Friday Night Devotionals 4 U

[BlessedMan]

God's Presence Is All We Really Need, Part Three

Last week, we touched on the subject of God's Presence being all we really need. We will be taking another look at this very important subject. For in every situation, all we really need is God's presence. God's presence is better than light. God's presence is safer than a known way. God's presence is life itself. In His presence is "fullness of joy forever." (Psalms 16:11,2 Thes 2:19)

Jesus carries our grief Isaiah 53:4

There are only two steps to God. These two steps collectively signify one basic thing we must all do in order to find God and have Him as Lord and Saviour.

We come to Jesus just as we are. This is the sum of these two steps. This is what the Bible would call "a Very present help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1). Let us look briefly at these two steps for illustration purposes.

1/ Blessed are the poor in spirit! For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (Mat 5:3)

The first beatitude of Jesus attacks the very heart of mankind's biggest problem.

P.R.I.D.E.

Now for the question. How do we become, or what exactly is it that makes us "poor in spirit?" This is not a test, or some kind of trick question. It's not looking for a right or wrong. Its very important that Christians understand what Jesus is saying to us today. You can ask your family or friends this question. Perhaps something new and valuable to your soul will be learned?

The second step reads as follows:

2/ Blessed are they that mourn! For they shall be comforted. (Mat 5:4)

Those who truly mourn over the huge cost of sin, would fall into this class. What kind of presence would we need in order to be in this state? Some tough questions to be sure. But there is more. Much more.

Everyone must know by now about the thousands of children that have been found. We can also see the ones posturing in various ways to advantage themselves in the situation, or to absolve themselves of any personal responsibility. Mankind's biggest problem here is pride. Today I went with an Indigenous friend to see the beginnings of what I think is going to be an event to remember the lives of all the missing and murdered children. As I stood there and looked at all the little hand prints on the Tepee, and all of the children's shoes on the stage, I totally lost "control" and broke down weeping. And I couldn't stop for sometime. I kept thinking of all those poor children and of all the family members left to grieve over the loss of their loved ones. My friend was very kind and we talked things out at length. And we prayed. And we both shared many things with one another from the Bible. The one thought that hit me very hard when I looked at all the little hand prints and the children's shoes, was simply that "this doesn't just implicate the ones who ran those schools. This is all of us. It's all of us! All Canadians had some form of involvement. We all had some role in the torture and murder of all these children.

Pride is one of the biggest monsters of this story. There are many displays of "sympathy" and "standing together" yet there are some of these very ones selling T Shirts and baseball caps for profit on the backs of these dead kids. Others are displaying sentiments that will advantage them politically. Its becoming a very sickening display of false humility and one upmanship of who can display the best "grief" showmanship for the world to see. I am aware that people do need to react and have a voice, yet at what cost do some of these things come? My Native friend has stated that all they really want is to be left alone to grieve their own way after they find out the names and locations of their loved ones. They don't want our pity. They don't want to be put on display, especially for profit. One charitable organization I have seen is taking money from the sale of Baseball caps with Native graphics on it about the children. Not a penny of it will go to Native Children! When they were approached by an indigenous person about this, they summarily dismissed their actions by saying they are donating that money to "other children." Not a single Native child will get any of that money raised on the backs, on the children's backs, who were tortured and/or murdered in this terror. There are many other examples that could be pointed out. People need to stop with the "white man" solutions to the Native situation. Period. And this especially includes certain Governments and politicians. The Native People can tell us what they need. But are we willing to listen AND act with all this lofty "Christian" love we keep saying everyone needs?

Pictured above are some Native displays about these children. The Indigenous friend that I was with while visiting the park that had this display in it had a very interesting experience later that day. Some young children came to visit her at her house, and they asked her about her thoughts on these terrible things that have been discovered. And at the end of their talk on this, one of the children, stating his summary of it all stated "it means we have to accept all people." Coming from a nine year old boy, this was very profound.

Every time I look at those children's shoes, or those little hand prints, I start crying for all the pain and horrors these beautiful souls have had to endure by the evil hands of those who had total control and domination over every single aspect of their lives. I am starting to think along the lines where "the cross" which is a suite of doctrines, (incarnation, birth, life, death, resurrection) is the only thing that can lead people to the "perfectly broken" idea that we all sing about in that wonderful hymn. "The cross" can lead the most callous person to feeling genuinely "poor in spirit." And to mourning or sorrow regarding the "cost of sin." And coming to the cross ties in directly to His "Presence going directly before you." (Exodus 33:14,Psalms 23:5,Jude 1:24)I know for myself that when I take that very first, faltering step, re the first beatitude, I am discovering that Jesus has been personally present that whole time since before I took this first step. I felt very "poor in spirit" as I gazed upon this heartfelt display in the park today. It was truly a real eye-opener for me. I believe I was staring at the cost of sin. Pride is the most expensive commodity on earth.

Read Full Text Here

 

[BlessedMan]

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“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mat 5:16).

Light In Clouds

Our faithfulness in dark moments of history may be the only light that some will ever see.

Peter exhorted us to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Pet 3:15).

Do you know the Lord? If so, then you can make Him known to others! Daniel said: "the people who do know their God shall be strong and do exploits” (Dan 11:32). “The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.”

