dailywalkinthelight

A Daily a Walk in the Light of God's Word

Archives for March 2017

Psalm 19 – ‘The Law of the Lord is Perfect’

God’s Glory

Today is a bit of a different day.  It has been good, but just different.  This morning  I read K-loves verse of the day out of Psalm 19, so I started my Bible study there.  The Psalm has titled ‘The Law of the Lord is Perfect’ and David is credited with writing it.  Well, that is where my focus stayed this morning.

Any of you that know me know that I love photography and much of that is of God’s creation and of that piece most are of the rising sun.  Pat and I live on a hill with an unobstructed view of the eastern sky.  Lexington is on the horizon, and I often take photos through a small gate that is between some trees.  I cannot imagine how anyone can look at the sunrise and not know that God created it.

Psalm 19:1-3

As I read verses 1-3, I was filled with peace and contentment in the tie between creation and God’s Word.  If you can just take a moment to soak in God’s creation, you cannot miss seeing Him or hear his Words.  Just these first three verses fill my heart with joy in knowing Him.

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.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard. Psalms 19:1-3 (ESV)

I am awestruck by how the Lord shows Himself in His creation.  I like what Paul says in Roman’s 1

Romans 1:19-20

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20 (ESV)

I read this passage and cannot help but be puzzled by how long it took me to see God.  How long I looked at creation and only saw the surface.   I am thankful that God turned my head because as I read a bit further in the text I see myself even more.

 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:21-23 (ESV)

That was the old me. I give thanks for God’s grace.  I give thanks for His gift of repentance and I I am beyond words when I think of Jesus giving His life to pay my debt of sin and rebellion.  Through all this, I have been saved, and God has given me a thirst for His Word that I might seek Him.

Psalm 19:4-9

 

I read verse 4-9, and I see Jesus, and I see the His righteousness, strength, and power.  His Word “revives my soul.”

 

4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.

Reading this why would I not desperately desire the  Word of God printed on my heart.

Psalm:19:10–11

Just look at the next verses.  What is more precious than God’s Word.  What worldly thing can truly sustain us?  In my mind… nothing!

10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

I think of this passage, and I see a gift that cannot be valued by the world.  There is no metric that can contain it.  Nothing compares to God and His Holy Word and no one can see into my heart like God.

Psalm 19:12-13

Then I get to verse 12, and I see God’s council and grace.

12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.

He is my protector and my fortress.  In the Lord is my refuge.  He will show me in His Wordwise council IF I seek Him.  I am humbled by His grace and mercy as well as His love and discipline.

What can I do in my strength but rebel?  My only hope is in trusting God.

Psalm 19:14

This last verse is part of my daily prayer.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer

I can pray for a multitude of things.  But my greatest desire is to be in step with my Lord.  That the Words of my mouth and meditation of my heart be acceptable in His sight.

I know I fall short every day, but I know that if I will humble myself and repent God will forgive me. And The Holy Spirit in me helps me if I will listen and when my pride takes over He shows it to me and reminds me of the words in verse 14, and that is humbling.

Prayer

Thank you, Father, for this morning time with you.  Thank you for the strength and understanding your word reveals to me daily.

I thank you for your Word.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

Pray for All Brothers and Sisters in Christ

My Church, Nineveh Christian Church, every year in May, beginning on the Sunday before the National Day of Prayer reads God’s Word from beginning to end in roughly 76 hours reading around the clock.  Each member will select a 1/2-hour slot, and we read nonstop until we finish  Wednesday night at about midnight.

This event 3-4 years ago was when I had a change in How I looked at prayer.  It began in the weeks preceding when I was finishing up Job.  It was in chapter 42:10

 10 And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10 (ESV)

That verse became for me a constant reminder of prayer, but it did not sink in until my turn to read during the 76 hours of God’s Word at church.

76 Hours of God’s Word

This reading was the second year that we did it as a Church.  I had read the first year and had done so in the old testament.  This year I was going to sign up for a later day to try and read in the new testament to spare myself of all the names that I cannot pronounce.  I did end up in the new testament.  It was in Romans.  It was Romans 16.

As I began to read 16 all the names that I had hoped to avoid were there in the first several verses.  Paul was telling the Church at Rome to greet all these people, but as I read this chapter Job 42:10 kept coming to mind and I began to think as I read, and well after finishing the need to pray.

Pray for Everyone

What God laid on my heart was a need to pray for all brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.  The thought that still lingers for me is to pray, not just for the infirm or those suffering loss, but for all Christians.  Why? Because we do not know the burdens, others carry.  We see their faces on Sunday but know little else about them.

At the time I did not know how true that was.  Prayer for others became important to me, but the reality of how little we know about others burdens did not hit me until later when things made a big change for me.

Romans 16:17-19

As I reflected on all these things this morning I reviewed Job, and I reviewed Romans 16, and I just prayed.  I read verses 17-19 and was reminded of how this all tied together on that day.

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.  Romans 16:17-19 (ESV)

I read that passage, and I thought; How can I know these things?  What came to mind was to pray.  Pray for discernment, pray for wisdom, and pray for everyone that they may find wisdom and strength in God’s Word.  Pray for protection of the weak from those that would mislead them.  Pray that all might be drawn to God’s Word for wisdom and strength.

Confession

I admit that I do not pray for my whole church family individually.  I pray for the body.  I also confess I do neglect this part of my prayers some days and I do so for no good reason.  But this morning God reminded me that I was falling short on this, and I knew better.  That is why I ended up here with this need to share and confess my shortfalls.  God just used that pruning knife to remind me of this important piece of my prayer life.

One Body

We are one body in Christ.  All united as one with each having purpose and no one person is above another.  I think of how Paul taught this in Romans and 1 Corinthians.

 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)

In Romans, Paul reminded me that we are ” individually members one of another.”  In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 his teaching is consistent.

12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many.  1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV)

He goes on in 1 Corinthians 12:15-27 Paul elaborates on the fact that we each have our purpose and for the body to function we must each do our part.

Health of the Body

For the Body to flourish, it must be healthy.  This observation is where I came to an understanding about how no one knows for certain the health, spiritually or physically of any member of the body.  Sometime after God helped me realize that we all need prayer, he gave me another message to emphasize how little I could know about my brothers and sisters in Christ.   I had a stroke.

It was not what people think of when they think of stroke.  I was to bull headed to lay down, and it hit a part of the brain that did not affect the body the way most strokes you hear about in conversation.  To look at me, I looked normal.  I look like nothing is wrong at all.  If you see me in a restaurant without my cane, you would likely assume I was drunk…  My speech can become slurred and slow.  I can get lost searching for words.  If I walk, I might stagger a bit and possibly fall…  but I am not drunk.  These things people see are my new normal.  If I sit down and keep my mouth shut I look like everyone else.

Realization

What I realized when all this happened is that I have NO idea what any other person might be going through.  I cannot look at any person and know what they are fighting physically.  How could I possibly know what emotional and spiritual challenges they may be facing?

I realized someone I judge to have their act together needs prayer as much as someone that appears lost, and the tough thing is that I cannot be sure which is which.  I do not know what is in their heart.

Matthew 7:1

I always struggled with Matthew 7:1.  You know the verse.

 1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1 (ESV)

It was also tough to understand 7:3

 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Matthew 7:3 (ESV)

Jesus explains how to handle sin Matthew 18:15-20. Paul does so in 1 Corinthians 5 and 2 Timothy 3.  Those are clear to me.  But the command of Christ not to judge was hard for me to grasp until the stroke.  I suddenly had a physical example of a spiritual issue.  I realized that people could not understand my physical condition until they removed their preconceptions of my behavior.  I looked like a drunk, so I must be drunk, and drunks are just not very good people.

New Understanding

What I realized is that I have to make judgments every day but to do so without some discernment and understanding how could I do so in Love.  I thought this morning of what Jesus said in Matthew 18:15.

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15 (ESV)

To follow that example I could not pass judgment without talking to my brother about how I felt.  Confront him with what I perceived to be a sin against me.  To discuss this one on one, and “If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” (vs. 15b).  But for me to grasp this connection I had to be on the receiving end of odd stares and such.

