Tag: Obtaining our Living Hope

Exalt the Name of the Lord our God! Exalt the Truth of the Lord our God! What Can We Learn From Psalm 119?

A verse for the ages, as young men and women battle the influence of sin in this world, especially in our times. The younger generations are encouraged to be free, to experience all that the world has to offer, to find their “own” way, and make decisions that will make them happy whatever it might be. It becomes all about selfishly satisfying one’s desires, wants with an inward-looking focus.

Psalm 119:9-16 Names of God Bible

9 How can a young person keep his life pure?
    He can do it by holding on to your word.
10 I wholeheartedly searched for you.
    Do not let me wander away from your commandments.
11 I have treasured your promise in my heart
    so that I may not sin against you.
12 Thanks be to you, O Yahweh.
    Teach me your laws.
13 With my lips I have repeated
    every regulation that comes from your mouth.
14 I find joy in the way shown by your written instructions
    more than I find joy in all kinds of riches.
15 I want to reflect on your guiding principles
    and study your ways.
16 Your laws make me happy.
    I never forget your word.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

How can a young Man keep his heart pure?

How can a young Woman keep her heart pure?

What can we teach our brothers and sisters, whether they are believers or not, to give aide, guidance and support to their day to life choices and decisions?

What can we ourselves learn from the length and breadth of Psalm 119 to give ourselves an answer to these questions when we are the one’s who are asking?

Containing 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest single chapter in the Bible.

The author of Psalm 119 is unknown, but most scholars agree that it was written by David, Ezra, or Daniel.

Each of these proposed authors suffered serious difficulties in his life, and the author of Psalm 119 reflects that in descriptions of plots, slanders, and taunts against him (verses 23, 42, 51, 150 ), persecutions (verses 61, 86, 95, 110, 121, 134, 157, 161), and afflictions (verses 67, 71, 143, 153). The persecution and affliction of both the man (and woman) of God is a major theme of Psalm 119.

Another prominent theme in Psalm 119 is the profound truth that the Word of God is all-sufficient. 

The full throated expression of Psalm 119 is a natural expansion and extension of Psalm 19:7-9:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.”

There are eight different terms referring to the Word of God throughout the psalm: law, testimonies, precepts, statues, commandments, judgments, word, and ordinances. In almost every verse, the Word of God is clearly mentioned. 

Psalm 119 affirms not only the character of the Scriptures, but it affirms that God’s Word reflects the very character of God Himself.

Notice these attributes of God ascribed to Scripture in Psalm 119:

1. Righteousness (verses 7, 62, 75, 106, 123, 138, 144, 160, 164, 172)
2. Trustworthiness (verse 42)
3. Truthfulness (verses 43, 142, 151, 160)
4. Faithfulness (verse 86)
5. Unchangeableness (verse 89)
6. Eternality (verses 90,152)
7. Light (verse 105)
8. Purity (verse 140)

The format of Psalm 119 is an alphabetic acrostic, meaning that the first letters of each line in Hebrew follow through the alphabet, 8 lines per letter, thus 8 lines x 22 letters in Hebrew = 176 lines. One sure and certain message of this psalm is that we are to first and foremost exalt the Lord our God, live a lifestyle which demonstrates our sure and certain obedience to the truth of the Lord, the Lord who is a God of order (hence the acrostic structure), not of a god of chaos.

The Word of God here begins quickly. Right away we read how the psalm opens with two beatitudes. “Blessed” are those whose ways are blameless, who live according to God’s law, who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart.

The author of the psalm is a man who has known great trouble in his life, but also one who has come through it with a deep and passionate understanding of God’s unfailing love and compassion (Psalm 119:75-77).

Throughout his affliction, the author clings to the truths he learns from the Scriptures, which are eternal, “stand firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89-91). His love for the Word of God and his dedication to remember it and live by it is a theme repeated over and over (verses 11, 15–16, 24, 34, 44, 47, 55, 60, etc.).

These are but a select few the vast number of lessons for us in this great psalm. I am sure and certain that with much prayer and diligent study you’ll find more!

John 17:1-3 Names Of God Bible

Jesus Prays for Himself, His Disciples, and His Church

17 After saying this, Yeshua looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the time is here. Give your Son glory so that your Son can give you glory. 2 After all, you’ve given him authority over all humanity so that he can give eternal life to all those you gave to him. 3 This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Yeshua Christ, whom you sent.

John 17:13-18 English Standard Version

13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.[a]16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them[b] in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

The Word of God is sufficient to make us wise, train us in righteousness, and equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17). The Scriptures are a true reflection of God’s nature, and from them we can learn that we can trust His character and His plan and His purposes for mankind, even when those plans include affliction and persecution. Blessed indeed are we if our delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law we meditate day and night (Psalm 1:1-2).

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us now Pray;

Gracious and ever-living God,
You have given your promise for us to treasure in our hearts,
and your justice for us to declare with our lips.
You have given your commandments as a sure path for us,
and your decrees for our richest delight.
You have given your Covenant so that we may have life in its fullness,
and the urgings of your Spirit for our attentive listening to your word.

Eternal God,
whose creative word
brought life out of darkness,
we praise you.
Suffering God,
whose incarnate word
lived and died among us to show us your love,
we adore you.
Gracious and ever-living God,
whose living word
breathed your Holy Spirit on the church,
we worship you.
— Copyright © 2000 Jeff Shrowder, http://thebillabong.info/

Exalt the Name of the Lord our God! Exalt the Truth of the Lord our God! The Blessing of Knowing Scripture!

I have God’s permission to have Hope! I am blessed if my walk is blameless, and that can only be achieved by walking according to God’s laws. This walk cannot be now and then, but must be with my whole heart, with no unrighteousness mixed in. Such a lifestyle will help me not to be ashamed when I see myself in the mirror of His Word. The more I learn of His righteousness, the more I give thanks to Him for it. Our God is 100% faithful to care for His obedient children.

Psalm 119:1-8 Names of God Bible

Psalm 119[a]

1 Blessed are those whose lives have integrity,
    those who follow the teachings of Yahweh.
2 Blessed are those who obey his written instructions.
    They wholeheartedly search for him.
3 They do nothing wrong.
    They follow his directions.
4 You have commanded
    that your guiding principles be carefully followed.
5 I pray that my ways may become firmly established
    so that I can obey your laws.
6         Then I will never feel ashamed
            when I study all your commandments.
7 I will give thanks to you
    as I learn your regulations, which are based on your righteousness.
8 I will obey your laws.
    Never abandon me.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen!

Have we ever thought of how easy it is for us to take the Scriptures for granted?

Here we are in possession of the very words of God Almighty! Out of His goodness, He has preserved His word for us. Not only are we blessed to be in possession of Scripture, we are blessed through knowing Scripture.

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible and at its heart, is a love for God’s Word. As the Psalmist wrote these words, he (possibly King David) had an indescribable desire to know the Word far beyond just an introductory level.

He was not content with just knowing the basics of Scripture, He wanted to know the God who inspired Scripture. He knew that he was not only blessed with having the Word of God, he was blessed by knowing the Word of God.

If we follow what the Psalmist says in these first 3 verses, we see that those who practice and know the Scriptures are blessed. In order for us to be blameless, we need to walk in the law of the Lord. If we seek Him with our whole heart and keep His testimonies, we will be blessed. Who are the ones that do no wrong?

The ones that walk in His ways. There is a double blessedness that we see in these opening verses. To meditate upon, to know , to study and to practice what God reveals to us in Scripture blesses our lives echelons beyond understanding. It is one thing to just hear and read the Scriptures, it is another thing entirely to risk taking the next step, going beyond knowing them and so to practice them.

In verse 2, we are told that we are blessed if we seek him with our whole heart.

This means that if we truly want to feel the blessings of knowing God’s Word, our devotion to studying His Word needs to extend far beyond just skin level.

It is all too easy to read the Bible like a Pharisee. To read the word, to know the word but fail to prudently apply it to our heart, and to our lives, is a soul killer.

In this smart phone, technology driven age we live in, When you and I read the Bible and have our time alone with God, do you and I read it to know it? Or do you and I read it to live it out and to also better love the One who inspired it?

So, with your smart phone in hand, looking down, at it, what is your quiet time like? If we had to teach what it meant to 100% truly love the Word of God, what would we teach? Would we be able to say like the Psalmist that you seek Him with our whole heart? Do we walk in His ways and not just talk in His ways? How can we make sure that we are walking and seeking with our whole hearts?

I’ll give you 3 ways, although, there are many more that could be listed. 

1. Read the Bible supernaturally. In your hands are a book that is unlike anything ever written. There is no other book in all of history that is like the Word of God. You are holding perfection in your hands, the very words of God. I believe it has been repeatedly said, “if you want to hear the audible voice of God, read your Bible out loud.” Have you and I ever thought about it that way?

The Sovereign King over ALL is speaking to you and me through this book! Go to the Bible expecting to hear God speak and you will never be disappointed. Reverend Dr. John Piper has written an excellent book called Reading the Bible Supernaturally that does a much better job detailing this if you were interested in meditating, learning more about what it means to read the Bible differently.  https://www.christianbook.com/reading-supernaturally-seeing-savoring-glory-scripture/john-piper/9781433553493/pd/553494?event=ESRCQ

2. As much as possible in these contemporary days, make a plan to actually put into action what you read. Prepare to engage the works and machinations of mankind through the greater works and machinations of God in His Kingdom.

