me doing what I should be doing. As Peter might have been misguided in his approach with you thinking that He was doing good, keep me focused on the big picture and remembering the words You have said to me. I praise You God. 

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

John 18:1-9 - The Arrest of Jesus

John 18:1-9

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, into which He Himself entered, and His disciples. 2 Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place; for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. 3 Judas then, having received the [Roman] cohort, and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" 5 They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." He said to them, "I am [He]," they drew back, and fell to the ground. 7 Again therefore He asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus the Nazarene." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am [He], if therefore you seek Me, let these [go] their way," 9 that the word might be fulfilled which He spoke, "Of those whom Thou hast given Me I lost not one."

Message: The Arrest of Jesus

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: It has been almost a month since I have done a lesson in John. Spoke in Sunday school and then took me time reading through articles in Tabletalk and documenting them. In that time, God has taught me a lot and it is always good to be in His word and study it, but also has been good in this last month to take it slower. 

John 14-17 was great, the Farewell Discourse, but now we move to the description of Jesus' arrest, the first and second Jewish trial before arrest, the first and second trial before Pilate, the crucifixion, the burial, the resurrection, Christ approves the disciples, appears to them, and speaks to Peter. It will be interesting to see how John relates these events. For the last 4 chapter I have been knee deep in the Words of Jesus, but now it will move to more descriptions by John, but also Jesus words. 

Verse 1 begins with, "When Jesus had spoken these words" referring to the discourse He gave to the disciples and His prayer. Jesus proceeds to a garden with his disciples. Judas is not mentioned as a part o this group, for the text mentions Judas separately, as one who did know of the garden. Judas brings with him the Roman authorities with the  chief priests and officers. Jesus asks them whom they seek and they remark Jesus and He admits it is Him. They fall to the ground. Jesus asks again letting them know that Jesus is who they seek, not the disciples so let them go their way. 

At first glance of this passage, I wonder as to why those seeking Him fell to the ground. And Jesus also focuses on the idea He is the one they seek, not the disciples, though they follow Him. Significant then, but not significant now, for Christ's followers now seem to be as guilty before men. 

Tabletalk relates that this garden could have been the garden of a wealthy man who allows Jesus to use it when Jesus and the disciples were in town. It is interesting that some 2,000 years ago and probably longer ago, gardens were places of refuge for people to assemble in. The Bible begins with a garden. That these places exist and are akin to all types of people seems significant. Even today, we have elaborate places like this in which people love to go to and see how they are decorated or set up. Their beauty brings to us some sort of comfort and joy and peace. We need this retreat in our lives. I think of Mrs. Hooten in Sunday School and her house with the elaborate garden. And the movie Notting Hill where they meet, fall in love and then end the movie sitting in. We have recently set up a place to sit and rest outside, a pergola area. Again, that we have these places and retreat to them. That rest or enjoyment is necessary in our lives and yet the surroundings are not a television or radio or the arts, but instead God's natural creation. 

Verse 4 remarks that "Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him." This has been consistent from Jesus. He knew this day was coming, but He also was waiting for the appropriate time. And now at this time, He is arrested, but willingly, admitting He is the one they seek. 

Verse 6 mentions that upon the Roman and Jewish authorities seeing that the one before them was Jesus, the "I am" that "they drew back, and fell to the ground." It is interesting that this would have occurred. Alexander MacLaren (1826-1910) suggests that some think this is a miracle, that they would fall down acknowledging that Jesus is God. Either way, it is significant that they fell down. Perhaps there was some sort of manifestation of God that caught these men by surprise but when it occurred they instinctively fell down. That in that moment, there would be a manifestation seems significant. Jesus was willingly letting Himself be arrested and yet in this arrest, was even mentioning possibly of the significance of it all. 

Summary: Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. 

Promise: Jesus is in full control of the events of the crucifixion. 

Prayer: Lord, you are God and King and your are eternal. You know Your goal to redeem mankind and what it entails. You are never out of control but know what will occur and you submit and surrender to it willingly. Thank You for the simple reminder of a garden, an oasis of refuge even I need and the importance of getting away to retreat, rest and regroup. Thank you Jesus for shining forth the Glory of God and showing Us clearly you are God. Keep Me in Your name. And thank you that when people see me and don't like me, you deflect things to You and trying to make me believe it is not about me, but disliking You. You remind me that You have my best in mind at all times. 