Conclusions

I know I started this trying to explain how important I feel it is to pray for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.  I pray that I have not made it too confusing with all this explanation.

Ultimately we need each other as we make this trip through the wilderness and we need each other’s prayers and encouragement.  I turn to Colossians 3:12-17

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)

Prayer

Father strengthen me that I might not neglect to pray for all my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Help me not forget that I cannot always know what burdens they carry.

Father help me that I might be patient with each and if I have a problem or see something that concerns me give me the strength and compassion to go and discuss the issue with them that it may be resolved.

Help me Father that I might not Judge with my pride but do all things with love and discernment.  Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak.  Help me to approach everyone with love and a willing heart.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

 

 

Seek God With All My Heart

The Light of God’s Word

Every morning when I wake and clear the cobwebs from my head, and I start my prayer and study I never really know where I am going to start or where I might end.  Every morning there is a bit of anxiety that comes with this uncertainty.  I think more so since I have been posting to this blog. This morning the Holy Spirit reminded me that seeking Christ Jesus MUST be my priority.  Nothing else will fit together if that is not first.

Being Ready

After my morning prayers just thanking God for another morning the first place I went was ‘Utmost for His Highest’ by Oswald Chambers.  The opening paragraph hit me.

“A Christian worker’s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. This battle is not against sin, difficulties, or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him.”

As I read this passage, I had to ask myself which one am I?  Am I so caught up in the work that I am not ready for Jesus? Or am I placing my focus on Jesus and letting the work unfold on its own.  It is so easy for me to question, am I doing enough or am I doing the right thing?  In fact, I should focus on Jesus and His return.

Luke 12:35-38

The referenced verse for the Chambers devotional was Luke 12:40 so I went there and read it.

40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Luke 12:40 (ESV)

That rekindled those questions and more prayer.  I went on to read Luke 12:35-38

 35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! Luke 12:35-38 (ESV)

These are such encouraging words.  All I could think of as I read them is my need to be always prepared for Jesus soon return.  To be prepared my lamp must be full and my wick trimmed, like the maidens at the wedding who did get let in.  I must be clothed and ready to go when He comes.  My source for all these things?  Being clothed in God’s Word.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

I thought and prayed about this passage, and I thought of the phrase “seeking God with all my heart.”  I knew there was a scripture, but I could not remember it, so I googled it, and the search took me to Jeremiah 29:11-14

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. Jeremiah 29:11-14 (ESV)

When I look at this passage, I do not see a punch list of tasks but a need to call to the Lord and seek him with all my heart.  He has plans for me.  I do not need to hunt for them.  I do not need to fill my plate with tasks or goals; I need to fill my plate with seeking the Lord first.

Ephesians 2:4-10

I am reminded of a favorite passage in Ephesians.  This passage reminds me that  God’s plans are not a series of hoops to jump through.  A series of tasks that  I must complete begrudgingly, but a gift rich in grace and mercy.

Ephesians 2:4-10 (ESV) 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

He saved me when I was dead in my trespasses.  He loved me in spite of that, and He saved me by His grace through faith.  All of this was a gift; one I did not earn.  I am His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for works He has prepared for me. If I will seek Him first and listen to His voice, He will make the path clear for me.

Ephesians 2-3

I read the remainder of Ephesians 2 and down through Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Strength ending in verse 21.  God has revealed so much to us.  His love is just hard for me to get my head around some days.  Ephesians 3:14-21 fills me with joy and creates in me a hunger to grow closer to him.

14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV)

I am so thankful for His Word and the gifts of prayer and repentance so that I might draw closer to Him.  His love for me is overpowering, and my hunger for knowing Him is more than I can explain.

Psalms 1:3

I thought of Psalm 1.  My friend and brother in Christ Lee taught on Psalm 1 last Saturday.  This morning I am moved by verse 3.

3 He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. Psalms 1:3 (ESV)

I pray that I might live my life like the Tree the Psalmist speaks of in this verse.  I pray that I might be nourished by God’s Word like the tree is nourished by the stream and I pray that my fruit might be pleasing to my Heavenly Father.

Closing Thoughts

I am so thankful for Gods discipline.  I am filled with joy that He will remind me of where my focus should be.   It is so easy for me to drift into a focus on the task and to complete it that I can lose sight of who directed me in the first place.

I thank God for opening my heart and mind that I might listen and obey and focus on His desires over my own.

Prayer

Father, thank you for all you do in my life and around me. Thank You for the correction when I need it and the Love you share when I do not deserve it.

Father, I pray for strength to be a strong tree planted in the water yielding good fruit in the tasks you have laid out for me.

Help me Father keep my focus on you and trust in you to lead me that I might follow in what you have chosen for me.

Help me to seek you first and trust in you for all the rest.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

 

 

Triumph in Christ

Triumph in the Light of the Son!

I think this morning I could go on and on about the Lord and the triumph that we have in Jesus Christ.    Pat is not feeling well, and that has concerned me and made it a bit tough to focus, but I have been praying for her while she is resting on the couch and looking at His Word in old Journal entries.

How wonderful is the truth in God’s Word?  What wonderful peace is found simply letting go and putting focus into seeking him. Pat encouraged me just to let her rest and focus on my normal routine, so that is what I have done.

I continue to pray for Pat this morning and also for guidance and focus; turning from worry to trust in Jesus.   I went through some old journal entries and stopped on one that I had done a year or so ago.

This entry was almost all in 2 Corinthians.  It covers chapters 2:15-5:9, but as I read I also thought of K-Love’s verses for today from Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)

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

What comfort there is in these words.  What peace I find in them.  In Christ are my peace and comfort.  In Him rests my hope.

2 Corinthians 2:15-3:3

Let me start with Chapter 2 verse 15 through Chapter 3 verse 3.  Paul defines who we are in Jesus, and it is great comfort this morning.

15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. 

Ministers of the New Covenant

​1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Self-Examination

I read this passage over and over again.  And I thought about it and meditated on it.  As I reflected on what Paul was saying and I thought;  is my life a letter from Christ written with the Spirit, for those who testified to me.  The ones who prayed for me and delivered the Gospel to me.  Do I show that I am “a letter of Christ” delivered them?  Am I sharing the message of Christ with others as they did for me in confident hope?

I continued with verses 4-6, and I remember that what Paul is saying has nothing to do with pride but with hope and love and confidence in Jesus.  Do I dare to be this bold?  Do I have that same confidence in Christ Jesus?

4 Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

I know that I am not sufficient in myself.  I know that my strength comes from the Lord.  Paul is writing this to the entire Church at Corinth, not just the leaders; not just the “preachers,” but everyone.  As I reflect on this, I am convicted.

He goes on to discuss the Hope we have in Christ and the boldness we have because of that and the difference in who we are.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18

17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

I get caught up in thinking how much God has changed me from the inside out.  How He has begun this great work in Pat and me and the freedom it has brought.  My trust is in the Lord, and I am filled with thanksgiving.

And that sets up the “Therefore” in Chapter 4:1-6

The, “Therefore” –  2 Corinthians 4:1-6

1 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

And my favorite part…

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 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.

That is my desire.  I do not want to be a preacher like Paul.  What I want is to carry in my heart the wonderful message Paul shares.  I want to carry the truth of Christ Jesus in my heart inside this fragile “Jar of Clay.”

To never forget the gifts given us regardless of our circumstances and remember the words of verse 7.

“7But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”

And Paul closes the chapter with these words that are my testimony.   They lift me up on the darkest days. 4:16-18

Fragile Jars of Clay

16So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

I cannot put into words what comfort this passage brings to me… other than to say how I know it’s truth is unwavering.  For every time I have a challenge God reminds me that it is fleeting.  That does not mean it does not hurt.  Sometimes the pain is intense;  it can be physical or emotional, but I am never alone.  God is there to see me through.  He uses the people around me, especially my wonderful wife, Pat.

The thing is, the Gospel of Jesus Christ fills us with a freedom that exists nowhere else.  I look at Paul’s example of humility, and I pray that when I share the Gospel with others, it may be in like spirit, filled with love and patience.  The Gospel is not a burden that we carry.  It is a gift that the Holy Spirit shares with us if we are willing and through us, He shares it with others.

