My Utmost for His Highest - April 25th - Instant In Season

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. - 2 Timothy 4:2

    Many of us suffer from the morbid tendency to be instant "out of season." The season does not refer to time, but to us--"Be instant in season, out of season," whether we feel like it or not. If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would do nothing for ever and ever. There are unemployables in the spiritual domain, spiritually decrepit people, who refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired. The proof that we are rightly related to God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not.

    One of the great snares of the Christian worker is to make a fetish of his rare moments. When the Spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration, and insight, you say--"Now I will always be like this for God." No, you will not, God will take care you are not. Those times are the gift of God entirely. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose. If you say you will only be at your best, you become an intolerable drag on God; you will never do anything unless God keeps you consciously inspired. If you make a god of your best moments, you will find that God will fade out of your life and never come back until you do the duty that lies nearest, and have learned not to make a fetish of your rare moments.

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

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

Mom's thoughts

Never lose your sense of urgency

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

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

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

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

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

Oswald Chambers -From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition

Mark 6:5-6 - The Obstacle of Unbelief

Mark 6:5-6 ⁵ And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. ⁶ And He wondered at their unbelief. And He was going around the villages teaching.

Message: The Obstacle of Unbelief

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus arrives in Nazareth, about a 3 day journey from Capernaum. He has made it to his hometown and he speaks in the synagogue, as he has done elsewhere. If there was the thought maybe that his own people, in his own hometown would accept him, that was immediately not seen. Instead they took offense of him. Too often we want to see something like us, not different. And Jesus experienced this reception from his hometown people as well.

In these 2 verses I see that because of the response that Jesus experienced in Nazareth, a small community of a few hundred people, He could no do miracle except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He wondered a their unbelief. Unbelief in Christ's hometown of Nazareth kept Jesus from doing all that he could.

This is a stark message in our day. Last night my wife and I watched a special on Billy Graham after his death about 10 days ago. It was a wonderful special that chronicled his life and the incredible work of the gospel message in people's lives. Crusades were occurring frequently across the nation. There was a huge response. Sometimes the message was welcome and sometimes it wasn't. It saddens me today because the message isn't being circulated in the same way today. And it would seem conversions are not occurring at the same rate. As such there is more questioning going on today.

Unbelief only stifled the work of Jesus in that healing people and curing people of sickness was a testimony of the work of God. Many lives were changed because of it. But, people with hardened hearts are not going to change even when miracles are done so the miracles lose their significance and purpose. It does not say that Jesus ceased to work, as he did lay His hands on a few sick people and healed them. He continued to work, but perhaps not to the extent that He would have preferred.

My nephew and his wife had a baby this past Wednesday. Saturday morning we learned that the baby had long QT syndrome effecting the heart. Immediately God's people were alerted and began to pray. On Sunday afternoon, it was announced that an EKG was done and it showed no signs of the long QT syndrome. God had healed this baby. God heals. Praise God.

While healing was not present He was going around the villages teaching. He continued to teach. His words were not hindered. This is what Billy Graham always did, not ever hinder his words. The responses were different in different places, but his message was always clear and consistent. Jesus started this trend.

Summary: The people of Nazareth did not accept Jesus. Jesus continued to heal people, but maybe not to the extent that he could because of the unbelief present in Nazareth. But the message of the Gospel still goes out. We must continue to teach and spread Good News. The reception may be different but our mission does not change.

Promise: There is an obstacle of unbelief present at times in our world and land. God is still sovereign though and we pray and remain confident in His Work.

Prayer: O Lord, how majestic is your name in all of the earth. Lord, I need your power to continue to preach your message even when the response is not great. Help me to stay consistent and wait for you to work as you wish. My confidence remains in You at all times. I will continue to praise your name.

