April 29, 2018 Sunday 

“Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: “The baptism of John — where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ “But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21:23-27 NKJV)

            When we come to God we want answers to our questions.  While Jesus does at times give us answers many time Jesus gives us questions.  Why does Jesus do this?  Maybe God wants to give us better questions so we can get better answers?

            The priests and elders come to Jesus with a question about His authority and where it came from.  Could it be that Jesus saw into their hearts that this question was both a trick and a way for them to not have to face who Jesus really is?  Questions can at times be a deflection of something we do not like or even an attempt to not have to face our need by putting it or someone down.

            As people who treasured and paraded their authority the priests and elders felt Jesus was a threat to their power and thus them.  They may delude themselves that they were working for the good of Israel but to quote Mel Brooks they were really “protecting their phony baloney jobs”!  In Luke chapter 20 we see this clearly as Jesus not only knew their hearts but let them know He knew!

            The question Jesus asked them may also be seen as a deflection until you look closer.  When Jesus asks where did John get his authority we might fail to realize John got his authority from the same place as Jesus.  So even in the new question Jesus answered their question.

            Part of the problem for us is we do not see questions as an attempt to learn but as recognition of a lack in us if we answer the question wrong.  A wise teacher once told me a test should not be feared because they were a way to find out not only what you know but what you needed to learn!

            When you have questions do you “bring them to the Lord in prayer”?  Or do you seek human wisdom for God questions?  Are you afraid to ask God your questions or are you afraid of the answer?

Over the next week we will look at Seven Deadly Questions which I have discovered most people want to ask but often are afraid to.  That is why the subtitle is But Were Afraid to Ask.  Some of the questions will bother you and some of the study will bother you even more.  But these questions are only deadly if you are too afraid to ask them.  Please take time to ask yourself these questions and by reading the scriptures and seeking God’s wisdom discover the question or answer you need.  Do not try to answer these questions by your own wisdom but seek God’s wisdom for the answer.

April 28, 2018 Saturday

““I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (Revelation 2:13 NKJV)

            God is always so blunt about things that we often miss the urgency and concern of God’s heart that is revealed.  In what is titled the Revelation of Jesus we are shown how becoming a Christian impacts our lives and rips off the glossy covering of sin and reveals the repulsive and destructive nature of it.

            In this passage twice we are shown the nature of the persecution of Christians is satanic and that Christians are at war with those who follow satan.  One of the important differences is Christians call martyrs those who die for their faith and those who follow satan call those who kill others for their faith martyrs.

            This is the incredible gap between children of the Light and the children of darkness.  For Christians should have this sense of the value of life because they know every person is not only loved by God but are potentially children of the Light!

            It is interesting how many times in this short verse God uses My.  My name, My faith and My faithful martyr helps us see that for us to stand a chance to survive this war between Light and dark we must trust and place our lives firmly in God.

            We not only cannot defeat satan without God’s power we cannot even survive!  If we in our arrogance go against the darkness alone we do not become martyrs but casualties of war or even worse fall into the darkness we are fighting!

            God gives us two ways to not only survive this war but to even conquer is to do all in the name of Jesus and to be exhorted by the examples of those who live out or die for their faith!

            Do you have God’s faith to trust in the power of Jesus?  Do you live and work in the name of God and for God rather than yourself?  Do you look at the lives of those faithful to God and use them as examples?  Will you survive the war between the Light of God and the darkness of satan? 

(You may notice I do not capitalize the name satan.  That is because the consequence of sin is to make you an unperson!  Though this is not a true word unperson is a good description of the corrupting power of sin in a life.  BUT EVEN IF THEY ARE UNPERSONS WE MUST TREAT THEM AS POTENTIALLY OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST!)

            I feel better this morning and have less pain.  I hope this means I will be able to go to worship at Asbury tomorrow. As Bonnie said it was a good day since I got a call from Rev Tom Underwood and Dave Daffron.  I thank God for the blessing of His people.   Jonathan came for lunch and stayed for awhile and we had an enjoyable visit.  Later started to wind down.

