Tag: jesus

The Only Higher Glory; The Rightly Exalted; The Only Higher Exaltation. Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians 2:5-11 New American Standard Bible 1995

5 Have this attitude [a]in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be [b] grasped, 7 but [c]emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death [d]on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

The Only Higher Glory

Philippians 2:9 Amplified Bible

9 For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,

We have been talking about our having the mindset of Christ and following his example of ­humility.

When it comes to humility, no one can be humbler than Christ, who gave up his own life so that all who call on his name can be saved to have new life forever.

And because Jesus did that, the Word of God says that God also raised him from the grave and “­exalted him to the highest place.”

He started out as the Son of God in heaven.

Then he willingly became a suffering servant who swooped down to the lowest of depths by dying on a cross for our sake.

Then God, as only God is able, reversed it all and swung Jesus upward to rule in heaven over everything.

The words Apostle Paul uses to ­describe this position have to do with the power of the highest name: “God . . . gave him the name that is above every name.” And what is that name? It is Jesus (meaning “Savior”), and it is Christ (meaning “Anointed One”). Jesus Christ is the Lord, the sovereign ruler, over all things.

His name is so glorious the day will come when every knee will bow to honor him, every tongue will sing songs to “acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

Jesus Christ, who died and rose again, is Lord of the cosmos.

All glory be to him forever and ever!

The Only Rightly Exalted, The Only Greater Exaltation

Philippians 2:5-8 Amplified Bible

5 Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], 6 who, although He existed in the form and  unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; 7 but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. 8 After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8 is a beautiful statement concerning Christ’s humanity, deity, ministry, and humiliation.

Having mapped the humility of the incarnate Son of God all the way to His death on a cross, where does your mind go next? Naturally, we think of the resurrection. But Paul does not. He takes us directly to Christ’s exaltation.

There is, Paul says, a logical connection between Jesus’ humiliation and His exaltation: “Therefore God has highly exalted him” (v 8, emphasis added).

What is this exaltation?

It is that the Father has given His Son the throne and ordered this world so that one day

“at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (v 10-11).

But why is His exaltation fitting?

Scripture gives us several answers.

First, Christ’s exaltation is fitting because it fulfills Old Testament prophecy and demonstrates that God keeps His word.

The worldwide recognition of Jesus as Lord will occur because God promised it would.

Six hundred years before Jesus arrived on the stage of human history, Isaiah recorded these words from God: “Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted” (Isaiah 52:13).

And so Christ came to bear the pain and sin of the world, fulfilling the role of Suffering Servant, lifted up on a cross, then raised to be exalted on His throne.

As Paul wrote elsewhere,

“All the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Second, Christ’s exaltation is fitting because He is God.

The Bible teaches us all that the Son is One with the Father. On account of His divinity, exaltation is an absolute necessity; there is nowhere else for God to sit!

No other seat is suitable for the Son except at His Father’s right hand.

Finally, Christ’s exaltation is fitting because He is the dear Son of His Father.

God the Father watched the Son obediently go to the cross to fulfill the covenant of redemption and heard Him cry out in pain,

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

The Father knew that the Son underwent that agony out of love for the Father and love for His people.

Matthew 23:37 Amplified Bible

Lament over Jerusalem

37 “[a]O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who murders the prophets and stones [to death] those [messengers] who are sent to her [by God]! How often I wanted to gather your children together [around Me], as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.

The Father would not leave His perfect Son in that dire condition.

How could the Father’s love do anything other than exalt the Son from His lowly state?

Christ’s humiliation for us and exaltation above us are surely enough to bring us to the point where we bow in joyful submission to Him.

They show us that there is only one who has the absolute unchallengeable status to demand our obedience and the character to deserve our adoration.

They remind us that the best thing about heaven will be the most glorious person in heaven:

I will not gaze at glory, but on my King of grace;
Not at the crown He giveth, but on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory of Immanuel’s land.[1]

1 Anne R. Cousin, “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” (1857).

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Dear God, please help us to bow our knees and confess with our mouths the truth about Jesus’ cosmic glory. Make us witnesses of this splendid gospel truth. Amen.

Psalm 19 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Works and the Word of God.

For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

19 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
4 Their [a]line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world.
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6 Its rising is from [b]one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the [c]other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the Lord is [d]perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
13 Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be [e]blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

Trusting in God’s Leading us: “I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You, And I will Appoint You ….” Isaiah 42:1-9

Isaiah 42:1-9 New American Standard Bible 1995

God’s Promise concerning His Servant

42 “Behold, My Servant, whom I [a]uphold;
My chosen one in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the [b]nations.
2 “He will not cry out or raise His voice,
Nor make His voice heard in the street.
3 “A bruised reed He will not break
And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish;
He will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 “He will not be disheartened or crushed
Until He has established justice in the earth;
And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His [c]law.”

5 Thus says God the Lord,

Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
Who spread out the earth and its [d]offspring,
Who gives breath to the people on it
And spirit to those who walk in it,
6 “I am the Lord, I have called You in righteousness,
I will also hold You by the hand and watch over You,
And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the nations,
7 To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the dungeon
And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.
8 “I am the Lord, that is My name;
I will not give My glory to another,
Nor My praise to [e]graven images.
9 “Behold, the former things have come to pass,
Now I declare new things;
Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Changes and transitions can bring uncertainty and stress, but they also present new opportunities for growth and transformation.

In times of change, we can find comfort and assurance in recognizing that God is leading us, making a way even in the most challenging circumstances.

As we step into new seasons, we can trust that God is leading us on a path of purpose and fulfillment.

Like a stream in the wasteland, God provides us with refreshment and direction in situations that are unfamiliar and may even be threatening (Isaiah 35).

