John 17:10-13 - The Efficacious Prayers of Christ

John 17:10-13 

10 and all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11 And I am no more in the world; and [yet] they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, [the name] which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. 12 While I was with them, I was keeping them in They name which Thou hast given Me; and I guarded them, and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to Thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy made full in themselves. 

Message: The Efficacious Prayers of Christ

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: Once again, as I start a reading today, I hear Jesus once again aligning Himself and His ways with the Father. This Gospel I see has three primary themes: (1) Showing the Father has Sent the Son, (2) Showing the Father and the Son are the same in purpose and essence and authority, (3) That Jesus came to give people eternal life. 

Our Works Glorify Jesus/God - This time Jesus says, "all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine;" -- the same that belongs to the one, belongs to the other. This is not mere prophet speak which some religions like Islam believe Jesus only holds. "and I have been glorified in them." These words are a continued thought from verse 9 when Jesus is speaking directly of the disciples. From verse 6 Jesus prayed that the disciples "have kept Thy word." The disciples had actions on their part to keep the words that Jesus had spoken, maybe not perfectly, but they would hold fast to His words and continue after He has left to uphold the words that had been spoken to them. Yes, it seems it took them a while to figure it out and come to an understanding and then receive and believe (v. 8). But once they did, the result of those actions appears to be what Jesus is praying and confirming before the Father. 

Keep Them - Much of this prayer is Jesus speaking truth, rather than interceding for the disciples and asking the Father to do something for them, but in this verse I read and hear words of a request. Actually, his entire prayer up to this point is speaking theology or confirming truth. [Note: Always as I read these words, I am astounded and amazed that we have these words and these are words of Jesus as given by God to John to write. That God would breath these words to man so that we can have them for centuries and they would be scripture to us is still somewhat incredible and hard to fathom.] In leading up to His request Jesus prays and confirms with the Father the reason for Jesus' request - and that reason being that the disciples are in the world -- "they themselves are in the world," -- the disciples will remain in the world after Jesus is glorified or ascends to heaven to be with the Father. 

Jesus as He has continually done in this farewell discourse is looking out for the disciples and requests now of the Father - "Holy Father, keep them in Thy name...that they may be one, even as We are."  Simple words. "Keep them in the name of You." Interesting.

One of the things I really don't like in the church often as I hear people pray is their theology in prayer and how we often are not so careful in what we are saying and yet I need to be careful because people are doing the best they can, may be nervous, and may not be seasoned or deep in what they are believing and yet they have a heart and love and desire for spiritual truth. One of those things I struggle with is when people ask God in a church setting to be here with us. Jesus is with us; God is with us. And so it seems unnecessary to ask Him to be with us. We can confirm He is with us and thank Him for that and much of what Jesus is praying is that - confirming truths. I mean, so far in this prayer by Jesus has been 5 verses confirming truths. But now He asks that the disciples be kept in God's name. Could it be He is saying, "May their life continue to be lived testifying of you God, staying committed to You, as I (Jesus) have been committed and one with you." I mean, he seems to be bridging the oneness Jesus has with the Father with a oneness his disciples are to have with keeping them in obedience. This appears to be a prayer of completeness or sanctification for the disciples. They are to be continually kept close - in Thine - One. 

And in these words Jesus is acknowledging that this work of them staying close to the Father depends on the word of the Father. We are not to be kept in Thy name by our own strength but by the strength of the Father. It remains enigmatic in a way that the way of the Christian life and our closeness to the Father, even our waking up to know Spiritual things, is the work of God in our lives. And yet Jesus is asking or praying for the Father to keep the disciples there. How often do I pray this? Rarely. How often do I ask God the Father to keep my children close to Him, to not let them wander. I pray that they would not wander, yes. I almost pray to God that He would move in them so that their action would be to stay close to God, but these words are different - the prayer is on the work not of the disciples in staying close. The one that keeps them close is the Father. It is the Father working. The prayer is you God, "Keep them." Amazing. Quite different from me praying that I would shape up or my kids would shape up, instead, "God, you awake them and then keep them."

Jesus then speaks some incredible words in verse 12 by mentioning that on the earth, He did the job of keeping them - everyone, but Judas. And yet Judas went astray to fulfill prophecy. Now Jesus tells God the Father to 'keep them.' He not only kept the, but 'guarded them.' That guarding to me gives the idea of keeping them from falling astray, though Judas did fall astray. I won't get into it here, but the work of man's free will and being accountable and God being the active agent in our lives remains a strong mystery. 

Have Joy - In verse 13, Jesus returns to proclaiming and speaking directly to God, describing what He will be doing. The intercession is over for now. It was one idea - God, keep them. And then Jesus speaks more theology: I come, I speak, that they may have joy. Beyond being kept, the goal that Jesus has for the disciples, and perhaps there is a little request in here, is that they will have joy. But not just any joy, but 'Jesus Joy.' And that this sort of Joy would be in them, fulfilled in them. 

So in this passage is a twofold idea of being kept near the Father, sanctified, one, and that we would have the Joy of Jesus. What a great word of encouragement. God wants us - Jesus wants us - to have joy. Joy is favor and gladness and delight. It is not happiness, but joy always has seemed to me to be more peace. Like in Matthew 25:21 where Jesus recognized great work and says, "enter into the joy of your master." Same Greek word is used there as in this verse. Joy. 

Summary: 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. 

Promise: Our perseverance depends on the Efficacious prayers of Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, you are teaching me here in these verses about prayer. And how to pray. Lord, you are shifting my thinking instead of praying that my kids would stay close to You, Lord, I am praying now that God you would keep my kids close to You. God, awaken them to You, draw them out of the brokenness where they are at times and take them to a place of revelation of You. For those that you have done this, keep them in Your name so they have that same oneness that Jesus has with the Father and they would have that oneness with You God and the desire to Glorify You in all they are doing in their lives. And Lord teach me to accept and trust and value and be in that joy that you are giving me. The delight of being in You and in Your presence. 