Though I usually use the Lectionary texts starting Monday my devotions but I believe this is a time when I should use the series I have used a couple of time entitled the Seven Deadly Questions.  I pray God will bless you through these questions and the deeper questions they lead you to.

April 27, 2018 Friday

“‘And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’” (Acts 22:20 NKJV)

            Many work very hard to cover up the bad things in their past because they fear others will think less of them or even despise them.  Paul on the other hand reveals the worst that he has done and the worst of what he did to the people he now is a part of.

            It would be proper to look at this verse in the context of when and why Paul makes this painful statement remembering this terrible moment but let us look at this verse by itself.  Let us look at the proper way to look at the sin, failure and horrific parts of our past.

            Paul is not making a passionless confession of a shortcoming in his past but a deep soulful shame and pain for an action he regrets.  We can see this because there is no flowery language and no attempt at defense but a declaration of guilt before a court.  This is no attempt at leniency through confession but a revealing of guilt.

            Why?  Why does Paul open this dark part of his past to others?  There are many reasons for this but the most prominent one for a Christian is to share the deepest darkness of our past to reveal the depth of the Light of Jesus by not only forgiving us but then using us!

            Paul also reveals the wondrous love and forgiveness of God’s people as they not only accept but even follow Paul who had persecuted their family in Jesus.  After a short time to make sure Paul was not trying to infiltrate them they not only accepted Paul but were guided by him as he expanded not only the boundaries of Christianity but its beliefs.

            This statement is an amazing picture of God’s ability to redeem a life and a wondrous example of the recycling of a human being through Jesus.  For Jesus forgave and redeemed one of the fieriest enemies to become one of the most acclaimed friends of the Gospel.  Imagine the impact of not only stopping the persecution of God’s people but changing that very person into one of the most heralded leaders in Christianity.

            For this recycled Saul who became known as Paul (for the change was that great) would, like the change of his name bridge the gap between Jews and Gentiles and prepare the way for the Church to connect all people in Jesus Christ!

            Paul calls us to use our Before Christ (BC) existence as a way of revealing the amazing grace of God and to open the hope that God not only can but will forgive and cleanse the worst of His enemies.

            Have you looked at your BC days and seen the difference since the Anno Domini (AD) or the year of the Lord in your life?  Have you allowed God to not only forgive you and redeem you but also recycle you to become a symbol of the power of the Light of Jesus over the darkness?  If not WHY NOT?

            Feeling a little better but my legs still hurt a lot.  Bonnie and I continue to have our devotion and time of prayer.  We still are using the devotional Near to the Heart of God by Robert J Morgan.  We have been using it for over a year now but it still is blessing us so much.  So many of the hymns which were written are expressions of the faith of those living in the midst of loss, pain and suffering.  Got a card and a present from Addie Hodgson who is my pen pal.  She sent me a homemade shaker and I really thank God for her. 

April 26, 2018 Thursday

“And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: “If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, “let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” (Acts 4:5-12 NKJV)

           

            Religious people are often threatened by those who have faith and at times able to do what they cannot on their own.  Like the elders in Israel religious people want to know by what power those who trust in God’s power can do what they cannot.

            What they really mean is how dare you do something we cannot without our permission.  How dare you act under a different authority – even if it is God.  Especially if it is God!  Because religious people are their own authority and are threatened by God and killed Jesus and kill those who follow Him.

            The response of those who follow Jesus is familiar to those who know Jesus – why are you judging us for the good things we are doing?  Like Peter we must remind those who are religious about the power of God that comes through our faith in Jesus. 

            Jesus told the Apostles they would do greater works then He and we see the fruit of that now as Peter and others stood up to the religious ones and declared they had murdered Jesus who is the chief support for all who trust in God.