Mark 3:28-30 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Mark 3:28-30
28 “Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter; 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”


Message: Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

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

What the Lord is Saying:

Verses 28 and 29 of this passage are words from Jesus. So far, one of the central messages that Mark is putting forth about Jesus is he has come with an authority of speech different from anyone else. In chapter 1:21, Jesus goes to the synagogue and the scribes immediately notice this. In verse 27 it states, What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him. And this authority from Jesus continues as he preaches and teaches repentance and believing in the gospel, and has the authority to cast out demons from people's lives and heal them.

Jesus has most recently spoken to the scribes after they accused him of being of the devil and he quickly dispels this and shows that Satan cannot and will not cast out Satan. Satan must be bound first. An outside source is needed to deliver people from the power of Satan and Jesus is the one with that authority.

In these verses today, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit for the first time in the book of Mark. Thus, the Holy Spirit is real and present. Mark did mention the Holy Spirit at Jesus' baptism as they Spirit descended upon him (1:10). But here Jesus speaks directly of a sin against the Holy Spirit and it being the sin that is not pardoned or forgiven. Jesus is in the sin forgiveness business. I have already seen this in chapter 2 when he speaks to the paralytic brought by friends in stating to him My son, your sins are forgiven. Now here he presents a contrast of sons of men who sin and even blaspheme, but the blaspheme of the Holy Spirit is a greater, unforgivable sin.

First of all, what I see is this is the context of the scribes coming to Jesus stating that He is possessed by Beelzebul (3:22) and Jesus clearly refuting this. But he does this in an explanation using parables, but now also mentions the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the scribes are sinning with their words toward Jesus so uttering blasphemy against the Holy Spirit also appears to be words toward Jesus. And yet in verse 28 the sin of blasphemy is mentioned as a sin that is forgiven. Thus, blasphemy, which is speaking about God or his acts in a profane way (unfortunately a very common occurrence in today's world). Thus, how is this blasphemy against the Holy Spirit different? How is profaning the name against the Holy Spirit different from profaning the name of God?

Jesus is speaking directly to the scribes and their condemnation of Jesus is beginning to be repetitive. The Holy Spirit, also sent by God, like Jesus, is to believers and reveals God. So, this blasphemy isn't very clear.

The common explanation I have seen is that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not a one-time sin, but a recurring sin of willfully disregarding the work of God in people's lives, thus the belief that God does not work in people's lives and therefore is not real. I John 5:16 speaks of a sin that leads to death and the sin appears to be the complete disregard of the power of God in people's lives.

I have a friend who is a Christian and I believe he spent so much of his life using God's name as a curse word that when it comes out of his mouth, he doesn't even notice it. Yes, it is sin, but I still believe is a saved man. Whereas, the blasphemy of the Spirit is stating that God does not work in people's lives, thus separate from profaning the name of God.

Purpose: RC Sproul - Worrying about [whether one has committed the unforgivable sin] is one of the clearest evidences that [the troubled person has] not committed this sin, for those who commit it are so hardened in their hearts that they do not care that they commit it.

Prayer: Lord, I am ashamed at the times in my life that I have blasphemed your name and I thank you for forgiving that sin as well as all of my sins. Lord, I hate to hear your name blasphemed and disregarded in our world today. I look forward to the day when both this blasphemy and the total disregard of the work of You in people's lives will be seen and heard no more.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Working While We Can

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

Message: Working While We Can

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 previous verse spoke of the need to enjoy life, specifically, with your wife. What follows here is the admonition to work and work with all of your might. The pronouncement upon life is clear -- enjoy time with your wife and those that are your family, but work, and do it with all of your might. But, I need to remember, this doesn't mean that work is to take over my life. Yes, I need to work hard, but in this day and age that I live in, 40 hours a week is what is expected of me and what I need to do is make sure that in those 40 hours I am working to the best of my ability. Thus, do not goof off in those hours; do not surf the internet or spend excessive time visiting, but my time at work is to be about working.

From Tabletalk, September 11, 2015

Remember, when we die our work ceases. We are no longer able to accomplish things for God's kingdom--at least in the same manner that we could before we died. 

Promise: I need to take advantage of today and "such a time as this." There will never be a time like now.