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

TABLETALK - October 2018

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

• January 2018 (July 4, 2023 - July 23, 2023) John 1:1-2:22 - The preexistence of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist and the person of Christ. 
• February 2018 (July 24, 2023 - August 10, 2023) John 2:23 - 3:36 - Regeneration and our need to believe in Christ for Salvation
• March 2018 (August 13, 2023 - September 30, 2023) John 4:1 - 5:29 - Christ is the incarnate Son of God
• April 2018 (October 1, 2023 - November 6, 2023) John 5:30 - John 7:36 - Jesus is as necessary to our souls as food is to our body; Jesus teaches in the temple during the Feast of Booths
• May 2018 (November 7, 2023 - December 22, 2023) John 7:37 - John 9:41 - Jesus experiences opposition and there is a sin-motivated resistance people have toward being enslaved to sin.
• June 2018 (December 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024) John 10:1 - 11:57 - Jesus as our shepherd will lay down His life for His sheep, but some won't hear Him. Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in order to impact the faith of the disciples. 
• July 2018 (January 22, 2024 - March 14, 2024) John 12:1 - 13:20 - Jesus as Savior and Judge; salvation comes to Jesus' disciples and the judgment comes to all who reject Him. 
• August 2018 (March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024) John 13:21 - John 14:31 - Warnings Jesus gave on the night of the Last Supper and the blessed promise of the Holy Spirit. 
• September 2018 (April 13, 2024 - May 9, 2024) John 15:1 - John 16:24 - Continuing Christ's Farewell Discourse and the meaning of abiding in Christ, the analogy of the vine and conviction/guidance of the Holy Spirit
• October 2018 (May 10, 2024 - July 19, 2024) John 16:25 - John 17:26 - Seeing Christ as our Intercessor, even on the night He was betrayed, Jesus will pray for His disciple; High Priestly Prayer

Chapter 16

The Love of the Father (John 16:25-28) - After Jesus departs, people will understand completely that Jesus has been sent by the Father and they will ask in Jesus' name and the Father will hear their prayers. 

Jesus Predicts His Desertion (John 16:29-32) - The disciples state that they now believe Jesus came from God. Jesus lets them know that they will soon scatter to their own areas and He will have the Father with Him, never alone. 

Overcoming the World in Christ (John 16:33) - Jesus offers additional encouragement to the disciples that though they will experience trials, He has overcome the world and therefore they will have comfort. 

Chapter 17

Jesus Prays that He Might Glorify the Father (John 17:1-3) - Jesus voices in this prayer that the hour has come for the son to be glorified with the Father. Jesus came to give us all eternal life and this is a life of knowing God and His Son Jesus. 

Jesus Prays to Be Glorified (John 17:4-5) - Jesus now prays that God's glory, which He possessed before the world was, would be returned to Him and that Glory would be with God the Father. 

The Father's Gift to Christ (John 17:6) - Jesus prays thanking God for the disciples called out of this world, as gifts to Him, guardians of the Word.

What the Disciples Knew (John 17:7-8) - The disciples, as voiced by Jesus in this prayer, hear and receive, understand and believe - Jesus is from the Father and receives everything.

The Focused Prayers of Christ (John 17:9) - Jesus continues to pray for that have heard and believed, those are the one's he addresses here as those God gives to Jesus.

The Efficacious Prayers of Christ (John 17:10-13) - Our works are to Glorify Jesus, Glorify God. Jesus prays that the disciples, we, will be kept with God the Father and that we will have joy. 

Staying in the World (John 17:14-16) - Jesus says in this prayer we will be hated by the world, but we are to stay in the world and he prays that we (disciples) will be kept from the evil one. 

God's Means of Sanctification (John 17:17-19) - Jesus will offer himself for people, in obedience to God, so that we will be sanctified in truth to be set apart for Him and offer this truth to those in the world. 

Jesus Prays for Our Unity (John 17:20-21) - Jesus prays that the all those hearing the testimony of the disciples will be One in truth for the benefit of the world believing. 

Loved by the Father in the Son (John 17:22-23) - Jesus has come to declare God's glory - the truth of Who He Is and we are to be united, One, so that all we know God loves them.

Christ's Desire for Us (John 17:24) - Jesus desires through this prayer for us to be with Him, where He is at and to experience His glory, given by the Father to Him. 

Making Known the Father's Name (John 17:25-26) - Contrary to the world, we who have been sent to Jesus by God, know Him and Jesus will continue to make God's name known so Christ will be in us and know God's love. 