All too often we can pick up a book, read it, learn from it, and then carry on with our lives as if we never picked it up to begin with. This cannot be the case with the Bible. Notice that the Psalmist uses the verbs walk and seek when it comes to those that are blessed. If we want to experience the full blessings of knowing God through His word, we need to risk putting some action behind that desire.

John Wesley once wrote, “it cannot be that people should grow in grace unless they give themselves to reading. A reading people will always be a knowing people.” The more you and I read and act on the Word, the more we will know the One who inspired it all. As you and I read our Bible, write down some things that stick out to us and risk trying to implement those things into our daily life.

Maybe it is something as simple as our finding a quiet place to pray alone or memorizing Scripture. Maybe it’s something more like explaining the Gospel to a friend or a coworker. We can never grow spiritually if we aren’t acting towards growth. It might look and feel like we are taking baby steps, but we serve a God that is faithful and will help us to grow. The only thing we can’t do is nothing. 

3. Pray the Word! When we read the Bible, pray that God would reveal Himself to you. Do not go to the Bible and expect to understand it on your own power.

Pray! some of the promises of Scripture such as Jeremiah 29:13, where the Lord says that those who seek Him will find Him or pray James 4:8 which says that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. Be Silent! (Romans 8:26)

Pray for grace, for wisdom and understanding before, during, and after reading Scripture. Meditate on those Words as you go throughout your day. If you are struggling with a passage, do not be afraid to ask God to reveal information to you. Finally, remember to thank the Lord that He has revealed Himself to you through His Word, through His divine nature, and through the world around us.

PRAY! Dare to Risk a direct and decisive engagement with God!

PRAY! Dare to Risk a direct and decisive engagement with His Son, Jesus Christ!

PRAY! Dare to Risk a direct and decisive engagement with the Holy Spirit!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us please PRAY,

Come Holy Spirit and Fill the Hearts of the Faithful

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your
love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created, and you shall renew the face
of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of
the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever
enjoy your consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Exalting the Name of the Lord our God and the Truth of God’s Word! With All of our Heart and our Soul!

I do not know of anyone who does not want to be happy, do you? We spend our whole lives on the quest to find happiness, to make our lives bearable. The world offers a multitude of ways to find happiness, but the happiness found in the world is so fleeting and unsatisfactory. There is only one way to truly be happy, to truly be abundantly blessed and that is found in Exalting the Lord!

Psalm 119:1-8 Evangelical Heritage Edition

Psalm 119

The Great Psalm on the Law of the Lord[a]

Aleph: Blessed Are the Blameless

1 How blessed are those who are blameless in their way,
who walk in the law[b] of the Lord.
2 How blessed are those who keep[c] his testimonies.
With all their heart they seek him.
3 Indeed, they do no wrong.
They walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded that your precepts[d] be kept completely.
5 If only my ways were unwavering in keeping your statutes![e]
6 Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.
7 I will thank you with an upright heart
    as I learn your righteous judgments.[f] 8 I will keep your statutes.
Do not abandon me completely.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Psalm 119:2 reads, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”

In Psalm 119:2 the psalmist spoke of those who seek the Lord “with the whole heart.” To pursue something “with the whole heart” is to do so wholeheartedly, to do so with all one’s focus, with all one’s commitment, with all one’s priority, with all one’s energy, with all one’s enthusiasm. 

In fact, throughout this psalm the psalmist speaks six times concerning the pursuit of something “with the whole heart,” and five of those times he is delivering a testimony concerning his own heart and life.  So then, from these six references, we find three pursuits wherein we ought to follow the psalmist’s example to pursue them “with the whole heart” and also with the whole soul.”

We should seek our Lord’s fellowship with our whole heart.

In Psalm 119:2 the blessing is pronounced, “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” 

Again in Psalm 119:10 the psalmist gave testimony, saying, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.”  Brethren, this is to be the source for our Christian character, commitment, and conduct – the fellowship of the Lord our God.  Indeed, this should be the priority of our hearts and the center of our lives – the fellowship of the Lord our God. 

With our whole hearts, we should pursue after and pay any price for “the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) 

Yea, we should be willing with our whole hearts to suffer the loss of everything else in order that we might “know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Philippians 3:10)  “As the hart panteth after the water brooks,” so our souls should thirst and pant after the fellowship of the Lord our God. (Psalm 42:1-2) 

The love and affection of our hearts should be wholly directed toward Him.  Indeed, we should love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind, and with all our strength. He should be our first and our only love, our ONLY permanent priority # ONE love.  We should love Him, and cleave unto Him, and serve Him with all our heart and with all of our soul. 

Daily abiding in our Lord’s fellowship should be the motivating principle to which our whole hearts are submitted and by which our hearts are governed.

 Yet what if we have already left our first love for the Lord our God and His daily fellowship?  In such a case, we must be zealous with our whole heart to repent of our sinful ways and to return unto the Lord our God.  We must turn from our sinful ways with a completely broken and contrite heart, and must return unto the Lord our God with 100% whole conviction and commitment of our heart. 

Even so, James 4:8-10 declares, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” 

We must not exalt ourselves. We must return with the whole heart unto our Lord.  Then He will surely revive us spiritually, and raise us up to the place of His fellowship, and restore us to the spiritually abundant life of His fellowship. 

Even so, in Jeremiah 29:12-13 the Lord our God proclaims, “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”  Then shall we grow in the knowledge and experience of His blessed daily fellowship, if we follow on with the whole heart to walk in fellowship with Him as our first and ONLY love, our first and ONLY Witness Statement, our ONLY Testimony.

We should keep our Lord’s Word with our whole heart.

We will read later on in Psalm 119:33-34 the psalmist made his request and commitment unto the Lord, saying, “Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.  Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” 

Again, later in Psalm 119:69 the Psalmist expressed his commitment unto the Lord, saying, “The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.”  Just as we should seek our Lord’s fellowship with our whole heart, even so we should keep our Lord’s Word with our whole heart. 

Indeed, seeking our Lord’s fellowship and keeping our Lord’s Word are intimately joined together. Therefore, we must pursue both together with our whole heart.  Indeed, we should have such a whole-hearted commitment to keeping our Lord’s Word, that we ever desire and delight to learn more of its higher wisdom and ways. Furthermore, we should have such a whole-hearted commitment to keep our Lord’s word, that we continue in faithful obedience even in the face of pandemic, politics and fiery trials and fierce persecution. 

We should daily come to God’s Word, diligently study God’s Word, and definitely obey God’s Word.  We should search the truth of God’s Word daily. 

We should study to show ourselves approved unto God, as spiritual workmen who do not need to be ashamed before Him. (2 Timothy 2:15)  With our whole hearts, we should desire and delight in the truth and wisdom of God’s Word. 

Indeed, we should meditate in that truth and wisdom day and night, hiding God’s Word in our hearts as the governing principles for our hearts and lives. 

Yea, we should edify each other, we should edify ourselves, we should build up our entire lives in character, convictions, commitments, and conduct upon the truth and wisdom of God’s Word, not just claiming it, but faithfully obeying it.

We should entreat our Lord’s favor with our whole heart.

Looking deeper, Psalm 119:58, our psalmist gave testimony, saying, “I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.”  Again in Psalm 119:145-147 he declared, “I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.  I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.  I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.” 

Indeed, this matter of the heart should be rooted in the previous two matters of the heart.  As we seek with our whole heart to walk in our Lord’s fellowship, we will learn more and more to set our whole-hearted trust in His tender mercies and loving kindnesses toward us. In addition, as we keep with the whole heart the truth of our Lord’s Word, we will learn more and more to set our whole–hearted hope in the promises of His Word to care for His faithful servants. 

Even so, with full assurance of faith in our hearts, we should come boldly in prayer unto our Lord’s throne of grace, “that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)  We should trust in the Lord with all our heart at all times, and should pour out our hearts before Him, knowing that He is “a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)  We should rest, wait, and hope only upon the Lord our God, knowing that our help is from Him. 

With every fiber of our being, with our whole hearts, we should seek from our Lord that we might receive, seek from our Lord that we might find, and knock at our Lord’s throne of grace that His hand of grace might be opened unto us ALL.

Psalm 34:3 Evangelical Heritage Edition

An Invitation to Join David in Praise

3 Proclaim the greatness of the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 46:10-11 Evangelical Heritage Edition

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted on the earth.”

11 The Lord of Armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is a fortress for us. Interlude

Psalm 99:5 Evangelical Heritage Version

Exalt the Lord our God and bow down before his footstool.

Psalm 107:32 Evangelical Heritage Edition

32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the session of the elders.

With our whole hearts, with the entirety of our souls we must Exalt the Lord!

With our whole hearts, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us enter into a time of prayer and supplications.

Today God I pray that I keep your commands. Give me humility to walk in the Lord. Give me wisdom to make good choices. Give me the diligence to seek you with my whole heart, and not to be distracted by the things of this world. Amen.

  

Our Message of Living Hope which has been there from the Beginning.

What a strange way to begin a story: “In the beginning the Word already existed.” But that statement’s true because that Word is Jesus! When God wanted to tell human beings about himself, when he wanted to give us good news about salvation, when he wanted to give us a message about his love for us, he sent Jesus. Jesus is God’s Word — his Message. And this Word was with the Father all along. In fact, he was “in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6). Jesus is God come to us from the depths of eternity, not as conqueror (except over sin), but as Savior, in human flesh. He is God with us, the Messenger above of all messengers, Message above of all messages.