Isaiah 35 New American Standard Bible 1995

Zion’s Happy Future

35 The wilderness and the desert will be glad,
And the [a]Arabah will rejoice and blossom;
Like the crocus
2 It will blossom profusely
And rejoice with rejoicing and shout of joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
The majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the Lord,
The majesty of our God.
3 Encourage the [b]exhausted, and strengthen the [c]feeble.
4 Say to those with anxious heart,
“Take courage, fear not.
Behold, your God will come with vengeance;
The recompense of God will come,
But He will save you.”
5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened
And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.
6 Then the lame will leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the mute will shout for joy.
For waters will break forth in the wilderness
And streams in the [d]Arabah.
7 The [e]scorched land will become a pool
And the thirsty ground springs of water;
In the haunt of jackals, its resting place,
Grass becomes reeds and rushes.
8 A highway will be there, a roadway,
And it will be called the Highway of Holiness.
The unclean will not travel on it,
But it will be for him who walks that way,
And fools will not wander on it.
9 No lion will be there,
Nor will any vicious beast go up on it;
[f]These will not be found there.
But the redeemed will walk there,
10 And the ransomed of the Lord will return
And come with joyful shouting to Zion,
With everlasting joy upon their heads.
They will [g]find gladness and joy,
And sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Though changes in our lives may feel overwhelming —especially if they are forced on us—we have the promise that God is with us every step of the way.

God equips each and every one of us with the grace, strength and wisdom we need to face the an unforeseeable future with assurance and His confidence.

In times of transition, let’s surrender our plans and desires to God, seeking his will and guidance. As we embrace new beginnings, we can all move forward in faith, knowing that God is our constant companion and the author of our story.

Isaiah 42:6-9 …And I will appoint You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon And those who dwell in darkness from the prison.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Faithful God, in times of change help us to trust in you for guidance and provision. Open our eyes to new things that you are doing in our lives. Help us to embrace change with courage and faith, knowing you are always with us. In Jesus’ name.

Psalm 23 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd,
I [a]shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside [b]quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the [c]paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the [d]valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no [e]evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You [f]have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 [g]Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will [h]dwell in the house of the Lord [i]forever.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

How Do I Trust God When I Do not even Understand What He’s Doing? John 13:5-8

John 13:5-8 New American Standard Bible 1995

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

5 Then He *poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 So He *came to Simon Peter. He *said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him,  What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” 8 Peter *said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

There have been moments in my life when different trials have blindsided me.

Things like heart disease resulting in urgent triple bypass surgery, unexpected job loss, or a host of other sudden situations where I just felt utterly caught off guard by what I believed and understood to be true about God. Ever been there?

Recently, I was reading the gospel of John, chapter 13.

You know the story. The disciples and Jesus met in the upper room to celebrate the Passover.

We call this the Last Supper.

As the disciples gathered in the room, there was no servant to wash feet.

This would have been absolutely unheard of in Middle East culture where everyone’s feet would get dirty and dusty.

You could feel the tension in the room.

The disciples anxiously looked at each other, wondering who would take the place of a servant and wash feet.

Then Rabbi Jesus wrapped a towel around His waist, got down on His knees, and began washing feet.

Peter was appalled!

Maybe he even felt a bit guilty for not being willing to be the one who would serve others.

In any case, he questioned the Lord with the words, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

We could paraphrase, “Lord are You really going to be the one to wash our feet? 

In Peter’s mind, this didn’t make any sense; how could the Lord of the universe stoop so low?

Then Jesus spoke these profound words, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (John 13:7). Those words are so profound! 

Though Peter may have left everything to follow Jesus, watched in amazement as He saw Him transfigured at the top of the holy mount, and unashamedly proclaimed “Thou are the Christ the Son of the living God,” he could not begin to understand the staggering spiritual significance of Christ’s act of humility,

when He laid aside His garments, girded Himself with a towel, and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

Even today, are we no different than Peter in that we too have allegedly left everything behind, allegedly we also have sacrificed much of ourselves and unashamedly proclaimed our deep faith, we are the Body of Christ the church?

How well do we, like Peter, and probably the rest of the assembled disciples, grasp the profound significance of the words Jesus spoke in the Upper Room?

With all the volume of information we have available in the 21st century, that those first disciples did not have, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (John 13:7), do we still struggle so hard to understand Jesus’ acts?

1 Corinthians 8:1-6 New American Standard Bible 1995

Take Care with Your Liberty

8 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge [a]makes arrogant, but love edifies. 2 If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; 3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that [b]there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

Affiliation, disaffiliation, clashes of our wills against God’s will, personalities and ideologies crashing and smashing and grinding together as earthquakes, hurt feelings, who wants to offend our greatest enemy being sin when we are so fearful of offending each other over use of correct pronouns, gender identity.

By the shock-horror of the cruel Cross, the distressing denial of His Lord at the unjust trial, the bewildering amazement at His glorious Resurrection, the really breathtaking baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the astonishing inclusion of the Gentiles into the family of God, and the many hidden mysteries of the Church that were almost entirely revealed to the apostle Paul,

were all enfolded, yet enshrouded in one simple act – when Jesus rose from the Passover supper, poured water into a basin, began to wash the disciples’ feet.

No wonder the Lord answered Peter and answers His church still today: “What I’m doing you don’t understand now, but afterward you will know.”

The manifestation of God’s love towards the fallen race of man at Calvary as the entire floodgates of God’s wrath was poured out on His dearly-beloved and only-begotten Son, was beyond Peter’s comprehension at that time, but by the power of the Holy Spirit he, and in turn us, would later receive illumination.

For a time, in those ancient of days, before the birth of the church at Pentecost neither he nor any of the gathered disciples minimally understood the spiritual significance of what they had witnessed, although afterwards things would be made plain – but with the passage of 2000 + years, is it any more plainer to us?

What appeared as a series of bizarre and unaccountable circumstances that defied reality, reason, was later to be recognized as the necessary prerequisite to the glorious gospel of grace.

And as the unveiling of God’s plans and purposes continued to unfold before their eyes, they gained spiritual understanding and developed a deepening awareness of God perfect plans and purposes for humanity, but have we also?

