Focused on the loss

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Sitting in Bible study, the words struck into my heart.

“They were so focused on what they had lost that they couldn’t see what they had gained, even afterwards.”

She was referring to the followers of Jesus.

Luke 24:13-24 KJV
[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. [14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened. [15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. [16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. [17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? [18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? [19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: [20] and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. [21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. [22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; [23] and when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. [24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Thankfully, Jesus not only walked with these two, He instructed.

Luke 24:25-27 KJV
[25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: [26] ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? [27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

My friend’s words continued to resonate within my soul.

“How often have I done that Lord?!?”

I didn’t need an answer.

“Too often.”

But just like the two men on the road to Emmaus, Jesus is walking with me; instructing, correcting my perspective, comforting me, through His Word and Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:32-36 KJV
[32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? [33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, [34] saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. [35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. [36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Just as these two men were encouraged through their time with Christ, they knew that their experience was too valuable to not share, thus they retraced their steps and returned to Jerusalem finding not only the blessing of sharing what had been their own experience, but being encouraged through the experience of another.

No wonder the Scriptures tell us not to forsake the assembly of ourselves together, for we are to encourage and exhort one another in our walk with our Savior.

Hebrews 10:23-25 KJV
[23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) [24] and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

What a joy it is to be reminded of that which is best.

Yes, those who followed Christ had experienced incredibly heartbreaking loss, but the point was that He rose, as He said He would, and with that Resurrection grant each who believe eternal life.

No matter what loss we experience here on earth, we have a future and a hope through Jesus Christ and He promises to work good

Romans 8:28 NKJV — And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Therefore, no matter the loss experienced, we need to focus on Christ and trust Him to work through it for our good and His glory.

Colossians 3:16 KJV — Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your faithfulness and how You use that which is so challenging as an opportunity. Lord, thank You that You chose to lose that we might gain. Please continue to help me focus on the right thing and to rejoice continually in Your salvation. Lord, may those who know You let the Your Word dwell richly within them. Let us teach and admonish one another, continually singing Your praises in our hearts and may our mouths be filled with Your wondrous works. For our good and Your glory! Amen.

What is in a name?

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Throughout the Bible, God uses names and their meanings.

Almighty God knows we are finite.

The many names, titles, and descriptions He gives us of Himself help us grow in understanding of who He is.

When we spend time getting to know Him our relationship deepens.

John 1:1-5 KJV
[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Here we are given two: the Word and the light of men.

The Word:

Genesis 1:1-3 KJV
[1] In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [2] And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. [3] And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Ephesians 3:9 KJV — And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Colossians 1:17 KJV — And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

John 1:14 KJV — And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

1 John 1:1-2 KJV — That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

Revelation 19:13 KJV — And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

The light of men:

John 1:8-9 KJV — He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

John 8:12 KJV — Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 9:5 KJV — As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

John 12:35 KJV — Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

John 12:46 KJV — I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Isaiah 42:6-7 KJV — I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Isaiah 42:16 KJV — And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Luke 1:78-9 KJV — Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

1 John 1:5-7 KJV — This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

In just these two is a wealth of knowledge, granting us an opportunity for a depth of understanding that continues to expand as one mines.

There’s far more wisdom to be gleaned.

Scripture is filled with God revealing Himself to mankind.

John 1:12-13 NKJV — But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

For as our Father, He wants to be known by His children.

May we, each one, glorify God through growing in the knowledge of the One who created us and died to save us.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for Your love and Your tireless work to build a relationship with us. Lord Jesus, please let us not grow weary in doing good, but instead walk in the light of Your Word, in the wisdom of Your truth, and find security in the foundation of Your gospel. Lord Jesus, let there be nothing which holds a higher place in our hearts and minds. Please help us to offer ourselves up daily as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You. Lord Jesus, peal away that which has encrusted our hearts, places of bitterness, unforgiveness, deception, and all that is of the flesh which is corrupted through sin and rebellion. Remove fear, that we might instead trust in Your Sovereignty. Let all the earth be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Your name as the waters fill the seas. Amen.

