The Lord seems to be really feeding my soul with the verses about betrayal. I have in the last few months have experienced hurt that I cannot even begin to describe and maybe that is why passages dealing with the subject are crossing my path. I read the other day in Psalms 41:9 "mine own familiar friend" and how that person betrayed him.
Today in Psalm 55:12-14 "For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: but it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."
We cannot control where hurt comes from. Sometimes the people you would least expect to hurt you do. Sometimes people turn on you.
All you can do is keep your eyes on Christ. He will never let you down. He will never hurt you. He will never disappoint.
He is the one that has the balm of Gilead to heal our wounded and broken hearts. We must stay close to him. We must depend upon him. We must rest wholly upon him for everything. He must become our everything.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Devos 3-25-10
Sorry that it is a day late.
Sometimes there are verses or passages of Scripture that feed me for more than one day. I find that the next day I read the same passage again and my thoughts are just focused on them.
I went back to Psalm 41. I gave verse 9 in the last post. It talks about how his familiar friend had turned on him. You can get the sense of the pain that has been caused by this so called friend.
I noticed in verse 10 that the Psalmist asks for the Lord to raise him up that he might 'requite' him. That confused me and still does to some degree. If vengeance is the Lord's, how could a man after God's own heart pray that way. I began to think of how many of the psalmists prayers were for the downfall of his enemies. I wondered how could these things be.
Then I realized that David's enemies were God's enemies. Not because God decided that whoever was an enemy of David was an enemy of His. But rather, David was so in tune with God-his 'be level' was so great that God's enemies were David's enemies.
Oh, that I would walk close to God. That I would be a man after God's own heart. That I might hear His very heartbeat.
Sometimes there are verses or passages of Scripture that feed me for more than one day. I find that the next day I read the same passage again and my thoughts are just focused on them.
I went back to Psalm 41. I gave verse 9 in the last post. It talks about how his familiar friend had turned on him. You can get the sense of the pain that has been caused by this so called friend.
I noticed in verse 10 that the Psalmist asks for the Lord to raise him up that he might 'requite' him. That confused me and still does to some degree. If vengeance is the Lord's, how could a man after God's own heart pray that way. I began to think of how many of the psalmists prayers were for the downfall of his enemies. I wondered how could these things be.
Then I realized that David's enemies were God's enemies. Not because God decided that whoever was an enemy of David was an enemy of His. But rather, David was so in tune with God-his 'be level' was so great that God's enemies were David's enemies.
Oh, that I would walk close to God. That I would be a man after God's own heart. That I might hear His very heartbeat.
Money
He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much.
What we so is what we will reap if we faithfully do good or evil that is what we will be characterized by.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
If you do not searve God with the money that you have now why would He let you control much more?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?
Do you think that someone will give you what you deserve if you've cheated them?
13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
You can only fully serve one God and the God/god will become notceable.
14 And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him.
We need to pray that we do not scoff wisdom.
15 And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
God said that they made an exuce for their sin, but He knows our hearts, and everything that we could do or lift up on this earth is worse that a dirty rag in God's sight.
Luke 16:10-15
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Devos 3-24-10
In Psalms 41:9 " Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." I sat and I looked at this verse over and over. Here is a man who has experienced rejection and betrayal from a very close friend. I am not sure if there is a more earth shattering experience in life than to experience hurt from an individual that you should have never experienced it from.
In Psalms 42, the whole chapter caught my attention as it starts off with the Psalmist expressing his hunger for God. He then talks about how he is downcast and his soul is disquieted within him. I admire how that in verses 5 and 11, then again in chapter 43:5, he says that he will hope in God and that he will yet praise him.
Even when we are downtrodden, downcast, or we experience pain from a person who should never have hurt us, we must continue to stay close to the Lord. We must praise Him in the storms of life. He is always worthy.
In Psalms 42, the whole chapter caught my attention as it starts off with the Psalmist expressing his hunger for God. He then talks about how he is downcast and his soul is disquieted within him. I admire how that in verses 5 and 11, then again in chapter 43:5, he says that he will hope in God and that he will yet praise him.
