Proverbs 11:10 - Well Deserved Justice

Proverbs 11:10

When it goes well with the righteous, 

     the city rejoices,

And when the wicked perish,

     there is glad shouting. 

Message: Well deserved justice

Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.

What the Lord is Saying: Two positive responses in this verse - anything that goes well for the righteous and the wicked perishing - is a cause for celebration. 

New Living Translation - The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die. -- wow, that's even more specific. 

Benson Commentary says, "A common rejoicing, partly for the just vengeance of God upon them, who had been the instruments of so much mischief." Yes indeed. This is what we are thinking all along. If anything this is one of the easiest to understand proverbs. For in this proverb, it speaks of outcomes and almost has no responsibility on a person. It simply speaks of what is to come. 

We can read this proverb and not feel like there is any action that it requires. It simply states the story of life - when good things happen to the righteous, we heartily agree and we are happy and we rejoice. It is the idea of "Yes." Maybe it is even, "Yes, finally." It is sort of, "That's the way it is supposed to be every time." We expect justice and justice has occurred. 

And yet the Proverb says, "When it goes well" meaning this is not an everyday, all the time, occurrence. Yes, it happens and yes, there is rejoicing, but it is not always the occurrence. The wicked bring others down. Seeing a wicked person receive good things is hard and it brings stress on us as well, but this is good, the wicked have received what we believe they deserve and we have shouts of joy. 

Vengeance has occurred. 

In this, we can look at good and the set up of morality and death and sin and heaven and hell and think, yes, His way is great. Why? Because the outcome has gone the way we want it to go. It is in these moments that we rejoice and shout with gladness. We are thankful. There is no more shaking our fingers at God, but instead we are rejoicing and praising God. 

I spoke with a person yesterday that said, "Why doesn't God just do _____." There is that feeling of God stepping in and making bad situations vanish or better. We want God to do those things because we think we know best and we think we know what God wants every time. But we must let God be God. And take responsibility. In this verse is responsibility. The choice has been made to be righteous or act wicked and because of that, the outcome should be certain, every time and for this we praise God. 

Yet, we need to always praise God and be thankful. 

This week a friend from Church died. I should be rejoicing. Yes, death is hard, but the outcome for my friend is heaven and thus, the City rejoices. The people left can move on and make it. The future is certain. 

Prayer: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all of the earth. You are the Lord. You are the great one. Your ways have been established on this earth. You created the heavens and the earth and you always have had the best in mind for Your people. But Lord we make our decisions to follow You or not and while it is all under your sovereign control and ways, the outcomes we see are sometimes not we want. I am thankful though when the outcomes are what we want. Like in this verse, the righteous rejoice, the wicked perish and each has shouts of joy. Thank you Lord for Your ways that are greater than our ways and thank You that we can trust You every time. This is the Father's World. 

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

Philippians 3:1-3 - Spiritual Defense Wins Championships

Philippians 3:1-3

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.

Message: Spiritual Defense Wins Championships

What the Lord is Saying:

From the sermon yesterday at church (Mother's Day), Lamar Morin spoke: 

Defense wins championships is something often credited to Bear Bryant, former legendary football coach of Alabama Crimson Tide. Physical defense of any sort is very important, like for military. But spiritual defense or protection is also key. 

Verse 1 begins with the word, "Finally." Finally does not signal the end of this book as there is still several chapters to go. Paul has more to say.

1. Having the right defense

We need to rejoice in the Lord. Lord, help me to rejoice in You always. Joy transcends momentary times of happiness. I look to You Lord as my reservoir of joy. I am rejoicing in Jesus all You have done. 

John 15:11 says that Jesus' joy in us makes us complete. -- These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

Psalm 32:11 -- Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

We need these continual reminders. Protect us Lord. Thank you for not wanting me to fail. Rejoice always, not complaining. O Spirit of God you protect me from sinning. 

2. Avoid the wrong audibles. There are those attempt to change some of the details or play calling by our Master. 

a. Dogs - avoid the dogs by watching out continually. Lord, I have to be on the lookout for these dogs in my life or false teachers. Beware of those hard people. Spiritually direct me away from those who mislead.

b. There are evil workers. Galatians 3:24-25. Beware of movements that are dividing up the Bible. The Law is our guardian until Christ comes. Faith has come. We have faith in Jesus Christ. Our focus should always be on Christ. 

c. Watch out for legalism. Legalist refers to the belief that salvation or acceptance with God is achieved through strict adherence to rules, laws, or rituals, rather than through faith in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, circumcision marked the cutting away of the old person. Now that is the Holy Spirit. He cuts away what is bad in our life. [I've heard baptism is counter to circumcision - both being outward displays.] 