Those men and women who take action in the face of passivity and perversion fill God’s heart with pleasure, and transform their world with power – the power of love. Will you be one of these brave souls with "good courage?" (Deut 31:6)

Paul the apostle was described by James, the Lord’s brother, as a man who “hazarded his life for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 15:26). What an epitaph! Could the same be said of you? Wouldn’t you want it to be? The word hazarded literally means “to hand over.”

Have you handed your life over to the Lord Jesus Christ?

Paul summed up his own life story in a single sentence when he stood before a king who held in his hand the power of life and death. “O Agrippa,” he affirmed, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision!” (Acts 26:19).

Vision, passion, discipline and risk. It is what marks every true man and woman of God. Light in the Darkness — it is the pressing need of this desperate hour. Vision, passion, discipline and risk is what it takes to let it shine.

We have seen clouds interpose between us and the sun, but we did not mourn and clothe ourselves in sackcloth for fear that we should never see the sun again. We manifested no anxiety about it, but waited as cheerfully as possible until the cloud passed away and revealed the sun. Just so in our trials and temptations. Clouds may seem to shut from us the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness; but we know that the face of our Redeemer is not forever hidden. He is looking upon us with love and tender compassion. Let us not cast away our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward, but when clouds hang over the soul, let us keep our eyes fixed where we can see the Sun of Righteousness, and rejoice that we have a living Saviour. Think how beautiful was the light which we enjoyed, keep the mind stayed on Jesus, and the light will again shine upon us, and dismal thoughts will flee. We shall have joy in Christ, and shall go singing on our way to Heaven!

Jesus took objects in the view of his listeners as emblems by which to teach his truth. The people had come together to hear him while it was yet early morning. The glorious sun, climbing higher and higher in the blue sky, was chasing away the shadows that lurked in the valleys and among the narrow defiles of the mountains. The glory of the eastern heavens had not yet faded out. The sunlight flooded the land with its splendour, the placid surface of the lake reflected the golden light, and mirrored the rosy clouds of morning. Every bud and flower and leafy spray glistened with dew-drops. Nature smiled under the benediction of a new day, and the birds sang sweetly among the spreading trees. The Saviour looked upon the company before him, and then upon the rising sun, and said to his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world." The figure was peculiarly striking. As the sun lit up the landscape with his genial rays and scattered the shades of night, so the disciples were to diffuse the light of truth, and scatter the moral darkness that brooded over the world. In the brilliant light of morning the towns and villages situated upon the surrounding hills stood forth clearly and made an attractive feature of the scene. Jesus, pointing to them said, "A city that is set on a hill can not be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it gives light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before everyone that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." In these words Jesus taught his disciples that if they wished to direct others in the path of righteousness, their own example should be correct, and their acts reflect the light of truth.

And this is yet another reason there is "Light In Every Cloud."

 

[BlessedMan]

The Beautiful Life

"However, when they persisted with their question, He raised Himself up and said, Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7 AMP)

 

Here, Jesus made a significant statement about judging others. Because Jesus upheld the legal penalty for adultery, stoning, etc., Jesus could not be accused of being against the law. But by saying that only a sinless person could throw that first stone, Jesus had highlighted the importance of compassion and forgiveness.

 

When others are caught in sin, how quick are we to pass judgment? Among other things, to do so is to act as though we have never sinned. It is God's role to judge, not ours. Our role is to show forgiveness and compassion. Jesus was without sin. This is why The Bible says

"No one can come to the Father; but by Me..." (John 14:6).

Salvation is through Jesus :

"The sacrifice of Christ as atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster." (Gal 6:14)

The person who lives the beautiful life has their heart in harmony with THE Heart of the only ONE who will ever be qualified to "throw that first stone," but never will.

 

 

[BlessedMan]

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[BlessedMan]

Perfectly Broken: Part One

The Lord, when He has given great faith, has been known to try it by long delays. He has suffered His servants voices to echo in their ears as from a stormy sky. They have knocked at the golden gate, but it has remained unmovable, as though it were rusted upon its hinges.

Like Jeremiah, they have cried out:

"Thou hast covered thyself with a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through."

But there IS Light in every cloud. Thus have true saints in every age continued long in patient waiting, seemingly without reply, not because their prayers were not sincere, nor because they were unaccepted, but because it so pleased Him who is our Saviour and Lord, and who gives according to His own good pleasure. (see Phil 2:13). Our patient waiting may just be that light in the clouds of/for others. (2 Cor 1:3-4).

Many think that when God comforts us, our troubles should just go away. But if that were always so, people would turn to God only out of a desire to be relieved of pain and not out of love for Him. We must understand that being "comforted" can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with our troubles. In other words, if Jesus leads us to it; then He will surely bring us through it. Not over it, not around it, but right through it. In my experience, the more I suffer, the more comfort God gives to me. If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you. Remember too, that every trial you endure will help you comfort other people who are suffering similar troubles. And this is why there is always "light in the clouds." (Lev 16:2, Psalms 18:11, Psalms 104:3, Isa 19:1, Mat 17:5, etc.)

If it pleases Jesus to ask that our patience exercise itself, shall He not do as He will with His own? Clearly then, No prayer is ever lost. No praying breath was ever spent in vain. There is no such thing as prayer unanswered or unnoticed by God, and some things that we count as refusals or denials are simply delays designed for our own best good. Jesus will sometimes delay His help that He may try our faith and quicken our prayers.