Various Scriptures - Prayer

The Illusion of Control - Mistakes don't feel good. We don't want to make them and so we fear them. This can lead to shame or the painful feeling that I simply did something wrong to I am wrong as a person. Inside, we know we did wrong and so we try to hide our shame, like when Adam and Eve hid after sinning; or we rebel, as when Cain killed Abel. The prodigal son started out rebelling and returned home repenting while his brother sought for perfectionism - striving in our own strength to make everything right so that our shame is concealed; thinking Rhe had measured up. There is nothing wrong with striving to do well, like practicing something over and over and the Bible calls for this (Col. 3:23). But we preserve ourselves against shame by trying to be in control. Yet things always go awry. In farming, as was the way of the country originally, with people living in rural areas, sustaining their needs and also exporting product, there was a dependence on the seasons of the year. Through the advance of technology - electricity and refrigeration throughout our cities to help food last longer, through freezing and canning - we in turn control of our environment. We can keep in communication with our phones and we are educated to take care of diseases. But also in this process we learn control. But this is false control, because just when we think we are in control, we see that we are not. Our children don't act the way we teach them to act. Or a traffic jam or accident comes upon us on our way to work making us late. Or we get disappointed by someone in our life and their actions or words. We aren't perfect. Life is in disarray. We don't control the seasons or when we live or die. Yet, we can trust that "God is in control." He makes straight our paths (Prov. 3:6). He set the measurements of us (Psalm 139:14)  and the earth (Job 38:4). And He has taken our shame - that idea that we are bad. He has rescued us from this and declares to the Father that we are good. And nothing can change this. Jesus has made us new. We don't need to hide, we are not afraid, instead we trust the One in control. 

God's Control and Our Responsibility - Author remember RC Sproul and his mission to speak of the Goodness of God. Scripture speaks regularly that God is sovereign and he acts in a sovereign way. Yet, we still have responsibility for our actions. We are told to repent (Acts 17:30), to believe (16:31), to obey (Matt. 28:20), to work out our salvation (Phil 2:12), to do good (Gal. 6:9), to set our mind on things above (Gal. 3:2), to pray at all times (I Thess. 5:27) and to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18). Our thoughts, words, deeds matter. These work together he believes by looking at what is revealed - God's hidden will and God's revealed will, as compared to primary and secondary causation. 

Planning for the Future while Trusting God's Provision - God, you are sovereign. And I am responsible for living according to Your will. I live between the call to trust You and the Call to act. Lord, I admit a struggle at times on when to do which and the temptation to be imbalanced -- thinking I am responsible solely. I over plan at times. I am tempted toward anxiety, fear, over-control, over-responsibility, perfectionism and anger - because often I feel it is all on me to make things happen. And yet on the other side, I can be tempted the direction towards laziness, passivity, stoicism, fatalism, and indecision - when I drift towards thinking it is all up to You. [Note: stoicism - the endurance of pain or hardship without the display of feelings and without complaint; fatalism - the belief that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable.] I know God you encourage me through Your Word to be wise and prayerful in my planning recognizing that You are responsible and I am responsible, too. God, from the beginning you show me that You planted the garden of Eden but tasked Adam to "work it and keep it" (Gen. 2:8, 15), thus showing me your provision and my responsibility. You provide instructions, such as working six days, working enough each day to provide for my needs, and then resting on the 7th day, trusting You that I can rest, that you will providentially provide. Work is a part of living, and with my ability to work I am not to be a burden to others and yet can help others in need (Eph. 4:28). There are limits and I can only accomplish what you enable (Ps. 127:1-2). Remind me to be generous with what You have given me and yet not to the point that I tempt others to not work or provide for themselves. Give me plans for the money You provide, not simply hoarding it with no purpose. And yet this could mean at times you taking all that is mind for your purposes, even if I don't see those purposes clearly, but in this I can still submit to your loving and good purposes. Keep me walking close to You God in prayer, devotion, learning, guidance, direction - reminding me that my work matters and it is all according to Your purpose and will. 

