Category: Gospels
Toxic Worship?
Scripture reading for August 4: 1 Chronicles 13:8-11 “And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with song and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets. And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. . .and David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?”
King David had given orders to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem. The Levites had decided to use oxen and a new cart to carry the ark the last ten miles from Kiriath-jearim, just as the Philistines had done to get the ark out of their country because of tumors breaking out. The Levites had neglected to consult God’s Word about how the ark was to be treated. It was to be carried on the shoulders only by the priests set apart by designation and sacrifice.
King David was leading the procession and Uzzah, a priest, was guiding the ark when the oxen stumbled and the ark rocked. He reached out his hand and touched the ark to steady it and instantly died there before the Lord. Scripture records that the anger of the Lord at their disobedience precipitated this tragic event. King David became angry at what happened and also fearful of the Lord. He asked, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?”
The ark of God was the earthly symbol of His presence with His people. God was holy and gave instructions to His people and the Levites on how to handle the ark and how to honor Him as holy. As believers under the new covenant, we also can learn from this story. We are now the dwelling place of God individually and collectively as we gather as the church. We must not dishonor God by our disrespect or casual treatment of His presence. We must worship God in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:23-24) God has provided His Holy Spirit to assist us in our worship, prayer and walk of holiness.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for sanctifying me by Jesus’ sacrifice of body and blood. Empower me to worship in spirit and truth. Amen.
Prayer Adds Years!
Scripture reading for July 28: Isaiah 38:1-5 “In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Please, O Lord, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the Word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.”
God sets the boundaries of each life in terms of how long our stay on earth is. (Psalm 139:16) In our reading today, King Hezekiah became sick and was near death. Isaiah the prophet was sent to him to confirm his upcoming death and he was told to get his affairs in order. But for those who believe that nothing is too hard for God or impossible, there is the option of appealing to God. Hezekiah chose to appeal to God based on his years of service to God and faithfulness of his heart. He wept sincerely as he offered his appeal.
God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer and tears by sending Isaiah back to him with the answer to his appeal. God had heard the prayer, saw his tears and decided to add fifteen more years to his life. We know it wasn’t that Hezekiah was so righteous or faithful, but that God was merciful and had promised to hear the prayers of His people and answer them. Solomon had prayed at the temple’s dedication for God’s people’s prayers to be answered. (1 Kings 8:38-39) Jesus now promises His disciples that whatever they ask in faith in His Name He will answer. (John 16:23-24)
So the question for us today is what is the state of our faith in God and Jesus Christ? Do we respond to Jesus’ invitation to ask Him for whatever we have need of? Are we resting in Jesus’ sinless life of perfect obedience and His sacrifice of body and blood to give us and access to God? Why not ask today and trust God’s promises?
Prayer: Father, I ask you for _____________ today. Thank You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Out of Anguish–JOY!
Scripture reading for July 17: Isaiah 53:11-12 “Out of the anguish of His soul He shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will divide Him a portion with the many, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”
Hebrews 12: 2 “. . .looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah paints a picture with words of a suffering Savior Who willingly and faithfully obeyed God’s Will. He submitted Himself to God’s will, praying, “Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42) While suffering on the cross, He made intercession for the transgressors, praying “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) He came to earth to identify with those transgressing against His Father and He willingly bore their sins as an act of intercession that would open heaven’s door (His own body pierced) for all who would repent and believe.
Another revelation is that in the midst of His anguish, Jesus saw many being made righteous through faith. He understood that faith would bring revelation and salvation as a gift of grace, enabling sinners to call God their own Father. (Galatians 4:6-7) In the midst of anguish of suffering with other’s sins and its penalty of death, Jesus found joy set before Him of brothers and sisters walking in love. He endured the cross and it’s shame and rose again from the grave to sit at His Father’s right hand where He intercedes for us who believe! He is coming again to reward those who faithfully believe and follow by faith.
Prayer: Father God, what an amazing blessing to receive grace through Your sacrifice of Your own Son on my behalf! Because of His joy in showing mercy to lost sinners like me, many will enjoy eternal life and experience joy in Your presence. Amen!
God’s Will Be Done–on Earth as in Heaven
Scripture reading for July 16: Isaiah 53:9-10 “And they made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, and there was no deceit in His mouth. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him; He has put Him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong His days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.”
Isaiah continues his prophetic picture of the Messiah given about 700 years before Jesus Christ. Messiah would die and be buried in a grave. His death would be that of a wicked man but in His death, He would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. This was because He had done no violence nor was He speaking anything false or blasphemous. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus’ death on the cross as a criminal. Pilate, His Roman judge, found no fault in Him but the crowd demanded He be crucified. After His death, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea asked for His body and wrapped it in linen and burial spices, burying Him in a new tomb with a secure entrance. (Matthew 27:57-60)
According to Isaiah, this was all God’s will and plan. His Son, Jesus Christ, would become like a sacrificial lamb, crushed and slaughtered for the sins of the world. Jesus willingly agreed and obeyed His Father, taking man’s sins in His own body, and offering Himself willingly as an offering acceptable to God. He could do this because He Himself was without sin, violence, or deceit.