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

John 15:9-11 - Abiding in the Love of Christ

John 15:9-11

9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and [that] your joy may be made full. 

Message: Abiding in the Love of Christ

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: Verse 9 is a command by Jesus to "abide in My love." This reminds of the traditional wedding vows people will take - "I [Name] take you [Name] to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow." A no-matter-what promise is made. 

Jesus shows a relationship between 'keeping commandments' and 'abiding in His love. 'If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love' --  This is a natural part of the Christian's life, to follow in the commands, whatever they may be. In abiding, there is fruit (v.4), there is asking Him to do anything and He will do it (v. 7).  He continues to clarify that abiding in Him results in keeping commandments. It is all linked together. 

Yesterday, I focused on the Father being glorified. As I have seen in John He continues to mirror Christ with God the Father showing that all that Jesus has done is because of the Father. They are united in their mission, but the mission also seems to come from the Father. Here Jesus shows how he has kept His father's commandments and in turn will abide in His Father's love -- just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905) stated, "Because the Son loved the Father, therefore He kept His commandments, and in this love He abode in the Father’s love. Because we love God we necessarily keep His commandments, and in this love is the receptive power which constitutes abiding in the divine love." We love, we keep commands, we abide. Love produces a desire to keep commandments and this is turn shows us abiding in Him. And this was no different for Jesus toward the Father. 

Jesus concludes these verses - I think possibly all going back to verse 1 of chapter 15 or maybe even verse 23 of chapter 14 - confirming that the words He has spoken and given are for our comfort - more specifically that His Joy, Jesus' joy, may be in us -- and that this joy will be full - "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be made full." I think Jesus is continuing to give His disciples comfort upon telling them that He is leaving to be glorified (13:31). 

Summary: We love Jesus, we keep His commandments and we abide in His love, just like he showed in His relationship with God the Father. 

Promise: Abide in Love and our joy will be made full. 

Prayer: O God, you are great in mercy and You bestow on me the ability to love. And I do love your and what you have done for me in saving me. I live now my life to glorify You, living by being obedient to Your commands and thank you for abiding in me as I abide in You. Keep me anchored in You in this way always. 

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

Psalm 105:3 - God's Glory and Our Joy

Psalm 105:3 - Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.

Message: God's Glory and Our Joy

Time: Psalms, a collection of lyrical poems, with multiple authors. David wrote 73 Psalms, though for 50 or so the author is unknown. Psalms means songs of praise. The writings span 1,000 years. They encourage us to praise God, illuminate the greatness of God, affirm His faithfulness in times of trouble, and remind us of the absolute centrality of His word. 

What the Lord is Saying: I have studied thus far in these lessons that the highest aim of life is the Glory of God. Everything God does is for His own glory and we are to seek His glory therefore in all we do as His servants. His glory is seen as bright, shining brightly, light. There is a divine beauty inherent in His glory that God shines on us, clothing us in perfect righteousness. His Glory is what we are to value above all else. There is holiness and purity and light in His holiness and this is seen in Jesus as well, the Light of the World, our Redeemer. And God is in control, establishing control and His glory over all. 

And as we deflect away from us and onto the Lord, to Glory in His name, this focus and emphasis in our life will bring us gladness and joy. That is the message of today. Glory in His name....be glad. As Jonathan Edwards stated in his book, "The End for which God Created the World" by the Lord seeking to display the fulness of His glory, the Lord is at the same time seeking our joy. 

I must admit that most of my days I get wrapped up in my own joy, pleasing myself, finding happiness in each day. At the moment, and for most of my marriage, my joy is in my wife - seeing her, watching her find joy, providing for our kids, spending time with her. But I also know that as I spend time daily with the Lord, getting to know Him and then also serving those He puts in my contact, that idea of helping people gives me joy. Even at work, the notion of helping people gives me joy. So in many ways to be a servant of others is what brings me joy. I suppose I like to think that since all of this is God's creation that it is also the joy of the Lord. But, Glory, God's glory and praising Him with my life, I am fairly sure this hasn't always been my highest aim. And yet as I read these words, it tells me that it is God's aim. In us living in a way that gives Him glory, it will bring in us joy. 

All that I do in my life is in accordance with His will. And so maybe I am doing this, as I pray - Lord, be glorified in everything I say, in everything I do. But I think my focus needs to be more on God's getting the Glory. For instance, it is important I think to go to church, assemble with other believers and sing songs in our churches, praising our God. In this, we are giving God glory. We are setting aside ourselves and praising His name. Also at church we are setting aside our own goals for the goal of assembling together to read and study God's word. With a desire to know Him and His Word, we are giving Glory to God. And I see now that even in listening to music that honors Him, reading books that honor Him, in all of these things I am giving glory to God. And what is being said today is God's glory brings me gladness. 

And so denying ourselves, while we think this is something great, that we are having to put down what is important to us or relegate it, what God is saying to us is that what I am asking you to trade will actually bring you greater joy and will make you glad. Our greatest joy will be found when we glorify God. 

Summary: Our greatest joy will be found when we glorify God. 

Promise: Only the redeemed, in the presence of the glory of God, will enjoy the fullest human joy possible. 

Prayer: Lord God, you are good. Help me to trade my ideals and goals for the goal of praising You and giving Glory to Your name always. Keep changing me Lord and my focus so that you get the Glory. And not only in my life, but all lives. And there is already glory in what you have done in creating all that we see. You are the bright light, the eternal God who is in control of all, the light of this world, in divine beauty, shining brightly on us, to give us in the process Joy as we glorify Your name. Keep me on that road and keep me involved in ways that Give you Glory. 