Closing Thoughts

I will close with this last passage out of chapter 5 verses 6-10

 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

I give thanks to God for His Holy Word.  I praise Jesus for His willingness to pay my debt and the Holy Spirit to guide my heart.  What a plan God laid out for us.  How awesome is He?

Prayer

Heavenly Father thank you for your Holy Word and the comfort that comes with it in all circumstances.  Help me that I might share your Word with boldness and confidence, not in my strength, but in the strength, that you give through your Holy Spirit.  

Father, I pray for healing for my wife Pat and all those that are struggling with illness or loss.  I pray that you restore them and comfort them.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

 

The Lord is my Oxygen

God’s Grace

This morning I woke a little later than usual but well rested.  As I prayed, I reflected on the weekend and the way the Lord works in my life.  The things he reveals and the joy that I find in His Word, and how much I need God’s Word…

I began this morning in Isaiah 55, but I scrolled back to chapter 51 and read from the first verse.  I stopped at verse 6

Isaiah 51:6

6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens vanish like smoke,
the earth will wear out like a garment,
and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;
but my salvation will be forever,
and my righteousness will never be dismayed.

As I read this verse, all I could think of was the mortality of the things of this world and how brief it is when I look to the promise of the Lord.  This world is fleeting, but the “my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will be forever.”

How powerful are these words?  I looked at the comparison and thought about where I spend most of my time.  I thought about where most of my thoughts are focused, and I was humbled.

As I weighed all these thoughts and words my heart ached.  I can get so caught up in the things of this world before long I have no time for God, who created it.  I get so BUSY that I miss the time to pray and study.  And if I do not keep my cup full how can I share what I do not have…  How can I live up to the task that the Lord asked of me?

Matthew 28:18-20

The passage that came to mind was the one called “The Great Commission”‘

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

How can I share the Gospel if my cup is empty?  I must keep my cup full if I am to share anything.  It is like the safety lecture on an airplane before take off.

The flight attendant gives the speech.  If we lose cabin pressure, the oxygen masks will fall in front of you.  Place the mask on yourself before you try to help others.

The thing is I am not much help if I pass out due to a lack of oxygen.  In the same way, I am not of much help if I choose to do things my way without the connection to the vine through God’s Word.

The Word

The Word of God is my lifeline.  I need it as much as I need air and water to live.

I used to ride my motorcycle year around and in the summer when it was really hot if I were not careful I would get dehydrated, and if that happened, I was in trouble.  At the very least I was going to have cramps…  not a Charlie Horse kind of cramp but cramps so bad that I could not move.

It did not take long to learn how to stay hydrated.  It took a mix of Gatorade and water to keep me from cramping.   Just like it takes prayer and study and hearing God’s Word to be spiritually hydrated.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20

God warned of it so many times in His word.  He cautioned us that we must stay connected to Him.  One of my favorites is Deuteronomy 17:18-20 when the Lord reminds the people of what their Kings must do.

“And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.”

I read and reread that passage and consider how important it is.  I love this section of verse 20, ” that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment.”  As I read that I am reminded if I am to stay obedient to the Lord and not place myself above any of my brother and sisters in Christ I must be in God’s Word.  He told the kings of Israel to write it out.  I must stay in it.

B.U.S.Y.

I think of all the times I have skipped spending time with the Lord because I was too busy.  I think of all the times I had overbooked my schedule to the point that I excluded Him from my life, and that breaks my heart.

My wife Pat told me once about how busy was an acronym for “Being Under Satan’s Yoke.  She learned it from a lady in a Bible study.  The first time she told me that I got a bit of a shiver because it is so true.  If the adversary can keep us so focused on the world and it’s needed, we do not have time to spend with the Lord.  Before long the world is getting all our oxygen, and we are passed out in the seat next to it.

Blessings

I know that the Stroke has been a blessing to me.  I am limited in what I can do.  I have a terrible time with focus and attention.  I cannot multi-task anymore.  The best therapy for that is studying God’s Word.  It helps me focus and keeps me from losing any more focus.  I thought of Isaiah 55:10-11

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV) 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

And Isaiah 55:9

“9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

It fills my heart with Joy.  It reminds me to be content in my circumstances.

Caution

It is so easy when things get tough to try and fix things on our own.  To turn to self-doubt and fear which can lead away from our Father in heaven.  I have a choice to make every day. I can choose to focus on my way or God’s

I can allow my mind to become so cluttered with finding a solution to whatever problems the day might bring, or I can trust in the Lord and make time for Him.  If I try to do this on my own, it is too easy for me to overlook God’s outreached hand.  I can become so blinded that I do not notice His embrace.

That fills the adversary with joy.

Closing

My schedule is different now.  I have more time to study… but there always was time, and I often overlooked it.  As I reflect this morning on all that I read I am thankful.  Thankful for God’s abounding grace.   Thankful for His gift of repentance and thankful for His Holy Spirit in me that reminds me of my sins not to punish me but to give me the chance to give them to God and be forgiven.

If I do not make time for Him, it is too easy for me to forget and lose focus.

Prayer

Father thank you for your Holy Word.   I am thankful that I have a link to you that cannot be broken.  Father thank you for your patience with me and your grace.

Help me, Father, that I never forget all you have done.  Strengthen me that I always make time for you.  That I pray without ceasing and write your Holy Word on my heart.

In Jesus name, I pray!  Amen!

Passion

God’s Word

I listened to a sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones from Acts 2 this morning.  I could hear the passion that he had for God’s Word as he delivered the message.  This passion brought the words to life.  As I sat listening I began to wonder when I read God’s Word, do I allow the Holy Spirit to fill my heart with the passion and conviction I here in this man’s voice.  Does my heart fill with the passion of the moment that is being described?

I heard somewhere a comment… “you are not engaged when you read the Bible unless you can feel God’s breath on the back of your neck.  As I thought about that, I considered Acts 2, and I went back and reread the section covered by Dr. Jones which was part of Peter’s sermon after Pentecost.

Before I began reading, I prayed that my head might be clear and my heart opens to God’s Word.  I asked the Holy Spirit for direction as I read Acts 2:14-41.

You know I always pray for God to open my heart before I begin my study.  I ask that He might open my heart and mind to receive what He desires me to learn, but this morning I realized that I do not always really let go of the reins.

Acts 2:40-41

Dr. Jones sermon focused on verses 40-41 in Acts 2.  I read those words over and over this morning…

40 And with many other words, he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:40-41 (ESV)

As I read it I stumbled over the word exhort, so I looked it up to see if I understood the meaning correctly. Merriam-Webster had this to say about it.

Exhort: to give warnings or advice:  make urgent appeals

Continued to Exhort

With the word “exhort” in mind I went back and reread Acts 2:14-15

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. Acts 2:14 (ESV)

As I read these two verses, I heard Peters urgent appeals.  I heard not him, but the Holy Spirit as he told the crowd they were not drunk, but instead they were a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel as Peter recited in verses 17-21 the prophecy of Joel 2:28-32

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward,

that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

your old men shall dream dreams,

and your young men shall see visions.

29 Even on the male and female servants

in those days, I will pour out my Spirit.

30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Joel 2:28-32 (ESV)

Power of the Holy Spirit

Peter’s sermon reminded me of this great gift I have in the Holy Spirit to lift my heart and open my eyes that I can see the passion of God’s Word.  But He does not impose this on me I have to ask…  I must seek His council in prayer.  But if I do and I earnestly believe that He does answer my prayers He will reveal to me the things I seek and more.

Passion of Conviction

As I read the remainder of the sermon, the response of the crowd filled my heart with joy.  Peter preached the Gospel to these people.  He reminded them of the fact that they had a part in the killing of Jesus. He told them that death could not hold Him and he explained how Christ Jesus rose from the dead.

This message broke the hearts of the crowd.  The crowd cried out in verse 37.

 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37 (ESV)

Peter answered them.

The Promise

Acts 2:38-39 (ESV) 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

As I read this promise, I am overwhelmed because this promise was not a one-time thing.  It was a promise for time and memorial to ALL “whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”(verse 39b)

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Closing Thoughts

As I pondered all of this I kept hearing this verse in my head…  “do not quench the spirit.”  It stayed with me the whole time I read and journaled this morning.