He answered

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Psalms 34:1-4 NKJV
[1] I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. [2] My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. [3] Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. [4] I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.

The week previous has been riddled with asthma and migraines for me.

I was feeling better yesterday morning and very thankful as I had a list of duties including running the Live Stream for both Adult Sunday school and Sunday Morning worship.

I’d been praying for several days over the Art Class I was teaching to the Youth Group in the late afternoon.

When I walked through the door of the Upper Building, my mind was full of all that I needed to do before worship practice began.

Lilies.

The air was potent with their beautiful fragrance and my mind stopped running through the list and instantly began to pray.

The day pervious, our fellowship had hosted a funeral and the family had left all the beautiful flowers.

Unfortunately, the lilies gave me an asthma attack.

Dropping half my burdens in the Live Stream booth, I hurried to the kitchen to put down the food and bag of dishes one of my friends had given us a meal in.

By the time I reached the kitchen I was wheezing and coughing.

I started opening windows and one of our teens had followed me and took over, so I went outside.

My mind doesn’t work well when I’m having an attack, but as I stood clinging to the brick wall, coughing and praying, I realized I’d left my purse with my inhaler in the Live Stream booth.

“Lord, what should I do? Please help me.”

I couldn’t get enough air to call back to those inside the building and my phone was in my purse.

He answered.

One of our pastors is an EMT and it was his wife who had greeted me when I’d come in.

She’d begun to move the flowers as soon as I started having trouble, she must have found her husband and told him what had happened because he came out to check on me.

It was God’s blessing that I could get out my need for my inhaler as normally I can’t speak when struggling that much.

Before long there was a group of people who all were trying to help me.

My inhaler was delivered, a box of tissues for my eyes and nose were running, a comfortable desk chair arrived along with a cup of tea after the lady who made it had brought out the basket for me to choose, she’d even brought a kitchen towel to cover my “lovely dress”.

It was embarrassing, but I sat for some time in the desk chair on the roadside of the church within close distance to the handicapped parking waiting for my body to relax and the building to air out.

God answered again and I was able to return to my duties by the time the worship practice began, donning the last paper mask in the lobby to assure my lungs and airways wouldn’t be bombarded with lily.

Although my head ached terribly by the end of the service, I was thankful for God’s answers to my prayers.

Instead of remaining to help in the kitchen, I left to eat, rest, and prepare the last of my things for the Youth meeting.

Several hours later, I walked into the Lower building, my prayers were for direction, guidance, endurance, and most of all that these young people would hear the Word and be encouraged in their walk with God.

It’s an old building so I often open windows as soon as possible, if the weather permits, and the Sun was out with a gentle breeze.

About half an hour later, I was standing before 15 youth and 4 adults, just beginning my class when I noticed my chest tightening.

My heart began to pray as I couldn’t discern what it was at first.

The Lord directed my gaze to the ceiling.

Smoke was creeping across the back of the room just above the range where the supper for the Youth was warming.

“Uhm, I am sorry to have to say that the oven is smoking,” I paused briefly, “Uhm, I am an asthmatic and that kind of thing really bothers me, so I might have to step outside.”

With my announcement, action began.

The lady who had been cooking rushed over to the stove and jerked it open filling the room with smoke.

Several of the boys were rushing around getting windows open, doors open, someone found a fan and started trying to blow the smoke outside.

Our neighbors’ son came up to me and quietly offered to drive me home if needed.

Although struggling, I was able to give the Youth an assignment and excused myself.

After getting my breathing under control, I stood looking out at the mountains praying.

“Was all my preparations wasted time, Lord?”

No.

As I stood there, I realized this was an opportunity for God to be glorified.

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This was what I was able to paint during the class as I instructed the youth about blending.

He answered!

Not only was I able to return to the building, I was able to discuss with them some of the names of Jesus in Scripture and then teach a bit about the technique of blending.