3. Serve in the Spirit

For example, we need worship not just Sunday, but throughout the week. Lord, redirect me to boast in You Christ Jesus. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 says, "But he who boasts is to boast in the Lord. For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends." Help me to not put confidence in the flesh. Nothing good lives in me. I don't want to only win a battle but the war. 

End with a hymn. Written in 1891. 

My faith has found a resting place. I need no other argument. It is enough that Jesus died and that died for me. 

Prayer: O God, you are great in mercy and love. I need to rejoice in You and keep rejoicing in You each day. Direct me away from what is false. Keep showing me the truth and thank you for instilling this in my life. I walk by your strength each day. I walk in your Spirit. You are my guide and I want to stay confident in You. Forgive me for my sins. They are many. They continue. Help me. You give me signals each day and I need to follow through on your leading. 

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

John 14:27-28 - Peace from Jesus

John 14:27-28 

27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. 28 You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Message: Peace from Jesus

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

What the Lord is Saying: Leaving off the last lesson and the comfort of Jesus words to abide with us always even as He mentions to His disciples that He must leave (v. 31 - The Son of Man glorified; v. 33 - Where I am going, you cannot come; v. 36 - Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; 14:2 - I go to prepare a place for you; 27 - I leave; 28 - I go away), He brings them comfort that He is with them and His helper as well is sent to them. 

Upon Jesus saying He is leaving is Him giving words of comfort. He is leaving them with Peace. But this isn't simply peace that people have in their lives but this is "His or My peace" as He names it, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you." This is Jesus peace. This is different from the peace that the world attempts to give people. There is piece that the World tries to give people. People do walk around often thinking they have this peace.  It is a manufactured peace. It is a peace that each person might define for themselves or come up for themselves based upon their circumstances or situations. In other words, it is often a selfish peace. 

When I speak to people about faith and what matters, invariably people come up with their definition of how things are and in the process they are working through a process sometimes to define peace in their life. It seems money is a desire or having things or having the right people in one's life. They define life based upon what they can accomplish or what they can do in their free time. They might momentarily have joy in their kids achievements. 

Numbers 6:24-26 reads, "The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace." Everything the Lord provides culminates in peace. 

Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Jesus leaves us peace and the best peace we are to have is with God, our creator, the sustainer of life. We have a peace that cannot be matched. And the peace is through our Lord Jesus. He gives us peace and in the process we have peace with God. He provided the means or way for us to be justified. Our simple act in the process was having faith. 

With this peace is Christ saying also, "Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." I like the words he says, "Do not let." A troubling heart and fearful heart I think are normal. As we stare at the situations of life - death, suffering, trials, misfortune - we can allow ourselves to be troubled and fearful. We can allow the circumstances of life to dictate our well-being, our quality of life, but Jesus tells us we have peace. We have a peace that surpasses understanding, guarding our hearts (Phil. 4:7).  

Jesus then offers a little bit of a rebuke to the disciples. He has spoke to them and given them promises. He has assured them of truths that despite leaving He is with them, will return again and sends His spirit to them to confirm all that He has said. He promises to come again. They have nothing to fear. He asks them continually to love Him. 

He also makes mention that they should have joy for him going to the Father and says, "The Father is greater than I." In his current state on this earth, the Father, never having come to earth as a man, lives in a greater state, Jesus will ascend, but for now he is God in a different capacity, fully man. Jesus speaks his equality but as a man, as a servant could say the Father was greater than Him. 

Summary: Jesus leaves his disciples with His peace, asking them also to rejoice because Jesus goes to the Father. They are to have no trouble or fear. 

Promise: Let the peace Christ gives you grant you confidence this day that He is with you, that He loves you, and that He is working for your good and His glory. 

Prayer: O Lord God in heaven you are creator and all of life and time and this universe is for Your glory and Yours alone. Thank you for granting me peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you that I don't have to fear or be troubled. And thank you for showing me your equality with God the Father. You are holy and I can trust You. Spirit of God you share with me truth always about You and keep defining peace in my life and giving me that confidence in You. 

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

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. 

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.

Jesus Calling: January 23

It's all right to be human. When  your mind wanders while you are praying, don't be surprised or upset. Simply return your attention to Me. Share a secret smile with Me, knowing that I understand. Rejoice in My Love for you, which has no limits or conditions. Whisper My Name in loving contentment, assured that I will never leave you or forsake you. Intersperse these peaceful interludes abundantly throughout your day. This practice will enable you to attain a quiet and gentle spirit, which is pleasing to Me.
     As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth. My strength and power show themselves most effective in your weakness. 