As a result of His sacrifice, death and burial, the grave would not hold Him. He would see His offspring, souls who would believe on Him in faith and become children of God. He would rise from the dead as the firstborn of many brothers and sisters who also would enjoy eternal life–the ultimate prolonging of days! Because of Messiah’s obedience and offering, God’s will to save mankind from sin’s penalty of death would prosper to the saving of the whole world through the preaching of this Good News.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for completing and prospering Your will here on earth as in heaven. I pray today as Jesus taught us, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.” Amen!
The Eternal “I AM”
Scripture reading for July 2: John 8:56-58 “”Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.””
When we become aware of the frailty of our human body and a disease or sickness brings us to cry out for help, often our first response is to turn to doctors. We have been conditioned by our culture to hold medicine and those trained in that field in high esteem. We trust that science and medicine have answers to our problems. But there is a much greater source of answers, cures and help in the God Who is known as the “I AM.”
The God Who reveals Himself as “I AM” in Scripture is the Creator of the universe and all life. He existed before time and is eternal. Our God is present in the here and now, but also was before time or matter. He is also fully conscious of all events and people, past, present and what will come. In the Old Testament, He revealed Himself specifically in several “I AM” statements, including “I AM the Lord, your Healer,” (Exodus 15:26) which we considered yesterday. We will consider these in coming devotions.
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, also claimed the same Name for Himself when responding to the questions of the Pharisees and scribes. As “I Am” Jesus is present in the here and now. His presence fills the universe and His knowledge is full and complete since He was and is always present and aware and involved with His creation. That is why He invites all His children to call upon Him for healing, direction, and understanding. He is able and willing to share His unmatched understanding with us. He is just what we need because in coming to earth as a human, He experienced everything we have gone through, yet without sin or breaking fellowship with His Father God.
Prayer: Father God, help me to more fully comprehend Your Name, “I AM” so that I might know You. I humbly recognize my own finite understanding and my need for Your infinite revelation knowledge. Lead me to faith for healing and eternal life. Amen.
Day 2–Blessedness of Jesus’ Followers
Scripture reading for June 16: Matthew 5:2-10 “And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The sermon on the mount is the first major recorded teaching of Jesus and it begins with a short discourse on blessedness from the King of the kingdom of heaven. As first responders, it is good to review what heart attitudes that Jesus recommends as blessed. First He commends those who are poor in spirit and those who mourn. Responders regularly encounter people who are down in their spirit and lack hope. They also help people who are in mourning over life circumstances or loss. Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is opened to these people. Comfort from heaven flows to those mourning. As responders, we are God’s hand extended to them.
Jesus stated that the meek or humble person would inherit the earth. Our attitude of humility opens us up to the world of God’s amazing grace and we can humbly receive God’s authority and identity, enabling us to rule our own souls first and then greater things. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, God promises our satisfaction in our lowly state as He pours out forgiveness of sins and gives us His righteousness.
As responders, mercy should be our heart attitude towards those we encounter. We should act towards each person with a pure heart and a calm and peaceable demeanor. The pure in heart see God and reflect God to others. Peacemakers represent God’s heart for all mankind. Even if we are persecuted or suffer for doing good, we belong to the King and His kingdom.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for helping me to understand true blessedness by revealing these principles of Your kingdom. Make me a blessing to the mourning and poor in spirit. Use me to show mercy and make peace among those in conflict. In Christ’s blessing may I reside. Amen.
Week 24–Day 1–Don’t fear men
Scripture reading for June 8: Luke 12:4-5“”I tell you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear; fear Him Who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!”” Proverbs 16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
Fear is a hidden force that lurks in the minds and hearts of human beings. Our enemy, the devil, thrives in an atmosphere of fear because he works through lies and deception. His lies bring about fears of punishment or rejection that allows for manipulation and control. A fear of failure holds man back from obedience to God and locks them in lifestyles of addiction and slavery to the flesh. Behind these fears, the devil works through men and women to plant fear and division instead of the faith and obedience that comes from hearing God’s Word. Proverbs 29:25 states that “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
Jesus warned His disciples concerning the fear of men and their manipulations. They were not to fear those who threatened them with death because those who can kill the body do not determine a person’s eternal fate. God Alone holds that authority and He is the One we must fear (respect) and obey. Through Jesus Christ’s steadfast love and faithfulness our iniquity has been paid for and fear of death and punishment is removed. Through a relationship with Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we turn away from sin and evil.