Their paintings will be hung in the Youth Game Room and I am excited to have been a part of the project.

As if all this wasn’t enough, I was able to share the time with my husband and son, both of whom had turned up to check on me.

My husband had remained even after I had left and when we got home brought the leftover canvases, per my request.

“You looked like you were having so much fun, I thought we could do one too.  Will you teach me?”

My heart overflowing, I smiled, “Absolutely.”

From morning till night God had sustained me and brought many answers to prayer and for that I praise Him!

I hope my relation of how He answered brings to mind how He has answered your prayers.

Psalm 34:8 KJV
O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for reminding me of how great You are. You carried me through yesterday with all it’s difficulties and the end result is amazing! You have been so faithful, so gracious and my mouth is full, my heart overflows with Your praises! Lord Jesus, please let those young ones be inspired by Your Word and think about what we discussed. Lord, let those paintings be a reminder of the fact that You describe Yourself to us that we might know You more. Lord, use the names those youth chose to speak to them about Yourself, especially those who have yet to make a commitment to following You. Lord, thank You for all You have done and all You are doing. I trust You with today. I love You. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.

Practicing joy

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Scripture teaches that it’s not enough to stop doing wrong.

We must replace it with right.

Therefore, I am practicing joy.

Philippians 4:4 AMP — Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!

How is this possible when there is suffering and uncertainty?

It’s a choice.

Jesus Christ knew what was coming.

He had spoken of it to the disciples multiple times.

The Gospels record His emotions beforehand, but He also chose to rejoice.

Matthew 26:30 KJV — And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

Yes, this was part of the tradition passed down for generations.

No, Jesus never did anything from a wrong motive, ever.

He sang Psalm 118.

And because He was and is perfect, He meant every word.

Psalm 118:1-29 KJV
[1] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: Because his mercy endureth for ever. [2] Let Israel now say, That his mercy endureth for ever. [3] Let the house of Aaron now say, That his mercy endureth for ever. [4] Let them now that fear the LORD say, That his mercy endureth for ever. [5] I called upon the LORD in distress: The LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. [6] The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me? [7] The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: Therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. [8]  It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. [9]  It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes. [10] All nations compassed me about: But in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. [11] They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: But in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. [12] They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. [13] Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: But the LORD helped me. [14] The LORD is my strength and song, And is become my salvation. [15] The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: The right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. [16] The right hand of the LORD is exalted: The right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. [17] I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the LORD. [18] The LORD hath chastened me sore: But he hath not given me over unto death. [19] Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: [20] This gate of the LORD, Into which the righteous shall enter. [21] I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, And art become my salvation. [22] The stone which the builders refused Is become the head stone of the corner. [23] This is the LORD’s doing; It is marvellous in our eyes. [24] This is the day which the LORD hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. [25] Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. [26] Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: We have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. [27] God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. [28] Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt thee. [29] O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Jesus, headed for the Cross with praise and rejoiced, for He looked beyond the suffering, beyond death, and saw redemption for many.

Walking in the footsteps of Christ should include praise, thanksgiving, and boundless joy in the One whose mercy endureth forever!

Amen.

What I’m learning about silence

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1 Kings 19:1-12 KJV
[1] And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. [2] Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. [3] And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. [4] But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. [5] And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. [6] And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. [7] And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. [8] And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. [9] And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? [10] And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. [11] And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: [12] and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

It was loud.

This ringing in the ears of Elijah the death threat of the queen.

It was exhausting.

This flight of terror away from those seeking his life.

It was powerful.

The food and rest supplied by God.

It was loud and very likely terrifying.

The wind which broke rocks, the earthquake, and the fire.

“and after the fire a still small voice.”

It’s in the silence that Elijah hears God.

It’s not the threat of losing everything nor the natural disasters where Elijah hears the Lord God.

It is in the silence.

I am learning that silence is extremely valuable.

Society is loud.

Threats of violence, disaster, and loss are common.

Yet, the Word of God shows me my Savior.