Deuteronomy 31:6
English Standard Version
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

1 Peter 3:4
English Standard Version
4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 

2 Corinthians 4:6-7
English Standard Version
⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

2 Corinthians 12:9
Amplified Version
⁹ but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.

My Prayer
Lord, help me to realize that often getting distracted when I pray is okay and normal and the important thing is to keep going and just get back on track. Thank you that you are always focused on me. That you look at me without any distractions. This is hard for me to fathom that you know me like that and you know all people, throughout eternity in the same way. This reminds me Lord how you are infinite while I am finite. I have limits. You do not. 

I can rest in You. You can work through me, no matter what. You don't need in me, a fully functioning vessel that is healthy and has no deformities. You can work through any vessel and you do. You are the potter, we are the clay and it is your glory that reminds us that you work through all different types of vehicle. Thank you for that beautiful picture. Thank you for showing me that and help me to praise You continually. 

I can be strong and courageous. Not because of my own ability, but because the Lord goes with me and he will not leave me nor forsake me. The beauty of me is that you are in me. The light can shine through any vessel. You are there, no matter the situation. It is in my weakness that your power shows forth the most. So keep me humble. Keep me aligned with you. Help me to not be trained like this world is trained thinking that survival of the fittest is the ideal and the success and money and health are what brings rest and peace. Peace is only found in You. 


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

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

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 118:17-29 - The Cornerstone

Psalm 118:17-29
¹⁷ I will not die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord.
¹⁸ The Lord has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death.

¹⁹ Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the Lord.
²⁰ This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it.
²¹ I shall give thanks to You, for You have answered me, and You have become my salvation.

²² The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.
²³ This is the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.
²⁴ This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
²⁵ O Lord, do save, we beseech You; O Lord, we beseech You, do send prosperity!
²⁶ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord; We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.
²⁷ The Lord is God, and He has given us light; Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
²⁸ You are my God, and I give thanks to You; You are my God, I extol You.
²⁹ Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Message: The Cornerstone

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:

Feeling the opposition of others
Taking a moment to go back and think about this chapter 118 and what it means to me. What I see is the psalmist walking through a stressful situation in life. But it isn't just a hard day, but feeling opposition. He is in distress (v. 5), feeling oppressed by man (v. 6), feeling the hate of man (v. 7), being surrounded (v. 10), being surrounded like a swarm of bees (v. 11), being pushed in order to fall (v. 12), and feeling like he is going to die (v. 17). This isn't simply a trial, but a feeling of being attacked. He is feeling oppressed, hated, surrounded, pushed, and near death.

No Matter What - I thank God
As he experiences this opposition, his response to those situations is to lean on God. The first thing the psalmist does is give thanks (v. 1) and speak of God's lovingkindness (v. 1-4). It is not that he is thanking God necessarily for the opposition or bad situation he is in, but his life perspective remains in thanking God. He continues to exercise thanks to God and his lovingkindness. The events of his life have not changed his thankfulness of God.

The Lord is for me 
At the first moment of him being in distress and feeling oppressed and hated, he calls upon the name of the Lord. He is reminded that God is there. He is reminded that God is for him. I need to know that though I am feeling alone, I am not. I am reminded of our recent trip to Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island. My wife and I were riding bikes and we turned a corner and came upon a lake and a view of this large place with rolling hills, on this beautiful spring day. In my distresses and feeling oppressed, I get small and narrow. At times, I can't see but the closeness and immediacy of the trial. But, here, the psalmist says, "The Lord Answered me and set me in a large place (v. 5)." The Lord opened my eyes to show me that the I felt isolated, I am not alone and he is there, centered on me, and there is peace as it takes me to this large expanse and I can know there is more than this problem. The Lord is for me, my refuge is in Him, therefore my enemies are not big, but small.

The Lord is Victory over the Opposition
God is not just there, but God has given me victory over the opposition. In the name of the Lord I will surely cut them off. I need to know that these forces, at times spiritual, Satan and his dominion will be defeated and cut from my life. In verses 10-12, it is repeated three times, "In the name of the Lord, I will surely cut them off." The Psalmist reminds me that victory is something God gives me and I get to carry it out.

The Lord Helps Me
The Psalmist begins with thanks, is reminded that Lord is for me, and then sees that victory can be had, and now sees that the Lord is my helper (v.13), my strength and song (v. 14), and my salvation (v. 14). I experience joyful shouting, like a crowd of people, cheering my victory. He is omnipotent or has all power. In verses 15-16, it says that the "Right hand of the Lord" which refers to God's omnipotent or all powerful way does valiantly and is exalted. To be valiant is to be boldly courageous.