Read Full Text here

 

[BlessedMan]

Seventy Times Seven: THE Life Of Power, Part One

(below is a partial quote of the full text)

This week, and next, I’d like to share a few of my thoughts on forgiveness, on the role of forgiveness in the Christian way of life. For me, in my experience, forgiveness has been elusive, and tortuous. There have been some really serious situations where I just thought:

“There is NO WAY I can ever forgive THAT person! Absolutely NO. “

Sometimes, I have been hurt so bad, and I have reacted so wrong, well, I have struggled to see the point of forgiveness at all. What would be the point of such an impossible situation? Maybe all this “Christian” forgiveness stuff is just a very bad, religionist pipe dream?

Forgiveness. Even when the other party was supposedly “wrong,” and robbed me of my joy, or my peace, or sometimes even my money. Forgiveness just doesn’t sound like my “cup of tea” at times. Its too hard to do. My heart isn’t into it.

And yet, Jesus asks us to forgive. And to make this very clear, so clear that no one should miss it, Jesus has given us some deep insights about how God wants to forgive us, Jesus wrote the following parable:

Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"

Jesus said to him,

"I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Mat 18:21-22)

Now, this guy who had asked Jesus about how many times we should forgive one another seems as though he might have been very proud of himself. He smugly, almost triumphantly asked “shall I forgive seven times?”

He presumably was thinking that just seven times would be plenty enough for someone as “righteous” as he thought he was! Why such a small number, like seven? So now we can note how Jesus responded to that man’s challenge:

Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (Mat 18:22)

Now, are we to presume that Jesus here was saying there is a limit of some kind on forgiveness? Such as 490 times? (seventy times seven).

It is obvious from scripture that Jesus is trying to tell us stubborn humans that He forgives us this much:

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:8).

READ Full Text Here

 

[BlessedMan]

In The Garden Alone: Part 2

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"And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him." (Luke 22:39-46)

We live in a world of constant turmoil and trials. But, it has been my personal experience that God will give us the strength we need; and He will look after all those things that we are unable to do ourselves. I wrote this poem a few years back while reflecting on how best to manage a very difficult time in my life. And I think I have used it in an article for this web site last year. But this Sabbath, I would like to present this poem again, in a slightly different light and context. I have re-worded it to suit the subject matter for this devotional.

I have had a number of people ask me lately how to cope with the times we are living in today. There is so much propaganda in the so-called "news" of today that many are sincerely struggling to decipher what is truth. World events seem to be closing us in tighter and more aggressively than ever before. The only place I have managed to find truth that I can count on for all situations is in God's Word, the Bible. The examples of Jesus and how He has lived His Incarnate Life here on planet Earth will help anyone to cope with anything.

One of my friends at Church told me a short while ago how that when they pray; they do it "as if Jesus was right beside me when I pray." And we got talking about the subject again earlier today, and came up with the related idea that it might be one step better, to also act as if Jesus was standing right there beside us, when we encounter difficult people anywhere. Or, during the very worst trials of our life, how do things change for us when we act as if Jesus was/is right there beside us as we respond to what is happening?

We all have many little remnants or fragments of experiences that we sort of just tuck under the rug because we find them to be embarrassing, or shocking, and many times, we have no idea what to do with such things in our life. But we can learn from one of the parables that Jesus talked about, and we can respond to world or personal events, with the "everlasting gospel, and it's everlasting principles. According to the everlasting gospel of Rev 14, there is hope among the fragments. If your heart has been broken by grief, by worry, by fear, or by anything else; just make art with the pieces. Gather up every one of those fragments and bring them to Jesus. Jesus will use those fragments to further your testimony of "Christ in you the hope of glory." and that is "the everlasting gospel."

We are all born by the anguish we bear, and when we are friends with Jesus; He turns that into the love we want to give. And the only reason we can give such love, is because we ourselves have received the same love from Him. As part of the "everlasting gospel, Jesus is calling His Church today, to "gather up the fragments that remain, that NOTHING be lost." (John 6:12). Jesus doesn't want anyone you know to be "lost," and we need to smarten up when we deal with people we do not like or whom we disagree with. Bring THOSE fragments to Jesus!

Read Full Text Here

 

[BlessedMan]

HOPE and be FREE!

 

[BlessedMan]

 

[BlessedMan]

 

[BlessedMan]

Power To Become Sons And Daughters Of God
“Present Truth 2”
(weekly devotional)

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"He came to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:11-12, AMP)

Father in heaven, I thank you and praise you today, because we are sons and daughters of God. (2 Cor 6:17,18). We are your children. We choose now to not be afraid, not to be bitter or divided, because we know our name can be clear before you; for your Word says:

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“They that do hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.” (Mat 5:6)

Grace finds us hungry. Grace fills us. Grace is new every morning. Grace calls us beautiful. Praise God from Whom all blessings and grace flows!” - Amen...

This message could actually be entitled: “Jesus Ignored The Nails.” But it is also very fittingly called “Present Truth.” or The Power To Become The Sons And Daughters Of God. This is a message for all people of all times.

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(Today, I am “determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Cor 2:2)

Problem: Why would you need “Christ and Him crucified,” if you always walked around thinking that no one need really share Jesus with you...because you think you already know enough, or that you have special discernment? Or because you are an Elder, or a Pastor? Surely, if you already know enough...then maybe, you don’t need Jesus, because you already "know enough!"

