All that I Am - excerpts from Psalm 103

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.

Psalm 103:1-2 NLT

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly.

He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will! Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.

Let all that I am praise the Lord. (Let all that we are praise the Lord.)

Drought

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 

Psalm 63:1 NLT

How dry and thirsty are we? Are we being replenished and held together by the water of the Word? Are we actively seeking God so that He will rain down His righteousness on us and quench the thirsting of our souls or are we poster children for the drought? Are the blossoms of love and forgiveness in our lives being choked out by the weeds of bitterness we've allowed to take root? Do we think we can hide the gaping tears in our hearts by covering them with stones, giving the facade of being well-kept and attractive, but there's no life in them? We can't even walk safely on rocks, let alone run the race to which we've been called.

Are the fires in our lives from God or from the LACK of Him? You might ask, "What difference does it make? Either way, fire burns!" Let me tell you - there is a BIG difference. Godly fire burns away the chaff - the dross in our lives - WITHOUT destroying what is good. Left unchecked, fires destroy completely, unless of course, you are surrounded by water...Living Water (John 4).

How dry and thirsty are you? I know where there is water... It's found in the Word of God.

Prayer:

Father,
            As we immerse ourselves in Your Word, Lord, cause our hearts and minds to be flooded with Your Truths. Make us to be the trees planted by the waters that are not moved by the spiritual and physical drought conditions around us. Let us produce Your fruit in our lives to help feed those around us, drawing from Your well of living waters. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Prepared Hearts

Now it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, that he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel along with him.
And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.
2 Chronicles 12:1, 14

We hear much today in Christiandom about reaching the next generation and how important it is now, especially in these last days. Let me say something here - it's ALWAYS been important!

Deuteronomy 11: 18-21, instructs us in the Message Bible, Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you’ll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth. In other words, PREPARE our hearts!

Rehoboam was David's grandson and the son of Solomon. David, the man after God's own heart and Solomon the wisest man who ever lived... The successor to the throne from the line of David. A man of great influence, so much so that when he forsook the law of the Lord, all of Israel did so with him... and why? Because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.

What are we doing to prepare our own hearts and the hearts of our children and our children's children and those who are within the sound of our voice to seek the Lord?

Prayer:

Father,
             Help us to be ever mindful of the task before us - to teach Your Words to our children and others within our realm of influence. To talk about You and Your Word wherever we are, sitting at home or walking in the street; to talk about Your Word from the time we get up in the morning until we fall into bed at night. Open the ears of those following after us to hear and embrace Your Words, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorite - Entrusted to Our Care

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1 NLT

If everything belongs to God, that makes us His stewards. Merriam-Webster defines stewardship as 'the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care'.

Have you ever truly thought about it? What are the greatest matters entrusted to your care? The people within your sphere of influence? Family, friends, co-workers? People who regularly serve you in some capacity? What else? What about the talent He's given us?

The most obvious to me personally are my children and my grandchildren. Have I always managed carefully and responsibly? I shudder to think of the mistakes I've made. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs us to ...commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. It doesn't say when it's convenient, or when your favorite show is over, or only on Sunday.

Everything looks different when filtered with the perspective of "It's all God's" coupled with the question of what we have done with it.

Prayer:

Father,
           Give us an eternal, Kingdom perspective, along with the knowledge and wisdom to manage carefully and responsibly everything You have entrusted to our care. Teach us so we may better understand that You require a return on everything You have given us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

What We Can Do

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
Proverbs 14:10 NLT

In Romans 12:15, Paul instructs us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. We cannot know another's heart. We think we can. We think we know, but the best that we can do is have empathy for whatever the circumstance.

What we can do is pray for discernment. We can pray for compassion. We can pray to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world. Above all, we must pray for Christ's love to flow through us to those around us.

Physically, when someone has a wound that won't heal, it becomes more easily infected. In the matter of a wounded heart, left untended, it becomes bitterness. God clearly commands us in Romans 12:15 to Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many [emphasis mine]. Let's do what we can do.

Prayer:

Father,
          We pray for Your wisdom and discernment to see those who need to be seen. We pray for and believe that You will supply Your strength as You have promised in Your Word. Let our words of encouragement be according to Proverbs 25:11, The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver. Help us to be ever mindful of You and to pray always. In Jesus' Name. Amen

Because Jesus Said So

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:39-43 NLT

Alistair Begg is a theologian and minister who currently resides in Ohio but is originally from Scotland. He has a unique ability to explain complex theological concepts in an easily understandable manner. In my opinion, he presents this passage of Scripture in such a way that so clearly defines the Gospel in its purest, simplest way. Following is a transcript of his two-minute excerpt.

Without the preaching of the cross, without preaching the cross to ourselves all day and every day, we will very, very quickly revert to faith plus works as the ground of our salvation; so that, to go to the old Fort Lauderdale question—“If you were to die tonight and you were getting entry into heaven, what would you say?”—If you answer that, and if I answer it, in the first person, we’ve immediately gone wrong. “Because I…” “Because I believed. Because I have faith. Because I am this. Because I am continuing...” Loved ones, the only proper answer’s in the third person: “Because He…” “Because He…”

Think about the thief on the cross… I can’t wait to find that fellow one day to ask him, “How did that shake out for you? Because you were cussing the guy out with your friend. You’d never been in a Bible study. You’d never got baptized. You didn’t know a thing about church membership. And yet—and yet, you made it! You made it! How did you make it?”

