Mary

Jn. 20:16

'"Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned to Him and said in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" which means Teacher."'

Jesus knows His sheep and calls them by name, and His sheep know Him and recognize His voice. When Jesus said Mary's name, that was all she needed. She knew it was Jesus in spite of His recent death, the supposed misplacement of His body from the tomb, and the fact that she considered Him to be the gardener. In a single word all that was cleared up without any extra proof. His voice was was the bond between them as it is for all His sheep. I believe if I would have been there in that situation, I would have known Jesus' voice as well because I am His sheep also. A single word from Jesus brings more identification and surety than any number of facts from the world.

Why did Jesus appear to Mary first? Perhaps because women are more relational relying more on feelings than on facts, or perhaps because she was the first seeker. She was hungry to see Him and to take care of His body. Nothing could deter her. Her bond with Him was strong and unbroken by the circumstances of the day and of His death. Whatever the reason, it certainly demonstrates the power of the Words of Jesus. His Words and the Word are like no other words. They are the words that build a personal relationship that lasts for eternity.

Father,

Keep me ever alert to the Your words so that my relationship will always be strong and vibrant.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Seek Your Servant

Ps. 119:176

" I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget Your commandment."

At the end of this great psalm, the psalmist openly admits his human frailties much like Paul in Rom. 7 where he says that he wants to do right; in fact, he delights in the law of God in his inner being. But in his members he sees another law waging war and making him captive to the law of sin that dwells in his body. The psalmist is attesting to this same struggle. Even though the Word is powerful and takes him into the presence of God, he struggles with his debasing human weaknesses. He says honestly that he goes astray like a lost sheep and cries for his shepherd to rescue him. Even when he is down, he always knows where to go for help because defeat is  not his lifestyle. 

When I read this verse and Rom. 7, it does encourage me because many times my flesh defeats my spirit causing me to wander like a lost sheep. The amazing thing is that I when I cry out for God to seek me, He does! He seeks me because He does not see my performance, my slips and stumbles, but He sees me through the blood of Jesus, through the eyes of grace. In His steadfast love, mercy, and grace, He comes for me and lifts me up carrying me on His amazing wings of grace.

Even though it is all of grace, the psalmist knew he must be in the word. He must be plugged in to the heavenly power source. The same goes for me. It is there that I am fed and healthy spiritually. It is there that I see the amazing promises of grace, and it is there that I am strengthened with power in the inner man so that I may know all the fullness of Christ.

Father,

Thank You for Your word and Your grace that rescues me from myself. As I am in Your Word, make it ever increasingly mine.  Deepen my understanding and broaden my application.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Enlarge My Heart

Ps. 119:32

"I will run in the way of Your commandments when You enlarge my heart."

This is my life verse! Even though it is one that many people don't really get, for me it says it all. My heart's desire is to run in the way of His commandments, and for years, I tried to do that. I found that many times it was fruitless and frustrating until God revealed to me the heart of the issue. Even though it is my responsibility to desire to run and to obey with all that I have, it must be accomplished by His strength and through His grace. He must enlarge my heart! Until He does that, I must wait!

Even though this concept sounds simple, practically it's not. I act and obey but only through His strength, but how do I access His strength? How do I know if my heart is enlarged by God? How do I eliminate my fleshly motives and desires? I am realizing that understanding this synergy may be something that I will never really grasp, but so far, He is directing me to saturate myself in His word and prayer so that His Word can change me from the inside out making me over into the Spirit-directed believer I should be. As I grow closer to God in prayer and in His word, my heart is knit closer and closer to Him. This closeness to Him is what enlarges my heart so that I can run as He would have me to do.

Father,

Help me to allow You full reign in my life to mold and form me into a heart that seeks only to serve You through Your Spirit. Keep teaching me what it means for You to enlarge my heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen

On My Side

Ps. 118:6-7

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as a helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me." 

No fear! I have no reason to fear man because the Lord is on my side, helping me, protecting me, comforting me, and loving me. In addition to that, God is sovereign, creating all and ordaining all, even the affairs of men. Since God has set in motion the affairs of men, the good and the bad, there is no reason for me to fear men, and since I am a child of God, I know that all things work together for my good, even the affairs of men. Nothing man does catches God off guard! So my life is securely in His hands and in His plan.