I knew the verse, but I could not remember it so I did a search on Bible Gateway and I found it in 1 Thessalonians 5 near the end of the chapter in Paul’s ‘Final Instructions and Benediction’; verse 12-28

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (ESV)

I read this closing of 1Thessalonians and was lifted up.  I found the passage about not quenching the Spirit in the middle.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (ESV)

For me, that word quench forced me to think about how I study and how I pray.  Do I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts always or are there times when I do not listen, or I set my direction with little thought.

I have to admit that there are times when I do all three.  Listen… ignore…  and press my agenda.  And that breaks my heart.  I realize how much I need to repent.  Repent for those times when my passion takes control instead of surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Father thank you for the promise you gave us all through Peter on Pentecost.   Thank you, Lord, for the gift of my helper and teacher, the Holy Spirit.

Forgive me Lord for those times when I do not listen and I take the lead rather than follow You.

Father thank you for this gift of repentance.  Help me never forget.  Help me that I might cling to you always and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in your Word.   Let me always see the passion and fire you place there for me.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

 

Written Down for Our Instruction

Child of Light

Last night I attended my small group study of 1 Corinthians at

Ninevah Christian Church.  The study covered chapters 9:1-10:13 and the study had a profound impact on me, specifically 1 Corinthians 9:24 – 10:13 (ESV).  I learned new insights into the bit about examples and instruction.

What I learned last night gave me cause to reflect on how I was taking advantage of the examples laid out in the old testament, and whether I was running the race to win.

1 Corinthians 9:24 – 27

My preacher, Terry Cooper, leads the class and we covered most of chapter 9, and I was pretty comfortable with my understanding.  But when we got to verses 24-27 Terry brought out some points that gave me pause as I listened and reread the text.

 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

As I read this again this morning, I felt an urgency in Paul’s speech.  It was like a plea for me to listen carefully to what he was saying and this message.  It was no joke, but a matter of life and death.

1 Corinthians 9:27

Paul speaks of our need to run the race to win:  Discipline our bodies like an athlete does.  But as I read this I realized it is not just our physical bodies that we must discipline, but our spiritual body as well.

This morning I am looking back on the emphasis Terry put on verse 27 and even more than last night I am forced to do a little self-examination.

27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

If Paul kept this thought in the forefront of His mind shouldn’t I do the same?

Then Terry did something that I had not fully considered.  He tied to verse 27 the verses in chapter 10:1-13.

1 Corinthians 10:1-5

As Terry shared the message with us, I could not help but keep verse 9:27 in my head mulling it over as he spoke of verses in chapter 10:1-5

“1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.”

As I listened to this and Terry’s passionate delivery and I kept thinking of how it relates to us.  Terry noted that five times “all”  was used and once “most” was used to describe the people.  This morning as I consider his emphasis I am reminded of Matthew 7:13-14

Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)

3 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” 

As I thought about this passage and how Jesus warns us to take care in our lives, I remembered, He was speaking to followers, and he was warning them that like the followers of Moses, not all would find the narrow path and the narrow gate.  Only a few.  So what do I need to do? What must I hold onto?

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

I looked closely at verses 6-10 and looked at the example that God had left for us to learn.

“6 Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” 8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.”

I look at these verses, and I started thinking about the need to trust in God.  Hold fast to Him and heed His counsel.  I looked at verse 11 and found it to be very humbling for me.  These things that happened to the Israelites could happen to me, and I needed to take them seriously because God made certain that they were written down for me.

 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.

Written Down

That is such a powerful statement.  When I think of all the times that Kings and rulers wrote something down, they could not change it.  If they took the trouble to write it down, it must stand.  I think of the book of Daniel, and when the Babylonian Kings wrote something down, they were going to follow through.  I think of furnaces and lion’s dens when I see the phrase “written down”  and how much more when the King of Kings and Lord of Lords takes the time to use the phrase…  If God is to write it down, I better pay attention.

Spiritual Arrogance

When we got near the end of the study last night, Terry spoke of spiritual arrogance and this morning I am doing a bit more self-examination.  Verses 12-13 should make me pause a bit and humble myself before God.

 “12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

That thought of “trusting God” came back again this morning as I read these.  The adversary would have me think that every struggle I face is unique and insurmountable…  but that is a lie!  Through Paul, God reminds us of the truth.  And if I am honest with myself the Holy Spirit always shows me a way to avoid the sin that follows a temptation.  Sometimes it is as simple as turning the other way.

New Realization

Last night one of the big realizations for me was Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 9:27

“27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

As we read this passage last night, I got a “Gibbs Slap” to the back of my head.  I thought of Moses at the waters of Meribah, Numbers chapter 20  where Moses struck the Rock in anger rather than glorify God as He had asked.  At that moment God told Him that he would not see the Holy Land of promise.

Then I realized the example Moses was to Paul… and to me.  Yes, Moses got his reward after his death, but because he sinned against God he did not step foot on the Holy Land of Promise, and that was sobering for me.

Closing Thoughts

As I think about all of these verses all I can think is “trust in God”.   God sets out all of His Word to guide us to assure us there is only one way to Him.  He asks us to believe and to trust in it all.

Paul reminds us that we are all susceptible to temptation.  That reminded me of the example of Moses who was favored by God.

God gives us His Word and the Holy Spirit to guide us through it.  How thankful I am for that.  There is no substitute for spending time with him in His Word.

One Last Thing

I read 'Utmost for His Highest', by Oswald Chambers this morning and he said something that for me fit with last night and the trust I must have in God…

“If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He doesn’t ask you to make it right; He only asks you to accept the light of truth, and then He will make it right. A child of the light will confess sin instantly and stand completely open before God. But a child of the darkness will say, “Oh, I can explain that.” When the light shines, and the Spirit brings conviction of sin, be a child of the light. Confess your wrongdoing, and God will deal with it. If, however, you try to vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness.” ‘Utmost for His Highest’ March 23

Prayer

Father help me to be a child of light. Help me to hold fast to your teaching and trust in your faithfulness.
Thank you, Lord, for your Holy Word; the living water. My hope and My salvation.
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

 

Reflection

Reflecting the Light of the Son

This morning was a day of reflection.  You know, for me, the best day of the week and the most difficult is Sunday.  On Sunday morning I have an opportunity to join with my Church family to worship and praise God.  I am given an opportunity to listen to my preacher share the Good News of Jesus Christ whether from the old testament or the new.  But as wonderful as Sundays are they are also my most difficult.

The noise, whether it be the praise band or the sermon, can sometimes be overpowering.  The emotion of the process is as draining as leaving your lights on in the parking lot only to find a dead battery that is too dead to start the car.

I am not complaining, on the contrary, I need that time together with other believers to praise and worship my God.  I also need the sermon.  It is like that blast of starter fluid on a charcoal grill…  The flame in my heart burns bright and hot, but that lighter fluid will not sustain me.  It is just the boost that I need to help keep everything moving.  I am reminded of Hebrews 10:19-25, ‘The Full Assurance of Faith’ is the title in my translation.

Hebrews 10:19-22

I look at verses 19-22 and I am reminded of the gift given to me through Christ Jesus.  He paid my fine and took on my sin… He died for me, but overcame death and is now my great high priest.

“19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

These words are so powerful.  They remind me of a price paid that I should not… no… must not take for granted.  Jesus died for me and rose on the third day overcoming death.  He endured things that I cannot fathom that my sins might be forgiven.

Look at verse 22

“22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

As I ponder these words I am overwhelmed…

“Let us draw near with full assurance of faith.”…  I cannot do this halfway.  I must operate in full assurance of my faith.  I must hold fast…

Hebrews 10:23

I look at verse 23 and God through the author reminds me to hold fast…  Hold fast to my confession of my hope…

“23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. “

What a blessing.  What a gift.  Why would I not hold fast because I know that God is faithful? And I cannot simply rest on that understanding.  I must also consider those around me and my example…  I need to remember we all need encouragement…  and that brings me to verses 24-25

Hebrews 10:24-25

God knows my heart and he knows I cannot do this on my own.  He placed me in a church family, not just for my own needs but for the things I might bring to others to encourage and stir them up.  I love this reminder in 24-25.