That’s what the angel must have said—you know, like, “What are you doing here?”
“Well, I don’t know.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know?”
“Well, ’cause I don’t know.”
“Well, you know… Excuse me. Let me get my supervisor.”
They go get the supervisor angel: “So, we’ve just a few questions for you. First of all, are you clear on the doctrine of justification by faith?”
The guy says, “I’ve never heard of it in my life.”
“And what about… Let’s just go to the doctrine of Scripture immediately.”
This guy’s just staring.
And eventually, in frustration, he [the angel] says, “On what basis are you here?”
And he said, “The Man on the middle cross said I can come.”

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Jesus... He is the only reason. HE is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your plan of salvation. Thank You for making it so plain. Forgive us for the times we complicate it by adding our man-made stipulations. Strip the lies from our eyes and help us see clearly so we can point the way for others. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorite - TODAY

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NLT

Do you have a favorite day of the week? Do you have a least favorite day of the week? Did you know that statistically, Monday is the least favorite day of the week? That's probably no great surprise, but it was followed closely by Sunday...which did surprise me. The most popular reason for Monday being the least favorite was work-related, obviously. Sunday's votes were almost tied between two: 1 - that Monday was the next day, and 2 - the others felt guilty for not going to church... and the reasons were ludicrous - too early Sunday morning after late-night TV on Saturday... too busy having fun on Saturday, so they had to stay home and clean (and feel guilty) on Sunday...

Typically, Mondays and Fridays are the craziest days of the week for me, and if I absolutely HAD to pick a least favorite, I would probably lean toward Monday because it is so hectic...However, it's also the day I get to see friends I haven't seen for two or three days, so it all works out. And any day that I wake up breathing can be counted as a good day here on Earth. I like being on the upside of the dirt. Everything else is icing on the cake.

I can get out of the bed without assistance. I can walk, I can talk, I can think (most days). I have running water to wash with and clean water to drink in the world I live in. And I am washed by the water of the Word. I also drink from the Wellspring of Living Water and so I will never thirst again. The Creator of the Universe - the Lord of Heaven and Earth - is my Father and we talk every day. I am assured of His love and strength and protection and provision for me. He made the day and caused me to awaken. I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Prayer:

Father,
          According to Your Word, Your faithful love never ends! Your mercies never cease. Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself and to all who will hear, You are my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in You! One more day - one day closer to eternity. Help us hasten to obey Your Word so all can hear the Good News of Jesus Christ and usher in His return. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Worth It

Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
Proverbs 14:4 NLT

It takes a lot of work to get a stable clean - mucking and raking on a daily basis and power-washing, disinfecting... There's a true sense of accomplishment in getting it done. However, there's no time to stand back and enjoy the look of it because the animal will go back in, and then all the mucking and raking will have to be done again on the morrow. The irony is if you want a stable and you want it to stay clean, you can't have animals. What use is that? The reward of your labor in caring for the animals is more than compensated for in the harvest results. It is worth it. 

By the same token, if we want a harvest of souls, there will be less-than-pleasant aspects of gathering them into the Kingdom. Discipleship isn't easy - for the disciple or for the one doing the discipling. Ask Jesus... He said nevertheless, we're worth it. 

Prayer:

Father,

          Give us Your eyes so we have the proper perspective for our journey with You. Help us to see past all the distractions to the heart of the matter. Give us a fresh anointing of compassion, mercy and grace for those within our reach. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

To Fulfill

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32 NLT

Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him, not once, but three times, and He had already prayed - interceded with the Father on his behalf - that Peter's faith would not fail. Jesus knew Peter would beat himself up over it. The guilt and shame would be overwhelming. 

He knew that Peter wrestled with his flesh and manly pride, but He also knew Peter's heart. It was Peter who had declared with deep conviction, "You are the Christ! The Son of the living God!" 

Jesus knew Peter would fall, yet He foretold His love and grace when He said, so when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers... Jesus fully expected Peter to fulfill God's purpose for his life.

We have all fallen at one time or another. What have we done with it? Have we stayed buried under the guilt and shame? Have we deemed ourselves unworthy of fulfilling God's plan and purpose for us? No. NO. NO! Christ is ever interceding for us at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34). Right this minute, Jesus is pleading in prayer for us, that our faith should not fail. So when we have repented and turned to Him yet again, we are to strengthen those around us. Go ye therefore...

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You that Your Son is ever interceding for us, praying for us. Thank You for Your strength and wisdom that You so freely give to us. We want to fulfill Matthew 28:19-20, to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And to teach these new disciples to obey all the commands You have given us, knowing that You will keep Your promise to be with us always. Help us, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Make it Better

Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you like a trap. This day will surprise everyone on earth. Watch out and keep praying that you can escape all that is going to happen and that the Son of Man will be pleased with you.
Luke 21:34-36 CEB

How easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day distractions. I cannot tell you how many conversations in the last few weeks I've had with Christians who are worried about the what-ifs of life. Things that could happen if or might happen if, but have no certainty of happening, and yet we spend precious time and energy trying to conquer any and all potential contingencies. To put it plainly, we worry.