My Utmost for His Highest - April 14th - Inspired Invincibility

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:29

    "Whom the Lord loveth, He chasteneth. (Hebrews 12:6)" How petty our complaining is! Our Lord begins to bring us into the place where we can have communion with Him, and we groan and say--"O Lord, let me be like other people!" Jesus is asking us to take one end of the yoke--"My yoke is easy, get alongside Me and we will pull together. (Matthew 11:30)" Are you identified with the Lord Jesus like that? If so, you will thank God for the pressure of His hand.
    "To them that have no might He increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:29)" God comes and takes us out of our sentimentality, and our complaining turns into a paean of praise. The only way to know the strength of God is to take the yoke of Jesus upon us and learn of Him.
    "The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)" Where do the saints get their joy from? If we did not know some saints, we would say--"Oh, he, or she, and nothing to bear." Lift the veil. The fact that the peace and the light and the joy of God are there is proof that the burden is there too. The burden God places squeezes the grapes and out comes the wine; most of us see the wine only. No power on earth or in hell can conquer the Spirit of God in a human spirit, it is an inner unconquerableness.
    If you have the whine in you, kick it out ruthlessly. It is a positive crime to be weak in God's strength.

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

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

Psalm 149 - Our Duty to Rejoice in Our King

Psalm 149
¹ Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.
² Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
³ Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
⁴ For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.

⁵ Let the godly ones exult in glory;
Let them sing for joy on their beds.
⁶ The high praises of God in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
⁷ To execute vengeance on the nations
And punishment on the peoples,
⁸ To bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron,
⁹ To execute on them the judgment written;
This is an honor for all His godly ones.

Praise the Lord!

Message:  Our Duty to Rejoice in Our King

Time: Based upon authorship and subject matter, Psalms cover a range of centuries. David is mentioned 73 times, Solomon 2, Moses 1, and 50 designate no specific person. It is believed they were compiled around 537 BC. The psalms deal with such subjects as God and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin and evil, judgment, justice, and the coming of the Messiah.

What the Lord is Saying:
The Song (1-3)
The Theme (1a)
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, I've read this before in various Psalms and scripture and have never thought that the new song is a new and distinct song from the other songs. And the song has a special point of emphasis that is possibly different from the other songs, perhaps. In the book of Psalms there are 6 new songs (33:3, 40:3, 96:1, 98:1 144:9, 149:1). New songs anticipate the millennial reign of Christ. 

The Throng (1b-3)
     The Great Congregation is Assembled (v1b)
His praise in the congregation of the godly ones. Congregation could mean many different types of groups, but I think what is significant is it is a group of the godly ones. This group is separate and distinct and it should confirm the importance of assembling together. It saddens me to hear of people that suddenly find no time for church or regular community with other Christians. To me, it seems that when this occurs Satan is winning and pulling apart this formidable force. But, it also makes me think about the church as it assembles. Are we simply walking into a movie theater and watching a show or are we building community in the body to wage war against the darkness. 

     The Great Creator of Israel is Acclaimed (v.2-3)
Our Great God adopted the nation of Israel as His own
Let Israel be glad in his Maker; Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King.
Here is a Levite prayer on behalf of the nation in regards to sealing the covenant in the days of Nehemiah:

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:
Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them. For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

Zion is the poetical name for Jerusalem and proverbial name for the city as the center of all political power in the coming millennial age. Thus, Israel's King (Maker) is to be rejoiced in as he is higher than any other king. 

Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.
When a person dances, there entire body moves and thus in praising God with our dance, every part of us is moving and focused on Him. Their voices are singing praises with music instruments. It is good to see the encouragement to praise the Lord with song.

The Saints (4-5)
Their Blessing (4a)
For the Lord takes pleasure in His people. Much of the Bible is not simply about God but how God relates to people and people's worship of God. 75% of the book of Genesis speaks of Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph and God's pleasure in his people.

Their Beauty (4b)
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation. He will deliver those that are afflicted. Society likes the person that returns a tough word with a tougher word. We love to watch debates where people respond from an attack with a good defense or insult even. But, we are reminded often in scripture to let God take care of the outcomes and he mentions the beauty here of those that have been afflicted. And this is the picture of Jesus and his life because he willingly went to the cross rather than fight back when he was accused. 

Their Bliss (5)
Let the godly ones exult in glory; Let them sing for joy on their beds. The Psalmist believes that people should be happy and they should be rejoicing even as they go to bed, thankful for the day and what the Lord has provided and then awaken with happiness as seeking to praise God. We have much to be praising God for. 

The Sword (6-9)
There is victory in the Lord

Trusting in that Sword (v. 6)

The high praises of God in their mouth. I am to be a person that is praising God. We are to be a people that praise Him. It seems in recent years as worship music becomes more popular, I tend to be moving away from it and yet, the Christian music I grew up on is worship music. The song we sang in church Sunday was unstoppable God. His Glory goes on and on. There is much we can praise God for. He is eternal, uncreated, self-existing, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, holy, just, true, tender and living, gracious and kind. 

And a two-edged sword in their hand. The Word of God is a our sword in all of life. We use it to meet all attacks. In the list of Christian armor, it is the only weapon of attack, all other weapons are for defense (Ephesians 6:17). When Satan attacked Adam and Eve, what he attacked was the reliability of the Words of God. In his hour of temptation with Satan, Jesus' only defense was the word of God. The Word of God needs to be our defense. 

Trusting with that Sword (v.7-9)

To execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with chains
And their nobles with fetters of iron, to execute on them the judgment written; This is an honor for all His godly ones. Praise the Lord! In Revelation 19:15, when the Lord descends out of the sky to engage the enemy, it is the sword that comes out of his mouth. Could these verses be thinking of that moment? The remaining Gentiles on the earth here are the nations and peoples of verse 7. The restored Hebrew people will execute judgment in honor of all His Godly ones. Once again, the Word of God will be feared as we all Praise the Lord. 