24And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV)

Verse 24-25 reminds me of my own weakness.   My own down days when it is hard to get started.  When my spirit is weak and I need encouragement and prayer.  I am reminded of my needs, but at the same time, I am reminded of the needs of others.

Reflections

I am reminded of a simple thing a friend did for me one Sunday when I was really down.  I had kind of gotten frustrated with things.  I am not sure what anymore, but I have not forgotten what they said as we walked from the basement sanctuary to our car.

What he said is not important, but the encouragement it gave me and my wife Pat, cannot be measured.  I doubt the person realized what he had done and I am sure that he does not remember doing it, but it changed my walk that day.

I am not a source of light.  My light comes from the Holy Spirit.  I simply reflect it like the moon reflects the light of the sun.

Closing

My hope is that I reflect the Light of Jesus in everything I do.  I pray that I might encourage those around me like they encourage me.

I will not neglect to meet together.  It is such a blessing.  It is such a joy.  And who knows something I say may help someone else…  I know the reverse happens every time I meet with believers.

Prayer

Heavenly Father.  I pray that you might give me the strength to hold fast to my faith at all times.  I pray that I may reflect the light of Jesus to all those I come in contact with.

Father, I pray for my church family as well that they might know your love and your peace and be an encouragement to one another.  That we might “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”.  Thank you, Father, for all your provision.

In Jesus name, I pray,

Amen!

Wait on the Lord

Clarity of God’s Truth

I know that there are times when I will get anxious about things; not as much as I used to but more than I should.  This morning doing a Bible study I do with a small group of men I came to this thought “Wait on the Lord”

It is not the kind of waiting that Pat does for me when I am having a rough day…  but to wait patiently for His direction.

The study I was doing directed me to read and comment on Psalm 131 as part of understanding God’s character.

Psalm 131

Psalms 131 (ESV) I Have Calmed and Quieted My Soul
A Song of Ascents. Of David.

1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted up;
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
3 O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and forevermore.

I looked over that Psalm for some time thinking about what it said to me and verse 2 just resonated for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

A calm spirit that places all its hope in the Lord is what David is talking about.  I had to consider my own as I read this… am I calm.  Am I content.  Then Psalm 130 caught my eye.  The Title of that Is “Wait on the Lord”

Psalm 130

I was taken by verses 5 and 6 in this Psalm.

 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.

The direction God offers through David is so comforting.  I am humbled by the words.  Just looking at verse 5 is so powerful…

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;

It is not just to wait, but to wait in His Word and the hope that feeds my soul.  And I wait more than a watchman waiting for the dawn.

For me waiting has something that I did well, but with the strokes and other issues, I have had to learn to wait.  I have had to learn not to get out in front of God with MY plans, but follow Him and wait for the plans He has for me to unfold.   I am reminded of Philippians 4:5-7

Philippians 4:5-7

 “The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:5-7 (ESV)

This is it for me.  It is not always easy to do.  My nature is to do something… anything…  But that is not God’s desire for me.  Instead, His desire is that I take EVERYTHING to Him, including my trust, and He will give me peace…  “7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (verse 7)

You know I just think about that prayerfully and the promise of this passage comes true… not because I struggle, but because I surrender my will to God’s will and I trust in His sovereignty over all things.

Wait

I am reminded of a quote by Henry Blackaby from his Bible Study, “Experiencing God“.  This was one of the first studies that my Preacher, Terry Cooper, recommended to me.

In it Blackaby was talking about patience and waiting on God… and I think of this every time I start to get impatient and just want to do something… Blackaby gave some very sound advice.

“Don’t just do something… stand there”. 

 The exact opposite of what I grew up being told…  I was convinced that I must be doing something always…  but truly what I need is to wait on the Lord.

Romans 12:1-2

I thought of Romans 12:1-2 as I considered this waiting thing…

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

I pray this passage a lot.  But as I thought of it in the context of these other verses and the idea that I must wait on the Lord I found new meaning.  This world is a world of action driven by the hearts of men.  That is not God’s desire for me.  He desires my soul commitment to His ways.

How do I do that?  I do what he directs through Paul in verse 1.

“1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

God also desires that I not conform to this world…  and I do that by living verse 2.

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Final Thoughts

As I consider all these blessings that God shared with me this morning through prayer and His word I have one last passage… and it is one of my favorites.

 25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)

I love 25-27 as Jesus gives glory and thanksgiving to His Father.  He never takes only gives and receives.  He never gets ahead of His Father always glorifying Him…  then in verses 28-30, He reminds me to do the same…

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Closing

I look at all this and I see the desire of God to take the lead in my life.  To guide me and direct me.  To show me the path that he has laid out for me.  I am humbled.  All the lies of the world are set aside by the truth of God’s Word.  My direction is to follow Him.

There is just one more passage…

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV)

Prayer

Father God, thank you for your Holy Word.
Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit so that He might teach me through your word.

Lord, I pray today that I may wait on you. Father, That I might not get out ahead of your plan but follow you.

Lord, you know the plans you have for me and I am filled with Thanksgiving.

In Jesus name, I pray,
Amen

Trust in Him

 

Trust in Him

In the past year, I have found it more and more difficult to wake with a clear head and the focus that I once had.  I struggle sometimes just to focus on a thought and work my way through it.  The best analogy that I can come up with is driving through a heavy fog to get to work.  I cannot see clearly, but I know that if I push myself to focus and not go to fast I will get to my destination.  Sometimes I slow to a crawl, but I keep moving forward.  After all, I did need to get to work.  I have to trust my headlights.  Well, that is how many of my mornings are just to be able to pray and study God’s Word, but I must trust in God to get me to my destination.

For me, I really need to do my prayer and study in the morning.  It sets my mood and tone for the day.  It is what sets my focus.  But sometimes the fog is so thick a big cup of coffee does not seem to help.  Shaking my head like a dog does not help.  But I have found prayer and searching for God’s influences will clear my mind and if I seek him I can hear Him.  I can listen to Jesus.

How I Work Through the Fog

Some mornings I will listen to a sermon because I cannot focus to read.  Sometimes I will jump from verse to verse I receive in email or see on Facebook, and in time the fog begins to lift.  Maybe I will go from 5 feet of visibility to 10 feet of visibility and 10 will change to 20 etc. etc.  Eventually, my head will clear to the point that I can read more than a verse and listen to someone preach and hear what they are saying.

The thing about all this is that it is not my sole effort that accomplishes this task.  I do not clear my mind on my own.  It is Jesus…  It is the Holy Spirit in me who helps me…  That help is there and all that I need to do is ask for His help and mean it…  I need to trust that He will help me and He will.  My head may still feel like soup.  It may still ache, but the Holy Spirit answers my Prayers and strengthens my focus so that I can put my eyes on the things of Heaven.

Sometimes it is so difficult that I just want to lay my head on my desk and think of nothing.  But I know that if I will make the effort and call on my father to strengthen me He will.  Not simply by what is written on my pages of my Bible, but because Jesus has shown me that those words are alive and the promises are true and IF I will trust in Him he will not forsake me.  Today I started in Psalm 9:9-10

Psalms 9:9-10 (ESV)

 9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
10 And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

What a wonderful promise in this passage, but it requires something from me…  I must put my trust in Him.  God is my stronghold, I must trust and know that is true.  If not, they are just words on a page.  If I am struggling I must know that he will clear my mind and help me find the true path that He desires for me.  It is not always an easy task, but I am not alone if I will call on Him and trust in Him…  I must step forward and ask when all I want to do is say that it is too hard this morning.  I just want to turn off my mind.

That poke in my heart that; that gentle discipline pushed me to read Psalm 146.

Psalms 146

I read Psalm 146 but I was Struck by verses 5-10

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
7 who executes justice for the oppressed,
who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free;
8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the sojourners;
he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
10 The LORD will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!

I read this section more than once.  When I read verse 8 God touched my heart with a thought that I had not considered before.

“8 the LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.”

When I read this I thought this Psalm speaks of physical needs being met, but It is not limited to that…  It is spiritual needs that He speaks of.  He opens my eyes to see Him…  He lifts up those who humble themselves before Him and confess their sins.  He loves those who are righteous…

This morning the Holy Spirit opened my eyes and humbled me.  These physical ailments, as real as they are, cannot keep me from Jesus if I will trust in Him and call on Him in my troubles.