John 1:1-5, 14 ESV

The Word Became Flesh

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son[a] from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

If you and I want to express ourselves, you and I could use words, actions, or deeds or as they say, “Actions speak louder than words.” You and I can use our words to communicate, convey our thoughts. Actually, the best way would be through both, allowing both our actions and our words to speak to our intent.

This is exactly what God did from the very beginning in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, directly and decisively into the affairs of man. God’s actions and words are tied into the name the Apostle John uses in describing Jesus as “The Word.”

When Jesus Christ walked among us as “The Word,” He expressed what was on God’s mind – An Eternal Hope is now living and walking among us! From His actions (miracles, healing sickness and disease, raising the dead, His death and resurrection), to His words (His Parables, what He communicated, He taught of God’s love, forgiveness, salvation, and God’s kingdom, to His prophetic words of His death, resurrection, and eventual return). The Word Came Among Us!

This is all tied up in the first several verses found in John’s gospel, which is probably one of the most compact statements about Jesus, from his existence from all eternity, to His identity as being God, and then His relationship, His connection, His Koinonia (intimate fellowship) with both God and with man.

John 1:1-5 Amplified Bible

The Deity of Jesus Christ

1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word ([a]Christ), and the Word was with God, and [b]the Word was God Himself. 2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines on in the [c]darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

John begins his Gospel the same way the Genesis account begins in the Old Testament, “In the beginning.” (Genesis 1:1) But Jesus achieved what years of law never could and never would, and that is humanity’s salvation, that is, bringing humanity back into a right relationship with God. You might say that after an indeterminate, uncountable number of years, Jesus Came, reset history.

In our passage John says that “The Word,” which we will see is a name for Jesus, is fulfilling the plan God had in mind all along – A Living Hope for All.

So powerful is the truth found in this name the Apostle John uses that he couldn’t help using it again in his first letter to the church 50 + years later.

1 John 1:1-3 (NKJV)

What Was Heard, Seen, and Touched

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

John expresses to us Jesus is the exact representation of who God the Father is, both in His actions and words. Jesus is the exact representation of Living Hope.

The Apostle Paul clearly expressed to the Followers in Colossae these thoughts;

Colossians 1:3-18 Easy to Read Version

3 In our prayers we always thank God for you. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 We thank him because we have heard about the faith you have in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all of God’s people. 5 Your faith and love continue because you know what is waiting for you in heaven—the hope you have had since you first heard the true message, the Good News 6 that was told to you. Throughout the world, this Good News is bringing blessings and is spreading. And that’s what has been happening among you since the first time you heard it and understood the truth about God’s grace. 7 You heard it from Epaphras, our dear friend and co-worker. He is a faithful servant of Christ for us.[a] 8 He also told us about the love you have from the Spirit.

9 Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray:

that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; 10 that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God[b]; 11 that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come.

Then you will be happy 12 and give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what he has promised to give all his holy people, who live in the light. 13 God made us free from the power of darkness. And he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son. 14 The Son paid the price to make us free. In him we have forgiveness of our sins.

The Son of God Is the Same as God

15 No one can see God,
    but the Son is exactly like God.
    He rules over everything that has been made.[c]
16 Through his power all things were made:
    things in heaven and on earth, seen and not seen—
all spiritual rulers, lords, powers, and authorities.
    Everything was made through him and for him.

17 The Son was there before anything was made.
    And all things continue because of him.
18 He is the head of the body, which is the church.
    He is the beginning of everything else.
And he is the first among all who will be raised from death.[d]
    So in everything he is most important.

The anonymous author of Hebrews expresses it rather nicely saying that Jesus was the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person.

Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV 

God’s Supreme Revelation

1 God, who [a]at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the [b]worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had [c]by Himself [d] purged [e]our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

The Son Exalted Above Angels

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say:

“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You”?

And again:

“I will be to Him a Father,
And He shall be to Me a Son”?

6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”

7 And of the angels He says:

“Who makes His angels spirits
And His ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But to the Son He says:

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A [f]scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”

10 And:

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
12 Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said:

“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. In the beginning, the Hope already existed. The Hope was with God, and the Hope was God. The Hope came! The Hope lived among us, filled with Grace and Truth and Life in more abundance than we could dare imagine.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us now dare Pray;

Thank you, Father in heaven, for expressing a message that I can understand. Thank you for expressing a message that I can see in action. Thank you for Jesus and all he is to me. Thank you for your One and only perfect expression of faith, hope and love, of truest salvation, and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Today, I’m Pondering the Living Hope of God: The Miracle of Transformation. Jesus Transforms Water Into Wine!

All journeys have a beginning, a middle and an ending. We have been reflecting on the revelation of God. We have been reflecting on the reputation of God and His Son Jesus Christ. All along, we have been trying to decide whether or not we ought to choose God, His Son and the Holy Spirit as having complete command over the long course of our lives. The process of anyone making such a choice as this is immensely transformational. From the beginning, this engagement with this magnitude of “Living Hope” is fraught with many unknowns and pitfalls.

It is a good thing then that when you and I start, we first start at the beginning which we did when we began to plumb the depths of Genesis Chapter 1. Jesus was there from the very beginning as John 1:1-5 very succinctly communicates to readers. To better plumb the depths of this revelation, we begin before Jesus began to make Himself known as someone other than the son of Mary and a Carpenter.

Before Jesus made his official entrance into -public ministry, Jesus performed one sign, one miracle at a wedding. He would then go on to perform nearly 40.

Please open your Bibles to the gospel of John, chapter 2. Today we are beginning a new devotional series I have titled, “This Miracle of Transformation: Jesus the Carpenter, Jesus the Itinerant Master Rabbi, Rabbi Jesus the miracle worker.”

John 2:1-11 NKJV

Water Turned to Wine

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

6 Now there were set there six water pots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!”

11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and [a]manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Our text tells the story of the beginning of signs. Jesus took an ordinary occasion, a wedding, as an opportunity to act. The need was for wine. He worked a miracle to provide the wine. The miracle was also a sign.

In this devotional message we discuss (1) the occasion of the miracle, (2) the need for a miracle, (3) the performance of the miracle, and (4) the significance of the miracle.

This story, now as then, should challenge us to first, believe that the Lord Jesus is God in the flesh, believe in the ministry, mission and works of the Lord as our Savior, as having total sovereignty over our whole lives and to give Him glory.

What is our need for such knowledge and such a magnitude of conviction?

Whether we are believers or non believers or we are somewhere in the middle of making such a transformational decision, many of us, exactly right now, in this precise moment face difficult circumstances today. Perhaps you and I have said, or are currently saying: “It will take a miracle to get me through my situation.” Without something very miraculous taking place, you and I wonder if you and I will make it. With that in mind, let’s follow Jesus from Judea to Cana of Galilee.

It’s good when you start, to start at the beginning. Before Jesus made his official entrance into public ministry, Jesus performed one miracle. He would then go on to perform nearly 40. Most seem to agree on about 38 that we have record of.

It is important to stop and remember what John said: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for all the books that would be written.” I’m sure there were many other signs and miracles we are simply not aware of.

But this was the first and it is interesting that he chose to perform this miracle at a wedding. Less than a week has now gone by since Jesus had appeared in the desert. John had prophesied that Jesus was coming and when he arrived, John said, “Behold the Lamb of God who has come to take away the sins of the world.

There was a system taught in the OT for hundreds of years that on particular days man should bring a sacrifice-often a lamb. The lamb was to be without blemish. The lamb would then be sacrificed on the altar, blood would be shed and man would receive forgiveness. This completed the Scripture that says without shedding of blood there is no remission/forgiveness of sins. Now this lamb has arrived and that system from the OT is about to change completely.

This is the story of the beginning of miracles. We will discuss the wedding as an ordinary occasion which led to a miracle. Then, we will present the need for a miracle, the performance of the miracle, the significance of the miracle. This text, now as then, should challenge us to believe in the Lord, to give Him glory.

Then in just a few days a wedding takes place in Cana. We don’t know how many guests there were but the Scripture does tell us that Jesus and his mother were there and also his disciples. The Scripture gets right to the point-there was a problem-they had run out of wine and so Mary took the need directly to Jesus.

She made him aware. I suppose that it is difficult to know exactly why she told Jesus–after all we have no record of any previous miracle Jesus had performed and later in verse 11 we learn in fact that this was his first. But certainly by this time Mary was fully aware that her son, Jesus was the very Son of God himself.

So she says, ”hey, son, it looks like they don’t have any wine.” His response immediately captures our attention because it sounds so abrupt. Look at it. “What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?” Now that is tense!

Things are now beginning to change. Their relationship is beginning to change. This is likely the first time Mary had asked Jesus for help in a public setting. And what Jesus has to say here in the 2nd part….when He says what does this have to do with me? Seems to be explained in the last part. My hour has not yet come.

So Mary who is apparently expecting this need to be taken care of then speaks to the servants and said, “Do whatever he tells you.” There’s a principle found here that God’s people have attempted to live by for 2000 years and here it is:

• Do whatever he tells you.

Mary knew that her son Jesus could do whatever was necessary to transform a negative situation as long as the servants obeyed. And the same is true today.

• Jesus is more than able to do whatever was necessary/needed in your family

• Jesus is more than able to do whatever is necessary in your personal life.

• Jesus is more than able to do whatever is necessary to heal relationships, to heal people, to heal circumstances.

