dailywalkinthelight

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

Archives for September 2017

Cultivating Godliness

The Light of God’s Love

Yesterday morning I woke and I started a devotional that I felt sure was something that I needed to write.  It was one of those cloudy mornings where I had struggled to wake and to get a clear head, but I was rolling on certain that I needed to write this devotional.  But I was wrong about everything, but the title and I replaced it as well.

This morning I am reminded of my friend Ray and his dad Elmer.  There was this old Chevy that had broken down, and we hooked a chain to it and drug it to Ray’s house and started to work on fixing the car.  Elmer came down and gave us some sage advice.  He said, “I see what’s wrong with this old car.” in a kind of soft, gravelly voice. He said, “Take the wing nut off the air cleaner.” so we did.  “Now roll that piece of junk out of here and get something that runs and go buy a new wingnut and throw that thing away too.”

That is the way that God directed me this morning.  He stopped me yesterday before I got too far and told me to roll that piece of junk out of here and get a new title for it.  See if you notice in the first paragraph there were a lot of “I” statements.  That was the problem.  This morning was different.  This morning it is all about God, and I do not know how it started other than throwing out yesterday’s focus.

Love

As I prayed this morning and I consider everything it was impacted by God’s love, mercy, and grace.

First his Love.  I love what it says in 1John4

1 John 4:19 (ESV)

19 We love because he first loved us. 

What a wonderful verse.  Had God not loved us how would we even know how to love.  I also enjoy the verses that precede this one.

1 John 4:16-18 (ESV)

So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

What power there is in this passage.  There is no fear in love.  If we still have fear our love has not yet been perfected.  These thoughts led me to mercy and grace

Grace and Mercy

I thought of all the times God has shown me mercy and saved me from myself.  There are far too many to list, and thankfully I am not that man anymore but a new creature in Christ Jesus.

I thought of several verses.  One out of the Beatitudes in Matthew and one out of Luke.

Matthew 5:7 (ESV)

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Luke 6:36 (ESV)

36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Then a passage in Colossians.

Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)

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.

Doesn’t that fill your heart with joy and thanksgiving?  God wants so much for us and desires that we not get caught up in squabbles but be patient and loving toward one another.  Just think how patient he is with us.  That leads me to two passages in Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:29 – 5:2

Ephesians 4:29 – 5:2 (ESV)

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Walk in Love

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Again, the Lord reminds us through Paul to love one another and be civil toward one another.  “And walk in love, as Christ loved us” as our example.

I cannot help but to be humbled by these things and reminded of every cross thought or word I have had for a brother or sister in Christ.  There is no place for such a thing whether you act on it or not especially when you consider Ephesians 2.

Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)

1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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.

Reflections

I look back at all these passages and think how blessed we are.  If we truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God and have repented of our sins and if we have truly been born again how could we not desire to cultivate Godliness in our own lives.

Wouldn’t we strive to put aside petty arguments and focus on love for one another?  Half the time the person we are upset with does not even realize it and we are the only ones that suffer.  Isn’t it better to set it aside and show grace as God has shown us?

Sometimes the hurt or frustration is too deep to discuss.  When I am at that point I pray for the person I am frustrated with, and I do not pray to change them into a “good” person.  I pray that God might bless them and show them mercy.  I look at Matthew 5:43-48 and pray that way, and it works as sure as the rain bringing flowers in the spring. I have witnessed it.

Closing

I am overwhelmed by how God can change my direction in a moment.  He will use anything at his disposal.  Yesterday, Pat’s boss called her on the way to work and told her to take the day off.  That was a wonderful way to change my direction.

He let me get started yesterday and let me run with my thoughts just long enough so that I could see my error.  That is so awesome.  A lesson and correction wrapped in a wonderful time with my sweet Pat.

What an awesome God we serve.  The more he reveals to me through his Word the hungrier I am to know Him more.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for teaching me what it means to truly love, and thank you for continuing to teach me every time I open your Holy Word.  Father, I pray that this hunger might spread throughout the church. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!

 

 

Trust the Lord

Over the last blog post or two, I have talked about putting my trust in the Lord and being obedient.  I also talk a lot about being in the Word of God and testing everything against the Word.  But if I do not do those things myself I am not truthful with God or anyone else.  So, I had this one issue that I was dealing with, and I thought I was done with it.  But God knew it was still troubling me.  He knew that it hurt to decide as I did, even though I had decided in keeping with His will and His Word.

Apparently, God knew more than I did because as my morning started my first attempts at prayer were jumbled but after some time, they became clearer.  I gave thanks, and I prayed for those in need, and a posting by a friend came to mind, and I prayed that as well; it was Psalm 139

Psalms 139 (ESV)23-24

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!

I read that prayed that passage and paused my prayers and I read some devotionals.

I read two more devotionals and resumed my prayers, and my thoughts and prayers returned to the issue that I had felt I had resolved, but evidently, God did not agree because it came flooding back from a completely different perspective.  I had prayed, and He had revealed the answers in His Word. Evidently, I did not go deep enough to put my mind to rest the first time.  The issue has to do with where my focus should be.  On my past or my future.

The Past

The reason for the focus on the past was a study to look back and see where I had been and how my past had affected my attitudes.  I considered the study, but something about it bugged me so I went to God in prayer about it and he revealed to me in some scriptures that it was not where I should focus my energy.  I needed to be looking forward to what the Holy Spirit had planned for me, so I opted not to do the study.  Philippians 3:13 -14 was what got my attention.