            Radically the Apostles offered forgiveness and salvation to these who killed Jesus and sought and those who follow Him.  These religious ones who had rejected Jesus even though He is their one hope have ripped out the Foundation God set for them.  Having rejected Jesus they have no hope for them.

            All throughout what we call the Old Testament the promise of the coming of Jesus is the foundation upon which Israel was founded and grew.  But the religious will usually re-interpret the Bible to say what they want and not accept what it says.

            Do you trust in your abilities to be saved?  Do you confess your need for salvation which is available through Jesus?  Having received salvation are you trying to grow in love for Jesus and have a deep relationship?

            Today I have been dizzy headed and felt like I was drunk.  This has happened a few times and I wonder if it is because of the combination and power of my drugs.  I was able to read in 2Kings and some from a Rabbi about the Jewish side of our faith.  It really is amazing.

April 25, 2018 Wednesday

“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” (1Jo 3:20-24 NKJV)

            Guilt can destroy our joy, our life and even our soul!  Guilt can come from sin we have not dealt with, from sins we have confessed and received forgiveness or even from what others have done to us.  Let us look at each of these types of guilt.

Sin we have not dealt with – Here guilt is at its purpose God uses it for.  Guilt makes us aware not only of our sin but our need for forgiveness.  God calls us even at the very time we are most unworthy of grace and offers it to us through forgiveness available to us through Jesus Christ.

Sin we have received forgiveness for – God says in the Bible (which is God’s word and promise) that if we confess our sin God will not only forgive us but also cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Here guilt can be very destructive in that while we have God’s forgiveness we can destroy our joy and peace by feeling guilt for what is paid for by Jesus.  Holding on to our sin and feeling guilty could be a lack of faith in the work of Jesus.  But there is another side we often do not see for while we do need God’s forgiveness we also need to forgive ourselves.

From what others have done to us – When someone has hurt us, humiliated us or abused us verbally, physically or sexually we can hurt ourselves even more than others have because of the guilt we may feel.  As victims it is too easy to accept the guilt of others and slowly destroy our soul for what others are guilty of.  This type of guilt is so horrendous because it often drives us not only farther from God’s love and support but even from our own sanity.  This form of guilt can cause us to shut ourselves off from God and other who want to love and support us.  The guilt of others we hold onto in the end can destroy our lives to the point in fear and self loathing we cut ourselves off from the world and even cocoon ourselves by wrapping up in that guilt that is really not ours.

           

            Many of our fears and phobias come from our guilt for what we either did or didn’t do.  We can even attempt to take on godly responsibility by bearing a burden for what happened and the suffering others experienced. 

            Deal with your guilt by seeking God’s forgiveness, by forgiving ourselves or by letting go of our need to feeling responsible for others pain.  Take the time to deal with your guilt and feel the burden fall from you and be set free!

            Will you take the time today?  Will you begin the life long process of dealing with the guilt in your life?

            Today was better than yesterday but still was a bad day.  I am so far behind so many things but I am reminded of a message I shared with Ralph Lusby many years ago.  When Ralph was very weak and forced to sit in a chair all day he told me he despaired because of all he could no longer do.  I told Ralph the reason we were called human beings is because we are human because we are and not because we do!  Oh preacher, hear your own message!  Rebecca and Jonathan went to a movie tonight.

April 24, 2018 Tuesday

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.” (1John 3:16-19 NKJV)

            Like the young woman who defined her love for the man she wanted to marry as feeling flutters in her stomach many people seem clueless about what love is or some even cannot see the difference between love and lust.

            In two sentences John, who is called the Apostle of Love, sums up Paul’s incredibly beautiful definition of love in 1Corinthians 13.  The amazing beauty of the language of 1Corinthians 13 by Paul rivals the finest writing in humanity and leaves no room for love being an emotion.

            In this passage as in 1Corinthains 13 love is defined as a willingness to offer ourselves for others just as Jesus laid down His life for us.  Love is both a response to the loving action of Jesus laying down His life for us and our response is being willing to lay down our lives for our brother’s and sister’s in Christ.