If you already do know enough, then all you would need is a place to run and hide like Adam did in the Garden of Eden because he knew enough too!

Where are your hiding places? How do you hide from Jesus?

Could the answer lie in who you have decided not to love “as He has loved us?” (Eph 5:25, John 13:34). Is there someone in your life, that you will not, love, “as He has loved us?”

Read Full Text Here

 

[BlessedMan]

The Never-ending Chase for Never Enough:
The Merchant's Tears, Part TWO

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“I will build me bigger barns.” (Luke 12:18)

Today we look at a rich man, who is given the name, “Fool.” This rich man who had it all — but was still not satisfied. The rich man in Jesus' story died before he could begin to use what was stored in his big barns. Planning for retirement—preparing for life before death—is wise, but neglecting life after death is disastrous. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed. Faced with the dilemma of discovering that his riches were not enough to satisfy the deeper longings of his heart, the rich man [named "Fool"] opted for building even bigger barns and increasing his stock and store. He wrongfully imagined that more would be enough to satisfy the ache in his soul:

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And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. (Luke 12:18)

But he was very wrong.

Jesus made it clear that one can accumulate great wealth in this world and still be a miserable wretch. The solution is to become, in the words of Jesus, “rich toward God.” Centuries earlier Solomon said, “I have see a great evil under the sun — wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner” (Eccl 5:13). By gathering, and gathering, and gathering more a man will come to ruin in the things that matter most. Ultimately he will become possessed by his possessions.

Why do you save money? Are you saving for retirement? to buy more expensive cars or toys? Or bigger investments? To be secure? Jesus challenges us to think beyond earthbound goals and to use what we have been given for God's Kingdom. Faith, service, and obedience are the way to become rich toward God.

But this is the best the world can teach us. “Get all you can! Can all you get! And then sit on the can!” This rich man in Jesus' story died before he could begin to use what was stored in his big barns. Planning for retirement—preparing for life before death—is wise, but neglecting life after death is disastrous. If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself here in this life, with no concern for helping others, you would enter eternity empty-handed:

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If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (1 Cor 15:19)

Bible prophecy tells a chilling accounting of what will happen to the richest people on the planet. The ones who are so rich that they cannot possibly spend all of the money they have, and yet they keep wanting more. prices for everything keep rising, and new costs are constantly being added to the mix making the general population even poorer, and more desperate than ever.Lets look at one text for an example:

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And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: (Rev 18:11)

Those who are in control of various parts of the economic system will mourn at Babylon's fall. The political leaders will mourn because they were the overseers of Babylon's wealth and were in a position to enrich themselves greatly. The merchants will mourn because Babylon, the greatest customer for their goods, will be gone. The sea captains will no longer have anywhere to bring their goods because the merchants will have nowhere to sell them. The fall of the evil world system affects all who enjoyed and depended on it. No one will remain unaffected by Babylon's fall.

READ Full Text Here

 

[BlessedMan]

Another thought to meditate upon for this Sabbath

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[The LORD rebukes Jeremiah for his impatience, saying] "If you have raced with men on foot and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace [where you feel secure], Then how will you do [among the lions] in the [flooded] thicket beside the Jordan? (Jer 12:5, AMP)

Jeremiah 12:1-6
Many people have asked, "Why are the wicked so prosperous?" (See, for example, Job_21:4-21 and Hab_1:1-4.) Jeremiah knew that God's justice would ultimately come, but he was impatient because he wanted justice to come quickly. God didn't give a doctrinal answer; instead, he gave a challenge: If Jeremiah couldn't handle this, how would he handle the injustices ahead? It is natural for us to demand fair play and cry for justice against those who take advantage of others. But when we call for justice, we must realize that we ourselves would be in big trouble if God gave each of us what we truly deserve.

[BlessedMan]

Happy Sabbath To All!

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Gen 50:20  As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present outcome, that many people would be kept alive [as they are this day].
Php 1:12  Now I want you to know, believers, that what has happened to me [this imprisonment that was meant to stop me] has actually served to advance [the spread of] the good news [regarding salvation].

 

Being imprisoned would cause many people to become bitter or to give up, but Paul saw it as one more opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realized that his current circumstances weren't as important as what he did with them. Turning a bad situation into a good one, he reached out to the Roman soldiers who made up the palace guard and encouraged those Christians who were afraid of persecution. We may not be in prison, but we still have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged—times of indecision, financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, or the loss of our jobs. How we act in such situations will reflect what we believe. Like Paul, look for ways to demonstrate your faith even in bad situations. Whether or not the situation improves, your faith will grow stronger.

[BlessedMan]

Believing Under Utterly Hopeless Circumstances

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Jesus wants to make all His mountains a way. [to His heart]

I go to the Scriptures for examples that I can follow in dealing with life, when my life gets hard to live. I noticed that The Bible does include others who somehow managed to believe under very hopeless circumstances.  As Paul once stated:

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"Under utterly hopeless circumstances he hopefully believed..." (Rom 4:18)

By taking that first step to hope, however small it might appear to be, it is actually a big step towards an epic journey. Hope frees one from being immobilized, gives us confidence that we can still take just one more step; one step better. And hope starts you on your way with added momentum. If you think you are not making enough progress fast enough, have you considered the following:

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despise not the day of small beginnings (Zech 4:10)

We are tempted to think that the mountains of our worst experiences are mountains we need to avoid. But did you know that Jesus is able to make all such "mountains," a way to His heart, and for your own best good?