Pursuing Perfection with Sober Realism - O God, what keeps me going in the life You have given me is that there is always room for improvement. I have been created God in your image. You charged me to have dominion over the earth and to improve it, creating a desire for excellence in all things. I strive for perfection, to glorify You in all I do and say, and yet I recognize perfection is not possible as I continually see that I fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). I fight against sin all to often, though I know that one day sin shall be no more. You have made me a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), uniting me by my faith to the risen and exalted Lord. You God have shone your light in me, completely overhauling me as a new creation, giving me a new heart and a new spirit (Ezek. 36:26-27) to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). My old life of godless, self-centered, fleshly living has been crucified. Lord, continue to work Your Spirit in me pressing me to put to death sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness; and put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscure talk from my mouth; remove my lying lips toward others, putting on that new self, renewed in knowledge after the image of You Jesus (Col. 3:5-10). Help me to take a personal inventory often to see what needs to be put to death, killing what is identified. Lord, I praise you for the radiant colors of Christlikeness that are displayed even in my life. Place on me a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other as you God have forgiven me; dress me with love which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col. 3:12-14). It is my aim God to please you (2 Cor. 5:9). Amen. 

The Place of Godly Ambition - Lord, as I think about ambition, I ask what role it should have in my life and whether you promote ambition. James condemns those with selfish ambition (James 3:14) while Paul makes it his ambition to preach the gospel (Romans 15:20). God, ambition seems to be a strong desire that leads to a willingness to overcome obstacles to achieve a particular end. I know God that sin results in desires (lust, cravings, passions) that are self-seeking and pursue things not pleasing to You and my desire is often not for things that matter, but instead for things that are trivial and don't really matter. Train me God to value what You value and hate what You hate, to love what You love. Also, in achieving good things in my life that honor You, let me make sure my course for achieving them is honoring to You and glorifying You. Train me daily God, discipline me so that I am overcoming laziness, doing the right things, growing in godliness. There are times I may not feel like practicing discipline, so help me to continue in this, practicing delight in what You delight God. I am a child of You God, my creator, praying that Your Kingdom comes on this earth. I am called by You to be fruitful and multiply. Thank you for the gift of marriage with my wife and the wonderful children You have given me. My job is a part of Your plan for me and give me the strength and courage daily to do it well. As a church member, help me daily to do things that You have called me to do there. Thank you for people trusting me and valuing me. Keep helping me to know when I need to step up and do more without compromising the other roles and callings you have on my life.  

Ordering the Home without Being Controlling - Father, my life often wallows between trying to be You, placing myself on the throne of my life, controlling my life, and me determining what is best for me rather than trusting You and living in submission to Your will and rule for my life. As a parent, learning to give up control was at times hard, but You moved my children to independence and I am thankful and encouraged as to how they are living their lives. Continue to give them wisdom and help them to honor You and see their lives always as coming from You and also the ability to live lives that reflect Your will. You Christ rule all things, and work all things for good and bring believers to being conformed to the image of Christ. Thank you for life God and the meaning and purpose found in everything we face. Thank you for the enjoyment of life and placing things around us to enjoy. Thank you for working in me and my daily circumstances to change me, conform me to your image, designing me for who I am to be. You love me and have my long-term best in mind so help me to keep trusting you even as momentary happiness is placed aside. Thank you for molding me and helping me be a better husband and person to live with. You are with me God. Thank you. 

Embracing God's Sovereignty in Salvation and Our Role as His Heralds - Lord, thank you for speaking through this writer and helping me see that deep down my desire for people to know Christ is often colliding with my desire for people to like me. I am trying to manage both instead of choosing and trusting you for the outcome - and making knowing Christ most important. Yes, God, help me to know or how to know when to "lose" a relationship potentially and speak more frank to people about faith. Yes, I want there to be outcomes like the author shares in people coming to know You after I have taken the attitude of losing the relationship, but Lord, I know also I can't make that a formula. Heavenly Father, if I lose this relationship because I spoke about You, as hard as that loss would be for me, I would be OK with that. Free me up to venture and view relationships as a steward, not control it as if it were my possession. You are the Sovereign Master. Have Your way. Lord, I pray that I would be a faithful steward to You in all things. Help me to not believe the objection that because of Your sovereignty I do not have to make any effort. You are good. You are wise. 