As God's child, I know His voice and follow Him, and am assured that nothing or no one can snatch me out of His hand. These facts alone should cancel my fear. So if all of this is true, why do I still fear? I think it could be unbelief, lack of trust, lack of personal time in the Word and prayer, lack of knowing the Holy Spirit, and lack of knowing God intimately. All that is lacking is under the domain of my responsibility. I am the one that neglects the essentials that keep me unafraid. My life is lived through His power, but at the same time, I must desire God and be faithful to grow through His Word and through prayer.

Father,

Thank You for cancelling my fear and giving me a different perspective of life. Give me the strength to be true to Your Word and to talk to You each day. Help me to rest and not fear.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Jesus' Prayer

Jn. 17

Jesus' prayer in Jn. 17 is an example of His intercession for me. He didn't pray that my life would be easy or free of trials, but He prayed that I would grow in Him. But, why did Jesus take this time to pray especially in light of all that He had yet to endure? Perhaps it was because He would be gone and the Spirit had not come, or maybe because the believers were a special burden to Him because of His deep love for them. He also said that He was praying for them and not the world because the believers belonged to Him. They were given by the Father to Him. "All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them." then He went on to pray:

• That I would be kept in His name so that I would be one with Jesus and the Father.
• That I would not be taken out of the world, but that I would be kept from the evil one.
• That I would be sanctified in His truth that is the Father's words. 
• That I would be unified with Jesus, the Father, and other believers.
• That I would be with Him to see His glory given to Him by the Father.
• That I would experience the same love of the Father that Jesus did.
• That I would have the joy of Jesus fulfilled in me.

What a beautiful prayer! It certainly puts into perspective what it means for Jesus to intercede for me. Since the road to sanctification is often paved with suffering and trials, He prays for me that I will use His grace to endure. He knows that my life as a believer is to share Him and His salvation for others in this world. For this task, I need His grace and His intercession.  Jesus' focus was on spiritual issues, on eternal matters. He prays that my life will be consumed with Him, His Father's word, and the joy and love that comes from living like this.

Father,

Keep my focus where Jesus is praying that it will be. Help me to practically realize my mission here so that I can be sharing Jesus in this world that has such desperate needs.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Peace

Jn. 16:33

"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world."

Since Jesus knew the great need for human peace, He was making it abundantly clear where peace could be found. Even though people have tried to legislate peace, establish peace-keeping missions, and even have peace-keeping troops, human efforts have failed! Lasting peace is supernatural and finds its basis in Jesus Christ. When Jesus was speaking with His disciples in this passage, He was preparing them for His death and all the horrible circumstances that would surround it. Certainly, this would be a time when peace would be impossible. Yet, in the midst of these horrendous circumstances, there could be personal peace. How? Jesus said that peace would come from His words and from His presence. The world is fraught with tribulation, hardship, persecution, etc. but it's no worry for the believer because Jesus has overcome the world. Since He is my Savior and lives within me, His victory is my victory! So even though I live in this world, I am not of the world. When tribulations and trials come, I just need to remember Jesus, His death, His resurrection, and His Words; I just need to remember His Holy Spirit who lives within me giving me divine joy and peace in devastating circumstances; and I need to remember all His words especially the promise that all things work together for my good because I love God and am called according to His purpose. When my peace flees, it is because I am not where I should be that is in His Word, praying through the Spirit, and dwelling in the presence of Jesus and the Father. What foolishness it is when Jesus has given me peace and I fail to use it! What foolishness it is when I let the world drag me down into its discord and destruction! What foolishness it is when I forget the words of Jesus! Personal peace is mine through Jesus!

Father,

Thank You for sending Your son to bring peace and to be peace! His death is my death, and His victory is my victory! When He overcame, He made it possible for me to overcome. Through Your Spirit, keep me peaceful in You and with others.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Not to Us

Ps. 115:1

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness."