Even when we are downtrodden, downcast, or we experience pain from a person who should never have hurt us, we must continue to stay close to the Lord. We must praise Him in the storms of life. He is always worthy.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Devos 3-23-10
Psalm 40: 6-8 " Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire: mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of Me. I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
I have read these verses many times before. I have always read them just with the correct interpretation. It is a Messianic Psalm in that you can see clearly the willingness of Christ to come to earth to fulfill His Father's will. He also mentions that 'in the volume of the book it is written of me". Hebrews also quotes this Psalm in reference to Christ. However, I saw an application to my life in these verses today.
In verse 6, the Psalmist plainly states that God is not interested in sacrifice or in offering. He even mentions two types of offerings-burnt offering and sin offering. Rather, God is interested in me, or you coming to Him with a delight in our hearts to do His will and with His words written in our hearts.
I wonder often times just how obedient I really am to God. If I truly delight to do His will, then I will be COMPLETELY obedient to Him.
There is nothing that I can bring to God that will please Him. Only when I bring myself-empty of myself-is He truly pleased.
I have read these verses many times before. I have always read them just with the correct interpretation. It is a Messianic Psalm in that you can see clearly the willingness of Christ to come to earth to fulfill His Father's will. He also mentions that 'in the volume of the book it is written of me". Hebrews also quotes this Psalm in reference to Christ. However, I saw an application to my life in these verses today.
In verse 6, the Psalmist plainly states that God is not interested in sacrifice or in offering. He even mentions two types of offerings-burnt offering and sin offering. Rather, God is interested in me, or you coming to Him with a delight in our hearts to do His will and with His words written in our hearts.
I wonder often times just how obedient I really am to God. If I truly delight to do His will, then I will be COMPLETELY obedient to Him.
There is nothing that I can bring to God that will please Him. Only when I bring myself-empty of myself-is He truly pleased.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Devos 3-22-10
Psalm 39:1-3 "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,"
I don't know the background to this verse. However, I have been in this situation so many times. For whatever reason, I had the urge to speak. Maybe I was being attacked verbally or for some other reason. One of the hardest things a person will ever have to do is to control his tongue. Sometimes the easy thing to do is to defend ourselves or try to ease the pain of silence.
The Scriptures command us to be Spirit filled or controlled. A Spirit filled man will be completely controlled by the Spirit.
Oh, Lord, help me to say the things I should say, when I should say them. Help me to know when I don't need to say anything.
I don't know the background to this verse. However, I have been in this situation so many times. For whatever reason, I had the urge to speak. Maybe I was being attacked verbally or for some other reason. One of the hardest things a person will ever have to do is to control his tongue. Sometimes the easy thing to do is to defend ourselves or try to ease the pain of silence.
The Scriptures command us to be Spirit filled or controlled. A Spirit filled man will be completely controlled by the Spirit.
Oh, Lord, help me to say the things I should say, when I should say them. Help me to know when I don't need to say anything.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Devos 3-21-10
There are times in life that we have people that we really struggle with. They may be an irritating person or we may interaction with them that for some reason we find unpleasant. Sometimes these people are our enemies.
When we have a situation with these individuals, it is natural for our flesh to rare its ugly head. If we are not careful to walk in the Spirit, we may end up saying and doing things to retaliate and we may lose our testimony in the process.
In Psalm 35, although I have read it numerous times, I did not notice until today what an excellent testimony we find in David's response to his enemies.
Starting in verse 11, "False witnesses did rise up: they laid to my charge things that I knew not. They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine adversity they rejoiced...."
We find that David did good to them. He prayed for them. He wept over them. He fasted over them. In spite of the fact that had lied about him. In spite of the fact that they had responded to his good with evil. In spite of the fact that they rejoiced over his adversity.
He responded correctly to his enemies. How we need to do that. Oh God, please help me to love and pray for my enemies.