Promise: No matter how we feel, no matter what is going on in our life, there can always be time to stop and Praise the Lord. 

Prayer: Praise the Lord, Sing to the Lord. Lord, revitalize Your church and the people of God. Help all people of God and Christians to put aside their differences and assemble together each week at church, supporting it with financial gifts and continuing to give glory to You. Lord, you are higher than any other. You are there for the afflicted ones, providing deliverance. Let the people of God continually praise you, at morning and night. I want to praise you more. May the people of this earth recognize the holiness of the Word of God. In the end, as in the beginning, the Lord will be praised. 

Psalm 132:11:18 - A Throne and Temple in Zion

Psalm 132:11:18

¹¹ The Lord has sworn to David a truth from which He will not turn back: “Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.
¹² “If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I will teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever.”

¹³ For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation.
¹⁴ “This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
¹⁵ “I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her needy with bread.
¹⁶ “Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, and her godly ones will sing aloud for joy.
¹⁷ “There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed.
¹⁸ “His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown shall shine.”

Message: A Throne and Temple in Zion

Time: Based upon authorship and subject matter, Psalms cover a range of centuries. David is mentioned 73 times, Solomon 2, Moses 1, and 50 designate no specific person. It is believed they were compiled around 537 BC. The psalms deal with such subjects as God and His creation, war, worship, wisdom, sin and evil, judgment, justice, and the coming of the Messiah.

What the Lord is Saying: I enjoyed the first 10 verses of this chapter, thinking about worship and the sacrifice of David took in his life of building a temple and taking an oath to focus on a place of worship. Now, as a move through these verses, using the Phillips books I have on the Psalms, there are 4 Promises: Regarding the Scepter, the Sanctuary, the Saints, and the Site. 

The Scepter (the Lord will govern righteously and enforce righteous behavior)
The Lord has sworn to David a truth from which He will not turn back. Hezekiah had taken care of the temple, now he mentions the promise or oath the Lord had made to David's dynasty. It was a bold statement, for Hezekiah was making it at a time he was childless. 

Of the fruit of your body (David) I will set upon your throne. If your sons will keep My covenant and My testimony which I will teach them, their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever. Hezekiah's father was not a good man (Ahaz). Ahaz reigned over Judah from 741-726. Ahaz was a man of idolatry. Hezekiah would reign for 29 years over Judah. In 2 Samuel 7:16, God's promise to David and his throne was unconditional, meaning David didn't have to do anything to get it. God made a promise to him without any work required of David, "Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever." (David was the 2nd king of Judah around 1000). After David was Solomon from about 970 to 931 BCE. Solomon's promise was conditional - And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. - I Kings 3:14. Did Hezekiah wonder about this? David had 2 surviving sons from Bathsheba - Solomon and Nathan. Solomon's descendants included Hezekiah. Hezekiah's sons included Jeconiah (also called Jehoiachin and his name later shortened to Coniah). Jeconiah had 11 sons but none of them took on the throne and thus, the royal line to Christ though Solomon came to an end. Solomon's line is traced to Joseph. But David's other son Nathan, the legal line, is traced to Mary.

Could it be that Hezekiah, knowing what kind of father he had, wondered if the promise of God was still unconditional?

The Sanctuary
For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation. Zion is the final resting place of the Ark, in Moriah. This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it. God's resting place, as he states is Zion, not in a Muslim mosque. I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her needy with bread. The result of this place will be abundant and complete satisfying (possibly pointing to the Messiah). 

The Saints
Her priests also I will clothe with salvation, and her godly ones will sing aloud for joy. Here is a promise to the priests and that they would be made righteous, or have salvation. Before ministering, a man must be right with God and man. Again, these are now words from the Lord. Hezekiah makes this switch in verse in verse 14 and it continues to the end of this Psalm. God will make man righteous. He clothes them with salvation. And the response of man is singing with joy. 

The Site
There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth; I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed. These verses continue to speak of the product of the temple residing in Zion, God residing in Zion: The Horn of David (The Messiah) will spring forth. A light or a lamp will shine forth for the anointed. I wonder what Hezekiah thought. He may have thought this would come from his seed. But, his seed would actually end this. Manasseh would come from his seed and Manasseh was not good. So these are words of confidence from the Lord, the Lord has prepared a lamp for His anointed.  

His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown shall shine. The dreadful things said of the Lord's enemies will be exposed and judged. There will be shame. Yet Jesus, the Lord, will be crowned. 

Promise:  This Psalm chronicles the Davidic covenant, as seen through Hezekiah and what Hezekiah put his hope and trust in. And it what I put my hope and trust in.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for your promises, that they never end. You fulfill them, even if at times, we think they may come about in our own way. Thank you for salvation and making us right before You, making us righteous and clean. Thank you for your promise and how it is interwoven throughout time. Thank you for the anticipation of the Messiah, to take away the sin of the world. There is hope in You. 

Ecclesiastes 11:8 - Joyful Living in Light of Death

Ecclesiastes 11:8
Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything that is to come futility.

Message:  Joyful Living in Light of Death

Time: The Book of Ecclesiastes does not directly identify its author. The conventional belief is that the author is indeed Solomon. The book was likely written towards the end of Solomon's reign, approximately 935 B.C. It is a book of perspective whereby the speaker reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly things. Most every form of worldly pleasure is explored by the Preacher, and none of it gives him a sense of meaning. He accepts that life is brief and ultimately worthless without God and advises the reader to focus on an eternal God instead of temporary pleasure.

What the Lord is Saying: As I continue to study and read through Ecclesiastes 11, I consider the themes put forth by the author. So far, I'm hit with these ideas. 

1. Do my best. 
2. Life is unpredictable. 
3. God knows it all, not man. 

The message is not to be passive or idle and one may expect this response to life when we realize and hold onto the idea that God is in control. But, this doesn't make us passive, but instead intensifies our focus on giving God all the glory while we work hard in life. 