It's surprising to discover how many people believe it is their "job" to worry. That's one of satan's great deceptions - as though worrying about something will make it better. No, it won't. When we choose to worry about things, it means we don't trust God. Praying and believing about it will make it better. Giving it to God and seeking His wisdom will make it better. Trusting the Lord to be ALL that He has promised is faith. Trust and faith will make it better.

The less time we spend caught up in the day-to-day distractions, the more time we have to spend with God. The more time we have to watch and pray. The more time we have to prepare ourselves and those within our realm of influence for the Day of His return. THAT'S when and where we want to be caught up - with HIM.

Prayer:

Father,
           We pray from the Psalms, Satisfy us each morning with Your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let our children see Your glory. This we declare about You, Lord: You alone are our refuge, our place of safety; You are our God, and we trust You. 

           We stand on Your promise that You will rescue those who love You. You will protect those who trust in Your Name. You will answer us and be with us when we're in trouble. You have promised to rescue and honor us.  And also to reward us with a long life and give us Your salvation. We trust You, Lord.  We lay down every worry and what-if of doubt. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

The Pursuit of Happiness

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases you to make us strong. Yes, our protection comes from the Lord, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king.

Psalm 89:15-18 NLT

I find it interesting that mankind generally believes its pursuit of happiness is its right and is generally accepted to mean 'whatever gives me pleasure". That's not what the Word of God says. And if we deep dive into history, we'll find that's not what the forefathers meant, either. (Stay with me, I'm not trying to "Americanize" God's Word - we know His Word is to all people.)

In his Commentaries on the Laws of England which are often cited in the laws of the United States, Sir William Blackstone argues that God "has so intimately connected, so inseparably interwoven the laws of eternal justice [from the Bible] with the happiness of each individual, that the latter [individual's happiness] cannot be attained but by observing the former [the Bible]; and, if the former [the Bible] be punctually obeyed, it cannot [help] but induce the latter [Individual's happiness]."1 

Here is what is promised in our pursuit of true happiness - to those who hear the joyful call to worship: 

We will walk in the light of God's presence. 

We rejoice all day long in God's wonderful reputation. 

We exult in God's righteousness. 

God is our glorious strength. 

It pleases God to make us strong. 

Our protection comes from the Lord, and He has given us our King.

We give no eternal allegiance to any man or woman - only God. We don't have to stress over any man or woman's inability to lead. (We are instructed to pray for them!) 

We are free to pursue our happiness in the One who never lies, never abandons us, the One who does not change. The One who loves us so much that He gave His only Son for the redemption of our sins so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life. So we are free to pursue Him.

Prayer:

Father, 

         We pray as Paul prayed in Ephesians 3, that from Your glorious, unlimited resources You will empower us with inner strength through Your Spirit; that Christ will make His home in our hearts as we trust in Him; that our roots will grow down into God’s love and keep us strong. And may we have the power to understand, as all Your people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Your love is. May we experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully so that we will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

1 Blackstone, William (1765). "Section the Second: Of the Nature of Laws in General". Commentaries on the Laws of England. Claredon Press. pg. 40. OCLC 65350522U.

NOTE: Mom's sick

 Hello, Folks

This is Andréa's daughter. Mom spent the evening in the ER. They determined she has an infection, but praise God, did not need to admit her. Please pray for her quick and total healing. Thanks! I'm sure she'll be back soon!

Not a One

And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
Joshua 21:45 NLT

Remember this Truth found in Numbers 23:19? God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

Not one. Not a single promise was left unfulfilled.

In these crazy times of uncertainty, we can rest secure in whatever the Lord has promised according to His Word. Think about it. Just the 'Fear Nots' and the promises to never leave or forsake us - those alone are security the world cannot offer! Take the time - MAKE the time - to search out His many promises to His children. Then we can also live in the peace that He promised.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for Your Word - what a precious gift to us! Give us understanding as we read and study. Help us to grow deep roots of faith. Write Your Word deep upon our hearts, Father. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

For Such a Time as This

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
Mark 13:32 NLT

The Bible makes it clear that no one knows when the last day will be except God; even, Jesus chose not to tap into that side of His divinity when asked in Mark 13:32. It was not important for the disciples to know the exact date, just as it is not important for us to know the exact date. The information we need to live godly lives and spread the gospel has been revealed in God's Word. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law." The Holy Spirit gives us the strength we need each day to accomplish the tasks and opportunities before us. Though we don't know the exact date or need to know it, we can still pray about various aspects of the end times. There's so much we can be praying for...