Matthew 26:62-64 NKJV — And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Matthew 27:12-14 NKJV — And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

My Lord and Savior’s silence was profound.

There was nothing that could be done to Him that was not the will of God.

Not only is silence an opportunity to hear from the Lord, to quiet myself before Him and listen for His still small voice, it is also an opportunity for trusting obedience.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word.  Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for what You are teaching me daily. Please continue to help me understand Your Word and Your ways that I might not sin against You. Lord, teach me to walk honorably before You and let my mouth be put under Your control. Please help me to tame my tongue and to learn how to keep silent, especially when I am afraid or offended. Thank You for all Your wondrous works! May Your name be glorified! Amen.

John 12:20-33

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In review, chapter 12 begins with the retelling of Jesus being anointed and proclaiming this act was done in preparation for His burial.

Thus it seems fitting that this Gospel includes private conversations amongst the religious leaders as to their plot to put Lazarus to death, tieing back to John 11:45-53 where they decided to put Jesus to death.

Jesus has entered Jerusalem on a young donkey, fulfilling prophecy in Zech. 9:9.

He was greeted by numerous people who cry out the first line of Psalms 118:25.

Verse 19 inserts the emotion of the Pharisees and through their words we see the general feeling that far more people are believing in Jesus than is comfortable to the religious leaders.

Read John 12:20-33.

Verses 20-22 grant unusual perspective into a moment in the disciples’ lives.

Read Mark 7:24-30, Acts 10:17-48.

How do these verses help us understand the verses in John 12?

John 12:23-28 KJV
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

As with all of Jesus’ teachings, profound truth is here at a bottomless depth.

John 12:23 KJV
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Jesus knew the times and seasons, with such knowledge He is proclaiming as well as prophesying.

John 12:24 KJV
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

Jesus was well aware of the fruit God planned from this sacrifice.

John 12:25 KJV
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

John 12:26 KJV
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

In all things, Christ is the example and shows by His actions His awesome love, as well as the truth of His word and the faithfulness of God.

John 12:27 KJV
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

What Jesus faced wasn’t easy, but He speaks directly:

John 12:27 NLT — “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came!”

Jesus came to die on the Cross, to be buried, and to rise again.

Read Psalm 22:11-18, Isaiah 53:4-9, Matt. 20:18-19.

John 12:28 KJV
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Read Matt. 3:17, 17:5.

John 12:29 KJV
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Even in the midst of the miraculous there are they who doubt or excuse it through the vain imagining of their own.

John 12:30-32 KJV
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Jesus is not allowing the lie to spread, but rather is stating again that which the workers of darkness fear most: truth and judgment.

John 12:33 KJV
This he said, signifying what death he should die.

It is through the sacrifice of Christ upon the Cross which opens the door to a relationship with God Almighty.

In His Sovereignty, He knew mankind could never be rescued by their own efforts, and therefore He promised a Savior and became Him.

Read Isaiah 59:12-20.

In what way have these truths impacted your life?

How might you respond to difficulty if you were to adopt Christ’s declaration as your own? (John 12:27)

Life from our perspective is vastly different than from the Lord’s, in what way do these verses help your perspective to become more like God’s?

Beginning with praise and prayer

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Psalm 5:3 KJV — My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Prayer should not be restricted, for all of life should be an opportunity to commune with our Savior.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV — Pray without ceasing.

Yet, mankind thrives with routine, and is helped by habits of holiness.

Thus, the Lord called His people to set aside specific times for devotion, instruction, worship, and intercession. (Exodus 29:38-42, 31:12-18; Lev. 16, 23)

With the spread of the Gospel around the world, these times of devotion, preaching, worship, and intercession look different depending upon the lives of the believers.

Which brings us to today.

The New Testament is filled with instruction for the believer, all stemming from the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

None of the formats given, which are to draw us into a life of Christ-likeness, are meant to do more or less than grant us opportunity to grow in our relationship with our Savior while instilling the habits of holiness.