In this verse, I see this idea of being a person that rejoices in life. I spend too much time in thought, in contemplation, in a melancholy state, and I do not spend enough time rejoicing nor encouraging my family. I'm thankful for the time we have had taking trips together and going places. Going hiking together last summer was wonderful. I've been a better father, at least in my disposition, as the kids have aged. I'm not real happy with the person I was as they were growing up. I like their independence. But, I don't enjoy how life is now more about money and spending. 

We need to enjoy our days. I need to be smiling more and laughing more. My wife is wonderful, but also are my kids. Megan has this countdown on the knot wedding page. There is something like just 70 days left with her here. Lord, help me rejoice in those days. 

I like how the writer begins this verse -- if, a man should live many years. There is no promise in life of the number of years that we live and the author knows this, and then remarks, if a person should live many years, then there is behavior that the person should enjoy. The reality is many die at a young age. I hear of it all the time and it is heart breaking. When I was young, death was barely in the equation. Yes, it was the fear of death that had a lot to do with my salvation, but that was after witnessing an emotional scene from a movie and movies have always tugged at my heart. But beyond this I think of myself as invincible, until I start getting into my mid 40s and word of people dying that are friends starts to mount. Suddenly, death is a reality and the thought of it is more prominent in my thinking. 

On the heels of this sort of thinking is verse 8 of chapter 11 when I am encouraged to embrace two ideas: Rejoice in the years of life that I have and do not focus on the years of life after the grave. The days of darkness as in the days of life will be many. Both type of days are futile or unpredictable. 

There is lasting joy with our creator. This needs to be my focus.  

Promise: If we are unprepared to meet our Creator, death will be a terror for us.

Prayer: Lord, yesterday for the Easter Message at church we discussed the inevitability of death. It comes for every person. It is guaranteed. Yet, Lord, we can have comfort in it. Help me to be comfortable and not see it as an end, but a continuance. Thank you for the life you have given me and the joy of being with people and spending time with them. Thank you for family. You are the matchless God.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 - Bread, Wine, and Money

Ecclesiastes 10:19
Prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything.

Message: Bread, Wine, and Money

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: Scripture is interesting. Solomon here relates a theme that sometimes seems counter intuitive to the gospel and that is enjoy a meal, drink and be merry, and money answers everything. Yes, we are to be givers in life, but we also can have enjoyment. My sense is we need to always strike a good balance.

Food can be and should be enjoyed. In making the meals I am making we want food that tastes good. But, I think we must be careful as I think about James Lumbuku in Uganda and the corn they often eat day in and day out. Food to them is sustaining life and they just need it to survive. We however are focused on food from an enjoyment perspective. If anything I am learning now, through the South Beach Diet, and lowering carbs to make food a healthier part of my lifestyle.

And the line -- money answers everything -- I must remember is written in the context of enjoyment of a meal and wine. It is the medium of commerce in our lives that enables the enjoyment. It is true. Money allows us to have enjoyment. But, it doesn't answer all of life. Money can still be the root of all evil. Again, we are not to worship it, but simply use it for God's glory.

Promise: There is a place for us to enjoy what He has given us as part of thanking Him for his goodness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for good food, good drink and providing us with enjoyment and the opportunities to see enjoyment from the fruit of our labor. Thank you for giving us good food and having different recipes and different choices for food that we can eat and enjoy. Be with those that are less fortunate and supply their needs. Keep me content and thankful at all times.

Ecclesiastes 9:9 - The Gift of Life with Family

Ecclesiastes 9:9
Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.

Message: The Gift of Life with Family

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:

Any verse that reminds me to enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life is a great verse. I am so grateful God has given me a wife, children, a brother, parents that love me, and good friends. God gave Adam a helper. He knew he should not be alone and I am sure that first visit by Eve was a startling one and remained very satisfying.

My wife is my reward. Don't take Pamela for granted Chris (I am saying this to myself). Thank you Lord for this simple reminder. Help me Lord to continue to accept her, value her, lead her, praise her, and enjoy her. 

Promise: Enjoy the loved ones God has given me, in this life. They are precious gifts from God and He is kind and generous, granting us many blessings through those relationships.

Psalm 51:1-9 - David's Plea for Forgiveness

Psalm 51:1-9
¹ Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;
According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.
² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
³ For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
⁴ Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.

⁵ Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.
⁶ Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,
And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.
⁷ Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
⁸ Make me to hear joy and gladness,
Let the bones which You have broken rejoice.
⁹ Hide Your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities.

Message: David's Plea for Forgiveness

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've heard that this Psalm is a great prayer for a sinner, pleading for God for His forgiveness. These words here so clearly convey our need for the Lord's love and forgiveness.

Blot out my transgression...wash me thoroughly from my iniquity...cleanse me from my sin...you know...i know...i have sinned, against you God...against you I have done evil. You have every right to judge me for you are blameless. In sin, I came into the world, but what you desire me if truth and wisdom. Purify me then. Make me clean. Wash me so I will be whiter than snow. As a clean vessel, i then will hear joy and gladness from you and I will rejoice. Hide your face from my sins that continue to be committed and see my sins no more. 

It is clear throughout scripture that God's message to people is "Believe." But that belief is predicated on one idea and that is that I am a sinner or I have sinned. It is true, that over time, and even as we age, most of us rid much sin in our lives, but the reality is we are still sinners, whether the quantity is 1 sin or 100. God has always said in scripture that their must be atoning sacrifice for sin. Sin separates us from God and to restore that relationship their must be atonement. Throughout history, he has provided that atonement. For many years it was blood sacrifice in the form of an animal on an altar, a temporary fix, but at all times, people looked forward to a permanent fix- Messiah.

This is what we are asked to believe. Believe God and believe that he has our best interest in mind and that he has provided us with the answer. And at its core there is the recognition that I have sinned and my transgression needs to be removed by a Savior. This is the message then of these verses from Psalm 51. It is the recognition that I have sinned and God is the one that cleans me. Thus, I believe.