You see the beginning of the first transformation. You see for the very first time Jesus acting directly and decisively in the affairs of ‘troubled’ man, the public is about to see that in any situation, Jesus the miracle worker can take something that is broken and fix it. He can take something which is old and make it new.

Look at what he does. Verse six. There are six stone jars and each one will hold about 20 gallons. Possibly 30. So we have over 120 gallons of water available.

They are told to take them and fill them to the brim. These pots were used for washing. The Jews had practiced for years that they should not eat until they had washed their hands carefully. We still practice this. “Hey kids wash up it’s time to eat.” These large pots were used because they also had to wash cooking utensils as well; pots and pans. So Mary tells them to fill them and the narrator John reports they filled them up to the brim. Now not sure why we have that particular detail except that it does point out that nothing else was added.

No wine was added. No grapes, no fruits of the vine No Kool-Aid was added. No food coloring was added. Just water from the well-filled directly unto the top.

So now Jesus chooses some of the servants to help again and he tells them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. Not to the waiters, not to the maître d’… Take it to the master. The main guy. Now these would be very heavy. A gallon of water weighs just over 8 pounds so each container could have weighed in excess of 200 pounds and there are six of them. So there were more than just a few men who are carrying these. Because this is over 1200 pounds.

So the host asked for wine and they bring water. It happens sometimes. Hey, I ordered sweet tea you know the stuff dripping and saturated with sugar. This is unsweetened tea. This is terrible. Or I ordered Coke, not Diet Coke or Pepsi.

The host ordered wine— they were bringing out water cause they were just doing what Mary had told them to do-Jesus had told him as well and so they were just following orders. We know it was water when they left the kitchen with it so we kind of have to conclude that the water miraculously transformed into wine somewhere between the kitchen and the head table at the banquet.

It’s like the waiters at a steak house walking out of the kitchen carrying a whole side of beef and he says, because it is a special customer, I need you to become a nice juicy ribeye, medium well by the time we get to serve the guest at the table.

That takes faith and obedience. It’s difficult to do what God tells us to do when we look at the situation. The circumstances. It often looks virtually impossible.

But as much as we desire to ask so many questions, to dot every “I” and cross every “t” and know every single detail. God says just do what I told you to do.

And that is what Mary had said and what Jesus had requested. This is what the master of the banquet, not Jesus, I’m speaking of the master of ceremonies— and told the wedding servants for them to do on behalf of every single guest.

So they discussed it with no one and they marched out with it. They took it over to the master of ceremonies. Since he was responsible-he had to make sure all the food and drink was “Reasonably” acceptable. So, in the regular course of his responsibilities, when he tasted the “new” wine the Text says, something about the wine had been transformed for the better and he knew not whence it came.

The master is obviously surprised because this wine actually tasted better than the wine they had earlier. You see it was customary to serve the best wine first-then when people continued to celebrate and drink, they did not care as much what it taste like you would bring the lesser wine-the one that was not so good.

Just as there is grape juice and wine today there was intoxicating wine and non-intoxicating wine in that day. The word here in the Greek is oinos and it refers to both so that doesn’t help us know which one it was. https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/jhn/2/10/t_conc_999010 https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3631/kjv/tr/0-1/

For me, because I am Diabetic, I made the choice to refrain from alcohol in any form. Champagne, wine, beer, hard liquor-I drink none of it and have not for well over 20 years. I do not know what you choose to do… That is between you, your family, friends and God but if you have problems in this area, if you drink and don’t know when to stop; if there is a history of alcoholism in your family or you have a personal history then I encourage you to completely abstain.

Look now at verse 11. This is an important verse because it reminds us that every miracle Jesus performed had a purpose. It was never simply a display of power. John said Jesus performed this very first sign in Cana. What is a sign?

When we are traveling down the highway and we see a road sign, that sign is always pointing you and I towards something is about to occur. Rough road, Uneven lines. School zone. Deaf Child zone, Slow down. Curve in the road, Ice on the roads and bridges ahead; communicating: Slow down. Trouble is ahead. But signs are not always negative. If you’re traveling down the highway there also positive signs. Motel 6 and Cracker Barrel ahead, likewise Rest stop is ahead.

But, here, Narrator John is referring to the miraculous transformation of the water into wine, but not just any wine, but wine far exceeding all standards of the day, and indeed, far exceeding all standards of any day and any time frame.

Several things happen as a result of this miracle.

(1) Jesus revealed his glory. The glory of God was revealed that day.

(2) His disciples put their faith in him; apparently for the first time. Remember, his brother James did not believe until the resurrection. Their faith was solidified at this moment and now they were ready to follow him anywhere

(3) The law was exchanged for grace. This ceremony washing hands—that’s what these jars had been used for. Now all of this was replaced with something new.

(4) The law of Moses was exchanged for the law of grace. Now we would be cleansed by the blood of the cross.

You know, under the old system of beliefs and traditions, if you have to keep going back time after time and completing this ceremonial washing of hands you are constantly reminded that it is not enough. You just get unclean again. One more animal sacrifice. Again and again. But now we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. And this same Jesus continues to change lives today.

We are living the ordinary life in extraordinary times. The Best is Yet to Come!

We are each confronted by extraordinary challenges. The Best is Yet to Come!

We are “hot wired” by God to overwhelm, to overcome. The Best is Yet to Come!

I am “hot wired” by God, “believe in infinitely more.” The Best is Yet to Come!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, let us now Pray,

Lord, we need a miracle today.
Like Jesus changing water into wine
at the wedding feast in Cana, 
we need a water to wine miracle today.
We are tired, Lord, of the hurts of this world. 
We are discouraged 
in the face of injustice, war, poverty, and indifference.
We need a miracle of water to wine today, Lord.
Your steadfast love, like a mighty mountain, 
will not be moved.
Your gifts, as many as the mighty winds,
cannot be counted.
Your glory, like a mighty torch,
will not be put out.
Lord, crown us with your love.
Show us your water to wine glory, 
that in you we may be moved 
to acts of kindness, love, justice, and mercy.
Lord, we need a miracle today. Alleluia! Amen.

I Am Reflecting on the Sovereignty of God in My Life. Our Troubled Heart, this Troubled Christian Heart Within!

HOW DO YOU BEGIN TO FOLLOW JESUS?

Matthew 22:34-40English Standard Version

The Great Commandment

34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER

“Be Still My Troubled Heart” “Be Stiller My Troubled Soul!” Is a lament I have heard quite a few people pray to themselves. They pray to God for revelation. They pray to Jesus and the Holy Spirit for resolution to their troubled beings.

What about that phrase reaches your heart and soul right now? You seek release, you seek intercession, divine intervention. Scripture is replete with the promise that God answers our prayers. But have you wondered where God begins? God begins with His hands surrounding a surrendered heart. But can you genuinely say your heart is truly surrendered to Father, Son, Holy Spirit?

Ought not the first utterance of prayer which emanates from your lips:

Psalm 139:23-24 NASB

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

When your heart is searched by God, no place is left unsearched, everything about your troubled heart and even more troubled soul is laid bare before God. God starts to act – directly and decisively. Without your awareness, God makes his examination of those areas within which He knows needs to be surrendered. You have no control over what God selects. It becomes a natural feeling, a long sought feeling of revelation and release. which your feet will follow. Biblically speaking, what is the heart? It’s the control center of your personality, will, and emotions. Your heart is essentially at the core of your character, who you are.

I think it’s safe to say that the human heart is one of the most important organs God placed in the human body.

But I think it’s also safe to say that a person’s heart is also one of the most important spiritual organs God has given to us as well. But the heart that I am talking about isn’t the human organ. Rather it is the spiritual part of us where emotions and desires reside.

This spiritual heart is seen from the very beginning when the Bible tells us that we have been made in both the image and likeness of the Lord God Himself, (Genesis 1:26) And so God has a heart. But it’s not the physical organ that resides within the human body, although God created it, but He has a heart, one that can be broken over our sins, and a heart we are to follow. The Lord God is saying to all His Children, “I know the heart, I know exactly what’s in there.”

In fact, it’s this seeking after the heart of God that God commends and is Himself seeking after amongst His people. He is seeking a people whose heart is seeking after His heart. Now, in our natural condition, which is the condition known as sin, the heart of man isn’t even lined up with God’s heart. Instead it’s evil, wicked, filled with deceit and treachery. So wicked and so treacherous is the human heart that we are easily deceived by it, but not so God, He knows it well. In fact, He’s the only one who knows our heart’s true condition.

This was King David’s plea after he was exposed for his adultery with Bathsheba and his conspiracy to commit murder against Uriah the Hittite afterwards;

Psalm 51:10 NASB

10 Create [a]in me a clean heart, God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

And the reason we need to pray this is because, as the Apostle Paul tells us, it’s with our hearts that we believe unto righteousness, (Romans 10:9-13). Therefore Solomon tells us to guard our hearts.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

It is for this reason that I’ve decided to look at one of the first qualities of a Christian’s heart. In other words, what should a Christian’s heart look like. This morning in our time together I’m going to give you three aspects that I see right off the bat about what a Christian’s heart is and should be.

A Christian’s Heart is …

1. A Loving Heart

Let’s go back and look again at the condition of the human heart, and that is it is wicked and evil, filled with sin, deception, and treachery. But then we’re told that with this heart we’re to love God. Jesus said,

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37 NKJV)

Jesus said that this is the first and greatest commandment, Matthew 22:38.