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And I will make all My mountains a way, and My highways shall be set on high. (Isa 49:11, MKJV)

Here, God promises: "I will make all my mountains a way, meaning, among other things — I will remove all obstructions out of the way. I will give you strength according to your day, according to your mountains in your personal experience:

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Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked places shall be made level, and the rough places smooth; and the glory of God shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of God has spoken. (Isa 40:4-5).

Isaiah's book of comfort, written about 150 years before the time of Cyrus, promised the exiles from Judah that they would return to Jerusalem (Isa 40:1-2), where God would meet them in the form of the Suffering Servant (Isa 42:1-4)—the same One who would become a great King (Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6-7; Isa 11:1-5). The restoration after the Exile pointed to the coming of the Lord’s kingdom. In Isaiah’s prophecy, this first taste of salvation merges with predictions of the full salvation that Jesus Christ would bring. This kind of hope gives us what we need to rise above all of the biggest problems that we face. Jesus said "My Kingdom is not of this world," so His return is "The Blessed Hope," and that is why this text is close to my heart It means that God will take our biggest trials, questions, challenges,(the mountains), and make them all a way to His Heart! PTL!  (see also Rom 8:28).

Pardoning mercy is a release from the curse of the law; from never being good enough, and renewing grace is a release from the dominion of sin: both are from Christ. He says to those in darkness, Show yourselves. Not only see, but be seen, to the glory of God, and your own comforts. Though there are difficulties in the way to heaven, yet the grace of God will carry us over them, and make even the mountains a way. This denotes the free invitations and the encouraging promises of the gospel, and the outpouring of the Spirit.

The fact that God makes His servant “a covenant of the people,” i.e., the personal bond which unites God's people with Jesus in a new fellowship (see Isa 42:6), is the fruit of them being heard and helped. (Psalms 116:1)

Where, naturally, according to our thinking and ability, there could not be a way, on those pathless summits of the loftiest Alps, the Lord says, “I will make all my mountains a way,” God will make a way for you to abide in Him no matter what, and if you want Jesus to abide in you. (John 15:7). If you are willing to make a way for God, he will make a way for you; the gulf shall be bridged, the mountain shall be levelled. "And my highways shall be exalted." (Isa 49:11)

Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. -Vaclav Havel

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Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Heb 11:1,NIV)

It is such a hard thing to think about what will happen to our family members when we know we are going to die soon. "What will happen to them when I am gone?" I cant imagine what that feels like. But I know people who stood on the face of that "mountain." My late wife did have that problem too. She was especially worried about her kids. I found it really painful to watch her go through that. I told her that it was OK to feel that way, to feel "inadequate" if you will for there is no one who can control everything and there are some things that we just have to leave to God. My wife and I had a prayer one night for her family members that she was worried about. It was almost like how some churches have a dedication ceremony for babies instead of a baptism, because some people think that baptism should only be for people old enough to think for themselves about such matters. But we had our prayer, and dedicated her loved ones to God, in a similar way, and since that night we did that, my wife was at peace with that part of her journey. She got the assurance that God would care for them after she was gone. Maybe you could do something similar? Find someone to pray about this kind of "mountain" with you, even invite the loved ones you are concerned about to join you?

As my loved one lay dying, I kept telling/assuring my wife that it was OK to not be OK, and that God knew her heart, and that Jesus would look after her every step of the way. Even "in the valley of the shadow of death." THAT "mountain" is something that God can help us all with. Just as He helped my wife. If you are the one dying, it might be good to write a letter to each person while you are still able to, say whatever you want them to hear, and I am sure they would really appreciate that after you are gone. It is important to recognize that things you want to say to different people, have to be said, or put in writing, in a letter or card, while you can. I encouraged my wife to do that with her loved ones, and she was very happy to do that. It made her feel like her life work was done right. The important thing is to tell people whatever you need to tell them while you can. It might be hard, but as I said it was very rewarding for my wife, and I am sure it would be for you too. I had to write two letters for my wife while she dictated, so if you need someone to help you with anything, just tell someone you trust what you need to do.

I have encountered people who thought Jesus might be thinking that we maybe don't trust Him, because we are concerned about our loved ones after we are gone. I hope you find the following thoughts helpful:

Jesus placed Mary, His Mother, in the care of John while He Was Dying He dedicated her.

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John 19:27  Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple (John) took her to his own home.

Even while dying on the cross, Jesus was concerned about his family. He instructed John to care for His own Mother, Mary. Our families are precious gifts from God, and we should value and care for them under all circumstances. Even when dying. Neither Christian work nor key responsibilities in any job or position, or any other life circumstance is a reason for us to stop caring for our families. What can you do today to show your love to your family? Jesus asked his close friend John, the writer of this Gospel, to care for His own mother, Mary, whose husband, Joseph, must have been dead by this time. Why didn't Jesus assign this task to his brothers?

As the oldest son, Jesus entrusted his mother to the person who stayed with him at the cross—and that was John. Perhaps that person John was the only one who Jesus could trust? Because John was there through thick and thin for Jesus. When Jesus was dying, His last thoughts were for others. And it was love that made Mary brave enough to encounter the tragedy of that scene on Calvary. The sword, as Simeon had foretold, was piercing her soul, Luke 2:35. Jesus knew how lonely she would be. He had neither silver nor gold, but could at least secure her a home and tender care with John. As the cross was elevated but slightly from the ground, His words could easily reach the little group waiting there by the cross. He chose the title, Woman, rather than “Mother,” lest identification with Himself should bring her insult. And don't forget that Jesus was even concerned for his persecutors, and prayed for them as He was dying. Thinking of others is OK if its done the way Jesus did it.