When, like the apostle Peter, we come face to face with a whole series of bizarre circumstances that seem to shake, shatter our lives, divide and disaffiliate our churches, we may not understand the reason for life’s twists and turns but we can trust Him, knowing that His ways are perfect and His grace is sufficient.

Like the disciples on that night before the Cross, we may not be comfortable with the Words Jesus speaks to us, with the truth he tries to convey, with the shock-horror that we witness or the unjust way that life seems to be unfolding.

We may not understand the spiritual significance of all that is happening in our life and the lives of those we care about, but can we come to our place, our own Upper Rooms together and trust our Heavenly Father for He is still in control?

He knows the end from the beginning and all His ways are perfect, ours are not?

Although we may not know the meaning and mystery of all that we are called upon to bear in this world, let us remember that we may not understand what is happening now, but hereafter, by God’s Gospel, we shall know as we are known.

May we learn, as Peter did, that there is One God, One faith, One Baptism that what may be shadowed to our understanding today is being used by God to work together for good, to His praise and for our eternal benefit. (Romans 8:26-39)

Often in our lives, we believe God is moving in one direction only to discover the plan is completely different, there is no rhyme or reason or rationale to be seen.

Trusting God in Uncertainty

Uncertainty can leave us feeling vulnerable and afraid.

But in the midst of life’s unknowns, we have a trustworthy anchor: God’s unwavering presence and faithfulness. (Hebrews 6:17-20)

17 [a]In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, [b]interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have [c]taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. 19 [d]This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters [e]within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

When we are faced with uncertainty, do we remember that God is in control?

God is faithful, and his plans for us are good?

As the Body of Christ, we can absolutely, implicitly, trust the Lord to strengthen us, and to help us, upholding us all with his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)?

In the face of uncertainty and the unknown, we find comfort in the reliability of God’s character and faithfulness.

God is our refuge and strength, always present to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

With the Lord by our side, we need never fear the future. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of [his] throne; love and faithfulness” surround him.

When we face uncertain times, let’s lean on God’s promises? Can we draw near to God in prayer, seeking his guidance and wisdom. In the Lord’s embrace, we can find the assurance that he’s leading us on a path of purpose and fulfillment?

The questions could go on endlessly.

When the persistent reality we face is that things don’t seem to turn out like we anticipate, feeling disappointed with God, asking, “Did I really truly hear those profound words from Him?”  “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (John 13:7) realizing after 2000 years, we still do not get it?

The bigger question is, “How do I trust a God I don’t understand?” 

In order to trust God when we don’t understand, we have to be brutally honest with our feelings.

We can’t deny or numb feelings of disappointment, hoping they’ll go away.

Instead, we must authentically dump them at the feet of Jesus.

Remember the story of Lazarus dying found in John 11.

Mary and Martha, Lazarus’s sisters, felt devastated and disappointed that Jesus hadn’t shown up in time.

Both of them said to Jesus, “If only you had been here.”

They were honest in their feelings. Jesus felt deep empathy for them and wept with them. No judgment. nor condemnation – just entering into their sorrow even though moments later, He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead. 

When we feel disappointed with God’s response, we must cling not to all our disparities of personalities, ideologies, but what we know about His character. 

Returning to what all ideologies know to be true will help settle our souls.

The Gospel …

John 14:6 New American Standard Bible 1995

6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

If we always understood God, He wouldn’t be God. He would be our equal.

Yet, all we still today, have each again inexplicably fallen into another trap:

Isaiah 53:1-3 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Suffering Servant

53 Who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For He grew up before Him like a tender [a]shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should [b]be attracted to Him.
3 He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of [c]sorrows and acquainted with [d]grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Isaiah 53:4-6 New American Standard Bible 1995

4 Surely our [a]griefs He Himself bore,
And our [b]sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
[c]Smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But He was [d]pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our [e]well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
6 All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To [f]fall on Him.

All we still have not struggled enough to understand the message of Calvary as Jesus did throughout his earthly ministry now being summed up by John 13:7.

We just do not “get it!”

Do we even want to “get it?”

One has to wonder how much like Peter in that Upper Room we are right now!

The simple truth is the Gospel is not a Gospel of Peter or about Peter or those in that Upper Room at the moment Jesus got up and divested himself of his cloak.

It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ-ONE GOD ONE GOSPEL ONE TRUTH FOR US ALL!

Instead, He is vastly beyond our imagination. Yet, according to His Word; He is always good and just. He loves us. He is faithful, He will do what’s best for us.  

The truth is that our trust muscles are strengthened ONLY as we go through life’s disappointments – TOGETHER!

We each walk by faith and not excuses, explanations, and irrational rationale.

If we continue to come together, (Philippians 2:1-18) authentically bring our feelings before God and together nonjudgmentally cling to what we know to be true about His character, our One faith will grow stronger even in our suffering.

As we each lean into Jesus, He will whisper reassurance to our broken hearts. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

As you reflect on your affiliated and or disaffiliated life so far, what have been situations that have arisen that have made it difficult for you to max trust God?

What do you feel God is inviting you to do in this season to bolster your faith?

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Matthew 6:6-13 New American Standard Bible 1995

6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

9 “Pray, then, in this way:

‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 ‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 ‘Give us this day [a]our daily bread.
12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 ‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from [b]evil. [c][For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’]

Heavenly Father, thank You for this precious picture in the upper room, when in humble submission to the Father’s will, the Lord Jesus laid aside His garment and began to wash the feet of His bewildered disciples. Lord, there are many times in my life that I do not understand the reason that You allow certain things to happen, but help me to simply trust You in all things and enable me to pray, “Thy will not mine be done.” Open my understanding to all that You are seeking to teach me, and may I grow in grace as I submit to Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.

https://translate.google.com

Seeing God’s Bigger Picture When We are Grieving; Sadness unto Gladness. Psalm 34:17-20

Psalm 34:17-20 The Message

17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening,
ready to rescue you.