Trusting the Good and Sovereign God at Every Age - Favorite verse of Romans 8:28 that God works all things together for good for my life, for all of our lives can only happen if God is sovereign. This begins with being "knitted together in our mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-15)." We are given aptitudes, talents, natural gifts but also deficiencies for His glory. Even a child with Downs syndrome or learning disabilities is part of His good for all of our lives. Individual decisions and plans, often when we are young and starting out, often give us these clear glimpses of seeing God's sovereign plan - major decisions of where we will go to college, who we marry, where we work coming about through open and closed doors helps us see the plan for our lives. As we age, we can look back and see the direction of our lives more clearly. As we age, some to long life while others have lives that seem to be cut short, yet we still believe or try to believe or try to have the confidence that this is His plan being worked out. In 2000, James Montgomery Boice diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and in his last sermon re-confirmed that God is sovereign indeed and yet He is not indifferent or not caring, but instead He is also good and everything He does is good. And so we accept or learn to accept the things that happen in our lives. In this is comfort in life and death - he fully paid for my sins with his blood, He preserves me and works all things together for my salvation, assuring me of eternal life and also to live for Him. 

Prepare to Teach - Ezra is a neglected book of the Bible. Ezra lived between the eras of Solomon and John. Ezra instituted religious reforms. Ezra 7:10 remarks of the Bible teacher Ezra, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel." Ezra wanted to learn scripture deeply. And Ezra wanted to do the law of God. Be a teacher and do what you teach. May we all do the same. 

The Love You Had At First - Letter to Ephesus in Revelation 2 is to a hard working church, not lazy or passive, active in learning, diligent and eager to help and serve. They stood for God's truth. They treasured it. They saw the false teacher. And this church, despite the persecution and assault continued to confess Jesus as Lord. And yet Jesus still had something against them. They did not possess a deep love for God. They were great in works but they were missing that devotion or love for God. I am to love God with all my heart, soul, and all my mind (Matt. 22:37). 

Rhythms of Piety - Thank you God for the rhythms of life, the 24 hour day, the 7 day week, labor, rest. Rest is hard Lord. The expectations now to spend Sunday's serving my dad often, and yet Lord there still can be rest in service. Give me wisdom and guidance in this. Keep me intertwined in these rhythms. 

Peace in Marriage - A Christian marriage should be peaceful, yet there can still be difference of opinions, serious questions, iron sharpening iron, serious discussions, confrontation, freedom to disagree, but also expectation to resolve. Our aim in marriage should always be to be reconciled to God through Christ's atonement which will provide peace with God. 

Communing with God in Scripture - Lord, it is in your Word, reading, studying it, that I really find my ultimate peace. It is the mark of my life, meeting with You, learning from You. I am so grateful to be living in this time when access to Your book and lessons form other teachers and speakers from ages past are so easily accessible. Help me to encourage this in others and to praise others as it occurs. 

Forgiveness and Restoration to Ministry - When a pastor falls, restore him. There should be evidence of genuine sorrow, and then forgiveness should be granted (2 Cor. 2). 

Design Matters - Design. God first placed humanity in a garden, a designed place. God planted a place of exquisite beauty, a place of profound usefulness, but not all of its design is good. What is our role in the design of a church? The building should support its aim. Soaring cathedrals lift the eyes of congregants heavenward. But then Puritans focused us on the pulpit. Design is important in these current times as people in our world expect good design. We are to be careful in our design both with fellow believers and the world around us. 

Twenty-Five Years Later

Various Scriptures - Prayer

Exodus 15:11

“Who is like You among the gods, O Lord?
Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
Awesome in praises, working wonders?

Message: The One to Whom We Speak

What the Lord is Saying: These lessons for this post are based upon R C Sproul's teaching series on Prayer. This lesson reminds us to consider the God that we approach in prayer. Over the years, society has become more casual and this can have an effect on how we view our supervisors and those over us as well, as more familiar and more of a friend. Yet, we need to remember the God who is majestic in holiness, as today's scripture mentions, awesome and one who works wonders. We can be familiar but we also need to be reverent and give him the respect He deserves. 

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Luke 17:7-10

7 “Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? 8 But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and [properly] clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? 9 He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? 10 So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.’”

Message: The One Who is Speaking

What the Lord is Saying: We are to come before God with awe and wonder. Today's passage is a reminder of the relationship between us the servant and Him the master. We don't approach God demanding God to work. We look to His grace and implore Him to be gracious to us. Always we must remember who we are - sinners, needing salvation and forgiveness by His grace. I have been speaking to a man lately online and He is appalled that God is not answering His prayers. I think there is something about us, often always comparing and always seeing others and what they have and thinking we should have the same. I know this is common for me as well. But God is not a puzzle to figure out how he works and us come up with the right formula to get him to do something. He is God and we must respect Him. 