Do you have anyone who can help you organize some of the spiritual things you have need of? If you do, it might be a good idea to contact them. Maybe you could make a tape or a video for each loved one you are concerned about? They would really love that sort of thing I am sure. Sometimes, it helps a lot to look at how others have handled their mountains. I am reminded of Horatio Spafford who had planned a trip to Europe for his wife and family.  And at the last minute, he had to remain home on business.  So he sent his wife and children on ahead in a ship. His wife and their four daughters aged 18 months to 12 years old boarded a ship in 1873, but unfortunately the ship the boarded crashed with another boat off the coast of Newfoundland and all four children died in that accident. His wife was rescued somehow. She sent a telegram to her anxious husband "saved alone." It is just so amazing how God made THAT mountain a way to His heart. There is one verse for the song that he wrote after this accident. The Song "It Is Well With My Soul" was penned by Spafford right after his children were lost. There is one stanza that some hymn books leave out. It reads as follows:

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"Though Satan should buffet
though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul"

Here is a song that I think will speak volumes to your heart. My prayer partner and I have prayed for everyone suffering from cancer or other terminal diseases earlier tonight. If you want to be added to our prayer list, please let us know. You will stay on our prayer list for sure. Just give yourself to Jesus, as you are. (John 6:37). Jesus will take care of all that you cannot handle. He loves you with an everlasting love. (Jer 31:3) Jesus makes all His mountains a way!

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But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13, Isa 57:19)

Have you ever felt separate, excluded, hopeless? These verses are for you. No one is alienated from Christ's love or from the body of believers. Jesus wants to make all His mountains a way. Through Jesus, we can Believe Under Utterly Hopeless Circumstances.

 

[BlessedMan]

Send The Light

(weekly devotional)

It Is Not In Me

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"The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’" (Job 28:4, ESV)

This week, I would like to focus briefly on "wisdom" for our weekly devotional. Regarding our text for today, Job is confronting a question about wisdom two verses previously, and throughout the whole of chapter 28:

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“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" (Job 28:12, ESV)

In Job 28:13, Job concludes how that "Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living." The very beginning of Job 28, in the first verse uses an analogy of sorts, stating how "there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold that they refine," and then by the time we get to today's text, Job starts to recite some conclusions about wisdom by saying "If I go down to all these deep places where gold or silver is mined, I cannot find wisdom anywhere in places like that! Its a very good way to illustrate the point.

Sometimes, in the Bible, the word "deep" (as also used in Gen 1:2), can mean subterranean waters, (Gen 7:11, Deut 8:7), but the idea here in the Book of Job is clearly to convey how that we may investigate/explore the vast depths of the oceans or the earth but true wisdom will not be found there. It would seem that this chapter in the Book of Job is not an argument to "defend" a doctrine per se; but more of a meditation. Its design seems to be to show that people must accept Divine Providence even though he may not understand it. Job shows that man has made surprising discoveries regarding nature, yet he still concluded that true wisdom is found only in the knowing, seeing fellowship of our Lord, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

It is of value to note how that the mining of silver and gold is mentioned as an example of the skill of human beings. Elsewhere in Scripture, mining is mentioned in the OT, I think, only in Deut 8:9, where Canaan is described as a land of iron and copper. Diodorus describes ancient mining operations thus: The shafts follow veins of quartz deep into the mountain. Fire was used to make the stone brittle, then it was hoed out by men who carried lamps. The quartz was crushed, pounded into dust, and washed until the gold remained. The book of Job reveals that, even in his distant days of the past, such arts as mining were known. (see Gen 2:11, 12; Gen 4:22).

Iron is mentioned here as an illustration of the skill and accomplishments of humanity at the time. (see Gen 4:22; Num 35:16; Deut 27:5). Brass is also mentioned in this chapter of Job. By “brass” is meant copper or bronze (see Gen 4:22; Exodus 25:3; 26:11). The mention of “stone,” from which it is molten, shows that the metal was extracted from ore. This is proof that copper is intended. Brass is properly an alloy of copper and zinc and must be compounded. The alloy came into general use centuries later. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is much older. Whenever “brass” is mentioned in the OT either copper or bronze is meant.

In Job 28:3 "an end to darkness" is mentioned. The direct reference still seems to be to the operations of mining, and the idea is that people always delve into the darkest regions. They bring light—either artificial or the light of day—into regions that never before saw light. This makes me think about a very distant thing, that sometimes sees no light at all. I have noticed how "dark" life feels sometimes when trouble strikes. And when dire needs present. And I say to myself, like Job of old: "Its not in me." "The wisdom I need for whats going on in my world today is not in me!" I know what it feels like to see my self as impossibly far away from Jesus, and Church, and all manner of other things in life. Especially does wisdom for the day seem to appear very far away during times of political turmoils at times. But deep calls unto deep, telling us that true wisdom cannot be found there any way.

As the Psalmist put it

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"Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me." (Psalms 42:7).