18 If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there;
if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.

19 Disciples so often get into trouble;
still, God is there every time.

20 He’s your bodyguard, shielding every bone;
not even a finger gets broken.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Grieving is a natural response to loss and sorrow. In the midst of our pain we find comfort and peace in the assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted.

When we experience loss, we turn to God in prayer, pouring out our hearts before him.

He completely understands our pain, and in his tender compassion the Lord continuously offers comfort and peace, peace surpassing our understanding.

Grieving is a natural process that requires time and grace. We allow ourselves to mourn, knowing that God wipes every tear and also holds us close to his heart.

Psalm 56:8 The Message

8 You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn
    through the sleepless nights,
Each tear entered in your ledger,
    each ache written in your book.

In times of sorrow, we can draw strength from fond memories of the ones we have lost. Their legacy lives on through the impact they have had in our lives, and we can certainly thank God for the ways he has blessed us through them.

As we walk with God through our grief, through Scripture and prayer we find truest hope in the resurrection and eternal life promised in Christ, our Savior.

Looking not to our grief but trusting in all of God’s promises, we hold on to the assurance that our loved ones who have passed away are safe in his loving arms.

Bigger Gospel Picture: Our Sadness unto His Gladness

John 20:20-31 The Message

To Believe

19-20 Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

20-21 The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were awestruck. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.”

22-23 Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”

24-25 But Thomas, sometimes called the Twin, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.”

But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”

27 Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.”

28 Thomas said, “My Master! My God!”

29 Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”

30-31 Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs than are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.

The first Easter did not look like a typical Easter celebration.

Before Jesus’ resurrection was discovered, the day was marked by tears, devastation, and bewilderment—not joy, hope, and praise.

The disciples were gathered out of fear, to protect one another, not to sing “Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!”[1] 

1 Charles Wesley, “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” (1739).

The truth is in their overwhelming grief and sadness, they sat in sadness; for them, their story had come to a grinding halt, with the next page 100% blank.

Or so they thought.

The Gospel does not attempt to deny or try to idealize the grief felt by Christ’s followers after His crucifixion.

They didn’t understand what had happened, and they certainly didn’t know what would happen next.

Their sadness reveals humanity’s limitations in knowing the bigger picture.

Despite the Old Testament prophecies and Jesus’ own foretelling of His death (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34), John’s Gospel tells us that they “as yet did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead” (John 20:9).

They didn’t understand that when Jesus said from the cross, “It is finished” (19:30), He was not expressing any defeat but declaring everlasting victory.

This victory meant resurrection.

And as the resurrected Savior came to the disciples in their darkness, fear, and sadness, He brought transformation.

Their unbelief turned to belief, an affirmation of faith, and their sadness turned unto His brand of gladness.

That gladness was rooted in the fact that they understood that Jesus had risen from the dead.

Their faith and their future returned and were rooted in this wonderful reality.

The darkness of their despair made the light of the resurrection all the more glorious.

If you are looking for an idol that will just make you glad, your search will be in vain, through the Scriptures and prayer you should look for the God of the Bible.

He does make us glad—more so than anyone or anything or anyplace else—but He often starts by making us sad.

We are saddened by this broken world, saddened by our own sin, saddened that on the cross Jesus died for our wickedness, disobedience, and disinterest.

It is only through truly feeling such sorrow that we can fully understand the gladness that comes with our account being settled, our debt being paid, our sins being forgiven, and our wrongs being forgiven and forgotten. (Psalm 32)

We can know the gladness of a love that loves us even though we are not worthy of it—that loves us when we don’t want to listen.

What kind of love is this?

It is the love of God for men and women, for you and me!

Today, look away from yourself and look at Him.

This is love, and when we know we are loved in this way, we are able to see the healing in the harm, sadness can be the soil in which eternal gladness grows.

About which part of your life—perhaps a part full of pain, or regret, or anxiety—do you need to hear this today?

Remember that whatever you are walking through, it remains true that Christ the Lord is risen, Christ the Lord is fully Alive and we can all sing, Hallelujah!

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Compassionate God, in our grief may we find comfort in you. Draw near and hold us close as we mourn. Thank you for all of your promises. Thank you for understanding our pain and our tears. Help us to find hope in the resurrection and eternal life you have made possible for us in thy Son Jesus. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Psalm 84 New American Standard Bible 1995

Longing for the Temple Worship.

For the choir director; [a]on the Gittith. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.

84 How lovely are Your dwelling places,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
3 The bird also has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even Your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
4 How blessed are those who dwell in Your house!
They are ever praising You. [b]Selah.

5 How blessed is the man whose strength is in You,
In [c]whose heart are the highways to Zion!
6 Passing through the valley of [d]Baca they make it a [e]spring;
The early rain also covers it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength,
[f]Every one of them appears before God in Zion.

8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah.
9 Behold our shield, O God,
And look upon the face of Your anointed.
10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.
I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God
Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold [g]from those who walk [h]uprightly.
12 O Lord of hosts,
How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

The peace of God, which transcends all understanding; Finding that place of real Tranquility in God’s Presence. Philippians 4:4-7

Philippians 4:4-7 The Message

4-5 Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Our culture surrounds us with things that subtract from our ability to find peace and tranquility.

Let’s be honest—we live in an instant generation—we literally despise waiting for anything. Tranquility is not instantaneous and neither is it always welcome.

We would not be able to handle dial-up Internet.

Today, if it doesn’t load in less than two seconds, then something is wrong.  

Earbuds, iPads, social media, sports, shopping and work.

All of these contribute to our busyness.

They are not bad in and of themselves, but they detract us from our tranquility.  

Tranquility is an inner sense of calm that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

This is from God and, I believe, that it’s mostly found through relational, intimate prayer. 

Finding tranquility in moments of still prayer is not easy to do in our instant culture, so here are a few tips.

Slow down

In John Ortberg’s book, Soul Keeping, he suggests that the challenges of the world test the depths and elasticity of the soul.