But, within acknowledgement of sin and believing that God provides the atonement for my sin, is also then the desire to not sin. But, this desire, I believe, comes about after believing and putting the trust in God's provision, for God then gives us a new heart, with the ability to see our sin for what it is, know that it displeases God and then the desire to go and sin no more. This is an about face that now occurs in the life a believer. It doesn't mean that I will always no longer hate sin for their will be moments that I don't trust God's provision and seek out my own solutions, which often result in sin; but it means that my overarching focus is to live for Christ and deny self, walking by faith, not by sight.

Promise: Christians are new creations in Christ.

Psalm 119:105-112 - A Lamp to Our Feet

Psalm 119:105-112

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
¹⁰⁶ I have sworn and I will confirm it,
That I will keep Your righteous ordinances.
¹⁰⁷ I am exceedingly afflicted;

Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
¹⁰⁸ O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord,
And teach me Your ordinances.
¹⁰⁹ My life is continually in my hand,
Yet I do not forget Your law.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me,
Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts.
¹¹¹ I have inherited Your testimonies forever,
For they are the joy of my heart.
¹¹² I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes
Forever, even to the end.

Message: A lamp to our feet

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 reminded always of Amy Grant's song, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. Nothing will I fear, as long as you are near. You are right beside me." Its a fitting verse for this passage, reminding me that the intent of God's word is to give me a personal lamp and then to light my path. As I walk, I can continue to trust Him (v. 105).

As I walk on the path I will keep Your righteous ordinances (v. 106). This is important. This is my pledge to God that he lights and I walk according to his ways. Keep training and those near me to walk in this manner.

The Psalmist writes in v. 107 that he is greatly afflicted. This could be pain and suffering and it could be something affecting his health. Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. I am revived according to God's word. It keeps me in check. The Word of God encourages me and and revives me, pulling me up from the state of affliction. 

Verse 108 says O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth. Every week, they take up an offering at church. It is an opportunity to take that which is mine and offer it to the Lord for his service. In the way, my mouth can do this as I offer glory, praise, adoration, thanksgiving to God. And once again, the verse says And teach me Your ordinances. Verse 106 says I will keep your ordinance and now it says to teach me. The ordinances of God are always to be on my mind. 

My life is continually in my hand as it reads in verse 109 which means my life is constantly in danger. The Psalmist writes that the reality is his life is in danger. I tend to just coast along and don't see life as being in danger, and yet it is. I am can be at any moment be swept away. Yet I do not forget Your law, so God's word is always on my mind. 

And in verse 110, the wicked have laid a snare for me, The world is laying a snare for me, trying to get me off course, trying to trap me, trying to bring me down. Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts. This is a message that just keeps getting repeated. His precepts are near and I'm committed to staying close to them. He continues in verse 111 with I have inherited Your testimonies forever, God's testimonies of things that he has done remind me continually. For they are the joy of my heart. God's testimonies is what keeps me going. 

This isn't a momentary thing, but an everlasting part of my life. In verse 112 - I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, even to the end. I will not give up.


Promise: Grant us grace to do what You command God, even when it is difficult.

Jesus Calling: December 10

Make Me the focal point of your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. When your private world feels unsteady and you grip My hand for support, you are living in conscious dependence on Me.
     Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of My Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My Face. Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy. Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven. 

Isaiah 41:10
English Standard Version
fear not, for I am with you;
    be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
 
Psalm 139:10
English Standard Version
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
 
James 1:2
English Standard Version
Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds. 

My Prayer
Lord, continue to take hold of my captive thoughts and retrain me throughout my day and life to allow you to work through me. I get too trained by the media of this world, impregnated to be a friend of the world and its ways. Help me to be trained by you God and accept whatever comes my way, even if it seems difficult to me. Keep eternity in my heart. You are my God. I do not need to fear. You will strengthen me and uphold my righteous right hand. Your right hand shall hold me.


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

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

Jesus Calling: December 6

Stay ever so close to Me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you. This is the most efficient way to stay on track; it is the most enjoyable way. Men tend to multiply duties in their observance of religion. This practice enables them to give Me money, time, and work without yielding up to Me what I desire the most -- their hearts. Rules can be observed mechanically. Once they become habitual, they can be followed with minimal effort and almost no thought. These habit forming rules provide a false sense of security, lulling the soul into a comatose condition.
     What I search for in My children is an awakened soul that thrills to the Joy of My Presence! I created mankind to glorify Me and enjoy Me forever. I provide the Joy; your part is to glorify Me by living close to Me.

Deuteronomy 6:5
English Standard Version
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
 
Colossians 3:23
English Standard Version
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
 
Psalm 16:11
English Standard Version
You make known to me the path of life;
    in your presence there is fullness of joy;
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

My Prayer
Lord, I want to stay close to You, so help me to narrow my focus and lose what distracts me from you. I want to stay on the path you have set for me. Remind me that doing things your way is the most enjoyable way to live. Too often I am thinking duty is the secret. Help me arrive at church with the right heart, the right motive. Train me before I go to church on how I am to live. I don't want my life to be about rule-keeping to the point that I feel safe because I've kept a set of rules. I don't want anyone to think this is how we live. Help me to stay connected with you in a real life union. Lord, keep grooming me and moving me to love you Lord with all my heart, soul, and might. Remind me that each day I am working for you and for your glory, not to please people. This is true at work, at home, wherever you have placed me. With you, I am on the right path. With you, I have joy. With you, I get all the pleasures I need.

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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.

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Second Monday in Advent 2021

Blessed are those who mourn, For they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 (NRSV))

For those who are unaware, this is St. Nicholas Day on the calendar used by our Catholic and Anglican brothers/sisters in Christ (Eastern Orthodox celebrates St Nicholas on December 19). Very little is known of his life but much has been fabricated mostly to make him look like Santa Claus. Here is a clip by National Geographic that provides a little background of the real person who lived and has been morphed into the person of today.