Guest author: Meg Bucher

Father,
           You go before us. You are the God of our past and our present. By Your hand we were all created for unique purpose to be realized in the days of our lives on this earth. Though we have no way of knowing what is coming our way, we are guaranteed that life this side of heaven will be hard. We know we have an enemy set to destroy us. Give us the boldness we need to operate in the power of Your Holy Spirit, to discern the lies of the enemy and recall and remember the truths in Your Word.
            Jesus is the story of our salvation. There in the beginning with You, Father, and now seated at Your right hand. You pray for us, and never leave us. Jesus, empower us by Your grace to love the people in our lives well, even though the ways of the world are pushing against us. Our mistakes are rampant. We’re not getting it right all of the time. We’re succumbing to pride and discord, when You set an example of and commanded us to love above all else.
            Holy Spirit, stir conviction in our souls like never before. Give us lessons in humility, coach us in encouragement, and mentor us in peaceably and gracefully asserting our faith into the brokenness of this world. Infuse a durability in us that is unworldly. Bless our lives to persevere, and to run the race marked out for us with full steam to the very end. Until the tape breaks and we’re called home. In Jesus’ Name,  Amen.

David's Prayer

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God.

Psalm 86:1-2 NLT

Let's pray and praise in unison as David prayed and praised the one true God.

Be merciful to us, O Lord, for we are calling on You constantly. Give us happiness, O Lord, for we give ourselves to You. O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help. Listen closely to our prayer, O Lord; hear our urgent cry. We will call to You whenever we're in trouble, and You will answer us.

No pagan god is like You, O Lord. None can do what You do! All the nations You made will come and bow before You, Lord; they will praise Your holy Name. For You are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.

Teach us Your ways, O Lord, that we may live according to Your truth! Grant us purity of heart, so that we may honor You. With our whole heart, we will praise You, O Lord our God. We will give glory to Your Name forever, for Your love for us is very great. You have rescued us from the depths of death. from Psalm 86 NLT

Prayer:

O Lord,
             You are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on us. Give Your strength to us; save us, O God. Send us a sign of Your favor. Then those who hate us will be put to shame, for only You, O Lord, help and comfort us. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen

Persistent Faith

Then the Master said, “Do you hear what that judge, corrupt as he is, is saying? So what makes you think God won’t step in and work justice for his chosen people, who continue to cry out for help? Won’t he stick up for them? I assure you, he will. He will not drag his feet. But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?”
Luke18:6-8 The Message

When we pray, do we pray believing? What about if we don't get an immediate answer? What if it's a month later - do we start to lose fervor? Maybe not, but what if it's longer - 6 months? A year? Even longer?

I saw an ad for a shirt the other day that read, "It's not the will of God if it goes against the Word of God."  If what we are praying and believing for does NOT go against the Word of God, why do we give up? Do we think God said, "No"? Or worse, do we think He's not listening? Or ignoring us? Will we continue to believe when we know we are praying according to God's Word? 

When Jesus returns to take us home, will He find us full of persistent faith?

Prayer:

Father,

          Revive us, O Lord! Restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Breathe life into our dry-bones faith. We want to be found full of persistent faith and faithful to You only when You return. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Blessed to be a Blessing - written by Pr. Alan Neel

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?
Luke 16:10 -12

We are privileged to be conduits of God's blessings, not creators of our own wealth. As followers of Jesus Christ, we should understand that everything given to us is a test of our gratitude and faith. 

Our worldview is undoubtedly different because we find God’s purpose in every area of our lives, including our finances. We are called to be like our heavenly Father, constantly pouring blessings to demonstrate His love! Never do we believe that God blesses us for our selfish pleasure. We have been blessed to be a blessing!

**********************

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for Your faithfulness of provision for our needs. Thank You also for giving us the desire of our hearts as we DELIGHT ourselves in You. Thank You for ALWAYS providing so that we can provide for others. Open our eyes, Father, to see those in need around us so that we open our hearts and our hands to BE the blessing You've created us to be. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

A Parable about Serving

Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’

Luke 17:7-10 NIV

We find it hard to relate to this parable. For those who have not been raised in a culture of servitude, it can be difficult to grasp the concept of only doing one's duty and not receiving any kudos for doing what one was expected to do. It is, however, a clear illustration of how "We should serve God because of who he is and because he is worth serving. If a good slave does his duty for his master faithfully, how much more should God’s children, as those loved by him, serve him faithfully? Service, obedience, and duty are not rights we negotiate with God to exercise. They are the natural outgrowth of appreciating his act of grace in saving us, so we might bring honor to him." 1 

As servants of Christ, we are to follow His example to do everything the Father tells us - even unto death - trusting His Grace to see us through whatever He brings us to. It's not always easy and it rarely coincides with our humanistic view of what we deserve (as a reward) for having gone through it. We want to present our case for special consideration, but we would do well to study the writings of the Apostle Paul to learn what it means to be a servant of God. 

Remember that while we humbly submit and enthusiastically perform our duties, Scripture is clear that God will honor faithful service. Luke 12:27, Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.

Prayer:

Father,

          Forgive us for those times we thought we should be rewarded or highly regarded for doing only what we should've done anyway. You are El Shaddai, our Adonai, and we are so grateful for Your Mercy and Grace. Help us to better understand our place in relationship to You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

1 NIV Application Commentary Copyright © 1996 by Darrel L. Bock.

Hope Anew

Psalm 78:1-7 NLT A psalm of Asaph.