Jesus Calling: August 6

When things seem to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me. Calmly bring these matters to Me, and leave them in My capable hands. Then, simply do the next thing. Stay in touch with Me through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in My sovereign control. Rejoice in Me--exult in the God of your salvation! As you trust in Me, I make your feet like the feet of a deer. I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility. 

Job 13:15
New King James Version

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.

Psalm 18:33
English Standard Version

He made my feet like the feet of a deer
    and set me secure on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19
Amplified

¹⁷ Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, ¹⁸ Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! ¹⁹ The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!

My Prayer
Lord, too often my actions are defined by my feelings and yet you remind me that rejoicing in You Lord and acknowledging that You are my strength is to be a daily prayer, daily words from my mouth. That no matter the situation, good or bad, You God are there and present and You God are in control. I must admit Lord when my prayers don't produce the desired petition. Guard me against this danger in my life and keep me trusting in You, thanking You, and talking to You. 

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


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

Romans 2:9-10 - The Sequence of Salvation

Romans 2:9-10 - 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Message: There is a tension of good and evil in our lives, both being the result of our faith or non-faith in Christ.

Time: Written sometime in AD 57-58, probably from Corinth, at the end of Paul's third missionary journey. Chapter 2 seems to be written to the Jew though the Jew is not addressed till verse 17.

What the Lord is Saying:

Verse 9, There will be:

Tribulation - crushed by a weight; suffering brought on by outward circumstances; the Greek word thlipsis is used 45 times in the New Testament.

Distress - literally a narrow place and the painfulness associated with being in that narrow place, such as being in a tight corner with no way out. The idea is that the person will not know where to find relief.

4 terrifying words found in verses 8 and 9

• Wrath - Orge - God's attitude toward sin (verse 8)
• Indignation - Thumos - The expression of that attitude (verse 8)
• Affliction - Thlipsis - The result (verse 9)
• Distress - Stenochoria - The realization of entire helplessness (verse 9)

Every soul of man - This reminds me that God's judgment is equal and consistent and for everyone. It is universal. Although Paul uses the word "every", he further emphasizes that both the Jew and the Greek will be under judgment. This is important because we have already seen in verse 31 of chapter 1 and verses 1 and 2 of chapter 2 that Paul realizes that the Jewish person doesn't believe they are under the same level of scrutiny as the non-Jew. 

The word "does" in verse 9 may be the most significant word in this entire verse because it expresses the tenacity in which a person engages in evil acts. The work of this person is not just momentary, but it is consistent and continual until the evil is achieved. And I know this because of the Greek word that is used. It is katergazomai. Ergazomai means to engage in an activity with considerable expenditure of effort. The kata prefix of this verb means that the intensity of that activity is greater. Evil behavior is thorough.

This same word is also used in Philippians 2:12 where it states "So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Katergazomai is also used here, but instead of the English word "does" we see the English word, "Work out."

The idea when we go to the gym to "work out" is we do something hopefully in a repetitive way in order to change something in us. In both verses, the working out or doing is speaking of intensity and repetition. 

The word evil or kakos is used 50 times in the New Testament.

The Good and Evil Tension
The contrast is clear. Man either does the work of salvation, sanctification, or does the work of evil, separation. Man either desires obedience to God or anything else, is disobedience.

The Bible repeatedly shows us clear contrasts, and yet, we just don't like living in those clear contrasts. We much more prefer standing in the middle between the two. We desire to borrow a little from each in our lives and then believe that we are safe as long as we have more of one than the other.

In addition, the chasm between the two is growing to the point that each opposite is a little less distinguishable. Gone are the days when most stores were closed on Sunday's. Now, it is rare one is closed. Chick-Fil-A is one that is always closed and there is almost this oddity about it. And because of this, the sabbath day has become more blurry and really not even distinguishable from other days. People no longer attend church with the same frequency. More and more the sins of yesterday are now seen as acceptable behavior. Atheism appears to never be more rampant than it is today and it should be because the presence of God in our lives is being pressed out. It is being overpowered.