I was reading this sermon online by Charles Spurgeon from 1872 - http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols58-60/chs3361.pdf

• At the red sea, God there overthrew the host of his enemies, by dividing the sea and Egypt swallowed up and the foes of Israel were swept away. 
• When the people of Israel, untrained for war, marched in the land of the Canaanites, they found that their enemies had chariots of iron, entrenched in their cities -- but the Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites could not stand against the 12 tribes of Israel
• David smote the Philistines hip and thigh with great slaughter
• the hosts of Sennacherib lay like the sere leaves of autumn when the breath of the archangel had blasted them

The right hand of the Lord does valiantly is repeated in verse 16. O how I need that reminder daily of the work God has done for His people, for His glory. The Lord helps me. He is there, against all odds, despite the way my circumstances may seem, the Lord is on my side. Help me O God to not forget this. Don't allow the world to squash you out and me forget the work you have done. Difficulties will arise, but I can know that you are there, to rescue.

Transition
I suppose the above is a different look of those first 16 verses of Psalm 118 and now we transition to the rest of this text.

Over and over this passage is about giving God thanks. There are tough times of oppression and feeling attacked from all sides in this passage, but the Lord still works valiantly in our lives. When we are rescued, God gets the praise. God gets the thanks. Lord, this is a chapter I need in my life. I need to give you thanks more for each day. You give me gifts and us gifts. There is too much of a feeling that man is the active agent and he bears good works. God is on the throne. God is to be praised. Turn me away from having a critical eye and help me to continually place my faith in you.

The Lord Disciplines
The reality is that hard times we have could be the result of God disciplining us. The passage speaks earlier of being in distress (v. 5) and surrounded (v. 10). While my attitude is one of thanks and dependence on God, I can't forget that God could be disciplining me and unhappy with me. I am too quick to think that I must just get out of this mess and figure out a plan. I do not look inward and ask myself, "Lord, is this happening for a reason? Is there something in my life that you want to correct or deal with? Or Lord, possibly it isn't even me. You could be dealing with the sin of society in which I am a member of or even the sin of this entire world. The reality Lord is you deal with sin." 

In verse 17 is the reminder that I am to recount the deeds of the Lord. He works and he works in people's lives and in my life and I am to voice this from the mountaintop. In verse 18, the Lord does discipline me, but not to the point of death. I am still here and still able to speak of him. Lord, make my words more eloquent in speaking of You.

Walk though the gates of righteousness
In response to discipline and perhaps sin, put me on the path of righteousness. Jesus, you are my righteousness. You are the perfecter of my faith. You are my redeemer and you are to live through me. Put me on the path of righteousness. As I live and walk in righteousness, again, I give thanks to the Lord (v. 19).

Answered me
I call upon the Lord and he answers me and I thank him for answering: verse 21, I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. What others reject, like Jesus and the Messiah, becomes the foundation or the cornerstone of my life. This it the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes....be glad in it (v. 22-24).

My confidence in me
Even in the reading of this text is my thinking that I give thanks because of what he is doing in my life. I need to be reminded that I give thanks because he is good. Who saves us? The Lord (v. 25). The Lord shines his light on me. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you (v. 28). Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever (v. 29). In conclusion, God is great. He is good. His love endures. 

Conclusion
I am realizing more and more that too much of my life is focused on me, my needs, my family needs, but my focus over and over should be on God and simply giving thanks for him being great. Lord, you are good. Your love endures forever. 


Promise: Ultimately, I deserve separation from God because of the sin in me, but he has rescued me nevertheless, but this doesn't mean that judgment still may not occur in my life or in life, in general. My Maker disciplines me, turns me from sin, and fights against my trials for me. You are my cornerstone Lord, my foundation.

Psalm 45:10-17 - The King's Glorious Bride

Psalm 45:10-17
Listen, O daughter, give attention and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house; then the King will desire your beauty. Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him. The daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; the rich among the people will seek your favor. The King’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is interwoven with gold. She will be led to the King in embroidered work; the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to You. They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing; they will enter into the King’s palace. In place of your fathers will be your sons; you shall make them princes in all the earth. I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever.

Message: The King's Glorious Bride

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:

To Cleave, One must Leave
This is an interesting passage, that I am growing to understand more and more. Verse 10 begins with, "Listen, O daughter." This could be the father of the bride speaking to his daughter, specifically addressing the daughters soon to be marriage and how she is to prepare and conduct herself as she begins that new life. "Incline your ear" which means these words are very important; listen carefully. We often walk through life with a big helping of junk food, primarily enjoying what brings immediate satisfaction, but this is a reminder to stop and prepare. Think seriously about the relationship and the union that you are embarking on here with your mate. "Forget your people and your father's house." Do not pine after that which you have left. When two become one, they leave father and mother and are united together. They begin a new life. Their focus is to be on each other. The daughter is told to not hold onto the past and her past surroundings and life. It can be normal because that past is comfortable and familiar. But, a daughter is now to focus on her husband and become familiar and comfortable in his presence. Often, the best thing 2 people can do that are married is not to live in the same town as their parents or nearby, but to begin to make a home for themselves that is unique.