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past - stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us.

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. 

He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them - even the children not yet born - and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.  

Prayer:

Father,

           We ask Your Holy Spirit to bring all things to our remembrance as You promised. We do not want to forget any of Your goodness and mercy and kindnesses toward us. Let us never take for granted the cost of our salvation and provision. Give us the words to speak to those who walk with us and who follow after us so that they will receive Your instructions and obey and set their hope anew on You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Friends' Favorite - Shut Him Up!

 10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Revelation 12:10-11 NKJV

Oftentimes, phrases such as "Power in the Blood," "Blood of the Lamb," "Plead the Blood," are heard and maybe even used, but many times without true understanding. I wonder what would happen if we truly understood the power in the shed blood of Jesus the Christ.

The purpose is to cleanse us from ALL our sin and unrighteousness - to proclaim God's authority in our lives and over our lives. How do we have victory over the accuser of the brethren? By the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus shed His Blood on the cross for us) and the word of our testimony. In other words, we declare the Truth about the redemptive work of Christ's Blood in our lives! We are forgiven. We are set free. KNOW WHO YOU ARE in Christ - a NEW creation! 

We can shut the mouth of the accuser by the power of the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus), because by the Blood of the Lamb, we won't be giving the enemy of our soul anything to talk about! Let's shut him up! 

Prayer:

Father,
         Open our spiritual eyes of understanding to see and to know the Truth of the power in the shed Blood of Jesus. Remind us to daily apply it to the doorposts of our hearts. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

What Will We See Tomorrow?

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.” 

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
Joshua 3:1-5 ESV

For three days, they had been camped near a flood-stage river that was overflowing its banks. For those of us who live in parts of the world that are subject to flash floods, we know fast-moving flood water is treacherous and deadly. If you've ever watched a video of a rescue attempt of someone caught in a flash flood in a drainage ditch, you get an idea of what the Jordan was like that day.

People will argue that the Jordan River wasn't all that wide (ordinarily about 100 feet wide) and believed to be about 10 feet deep. In reality, challenging enough on a normal day. This was harvest time and the Jordan was flooded. They'd watched it for three days...

They'd never passed that way before and didn't know how they were going to then... but Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”  What would they see on the morrow? And what does it mean to consecrate oneself? It is to prioritize spiritual things over physical things. It is to intentionally avoid what might keep us from connecting with God or steal our time with Him. 

If you're stepping out to a place you've never been and you don't know where or how you'll get there and you're facing a raging river, I don't think they hesitated one nano-second about consecrating themselves, do you? 

Think about this. What would we see tomorrow if we consecrated ourselves today?

Prayer:

Father,

          We long to see lives changed. Impossible situations overcome by Your supernatural grace and power. Use us as instruments of Your righteousness to spread the Gospel to our families and friends, our cities and nations. Help us, O Lord, to consecrate ourselves today so that we would see Your wonders tomorrow. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Spiritual Growth

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
Colossians 2:6-8 NLT

Alan Neel taught this lesson. You might want to take a few minutes to read the summation of it. These 7 Truths regarding spiritual growth are compelling; both an encouragement and a reality check. Without further ado...

#1
Spiritual Growth is challenging.

James 1:2-3 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

I don't know too many people who consider troubles of life as opportunities for great joy. We must understand that the joy is in the opportunity for a chance to grow our endurance (patience) because as we continue in the text, we find this encouragement, So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

#2
Spiritual Growth is personal.

Paul writes in Philippians 2:12b-13 NLT Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. In the King James Bible, 12b reads, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The pastor can teach the Word, but it's up to us to search it out and apply it in our lives.

#3
Spiritual Growth is relational.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other.
Romans 12:9-16 NLT

#4
Spiritual Growth is meant to be daily.

Then he [Jesus] said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23 NLT

#5
Spiritual Growth is planned. It takes preparation for growth to occur. Soldiers, athletes and farmers all have to prepare and plan for success in their line of work. So do we.

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
2nd Timothy 2:2-7 NLT

#6
Spiritual Growth is confrontational.

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
2nd Timothy 4:1-5 NLT

#7
Spiritual Growth is ALWAYS worthwhile.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
2nd Timothy 4:7-8 NLT

Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to keep our hearts pure before You and remain always and ever teachable by Your Word. We want to grow in wisdom, Father, but only by Your Truth. Give us wisdom according to Your promise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Signs

Devotion written by my pastor - Alan Neel

You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times.
Luke 12: 56 NLT

Some people have gotten so caught up in the happenings in the sky that they fail to see what’s happening on the ground around them. 

Do we need an apocalyptic sign to pray? And, is prayer really that important? It seems important when we get bad news or a devastating diagnosis. 

But can prayer be a life-changer for us and the people we pray for? The answer is absolutely YES! We must look around, see people like God sees them, and pray. GOD IS STILL AT WORK! ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS ASK!