Looking at the contrast between good and evil, right and wrong, holiness and worldliness, righteousness and unrighteousness, I need to be happy that the Bible speaks so clearly of the distinction because our lives in the world are much more grey. As the Leslie Phillips song voiced, "Black and White in a Grey World." The church needs to recognize this and train people to walk close to God and continue to live in Christ.

It amazes me how we think we can dance in both worlds and not be affected. Why do we do it? Because we love both worlds. And we think that we can.

Verse 10, and:

Glory - means to think highly of or give a proper opinion or estimate of something. The Greek word is used 166 times in the NT.

Honor - the worth or merit of an object; pay respect.

Peace - to bring together that which has been separated. Without peace there is division. It always conveys an inner rest. Peace or eirene is used 91 times in the NT. Eirene. Pamela's grandmother was named Irene.

Does - Once again this is katergazomai. A person's habitual conduct, whether good or evil, reveals the true condition of their heart.

Good - Greek word agathos. These are deeds done to benefit others.

Paul is not saying here that good works merit salvation nor is he saying that evil results in separation from God. But, we can clearly see that when a person does good, it is a testimony of who that person belongs. In the same manner, doing evil testifies of that person's allegiance. In both instances the deeds are habitual. And so the rewards that come are a result of habitual action, of which people have a heard time achieving (rather it is impossible) on either side of the fence.

Why does Scripture seemingly go back and forth? Why does it seem that one verse is speaking of being saved by God's righteousness through Jesus Christ alone, while other verses speak of living a life of good deeds. The problem thinking that it is a joint effort between God and man is then there are other scriptures that have to be punted. What I see is our obedience is part of our reward, but it isn't what brings us to the podium. We arrive at the podium solely on the basis of the perfect righteousness of Christ. 

Promise: There are always clear results to the way we live.

 

Daniel 12

Message: The Time of the End

Time: Third year of Cyrus the Persian (~535/536 BC) - a continuation of the Daniel 10 vision

What the Lord is Saying: 

Verse 1 declares a future final deliverance of the saints - "every one of those written in the book (of Life) will be rescued," specifically the elect of Israel. And at thi time there will be a great distress. Distress is the Greek word tsarah and is translated with the word thlipsis (tribulation) as sheer, physical pressure, as when pressing grapes. It conveys the idea of being squeezed or placed under pressure or crushed beneath a weight. When, according to the ancient law of England, those who willfully refused to plead guilty, had heavy weights placed on their breasts, and were pressed and crushed to death, this was literally thlipsis.(Source: http://preceptaustin.org/daniel_12_commentary.htm)

Verse 2 refers to those who have been asleep, which is a metaphor for death. When the body is in a grave it is inactive, thus in a state of sleep. Both deceased believers and deceased unbelievers will be raised, reunited with their spirit, to spend eternity in bodily form. Thus, two resurrections

Verse 3 points to our mission here. We are to shine as bright as the sky. We are to lead many to righteousness or saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We don't convert, but we lead, we show them the way. But, our lives are to be a testimony of our condition in Christ. As a leader, people only know to follow when our voice is raised.

Verse 4 speaks of Daniel and his need to seal this book. To seal something is to close it up so that no one will add to it. Times will change, knowledge will increase, but this message will not change. It is sealed.

Verse 5 - Two more stood on opposite sides of the river. Could this be two more angelic beings?

Verse 6 - How long until these events are over? Not, when will these begin, but when will they end.

Verse 7 - The man raises both hands. We often raise one hand to state an oath and scripture supports this, but this man raises both hands, thus symbolizing the highest degree of assurance one could provide. The time expressed is 1260 days or 3 1/2 years and will consummate with the utter defeat of Israel by her enemies. We have multiple examples of Israel's demise by their enemies in scripture, but this is when it is final, as it comes to an end.

Verse 8 - We are told throughout scripture to be careful. We are to be careful with our conduct and our understanding of truth. And here as well is the proclamation that though words have been stated, there is still not clear understanding. This is tough truth, tough in the sense, that it is not easy to understand.