If you are experiencing today the "waves and billows going right over you," and your heart yearns for God's wisdom, for a heavenly solution to your dire need, then Jesus really is the answer. Right now He may seem very distant because of the problems that we, as a society, or as individuals are now facing. Political storms. Domestic tornadoes of emotions. Wondering what to do next. What's going to happen next. Heavenly things can just seem so far away during times like this. Jesus may even seem distant and too quiet. But this weekly has a message to bear that is very encouraging. One verse says it like this:

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"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (Eph 2:13).

We do not need to feel that we are far away from The One who gave all to us, or for us. We don't need to blame anyone else for our troubles and our sometimes desperate need. The cross puts everyone on an equal footing, with no one having any advantage over anyone else, when it comes to the true wisdom from heaven. If it's from heaven; it has to come from Jesus. Back in the day, pious Jews considered all non-Jews (Gentiles) ceremonially unclean. They thought of themselves as pure and clean because of their national heritage and religious ceremonies. Paul pointed out that Jews and Gentiles alike were unclean before God and needed to be cleansed by Christ. In order to realize how great a gift salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition. Have you ever felt separate, excluded, hopeless? These verses are for you. No one is alienated from Christ's love and His wisdom is freely available to us all:

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"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV).

"By "wisdom," James is talking not only about knowledge but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need. Christians don't have to grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God's wisdom to guide our choices.

The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics:

(1) It is practical. The wisdom from God relates to life even during the most trying times. It is not a wisdom isolated from suffering and trials. This wisdom is the tool by which trials are overcome. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas into action. Intelligence will allow someone to describe several reasons why the car broke down. The wise person chooses the most likely reason and proceeds to take action.

(2) It is divine. God's wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not lead us to choose joy in the middle of trials. This wisdom begins with respect for God, leads to living by God's direction, and results in the ability to tell right from wrong. It is a wisdom that James will describe at length in chapter 3.

(3) It is Christlike. Asking for wisdom is ultimately asking to be like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the "wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:24; 1 Cor 2:1-7). (taken from Life Application Notes for James 1:5)

As we see from further examination of Job 28, Job makes very good use of the analogy of mining to illustrate in part, the human condition, and our dire need of true wisdom:

"Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is smelted from the ore. [We] put an end to darkness and search out to the farthest limit the ore in gloom and deep darkness. [We] open shafts in a valley away from where anyone lives; they are forgotten by travellers; they hang in the air, far away from mankind; they swing to and fro." (Job 28:2,3,4).  

The idea here is that we will often delve into the darkest regions. We bring light—either artificial or the light of day—into regions underground that never before saw light. And Jesus is "the Light of the world," He wants us to have His light in us. The Psalmist uses something from nature again here to illustrate that wisdom comes from God:
"His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles." (Psalms 97:4)

This is precisely how Jesus says the world will see that we are Christians. Lightning is the perfect object lesson here:

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“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Mat 5:14)

Can you picture that kind of lightning flashing across the biggest hill you face in your life? THAT has to be the very light Jesus was referring to on that "hill."

Too many of us make religious excuses to "explain" why we cant increase our church attendance, or convince others to ask Jesus into their hearts. Could it be that we do not really know what that is ourselves? Is this why no one else can see what we thought was "our light?"  I thought it was supposed to be "The Light Of Christ, The precious Gospel Light? 

One thing is for sure, if indeed one has "The Light of Christ," then the Bible tells us that it will be impossible for us to hide! How are you hiding your light today? I am reminded of someone earlier this week who is dying. They have been struggling to not be afraid and to have the wisdom to know what to do next. I explained to them how the Bible has given me hope, comfort, and a direction to go in and that it didn't always solve my problems, but would always help me get through them. A couple days later, this person who was not a Christian, sent me a note that said, in part,

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"Im going out today to get a Bible."

In verity, asking for wisdom from Jesus is like asking to be Christ-like in a given situation. And if we are Christ-like, it will be impossible to hide. It will literally just come pouring out of us (Acts 2:18), and people will see that and ask about our saviour. People will see the Light. People will ask for THAT wisdom! No "evangelism" needed! No "programs" needed. No "obedience" lists needed. Just be like Jesus! THAT is THE program!

"He is our peace!" (Eph 2:14)
He is our Light! (John 8:12)

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The ruler of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They cannot see the light of the Good News—the message about the divine greatness of Christ. Christ is the one who is exactly like God. (2 Cor 4:4)

"...Jesus talked to the people again. He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never live in darkness. They will have the light that gives life." (John 8:12)

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"This is what the Lord told us to do: 'I have made you a light for the other nations, to show people all over the world the way to be saved.'" (Acts 14:37).

Be the Light. Thats exactly how we SEND THE LIGHT!

"Send The Light!"

And you will see people say to you, perhaps for the first time, or maybe for their own, personal, "great reset," and wanting to try again:

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"Im going right out to buy a Bible!"

THAT is true wisdom in work clothes!

Original Article Posted Here

[BlessedMan]

Give Me The Bible!