*********************

Prayer:

Father, 

           Thank You for giving us a straight path to You - the privilege to enter the Holy of Holies and come into Your presence. We come with the confidence Christ has provided for us and ask for Your will to be done in each and every prayer need situation we bring to You this day. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Disciplinary Action

God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:10b-11 NIV

It was only yesterday... just yesterday, after hearing Pastor Alan's sermon, that I earnestly prayed, "Father, I do NOT want to be critical, judgmental or prideful. I want to walk humbly with You, according to Your Word. Holy Spirit, please guide me, teach me. In Jesus' Name, I pray..." 

Oh, that all opportunities for answers to prayer would manifest so quickly!

An adverse situation came up at my day job that ultimately falls in my wheelhouse. I could have been angry that it happened. I could have come up with a half-dozen excuses... but before I got too far in the list of  'could haves', I heard the echo of yesterday's prayer in my heart. Father... I prayed again, thanking God for a change of heart, for the opportunity to walk in humility. It was not fun. It was hard. It was God's idea.

Micah 6:8 declares, He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? 

Humbling oneself isn't easy but it is right. It is righteous before the Lord. Within minutes of doing just that, the stress of it was gone from my spirit, and in its place was peace. Several times, the enemy attempted to bring up a "Yeah, but..." and by God's grace, I was able to thank God for answering my prayer and praise Him for teaching me... Thank You for loving us enough to restore a right Spirit within us. 

Prayer:

Father,

           According to Your Word, there is reward for walking in humility and holy fear of You. Thank You for Your Grace and mercy. Thank You for Your peace and for getting us through this day heart-whole. We are certain that You, who began this, will continue Your work in us until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. And it's in His Name we pray. Amen

Oh, the Humanity

A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable.
Luke 10:33-34 The Message

Just about everyone knows the parable of the Good Samaritan or at least has heard something about it. Always, it's about being a good neighbor, being someone who will help another, but I missed the main point. Today, I heard it taught in a way I'd never heard before and I want to share it with you. Let me set it up for you. 

Our church recently went to 3 services on Sunday morning. Pastor Alan jokingly referred to the earliest service as the "old folks" service - those of us who have attended church for a long time. This morning, he asked if we attend church simply because that's "what we do" on Sunday or because we want to come together to worship the King of kings, our Lord and Savior? Are we choosing church attendance for religious reasons or for deepening our relationship with Jesus? Then he referred back to the parable.

Verses 30-32, Jesus speaking, There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

I never understood why the priest and the Levite couldn't be bothered to help the man who had been beaten and robbed and left half-dead. They were, after all, religious men. As it turns out, that is precisely why they didn't help him. Both of them were about their religious duties, bound by Jewish laws. If they had touched that man, by law, they would have been considered unclean and unable to enter the Temple to perform their duties. 

However, Jesus came to Earth to set men free, but they couldn't hear Him. The priest and the Levite missed the humanity of the situation because of religion. Do we do the same?

Do we not care for someone because of their political views? Do we not speak to someone because they don't believe the way we do or act like us? Do we miss their humanity because of religion? Jesus is not about religion. God looks on the heart.

Prayer:

Father,

         Change our hearts, O God! Make us ever mindful to extend Your love and grace to all in all we do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Forever to Intercede

 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

1st Peter 4:7-8 NKJV

Do you ever get tired of praying for people? Especially the same people? You know the ones - It seems as though they go merrily along in their self-destructive ways without a single thought toward their eternity – they never seem to want to change. Do you ever reach the point when you think, Okay, I’m done praying for them. I’m not wasting another breath…? Sometimes, we think we’ve done all we can do.

Jesus didn’t give up on us. He’s done more for us than we ever did for anyone else. None of us have been crucified on a cross. Now, if you were to ask me - in my finite mind - I would say He has done all He can do for us by dying on the cross for our sins… but that’s not the end of it. Romans 8:34b NKJV tells us,  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25 NLT makes it plain,  Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. 

The end may be in sight, but He has not given up on any of us. He’s not slacking up. He has not folded His arms and said, I’ve done all I can do. I’m not doing one more thing… According to Scripture, He lives FOREVER TO INTERCEDE with God on their [our] behalf. Shouldn't we be like Him?

Prayer:

Father,          
           Forgive us for our selfishness. Change our hearts, Father, according to Your Word in Deuteronomy 30:6. Change our hearts and the hearts of all our descendants, so that we will love You with all our heart and soul and so we may live! In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen

Always Enough

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

ALL grace. ALL sufficiency in ALL things...

I needed this Scripture today. I was desperately looking to pick up my sword in this day's battles by proclaiming, IT IS WRITTEN... and hitting the devil and his minions right in the eye with the promises of God. 

I can't speak for you, but I sometimes have days like today when I feel like not enough. Not enough time. Not enough energy. Not enough know-how. Not enough love or kindness. Not enough self-control... One of the most wonderful aspects of God's Word is that it is always enough. Just like His grace abounding toward us is more than enough for every situation. 