Romans 12:1-2 NKJV
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Thus, we can never be too guarded against fleshly pride which wants to capitalize upon works as the reason to preen, an opportunity to be puffed up and look down on those who are not as ritualistic as ourselves.

Romans 3:27 KJV — Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Nor should we fall prey to the enemy’s taunting and guilt which quietly whispers doubt, shame, and all manner of accusations when we fail to live honorably.

Revelation 12:10 KJV — And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

For if the enemy cannot keep us so busy that we allow our devotion to God to be overgrown with the cares of this life, then he will pelt our minds with every word misspoke, every wrong motive, every possible point at which we have fallen prey to the lusts of the flesh or pride.

Yet, those who are redeemed by the blood of Christ are new creations, learning daily, renewed in through His Spirit for their good and Hid glory.

1 Peter 4:2 KJV — That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Times given to the Lord need to be guarded, persevered, cherished.

Not for ritual sake, for that the Lord abhors, but for the relationship sake.

Any relationship which is not given our best will grow cold, including our relationship with Jesus.

Therefore, let us, each one, be encouraged to begin with praise and prayer, following the example left to us.

Ephesians 6:17-18 KJV
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the opportunity to lift up those in prayer You put on my heart as well as the opportunity to give You the praise You so richly deserve! Lord, please help us to guard ourselves against apathy, busyness, pride, doubt, and fear through Your Word, Your truth. Lord, thank You for reminding me of that which I already know well and teaching me that which I haven’t understood previously. Lord Jesus, please go before us this day and encourage us to praise and prayer throughout. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition but in holiness and humility let us walk in Your love reflecting Your light. Thank You,  Jesus. Amen.

The difference…

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is proven in the action.

I was recently convicted about saying, “I’ll pray for that,” but not stopping and doing it.

My excuse was, “It’s not always convenient to stop a person during their conversation and pray”.

No, but you can always pray.

The issue was my words weren’t aligning with my actions and visa versa.

Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.

“Yes, Lord. Please help me never to say it without following through.”

The test came not long afterwards.

A distance cousin of mine emailed me with a prayer request.

I wanted to respond promptly and replied, but midway through my response I saw the danger.

It would be very easy to hit send and get distracted, so I stopped typing.

Our son was nearby and I asked if he could spare a few minutes to join me in prayer for Cousin K.

He agreed readily.

We prayed.

I finished my email, adding that Jason and I had stopped and prayed right then, hit send and moved on with my day.

The week slid by and I was surprised to hear from Cousin K yesterday.

Her email was rejoicing with the immediate answer to our prayers and a miraculous healing!

I was humbled.

God had asked me to join with Him in His work, and in doing so many were blessed.

It’s the action, the follow through, which proved my sincerity in wanting to join with the Lord in His work.

What I say matters.

What I do matters.

Combined, those are testaments to God’s sanctification in my life.

For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks and the proof of sincerity is in the action.

Ephesians 4:21-24 NKJV
[21] if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: [22] that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, [23] and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, [24] and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word! Thank You for walking me through each day, teaching me so many things and honing my heart, my mind, my life. Lord, let my worship be to You not only in speech but also in action. Let me be a light that shines in the darkness, for as You enlighten my understanding may my life draw others to You. Lord, please help me to speak the truth in love and not to be careless or flippant with my words. Lord, please bring to remembrance those things which are needed, that I might not fail to do Your will. Lord Jesus, I rest in the truth that on my own I can do nothing.  It is only through You that I am able. Thank You.  May Your name be glorified and Your will be done. Amen.

Personally…

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the Word of God has become so precious!

It’s the best meat and drink, satisfying my needs.

It’s the most profound truth, opening my understanding.

It’s the best instruction manual, continually granting me wisdom and direction.

It’s the assurance and peace, a refuge in difficulty and a celebration in seasons of rejoicing.

It has become my most treasured occupation, my most valuable thing.

For God’s Holy Word is living and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing into my soul, revealing my thoughts, my motives, my flesh.

It deals with the dross while polishing the silver.