The psalmist begins by repeating the same phrase twice. Why? Certainly, it is for emphasis, but I also think it is because of man's desire to grab glory for himself. I am sure that the psalmist struggled with his flesh as much as I do in all the same areas that John mentions, the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride in possessions. Sadly, my flesh cries out constantly for glory mistakenly thinking that it is all because of my might, my strength, and my mind. How deceived is my flesh! Like the psalmist I must say, not to me, not to me but to Your name is the glory!

Why is God worthy of the glory? Simply, it is because of His steadfast love and faithfulness, a love that reached down to me to save me, to offer His Son, and to cancel the debt of my sin. God's love was not based in any way on my worthiness. I did nothing to deserve it. Not only that, but He is faithful to His promises, to every word that He has said. My life would be nothing without His unfailing love and faithfulness. In fact, I would only be worthy of judgment and separation from God. For all that, the glory is His. Everyday I bask in His love and faithfulness through His amazing grace, through being able to come confidently to the throne of grace, and through being able to look forward expectantly to the coming of Jesus in all His glory.

Father,

Thank You for Your grace. Help me to remember always to give you all the glory. Send Your Spirit to convict when I try and grab some for myself.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Full Joy

Jn. 15:11

"These things I have spoken to You, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

At the conclusion of this passage on Jesus as the vine, He says joy is the final result. My joy will be full because His joy is in me. What is His joy? Is it different that what I consider joy? Heb. 12:1-2 says "Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 God."  His joy gave Him endurance for the cross. Like Him, we are to let go of the weights and sins of this world and run with endurance my race keeping my eyes focused on Jesus. He was able to complete His race by focusing on the joy that was set before Him. Similarly, I am to complete my race by keeping my eyes focused on the joy before me, that is Jesus Christ. 

What in this passage brings the fullness of joy to my life?

• being clean by the Word
• bearing fruit and being pruned to bear more fruit
• abiding in His Word
• effective praying
• glorifying the Father by fruit bearing
• proof that I am His by bearing fruit
• abiding in His love

When I look at this list, I can see why my joy would be full. What a life Jesus has given me as a branch! What great grace! It is only through His grace that I am clean, bearing fruit, abiding in His word, praying effectively, and glorifying the Father.

Father,
As I read this passage, help me to seek this life through Your grace. Keep my eyes focused on Jesus Christ so that my joy will be complete glorifying You.
In Jesus name,
Amen 

• keeping His commandments

No Claim on Me

Jn. 14:30

"I will no longer talk with you much, for the ruler of this world is coming, He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me so that the world may know that I love the Father..."

Jesus' time, His time for teaching and preparation was over because the ruler of this world was coming. Even though horrible things were to happen, it was a hollow victory for Satan. Jesus was not succumbing to Satan's power, but to the express will of the Father. In fact, Satan had no power whatsoever over Jesus! Jesus died and endured humiliation, cruelty, and death because of His love for the Father. At this moment in time the Father's will intersected the domain of Satan, but for what reason? So that Jesus could defeat Satan on his own grounds, in his own court. In death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death! When He did this, He paid the legal debt for my sin so that sin's reign and power over me is canceled too. I can say with confidence that Satan has no claim on me as well. I am God's, chosen by the Father, washed and redeemed by the Son, and sanctified by the Spirit. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Father,

My heart is full knowing that Satan's hold over me is broken even though I still live in the weakness of my flesh. Fill me grace and power through Your Spirit so that I can walk  by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Known by Love

Jn. 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

It sounds like a simple command, but it is so very difficult! Loving others as Christ loved me cuts across the grain of my selfishness. I must put others before myself. In this passage Christ demonstrated the degree of selflessness needed when He washed the disciples feet. He took the lowliest position and performed the lowliest of tasks. He ministered to all of the disciples instead of having them meet His needs. He needed no special allowances even though what He had soon to face was the worst cup ever to drink. How many times is my love altered because I feel bad or am going through a hard time? How many times is my focus on being loved not loving others? How many times do I actually chose the lowliest of positions?

 Jesus says it is a new command. In the OT the command was to love God and your neighbor as yourself, but now it is love others as Jesus loved you. Jesus' love was sacrificial. When I consider that Jesus left His home, and came to earth to be rejected, to be misunderstood, to be beaten, and to be crucified. This was a love that knew no limits. It means that I must give up what I want, my agenda, my desires, etc. to meet the needs of others. It means I must put others before myself. So very hard!