Verse 9 - And the response to Daniel's request for clarity is for him to go. He is to continue to live and persevere and proclaim the name of the Lord. As in Daniel 6, when a law was decreed that people were only to pray to Darius, the response of Daniel was to not change his life, but to continue to pray. So, yes, be careful to understand the words, but also realize they are sealed and we can't add to them. We must leave them intact. They are static, but our lives are to be lived with a focus on leading people to righteousness.

Verse 10 - This verse context is not meant to explain the history of the church and its people and what they experience, but it remains in the context of the 3 1/2 years and what will be experienced by those present during that time. Believers will understand these times because of the insight given to them by God. The wicked will lack understanding because God will not have revealed to them.

Verse 11 - There will be a future rebuilt of the Jewish temple and it will be desecrated. And at this time an object or person will be worshiped for 3 1/2 years.

Verse 12 - Despite the worship of this man/object, the blessed are to wait and remain, continuing their actions described in verse 9.

Verse 13 - To everyone else, go do what you have been doing, again the same words I mentioned in verse 9. Keep serving the Lord. To Daniel, you will at some point die, and then you will rest, thus not experiencing any of these acts of the 7 years and then will rise again to receive the inheritance set aside for you. An inheritance is something we receive as a gift. It is not something we earn.

Promise: God holds the future in his hands. Seek to understand it, indeed, but realize it is a plan that is sealed and can't be changed, so focus instead more on the life that you are to live in the hear and now and that is one of faithfulness to the Lord and leading people to righteousness. And in the end, God will take care of your reward.

Daniel 6

Message: Integrity in the Life of Daniel

Time: Darius the Mede beginning his reign (just as Nebuchadnezzar's dream predicted). Darius ruled from 539-525BC. Judah's 70 years of captivity ended in 539BC.

What the Lord is Saying: Darius the Mede>>3 administrators (Daniel one of them)>>High Officers>>120 provinces

Daniel set himself apart from the other 2 administrators. The king planned to have Daniel be over the entire empire. This made the other administrators and high offers suspicious of Daniel and they wanted to find some fault in him, but found nothing. He was (1) faithful, (2) always responsible and (3) completely trustworthy. So, they sought to assault his faith. So they proposed a law to King Darius that for 30 days no one can pray to any other but Darius. If they disobey, those person(s) will be thrown into the den of lions.

Daniel made no change in his life, continuing to pray 3 times a day (with the windows open). The officials found and told the King. The king wanted to find a way to excuse or save Daniel from this judgment. But he couldn't go back on his signed word. Daniel was thrown into the den of lions with the king offering, "May your God, whom you serve faithfully, rescue you." A stone was placed over the mouth of the den. The king left and fasted, refusing his usual evening of entertainment.

The King returned the next morning to the lions' den calling out to Daniel, asking him if his God had rescued him. Daniel responded, "Long live the king!. God sent angels to shut the lions' mouths. I have been found innocent (no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus). He was removed from the den while the officials that had snagged him were thrown in with their wives and children. The lions tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.

The King sent forth a message throughout his kingdom that God will endure forever: His kingdom will never be destroyed; his rule will never end; he will rescue and save his people; he will perform signs and wonders in heaven and on earth; He has rescued Daniel.

So Daniel prospered.


Promise: Leaders may change, but God's word and his promise to His people never changes.

This chapter's significance chronicles the consistency of Daniel. He did not go to pray 3 times a day because of the announcement that men could only pray to King Darius, but rather he went to pray 3 times a day because this was his normal daily action. Our lives should be lived in consistency. If we are living right and honoring God daily in our lives, then when things happen beyond our control, it is not as if we must then make a charge and attack these seemingly obstacles, but rather we must remain steady and continue in the discipline of the Lord.

Unfortunately, our lives don't often mirror this. When 9/11 occurred, the following Sunday was high attendance Sunday. Death and destruction often move us to suddenly get holy. But, our devotion should remain steady through any time, good or bad, happy or sad, rich or poor.