It’s used by the Holy Spirit to bring me closer to my Lord and Savior.

God’s Word is exceedingly precious indeed.

Psalm 119:1-176 KJV
[1] Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD. [2] Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart. [3] They also do no iniquity: They walk in his ways. [4] Thou hast commanded us To keep thy precepts diligently. [5] O that my ways were directed To keep thy statutes! [6] Then shall I not be ashamed, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. [7] I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. [8] I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. [9] Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. [10] With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. [11] Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. [12] Blessed art thou, O LORD: Teach me thy statutes. [13] With my lips have I declared All the judgments of thy mouth. [14] I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. [15] I will meditate in thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. [16] I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. [17] Deal bountifully with thy servant, That I may live, and keep thy word. [18] Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. [19] I am a stranger in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me. [20] My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thy judgments at all times. [21] Thou hast rebuked the proud That are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. [22] Remove from me reproach and contempt: For I have kept thy testimonies. [23] Princes also did sit and speak against me: But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. [24] Thy testimonies also are My delight and my counsellors. [25] My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word. [26] I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: Teach me thy statutes. [27] Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I talk of thy wondrous works. [28] My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word. [29] Remove from me the way of lying: And grant me thy law graciously. [30] I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me. [31] I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. [32] I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. [33] Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. [34] Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. [35] Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight. [36] Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness. [37] Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; And quicken thou me in thy way. [38] Stablish thy word Unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. [39] Turn away my reproach which I fear: For thy judgments are good. [40] Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. [41] Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, Even thy salvation, according to thy word. [42] So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: For I trust in thy word. [43] And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thy judgments. [44] So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. [45] And I will walk at liberty: For I seek thy precepts. [46] I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. [47] And I will delight myself In thy commandments, which I have loved. [48] My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate in thy statutes. [49] Remember the word unto thy servant, Upon which thou hast caused me to hope. [50] This is my comfort in my affliction: For thy word hath quickened me. [51] The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not declined from thy law. [52] I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; And have comforted myself. [53] Horror hath taken hold upon me Because of the wicked that forsake thy law. [54] Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. [55] I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. [56] This I had, because I kept thy precepts. [57]  Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. [58] I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word. [59] I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies. [60] I made haste, and delayed not To keep thy commandments. [61] The bands of the wicked have robbed me: But I have not forgotten thy law. [62] At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous judgments. [63] I am a companion of all them That fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. [64] The earth, O LORD, is full of Thy mercy: Teach me thy statutes. [65] Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. [66] Teach me good judgment and knowledge: For I have believed thy commandments. [67] Before I was afflicted I went astray: But now have I kept thy word. [68] Thou art good, and doest good; Teach me thy statutes. [69] The proud have forged a lie against me: But I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. [70] Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law. [71]  It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. [72] The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. [73] Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. [74] They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; Because I have hoped in thy word. [75] I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. [76] Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. [77] Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: For thy law is my delight. [78] Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: But I will meditate in thy precepts. [79] Let those that fear thee turn unto me, And those that have known thy testimonies. [80] Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; That I be not ashamed. [81] My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word. [82] Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me? [83] For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. [84] How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? [85] The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law. [86] All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. [87] They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. [88] Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. [89] For ever, O LORD, Thy word Is settled in heaven. [90] Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. [91] They continue this day according to thine ordinances: For all are thy servants. [92] Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. [93] I will never forget thy precepts: For with them thou hast quickened me. [94] I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts. [95] The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: But I will consider thy testimonies. [96] I have seen an end of all perfection: But thy commandment is exceeding broad. [97] O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. [98] Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: For they are ever with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers: For thy testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep thy precepts. [101] I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might keep thy word. [102] I have not departed From thy judgments: For thou hast taught me. [103] How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! [104] Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. [105] Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. [106] I have sworn, and I will perform it, That I will keep thy righteous judgments. [107] I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. [108] Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, And teach me thy judgments. [109] My soul is continually in my hand: Yet do I not forget thy law. [110] The wicked have laid a snare for me: Yet I erred not from thy precepts. [111] Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: For they are the rejoicing of my heart. [112] I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes Alway, even unto the end. [113] I hate vain thoughts: But thy law do I love. [114] Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. [115] Depart from me, ye evildoers: For I will keep the commandments of my God. [116] Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: And let me not be ashamed of my hope. [117] Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: And I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. [118] Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: For their deceit is falsehood. [119] Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies. [120] My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. [121] I have done judgment and justice: Leave me not to mine oppressors. [122] Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me. [123] Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for the word of thy righteousness. [124] Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, And teach me thy statutes. [125] I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies. [126]  It is time for thee, LORD, to work: For they have made void thy law. [127] Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold; yea, above fine gold. [128] Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way. [129] Thy testimonies are wonderful: Therefore doth my soul keep them. [130] The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. [131] I opened my mouth, and panted: For I longed for thy commandments. [132] Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. [133] Order my steps in thy word: And let not any iniquity have dominion over me. [134] Deliver me from the oppression of man: So will I keep thy precepts. [135] Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes. [136] Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, Because they keep not thy law. [137] Righteous art thou, O LORD, And upright are thy judgments. [138] Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. [139] My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. [140] Thy word is very pure: Therefore thy servant loveth it. [141] I am small and despised: Yet do not I forget thy precepts. [142] Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is the truth. [143] Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: Yet thy commandments are my delights. [144] The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: Give me understanding, and I shall live. [145] I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. [146] I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. [147] I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. [148] Mine eyes prevent the night watches, That I might meditate in thy word. [149] Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment. [150] They draw nigh that follow after mischief: They are far from thy law. [151] Thou art near, O LORD; And all thy commandments are truth. [152] Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old That thou hast founded them for ever. [153] Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: For I do not forget thy law. [154] Plead my cause, and deliver me: Quicken me according to thy word. [155] Salvation is far from the wicked: For they seek not thy statutes. [156] Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: Quicken me according to thy judgments. [157] Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. [158] I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; Because they kept not thy word. [159] Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. [160] Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. [161] Princes have persecuted me without a cause: But my heart standeth in awe of thy word. [162] I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil. [163] I hate and abhor lying: But thy law do I love. [164] Seven times a day do I praise thee Because of thy righteous judgments. [165] Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them. [166]  LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, And done thy commandments. [167] My soul hath kept thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly. [168] I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: For all my ways are before thee. [169] Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: Give me understanding according to thy word. [170] Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word. [171] My lips shall utter praise, When thou hast taught me thy statutes. [172] My tongue shall speak of thy word: For all thy commandments are righteousness. [173] Let thine hand help me; For I have chosen thy precepts. [174] I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; And thy law is my delight. [175] Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thy judgments help me. [176] I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments.