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

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

 God just poked me in the ribs with this passage.  But evidently, I was still struggling with my decision, because for me it was not easy.  I love the guys I am meeting with and hated to miss out on any discussion.  So, I found my prayers going over this plowed ground and this morning God gave me more and reminded me to trust him when He tells me something.  The answer came in more scriptures when I did a topical search.  First, it was Colossians

Colossians

I went to the third chapter and began at the first verse.

Colossians 3:1-3 (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.

I read that passage a couple of times and it was clear that my past had died when I gave my life to Christ Jesus.  I had repented, and I had made peace with God.  From here I went to Hebrews and there I was startled a bit.

Hebrews

Specifically, I went to Hebrews 12 which follow the “Faith” chapter where the author outlines all the great people of the faith and verses 1 and 2 are pretty piercing.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

  1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

I read this, and I was humbled.  Evidently, the decision I had made not to participate was more difficult than I had realized.   But when the Lord showed me this passage I was less troubled.

Closing Thoughts

It was difficult to make that decision.  My wife Pat was a great help and encouragement as well.  She helped reinforce the scriptures.  Everyone in the group was supportive, but it was still tough, and as I reflect on the last few days, I did question whether my decision was sound.      But the thing is every time I turned toward my own understanding the Holy Spirit turned me back.  Sometimes he used Pat or sometimes he just used a phrase, but he kept me focused. And rather than allowing this doubt to fester the Lord pushed me deeper into His Word.

He once again proved to me Matthew 7:7-8

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

The exciting thing for me is so often the prayer is where I pose my questions, and the Word of God is where I find my answers.  I cannot speak to why I am the only one that was led in this direction.  But I trust God, and I know He has a plan for each of us.  Sometimes they are different.  But never stop taking your troubles to God.  He will put you at ease.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your constant grace and teaching through Your Word and prayer.  Thank you for teaching me not to settle for partial answers but to pursue a fuller understanding.  You, Lord, are an awesome God, and I am thankful for the gift of Grace and Repentance.   In Jesus name, I give thanks and praise, Amen!

Believe, Trust and Obey

Light Overcomes Darkness

You know that the word believe is a verb.  In my ESV translation, the word is used 155 times.  Obey is a verb as well.  But it is used only 116 times in my translation.  In a nutshell, when the Lord God reveals an answer to you in His Word or by other means He expects that we will hear it and obey it; particularly if it is something, on which, we have asked for guidance.  To ignore it or not to act on it as directed would be to doubt and be disobedient.

I sometimes struggle with both doubt and disobedience as well as listening.  Sometimes even asking.  And these are serious flaws that I work on daily.  First, I must remember that nothing is too small for God and nothing is too large.  Second, if I take something to Him, He will answer in His time.  My job is to wait patiently for the answer and obey when it comes.

When I think of these things, I often think of Saul and David.  These guys were the first two Kings of Israel, and both had their struggles, but it is how they handled them that set them apart.  Saul seemed more connected to the world as time went on and David was more connected to God.

Both men sinned, but each responded differently.

Saul

The sin that stands out for me with Saul is in 1 Samuel 15.  Saul is told to annihilate the Amalekites and take no spoils but kill everything.  Instead, he saves the best of the animals and does not kill Agag.  The Lord is angered and goes to Samuel and tells him to handle things with Saul.  Samuel goes to Saul and in a nutshell asked him why he disobeyed God and Saul lied and made excuses. In 1 Samuel 15:19-23 for not obeying the Word of God and claimed what he did was to honor Him with the sacrifice of the captured spoils.  He did not say why he saved Agag.

When Samuel said the Lord had rejected him as king, then he panicked and said he had sinned because he feared the people.  He threw it all away over his pride.  He would not sacrifice his popularity by obeying God.

David

David was made King while Saul was still on the thrown and he was a humble man but as he takes the Thrown he too sins.  He falls for another man’s wife in 2 Samuel 11 and has her husband Uriah killed in battle so he can take her as his wife.

He is so blinded by his selfishness God sends the prophet Nathan to tell him of his error in 2Samuel 12 and once he gets it, he falls on his face in repentance.  He turns to God and repents in Psalms 6;32;38;39;40; and 51.  The child dies, and David does not mourn. At the end of 2Samuel 12, he makes a powerful statement.

2 Samuel 12:22-23 (ESV)

“While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”

Reflection

Now as I said in the beginning when I receive an answer from God there only two choices obey or disobey.  The former will lead to much better results, but it may hurt feelings or upset others.  The latter may appease men, but who are we here to serve men or God?

When we do make the wrong choice, we have two choices to correct it.  Own the sin and repent before God or blame others for scaring us more than God.

I prefer to own it as David did.  A man that God called, “A man after God’s own Heart.”  Blaming others did not work so well for Saul.

Prayer

Father, thank you for waking me up with your Holy Word this week and putting me back on the path in keeping with Your will.  Lord forgive me for allowing myself to be swayed from your plans and falling into my own choices.  I love you Lord, and I do not always understand the “why” or where for of your plans but I know that your plan is always what is best for me.  I thank you Lord and pray all this in the name of your Blessed Son, Jesus Christ, Amen!

 

The Truth Will Set You Free

Beauty of God’s Plan

This morning I bounced around a bit as I woke.  I read some of my devotionals – Tozer, Chan, Chambers and mixed in with that God’s Word and the first passage that struck me this morning was John 8:31-32 which speaks to the truth setting you free.

John 8:31-32 (ESV)

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

You must abide in God’s Word to know the truth, but with that truth, you are set free; but free from what.

Well if you go just a bit further in John 8 Jesus tells us.