Jesus' command was clearly taught because He modeled this love He commands. If I am confused about how love looks practically, all I have to do is examine His life. Since  His love was readily transparent, it was the motivation for all that He did. He said clearly that a servant is not greater than the master. As a servant, I cannot demand to be loved any differently than my master. I must manifest His love in the same sacrificial way that He loved. Am I godly in my love for others? Is my love sincere and without pretense? Am I willing to sacrifice my self and my desires?

Finally, this love is to be my identification mark. It should clearly delineate me as a believer. How can I make this my ID? "Above all put on love..."  First, I need to ask the Spirit to grow this fruit in my heart. Without a God-given crop how can I put it on?  If I am to put on love, then I must take something off first, that is my selfishness. I need to meditate on God's love, His attributes, and His actions. I need to embrace this command wholeheartedly and make it a matter of prayer. Even though this love comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, it must be my desire. Am I willing to let God produce this love in me? Am I willing to travel the path of selflessness? Am I willing to love as Christ loved?

Father,

I want to obey Your command. Teach me how to love. Fill me with Your love so that I too can love others as Jesus did.

In Jesus name,

Amen 

God's Glory or Man's Glory

Jn. 12:43

"For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."

Since the people had seen Jesus do many signs, wonders, and even miracles, many of them believed, even those in authority. Wow! Sounds good! But not so...The passage tells us that for fear of the Pharisees, they refused to confess their belief. Their greatest concern was acceptance by the Pharisees and preserving synagogue privileges rather than concern for their souls and their eternal destiny. In their hearts, they loved the glory that comes from man! They wanted to be known and accepted, to be applauded and advanced, and to be secure and safe in their daily lives. . Even though God's glory in the person of Jesus Christ was visible to them and their hearts believed, this world was their home not the kingdom of God.

How scary to think of believing and yet not confessing! Rom. 10:9 says "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Belief and confession go hand in hand. How close those people came, and yet they threw it all over for man's power. I must examine my heart. Do I desire man's opinion and glory? Certainly, not concerning salvation, but what about other areas? Does Jesus always come first or do I make soft choices? Am I deceiving myself in thinking I can bring glory to God and still have praise of man?

Father,

Convict my heart when I am tempted to desire man's praise more than bringing glory to Your name. Keep my eyes focused on You constantly, on what is eternal not what is temporal.

In Jesus name,

Amen

A Heart Response

Jn. 11:3

"Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair."

In this chapter Mary, the sibling of Martha and Lazarus, openly showed her devotion to Jesus by anointing the feet of Jesus with a very expensive ointment and then wiping them with her hair. Mary's family were good friends of Jesus; in fact, Jesus loved Lazarus and raised him from the dead. Mary, as opposed to her sister, was a person of devotion. She chose to be at the feet of Jesus listening and worshiping while Martha scurried around readying the meal and the house. Even though Martha was upset with her to the point that she talked to Jesus about Mary's inattention to the household duties, Mary did not change. On this day, Judas openly censured her because of her waste of such a precious resource, but none of this stopped Mary. Her heart was for Jesus. She knew that worship and adoration was her soul's deep need.

In Lk. 7:36-50 there is a similar story, but here it is a woman of questionable morals. When she heard that Jesus was in the Pharisee's house, she walked right into the house. Even though she was unwelcome, she came right in so that she could anoint His feet with her tears, her hair, and her costly ointment. Her act of devotion took harsh criticism as well, but it did not involve money but her personal character. How hard must it have been for her to walk into a Pharisee's house? Talk about a hostile environment!

The heart response of both of these very different women was the same. All their devotion was centered on Jesus as they gave what was costly in the face of censure and criticism. In both women, I see unveiled humility and transparent emotion. Their place of worship was at His feet, and instead of a cloth, they used their hair and tears. In essence they were both saying that Jesus was more important to them than all their financial resources and their pride. A love as great as this could not be hidden from the eyes of a hostile world. What is my love and devotion like? Does it involve great cost and emotion? Do I openly love Jesus in spite of censure and criticism?