  • GOD’S DESIGN AND LOVE The Bible repeatedly communicates to us that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). He is the perfect, glorious, holy, eternal, all-powerful, all knowing, Creator of the universe. He created humanity to live in fellowship with Him. He created you! He loves you and has a plan for your life.

Begin today with that thought today. Then Let God begin His greatest works!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us come to pray,

Dear Father God, I don’t give you the love you deserve. I disobey, act selfishly, and am wholeheartedly foolish. Help me to love you with everything I have. I believe in you, worship you, and love you. I want my love to be endless. I will love you with all my heart, soul, and mind. You gave everything for me, I want to return that love to you, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Loving Father thank You for loving me when I was dead in my sins and for bringing me into Your family, simply because I trusted the Lord Jesus as Saviour – Lord I want to love you with every part of my being. May I live as You would choose and love You with all my heart and soul and strength and mind, in Jesus name I pray, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

We Are Reflecting Upon Our Decision to Believe in God or Not …. Guard Our Hearts in the Way They Should Go!

The Bible is a book of wisdom that God uses to show us how to live our lives. In it, you and I will find the book of Proverbs which shows you and me the right way to deal with the various situations in our lives. It shows you and me how to relate, connect and interact with others, whether they are easy to get along with or difficult. Proverbs 4:23 is a rather simple verse but with a profound message that “circles life’s wagons,” guides your heart, helps us to live a victorious life.

Proverbs 4:23-27 NASB

23 Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life. 24 Rid yourself of a deceitful mouth
And keep devious [a]speech far from you.
25 Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your [b]gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
26 [c]Watch the path of your feet,
And all your ways will be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

In our devotion today, we look at the heart, specifically the spiritual heart and five aspects of what a Christian’s heart prayerfully, hopefully, ought to be, a loving, changed, and a heart which makes the difficult decision to follow God.

Today I am going to give you a little taste of a diligent heart as we look at five things I consider to be tantamount to anyone who would come, choose to make their decision to believe in God, His Son and the Holy Spirit, to call themselves Christian, and afterwards, with full conviction in their hearts, live genuine life.

John 14:7-15 NASB

Oneness with the Father

7 If you [a]had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8 Philip *said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus *said to him, “Have I been with [b]you for so long a time, and yet [c]you have not come to know Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

We reflect upon the revelation of God. We reflect upon the reputation of God. The first place exposed and effected to such a revelation and reflection is our own hearts – our source of life. As Christians, we are to read and meditate on God’s word so that it can dwell in our hearts. When our heart is full of God’s word, we are storing good things, protecting yourself against false doctrine. Putting a guard in the doorway of your heart is a way of protecting yourself from deception, heartbreak, limiting beliefs which steal the joy from our life.

Proverbs 4:23-27 The Message

 23-27 Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
    that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
    avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
    ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
    and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
    leave evil in the dust.

From these verses King Solomon emphasizes “above all else” one is to keep guard over the entrance of their heart. This entrance is the doorway through which things enter and then exits the heart inevitably effecting the whole body.

As the heart goes so does the rest of the body. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly and getting good quality rest betters the chances that plaque build up in the arteries and veins surrounding the muscle of the heart do not become blocked and subject to all manner of cardiovascular insults (MI’s) meaning Myocardial Infarctions or Heart Attacks – our leading cause of death. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm

We are to guard our hearts against what comes in and only allow that which edifies, that builds us up versus tear down. What corrupts our hearts is to stay out. Such corruption comes through what we read, watch, text, post, listen to, and do, and sins we commit. If we let in ungodly things, we become ungodly. If we let in godly things, we become more godly. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11)

We guard our hearts because good and evil find their way into them and come out through our mouths and not through our bowels whence they are flushed.

Rabbi Jesus comes to the point: what comes out of our hearts is what defiles us:

Mark 7:20-22 NASB

20 And He was saying, “That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person. 21 For from within, out of the [a]hearts of people, come the evil thoughts, acts of sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, 22 deeds of greed, wickedness, deceit, indecent behavior, [b]envy, slander, [c]pride, and foolishness.

From our collection of verses, Proverbs 4:23-27, Guarding our hearts means;

Verse 23:

Being consciously aware of your heart – mindful of its essential role in keeping you and I physically alive. To state the obvious; we are alive as long as it beats. We attend to the matters of life as if the goal of every move we make keeps it so.

Verse 24:

Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Meaning keep our heart and mind intimately in touch with our integrity. Remember the “Golden Rule” does not mean whoever has the gold makes all of the rules and lords their wealth as a means to control and manipulate all others.

The Six Pillars of Character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.

The Six Pillars of Character

TRUSTWORTHINESS

  • Be honest in communications and actions.
  • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal.
  • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do.
  • Have the courage to do the right thing.
  • Build a good reputation.
  • Be loyal to your values.
  • Keep your promises.

RESPECT

  • Treat others with respect and follow the Golden Rule.
  • Be accepting of differences.
  • Use good manners, not bad language.
  • Be considerate of the feelings of others.
  • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone.
  • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements.

RESPONSIBILITY

  • Do what you are supposed to do.
  • Plan ahead.
  • Be diligent.
  • Persevere.
  • Do your best.
  • Use self-control.
  • Be self-disciplined.
  • Think before you act.
  • Be accountable for your words, actions and attitudes.
  • Set a good example for others.
  • Choose a positive attitude.
  • Make healthy choices.

FAIRNESS

  • Play by the rules.
  • Take turns and share.
  • Be open-minded; listen to others.
  • Don’t take advantage of others.
  • Don’t blame others carelessly.
  • Treat all people fairly.

CARING

  • Be kind.
  • Be compassionate and show you care.
  • Show empathy.
  • Express gratitude.
  • Forgive others and show mercy.
  • Help people in need.
  • Be charitable and altruistic.

CITIZENSHIP

  • Do your share to make your home, school, community, and world better.
  • Cooperate.
  • Get involved in community affairs.
  • Stay informed; vote.
  • Be a good neighbor.
  • Make choices that protect the safety and rights of others.
  • Protect the environment.
  • Volunteer.

What are the character traits of a Christian? Integrity, honesty, responsibility, respect, compassion, love, joy, peace – all must be in total agreement with the teachings of God’s Word. What is a godly character? You will recognize a godly person when you not only see the person, but you see the character of Jesus in them. It is his transforming power that allows us to be compassionate, to love and respect people, respect the presence and power of God, and live holy lives.

Verse 25:

Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Recall in His confrontation with the Philistine Goliath, David’s sole focus was to do battle only with Goliath, not to focus on trying to defeat every last Philistine there. His focus was on a single rock hurled with a single sling in the Giant’s direction. To focus his whole self on relying upon the hope and strength GOD provided him and letting that hope and strength from God alone to empower him to victory.

The proof of this singular unidirectional focus effectiveness is Goliath’s death, Israel’s complete victory over their numerically superior Philistine enemies.

Verse 26:

Watch the path of your feet, And all your ways will be established.

The real question behind this promise is very simple: How should you and I define success for our “best laid” plans? By what means do we make Paths? Do we or should we always listen to the directions from our MapQuest Apps or our Google map App, or our Garmin’s or our Tom Tom GPS devices in our vehicles?

The answer is very simple as well: bringing glory to God for his grace (see Ephesians 1:6,12,14). Committing our works and plans to God means surrendering them to God’s will (James 4:13-15), trusting that God will be glorified in them (Colossians 3:17), and recognizing that it is not in our power to properly guide our own steps (Proverbs 16:9).

God longs to bless us and empower us — not for our own temporary selfish ambition (James 3:16), but for our eternal good (Romans 8:28) and God’s glory. Like Jesus, when we commit our plans and works to the Lord, we are saying, “Not my will, Father, but yours be done!” (Luke 22:40-46)

Verse 27

Do not turn to the right or to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.

When we look at the way of our feet, we need to know not to turn to the right or the left.  This is assuming that our feet are on God’s paths and ways and not our own.  When we turn to the right or the left, we are making a decision to depart from God’s paths and walk in our own, the world’s ways, or those of the devil.  Which ever of these three are true, we will find ourselves in a way that is wrong – and ultimately a way that will hurt and cost us. 

The only turn we should make in life is one which leads us far away from evil. 

The word “turn” here is a Hebrew word that means to go away from something, to desert it, to quit, to keep far away. 

https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/pro/4/27/t_conc_632027

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5186/kjv/wlc/0-1/

When we see evil we need to remove ourselves from it – depart – honestly – RUN!  To hang around evil is to court its greater influence in our lives.  When we see evil we should hide ourselves from it.  The longer we remain in the presence of evil, more likely we are to participate in it.  Thus the wise man runs from evil.

Think about where we are going.  It is important to do this – to consider our lives and examine them from time to time.  It is too easy to begin to wander from the ways of God – too easy to take a path that leads us away from the Lord. 

That is why this passage from Proverb helps us so much – it encourages us to think through where our journey reaches its destination.  We think about the beginning of things and the end of things.  When we do this – we will see the “big picture” wisdom speaks so eloquently of, of considering God’s Word, of turning away from evil, keeping clear of the its alluring ways. (Proverbs 8) 

When I see someone swerving in and out of their lanes of traffic, I immediately go into a defensive driving mode. Whether they are distracted, sleepy, or just “texting or talking on their smart phones” or “putting on lipstick” careless, I know they are dangerous. God wants us all to know the same is true of us when we allow ourselves to wander by and sample every form of temptation available. Let’s just stick to the straight and narrow with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus!