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For I tell you that this [Scripture] which is written must be completed and fulfilled in Me: 'AND HE WAS COUNTED WITH THE CRIMINALS'; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment [and is settled]." [Isa 53:12] (see Luke 22:37, AMP)

 

There are many reasons today why people are running scared. It seems there is no end to the confusions and propaganda thats been called "news" all of which seeks to raise the FEAR factor to measures never before known on this planet. The whole world is rampant with no foundation, other than doubts and fear. Yet, everyone wants to be an "expert" and tell us their brand of confusion is better than yours or mine. As a person who has had a lot of trials and life-threatening life circumstances, I thought for sure my brain was toast, or would be toast with all that is going on around us until the happy day when I found the perfect solution. Yes. You heard me right. I don't even know what the question is; but I know what the answer is! Praise GOD from whom ALL blessings flow!!

The ANSWER I have found actually has a name: JESUS...IMMANUEL. God with us! (Isa 7:14, Mat 1:21)

God with us, in and through His word. The Bible! (Psalms 119:105, Prov 6:23, Psalms 19:8)

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Isa 7:14  Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us). [Isa 9:6; Jer 31:22; Mic 5:3-5; Mat 1:22-23]
Mat 1:23  "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL"--which, when translated, means, "GOD WITH US." [Isa 7:14]

It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is trained to dwell. If occupied with commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfeebled. If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will after a time almost lose the power of growth. As an educating power, the Bible is without a rival. In the word of God the mind finds subject for the deepest thought, the loftiest aspiration. The Bible is the most instructive history that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and a divine hand has preserved its purity through all the ages. It lights up the far-distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. In God's word we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here only can we find a history of our race, unsullied by human prejudice or human pride.

In the Holy Bible, are recorded the struggles, the defeats, and the victories of the greatest men this world has ever known. Here the great problems of duty and destiny are unfolded. The curtain that separates the visible from the invisible world is lifted, and we behold the conflict of the opposing forces of good and evil, from the first entrance of sin, to the final triumph of righteousness and truth; and all is but a revelation of the character of God. In the reverent contemplation of the truths presented in his word, the mind of the student is brought into communion with the infinite mind. Such a study will not only refine and ennoble the character, but it cannot fail to expand and invigorate the mental powers. {CE 65.1}

I was so excited when I found this quote, because I thought it meant that my poor brain would be recharged. renewed. And made into a new, vibrant thing. (2 Cor 5:17)

Our life is to be bound up with the life of Christ; we are to draw constantly from Him, partaking of Him, the living Bread that came down from heaven, drawing from a fountain ever fresh, ever giving forth its abundant treasures. If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that show to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him. {COL 129.3}

In those who possess it, the religion of Christ will reveal itself as a vitalizing, pervading principle, a living, working, spiritual energy. There will be manifest the freshness and power and joyousness of perpetual youth. The heart that receives the word of God is not as a pool that evaporates, not like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the mountain stream fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling waters leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy laden. {COL 130.1}

But the LORD's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage.

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“He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that flutters over its young, spreading out its wings, catching them, bearing them on its pinions,
the LORD alone guided him...(Deut 32:9-12)

Vance Havner once said:

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"When you find a Bible that is falling apart it usually belongs to someone who isn't."

 

Edited September 7, 2021 by BlessedMan

[BlessedMan]

Jesus Is Here

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For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,  while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. " (Titus 2:11-14, NIV)

The laws of God have their foundation in the most immutable rectitude, and are so framed that they will promote the happiness of those who keep them, as well as draw others to Jesus, the great Law-Giver. He will give rest to your soul, peace in your heart. In quietness and trust, go to Jesus today. Stay with Jesus tomorrow.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2: 11-14).

In the coming days, some of us may have to make a lot of noise and run really fast, while others will find their way, through being still with God, and just knowing. Him. Whatever your way ends up having to be, Jesus is there. He will be there for you. Jesus will always care.

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Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Pet 5:6-7, NIV)

 

[BlessedMan]

One of my wild horse pictures in the mountains...(down near Sundre). When I saw this pregnant Mare foraging in the frigid winter weather, the thought struck me that very few of us have to work like that, against so many odds just to eat.
They live and move in these wild barren wilderness areas, and they NEVER leave one of their little ones alone. Not even for a minute. Everyone is surrounded, protected, all the time in this herd. By each other.

I loved to see these wild ones roaming the wilderness, they acted free. They were content, the whole herd moved "as one," (Judges 20:11), and everyone was safe, because everyone was "one."

In all things UBUNTU this would mean "I am because we are." God has given us directions for facing the tough times. The wild horses I photograph tell many of these lessons. I am reminded of the following scripture:
 

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"...if you get tired in a race against people, how can you possibly run against horses? If you fall in open fields, what will happen in the forest along the Jordan River?" (Jer 12:5)

If the smallest evils to which you are exposed cause you to make so many bitter complaints now, how will you feel when, in the course of your life now, when a time comes where you will be exposed to much greater, from enemies much more powerful?

Footmen may here be the symbol of common evil events; horsemen, of evils much more terrible. If you have sunk under small difficulties, what wilt thou do when big ones come? Like these horses who survive the coldest winter deep freezes in the mountains; there is a lesson here for us all.

To "run with the horses, visit many good books often, but live in the Bible."

We are living in a time where God's Word has never been more important. Wont you live there, and be "as one" with everybody around the world who is doing the same?

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

Thy word is a lamp - This is illustrated thus by Solomon, Pro 6:23 : “The commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”

God’s word is a candle which may be held in the hand to give us light in every dark place and chamber; and it is a general light shining upon all his works, and upon all our ways. This is THE Light that got me out of some pretty rough stuff the last couple of years or so.