Amen.

John 12:9-19

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Ezekiel 37:12-14 KJV
[12] Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. [13] And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, [14] and shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.

Read John 12:9

Psalm 37:12-15 KJV
[12] The wicked plotteth against the just, And gnasheth upon him with his teeth. [13] The Lord shall laugh at him: For he seeth that his day is coming. [14] The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. [15] Their sword shall enter into their own heart, And their bows shall be broken.

Read John 12:10-11.

Psalm 118:25-26 KJV
[25] Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. [26] Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: We have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Read John 12:12-13.

Zechariah 9:9-10 KJV
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.

Read Matt. 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40, John 12:14-15.

Luke 24:15-27 KJV
[15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. [16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. [17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? [18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? [19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: [20] and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. [21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. [22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; [23] and when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. [24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. [25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: [26] ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? [27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Read John 12:16.

Isaiah 26:19 KJV
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.

Hosea 13:14 KJV — I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Read John 12:17-18.

Acts 4:16-18 KJV
saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Read John 12:19

Isaiah 2:2-3 KJV
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

How do these Scriptures speak of the Sovereignty of God?

What application can be made from these passages for you personally?

How might those who have yet to believe in Jesus find proof from these Scriptures that He is God’s Son?

Where else in Scripture might you find encouragement in your faith in Christ Jesus?