John 8:34-36 (ESV)

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

As I continued studying and praying this morning things just seemed to open for me.  I went from the Word to “The Book of Mysteries,” by Jonathan Chan and read day 17.  I had not looked at it in a few days but I was just compelled to give it a look and the title of day 17 was “How to Alter Your Past.”

How to Alter Your Past

The author uses the example of soaking a white cord in the red die for several days to assure that every fiber is exposed to the red dye.  He then asks how you might turn it back to white as snow and the answer was that he could not.  The only way to return it to white is to change the past, and no one here can do that.  Like the cord, sin is described as scarlet red, and they cannot change they are sins because they are done and part of the past.  The only one who can change the past is God.  By the blood of Christ, he removes the stain of sin.

Reflection

I thought about that devotional and several scriptures that were referenced with it.  The first was Isaiah 1:18

Isaiah 1:18 (ESV)

18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

Then there was 2 Corinthians 5:21.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

And finally, 1 John 1:8-9

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I look at these passages, and I am so thankful.  I consider my reckless life I lived, and I am thankful for His grace and mercy and the gift of repentance as well.  I think of my past, and I am glad that I can still visit, but I no longer am a resident.

Memories

It made me think of those not so distant days when I first came to the Lord. I could still ride that big ole scooter of mine with the ape hangers and loud pipes, and I would tell Pat, my wife I was going to follow the headlight around for a while.  I would pull out on the road and just roll.

I would set the big twin on about 60-65, and she would just sing with a low rumble that always set me at ease, and I would pray.

Me and that bike knew each other well, and I knew while I was praying God was with me and I just rumbled down the road hashing over my rebellious past.

I would just dump my bucket to God.  Before long I found myself singing this song.  I still sing it sometimes, and I am listening to it as I write this section.  It is by “Big Daddy Weave.”

“Redeemed”

As that old scooter kept time rumblin’ down the back roads, these lyrics ran through my head.  It would start slow, and it was not always in the writing flow, but it always seemed to start with the first verse, and sometimes I was not even conscious of it.

“Seems like all I can see was the struggle

Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past

Bound up in shackles of all my failures

Wondering how long is this gonna last

Then You look at this prisoner and say to me “son

Stop fighting a fight that’s already been won”

Before long I would realize I was singing the chorus repeatedly and this weight would lift, and I would almost feel like I was flying, (might have been going a bit fast on the bike but I mean getting air).

“I am redeemed, You set me free.”

I did not sing the whole chorus.  Just this one line over and over.  I knew whatever I had struggled with was forgiven and I was redeemed.    He had turned that crimson stain white as snow, and it was no more.

2 Corinthians 5:21

I am brought back to this verse in 2Corinthians.  I do not know how but I am elated and humbled in the same moment.  I am facing down yet prepared for flight.  What an awesome God we serve.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

As I read this, I am drawn to Philippians 2.

Philippians 2:5-9 (ESV)

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9

Closing Thoughts

As I pray my way through this writing this morning I am overcome by the love of God.  What I read this morning is not new to me.  I have read it before, but His Word is alive, and it kindles in me a fire that is the Holy Spirit in me.  I am humbled to tears and filled with joy that I cannot contain.  I have been set free.

Prayer

Father, thank you.  It seems so small this phrase, thank you, but you know how big it is in my heart. All other words are small compared to it.  Lord this morning I pray that your Word might spread like a raging fire in a heavy wind and ignite a fire in us all.  Lord, I pray that you might place people in our paths that need to hear your Gospel and I pray you fill our hearts with the words to share what they need.  In Jesus name, I pray Amen!

With All My Heart

The Might and Glory of God

 

 

In the last little while, I have been struggling with a few things and not sure how to handle them.  The issues have been heavy on my heart, and I probably should have asked for prayer, but instead, I chose to discuss them with my wife Pat, and we prayed about them.

They were not physical ailments they were questions and propositions I faced that troubled me and made me uncomfortable.   In my mind, they were foundational questions, and I was uncertain which way to go with them, and I need to work them out with the Lord, so I prayed, and I listened.

In the last three or four days, the answers started coming from so many places.  One came from a friend, and I am sure they did not realize it. One from my daughter.  One talking with Pat and all were confirmed by the Word.

The last was yesterday at the Avenues for Women Banquet.  Pat had one unfilled seat left and at 5:30 or so one of our guests said she was bringing an extra person with her.  Now you could call that coincidence, but I have long since decided that “coincidence” is not in the Christian dictionary.  There is no such word.  God has a purpose for everything, and we occasionally are surprised by how they unfold, but what the world calls a coincidence is simply a “God Surprise.”

Reminder

What I was reminded by the past few weeks is that when I have these problems, and I am distracted by an issue, I need to give it to God and trust Him with all my heart.  I was reminded of Philippians 4:5b-7

Philippians 4:5-7 (ESV)

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.

I was praying, and I was making my concerns known to God, but there was still a part of me that was getting anxious about the issues that were troubling me.

Trusting Him

As the time went on, I am not sure if I started letting go of my concerns or if God just started giving me little glimpses of the answer in my studies or the things around me. But slowly the things that seemed so hard to see became much clearer, and I was able to get my head around it.  This morning as I reflected on it I realized that it all came down to trusting God and listening to the Holy Spirit as I faced any issue and I just got hit with a few scriptures and searched for a few more.

Proverbs 3:5-8

The first that came to mind was the title of the post today, but I could not remember where it was so I did a little search on Google and found the verse, and I could not stop with only that one verse I read the whole passage.

Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

7 Be not wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

8 It will be healing to your flesh

and refreshment to your bones.

I read that passage over and over, and you know I had not remembered verse 8 before.  It lifted my heart as I thought of it this morning. Trusting in the Lord is healing to your flesh and refreshing to your bones.

Letting go of the stress in your life and trusting God is healing and refreshing.  Just think about that for a moment and let it soak in.  As I think of that, I am taken straight to Matthew.

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

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.”

What strength there is in the Lord.  What hope we have in Him, but I could not stop there.  I went to John and then Romans and finished in Revelation.

John 14:1

I love the book of John, and this is one of the few single verses I chose.  I usually go for passages, but this one just fits.

John 14:1 (ESV)

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

To believe in Him is to believe in His promises and to believe in his promises is to know that we can trust him.  What more can be said?  Than Romans was a single verse as well.

Romans 15:13

We have this gift of the indwelling Spirit, and with Him, we have hope on which we can rely.  It fills me with a joy that is achieved no other way.

Romans 15:13 (ESV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

What a wonderful blessing it is to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the joy and peace that comes in believing if we will just allow it to happen rather than allow the adversary to convince us that we need to get in the middle of things and work them out on our own.

Our hope rests in God, and so does our peace, and our understanding, when we trust in Him.

Finally, I ended up in Revelation.

Revelation 21:3-7

Chapter 21 begins with John seeing the coming of a new heaven and a new earth.  But this passage and another came up in a search I did on trust, and it just seemed the place to close.

Revelation 21:3-7 (ESV)

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

As I read this passage, I thought. “If I believe this and I can trust God to deliver my salvation, why do I struggle with the small things that seem to derail me.”

Closing Thoughts

If I trust God in all these things that he has shown me in the Word, especially the promise of chapter 21 in Revelation how can I doubt that He has my back in the little things.

My prayers should house my passion about any issue.  God should hear it all.  I should hold back nothing from Him, but sometimes I do.  It is like with our earthly friends or father or spouse; we do not want to expose our weakness to them.  But God already knows, and he is patient.  He knows me better than I know myself.  When I finally give in, He shows me the answer.  He is faithful.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your patience with me.  Forgive me for being slow to let go of the things that trouble me.  Father thank you for your promises and faithfulness and forgive me for my moments of doubt. I am thankful for your grace and mercy, and I pray all in Jesus name. Amen!

 

Deep Faith

Hebrews 11 is always the faith Chapter.  The writer of that letter details each great believer and their demonstration of faith.  There is no question that their faith is above reproach but there are two more that have always struck me and for what some may call strange reasons.  These men are Paul and Peter.

Both demonstrated great faith at many times but two things strike me, and it is specific times they were in prison.  I doubt that many of you have been in jail, but I am sure that at one time or another you have been in trouble with your folks or someone at work or a friend or family member. Whatever that situation might have been you probably lost a little sleep over it if not a lot of sleep wrestling with a solution; I know I have.  But Paul and Peter did not seem to struggle.

Instead of struggling, Peter slept like he was dead and Paul wrote four letters of encouragement that have been documented in the Bible.  To me, these two men demonstrate faith in a way that encourages me.  Look at what Peter does.

Acts 12: 1-5

I have always heard that the only man that can sleep in jail is a guilty man.  Well, Peter showed me that a truly innocent man with unwavering faith could also sleep in jail.  James had just been killed, and Peter was imprisoned.

Acts 12:1-5 (ESV)

1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

He was delivered over to 4 squads of soldiers, and it was Harrods intent to hold him until after Passover and then kill him as he had killed James.  This situation had the whole church on their knees praying for Peter.

Acts 12:6-11

Now the part that amazes me is while he was imprisoned the guards are so fearful that he might escape they chain him up with two guards.  They are all three bound together, and an angel shows up to save Peter.  The thing that gets me is the seeming trouble that the angel has waking Peter.

Acts 12:6-11 (ESV)

6 Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.

Excluding the two guards waking Peter reminded me of waking my son and daughter when they were in High School.  Once they started moving, I had to tell them every step to take.

Acts 12:9 (ESV)

8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.”

Even as Peter was lead out of prison, it seemed a dream to him.  He did not realize it was real until he was outside, and then it was a struggle.

Reflections

This guy was preparing to be executed in a day or two, and he slept with no fear.  How is that possible unless you have total faith in God.  Peter trusted Jesus Christ.  He knew that he would live or die and either was fine with him.  He was no crazy man.  He believed and put all his faith in God.  He did not have to say anything for me to get it.  That sound sleep told me everything.  He was content.  He was not alone in this faith.  Paul was the same.

Paul’s Faith

Paul demonstrated his great faith as well in every trial he endured.  But for me, the best example is his “Prison Letters.”  Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon while he was imprisoned, and every one of them is filled with encouragement and guidance.  I love all of them, and as I read them I can see the love in his heart and the joy leaping off the page as I go through each passage.

He never wavers in his faith or hope for the churches that he began praying for them always.  One of my favorite passages in his prison letters is in Philippians 1.

 Philippians 1:18-26

In this passage, Paul is discussing his life and whether he might live or die.  He speaks of the prayers of the Philippians and the help of the Spirit of Jesus is his deliverance.

Philippians 1:18-26 (ESV) To Live Is Christ

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

For him it is all about service and his trust is completely in Jesus.  He does not waver.  He holds fast.

Reflections

Both these men had such great faith just as the ones in Hebrews 11 and just like those people in 11 they were human.  No different than you or I in our basic makeup.  Their faith is within our grasp.  It is not so far that we cannot reach or so difficult that we cannot achieve it.  God has put it within our grasp.  All we need do is repent of our sins, believe in His Son and be baptized.