Like a computer’s operating system, our soul integrates everything—the will, body, emotions and seeks harmony.

When we overload the system, it is bound to crash. 

We need to slow down.

We’re so busy doing life, that we forget about life.

In our packed schedules, we have one gear—fast.

Slowing down allows us to carve out intentional time to get alone with the Creator.

We can’t find tranquility in crammed calendars.

A friend of mine made an acrostic for the word, busy—“bent under Satan’s yoke.”

I like that.

I learned that slowing down for intentional times of prayer, increased my peace and ability to wait on God.

As it’s been said, we were created for camel time, for horse and buggy time.

Right up until 1900, mankind rode upon horseback or walked.

This allowed times for processing and time for prayer.

We had intentional alone time with God.

Nowadays, we shut our car doors, turn on the XM satellite, and away we go.

What is the concept of tranquility?

The noun tranquility means “a state of peace and quiet,” like the tranquility you feel in the woods, at the shore of a quiet lake or inside a beautiful cathedral.

Tranquility can also describe a person’s disposition …

What does tranquility in my heart mean?

I suggest it means a peaceful, calm state, without noise, violence, worry, etc.: living in peace and tranquility.

What is the spiritual meaning of tranquility?

It is a state of mind that transcends external circumstances, enabling we as individuals to experience serenity, harmony, and a deep sense of contentment.

Why is tranquility important?

Tranquility has also been suggested to improve mental health and reduce psychological distress by reducing stress and anxiety, allowing one to have more control over their thoughts, helping one to sleep better and to take more time to carefully consider, derive new solutions, to manage difficult situations.

What is the difference between peace and tranquility?

Peace is a broader concept that encompasses societal and global harmony, while tranquility primarily relates to an individual’s inner state of calmness and serenity.

Peace can involve resolving conflicts, while tranquility focuses on achieving a peaceful and tranquil state of mind.

Lets take it a step or two further …

What does the Bible say about tranquility?

10 
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. Selah. Psalm 46:10-11

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

14 “Do not let your heart be troubled; [a]believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

25 “These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:25-27

What is the meaning of divine tranquility?

Divine Tranquility is a graceful tribute designed to convey solace, compassion, and unwavering support during times of loss.

All this GOD depth of meaning to be found in that single word – TRANQUILITY!

Having read these meanings, have you the reader begun to feel any Tranquility?

Finding Tranquility in God’s Presence

Philippians 4:4-7 Amplified Bible

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

n a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, the peace of God offers us solace and tranquility.

It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

To experience the peace of God, we surrender our anxieties and worries to him in prayer.

We present our requests with thanksgiving, knowing God cares deeply for us.

In God’s presence we find comfort, assurance, and a quiet confidence that he is in control.

The peace of God is not dependent on our circumstances but on our trust in him.

It is a supernatural peace that defies logic and goes echelons beyond our human understanding.

As we focus on the Lord and on his great mercy, care, and faithfulness to us, we find peace that transcends the chaos around us.

In every situation, let’s turn to God, seeking his peace.

May we cultivate a heart of gratitude, knowing that God is our truest source of strength and security. As we abide in him, his peace will guard our hearts and minds, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 23 Amplified Bible

The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me],
I shall not want.
2 
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and quiet waters.
3 
He refreshes and restores my soul (life);
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.

4 
Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
5 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You have anointed and refreshed my head with [b]oil;
My cup overflows.
6 
Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, as it will be healing to your body and it will be refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

Proverbs 3:5-8 Complete Jewish Bible

5 Trust in Adonai with all your heart;
do not rely on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him;
then he will level your paths.

7 Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom;
but fear Adonai, and turn from evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and give strength to your bones.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

By these timeless words of Scripture, God invites each of us to implicitly trust in him, to be still, surrender our worries, doubts, and fears into his capable hands.

On our parts, this involves our sacrifice, our conscious choice to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance rather than leaning on our own limited understanding.

In a world filled to overflowing with uncertainty, we will wander around, we stumble everywhere, can we find solace in the unchanging character of God?

Based on the measure and degrees of his own personal experience, intrigue, Solomon’s response is ultimately clear: the Lord is faithful, steadfast, and true.

Our being more aware of his presence, He will fulfill every promise he has made.

From within that raised awareness of his presence, when we place our trust in the Lord, we will be tapping into the wellspring of his grace, strength, peace.

Trusting God doesn’t mean that we will never face challenges or hardships.

But it does mean that we can confidently face hard times, knowing that God is with us, working all things together for our good. We can rest in the blessed assurance that Almighty God is in control and that his plans for us are perfect.

Trusting God requires humility—a recognition his ways are higher than ours.

It involves sacrificing, surrendering our understanding of our wisdom, our need for self control, reshaping our thoughts, embracing HIS divine wisdom, timing.

Day to day, as we submit the fullness of our lives unto the Lord, he directs our paths, leading, guiding, directing us, on a journey of purpose and fulfillment.

Let’s trust God with all our heart. In every circumstance, may we lean on his understanding and submit to his will. As we do trust God, we experience his faithfulness, and our lives become that testimony to his goodness and grace.

In the name of God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 23 Complete Jewish Bible

23 (0) A psalm of David:

(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

What have I to doubt, what have I to fear leaning on the everlasting arms? Matthew 14:22-33

Matthew 14:22-33 New American Standard Bible 1995

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Immediately He [a]made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24 But the boat was already [b]a long distance from the land, [c]battered by the waves; for the wind was [d]contrary. 25 And in the [e] fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out [f]in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

He Saw the Wind, He Saw the Waves, and He Sank

The story of Peter’s attempt to walk on water is definitely one of my favorites.

Along with all the other disciples, Peter first fears the ghostly figure looming in the night, through the rain storm and walking on the waves toward their boat.

When Jesus reassures them that he is the one walking out there, courageously, quite impulsively Peter wants to be first to get in on a piece of the action too.