Respecting the husband
"Then the King will desire your beauty" or then your husband will desire you. I wonder; wives often can't understand why their husbands are not more present with them, but are they present with their husband or are they living some place else? So, in response to leaving your current world, the King will desire you. The Bible is full of references of the new life we have in Christ. We are born again; killing the old man; a new creature, the old is gone. In the same way, a daughter leaves her world, forgetting her old home, and devotes herself to her new husband. She secures his affection.

"He is your Lord, bow down to Him" means that the wife is to show proper respect to Him.  These are words and actions that we normally use to describe our relationship with God or Jesus, but more intentionally here, they refer to the wife and her new allegiance to her husband. The tone of these words should spark in us not simply a leader/pupil mindset but more the union that should occur between husband and wife. The husband is to understand his role. This is tough because our culture has wandered so far from this type of wife/husband relationship.

Tyre was a city of great extent and splendor, and extensive commerce. It abounded in luxury and wickedness. There are no signs of the city today. This verse says Tyre will come with a gift; the rich among the people will seek your favor. I think the idea is our desire in life is for the good things, luxury, splendor, abundance. And the Psalmist is explaining that the result of having a proper respect toward your husband will bring great merit and outcomes to your life. Jesus said, "I did not come to be served, but to serve." Again, we must train ourselves according to God and His word; this is the best way, not societies way of every person for themselves. I was driving down the road yesterday and just looking at cars and reminding myself of the passenger seat that is present in every car. We are not meant to be alone, but to have someone with us.

Presenting the bride
Every marriage ceremony is the same: the father escorts the daughter down the aisle with the looking utterly beautiful, presenting herself, not to everyone, but to her future husband the best that she knows how. There is preparation; there is time spent getting ready. And it is always the same, the bride walks down the aisle ("Here comes the bride"). As this verse says, The King’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is interwoven with gold. I remember this in my own life. I was indeed starstruck like never before. It was indeed glorious. With Pamela that moment represented her well, as soft and gentle. It is easily the greatest gift that I have ever been given. And yes, it should remind me of the way I am to present myself before Christ. He is to receive my best.

But it is more than just a father and a bride, it is the bride's companions. We call it the wedding party, but what happens is amazing in our weddings. The men are all up front and then the wife's companions walk down the aisle one by one. She will be led to the King in embroidered work; the virgins, her companions who follow her, will be brought to You. Yet, here, it speaks of them following the bride. But, it is still the same idea. But they come in the same beautiful way, presenting themselves with glory and splendor.

Let's celebrate
The wedding is often an entire day of activity, but it can also be a celebration over several days. Obviously, some culture mark it with longer celebrations, but it is an event of joy and gladness and rejoicing. They will be led forth with gladness and rejoicing; they will enter into the King’s palace. The honeymoon is meant to consummate the marriage.  Maybe in those times there was an immediate entrance to the new husband's home and palace.

The King's Distinction
As the focus of this Psalm is on the King and What he is receiving, here it points out that rather than his fame or celebrity or distinction being derived from his position, wealth, or performance, instead what will set him apart will be his sons (or his children). This should focus us on what is most important -- our children. In place of your fathers will be your sons; you shall make them princes in all the earth.

And then here more specifically, I see that the wife is speaking and saying that her actions will cause the King to be remembered. I think this is important. The wife has a lot to do with the greatness of the husband. I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever. But, this also could be talking about the man presenting the one that is over all, the Messiah because the people will give thanks forever and ever.  I think it could go either way.

Promise: It is all about the presentation.

Jesus Calling: June 20

     I speak to you continually. My nature is to communicate, though not always in words. I fling glorious sunsets across the sky, day after day after day. I speak in the faces and voices of loved ones. I caress you with a gentle breeze that refreshes and delights you. I speak softly in the depths of your spirit, where I have taken up residence.
     You can find Me in each moment, when you have eyes that see and ears that hear. Ask My Spirit to sharpen your spiritual eyesight and hearing. I rejoice each time you discover My Presence. Practice looking and listening for Me during quiet intervals. Gradually you will find Me in more and more of your moments. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me above all else.