Romans 10:9-13 (ESV)

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

When we deeply commit to these things God kindles a fire in us that cannot be quenched.   Life does not get easier.  But you are not alone the Holy Spirit is with you.  Over time your passion for the world is replaced by the passion for God and His Holy Word and fear is replaced with Joy.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)

6 For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

I think of this passage and realize that our faith is not one of fear.  But of power and love and self-control.  A flame that we must fan, and what better way to fan that flame than with God’s Word and Prayer!

Prayer

Father.  Thank you for the examples of true faith in you.  Thank you, Lord, for giving us people to see that have the same struggle as we do yet still cling to Jesus.  Thank you for your Word and the hunger you have placed in my heart for it.  I am humbled, and I pray all this in Jesus name. Amen!

Ps.

As I was finishing this up, I received word that I lost a dear friend last night.  He had fought the good fight and was a believer.  He had been a good friend to me these past few years, and I will miss him, but I know that his passing is our loss and his gain.

 

 

Prayer for all the Saints

Glory of God

You know I talk a lot about prayer and our need for prayerful study of God’s Word.  Well, the last few days I have had a few issues that I have really struggled with in my prayer life and even this morning it was a struggle.  I prayed for these folks and I prayed for guidance.  But in it all I still was struggling.

I kind of have this order after I pray that I go through email and check out devotionals I receive and clean up the junk email and do a cursory review of a couple sites and then I get into my study.  Today.  That email review turned up a sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Praying for all the saints.  I fired up the YouTube video and I listened to it as I read some of my other study text, but before long I was listening to the sermon and following it in my Bible.  It centered around Ephesians 6:18-20

As I listened I began to think about the content of chapter 6 from beginning to end.  I also thought about how often God told us to put others before ourselves and this whole struggle I was beginning to change.  I started with Ephesians 6:10

Ephesians 6:10-13

I read verses 10 through 13 and looked at what God was revealing through Paul.  It was some pretty powerful stuff.  It did not say anything about standing alone or relying on my own strength.  He said, “be strong in the Lord.”  I had to read the passage a few times.

Ephesians 6:10-13 (ESV)

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.

Now reading that over and over I see the use of “you” a lot and I do take this as a personal note and command but I must remember that Paul was speaking to the Church at Ephesus; one body with many members.  For the Church to stand against the onslaught of the adversary each member of the body had to put on this armor of God.  I read through the description of the Armor and came to verses 18-20

Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV)

I read verses 18 through 20 and meditated on what Dr. Lloyd-Jones had said and I was struck by something I had not considered before.  This passage is very powerful.

Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV)

18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

As I read this passage I realized that this prayer was not about me, but this prayer was for strength for the body of the Church to stand against the adversary.  We put on that whole armor of God and we pray, not only for ourselves but all the saints, and not only the saints, but for Paul.

Reflections

I pondered these prayers and got thinking that Paul was not a good speaker.  He was kind of clumsy so he asked the Ephesians for help that he might preach the Gospel boldly, and the prayers were answered in Ephesus.  In Act 20 Paul speaks of his preaching to the elders in Ephesus.

Acts 20:19-27 (ESV)

19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, 27 for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

In this section of Acts as he speaks to the Elders he warns that they must keep a close eye on the flock for wolves will come to destroy them and as I read this warning I was drawn back to Ephesians 6:18

 

Other Prayers

 

How could I know anything without God’s Word?  Which step would I take first?  Which way would I turn?  But with it, the Word is a lamp to my feet.  All through the Word God encourages us to pray for each other, and not only those in trials but all members of the body that they may stand strong.

I think of James

James 5:16 (ESV)

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

I think of Daniel 9 and his prayer for Israel, a prayer of repentance and a prayer for forgiveness.  It was so powerful the angel Gabriel brought his answer.

I think of John 17 when Jesus was about to be crucified and he prayed for Israel and for all of us that believe.

Closing Thoughts

One thing that has been gnawing at me as I considered this is Chapter 42 in Job.  Job repents and at the direction of God, prays for his friends and they are forgiven and he is restored.  The Lord revealed everyone’s needs in this chapter and the result.  What an example that is.

The part that gets me is God through Paul asks us to pray for all saints, our brothers, and sisters in Christ.  We do not know each one need but based on the example of Job we can see what happens when a repentant man prays for his friends, and James reminds us in James 5:16 above

I am overwhelmed as I meditate on this and see how God works through these prayers for both those that are praying and those that are prayed for.  It is like a bond or strong cord uniting us with God and His purpose.

Prayer

Father, help me pray with boldness for all my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Let my prayers in the Spirit be focused on your desires for the body of the Church and strengthen us all to truly stand united against the adversary.

Lord fill our preacher’s hearts with the boldness that they teach the whole Word of God leaving nothing out and please fill our hearts with the courage to do the same when we share the Gospel with others.

All this I pray in the name of your blessed Son, Jesus Christ, Amen!

Consider This

My Focus

The events of the past few weeks have forced me to consider the state of things in my life and my faith, and what I contribute to the body of the church as well as the world around me.   I have looked at a lot of passages and said a lot of prayers and struggled with doubts and fears as well as joy and wonder.

This morning I was reading 1 Thessalonians.  As I read the letter from Paul, I got caught up in how he seemed to feel about the Church at Thessalonica.  He was concerned that they might fall victim to the adversary and he sent Timothy to check on them.  He was elated when he got the good report.  As I consider this first letter, I started thinking of all the letters of the new testament and why they were written.