“Lord, tell me to come to you on the water,” he says. “Come,” invites Jesus.

Like a child taking his first tottering steps toward his parents, Peter gets out of the boat, against all the winds and the waves, walks toward Jesus on the water.

But when for but the briefest of moments, he gets distracted, he takes his eyes off Jesus and sees the wind and waves, the unsure Peter suddenly begins to sink.

So Jesus reaches out and catches him.

Then Jesus looks directly into his eyes and asks Peter, “Why did you doubt?”

I like this story so much because I know the same feeling of taking my eyes off Jesus and “seeing the wind,” feeling the weight of the crashing waves instead.

In the crushing weight of my doubts, when my thoughts are clearly elsewhere, I get distracted from faith so easily by my frustrations, insecurities, temptations.

In such burdened moments I can read this passage over and over again and I can relate to Peter, and thank God this story has been preserved in Scripture.

I also love how it turns out.

Jesus challenges Peter’s lack of faith, but then he lifts, helps him into the boat.

Peter gets a second chance, and he will also need more. I thank God for too the many second chances he has given me. My weakness is covered by his strength.

Leaning on His Everlasting Arms: Dealing With Doubt

Psalm 56 Complete Jewish Bible

56 (0) For the leader. Set to “The Silent Dove in the Distance.” By David; a mikhtam, when the P’lishtim captured him in Gat:

2 (1) Show me favor, God;
for people are trampling me down —
all day they fight and press on me.
3 (2) Those who are lying in wait for me
would trample on me all day.
For those fighting against me are many.

Most High, 4 (3) when I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
5 (4) In God — I praise his word —
in God I trust; I have no fear;
what can human power do to me?
6 (5) All day long they twist my words;
their only thought is to harm me.
7 (6) They gather together and hide themselves,
spying on my movements, hoping to kill me.
8 (7) Because of their crime, they cannot escape;
in anger, God, strike down the peoples.
9 (8) You have kept count of my wanderings;
store my tears in your water-skin —
aren’t they already recorded in your book?
10 (9) Then my enemies will turn back
on the day when I call;
this I know: that God is for me.

11 (10) In God — I praise his word —
in Adonai — I praise his word —
12 (11) in God I trust; I have no fear;
what can mere humans do to me?

13 (12) God, I have made vows to you;
I will fulfill them with thank offerings to you.
14 (13) For you rescued me from death,
you kept my feet from stumbling,
so that I can walk in God’s presence,
in the light of life.

Doubt can cast a shadow on our faith, causing us to question God’s faithfulness and promises.

But in the midst of bludgeoning doubt we can find assurance by anchoring ourselves in the unwavering truth of God’s Word.

Hebrews 6:17-20 New American Standard Bible 1995

17 [a]In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, [b]interposed with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have [c]taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. 19  [d]This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters [e]within the veil, 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

When doubt arises, we turn to God in prayer, pouring out our hearts honestly.

As we read in the Psalms, We express our fears, uncertainties, and questions, knowing that the Lord welcomes our honesty.

In his presence we find reassurance, comfort, and the strength to persevere.

It’s very important to for each of us to remember that doubt is not a sign of weakness but an invitation for growth and maturity in the Lord our God alone.

It presents an opportunity to seek a deeper understanding of God’s character and of his plans for our lives.

We can lift our bibles up and find a host of encouragement in the testimonies of others who have experienced God’s faithfulness in the midst of all their doubts.

As we experience doubt, we hold fast to the promises of God.

We remind ourselves of his past faithfulness and lean on his unfailing love.

We ought to be inviting God as the praying Psalmist did to reveal himself to us, to increase our faith, dispel those shadows of doubt with the light of his truth.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Jesus, my eyes get distracted by the wind and waves instead of seeing you. Please, Lord, help me stay focused on you alone. I need your strength always. Faithful God, when I am in doubt, guide me to trust your unwavering faithfulness. Help me to bring all my doubts to you, seeking comfort. Increase my faith. Reveal yourself in profound ways. Grant me the strength to overcome my doubts and to walk in truth.

Psalm 23 Complete Jewish Bible

23 (0) A psalm of David:

(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.

5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.

6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

Yes! We CAN ALL Know God! “Cease striving and KNOW that I am God.” Psalm 46

Psalm 46 The Message

46 1-3 God is a safe place to hide,
    ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
    courageous in seastorm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
    the tremors that shift mountains.

    Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

4-6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city,
    this sacred haunt of the Most High.
God lives here, the streets are safe,
    God at your service from crack of dawn.
Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten,
    but Earth does anything he says.

7     Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

8-10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
    He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
    breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
    loving look at me, your High God,
    above politics, above everything.”

11     Jacob-wrestling God fights for us,
    God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

One of the greatest privileges as a child of God is that we can have the heart of our heavenly Father.

We don’t have to wonder how he feels about us. We don’t have to wonder if he will guide us. We don’t have to question whether he loves us or cares about us.

Through the Holy Spirit we have continual, free access to the heart of God. 

God longs to be known by you.

He longs for you to make time to simply seek his face and get to know his personality, the nature of his love, and the availability of his presence.

You don’t have to live without a real, revelatory knowledge of God’s heart.

You don’t have to live with the uncertainty of whether you are cared for, provided for, and loved.

In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God proved his longing to be known by us. Jesus took on flesh not just so he could save and redeem us, but so he could usher in a better, truer revelation of who the Father is.

In John 17:3 Jesus says, 

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” And later in verse 26 Jesus prays to the Father, “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” 

Jesus came that we might know the love of the Father. He came that we might have communion—continuous unhindered relationship with our Creator.

Through Jesus you’ve been granted eternal, real access to your heavenly Father. And in the Holy Spirit you can search the deep places of God’s heart and grow in restored relationship with him. 

1 Corinthians 2:10-12 says:

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

God has made the way for you to know his heart.

You can know him in infinitely deeper and more transformative ways than you can know even your best friend or spouse.