In the name of the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit, Let us each now Pray;

Loving God, you’ve taught me to have a heart for you and for my neighbor. Help me to guard the purity of my heart, so that I’m not corrupted by lies or deceived by temptation. I pray that you convict me when I let bad things in my life, so that I keep my heart protected. I want to do your will, Alleluia! Alleluia! Amen.

Loving Father, I want to guard my heart above all things. Search my heart and know my thoughts and see if there is any wicked way in me and guide me into the path of righteousness, (Psalm 139:23-24) in Jesus name I pray, AMEN.

We are Reflecting Upon Making the Decision to Believe in God or Not. What is Your Christian Worldview?

How do you and I view and react to the world around us? Do you and I have a Biblical worldview? Do you and I see and view the world through the leaves, the ever spreading vines of a carefully grown, well manicured thorn laden rose tree?

Colossians 2:8-12 NASB

8 See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, [a]rather than in accordance with Christ. 9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made [b]complete, and He is the head [c]over every ruler and authority; 11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision performed without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Hot button topics. Politically Incorrect, Aggressively Divisive and Taboo topics. Topics few people are prepared to converse about, have meaningful discussions and debates over without either side being prepared for open vitriolic warfare. The idea of civilized, non judgmental conferences and educational moments? Those topics for which only highly skilled, well reputed mediators dare to tread. Yet these hot plate topics rigorously define nearly every individuals world view.

Immigration, Abortion. Euthanasia. Pornography. Same-sex marriage. Gender, Transgender rights. Embryonic research. Genetic enhancement. You can add to this mix COVID, mandated vaccines, out of control government spending, etc.

Christians and Non Christians who are surveying the cultural landscape in the West have a clear sense that things are headed in a destructive direction. While most believers can easily (readily?) identify the symptoms of decline, few feel competent to diagnose and address the root causes. There are many complex factors, concerns behind these developments, but one invaluable tool for better understanding and engaging with our culture is the concept of worldview.

What is a worldview. The fact is, everyone has a worldview. It is how we see the world around us and we interpret and react to events. A worldview is the core of what we steadfastly truly believe (not just give lip service to), likewise defend.

It answers the basic questions of life:

How did we get here (creation and the universe)?

Where are we going (the meaning of history)?

What is the nature of reality (physical or spiritual or both)?

What is the nature of God, or transcendent reality? (is there a higher power?)

What is the nature of truth (objective or subjective)?

What is the nature of human beings? (who are we and how did we get here?)

What happens to human beings when they die? (is there eternal life?)

What guidelines determine human behavior? (ethics and morals, who decides?)

Where did we (human kind) go wrong? (or have we gone wrong?)

Is there a fix?

How these questions are answered determines our outlook on the world. These are just a few of the questions that define our worldview. For example, if we have a naturalist or humanistic worldview where we are just a comic accident and there is a natural explanation to all that there is, then humans are just highly developed, evolved animals. If that is the case then, so what is the big deal about abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, mandated vaccines, the like?

If we are here by accident, then who are you to tell me what my morals should be, to dare question my ethics, Who are you to tell me what is right and wrong?

The fact is, our worldview matters. It matter in how re react, in a God honoring way to the world around us. The worldviews of others in our culture explains why we as a people, a nation, a culture, is headed in a destructive direction.

Over the course of this devotion, we will explore our worldview, then contrast it with the worldviews of our culture, try to sort out world versus. Christian view.

We genuinely need to critically examine our own view of the world. Paul tells us:

2 Corinthians 13:5 NASB

5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you [a] fail the test?

Do we have a true Biblical Worldview? Notice I am no longer saying a Christian worldview. I will now be deliberately changing that term because the very word “Christian” has been so grievously altered, misused, deliberately misapplied, and distorted over time. But I will use the term “Biblical Worldview” meaning, “does our view of the world measure up to what the Word of God tells us, not someone’s concept of what a Christian ought to believe or ought to live?”

1 Timothy 6:20-21 NASB

20 Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge” — 21 which some have professed and thereby have gone astray [a]from the faith.

Here’s the problem. According to recent survey (May 2021) commissioned by the Family Research Council under the direction of George Barna:

Click to access EF21E41.pdf

* 80 percent of born-again Christians claim to have a biblical worldview, but only 19 percent have one.

* 74 percent of conservatives claim to have a biblical worldview, but only 16 percent do.

* 44 percent of millennials (ages 25-40) claim a biblical worldview; only 4 percent have one.

This only represents just a small sample of people who were surveyed. If we were to do this self same sample on a significantly wider and broader scope, how would these results change – would the percentages increase of decrease?

As I further perused the report of the statistics for mainline Protestant churches and evangelical churches, the magnitude of numbers were just about as dire:

* 69% of adults who attend a mainline Protestant church (Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal, etc.) claim they have a biblical worldview, but only 8% actually have one.

* 81% who attend an evangelical church (many non-denominational and most Baptist) claim they have a biblical worldview, but only 21% actually have one.

No wonder the church is in trouble today. Most of the so-called “born-again” believers do not know what they believe, or they do not realize that their beliefs are corrupted by the world.

This corruption of beliefs didn’t happen by accident. We are exposed to the philosophies of the world every day, through the culture we live in, through TV shows piped into our living rooms, through our news sources, through the internet and let us not speak about social media and its effect on our world.

Very little of what we are exposed to in the world reflect the Judeo-Christian principles which formed and guided this nation for many years. Since WW2, we have seen a marked moral decline in our culture. America is quickly going the way of Europe, which has virtually been godless for many years, where now most churches and cathedrals there are merely museums of an era gone by.

We do not need to tell or yell at each other how worldview has grown, being very intolerant of anything espousing biblical values. Our Christian foundations are being systematically destroyed. King David asked the question in his day:

Psalm 11:1-3 NASB

11 In the Lord I take refuge;
How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2 For, behold, the wicked bend the bow,
They have [a]set their arrow on the string
To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?”

The worldview of those in our modern culture has invaded the church. In our postmodern culture, truth itself has been lost and is now relative. What is true for you may not be what is true for me and vise-versa. Whereas formally a difference of opinion was tolerated, now anything that does not agree with the current worldview, what is considered politically correct, or the current cultural norms, are now labeled as bigoted and intolerant, and other negative adjectives.

In our current “woke” “cancel culture” we can no longer even say 2+2=4. Even the truth of mathematics is now subjective to whatever you want 2+2 to equal.

A young man who had recently graduated from high school, told me about a mathematics teacher who labeled him a “bigot” for thinking it was important to get the right answer. “As long as students worked together in a group and achieved consensus, the teacher insisted, the outcome was also acceptable.”

Here is a fact that we can and must live with.

There is absolute truth in the universe. And He can be known.

John 14:6 NASB

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

Jesus also said that:

John 8:31-32 NASB

The Truth Will Set You Free

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

But what the world calls the truth and Bible calls the truth are often two different things. When we see the world with spiritual eyes guided by the Holy Spirit, we see the world differently from others.

1 Corinthians 2:12-16 NASB

12 Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, [a]combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

14 But [b]a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is [c]discerned by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

But the very real, unspoken problem in the church is we are surrounded by the world and are daily being bombarded by the philosophies of the world. There are ultra slick talking politicians and others who can sell a drowning man water. And we, being ignorant of the Scriptures will accept human reasoning and the arguments of why the world is the way it is. This is nothing new. There has always been those who will raise doubt in our minds since the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:1 NASB

The Fall of Mankind

3 Now the serpent was more cunning than any animal of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”

Romans 1:25 NASB

25 For they exchanged the truth of God for [a]falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed [b]forever. Amen.

Most of the letters in the New Testament, those of Paul, Peter, James and John, spend a great deal of time warning the early church about the deception of false teachers and about heresies that creep into the fellowship.

Today’s verses are typical of these warnings.

We are warned not be taken captive from “philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition.” Philosophy means the “love of wisdom.” Seeking wisdom is not evil in and of itself, for the book of Proverbs has a fair amount to say about seeking wisdom.

But seeking human wisdom, wisdom that is apart for Jesus is evil.

Colossians 2:1-3 NASB

You Are Built Up In Christ

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have in your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not [a]personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth [b]that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Seeking after human wisdom and saying that through human reasoning all can be answered, is evil because that is the core of the humanist worldview. Humanist view is the humans are the end of all things intellectually. So we are warned about human reasoning and philosophy, because: human reasoning is “in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ.”

The term “elementary principles of the world” has been debated by scholars for years. But those things of the “natural world” like “earth, fire, wind, and water,” what the ancients thought everything was composed of.

Today, our elementary things of the world consist of the “big bang” and the millions and billions of years of random chance (evolution) as the explanation as to why of where we are here today, and this naturalism worldview has been taught in our school for almost 100 years. No wonder the kids today think the things of the Bible are mere fairy tales. None of these things are from Christ, Who is more than the Author of Truth, He is Truth. Paul also warned Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:20-21 NASB

20 Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge” — 21 which some have professed and thereby have gone astray [a]from the faith.

We need to hold tight to what we have been given. Paul says to “protect,” other translations has “guard.” This is a command. Hold these close, the truth of the Scriptures. Do we understand it all. No, but our lack of understanding does not change the truth. If anything, it should encourage us to study all the more. We need to avoid “worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments.” This is also a command in the form of a participle. We are to avoid these things.