Who Was Saint Nicholas? | National Geographic https://youtu.be/3jLO6A2NpPU

Over Thanksgiving week, we took our family on the Polar Express in Williams, AZ, a train ride to the ‘north pole’. Upon arriving, there he was all dressed in his traditional red suit, waving as we rode by. Then as we were heading back to where our trip originated, Santa Claus was on board and coming down the aisle of the train car we were sitting in. There were 5-6 children, ages 3-6, seated in front of us. When they turned around and saw Santa Claus coming down the aisle, the look of joy and excitement on their faces was beyond description, certainly a one of a kind look. I just sat there and watched those sweet faces and remembered when I was a child how Santa Claus delighted me. It was an excitement like no other. As I watched those precious faces, I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘where has a smile like that gone in my older age?’ Life has taken its toll on that smile. But then I thought, that smile will return someday, the day I behold our LORD and that smile will remain on my face forever.

So what song should I pick for this devotion today? A search of Santa Claus songs produced 54, most of which I never heard. There are the classics, Here Comes Santa Claus, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Up on the Housetop. Jolly Old St Nicholas has a good thought in it that asks for gifts for Johnny, Suzie, and Nellie and ends with the request for self of what you think is right. (Don’t ever remember thinking that way myself.) But as I went over the songs, this one leaped out at me as the best to reflect upon.

Amy Grant - Grown-Up Christmas List
https://youtu.be/RmF2rsDHOZc

This is a good example of the beatitude quoted above. When we mourn the ills in the world and long for them to be changed, we begin by praying for the needs of people (to the One who can really do something about it). What is likely to happen is that we will become involved in being a part of the LORD’s solution. In doing so, that would truly reflect the spirit of St Nicholas for what we know of him.

With love, Bob (Malsack)  - provided with his permission

Jesus Calling: December 3

Do not be surprised by the fiery attacks on your mind. When you struggle to find Me and to live in My Peace, don't let discouragement set in. You are engaged in massive warfare, spiritually speaking. The evil one abhors your closeness to Me, and his demonic underlings are determined to destroy our intimacy. When you find yourself in the thick of battle, call upon My Name: "Jesus, help me!" At that instant, the battle becomes Mine; your role is simply to trust Me as I fight for you.
     My Name, properly used, has unlimited Power to bless and protect. At the end of time, every knee will bow (in heaven, on earth, and under the earth), when My Name is proclaimed. People who have used "Jesus" as a shoddy swear word will fall down in terror on that awesome day. But all those who have drawn near Me through trustingly uttering My Name will be filled with inexpressible and glorious Joy. This is your great hope, as you await My return. 

Ephesians 6:12
English Standard Version
¹² 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.
 
I Samuel 17:47
English Standard Version
and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.
 
Philippians 2:9-10
English Standard Version
⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth
 
I Peter 1:8-9 
English Standard Version
⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

My Prayer
Jesus, help me. The name of Jesus has power and thank you that I can call upon it and it means something. Thank you for the peace that the name of Jesus brings. I don't want to be a product of my surroundings, but help me to trust always in your promises. Some days are good, some days are bad, some days are simply there, but keep me consistently walking with You, praising You and calling on You for help. Thank You for being there and being my help and carrying me. Forgive me for listening to your name be profaned and just accepting it, whether its watching a movie, a show, or just in life. Lord, in fact it saddens me that Your Name is so easily forgotten of its significance. Help me and strengthen me to champion it.  

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

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

Jesus Calling: November 5

You can live as close to Me as you choose. I set up no barriers between us; neither do I tear down barriers that you erect.
     People tend to think their circumstances determine the quality of their lives. So they pour their energy into trying to control their situations. They feel happy when things are going well, and sad or frustrated when things don't turn out as they'd hoped. They rarely question that correlation between their circumstances and feelings. Yet it is possible to be content in any and every situation. 
     Put more energy into trusting Me and enjoying My Presence. Don't let your well-being depend on your circumstances. Instead, connect your joy to My precious promises:

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. 

I will meet all your needs according to My glorious riches.

Nothing in all creation will be able to separate you from My Love.

Philippians 4:12
English Standard Version
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
 
Genesis 28:15
English Standard Version
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.
 
Philippians 4:19
English Standard Version
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
 
Romans 8:38-39
English Standard Version

³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Prayer (2019)
Yes, Lord, I want my well-being to be defined by my closeness to you and not my circumstances. Forgive me Lord for letting worldly gains, money, define my mood. Lord, I want instead to be defined by the simple promised that you are with me...wherever I go. That you will not leave me...that you will supply every thing I need - forgive me for thinking life is about meeting my wants in order to be happy. It is Your Love God that I need. Convince me of this because Lord I get so distracted so much. But, as I arise this day and look to Your Words, may they not only bring me comfort, but define me. Give me the strength to walk each day in this definition. 


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

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

Jesus Calling: November 3

Every time something thwarts your plans or desires, use that as a reminder to communicate with Me. This practice has several benefits. The first is obvious: Talking with Me blesses you and strengthens our relationship. Another benefit is that disappointments, instead of dragging you down, are transformed into opportunities for good. This transformation removes the sting from difficult circumstances, making it possible to be joyful in the midst of adversity.
     Begin by practicing this discipline in all the little disappointments of daily life. It is often these minor setbacks that draw you away from My Presence. When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost. It is only after much training that you can accept major losses in this positive way. But it is possible to attain the perspective of the apostle Paul, who wrote: Compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, I consider everything I once treasured to be as insignificant as rubbish. 