Each carried a message that the church needed to hear.  The thing that they all share is that the letter was written because the Apostle was elsewhere, and though he wanted to be with the congregation having trouble, he could not, so he wrote a letter instead, and the more I read these letters and other books the more I realize that the answers to all the questions that matter are found here in God’s Word if I will listen.

When I pray and am bewildered by whatever issue might come up, I find in time God will guide me to an answer in His Word.  God’s Word is unchanging.  It is constant, but the Holy Spirit reveals something new to me every time I open the Book.

 Deliverance

The adversary tries to convince us we are alone and that no one has faced the trials that we have faced, and though they may be the most painful we have ever endured, we are not alone.  There are others that have had that same pain and that same trial, and God has or is getting them through it.

How do I know?  I turn to God’s Word for deliverance from my pain and fear.  I read Psalm 18 when God delivered David from the hand of Saul.  I read the 23 Psalm and take comfort in knowing that in all circumstances God is with me.  I read Psalm 121 and remember from where my help comes.  I read Acts two and remembered the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit that guides me and teaches me the Word of God and helps me face trials and temptations.

Temptations

I know that the enemy twist and turns the truth to deceive me into believing a lie for the truth and the truth for a lie.  He tries to keep me focused on myself so that I lose sight of the things of Heaven and my Lord and Savior.  But I have the Word of God to strengthen me.  No temptation is so strong that I cannot overcome it.

How do I know?  First Paul told me in 1 Corinthians.  I think this is my favorite verse about temptation.  But this is not the only place we are warned.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

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.

Just in the new testament, the word temptation is used 14 times, and the most striking is the temptations of Christ.  What gets me is what He used in His defense.  What was it?  He used the Word of God, and the devil left Him.

What an amazing testimony to the power of God’s Word.  Jesus did not rely on His strength but the strength of God in His time of temptation and deliverance.

Being Ready

I cannot help but think of all the things that are happening in this world and not think about the importance of being ready.   I instantly am reminded of the master leaving his managers in charge of his home while he was away.  I looked this morning at Luke 12:35-48, Matthew 24:43-51 and Mark 13:32-37.  In all passages, Jesus warned to stay awake.

There is a passage in Deuteronomy 8 that Jesus quoted while he was tempted by the adversary in the wilderness.  It is Deuteronomy 8:3

Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV)

 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Now Jesus only quoted the second half of this verse, but as I looked at this morning, I remembered something a preacher said comparing manna to the Word.

Daily Manna

This preacher talked about how God only provided enough Manna to feed each Israelite what he would need for the day.  In fact, in Exodus 16:4 God was specific as to how to gather it.

  Exodus 16:4-5 (ESV)

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.”

This guy compared the Word, and our need for it, to Manna.  He said you need it every day.  You cannot gather enough for a week on Sunday and expect it to last.  It will spoil.  You need to study it every day.

Now I do not think my preacher’s sermons spoil over time, but they can fade a bit.  For me, it is like the boiler on a steam engine.  There is no way I can fill the fire box with enough coal to keep the train running for a week.  The fire will either go out or get so hot it blows the boiler.  I need to keep the fire steady.  I need to stoke the fire regularly.

For those who have NO idea what I just said.  I need to keep the battery in my phone charged without over charging it…

Closing Thoughts

God gave us this wonderful Bible and revealed Himself in it if we will PRAYFULLY study it daily.  I ask the Holy Spirit every day to help me as I open the Word of God that I might see what I need for the day and He always opens my eyes to see.  I may not grasp it at the moment, but it will be there when I need it.

I also know I am not alone in this study.  I have my wife and my Church family, Preachers and Friends that I can go to if I struggle with something or just do not get it.  But to ask for help, I must be willing to humble myself and ask.  I love Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 because for a long time I was too proud to walk with anyone, let alone ask for help.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)

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! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

God built His Church with people as the body and Christ Jesus as the head.  We need God’s Word that we might know Him and we need each other to walk together toward home.

You know in the cord spoken of in Ecclesiastes one of them is always Jesus.

Matthew 18:20 (ESV)

20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

He gives us the unstoppable strength.

Prayer

Lord, just thank you for this day and the hope that fills my heart.  Father, I pray you might use me as you choose today.  I know that you are our King and Lord and with you all things are possible.

Father, I pray for those in harm’s way whether it be storm or fire or battle and I ask that you be with them.  I pray for those struggling with health issues.  I also lift up those who love you and worship you Lord and pray you give them strength and confidence to face whatever may come and to be a voice for you in this dark world and I pray all this in Jesus name! Amen.

REFLECTIONS

Reflection of His Son

This morning I woke up and I felt like a blank sheet of paper, or an empty jump drive plugged into a computer.  My head was blank.  It is times like this that I just want to do nothing.  I do not know what to pray or where to start my study.  If my head was a computer It would be the dreaded blue screen unable to even sustain a reflection. But I have learned that regardless how dain bramaged I might feel I MUST pray and study, so I started.

The prayers began somewhat feeble in the beginning but did get better.  I listened to some preachers I respect to fuel the few embers in my mind in hopes of restoking the fire and kind of mingled the prayers with the listening until the light in my eyes did begin to burn again, even if it was a bit faint.  The prayers and the sermons lead to some devotionals and scriptures.

I read two devotionals this morning that led to the scriptures.

My Reflection

The first was a discussion of what we see when we examine our reflection in the water.  If we smile our reflection smiles back if we snarl our reflection snarls back.  If you take that thought just a bit further you can see that the way we treat others will result in them treating us the same way.  The first referenced scripture was in Proverbs.