Hope and Strength in the Lord

You know these struggles have always been a part of my day… even before the health issues.  Some mornings I woke and just did not want to study God’s Word.  I was ok with prayin’ as long it is not too long…  But what I learned is that if I would work past doing what I do not want to do I will be strengthened.

This morning as I fought through this fog the Lord opened my eyes.  He gave me clarity.  My head still hurts, but that is ok…  because the Holy Spirit gave me what I needed to reach out to him…  and I am thankful.

This fog does not always constrain me, but when it does IF I will not give up and IF I will reach out to Him He will clear my path…  and I am thankful.

 An Additional Thought

I want to mention one other thing that I did this morning…  A friend shared a sermon on Facebook.  I was compelled to listen to the it on YouTube.  The sermon was by Paul Washer.  The title was, “We Have Forgotten that the Way is Narrow”.  Paul Washer’s presents a powerful sermon on Matthew 7:13-14

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

As he preached this sermon one of the big points he made was that Jesus was speaking to his followers and He was saying that not all who follow Him will find the narrow path.  Many will miss it.  That is a hard truth.  But as I listened to that and I considered the verses I had read earlier this morning and I was reminded that in them too was the need to reach out to God and live in accordance to His will.

Washer posed a question and I will paraphrase it here.  “How do you know Jesus was speaking to those who were following Him?”  He answered his own question with Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV).

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

In my mind this is one of the most sobering passages in the Bible.  I shudder at the thought.  As I read this passage I am reminded of my need is not only to know Jesus, but that He must know me and I must seek Him with my whole heart and live my life in obedient service to him.

It is not enough to just go to church or teach Sunday School or go on a mission.  The list of physical activities is endless.  Struggles will come and go.  Temptations will work to steer me from the path, but God will not forsake me…  and I must not turn from him.

Calling on Him

As I pondered all this I remembered what Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well.

John 4:23-24 (ESV) 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

My desire is to worship Him and to praise Him.  My hope is in His Word.  God is faithful and true.  He keeps His promises.  He disciplines those whom He loves.  He answers our prayers.  He knows me better than I know myself and He gives me grace.  If I will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will break my heart for those things I do which breaks His.  I have the gift of repentance that may confess my sins to Him and by His grace I am forgiven.  How glorious a gift this is?  What is a greater love than this?

If I will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will break my heart for those things I do which break His.  I have the gift of repentance that may confess my sins to Him and by His grace, I am forgiven.  How glorious a gift this is…  What greater love is there than this.

Closing

I look back on my life and I am thankful for so many things that they could never be listed out.  I think the thing that holds all those blessings together for me is that God is my Hope and salvation.  Words cannot describe my love or thankfulness for Him.  I pray that I might listen and obey.

Prayer

Father, please help me that I might not sway from the path you have for me.
Father, Help me that I might cling to the teachings of your Word and not be swayed by the world around me.

Father, I thank you for all you do and I pray that I might hold fast to your teachings, listen to your commands and obey.

Praise be to you God, in the name of your blessed Son, My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen

 

 

 

God’s Path Always…

God is the Light of my Path

 

 

I will never cease to be amazed by the Holy Spirits connection to me.  He knows my needs before I do.  He is in me and places before me the very things that I need to choose the correct path and find encouragement in Him.

 

 

This has been an interesting week.  There have been some challenges, many of which are the kind that is difficult for me since the strokes.  But as I prayed this morning God turned me to two things:

And in both, I found peace and comfort as I prayerfully reviewed each.

Oswald Chambers ‘Utmost for His Highest’

Chambers spoke of perfecting our holiness in the fear of God.  His reference verse was 2 Corinthians 7:1

“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body[a] and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”

The promises he speaks of… the reason that we must cleanse ourselves is spelled out in Chapter 6.  And what awesome promises they are…

2Corrinthians 6:16-18

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (ESV)

For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.”

What an awesome thought that is…  What a wonderful reminder of who I am.  I was bought at a price and that gave the indwelling Holy Spirit right to my mill.  Not that I am a robot, but a willing servant.

Live in Agreement with God

Chambers gave an excellent explanation of that surrender…

“Christ never spoke of His right to Himself, but always maintained an inner vigilance to submit His spirit continually to His Father. I also have the responsibility to keep my spirit in agreement with His Spirit. And when I do, Jesus gradually lifts me up to the level where He lived— a level of perfect submission to His Father’s will— where I pay no attention to anything else. Am I perfecting this kind of holiness in the fear of God? Is God having His way with me, and are people beginning to see God in my life more and more?” March 18, ‘Utmost for His Highest’, buy Oswald Chambers

My goal is to trust in Jesus and live in agreement with the Holy Spirit.  What a wonderful example we have in Jesus.  What good questions he asks…

  • Is God having His way with me?
  • are people beginning to see God in my life more and more?

Am I reflecting Christ Jesus in my behavior or am I still conforming to this world?

My Strength

But none of this can I do on my own.  I am a slave to Jesus and in my weakness, He is strong….

As I pondered this devotional this morning a daily verse I read reminded me where my strength comes from… and I read Psalm 62… what reassurance He brings me.

Psalm 62

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Those Opening verses touch my heart.   Regardless of my circumstances, God is with me and He is my salvation.  I am overwhelmed by His love.

 

Like I said in the beginning…  This has been a difficult week for me…  but I read through this and consider all Oswald Chambers had said and come to the close of Psalm 62

11 Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God,

12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

For you will render to a man

according to his work.

Conclusion

What comfort I have in Jesus.  I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and His constant guidance and direction.  I am so thankful that He opens my eyes and ears to take in all that he has for me.

Verse 11 of Psalm 62 gives me goosebumps as I read it and think of how the morning unfolded.

11 Once God has spoken;

twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God,

And then verse 12

12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

Our Hope is in the Lord and He is with us in all circumstances.  There is no fear in faith…  just a tighter grip on Jesus.

Prayer

Lord thank you for your steadfast love and grace.  Thank you, Father, for the gift of prayer and repentance.  Thank you for allowing me to bring all my challenges to you.

Thanks, be to you for all you have done and will do.  Thank you for your guidance and strength in all things.

In Jesus name, Amen

 

 

Paul’s Example

Beauty in All Circumstances

 

This morning I had a tough time setting my mind on a study.  I prayed and asked for guidance and I opened my electronic bible and my notes from my electronic journal and when I looked at the list of notes February 3, 2016, was at the top and I looked it over.  In it, I found my encouragement.  I was not sure where to start, but as I read it I saw the example of Paul and his faith, joy, and contentment.

 

 

These notes set my sites on Philippians 3 and 4 as well as Acts 28 and in addition to the notes I had John 3:16 on my mind since that was the date yesterday.  I began with John 3:16

John 3:16-21

I looked at John 3:16 but could not stop there.  I read John 3:16-21 (ESV).  It is such a powerful passage.

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

How amazing this is.  All of us remember verse 16… some may also know 17 by heart.  But what got me this morning was 18-20 and what is in the hearts of those that do not believe.

18 … but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.

How sad this is…  but not just sad…  angry.  For those that hate the light, it is not enough to ignore it.  They are compelled to try and destroy it… Why? “lest his works should be exposed” (verse 20b).

The Light

When I look at that explanation of how people have and will respond to Jesus and His plan for salvation and I am filled with a mix of emotions…  First I am saddened that so many refuse to hear it.  So many are angered to the point of hatred.  But then I am filled with joy at the thought for those who believed enough to face all that and not share a message of doom and gloom nor threat or fear, but a message of Love and Joy.  This, despite their circumstances.

Acts 28

I went to Acts 28 when Paul was imprisoned in Rome.  Basically, he hits the town and he reaches out to the Jews there and tells them of his plight and they agree that they would like to hear “with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” Acts 28:22 (ESV).  So, they arrange a time to meet with Paul.

Paul conveys his experience in Acts 28: 24-28

24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people, and say,
“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
27 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed;
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”

It had to be heartbreaking for him to see the responses…  Certainly, he was thankful for the ones that received it.  But so many did not.