Paul tells us that many Christians have fallen for these false knowledge (or outright lies) and by doing so “have gone astray from the faith.” The Bible is true in all that is says, whether of history, of science, or of the things and nature of God. If we have a true Biblical worldview, we would be vastly different from the world around us and we need to be ready for the world to “easily” label us as believing backwards, bigoted, homophobic, and a host of other negative terms.

But Jesus is returning soon.

Luke 18:1-8 NASB

Parables on Prayer

18 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged, 2 saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect any person. 3 Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my [a]opponent.’ 4 For a while he was unwilling; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect any person, 5 yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise [b]by continually coming she will wear me out.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge *said; 7 now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day [c]and night, and will He delay long for them? 8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find [d]faith on the earth?”

When He returns, will he find us believing Him, obeying Him, reacting to the world based on his truth, or will we be found with the rest the world? Will he find us doing His will or our will and the will of the world? Important questions!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us now Pray,

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus and that all things were made by Him and for Him. I realize that without Him there is no meaning in life. Keep me from being influenced by the enticing arguments, idle philosophies and crude notions of human traditions, which inevitably look for answers to life, anywhere except to the truth, which is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in the Word of God. Thank You that He is the only way, the only truth and the only life. May I grow in grace and in a knowledge of Jesus day by day Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! AMEN.

I Am Reflecting upon Making the Decision to Follow God. A Hope Deferred …. A Longing Fulfilled.

Proverbs 13:12 KJV

12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Hope is a very precious and wonderful thing. Today’s text is a helpful and important proverb, if you will consider it carefully. Without hope, men get desperate and will do most anything to escape their hopelessness. With hope, men can endure most anything, no matter how desperate their conditions become. Wise, prudent, diligent men will appreciate the great value of hope.

As my father would say; “Do not put off till tomorrow what you can do today!”

Here are several questions we ought to ask about hope.

Do we know where to look for it?

Do we know where to find it?

Do we know what it looks like or smells like or taste or feels like?

Do we how to keep it?

Do we know how painful it is when others lose it?

Do we know how to give it to others?

Will we receive it for ourselves and freely give it to others?

Wisdom is the power of making well considered, right decisions and exercising right judgment. – knowing what tough choices to make in any given situation. Wisdom includes these making meaningful decisions, learning crucial lessons from what went right and what went wrong and learning about faith and hope.

Hope is expectation of something desired. If the thing we desire is not obtained in the time expected, our hearts and souls are grieved and pained by the delay. But when the desired thing finally arrives, it is for us as a tree of life sprouting from the soils (Matthew 13:18-23): from our working each of the difficult soils and achieving success at each level our hearts and souls are encouraged and revived. These two aspects of hope are true in all matters, spiritual and natural.

Hope can be a pleasant thought, if we are confident of our desires being fulfilled on our timing. But it can also be a painful reminder, if you are disappointed with delays or difficulties in obtaining our desires. Hunger and thirst are example. It makes food and water delightful, when we eat and drink on time. But it can be quite torturous, if we are somehow kept from our eating and drinking on time.

Diabetics know this very well. Their bodies are disciplined to a certain schedule of eating and glucose testing.  Fast-acting, and Intermediate-acting and Long-acting insulins each act on different timing on the body and are each given at different times of the day based on an individual’s eating and drinking habits. Over time, the individual will train and discipline their bodies and their bodies will learn how to respond in kind and be ready to maintain a necessary balance. Moving outside those times represents a risk to the diabetic for hypoglycemia.

Hopelessness is one of the most destructive and painful feelings in the human experience. It must be avoided at all costs, because it will destroy a man’s outlook and performance. A wise and prudent man sets his hope on sure things, and he avoids any desires or expectations for the vain things of this world that risk leading to them despair or frustration. He well understands human frailty, avoids setting expectations too high, learns contentment. (Philippians 4:10-14)

Proverbs 13:12 The Message

12 Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick,
    but a sudden good break can turn life around.

Today’s proverb is placing before us a truly timeless truth – that when we hope for something and that hope is indefinitely put off – we can become heart-sick for that thing.  When we want something very badly, we begin to set our sights upon it and long for it.  If that thing does not come to us – the longing increases to the point where we cannot get it out of our minds. From that point there is an increasing burden being placed upon our hearts for the thing we long for in life.

But if what we long for is not so easily within our grasp – and we ourselves cannot hope to bring it within our grasp – our hearts will grow sick over it.  Soon, we find ourselves in a morose and depressed state over this thing – where it slowly dominates our lives.  If there is not a relieving of that situation – we will lose hope altogether – which is a sad state to be in as we walk through life. 

I am sure we have all met someone who has utterly lost hope – embittered against someone, something, even against God – they live a life defined not by what they have – but by the one “hope” thing they did not get.  They are a bitter, resentful, horrid lot – and very difficult for any someone to be around.

We begin our thoughts by taking a look at the general application of our verse.

Proverbs are general statements which teach us wisdom by making pointed observations about life. Because they are short, they come at us fast, but we need to slow down and take the time to reflect on them if we are going to absorb their wisdom. And this proverb makes the accurate observation that: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

The first part of the verse Proverbs 13:12 has to do with waiting. (deferred)

None of us like waiting! Whether we are waiting for a phone call, waiting for a package to arrive, or just waiting for the light to change, none of us like to wait.

Now those are all pretty simple examples of waiting, but sometimes waiting involves more serious circumstances. What if you are unemployed and waiting for a job to come through? What if you are ill and waiting for the doctors to find a solution? What if you are single and waiting to find that special person? I am sure you can think of many examples where waiting is not merely inconvenient but downright difficult and discouraging and potentially worse, depressing.

When you are waiting and hoping for something to come through, and it doesn’t come through, that is what Proverbs 13:12 means by “hope deferred.” The word translated “deferred” in this verse is a word that means something that is indeterminately drawn out or postponed. And when you are hoping for something important, waiting for it, longing for it, and it keeps on getting postponed or pushed further down the road, it makes your heart utterly sick.

There are a whole lot of unfulfilled wishes in this life, and so there are a lot of heartsick people in this world. Perhaps you are one of them. If so, my heart goes out to you, because there is no sickness quite so disheartening as heartsickness. But, we must see there is a second half to this proverb we must look at as well.

Proverbs often work in pairs, and the second part usually balances out the first part. So yes, hope deferred makes the heart sick, “but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” When you’ve been waiting for something for so long, and then it finally comes true, Proverbs 13:12 says it is like a tree of life.

It’s an interesting metaphor, because in the Bible the tree of life first shows up in the book of Genesis in the Garden of Eden. We read in Genesis 2: “Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” (Genesis 2:8-9)

Recall from Genesis 2, Adam was told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and when he and Eve did they were banished from the Garden so that they would not take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever. The wages of sin is death, and in sinning against God, Adam and Eve forfeited their right to eternal life in God’s presence.

So the tree of life shows up at the beginning of the Bible. And guess where it shows up again? In the book of Revelation at the very end of the Bible! In Revelation chapter 22, the very last chapter of the Bible we read: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-12)

Here we see that the tree of life is not only a symbol of eternal life but also a symbol of healing. And I believe that’s the image we are supposed to get from Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, when something is sick it also needs healing. So a longing fulfilled brings healing for the heartsick soul.

Almost immediately I think of Naomi in the Old Testament book of Ruth. Naomi was heartsick after losing her husband and two sons, but then God provided for her desperate needs through her relationship with her daughter-in-law, Ruth.

And when Ruth married Boaz and gave birth to a son, and they brought that son to Naomi, Naomi’s bitterness lifted and she experienced healing as she held and cradled that baby in her lap. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” and healing for the soul.

So we have examined and briefly studied the general application of this proverb. But what is the personal application? Where does this proverb fit or place in our decision to follow God or not to follow God? What relevance in the 21st century?

The personal application I believe is this: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all our deferred longings. Everything you have ever desired is found in him. He is the Savior. He is the Messiah. He is the answer to our questions. He is the one we have been looking for all your life. (John 14:1-6)

There is, with little doubt, so much heartsickness in our world today. Hope deferred makes the heart sick. But the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is good news of great joy that is for all people, and that includes us! When we come to Christ, our whole outlook on life changes. We read these words of David in Psalm 39: “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” (39:7) And when your and mine steadfast hope is in Christ you, I, will not be disappointed.

Referring ourselves back to the text from Jeremiah 29:11-14 God tells those who trust in Christ: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” He works it all out!

The book of Lamentations says: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:19-26)

The Apostle Paul writes in the New Testament book of Romans: “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

Every person born into this world is heartsick apart from Christ. Our hearts are literally sick with sin, and we need the healing that only Jesus can bring. He is the tree of life that brings forgiveness and cleanses our hearts from sin. He is the ONLY one who brings eternal salvation and fulfills our deepest longings.

It was St. Augustine of Hippo who prayed these famous words unto God: “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in you.” (Confessions, Book 1)

Was your heart restless yesterday?

Is your heart restless exactly right now? Here today?

Will it also be restless tomorrow?