            John tells us our response to Jesus laying down His life for us is for us to lay down our life for others.  This seems strange in that we usually think that we should respond to God’s love by loving god.  Doesn’t it seem we should respond to God’s love by returning that love? 

            Looking deeper we are called to love others by our actions and our concern for their welfare.  Love is not a matter of what we say but what we do.  A young man will tell a young woman he loves her but disproves it by pressuring her to have sex with him (not make love).  True love in action wants what is best for her and does not just say he loves her but shows it!

            We can actually show our love for Jesus when we respond to sacrificial love by extending sacrificial love to those God cares for.  As love flows from God through us to many others the wonder and awesome nature of love is seen as clearly as the blood of Jesus flowing from the tattered body to redeem a fallen creation.

            To sum up God through scripture reveals that love at its base is a decision we make to lay down our life for others because of our love for God.

            Have you experienced God’s love for you?  If so, have you shared God’s love to others as a faithful response to that love?  Can you testify to others of your love for God and the impact it has for you?

            Today is a very painful and weary day but I was able to get things done.  I fixed a chicken and rice casserole and it turned out good.  Bonnie, Jonathan and Rebecca went to see the Conducting event for Clay Oglesby and they enjoyed it very much.  God is so good to allow me to see Clay grown up as the Choir Leader at Asbury who was a little child when I was there.

April 23, 2018 Monday

“« A Psalm of David. » The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV)

            As human beings we live within a linear constraint that makes it hard for us to understand how God is working.  We limit God with our own limitations and fail to see the full glory of what God is doing for us and amongst us.

            Psalm 23 too many may be seen as a quaint statement of David speaking about what it means to be a shepherd.  But David specifically declares that the Lord is his Shepherd and all the references are about what the Lord does for David.

            Since God created linear time it has no limitation for the Creator and thus the order of Psalm 22 and 23 cannot be bound by time or occurrence.  Psalm 23 declares the faithfulness and love of God for the very people Jesus would die for thousands of years later.  Yet the only detailed description of the crucifixion and suffering of Jesus is found in Psalm 22.

            In many ways God reveals to us there is no limit to grace by time or even by position.  The crucifixion which would take place generations after it’s description in Psalm 22 and would be the source and assurance of the care we depend on for the Lord to be our Shepherd.

            Many have gone over the many promises of grace from the Shepherd so please take the time to write what these promises mean to you.  Please take time to fully discover the many ways God promises to shepherd you and ask God to reveal the impact of the promise coming so long before the fulfillment.

            Could God working beyond time be a way to encourage your faith?  How does this change the way you see God?  How does God not being limited by time affect your prayers?

            Sunday was a very busy day as I went to worship, Sunday School and the Vision meeting.  All were very good and Rev Ashley did a great job.  Sarah and Levi came by and we had a good visit.  Crashed for the rest of the day because when I go out two days in a row I get very weary and I must pay for it.  But as I said to someone at Asbury it is worth the trouble.

April 22, 2018 Sunday

““I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. “The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”” (John 10:11-18 NKJV)

            Where Psalm 23 reveals to us what God as our Good Shepherd does for us and makes possible for us John 10 reveals to us the character of the Good Shepherd just as we also see in Psalm 22. These passages are a revelation of God’s character and serving nature.

            Do you understand there could not be a Psalm 23 unless the Shepherd was not only willing but also lived out Psalm 22?  Jesus proclaims to be the Shepherd of Psalm 23 and is willing and able to fulfill Psalm 22! 

We who are sheep have found a Shepherd worth following!!!

            This passage also shows the Way of leadership within the Church.  As shepherds of God’s flock we are to follow the Good Shepherd’s example of sacrificial service.  Leaders are to lay down their lives for the Good Shepherd by serving God’s flock they are called to serve.