Psalm 8:1-4
English Standard Version

¹ O Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
²     Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
    to still the enemy and the avenger.

³ When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
⁴ what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

Psalm 19:1-2
English Standard Version

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
² Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.

I Corinthians 6:19
English Standard Version

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own .

Jeremiah 29:13
English Standard Version 

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

My Prayer (2019)
Good morning Lord. Thank you for a new day. How majestic is Your name in all the earth. Your creation testifies continually to who You are. The sky above declares the glory of God as it covers us here on this earth you have created. Then I see me, in the mirror, and realize I am a temple. Lord, I want to extol You as My God and proclaim You above all else, not simply when I walk into church in the company of believers, but as I walk out into this world. I need you in me Lord giving me the courage to proclaim You in the midst of this world that continually finds goodness in each person and doesn't dare take the time to consider the Fall and our sins that we still commit. I don't want to be like that Lord. Remind me Lord that the most important thing in my life is falling into Your presence and not simply making sure my life right now is free of challenges. Lord, you show me in Your word how You take care of the birds and feed them, providing them what they need. Lord, I'm not so sure I trust You with that. When push comes to shove Lord, too often it is I that wants to be in control. Help me to rediscover You today and see You Lord. To be satisfied with You. Lord, I am embarrassed as to how easy it is for trials or challenges to derail me. I'm like a kid on the floor having a temper tantrum before You Lord because I am not getting what I want. I want to reflect You Lord. Teach me to seek you with all of my heart. Too often my seeking You is all about bringing my laundry list before You so that You meet all of MY needs and wants. Forgive me Lord. Lord, let You be sufficient.

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: May 25

     The world is too much with you, My child. Your mind leaps from problem to problem to problem, tangling your thoughts in anxious knots. When you think like that, you leave me out of your world-view and your mind becomes darkened. Though I yearn to help, I will not violate your freedom. I stand silently in the background of your mind, waiting for you to remember that I am with you.
     When you turn from your problems to My Presence, your load is immediately lighter. Circumstances may not have changed, but we carry your burdens together. Your compulsion to "fix" everything gives way to deep, satisfying connection with Me. Together we can handle whatever this day brings.

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.

Zephaniah 3:17
English Standard Version

The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.

Psalm 34:19
English Standard Version

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
    but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

My Prayer (2018)
Lord, you know, that as a man, I like to fix everything. I struggle simply listening to my wife describe a situation and not interjecting my solution when all she really wants is an ear. I prowl about everywhere wanting to fix. Perhaps it is the way you have designed me, but there are times when I need to stop, drop, and pray and trust that you know what you are doing. You are my deliverer, my God, to give me strength and help me. Help me to not do it all myself, but to come to you for direction, guidance, ownership of my problems.

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: May 22

     When things don't go as you would like, accept the situation immediately. If you indulge in feelings of regret, they can easily spill over the line into resentment. Remember that I am sovereign over your circumstances, and humble yourself under My mighty hand. Rejoice in what I am doing in your life, even though it is beyond your understanding.
     I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. In Me you have everything you need, both for this life and for the life to come. Don't let the impact of the world shatter your thinking or draw you away from focusing on Me. The ultimate challenge is to keep fixing your eyes on Me, no matter what is going on around you. When I am central in your thinking, you are able to view circumstances from My perspective. 

I Peter 5:6
English Standard Version

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 

John 14:6
English Standard Version

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

My Prayer (2018)
Lord, I am trained in this world to think often that only good things are to happen to me. That whatever I like is supposed to then be the straight path. Re-train me Lord. Keep my eyes focused on You. I am reminded of the words you spoke to Solomon as recorded in Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." What a wonderful promise. As I don't lean on my own understanding, but instead Trust You, my path is straight. This does not mean my path will be easy, because you have shown me that sometimes calamity and suffering are part of a straight path. It is through trials that you often get my attention. I'm heading later today to see Bobby, who had his 3rd cancer surgery in the past 2 years and he's not even 45 years old. I thank you for Him. He is a light to my life and so many others. His only desire through this process is to walk with you. Yes, sometimes he struggles to understand but he isn't adverse to this being an opportunity to grow stronger in his walk with you. He's willing to do whatever to be more in step with You. Give him strength today and me strength as I spend time with him. Thank you for being with us both every step of our lives.

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: May 17

     As you sit quietly in My Presence, remember that I am a God of abundance. I will never run out of resources. My capacity to bless you is unlimited. You live in a world of supply and demand, where necessary things are often scarce. Even if you personally have enough, you see poverty in the world around you. It is impossible for you to comprehend the lavishness of My provisions: the fulness of My glorious riches. 
     Through spending time in My Presence, you gain glimpses of My overflowing vastness. These glimpses are tiny foretastes of what you will experience eternally in heaven. Even now you have access to as much of Me as you have faith to receive. Rejoice in My abundance--living by faith, not by sight.