Father,

What a great example of love and devotion! When I look deep in my heart, I don't see such humility, emotion, or transparency. Cleanse me and grow my love for Jesus. Show me how to make this devotion a reality in my life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is. 6:1-8

"Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts."

What a great scene! How dramatic! Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord revealed in unbelievable detail. God was enthroned sitting high and lifted up. As his robe filled the temple, He was surrounded by six seraphim, fiery angelic beings. Even such powerful heavenly beings as these could not look into the face of God almighty. They covered their faces uttering their praise, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory."   

As Isaiah watched, he realized that his heart was unable to join in these praises; in fact, he was overwhelmed with his sin in light of the holiness of God. His true heart condition had been revealed. He was lost, undone, unclean, and even lived in the midst of unclean people. What hope did he have? None! He could only say, "Woe is me."

But God in His grace sent a seraphim with a burning coal in his hand to touch Isaiah's lips.How fitting that a being whose essence was flames would carry the burning coal from the altar. I wonder if that sight further increased the fear that filled Isaiah's heart since fire has a potential for cleansing as well as destruction. With the tong, the seraphim lowered the coal to Isaiah's lips. Instantaneously, his guilt was taken away, and his sin atoned. Wow! Such hope out of despair! Such salvation out of loss! Such grace for unworthiness!

What grace God offers! He, as the holy God, can not allow sin in His presence so instead of destroying sinful man, He cleanses and saves him, but not because of his worthiness or his great potential, but because of His great grace. Isaiah's words are definitely mine. I am guilty and unworthy to the point of being undone. But God has reached out to me in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, cleansing away sin's grime, covering me with the blood of Jesus, atoning for my sin, and completely saving me. It is because of Jesus Christ that I can come boldly to the throne of Grace for help in my times of need.

Father,

You are holy, and I am filthy. Thank You for Your Son's sacrifice that bridged this huge gap of separation. Teach me to relate to Your holiness as I should. Help me to fear You for the holy God that You are.

In Jesus name,

Amen

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Jn. 10:27-30

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is

greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

What a loaded passage! So many wonderful blessings and statements!

• I am a sheep by nature. I need a shepherd, someone to guide, lead, protect, and feed me.
• I am His sheep because I know His voice. He knows me. I follow Him, and the Father has given me to Jesus. Certainly, there is no doubt about my ownership!
• I was given eternal life and will never perish. What a gift for a mere sheep! But it is because I am a sheep that it must be given to me. I cannot in myself ever earn it or deserve it. My 'sheep' nature makes me wayward and foolish, but thankfully, this gift changes my nature.
• I am unsnatchable! I can not be taken out of Jesus' hand nor the Father's hand. Nothing or no one will ever take them by surprise. No matter where I go as a foolish sheep, I will always be within the hand of God.
• I hear, recognize, and follow the voice of Jesus, the Son of God. Wow! That is definitely a change in nature!
• The Father is greater than all. He is God almighty. He has chosen me, and His hand encases me. What a glorious relationship we have!
• Because Jesus and the Father are one, I am held securely in both of their hands. They both have an intimate relationship with me that includes a plan and a protection for my 'sheepish' life.

For those men who were there that day, it was somewhat insulting. Jesus told them bluntly that there were not of His flock. They were not securely in His hand  nor did they know and recognize His voice. Their religion or self-righteousness did not provide an entrance to the sheep fold. What was their response? They picked up rocks to stone Him! They felt He was blasphemous because He claimed to be God. How eternally wrong they were!

Father,

As I read Your words this morning, my heart is stirred with joy at being one of Your sheep, of being chosen, of knowing personally the voice of God, and of being unsnatchable! Thank You. Thank You.

In the name of my Shepherd,

Amen

The Lord is Good

Ps. 107:1-2

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble."