            As a shepherd the call is to know and follow the Good Shepherd in obedience to God’s will.  Those who serve as shepherds must accept the wisdom and teaching of the Good Shepherd or they will become “hirelings” who lead the flock astray and to destruction!

            You probably will not totally agree with the guidance and teaching of the Good Shepherd which is a result of sin clouding our lives but you must choose either to accept the leadership of the Good Shepherd or have the integrity to step away lest you scatter God’s sheep.

            Some who proclaim they are shepherds are really hirelings who harm and weaken the sheep around them and some are like wolves devouring and destroying the sheep around them!  But the Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep and will protect them from all hirelings and wolves.

            Are you under the care of the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for you?  Are you willing to lay down your life and follow the Good Shepherd even through the rough ways and days?  As you shepherd God’s flock are you willing to be obedient to the Father like Jesus is?

April 21, 2018 Saturday

“So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. “But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, “and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. “And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. “But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” (Acts 3:12-19 NKJV)

            This message of Peter is so amazing and is made up of three parts which lead to a call to repentance and commitment to the Jesus they rejected and killed.

1.       The first part connects Jesus to the patriarchs of the Jews and who was glorified of God as His servant.

2.      Peter not only accuses the Jewish people of denying Jesus as the Holy One and the Just but of killing Him even though Pilate was determined to let Jesus go.  The Jews asked that a common murder be set free “and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.” (It is interesting that the Son of Father God was killed in the place of Barabbas which means son of the father)

3.      And finally Peter explains to them who Jesus is and that He is the One foretold by the prophets.  Peter then calls for them to “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,” Repenting and coming to Jesus not just brings forgiveness but times of refreshing!

Some might say this is where the traditional three point sermon comes from!

            Peter used the example of Jesus to see miracles as a sign of God’s glory, recognition of Jesus and the promise of spiritual as well as physical healing.  The message is a call to not be lost in the miraculous but to recognize the message and the One who is the source of the miracle!

            Are you more desirous of the miracle than Jesus who is the source of all miracles?  Are you so lost in the miraculous that you miss the “times of refreshing”? 

            God gave to me those “times of refreshing” today as I had a full day with the family dinner at Puleos restaurant to spend time with Sarah and Levi as they are in for a weekend.  We went home and had an early Mother’s Day so all the kids could celebrate Bonnie.  We had a good time together and had supper at home.  It was a good day but left me full of joy and weary. Thank You My Lord and My Love for today!

April 20, 2018 Friday

“There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased. I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:6-8 NKJV)

           

            After the conversation of preparation in the first verses David recognizes many see coming to God as not doing any good then declares the goodness of God as an answer.  David gives an account of all of God’s goodness and that they are worth more than any worldly blessing.

            Indeed every blessing in this world David acknowledges as not only coming from God but they are a reminder of the spiritual blessings from God.

            After David’s remembrance that he does not deserve to come to God comes the thanksgiving which leads to praise!

            Thanksgiving is a remembrance of all the good God has done for us and given to us.  Thanksgiving is an acknowledgement of our need for God which is only found through the grace of God in Jesus.

            In thanksgiving we celebrate all God has done and this leads us beyond the gates to praise which brings us into the court of God!  Praise is a recognition of Who God is and a declaration that we give thanks of the good we receive is because God is good!

            Praise is recognition that even if God did nothing for us God still is worthy and deserving of our praise for Who He is!

            David is still giving thanks to God but we see praise forming from giving thanks and the humility of recognizing need.

            Do you prepare yourself before coming to God?  Do you count your blessings and humbly acknowledge your need for God?  Are you preparing for a conversation with God or are you just “preparing” a shopping list? 

            Was a better day and I got the cards done, organized my areas getting ready for Sarah and Levi’s arrival, read in I Kings, walked, sat outside, got the bird feeders filled and Bonnie and I had our devotion.  Thanks be to God for all I was able to do.  Bonnie and Rebecca got our home spruced up and ready for the visit.  I really celebrate today since lately the terrible days have grown to terrible weeks and are more frequent than the better days.  But with God every day is a good day!