Philippians 4:19
English Standard Version

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Verse Thoughts
God does not supply like the world often does, according to a person's performance or good deeds or wise decisions. On the contrary, God supplies according to his own standards and ways. God's criteria for blessing is the rich glory in Christ Jesus.  

2 Corinthians 5:7
English Standard Version

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Verse Thoughts
This verse is in the discussion of heaven. What we see in this life can be destroyed, but God has a house for us not made with human hands. So, in verse 7, our walk is not based upon what we can see in this life, but is based upon the unseen. We believe in the existence of the unseen, the invisible. Whether in this life that we see or in the future life that we don't see now, our aim in life is to please Him.

My Prayer
Lord, help me to not be trained always by what I see, but I want to be trained by the promise that You have given me. Thank You for taking care of me. Thank You for giving me daily access to Your abundant riches. Help me to center myself on You and this promise.

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: May 8

     Do not long for the absence of problems in your life. That is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble. You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven. Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.
     Begin each day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter. The best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never lets go of yours. Discuss everything with Me. Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle. Remember that I am on your side, and I have overcome the world. 

John 16:33
English Standard Version

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Verse Thoughts
From MacArthur Study Bible - The word "peace" reflects the Hebrew "Shalom," which became a greeting to his disciples after the resurrection. This peace secures composure in difficult trouble, dissolves fear, and rules in the hearts of God's people to maintain harmony. From Gray and Adams Bible Commentary - Tribulation is sorrow, trial, and persecution, but "in me" victory is already realized. Jesus will give us strength and aid and will supply the means to completely subdue it. 

In the Pitti Palace, at Florence, there are two pictures which hang side by side. One represents a stormy sea with its wild waves, and black clouds and fierce lightnings flashing across the sky. In the waters a human face is seen, wearing an expression of the utmost agony and despair. The other picture also represents a sea, tossed by as fierce a storm, with as dark clouds; but out of the midst of the waves a rock rises, against which the waters dash in vain. In a cleft of the rock are some tufts of grass and green herbage, with sweet flowers, and amid these a dove is seen sitting on her nest, quiet and undisturbed by the wild fury of the storm. The first picture fitly represents the sorrow of the world when all is helpless and despairing; and the other, the sorrow of the Christian, no less severe, but in which he is kept in perfect peace, because he nestles in the bosom of God's unchanging love.

(S. S. Times.)
 
Isaiah 41:13
English Standard Version

For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
    I am the one who helps you.

Verse Thoughts
He holds our right hand against our enemies.  

Philippians 4:13
English Standard Version

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Verse Thoughts
From MacArthur Study Bible - The Greek word for strengthen means "to put power in." Because believers are in Christ, he infuses them with his strength to sustain them until they receive some provision. Dr. Raffles - The Christian, is the strength of Christ, can perform any service, make any sacrifice, and endure any suffering for His sake. From Gray and Adams Commentary - The believer is weak in himself. But he is not alone. Allied to Christ he is strong to overcome evil and to do good.

My Prayer
Lord, help me to not be in shock when I experience problems. I too quickly want to quick or change my surroundings so that life will be easier. But, you will hold my right hand. And I can let you carry me. Help me to see the victory I already have with you, in me.

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: April 11

     This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances. The way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it. 

     To find Joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries. I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four-hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in My Presence today. 

Psalm 118:24
English Standard Version
This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Philippians 3:13-14
English Standard Version
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

My Prayer
Father, I pray my heart would be thankful at all times. May I appreciate all that comes my way and seek to understand how you are using good times and bad times in my life. Forgive me for thinking that if things do not go my way that you are somehow not real or not working in my life.  

Lord, help me and my loved ones to not segment you in our lives, not to just go to you 2 times a week when we show up at church, or at those rare moments we consult your word and direction, but remind us that you are with us every step of the way. You are there when the washer is squeaking or we spill oil all over the driveway (like I did yesterday) or we spend 4 hours getting ready for and driving to soccer, only to have another scoreless game, or when our 15 year old son refuses to come home at his curfew time and I have to go pick him up, or when my wife and I get in a disagreement about the kids -- remind me that you are there and I can thank You for those unwanted circumstances. 

As the sermon mentioned yesterday at church, happiness is found in people and relationships, not in things and possessions, but in what we do with them together. Keep me focused on that idea that you are in control and can carry me through life. Each day will take care of itself. This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice. 