First responders who are also faith responders understand this admonition of Jesus. We act in faith, trusting God to keep us safe as we deal with those who are hurting or those who through fear seek to manipulate or control others. We can be free from the fear of man and the fear of death and punishment through resting in Christ Jesus. We are then free to more effectively do our jobs.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for delivering us from the fear of man and his manipulation and threats. Help me to live each day trusting in You Alone for safety and wisdom to effectively deal with each incident in the courage of faith. Amen.
Day 4–Jesus with His disciples
Scripture reading for June 4: Mark 16:17-20 “And these signs shall accompany those who believe; in My Name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.”
The Holy Spirit living in us as believers in Jesus Christ is not some mystical feeling. We don’t walk around like zombies in a trance or like someone possessed by a spirit. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are empowered as children of God to fulfill our Father’s will of bringing message of the kingdom of God to lost people. We are given power to speak to others on behalf of Christ, like ambassadors speak for their native country when visiting a foreign country. (2 Corinthians 5:20) We do this in the context of our normal family relationships and in the setting of our jobs or in our recreation or travels. We are indwelt by God’s Spirit but it is not to be weird or for show or to call attention to ourselves.
As we go forth each day in our assigned tasks using our gifts and talents to serve others and God, God is with us doing His work. As we see needs, we are led by the Holy Spirit to speak to those needs in prayer and to extend our hands to serve. Jesus works with us through the Father’s Gift, the Holy Spirit, to bring tangible witness of God’s love, power, and desire to see all men served, saved, and marked for His forever family. Sometimes we come against demonic forces and are given power over them to bring deliverance. Sometimes we confront sickness and disease, as agents of God to bring healing. At other times we subdue violent people, bringing protection and correction. All that we do is for God’s glory and kingdom.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for clear instruction concerning our mission as Your children to a lost world of fallen people. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and use us to bring the Good News to all in need. Amen.
Day 3–A Helper Forever
Scripture reading for June 3: John 14:15-18 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
In the last major teaching to His disciples, Jesus prepares them for His leaving them through the cross in death and then ascension to heaven following His resurrection. If you remember, God had promised that His Son Jesus would be “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Now Jesus explained that instead of His physical presence, God the Father would answer Jesus’ prayer to send them another “Helper,” the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit would be with them ‘forever!’ The world could not receive this ‘Helper,’ because it cannot see Him or know Him. Those in the world are blind to this “Helper” Who was the Gift of the Father in heaven.
Jesus went on to say that His disciples would know Him (the Holy Spirit of Truth) and allow Him to dwell in them and be with them continually for an unlimited time–forever. His disciples would not be left as an orphan without support and family presence. In the form of the Helper, Jesus Himself would come to them and be with them in a way that was not limited to physical location or time. The Holy Spirit within them would cry “Abba” “Father”, marking them as distinctly belonging to God’s forever family. (Romans 8:15-16)
O how we as first responders and all believers need God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit with us and living in us! God’s amazing love is given to us through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5) It is in the power of the Spirit we can obey God’s commandments and walk in truth. When we set our mind on the Spirit, we enjoy life and peace (rest). (Romans 8:5-6)
Prayer: Father God, thank You for not leaving us as orphans, but giving us Your Gift of the Holy Spirit of Truth. Fill me with Your love and truth. Empower me as I set my mind on Your indwelling presence, to walk in obedience to Your commandments. I am comforted forever by Your presence. Amen.
Day 2–“Immanuel”–God with us.
Scripture reading for June 2: Matthew 1:20-23 “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His Name Immanuel.”
God’s promise of His presence with His people and giving them rest was faithfully reinforced over time by prophets like Isaiah who spoke plainly about a virgin conceiving and bearing a son. (Isaiah 7:14) This Son would be given the Name “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” Not only would God be present with His people, but He would save them from their sins. The angel visiting Joseph, the betrothed husband of the virgin Mary, clearly instructed Joseph to act in faith to take Mary as his wife. The Child she was carrying was conceived through the Holy Spirit. The angel gave Joseph the Name “Jesus” for this unique Child, Who would save His people from their sins. Joseph, at first fearful, believed God’s messenger and took Mary as his wife and raised Jesus as a son.
Now, instead of a visible cloud of glory or pillar of fire, God the Father sends His Holy Spirit to dwell in believers in His Son, Jesus. Believing in Jesus saves us from the penalty and power of our sins. Jesus give us rest from guilt and shame and working for acceptance. His Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. His Spirit marks us as belonging to God and distinct among all people. The Holy Spirit brings gifts and graces empowering His people to share God’s love and desire to see all saved from their sins and adopted in His family. Since God has placed us as first responders in a role of serving hurting people, we should eagerly seek to receive the Father’s Gift of the Holy Spirit. We should ask for the Gift as we believe in Jesus.
Father God, thank You for being true to Your promise to Moses, Isaiah, and through Your Son Jesus Who is “Immanuel,” God with us! I believe in Jesus Christ as God’s Son. Fill me again with Your Holy Spirit that I might reflect Jesus to those I serve. Amen.