Is your heart sick from disappointment after disappointment in life? Is your heart sick with sin and guilt and in need of cleansing? Then why wait any longer? Come to Christ. He is the Savior. He is the Healer. He is the Giver of Life.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Jesus died on the cross to pay the ultimate penalty for our sin and to give us life. The cross was a tree of death for Jesus, but a tree of eternal life for you and me.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us now Pray;

Heavenly Father, thank You that Christ is the Light of the world and in Him is life, and health, and wholeness. Thank You that in Him we find peace with God when we trust Him for our salvation. Thank You that as Your children, we have Your heavenly peace – the peace that passes understanding, which guards the heart and enlivens the soul. Thank You for Your amazing plan of redemption, for the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting, and thank You that the day is coming when we will see Jesus face to face and have full and free access to the living Tree of Life, in the paradise of God. Praise His holy name, AMEN.

So, I Am Pondering the Revelation of God. Guess What? Even from the Very Beginning of All Things, God Attracts

Yesterday, we took a brief glimpse at chapter 5 of The Book of Revelation, the last book of the Biblical Canon. To try to encourage individual thought, give an answer to those who have been asking the question: “Is Jesus Worthy of being my Lord and Savior?” An important question with eternal implications. “What If I were to confess His worthiness to be # 1 with my whole heart, soul?” It is an incredibly hopeful, impactful life transforming decision with big implications!

But to make such an impactful decision simply based on one chapter of the last book of the biblical canon, leaves us with a vast chasm of complete emptiness. We do not have begun to build that necessary foundational context upon which such decisions are, and must by greatest necessity, be permanently grounded. Our faith, our hopes and our love must be built up over time to stay steadfast. No one should have to say to another person, life is a rose bush with big thorns.

So, today, we will begin from the beginning – the Book of Genesis, to hopefully, prayerfully begin to edify ourselves, each other “Jesus Christ is our ONLY #1!” We will begin to sort out just what makes God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit so much more attractive to us than the vast temptations from the world around us. If I am deciding whom I am willingly giving my life to, I want to know: “WHY?”

Genesis 1:1-5 HCSB

The Creation

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.[a]

2 Now the earth was[b] formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery depths, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and He called the darkness “night.” Evening came and then morning: the first day.

The Word of God for the Children of God. In Excelsis Deo! Alleluia! Amen.

Each of us began life as a baby, and we were unaware of what was going on around us or what the world was like. But as we grew older, we started to take note of the world—the sky, the sea, the winds, the birds, the flowers, the animals, the trees, and all of life around us. As we became aware of the world, we inevitably asked some questions about it. Those questions are the ones answered for us in brief compass here in the opening words of Genesis 1:1.

What are the questions? First, we ask ourselves, What is the attraction of all this? Driven by an insatiable curiosity, humans have been attempting to answer that question ever since they first appeared on earth. They seek to explore the limitless depths of the universe, finite depths of the world in which they live.

Second, we ask, How did it begin? This question is the emphasis of science. Then we ask, When did it all start? How long has the world been going on like this? Finally, we come to the great philosophical question, Who is behind it? Who is back of these strange and remarkable processes? These questions are answered in this verse, and thus it serves as a tremendous introduction to the great themes of the Bible.

Take the first question, the one most obvious to us—the wonder of the universe itself. In the beginning, we read, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Someone has said that this phrase is the beginning of true science, because a fundamental part of the task of science is to observe and study and research and classify all that can be observed in the makeup of the world of nature. Here is an early attempt at classification. What do you see around you? You see two great classes of things—the heavens and the earth.

One of the marvels of the Bible is that it uses language that communicates with people of the most primitive and limited understanding, while at the same time it still has significance and inexhaustible meaning for the most erudite and learned scholars. It addresses itself with equal ease to all classes of humanity. That is the beauty of Bible language. Now, it seems we are losing our regard for what it says and what it teaches, how it inspires, how it empowers all our lives.

The popular teaching is that we can disregard, refuse, or reject God because we make a decision, we think, we say, we declare it to be so and just choose to do it.

Is it right to say, then, that our human freedom to choose would move us to prefer not to minimize value or shun away what we know to be so admirable?

God’s Word shows, however, that those who are not attracted to God had failed actually to behold fully His Excellence! They are actually ignorant of Him.

Because of the erroneous concept of God, or ignorance of His Glory, men perceive sin to be more pleasurable than God, the ways of Satan or of this world are more attractive, and personal ambition is more desirable to be cherished.

The design of the Bible is not to tell us how the heavens go, but rather how to go to heaven.

Our physical eyes and other human faculties tend to perceive only the wonder of the physical creation or what could be appreciated by our physical senses. But, even from the beginning, if we have the spiritual eyes to see, we can already admire so much the Splendour of God!

What is the beauty and the attraction of Biblical Language which makes it so -inspiring, so thoroughly encompassing drawing the most insatiably curious?

The opening sentence in God’s Word states:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

God can create.

He created the heavens and the earth, as we also read In Isaiah 45:18,

“For thus says the LORD,

Who created the heavens,

Who is God,

Who formed the earth and made it,

Who has established it,

Who did not create it in vain,

Who formed it to be inhabited:

‘I am the LORD, and there is no other.’”

Should our interest or attention would not be caught by Him who can make something out of nothing?

Should we not be in awe of God and admire Him exceedingly?

And He could also create a new heaven and a new earth.

We read in Isaiah 65:17-18

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;

And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind.

But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create;

For behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing,

And her people a joy.”

God created not only the heavens and the earth.

We read in Amos 4:13,

“For behold,

He who forms mountains,

And creates the wind,

Who declares to man what his thought is,

And makes the morning darkness,

Who treads the high places of the earth —

The LORD God of hosts is His name.“

Also, He declared in Isaiah 45:7,

“I form the light and create darkness,

I make peace and create calamity;

I, the LORD, do all these things.“

In fact, He created all things, as we read:

“You are worthy, O Lord,

To receive glory and honor and power;

For You created all things,

And by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

What overwhelming Power He has!

And if we are not attracted to Him, He can give us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26) or even create a clean heart in us – a heart that can appreciate Divine Beauty!

David prayed:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Let’s proceed to the next verse of Genesis chapter 1:

“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).

Should not this verse make God also attractive to us?

Why?

Could we not realize though our life seemed “without form, and void” – we are not really alone? Though we are in the “seemingly endless tunnel of darkness” – we could also say confidently, like David:

“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” (Psalm 23:4).

God is also watching over us. He does not leave us all alone.

If His Spirit “was hovering over…” us before, He is now dwelling in the believers today.

You could also admire God in Genesis 1:3. It says, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.”

Notice that what God had said became a reality! He “said…” and “there was…”

We read also in Genesis 1:6, “Then God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’”

Notice very well the following verse: “Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; AND IT WAS SO” (verse 7).

You will notice the same sequence in verses 9, 11, 14-15 and 24 — “God said… and it was so.” When God would say something, it could be made or created.

So awesome and attractive is God, even in His Words! He declared:

“As the rain and the snow

come down from heaven,

and do not return to it

without watering the earth

and making it bud and flourish,

so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-12).

And consider what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, said:

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

Should we not be attracted to Him, because of His Words?

Unless, we are spiritually deaf or spiritually unconscious, our respond to God’s Call would be just like what Peter did: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Besides, His work is beyond reproach.

Those who find fault with His work are those who measure His Goodness with human standard. They could not grasp His Divine Goodness.

But we read in the first part of verse:4, “And God saw the light, that it was good…”

After God created the light, God’s Word states, He “saw the light, that it was good…” His Word declared repeatedly, whatever He had created “God saw that it was good” (verses 10, 12, 18, 21 & 25).

And it was emphasized in verse 31: “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…”

Not only what He did is good, He Himself is Good. David said in Psalm 119:68:

“You are good, and do good;

Teach me Your statutes.”

In fact, according to God’s Word, “No one is good but One, that is, God” (Mark 10:18). And the goodness of what He made transcends the excellence of any human accomplishment!

Now, let’s focus on the last part of Genesis 1:4, “… God divided the light from the darkness.”

Other translations render it, “God SEPARATED the light from the darkness” as we read also in the New International Version.

God divides or separates. He does not mix the light with darkness. John 1:1-5

In Genesis 1:5, we read:

“God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”

After God separated the light from the darkness, He did not just stop there.

He distinguished them by naming them. He called the light “Day” and the darkness “Night.”

We also read in verse 7 and early part of verse 8:

“Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. God called the firmament Heaven…”

And verse 10 tells us that “God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas.”

But apart from His Glorious Name, God called the believers the wonderful name:

“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” (1 John 3:1).

He called them His children.

Contrary to the teaching of others, God did not call everyone His children. As we read in John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

God “gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

Should we not be so thankful to God and draw closer to Him in admiration for calling us “Children of God”?

If Creator God will make Himself known to us, we will surely admire Him and be hopelessly attracted to Him, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Afterwards, then no one would ever need to convince or force us even to worship and to follow Him.

For He is Supremely Attractive even in the beginning… He can make things out of nothing. Bring everything from nothing, Bring order from chaos. He does not only hover over, but even dwells in His people. His Word has Life and Power. He is echelons beyond Good and He excels in exactly everything. He separates the “light” from the “darkness.” He called sinners out, and believers His children.

And this is just the first chapter of the Book of Genesis, the very Beginning!

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Let us now Pray,

Creator and Creating God,
As we are made in Your image, we give You thanks for the seed of creativity You planted within each person. We thank you for creating order from chaos and then telling us the story that we should, through it, be attracted only to You!

Thank you for giving us Your Holy Scriptures. Help us surely, truly, to live in a deepening appreciative awe of the creativity that you have planted within. Give us the patience and courage to nourish, from beginning to end, that creativity, and the strength and persistence to express it. In Your name we pray, Amen