The Holy Spirit, God himself, dwells within you and longs to reveal the “deep things of God” to you.

All that’s left for you to do is have faith in God’s ability to reveal himself when you seek him and set aside time to know the heart of your heavenly Father.

May you make time to do exactly that today as you enter into guided prayer.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on what Scripture says about the knowability of God’s heart. 

Let God’s word fill you with faith to seek deeper relationship with your Father.

“For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:26

2. Ask God to reveal an aspect of his heart that you need to know. 

Ask him how he feels about you in this moment.

Ask him to reveal just how near and loving he is. Rest in his presence.

3. Thank God for how available he is to you. 

Worship him because he’s paid the ultimate price simply for you to know him.

As you pour out thankfulness on him, watch as he pours his presence out over you.

What a tragedy it is to not take full advantage of what Jesus paid so high a price to accomplish. What a waste to live this life as if God isn’t fully with us, fully for us, and fully available to us. He couldn’t make the way to his heart any clearer.

The Holy Spirit dwells within you as close to your heart as he could possibly be.

Knowing God is as simple as acknowledging how close, available he already is. bolde

May your life be changed, inspired, empowered, emboldened by the light of the highest possible knowability of your perfect Shepherd, loving heavenly Father. 

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 23 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd,
I [a]shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside [b]quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the [c]paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the [d]valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no [e]evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You [f]have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 [g]Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will [h]dwell in the house of the Lord [i]forever.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

Postured Hearts of a Servant: What does it look like to be a ‘Man of God’? 1 Timothy 6:11-16

1 Timothy 6:11-16 New American Standard Bible 1995

11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, [a]perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who [b]gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will [c]bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of [d]kings and Lord of [e]lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

When God made the world He created humanity, and first created a man He named Adam.

Then He made a woman that Adam named Eve.

God intended for men and women to be different, and to play different roles in the world.

After the fall, men and women both became capable of sin, and both had to strive to be more righteous, as God intended before sin entered the world.

A man who pursues that righteousness, and strives to live for the Lord, is sometimes called a man of God.

It can be difficult to define what that kind of man looks like, but the Bible provides insights into how a man can conform to the image of God, and help others identify them.

Some of the traits of a man of God include faith, a consistent relationship with God, patience, and temperance, among other things. (Galatians 5:19-23)

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: [a]immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, [b]factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

What Is a “Man of God”?

A man of God is not one stereotype of a man.

It is not a scholar who has memorized all the Scriptures.

It is not a man who can lift very heavy objects and fight back any enemy at the gate-more powerful than a locomotive, with no effort able to leap tall buildings.

Instead, it is a consistent public and private display of his character which the Bible highlights, attempting to avoid the above mentioned temptation and sin.

A man of God values the things of Heaven over the things of the flesh.

He will not be perfect until he is with the Lord in heaven above, but he makes his personal relationship with the Savior the very first priority in his life.

He loves justice, wisdom, and discretion.

He is also not a hypocrite like the Pharisees who, “clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:27b). He does not just exhibit good behavior, surrenders himself before God and pursues a clean conscience, pursuing a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

Psalm 139:23-24 New American Standard Bible 1995

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24 And see if there be any [a]hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

In many ways, a man of God is someone who strives to live by the following verses from Proverbs 3:5-8,

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your [a]body
And refreshment to your bones.

Bible Verses about Being a Man of God

There are many verses that outline the character traits that God wants both men and women – as well as just men – to possess or strive to exhibit.

These verses include:

1 Timothy 6:11 “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.”    

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Psalm 2:2-4 “‘I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”      

Ephesians 5:25-28 “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”

Who Were Some Men of God in the Bible?

It becomes clear through a diligent study of the Bible that an important part of what it means to be a man of God is pursuing righteousness, being familiar with God’s Word, being kind to others, knowing when, how to exert one’s strength, and being willing to worship God and sacrifice the same way the Lord Jesus did.

There are many examples of godly men in the Scriptures.

Men identified as men of God include:

King David: Literally called a man after God’s own heart.

He trusted the Lord as a shepherd, as a man fleeing a king’s wrath, and as a king himself. He was not close to perfect, and succumbed to lust with Bathsheba, but repented (Psalm 51). He loved God, wrote many Psalms about that relationship.

Abraham: The father of the Jewish nation, his faith in God was so great he was willing to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son, believing that God could bring Isaac back from the dead. He followed God from his homeland to another.

There were points in his life where his faith definitely lapsed and he acted out of fear, but he always tried to put his relationship with God above all else. He also advocated for his relatives with God, and humbly asked God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of just a few righteous, willing to see mercy extended.

Nehemiah: A Hebrew in exile who had high authority in Babylon, and he trusted God to leave the comfort of his post and go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall.

He rebuilt the walls, defended the borders of his city while maintaining a godly character that served to testify to God’s truest glory to the people around him.

He demonstrated leadership, sacrifice, wisdom, tactical skills, and wisdom. 

Boaz: Certain men played roles in God’s plan that foreshadowed the role Christ would play for all of humanity.

Boaz served as a kinsman redeemer for Ruth, redeeming her and her deceased husband’s family from poverty.

Despite having a Gentile mother, he was known as a godly man who deeply loved the Lord. He was sacrificial, kind to people who were of lesser status than him in society, loved one woman, and displayed great generosity. 

Noah – the only righteous man – steadfast and immovable, obedient to God,

Moses – the great leader, intercessor, law giver,

Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9, 24:15)

Job – Prayed for his children everyday. Refused to Curse God even when his whole world quite literally, quite suddenly, unexpected, collapsed around him.

Jesus: Called the Last Adam, Jesus lived the life intended for Adam, but without sin. The Lord came in the body of a man, clothing His divine nature in flesh.

He obeyed his earthly parents, worked hard as a carpenter, learned the Scriptures, and perfectly sacrificed, submitted self to the will of the Father.

In many ways, He is a model for manhood.