When we have a situation with these individuals, it is natural for our flesh to rare its ugly head. If we are not careful to walk in the Spirit, we may end up saying and doing things to retaliate and we may lose our testimony in the process.
In Psalm 35, although I have read it numerous times, I did not notice until today what an excellent testimony we find in David's response to his enemies.
Starting in verse 11, "False witnesses did rise up: they laid to my charge things that I knew not. They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother: I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine adversity they rejoiced...."
We find that David did good to them. He prayed for them. He wept over them. He fasted over them. In spite of the fact that had lied about him. In spite of the fact that they had responded to his good with evil. In spite of the fact that they rejoiced over his adversity.
He responded correctly to his enemies. How we need to do that. Oh God, please help me to love and pray for my enemies.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
This Same Jesus
This Same Jesus
And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. 32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. 35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36 And sitting down they watched him there; 37 And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
Matt 27:31-44 (KJV)
This is amazing to me. What could the spotless Lamb of God see in us that He could possibly desire? Nothing. But He did it out of love. He, Lord of the Universe, Author of it all, decided to come, and swept across the vast expanse of time and eternity, so that He could bear our sins. So that He could carry them
upon Himself.
This same Jesus lives and reigns today and will help us to be patient and to love other peoplen when we seriously don't feel like doing so.
This same Jesus as the angels announced to the disciples after they watched Him ascend into heaven, will return for those that have accepted him
and fled from this world and its pleasures and vices.
Will we make our nail-driven, spear-riven Redeemer proud of us? Will He be able to say well done?
It is impossible for us to wrap our minds around eternity. But it is good for us to attempt to do so. Because this present life can not even compare.
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:11 (KJV)
Devos 3-20-10
The title for Psalm 31 is 'My Rock and My Fortress'. The chapter talks about how that through all of the Psalmists trials, the Lord is the only thing he can depend on and a shelter from the storm.
In verse 7, he says 'thou hast known my soul in adversities;'. You can look at that thought two ways. First, that it is in the time of adversities that the Lord sees the true us. I know that may not be good English-but hopefully you understand what I am meaning. It is in the time of trial, that we really see what we are made of, and so does God. The second way you can look at this verse is that he is saying that the Lord has not abandoned him in adversities.
That is so special. I have been in some great trials(or they were great to me). But it was nice to know that the Lord said 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you'
One particular trial comes to mind several years ago. The series of events lasted almost 2 years. At first some people stood with me and said they supported me. When I actually stepped out in faith to do God's will, no one stood with me. For a year I pastored a mission church alone. I had to lead singing, pray, and preach the entire services most of the time. I had to knock on doors alone. So many times as I stood behind my pulpit, I felt so all alone. Then one day I read the verse where Paul said "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me," 2Tim. 4:16,17 It was then I felt the arm of the Lord around me and I realized that everytime I preached I was not alone.
God is with us in adversities. God Bless and I will see you guys at 2:30
In verse 7, he says 'thou hast known my soul in adversities;'. You can look at that thought two ways. First, that it is in the time of adversities that the Lord sees the true us. I know that may not be good English-but hopefully you understand what I am meaning. It is in the time of trial, that we really see what we are made of, and so does God. The second way you can look at this verse is that he is saying that the Lord has not abandoned him in adversities.
That is so special. I have been in some great trials(or they were great to me). But it was nice to know that the Lord said 'I will never leave you, nor forsake you'
One particular trial comes to mind several years ago. The series of events lasted almost 2 years. At first some people stood with me and said they supported me. When I actually stepped out in faith to do God's will, no one stood with me. For a year I pastored a mission church alone. I had to lead singing, pray, and preach the entire services most of the time. I had to knock on doors alone. So many times as I stood behind my pulpit, I felt so all alone. Then one day I read the verse where Paul said "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me," 2Tim. 4:16,17 It was then I felt the arm of the Lord around me and I realized that everytime I preached I was not alone.