Update 4/11/19
Yes God, You are still there. You are still there when my now 18 year old son is still addicted to smoking marijuana after 3 1/2 years and still struggling just getting through high school. You are there when I was on the floor in discomfort dealing with kidney stones a short time ago. You are there with my wife who is working so hard to help my 18 year old son finish school while also working as an Occupational Therapist in the public schools and struggling each day to get her notes completed on time.

Lord, it remains so easy to listen to the lie coming from the prince of this world who tells us that You are not there and praying and talking to You does no good. But, that's the lie because this is the day that the Lord has made. I thank you always for a new day. Thank you for the love and support of others. We are better together. Let us rejoice and be glad in this day because You God are there...always there. 

Update 4/11/23

Very thankful, but in January my youngest son who is now 22 quit smoking marijuana. His stomach was giving him havoc and he was constantly vomiting so, on his own, he quit smoking. Praise God. We continue to pray that he would get right with God. He is going to school and working. He has great motivation. My wife has retired now from being an Occupational Therapist. I am still working and am 55 now. Appreciate the faithfulness of God always. 

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 12:14-15 - Rejoicing with Others

Romans 12:14-15 - ¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Message:  Thinking of others as more important than yourself
 
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Thus far
I continue to walk through these admonitions in Romans 12; Paul is encouraging me to walk in the Light. The life of a Christian is not an easy road. God asks me to do things that are against my nature. As trials come my way, I am not to immediately seek an escape route, but instead persevere (verse 12); I am to look to serve those in the Body (verse 13); and I am to go out of my way to show love to strangers (verse 13); I am to share a brotherly love with people of all different walks of life (verse 10); I am to continue to hate what is evil (verse 9). God is tasking me to live a different way. As a Christian I should stand out and be distinct. I am to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17). 

The response to being persecuted
These words are of the same thought of Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount that when an evil person slaps us on the cheek, we are to turn the other cheek to him also. We are not to fight fire with fire. Jesus also said in Matthew 5:44 to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus on the cross said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

In some ways, it is hard to see myself experiencing persecution because of my faith, but I do receive persecution at times. Sometimes it is not from an enemy, but I do have unwelcome things happen in my life. I may have a boss or leader that makes me look foolish or calls out my sin in public. At home, I have a child that talks back to me or a wife that doesn't respect my words. At the mall, I may have a person that doesn't agree with me. I have entitled this section, "The response." My response many times to people is out of anger. I feel attacked. People don't place importance on things like I do. My kids don't listen to my words. They don't respect my view nor my rules or parameters. And yet they expect what is important to them to be important to me. It hurts and often my words in response to them are cutting and demeaning and not kind. I belittle them. I exasperate them. I do not bless them. I am receiving a curse often and I am not responding correctly.

I wish I could turn a switch and have people be more responsive. I think this is often why I like work. People want to do a good job at work, for the most part. They want to do a good job for me. They want to please me. They want me to think highly of them. I get respect at work. I have a title as a manager and that means something to my employees.

I do not have a title at home and I don't feel like my children desire to please me. I think when they do well, they look for my approval or praise, but they don't seek out my joy. It is the not the reason they do things. That is hard. And that response by them often moves me to curse them and belittle them and be sarcastic. And yet, they are the most important people in my life and I am to bless them, even when they don't bless me. I am to respond to them correctly. I am not to feel attacked.

I just don't live in that world much. I do not get respect much at home. I feel often like I am just an innocent bystander and that I just live in my world and do things that I like and should not try to make what is important to me important to others. I am very weak and I need God's strength if I am going to make it.

Rejoice with those that rejoice and weep with those that weep
On the same tone, Paul encourages me to celebrate other people's victories. And when a person weeps, I am to weep. I am to come alongside others. I don't mind weeping with those that weep because none of us want to weep and to see someone hurting, I want to naturally help them. But, boy is it hard to rejoice when someone else is rejoicing. It is a dog eat dog world and I feel like I am always in competition mode, with family members, with neighbors, with co-workers, with everyone. I am in this mode of good things happening to me and not to others. Often, when another person gets a new car, it hurts. Why not me? When a person has a nice yard, I wonder why I don't. Even when their grass is growing nicely, I am bothered mine doesn't. I hear of the victories and accomplishments of their children and wonder why mine are not star performers. It is hard to rejoice with others that are rejoicing. It is hard to hear about someone getting an amazing deal on a car. With this too, I don't have the strength and I need God's help.

Promise: I must cultivate a joyful attitude that celebrates when others succeed and receive the things I most want for ourselves. Only the Holy Spirit can enable me to do this, and He will do so as I call upon His assistance.