ALL grace. ALL sufficiency in ALL things... He is always enough.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for Your Word and all that You have promised us within it. Please open our heart and ears to hear and embrace Your Truths. We want to be and do ALL that You would have us be and do. Help us, Father, to follow in Your footsteps. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Lost Focus

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 KJV

We talked yesterday about Spring season in Texas. While it is my favorite, I noticed today it's also very dust and pollen-laden. No, we don't have to scrape ice off our windshields in season, but we need strong wipers to be able to clean the junk off so we can see clearly.

It made me think of how easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day of life and lose our focus. A little dusting of irritation, piling on of political mayhem, fighting the allergens of this crisis and that one, the weariness of our workload, and before we know it we've lost focus. It seems like we can't see daylight... at least not clearly.

The Good News is that Jesus is the Morning Star. He is the Light of the World. In Isaiah 9:2 NKJV, the prophet tells us regarding Jesus' coming to Earth, The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. 

How do we receive the Light of the World? By knowing His Word. Psalm 119:130 reads The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. Light is essential to life. 

Prayer:

Father,

         Look upon me and be merciful to me, As Your custom is toward those who love Your name. Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts. Make Your face shine upon Your servant, And teach me Your statutes. Let me never lose the focus of Your light and love. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Rooted

Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot, but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit. The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.
Proverbs 12:12-14 NLT

Spring is my favorite season in Texas. Not too hot, not too cold, and the wildflowers are blooming rampantly. Naturally, our thoughts turn to gardening and growing and preparing the soil for the best results of whatever we plan to grow. The soil has got to be good for the roots.

It's a funny thing about roots. You don't usually see them, but you can see the result of them. They are essential to the life of whatever is growing - be it plant or human... Tonight, I'm more interested in the roots we've established as the human variety. Roots provide stability... or not. They are the lifeline for air and water and food... or not. Roots determine the chance of survival during times of too little or too much. 

Colossians 2:7-8 NLT tells us, Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.  What are we rooted in - the Word or the world? Are we well-rooted in God or are we superficially rooted and easily plucked up and blown away by the things of this world?

Prayer:

Father,

          We want our roots to grow and go way deep in You and in Your love. Cause us to grow strong in Your Truth - the Truth of Your Word - so we are not carried about by every wind and doctrine. Let our fruit remain, according to Your promise. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Our Responsibility

If you see your neighbor's ox or sheep or goat wandering away, don’t ignore your responsibility. Take it back to its owner. If its owner does not live nearby or you don’t know who the owner is, take it to your place and keep it until the owner comes looking for it. Then you must return it. Do the same if you find your neighbor’s donkey, clothing, or anything else your neighbor loses. Don’t ignore your responsibility.
Deuteronomy 22:1-3 NLT

We live in a day and time where people want to be separate from one another. They come home from work and go into their homes or backyards and expect privacy. What the neighbor is doing has nothing to do with them unless it encroaches on what they consider to be their time or space. It's a "mind your own business - stay out of mine" lifestyle. I don't believe that's how God intended it to be.

God set forth the rules and roles of our responsibilities while on this Earth and a great majority are our responsibilities to each other. 

Taking care of one another 
Bearing each other's burdens
Loving our neighbors as ourselves

Being moved with compassion
Loving as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for us

Forgiving one another

He commanded. He knew we'd have a hard time carrying out these commands. We'd have to be intentional about them. 

In the New Living Translation, it's "Don't ignore your responsibility." 

King James tells us to not hide ourselves.

The English Standard Version states we must not ignore them.

Proverbs 3 instructs us not to withhold help when it is within our power to help. Who is our neighbor? Anyone who needs our help. They are our responsibility. 

Prayer:

Father,

          Forgive us for all the times we've looked the other way or selfishly withheld from our neighbor. Give us Your eyes to see, Your heart of compassion, and grace to pour out abundantly. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Who Wrote That?

They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words.

"What does God know?” they ask.
“Does the Most High even know what’s happening?”

Psalm 73:8-11 NLT - A Psalm of Asaph

People who haven't researched might think that David wrote all the Psalms. Who is Asaph? In 2nd Chronicles 29:30, during the rededication of the temple, King Hezekiah and the officials ordered the Levites to praise the Lord using the psalms written by David and by Asaph the seer. Hmmm - a musician and a seer. That's all to give you a little history on Asaph. The reason I bring it up - and specifically this psalm - is because of the times in which we live.

The world will always twist facts in an attempt to make Christians and Christianity look bad. Unfortunately, there are some well-known Christians in the public eye who need our prayer cover. Negative actions or the reports written about those actions do NOT CHANGE GOD and who He is; nor does it change anything about the Cross at Calvary and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, or the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, if you were not / are not someone who looks for truth, you might read or hear a story and...well, who knows what you would think? Tokyo Rose tactics of the 21st Century. Read the whole psalm (below) to find out what Asaph had to say. It reads like a Christian commentator on the world's status today.

Psalm 73 - A Psalm of Asaph. The Word is always relevant. Read it and know the Truth, not just the facts.

Prayer:

Father,
           Thank You for being the strength of our hearts. Keep our hearts and minds focused to read and know Your Word, so that we will know the TRUTH. It is Your TRUTH that sets us free. May we remain faithful till the end. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Reading Further - Psalm 73 - A Psalm of Asaph:

Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.