April 19, 2018 Thursday

“« To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. » Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

How long, O you sons of men, Will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness And seek falsehood? Selah

But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to Him.

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And put your trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 4:1-5 NKJV)

            Here we see a conversation of prayer sung for all to hear.  David in prayer does not just speak to God but holds a two way conversation that unless we recognize this the words may seem confusing.

            David cries out for God to hear and declares his righteousness is from God and remembers God’s relief in the past.  David cries for God’s mercy and that God would hear his prayer.

            God’s response at first seems disheartening as God reveals to David his and all humanities sin and that our sin turns God’s glory into shame.

            David by continuing acknowledges God is speaking the truth yet calls upon God’s mercy and that God would hear his call.  David acknowledges prayer is not just something we just do but must be a recognition we do not deserve for God to hear us!

            God then responds for David to prepare himself to come to God by seeking God’s forgiveness and for God to help David be prepared to come into God’s presence.  Finally God calls David to put his trust in God.

            This is not coming into God’s court in a time of united conversation but just an entering into the gates to prepare you to meet God.

            Could it be the reason we may think our prayers do not reach God is because we mistakenly think we can just call upon God like sending a message?  Could it be we have not made sure the “line” is open for us to talk with God?  Could it be because we arrogantly come to God is why God at times seems so distant from us?

            Terrible week and I have struggled so much.  I spent a lot of time in bed since I am very weak and stumble a lot.  Even with the exercise I do it is harder to pick up my feet when I walk.  The devotional keep my mind clearer even though I am not sure they are worth reading.  But they are my offering to God so even if no one reads them I pray they make God smile!

April 18, 2018 Wednesday

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” (1Jo 3:4-7 NKJV)

            This passage is like a prosecutor laying out the case before us to a Judge.

They have committed sin

Committing sin is lawlessness

To sin is to not have known God

To sin is to not have abided in God (And thus without God’s protection)

As sinners they have never seen or known God

They are therefore unrighteous and deceived

            But then Jesus, the defense Advocate, declares the court knows Jesus was “manifested” to take away our sin and indeed because of Him there is no sin and therefore no evidence!

            The Father declares us righteous and calls us to practice righteousness.  And then the prosecutor seeks to be the persecutor trying to weaken God’s redemption but only strengthens and grows God’s work!

            This court scene is held for each of us and through Jesus we are found innocent to live out God’s righteousness in the life we are given by and through Jesus.  As our redeemer Jesus has become our Advocate and has won our case already if we will only accept Him as our Advocate!

            Jesus does not win our case because we deserve to win because we in truth are guilty and deserve to be declared guilty and worthy of death!  Jesus wins our case by bearing our sin for us and taking away our guilt leaving the prosecution empty of evidence and proof.

            Our guilt and thus our fear are cleansed and wiped away unless we create them anew to bask in because it seems too good to be true that God could forgive us!  Then we are listening to the persecutor rather than our Advocate and Judge.

            Have you cried out for Jesus to be your Advocate to act against satan the prosecutor?  Have you believed and are living out God’s declaration that you are righteous because of the Righteousness of Jesus?  Or do you listen to the lies of the persecutor whispering that the grace of God is too good to be believed?

April 17, 2018 Tuesday

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1John 3:1-3 NKJV)

            What does it mean to be a child of God?  Some believe everyone who live is a child of God while others believe only those who are saved are a child of God.  This passage implies only those who trust in Jesus and are saved are truly a child of God because it says the world – people who do not trust in God – do not know God or His children.

            John tells us one way to understand the mind boggling quality of God’s love is that we who are a fallen, selfish and sinful people would and could be a child of God!  The love of God is defined and quantified in John 3:16 in that God was willing to allow Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, to suffer horrifically physically, mentally and spiritually for broken humanity.