We get bummed out when one person does not like what we must say.  Paul stood on the Word regardless… strength by his faith and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 3:17-4:1

I then went to Philippians 4.  Now I love this book as well as all the prison epistles that Paul wrote.  Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were written while Paul was in prison.  All the letters are filled with guidance and encouragement, love and concern for the churches.  I love this transition from chapter 3 to 4

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

  1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

It is a plea to those who believe but struggle against all who hate the light.  Paul is saddened to tears for the lost but he holds fast to Jesus and encourages those who believe not to give up.  I love how Paul does not dwell on the challenges but pushes through to his foundation in Christ.

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

Verses 4-7 in Philippians 4 remind me of what my focus should be.

Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul reminds me that I am not alone.  God answers my prayers and with his answers comes peace that surpasses understanding and that will guard my heart and mind in Jesus…

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)

He goes on to offer more encouragement and directs our focus to those things that will keep us focused on Christ and bring us peace.

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV) 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

It requires focus and attention…  especially in difficult times.  Paul then speaks of contentment and peace.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

He speaks of how many had helped him.  But he wants us to know that he is not in need… but contentment.

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV) 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

I pray that I might always hold onto this secret of contentment.  I am not ever alone but always with Christ Jesus, my strength.

Closing

I look at all these passages and reflect on Paul’s stand on the Word of God and I pray that I too might follow his example.  My circumstances are different than his, but none the less they sometimes can be difficult…  But If I keep these words in my heart and remember all that God reveals in His Word, I too can stand.

It is like Paul said in Philippians 4:9

“9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

What Joy there is in that knowledge.

Prayer

Heavenly Father strengthen me through Your Word, Guided by the Holy Spirit.
Help me to follow the example of Paul, who faced all circumstances trusting in Jesus.
Let me not lose hope and patience.
Let me not forget…

“9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me(Paul)—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Thank you, Lord,
In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

God and His Wisdom and Patience

The Light of God’s Love

This morning is a jumble of thoughts and scriptures and a couple devotionals by A.W. Tozer from his book ‘Tozer on Christian Leadership’.  As I read the importance of knowing God kept pressing on my heart.

Tozer inferred in his devotional that we focus more on the promises of God than we do know Him and his verse was in Isaiah 40.  It is such a powerful passage that I cannot simply pull out any one verse.  I would encourage you to read it.  It is short…  In it God reminded me who he is, was and will continue to be.

The next devotional referenced 1 Kings 3 and I started in the first verse and read through the 15th.  As I read it my mind reeled back to those first months of my walk.  It was in July, but I cannot remember the year right now.  We had joined the Church in April and I got baptized in May…  Terry, my preacher, had counseled me to study God’s Word and Encouraged me to use a Bible Study by Henry Blackaby, ‘Experiencing God’ as a tool to help me.

I was really struggling. There were several attempts made to meet with Terry to get some answers to my questions but we were both so busy we could not find a time that worked. I have to say I was getting frustrated and felt a bit lost and confused, but it was no one’s fault.  It was just life.

I continued to study and pray…  I hit this wall.  By then I was in 1Kings.  I moved into chapter 3.  The title was ‘Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom’.  I came to verse 5-9

1Kings 3:5-9 (ESV)

“5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

When I came to this passage I prayed, not in any organized fashion, but more a cry…  Lord help me find wisdom in Your Word.  I was at a loss and I was feeling very alone.

I was kind of a wreck that morning.

1 Kings 10-12

I went on to read verses 10-12a as I prayed…

“10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word.”

I read those words and stopped…  a bit freaked out by them.  In the middle of verse 12, I was just was overwhelmed.  God told me that He would give me discernment of good and evil, but how could I possibly manage that…  that was too much.  So the Spirit prompted me to read further, and I read the rest of verse 12…

Verse 12

I read the second half of verse 12 and frankly,

was relieved…

“Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.”

As I read that I had this relief because I knew that Solomon was unique.  None would compare to him.  And I had this calmness that settled in and I knew that God would give me what I needed when I needed it.  Just enough…

This morning as I relay this experience I am reminded of a passage in Proverbs that required some help from Google.

Proverbs 30:7-9 Brings Peace

“7 Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
9 lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.”

That was the prayer that God answered for me that morning. I did not know it at the time but that was my prayer.  This morning as I reflect on it I am humbled once again at the grace of my Mighty God!!! King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Realization

That morning I realized that the reason that I could not schedule a meeting with my preacher Terry was because it was not part of God’s plan for me yet…  He wanted me to seek HIS council.   He wanted me to know the side of Him that He knew that I needed before I went anywhere else.

Insight – Loneliness and Restoration

God led me to some amazing passages this morning and as I look at them considering the memory He took me through in 1Kings 3 I am amazed at the passages that were also in this study.  First Psalm 13

 

Psalms 13 (ESV)

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I take counsel in my soul
and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.

As I read this I see in it that path that I was on in those months leading up to July.  But I kept pushing only by the hunger that God had given me to know Him.  And like the end of this Psalm.  He was faithful.

Insight #2 – God’s Steadfast Love

Than Psalms 86:5

“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.”

He was forgiving.  He was steadfast.  He never abandoned on the contrary He held me close until I was ready for the next step…

Closing

Reflecting on all these things this morning I am reminded by the power and patience of God.  He knows me better than I know myself.  I must not forget that he will never forsake me nor hold anything from me that I need; including discipline or correction.

Oh, and about the wall between me and Terry…  God took that down as soon as I stopped struggling and listened to Him.  It was amazing how easy it was to reach Terry after that.

Prayer

Lord God thank you for giving me the strength to not give up on you.  To hold fast and trust in your will.  Lord my prayer is that you might strengthen all your children to cling to you even when we do not know the path we are on.

I know Lord that your path is true Lord I pray this morning Roman 8:28

 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

Post Script…

I think there is one thing that I must add this morning.  That is to mention my wife and partner Pat Dunnum.  She is a wonderful woman of God.  Her love and encouragement are so important.  I love her dearly and thank God for her.  Her patience with me in the wilder days and her subtle suggestions helped me see that path God had for us both.  She never gives up on me.   I thank God for her every day!!!

I pray that I might be the encouragement to her that she is to me!

 

Yield

Yielding to the Light

My study and subsequent writing do not really follow a predefined path.  I pray for guidance and understanding and I just follow where it leads.  Often, I will start in one direction and end on another.  This morning I started with Ephesians and end up on yielding… yield to myself or to God.

The direction turned to a devotional in  'Utmost for His Highest' by Oswald Chambers for March 14.  The title is Yielding.  His reference verse was Romans 6:16

 

 

Romans 6:16

16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:16 (ESV)

Now that is a powerful verse.  If you read it and do not take pause to examine where you fall you might want to read it again.  Until this morning I had always considered it as a decision as to who to follow.  But Chambers caused me to look at it differently.

I had always seen this as a conscious decision.  I would choose one or the other.  But in Chamber’s devotional he points out that it is much more subtle.

Rich Young Ruler

I had always thought of the Rich Young Ruler when I thought of 6:16. The young man that chose his wealth over following Christ.  He was sad, but he chose.  The parable is in Mark 10:17-27

 

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is[a] to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him,[b] “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

As I read this passage I saw it a bit differently after considering Romans 6:16 and Oswald Chambers devotional.

Change

Oswald Chambers makes a point with Romans 6:16

16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:16 (ESV)

It is a choice, but often it is a choice that comes from yielding to a temptation rather than a conscious decision to rebel.  I looked up the word yield in the dictionary.  It is one of those words we know more from traffic signs than behavior.  Here is the definition…

Yield –  give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.

Yielding

As I think about that this morning I am reminded of Ephesians 6:10-12

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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.

This is a battle we are fighting.  There are forces that work to try and make us yield to our selfish nature instead of the love and grace offered my Christ Jesus.  But ultimately it is a choice.

Oswald Chambers Take

I like the introduction to the March 14 Devotional

“The first thing I must be willing to admit when I begin to examine what controls and dominates me is that I am the one responsible for having yielded myself to whatever it may be. If I am a slave to myself, I am to blame because somewhere in the past I yielded to myself. Likewise, if I obey God I do so because at some point in my life I yielded myself to Him.”