Proverbs 27:19 (ESV)

19 As in water face reflects face,

so the heart of man reflects the man.

I pondered that verse for quite a while.  I thought about the face and heart I want to reflect and that is the example of Jesus.

Others Reflection

But what happens if I come across someone else that does not share the same sentiment.  He or she comes at me with the face of anger or resentment or some other negative attitude.  How do I face that, and the second referenced scripture told me.

Luke 6:37-38 (ESV)

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

It is pretty clear that my response is not to judge or condemn but forgive the anger or resentment.  My response should be the same as to the person that approaches with a kind demeanor.  I cannot know what has affected that person’s attitude.  But there is no reason that I need to add to it.  Christ even goes on in verses 39-42 to tell the parable of the brothers; one with the log in his eye and the other with a splinter.

Our Reflection

The last passage had to do with sowing and reaping in general.  It came from Galatians 6:7-10

Galatians 6:7-10 (ESV)

7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

I read this passage and all I could think was that this is not a game.  It is life and death.  God knows our heart.  We may act a part very convincingly and fool our friends, but God will not be mocked or fooled. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Reflection of Jesus

The last devotional I read was an observation of the current times of how there seemed to be an absence of God in our midst.  We push Him out of everything and steal His glory when miracles occur.  He has been pushed from the public square and our schools and people protest when someone prays in Jesus name.

But as I thought about all these scriptures and the power we have to reflect the example of Jesus Christ I thought of a passage in John 13

John 13:34-35 (ESV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

What a wonderful example to reflect; love one another as Jesus loved us.  When we do that, when we walk in the Spirit all the acts of the flesh disappear.

Closing Reflection

I think of all this teaching I gleaned this morning when I did not even want to pray and I am thankful.  God’s Word never comes back empty.  If we will push on, even when we do not want to he is faithful.  The last scripture I thought of this morning is in Galatians.

Galatians 5:19-24 (ESV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

When we allow the world to drag us back into the works of the flesh it shows on our face and our heart.  We must stay connected to the vine so that we may gain spiritual nourishment even when we do not feel hungry.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the times when I struggle to study or pray.  Forgive me when my appetite for Your Word seems to not be very strong.  Thank you for bearing with me and showing me always that I need the nourishment, and the effort is always worth it.  Thank you, father and I pray all this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen!

In God’s Time and His Way

Darkness Cannot Overcome the Light

I woke this morning and for the first time in some time, I was a bit overwhelmed by the darkness of the world around me.  It may have been the video I saw of Irma hitting an Island in the Caribbean or the fires out west or Houston, or the anarchist that hate everything, or the word nihilistic I learned this week that is just dark, but whatever it was I had a very heavy heart.  This heavy and dark feeling led me to the Word.

My first stop was the book of Daniel.  I went to His prayer in Chapter 9.  Then John 17 and Jesus prayer.  After the Holy Spirit compelled me to pick up this new book I have, “The Book of Secrets” by Jonathan Cahn, and I closed out my time with a little Tozer.  Let me take you through it.

Daniel 9

Daniel was pondering all that lied ahead of Israel.  The time that they had left of the desolation of Israel and all that the Jewish people had done and he just turned his face to the Lord seeking Him by prayer.  When I read this prayer, I can feel the ache in his heart.

Daniel 9:3-6 (ESV)

3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.

Daniel prayed a prayer of repentance defining the differences between God and rebellious men.  In the end of his prayer he pleaded for God’s forgiveness not because the people deserved it but because of His great Mercy.

Daniel 9:18-19 (ESV)

18 O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.”

I think of this prayer and I cannot help but look around at all the calamity in our nation.  There is so much division and so many religions trying to push Christianity out using the lie of fairness.  This prayer took me to John 17; The High Priestly Prayer.

John 17:8-10

Jesus opens that prayer defining His destiny.  Then He asks for the Father to be with those believers he will leave behind.

John 17:8-10 (ESV)

8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

Jesus speaks of their need in verses 12-19

John 17:12-19

Jesus speaks of the disciples need for protection and growth.  He does not want to take them out of the world but He asks that they are

protected from the evil one.

John 17:12-19 (ESV)

12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

But his request does not stop there He prays for those to come, that might be saved by the teaching of the disciples.

 

John 17:20-26

Christ Jesus is about to be arrested and He is including me in a prayer to protect me against the evil one.

John 17:20-26 (ESV)

20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

He prayed for the salvation of all who might believe in God’s Word as taught by the Apostles. And as I pondered these two prayers the darkness was still there but it could no longer invade the light that the Word of God had filled me with.  It was about now that I felt compelled to pick up Jonathan Cahn’s book.

The Serpent’s Blood

The secret for today was the Serpents Blood and it kind of gave me goose bumps because of Jesus’ prayer asking for protection for us against the evil one, who is often depicted by a serpent. But as I begin reading it the author speaks of the how cold-blooded creatures have no lasting power.  They run out of steam.  But warm-blooded creators can outlast them. I liked this passage.

“Evil is cold-blooded.  What that means is this:  Though evil may have its day, its victories, it time to move and strike – it remains cold-blooded… All evil is cold-blood.  And so the power of evil is only of the short-term and the momentary.  Its days are always numbered. And in the long run, it always fails”… “So, in the end, the good will always outlast the evil.  Therefore persevere in the good, keep going in what is true, keep standing for what is right and you will overcome and prevail in the end.” “The Serpents Blood” from “Book of Secrets” by Jonathan Cahn.  