God is with us in adversities. God Bless and I will see you guys at 2:30
Friday, March 19, 2010
Devos 3-19-2010
Today, in Psalm 29, verse 2 struck a chord with me. It says, "Give unto the Lord the glory DUE unto His name; worship the LORD in the BEAUTY of holiness".
The Bible commands us to do all things to the glory of God. Our lives either bring glory to God or bring shame to Him. This verse says to give Him glory that is DUE. When something is DUE, it means that it is owed. We OWE it to God to bring glory to Him. The song in an old movie comes to mind, "I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go." Because we owe God glory, we should busy ourselves working for Him.
It also mentioned in the beauty of holiness. It MUST be done with holiness or purity. We must be pure. We must have integrity.
Until next time!!!
The Bible commands us to do all things to the glory of God. Our lives either bring glory to God or bring shame to Him. This verse says to give Him glory that is DUE. When something is DUE, it means that it is owed. We OWE it to God to bring glory to Him. The song in an old movie comes to mind, "I owe, I owe, so it's off to work I go." Because we owe God glory, we should busy ourselves working for Him.
It also mentioned in the beauty of holiness. It MUST be done with holiness or purity. We must be pure. We must have integrity.
Until next time!!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Devos 3-18-10
Today I read in Psalms 27. I have read this chapter many times before, especially focusing on verse 4. Today was no different. The verse fascinates me.
David is saying that there is only one thing that he wants from God. To dwell in God's Temple. If you remember, in the Old Testament times, the temple and the tabernacle were where the ark of the Covenant was placed. Above the Ark, dwelt the very literal presence of God.
In verse 4, David is essentially saying "All I want from you, God, is to dwell in your Presence." That is something to think about. It sort of flies in the face of many of prayer requests.
Let us be content to have His Presence. May It abide upon us in power.
Let us seek this one thing. God Bless!!!
David is saying that there is only one thing that he wants from God. To dwell in God's Temple. If you remember, in the Old Testament times, the temple and the tabernacle were where the ark of the Covenant was placed. Above the Ark, dwelt the very literal presence of God.
In verse 4, David is essentially saying "All I want from you, God, is to dwell in your Presence." That is something to think about. It sort of flies in the face of many of prayer requests.
Let us be content to have His Presence. May It abide upon us in power.
Let us seek this one thing. God Bless!!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Devos 3-17-10
Today I read in Psalm 25. I read the whole chapter; however, I really focused on the first 5 verses and let them sink into my heart.
In verse 1, he talks about how that he lifted his soul up to God-his entire well being was in God's hands. The psalmist goes on to ask God to "shew me, teach me, and lead me".
I like the order of that-Shew me the way, teach me about the path, and lead me on the path. We are so dependent upon God. We should rid ourselves of any self-sufficiency and rest in His Sovereign hands.
Until next time, God Bless!!!!
In verse 1, he talks about how that he lifted his soul up to God-his entire well being was in God's hands. The psalmist goes on to ask God to "shew me, teach me, and lead me".
I like the order of that-Shew me the way, teach me about the path, and lead me on the path. We are so dependent upon God. We should rid ourselves of any self-sufficiency and rest in His Sovereign hands.
Until next time, God Bless!!!!
Apology
Hello, Gentlemen, I apologize for the long time in us fellas getting together. I have had a tremendously crazy 5 or 6 weeks. I do want to meet this Saturday at about 2:30 at the church. I will pick up whoever needs a ride-please let me know. It would be good if I could get your feedback as soon as possible-it will help me plan. I appreciate your patience with me.
I will do my best to use this blog as I had originally intended it. I am sorry that I have not been posting my daily devotions on here. I will be doing that from now on. Sometimes it is hard for me to take the time to do so when I have so many other things going on. But I HAVE got to do this.
I will do my best to use this blog as I had originally intended it. I am sorry that I have not been posting my daily devotions on here. I will be doing that from now on. Sometimes it is hard for me to take the time to do so when I have so many other things going on. But I HAVE got to do this.
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