And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.

If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Easter Sunday - Day Forty-Seven - Restoration

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 - Last Day

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.
John 21:4-6

Our Lord is good and gracious. With each resurrection appearance, we see different facets of how Jesus works to re-gather his scattered flock, heal sorrows, speak peace, fill with the Spirit, and restore them to what he desires to do through them.

Three times Peter denied Jesus. Three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” The first two times, Jesus asks if Peter loved Him sacrificially, the last time he asks if Peter loves him as a friend. Surely Peter was right when he responded, “Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.”

Why does Jesus press so hard on Peter? Jesus moves Peter to a point of honesty about his human nature in order to keep him from relying on himself or anything else. He invites Peter to trust in him alone. Jesus’ grace was already there. God had already accomplished the work that reconciled Peter. But Jesus had much more in store.

Sin can bring a double calamity. First, there is the sin itself which causes discord in our lives and relationships. Then there is the way that our sin and guilt are always before us. This tempts us to doubt that we have been raised to new life in Christ. Our sin can keep us from the work that God wants to do through us. Once we are actually convicted of sin, we often find it hard to let go. This is not from God!

With every sin Jesus announces, “You are forgiven, I have redeemed you.” Continuing with his gracious compassion, he says, “Trust in me. Rely on me. I have things for us to do together in the lives of others. Follow me.”

Prayer:

As Peter declared, "Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You.” Help me to ever hold fast to You and follow You wherever You lead. Amen.

Reading Further - John 21:1-25

1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Lent - Day Forty-Six - That You May Believe

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31

“That you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in his name." That is the purpose for all that John wrote. If John published his Gospel today as a biography, the title would not be Jesus Christ: The Full Historical Account or Jesus Christ: In the Words of the One Who Knew Him Best. It would be Jesus Christ: That You May Have Life. In that title, you learn how the Gospel should be read; its purpose and reason for existence.

Whether the first time or the one-thousandth time we read it, eyes of faith see things we never noticed before and we are once again drawn to the wonderful grace of God. Because of John’s testimony, in addition to the testimony of the other disciples and apostles, we believe that Jesus is the Christ, and we have life in Jesus’ name.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

        Thank You for Your servants who faithfully proclaimed Your Word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who created faith in me through the testimony of Your disciples. Strengthen me to boldly give witness of my faith to others that they too may believe You are the Christ, and by believing have life in Your Name. Amen.

Reading Further - John 20:19-31

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Lent - Day Forty-Five - All that He has Said

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

John 20:17-18

During this Holy Week, we recall the events of Maundy Thursday, when Jesus met in the upper room with his disciples before being arrested in the garden. We recall Good Friday, when our Lord was crucified and buried. However, we do so knowing that when Easter morning comes we will celebrate our Lord’s resurrection from the dead. Not having our benefit of hindsight, Mary must have experienced those days in a sorrowful state. That is, until our Lord speaks into her mourning and distress, giving peace and assurance that despite what she had seen and experienced, he was victorious… just as he had said.

In those difficult moments, it may have been tough for Mary and the disciples to think that resurrection was possible. But Jesus had said that all these things would take place, including his resurrection.

We have the benefit of living after Easter, but as we await Jesus’ return and the final resurrection, we may find ourselves overwhelmed with distress or sorrows which make Jesus’ words of promise seem impossible. Our resurrected Lord speaks through his word and is present when we gather as the body of Christ. He speaks so that he may give us peace and assurance that, despite what we experience, he is victorious… and he will do everything he has promised.

Prayer: 

My risen Savior, 

                       Comfort me, and all Christians, in times of sorrow with the assurance of Your resurrection. Restore to us each day, especially in times of distress, the joy of Your salvation. Amen.

Reading Further - John 20:1-18

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

Lent - Day Forty-Four - God is in Control

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”
John 19:33-37

“He was crucified, died, and was buried.” These words have been confessed by Christians for hundreds upon hundreds of years. They reflect the gracious plan of God that put events in motion for thousands upon thousands of years, from the time sin entered into the world and we became slaves under our sinful condition. Even the smallest of details, going mostly unnoticed by those at the cross, point to God’s intervention and plan.

“I thirst.” This was spoken to fulfill all Scripture.

“They did not break his legs.” This took place to fulfill all Scripture.

“One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear.” This took place to fulfill all Scripture.

If ever we doubt who is, and always has been, in control of our salvation we can look to the details of the cross. Even at the moment of death itself, we are reminded of all the times that men tried to take Jesus’ life unsuccessfully because the timing was not according to God’s plan.

Here Jesus himself says, “It is finished,” and he gives up his spirit. No one takes his life; he voluntarily lays it down for us. Because Jesus was in full control, even at the point of death, we can be assured of his promises that he would give up his life only to take it up again. We can trust when Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” We can trust him when he says, “You are clean.”

Prayer: 

Almighty God, 

                  You have always held all things in Your control. Anchor my faith to Your Son and His cross that I may always be reminded of Your divine wisdom and mercy, and held firmly in Your grace whenever things in this life seem to give way or fall apart. Amen.

Reading Further - John 19:28-42

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.