            The Father was willing to offer His only begotten Son to make us sons and daughters of God!  This love is so mind boggling those in the world are unable to understand or “know” God or those who live within this love! 

            Even we who are recipients of this love cannot understand or know all it means and what we will become as God’s love renews and re-creates us.  But God reveals what we will become as His loves re-creates us to become more and more like God.

            Even more God’s love will purify us and make it possible for us to see God face to face!  Through the love of God we who are fallen and sinful can hope we are made pure, we who are of the world become God’s children and God is revealed to us!

            Are you a child of God?  If you are what does it mean to you?  Are you open to God changing your life as a child of God?

            This was a terrible day and I spent most of the day in bed.  Even with my fuzzy brain I got my Bible reading done.  Bonnie and I had our devotion and time of prayer.  We are still using Near to the Heart of God by Robert J Morgan and it is the story behind many hymns.  It is a blessing to read how God touched the lives of those who wrote the hymns that still touch lives today.  So many had great suffering and their hymns come out of the suffering.  Bonnie took Mom to do a couple of chores.  It is so good that she can be of help to her Mom now that we live in Knoxville.  Got a card from Addison (Addie) Hodgson today who though still very young she is my friend and pen pal.  She sent me a handmade Christmas ornament and said she loves Christmas because Jesus was born then.  What a sweet spirit!

April 16, 2018 Monday

“Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. “And you are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:44-48 NKJV)

            Millions and millions of books have been written about God, Christianity by many scholars over many years.  So many words have been written over the years about God and Christianity that they form an endless chain which is so confusing they often bind rather than set free.

            Jesus reminds the disciples that His words are the ones all of us we need to learn from and that will be “fulfilled”.  Look at all the different words of so many different people from so many different times the words of Jesus pull together and make the plan of God become so clear.

            All Jesus went through and faced was written over thousands of years yet the majority of even Jews missed what was happening.  Their preconceived notion became an obstruction to seeing what was happening before their lives.

            As Jesus brought all of this together the disciples are reminded that they are witnesses showing the fulfillment of all those words God gave through generations and millennium.  What most missed about Jesus the disciples could now be witnesses of and share with others.

            All of this comes together to help us see the importance of looking for our understanding of God and the Church from HIS Word rather than from the words of people who like us struggle to pull together the words God revealed through so many.

            Like the disciples we must seek God’s revelation of the written word to understand the Living Word.

“And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”

Depending on our own understanding or the understanding of others can lead us to miss what God is doing all around us and wants to do in our lives.

            Do you seek God’s truth from other people?  Do you first seek your questions and answers from God’s word?  Do you look to human words only as guides to help you more clearly see what God is revealing to you?

            Though feeling bad I was able to go to worship at Asbury.  Elizabeth came with Rebecca and I and Bonnie played the organ.  So many came up and said what a blessing Bonnie’s playing is to them and asking for Rebecca and Elizabeth to sing.  Rev Ashley had a great message and it was a great service.  The vision committee will meet next Sunday.  The day got worse but I rejoiced at being able to worship with God’s people.  The birds are coming to the bird-feeders a lot now and it a joy to see them.  I see Chickadees, finches and Tufted Titmouse’s.   

Intolerance

Christians are intolerant crusaders in the 1,000s

Muslims invaded Christian Europe in the 600s

Christianity cannot be taught in public schools

Islam is taught and lauded in public schools

Christians are forbidden to pray in public places

Muslims get prayer rugs provided in many places

Christians believe LGBTQ lifestyle is wrong to God

Muslims believe LGBTQ’s should be killed for God

Christians aid and help even hurting Muslims

Muslims kill, rape and behead non-Muslims

Christians call those who die for faith martyrs

Muslims call those who kill for Allah martyrs

But many cry out that Christians are intolerant

But aren’t we glad that Muslims are so tolerant                      4/15/2018