I read this and I thought of this tug of war that I played as a child…  Two sides pulling on a rope and the one who pulls the other across the line wins…

Tug-of-War

I thought about this battle.  Then I remembered who is on my team… Jesus.  If I will turn to Him I cannot lose the battle.  Only when my focus becomes internal…  Only when my sight is on my circumstances rather than Christ Jesus am I likely to yield.  That takes me back to Ephesians 6 and my need to acknowledge who is on the other side of the rope.  The reality is that I cannot win without Jesus.  I will yield to whatever the temptation without Him.

Closing Thoughts

My preacher, Terry Cooper, has said many times that the first step is to acknowledge the war.  That is so true.  This is a matter of life and death.  Keeping this in mind, I like what Chambers said as he closed out the devotional…

 

“When you yield to something, you will soon realize the tremendous control it has over you. Even though you say, “Oh, I can give up that habit whenever I like,” you will know you can’t. You will find that the habit absolutely dominates you because you willingly yielded to it.”

 

Until we accept this truth…  We will be like that rich young man who chose His wealth over Jesus.  We have that same choice every day.  We are attacked by insecurities and temptations.  Alone we will yield to what comes naturally.   The thing to remember is what Jesus told his disciples in Mark 10:27

 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.”

You would not go to a gunfight with a knife… Why would you go to a spiritual battle without Jesus?

Prayer.

Father, please give me strength to hold fast to you in the challenges of this life.
Lord, you have promised to give me strength. You are my fortress.
Let me not neglect your council.
Let me not face anything without first bringing it to you.
For without you, I am lost but with you, I am saved.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen!!!

Other Scripter References

Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18

Reassurance

Light through the Mire of Life

I do not post on Sundays because it is just too much for me to do along with worship at my Church, but I do a bit of study before we leave and I was in Colossians 3:1-11 (ESV).  The title of that section of my translation is “Put on the New Self”.  As I read this section I was filled with reassurance and hope

This is a very humbling passage for me.  It speaks to the actions that I need to take… always…  It speaks to setting aside the desires of the flesh and setting my eyes on Christ Jesus always…  I read this passage and I had to ask myself, “Am I doing this faithfully?”.  But I find reassurance in it because of the way Paul sets me to thinking.  It fills me with peace and hope.

Colossians 3:1-11 (ESV)

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Closer Look (verse 1-4)

Just thinking about verses 1-4 is humbling.  With my commitment to Christ Jesus, He has changed me from the inside out.  I know this…

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Col 3:1-4)

As I consider this I know I fall short daily.  Those moments when I act based on what I want.  Those times when selfishness takes the lead.  I can tell myself that the actions are not as bad as they were years ago, but that is not the metric…  Jesus is the metric.

Closer Look (verses 5-9)

Verse 5-9 are where reality kicks in for me…

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

I read through verses 5-7 and I think…  Yes, I am still tempted with distractions regarding this list, and God has shown me an out that I take when tempted…  but then I get to verse 8-9 and realize these still have some ways to go.

8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices

“But now you must put them all away”.  Paul did not say some or most of the time he said ALL.  And you know as I look at this list I am reminded that I must not do these to others ever…  but I must also not do them to myself.

It is easy to become angry or frustrated with myself as much as it is to do so with someone else.  But the easiest thing to do is lie to myself.  It is easy to convince myself that I am doing the right thing…  Treating people the right way.  But even as I write these words I am filled with a need for repentance.  Sometimes I feel I victimize myself most often.  How thankful I am that the grace of God also has given me the gift of repentance.

Psalm 139: 23-24

This passage sent me to Psalms and I was hit with this phrase “Break my Heart for What Breaks Yours”.  From Hosanna by Hillsong United.  I also did a search in Psalms and found this passage…

Psalms 139:23-24 (ESV)

“23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Ps 139:23-24)

I stopped and prayed that passage… and found such comfort in it; not that my heart was pure, but that God gave me the path to give these thoughts and temptations to Him through repentance.

What a gift I have been given.

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)

I then went further in Colossians with verses 12-17

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

When I read these words, I am lifted.  There is a joy that melts away doubt and fear.  There is this desire to give it all to Christ Jesus and hold fast to him…

Verse 12

Just look at verse 12

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

What a blessed gift this is.  Through Christ Jesus sacrifice I am given a new heart.  I am given the gift to set aside my old self and put on a “compassionate heart”.   Why would I not take that and make it my own?

Closing Thoughts

I kind of got stuck on verse 17

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Again, Paul says “EVERYTHING” not most things or some things… EVERYTHING.

I give thanks for God’s Holy Word.  I am overcome with joy and purpose.

Prayer

Lord God forgive me for those moments when I am tempted and distracted by the adversary.  Forgive me when my focus shifts from You to the things of this world.  Father thank you for your Holy Word.  Thank you for touching my heart with the very thing I need every moment of every day…

Father,

“23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Ps 139:23-24)

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise

Morning Light

This morning I listened to a sermon by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones.  The topic was exercise.  It began with Ephesians 6:10-13 as the basis for his sermon.  It was quite a convicting sermon.  The discussion was less about physical exercise and more on spiritual exercise.  Dr. Lloyd-Jones warned that if we were not strong in God’s Word how could we stand and if we could not stand how could we teach.

I love this passage in Ephesians, but I had never really thought about exercise when I read it…

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)

Looking at this passage in this light I realized the need we have for Spiritual strength…  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood”(vs 12).  And where do we find this exercise but in God’s Word?

Strength From Exercise

We need strength if we are to endure.  We need strength if we are to share the word with others and teach as we have been taught.  It takes an effort to build that strength.  Paul complained to those at the church in Corinth…  He wanted them to teach but he could not give them the tools they needed because they did not have the strength of understanding. He was disappointed and did not hold back in 1Corinthians 3:

 2 I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,  1 Corinthians 3:2 (ESV)

He was also harsh to the audience of the book of Hebrews 5.

11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 (ESV)

Conviction and Self-Examination

These two passages jarred me a bit.  They both spoke of a need for strength.   In Hebrews, the writer charged that everyone should be prepared to teach.  It is not just up to the preacher or the Sunday School teacher, but everyone…  But in Hebrews 5:13-14 the writer warns that they are not ready…

13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:11-14 (ESV)

That drove me to prayer and self-examination.  Am I ready…  Then I thought back to my physical shape and I will just say that it is not what it once was; and why?  I used to exercise my body…  water skied all summer, stayed active in the winter…  hiked in the woods…  But today let’s just say I am not quite as svelte as I once was…

Now if that can happen to the physical body isn’t there the same risk for my spirit?

Training for the Race

Paul reminds me in 1Corinthians 9:24-27 that this is a race and there is only one that will get a prize.  He reminds me that athletes train…  but he reminds me also that there is no rest for anyone.

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.   1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)

Verse 27 kind of gave me a bit of a chill.  In verse 27 Paul admits that he too must exercise because he does not want to be disqualified.  Paul is the guy that wrote much of the new testament and he warns that He too needs to be in harmony with God.  He must know the Word of God and He must not slack off for any reason.

Hold On

I found myself back in Hebrews chapter 10 remembering that I must hold on…

 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV)

As I contemplate this passage I am reminded that I cannot do this completely on my own.  I need the fellowship of other believers.  We need to be there for each other.  Yes, we need to exercise to build our own strength but like a team we must be there to encourage each other to be strong in God’s word.

Strength in Numbers

I am reminded of a passage that turned out to be in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (I had to google it… that’s faster than the concordance).

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)

Maybe you cannot appreciate the full magnitude of this until you have fallen when alone and not been able to get up…  and I am not talking about the commercial…  the fall is not always physical.  We cannot do this as well on our own.

There is strength in the body of Christ.  The Church is not perfect, but if we strive together it can be better than it was.  I am thankful to have a Church family we all struggle with something, but our weakness is God’s strength.  He may choose to use someone else in my Church to lift me up when I have fallen.

Closing

I know that I do not exercise like I should every day.  Billy Graham even admitted that if he had it to do over again he would spend more time in prayer and study.  But I do strive and I draw on the strength of my Savior Jesus Christ and those he places in my life.

I want to close with the Benediction from Hebrews 13:20-21

 Benediction

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.   Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

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