I read that and thought about the circumstances we face and how we have a choice in dealing with them.

Reflections

With all the darkness that we see, and the hardship that we and others face We really must decide what we will do.  Do we stop and let the serpent regain his strength or we can continue to cling to Christ Jesus and “persevere in good”?  It really is our choice.  We can pray like Daniel and hold fast or surrender.

I look at these two prayers and Daniel prayed for Israel despite the evil they had done.  He pleaded with God.  Christ Jesus prayed that we may know Him as He knows the Father and that we may learn this through the Word.  The decision is ours to make.

Closing Thoughts

My decision is to hold fast to the Lord and persevere in doing good.  My hope and salvation rests in Him.  God promises that if we will endure with Him and believe we will be saved.  I am thankful and I trust in His Word.

Matthew 24:13 (ESV) 1

3 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

 

John 1:5 (ESV)

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Why would I not trust in Him.? He has shown me so many times that I can and I will continue in that trust and love even in the smallest things, and I will pray and respond in obedience to what he leads me to do.

Prayer

Father, thank you for reminding me of your mercy and grace this morning.  Thank you for shining your light in my heart when I had allowed the darkness of the world circumstances to envelope me.  Father thank you for calling me again to prayer and showing me the path.  Thank you for your wisdom and love in all things.  This I pray in Jesus name.  Amen!

 

The New Life in Christ Jesus

The Son Breaks Thru the Fog

It seems these days I wake a lot like a late summer sky.  There is a lot or a little bit of fog and only the slightest glimpse of sun light most mornings and seems to take just a bit longer for the fog to clear.  This morning is one of those mornings, but part of my prayers was for clarity when I came to God’s Word.  I asked just to be able to see what was there for me today.

Some mornings I think I have a plan, or at least an idea, of what I want to study.  Some days I am clueless.  But regardless I know that the Lord will provide what I need for the day ahead, whether I fully understand it or not.  This morning I had a bit of an Idea, but I was wrong.  It became clear how wrong as I read my devotionals; I have several I enjoy.

Each devotional put me in Colossians 3, a bit of Ephesians 4 and Philippians 4.  They all lined up pretty much in this order as well; Colossians being the biggest influence.

I prayed for direction today because things just were a bit of a blur for me.  Friends in the hospital, other friends struggling, and even others arguing, and during it all I, wanted to do some fixin’.  I was not sure how, but I still wanted to do some fixin’.  But I got to Colossians 3:1 and it forced me to pause.

Colossians 3:1-4

See I had been focusing on fixin’ things.  Putting an end to the arguing, helping my friends get their mind right and get better.  But then I read this passage.

Colossians 3:1-4 (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.

You see, I had reverted to my old self.  The fixer.  The engineer.  The guy that felt he needed to do something for his friends.  In a second I had allowed myself to pick up the attributes of the old man that I had been before Christ Jesus saved me and I was driving with my own plan wanting God to approve it.  Then I went just a bit further in Colossians.

Colossians 3:5-11

I was rolling through the first four verses and I came to verse five.  It was like hitting a deep pot hole in the road.  One of those that is so deep your foot gets knocked off the accelerator.  One minute I was reading about appearing in glory with Jesus and the next I was reminded I must put to death my old self.

Colossians 3:5-11 (ESV)

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.

I read 5-11 and realized I was not dealing with these, but the passion I had for my friends was putting me out in front of God.  I was forgetting who was really in control, and I had become my own idol.  I stopped trusting God and was making my own plans, and that realization is humbling, because I know that no plan I could come up with could match what God has for these situations.

Reflections

I thought about how easily I had allowed this to happen.  How simple it was for a cloudy head to fall in to a deception of the adversary.  I know better yet I allowed it to occur.  But as Paul said in 1 Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

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.

God did just that for me.  He took me to His Word.  He leads me through the passages I need to correct my behavior and remember who was in control. He not only reminded me once again to let the old man go but to pick up the new man I was in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:12-17

The Holy Spirit reminded me that my strength was not in my own limbs or my own wisdom, but in Christ Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)

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.

My strength comes from them and my actions come from His guidance and wisdom.  When I have no answer, He does.  When I am confused or bewildered He will calm my spirit and set me in the right path.  Sometimes that takes longer than I would like, but it is always worth the wait.

Closing Thoughts

Paul gives the same council in Ephesians 4 that we must put away our old selves “24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24 ).  That adversary is always lingering around trying to stir up those old emotions.  Those old false needs of being in charge, and it is done so subtly it can slip in un-noticed.  That is why we need the full armor of God, and His Word which is “the Sword of the Spirt”(Eph 6:17).

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

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.

Peter warns us as well about the adversary, and he adds a short phrase that struck me this morning.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Did you catch it?  It was being sober-minded.  I never really gave it much weight until just now.  As I said I was struggling this morning to clear my head.  No, I had not been drinking.  Those days have long since passed but I still was not thinking clearly.  I was tired and I was thinking about my friend’s trouble while I was still in the fog.  I should have waited.  I should have fueled up on the Word FIRST and there would have been less chance of being deceived this morning.  But that is the lesson learned.

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)

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.

I am thankful for God’s Word and his gift of repentance and grace.

Prayer

Father, thank you for being patient with me this morning though I was not patient with you.  Forgive me Lord for being in such a rush to fix things beyond my control.  Lord thank you for your Holy Word and the guidance or your Holy Spirit to help me see my error and your grace to give the opportunity to repent and correct my path.  Thank you, father.  I pray all this in Jesus name.  Amen!

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