He displayed perfect righteousness, something every man should strive for, even if they fail.

How Can I Grow into More of a Man of God?

Becoming more of a man of God involves becoming Christ-like in character.

It is not something that can happen by force of will, but by the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer is the first step to growing into the person God intended.

Studying the Gospels and modelling Christ is also important.

Learning from the men of God in the Bible, from their successes and failures, is also a part of that journey.

Another way men grow in their character and their faith is through fellowship, being discipled and discipling one another.

Studying verses about good character and asking God to help grow those is another way.

The fruits of the Spirit are foundational to building a character like the Lord has;

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Ultimately, it will require a daily walk with the Lord and getting to know Him personally to experience the lifetime journey toward becoming a Man of God.

1 Timothy 6:11-12 New American Standard Bible 1995

11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, [a]perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Paul is giving this encouragement to Timothy about what he should pursue.

Six things: Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.

That’s a lot to think about.

In fact, these in themselves can truly keep one busy. But I can’t help but think that is the purpose.

To keep ourselves focused on Him.

Then verse 12 seems to stick out even more.

He said, “Fight the good fight of faith.” “Take hold of the eternal life.”

We’ve all heard people say “This is the life.” when referencing something
they are truly enjoying. Meaning, they are truly taking hold of that moment.

The true question is, are we doing that with the eternal life He has given us?

Take some time today and reflect on your everyday life.

Are you pursuing these things given to us?

Are you fighting the good fight?

Are you taking hold of the life He has given us?

Let this be a focus in your time of meditation throughout the day.

Until next time, Shalom.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Holy Father,

Thank you for the life you have given me. As the Bible says, “you formed me in my mother’s womb,” making me the man I am today. Thank you for loving me enough to die for me on the cross, and that I will share in Your resurrection. I pray that you will take my life and use it for Your glory, for the expansion of Your Kingdom, and as the man You created me to be. Lord, take my life and guide it. Help me to pursue You sincerely and fully. You gave me life and salvation, so help me use that life to make a difference for eternity. Whether that is as a husband or a single man, as a father or a mentor, however You want to use me, I pray that my life will only glorify Your name.

Psalm 16 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Lord the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death.

A [a]Mikhtam of David.

16 Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.
2 [b]I said to the Lord, “You are [c]my Lord;
I have no good besides You.”
3 As for the [d]saints who are in the earth,
[e]They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The [f]sorrows of those who have [g]bartered for another god will be multiplied;
I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my [h]mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to [i]Sheol;
Nor will You [j]allow Your [k]Holy One to [l]undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com

Seeking God is never meant to be a one-time event! 1 Chronicles 16:8-11

1 Chronicles 16:8-11 New American Standard Bible 1995

Psalm of Thanksgiving

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
[a]Speak of all His [b]wonders.
10 [c]Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad.
11 Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Continual Revelation

Seeking God is not meant to be a one-time event.

We’re not meant to run off the fuel of an occasional encounter with our Father’s love. Rather, seeking, finding, God’s heart is to be the foundation of all we do.

It’s to be intertwined in our thoughts, actions, and emotions.

He longs to reveal himself to us whether we’re at home, working, watching movies, in a church service, or out with friends.

Life with God is meant to be about continual revelation of his heart.

In Jeremiah 29:13-14 God says, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord.” 

God longs to be found by us.

He longs for us to seek out a revelation of his invisible nature, unconditional love, and abounding grace.

He longs for us to taste and see that he is good (Psalm 34:8).

Psalm 34:8-14 New American Standard Bible 1995

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 O fear the Lord, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.

When you seek out God you won’t be met with nothingness.

When you seek to know the will, attributes, feelings, and reality of your heavenly Father, you will find what you seek. His presence is his promise.

We go through too much of our days apart from a revelation of God’s heart.

We suffer through insecurities, disappointments, fear, doubt, and worry as if we are continually on our own.

We take too much of our own lives into our own hands and work to feel valued, continually fight for what we feel is owed to us, we feel like quitting when we fail, and wallow in our inabilities to live life perfectly, when all the while our heavenly Father waits, beckoning us with his grace to simply ask for his heart.

All the while he longs to root and ground me in his love that isn’t based on what we do, but based on his unwavering, unchanging character.

The best news we have today is that God is continually available to us.

He’s continually ready and continually willing to pour out a love so rich, so real, and so continually powerful that everything continually changes.

He’s continually knocking on the door of our hearts, continually hoping that we will simply and continually take the time to continually open up and let him in.

Please take an extended period of time today as we will now enter into guided pray to seek a fresh revelation of God’s heart.

Begin a lifestyle of continually seeking God by giving God all you have right now: yourself.

May you be continually empowered and set free today to live in continual communion with your loving heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Reflect on the importance of continually seeking God that he might be continually found.

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:13-14

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

2. Ask God for a fresh revelation of his heart today. 

Take an extended time to quiet yourself and open your heart to receive.

3. Spend some time in solitude simply being with God. 

Rather than asking him questions, journal what you are discovering about God.

Write down how you feel, aspects of his character you are noticing, and what he seems to be speaking to you.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Sometimes simply being with God teaches us more than a thousand questions he could answer.

In being still and knowing he is God we learn the reality of his presence and the communion we have with him.

We discover his personality and learn to trust in his quiet, calm assurance.

There’s nothing as comforting as sitting with him and simply knowing that he has us. May you find continual peace and comfort in the nearness of God today.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 34 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Lord, a Provider and Deliverer.

A Psalm of David when he [a]feigned madness before [b]Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed.

34 I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul will make its boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
3 O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces will never be ashamed.
6 This [c]poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.

8 O taste and see that the Lord is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 O fear the Lord, you His saints;
For to those who fear Him there is no want.
10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;
But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is the man who desires life
And loves length of days that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against evildoers,
To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are [d]crushed in spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones,
Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous will be [e]condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who take refuge in Him will be [f]condemned.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com