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Psalm 34:3

O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

Message: Adoring our Lord and Maker

What the Lord is Saying: Thinking about the acrostic for of ACTS - Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication as a way to think about prayer. Many believe prayer to be difficult. As we learn to know more about God, we can't help but adore Him and begin to speak of that adoration. By adoring Him we also come before Him with humility, recognizing He is greater than us, has characteristics we don't have. And in adoration we make mention of those characteristics, like His holiness, worthy of praise, faithfulness, the salvation He gives us, His strength and His grace and mercy, to name a few. 

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2 Corinthians 7:9-10

9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to [the point of] repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to [the will] of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to [the will of] God produces a repentance without regret, [leading] to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Message: The Prayer of Confession

What the Lord is Saying: I have been in dialogue with someone else who makes it clear that I John 1:9 is not a salvific verse and yet it is a verse that we come to maybe as a reminder of the importance of confessing our sin. I am not sure if she is saying this is something we don't do, but isn't it important to state before God that we are agreeing that we are sinners, that we need his forgiveness. And today's verse acknowledges a need to repent, to say I am sorry, to turn and go the opposite way. Attrition is sorrow for the consequence of sin. Contrition is sorrow acting against the holiness of God. 

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Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with [an attitude] of thanksgiving;

Message: The Prayer of Thanksgiving

What the Lord is Saying: ACTS praying. Now onto T - Thanksgiving. All of our transgressions have at their root 2 primordial (created or developed from the beginning) sins: idolatry and ingratitude. Although changed by God into a new creation at salvation, we still have a tendency toward these sins. But by cultivating thankfulness in our life, thanking God we combat against these sinful tendencies. We also take God's blessings for granted, get absorbed with the present and forget to thank God for specific blessings. By thanking Him regularly we practice remembering and acknowledging that He is the provider of all. 

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Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Message: Supplication in Prayer

What the Lord is Saying: Supplication is making requests known to God. In today's passage we are to make our requests known to God and to be persistent (Luke 18:1-8). Supplication is requested of us, but we need to also remember to also stay balanced in Adoration, Confession, and Thanksgiving. Jesus intercedes for us and the Father wants to hear our prayers. The Holy Spirit also intercedes for us. He assists in praying in an unselfish manner. 

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Matthew 6:9-13

9 “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father who is in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

10 ‘Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.

12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]

Message: The Model Prayer

What the Lord is Saying: The Lord's Prayer is an example of the kind of prayer that honors God. 'Our Father' reminds us of an intimate relationship we have with God, believing in Christ alone for our salvation. God's name is 'hallowed' or honored as holy on the earth. There is prayer for 'God's kingdom come' and 'will to be done' which is Jesus asking that God's kingdom which is the people that call Jesus Savior, Lord, recognize their sin, that Jesus has now removed the stain of sin on their lives through His shed blood and rising from the dead -- this like-minded kingdom of people is what Jesus wants to see - that everyone will call upon the name of God to be saved. Whiteheart in 1989 had the great song, "Let the kingdom come" which holds to the same idea. And oh how this should be our request each day - O God, May your kingdom come. May people continue to surrender to God and trust in His salvation, instead of making their own way to find worth and meaning in their life. Would you please bring people to a confession of faith and I pray those people would then live their lives obedient to your will. That people everywhere would walk by faith in You. From here Jesus speaks to personal needs - "our daily bread", our agreeing with God of our sins, "forgive us our debts" while also how we relate to one another and keep peace amongst one another and unity and oneness "forgive our debtors," preserve us from 'temptation' and be far away from the schemes of the devil. - I realize the 10 commandments set up in a similar way - God first then ourselves and our relationship with others.   

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James 5:16b-18

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

Message: Does Prayer Change Things?

What the Lord is Saying: The simple answer to this question today and often all questions of evangelism and any good works is God has requested that we be obedient and that our obedience matters. Our lives matter. And so while texts like Ephesians 1:11 may state that "God works all things after the counsel of His will" that statement does not absolve us from being involved. God wants us. I believe we are God's gift to Jesus (John 17:24) and as a gift we are intended to serve a purpose. God has shown in His word the effect of our praying and so we continue to pray and talk to Him. I still think it is easy in this thinking to not pray and not be involved. But that moves to disobedience. Prayer is not about changing God's will but being involved in God's will. Thank you God for wanting me, for expecting me to be involved and for working through me. In all of that work may you be glorified.