Colossians 4:2
English Standard Version
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Philippians 3:7-8
English Standard Version
⁷ But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

My Prayer
Lord, I want to be a person that talks to people, talks to you, to people, to you - back and forth. I want my talk to you to just naturally outflow of me throughout my day, constantly consulting you, sharing with you; I don't want to get too caught up in the moment so that I can be joyful in the midst of adversity. Lord, I want to train myself daily to be Godly and respond to situations in a manner that will always glorify 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.

Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 - Mirth and Mourning

Ecclesiastes 7:2-4

² It is better to go to a house of mourning
Than to go to a house of feasting,
Because that is the end of every man,
And the living takes it to heart.
³ Sorrow is better than laughter,
For when a face is sad a heart may be happy.
⁴ The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning,
While the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.

 
Message: Mirth and Mourning

Time: Ecclesiastes: 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: 

I became aware of these verses for the first time upon hearing the Choir's Chase the Kangaroo release in 1988. I was 21 at the time or close to it and in college and that CD quickly become one of my favorite music releases of all time. At the time, I was a sophomore/junior in college and I believe I was getting over a relationship with a gal I shouldn't have been dating to begin with. She tore down my self-esteem and although a Christian, the relationship was not good for me. I broke it off with her and she went berserk upon me doing this in the early part of 1988. It was a good decision, but a hard one at the time. Shortly thereafter I got involved with Campus Crusade and really sort of got my life back together, spending time with a new friend, Scott, who really helped me right the ship and get me grounded again in the Word of God. This was the year that Chase the Kangaroo came out. I had always been a Christian music nut, but my early years at Baylor did get me into mainstream music again.

The song ends with this chorus:

A sad face is good for the heart of a child
For the heart of a child
For the heart of a child
For the heart of a child
A sad face
A sad face
A sad face

In the liner notes, it referenced Ecclesiastes 7:3 and I appreciated that. The verse has always stuck with me. It has been a needed reminder in my life that "sorrow (can be) better than laughter for when a face is sad a heart may be happy." Maybe I have had a tendency in life to have a sad face.

One of the dangers about our current lives that I sense is the way we got from event to event, circumstance to circumstance. The instant gratification that has become the norm for us over the last 25 years has been eroding our time to simply reflect. Even this time that I take in the morning is tough. I have little time to ponder as I must get Derek ready for school shortly and get myself going. But, it isn't just having those responsibilities. These electronic devices in our lives mean that we just don't have to work anymore for much. It is a foreign concept at times to really take the time to think about life and our circumstances.

I remember this book my dad gave me about a Jewish lady that spent a year to mourn over the passing of her husband or daughter. I read that book at my dad's suggestion and it has always stayed in my life and thinking. It reminds me of the importance of taking the time to reflect and remember a person's life. We expect mourning to be quick now, mostly I think because the focus of life is so much comfort, enjoyment and satisfaction. Even today, I'm enamored by people that are always happy and always have a smile on their face. It's attractive I suppose. And yet I also wonder if that person is trying to fool themselves that enjoyment is all you need in life.

Yet Solomon in these words gives us the reminder that "a sad face is good for the heart."  Sometimes we need to take more time to ponder and think about life. It is contemplation and mourning that we often reflect on our state of mind and where we stand with God. In some ways that time period after I dated that girl in college turned into a time of mourning. It took me a little bit of time to get out of that funk. I needed to rediscover myself and who I was. And who I was in Christ. I never left being a Christian but I needed to restore my confidence. This verse expresses that the fool simply stays in the house of merriment or laughter all the time.

Promise: I must take time on a regular basis to meditate on Scripture and what it tells us about the Lord and His ways.

Psalm 119:105-112 - The Joy of God's Law

Psalm 119:105-112

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
¹⁰⁶ I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances.
¹⁰⁷ I am exceedingly afflicted; revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.
¹⁰⁸ O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your ordinances.
¹⁰⁹ My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your law.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts.
¹¹¹ I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
¹¹² I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, even to the end.

Message: The Joy of 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:

Lord, I need to be restored and renewed this day. I need to come before you and let you carry me.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your Word O God is a lamp, that shines my way. I stand in the darkness of this world, staring at my own problems and circumstances and get blinded Lord. I feel like there is no way out. I struggle. Restore me through the reading of the Word. Bring light to my path. 


I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances. Help me to not doubt you or turn away from you. I want to keep your right and perfect ordinances and ways. 


I am exceedingly afflicted; revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. Lord, I am struck down with pain and sorrow. I feel like someone has hurled stones at me and my life. I lack confidence and assurance of my situation. Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. Bring life back to me. Get me centered back on You and who You are. You are my sustenance. You bring meaning to my life. 


O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your ordinances. Accept that I am admitting that I need your forgiveness Lord. Teach me to walk in Your ways. Teach me to stand by You. 


My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your law. Though I continually take my life into my own hands and continually go in the direction I think is best, bring me back to Your ways, to your ordinances, to Your Laws. Help me see that trusting You and believing You is the anchor in my life. You are all I need. I will continue in this life to struggle with sin. It is a sign that I am regenerate and committed to God because I wage war with it. Remind me daily of what it looks like. I thank you for the church you have given us and that it reminds us each Sunday that Sin is present and we continually turn and wrestle with it. But, thank you for that weekly reminder of the grace of God. 


The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts. The wicked prowl about and want to snare me and they lead me away from Your Precepts Lord. I see this. The world has their own set of code in order to fix problems. 


I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart. Your Word and Your testimonies are mine. They are the joy of my heart. 


I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, even to the end. Incline my heart, turn to You, so that I may perform your statutes forever. Every day may I be directed to you. Lord, sometimes we are a fleeting, unhappy, sinking family. Love has been removed from our house. There is no more union. There are no more smiles. We are still on high alert. The Joy of the Lord needs to be my strength. Let it be. 

Promise: Despite our continuing fight against sin, we can be confident that we are safe in the arms of Jesus if we love Him and His law.