The psalmist practically discusses thankfulness and how my thankfulness is related to God's essence, to His goodness. Just as God is good consistently and constantly, I must be thankful consistently and constantly. Not only must my heart be thankful, but I need to declare my thanks aloud. It has to go beyond a heart response to a shared thankfulness. It needs to be sent back up to God as praise and shared with others as a testimony of God's great goodness. Finally, my thankfulness needs to be an offering given freely to God in my songs of praise. Thankfulness should pervade my entire life and reflect God-given wisdom. The psalmist concludes saying, "Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things, let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord."

What specifically does the psalmist mention as fodder for thanks? What specifically illustrates God's goodness in the life of the child of God?

• God's steadfast love endures forever.
• He has delivered me from distress.
• He has redeemed me from trouble.
• He satisfies the longing soul.
• He fills the hungry soul with good things.
• He delivers those who have wandered from Him.
• He disciplines those who are His to restore them to His fellowship.
• He heals through His word.
• He saves from the storms.
• He raises the needy out of affliction.

Am I thankful for all God does in my life? Has my thanks grown into wisdom? Is my meditation full of the steadfast love of the Lord?

Father,

Thank You for Your great love that has filled my life. Thank You that You are good, and in Your goodness, You have sought me out to be Your child. Transform my heart filling it with thanks. Make it the substance of my words, my worship, and my songs. I love You Lord,

In Jesus name,

Amen

The Works of God

Jn. 9:3

'"Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed."'

Jesus' encounter with the man born blind reveals much about man's thinking, and his desire to attach blame to situations. As Jesus and his disciples walked by the blind man, the disciples wanted to know whose sin resulted in his blindness. Why would he be blind from birth? Surely this must be someone's fault. But Jesus' answer took their thinking in a totally different direction. The man was born blind to show the works of God, specifically to show the healing power of Jesus. And show His power it did!

What a firestorm his healing caused! First the neighbors did not know what to make of it. So they took him to the Pharisees who could not get beyond the timing of the healing. How could this healing be of God if it was done on the Sabbath? The man was grilled repeatedly, but he always said same thing, "If this man were not from God, He could do nothing." Such faith! However, the Pharisees did not share his belief. They were insulted that this man who was born in sin would try and teach them anything. Were not the Pharisees born the same way? How blinding is pride!

Later, Jesus speaks with the man asking him if he believed. His response, "Lord, I believe."  His life and his heart were changed by the healing power of Jesus. His life did show the works of God. The Pharisees were watching this final encounter, and asked him pointedly if they were blind. Jesus spoke truthfully that their lives were ones of guilt and spiritual blindness. They could see physically, but their hearts were blinded to the truth of who Jesus. Ouch!

Jesus power is so great and has opened my eyes, washed away my sin, and changed me on a daily basis. I can say that He has done many things in my life to show His great works, but I need to remember that His dealings with me are through His grace not my guilt. He views me as one washed in the blood and covered in the holiness of Jesus. When he disciplines me, it is because He loves me not because of my performance or my guilt over that performance. What can I say but, "Lord, I believe." Thank you so much!

Father,

Your great grace is amazing--You chose me to be Your child, You washed my eyes, and You see me covered in His blood and with His righteousness! Keep teaching me about the riches of Your grace every day.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Judge No One

Jn. 8:15

"You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one."

I am so aware of my tendency to judge others on their commitment, their responses, their appearances, their choices, and so much more. Realizing that I need to stop this behavior, I have asked for God's help, still  in  this passage, Jesus gives more insight into my human pitfall.  First, I need to realize that Jesus never judged. My behavior is born of my flesh and thrives in my flesh. In fact, Jesus Himself was the butt of religious judging. How heinous to judge the very Son of God! But then I remember that the people that I judge are believers, part of the body of Christ, and have the Holy Spirit resident within them. Seems somewhat heinous as well!

Jesus also gave a graphic example of judging when he relayed the account of the Pharisees and Scribes bringing to Him an adulterous woman. When confronted about what to do with her, He merely said, "Let him who is without sin among you, be the first to throw a stone at her."  There is the heart of the matter: throwing stones at others when I am no better. How can I judge considering my heart, my life style, and my sinful flesh? How can I judge others when my judging attitude is sin in itself? What a visual for me to remember! Each of my words and thoughts are stones aimed at an other's life to bring them down.

Jesus then goes to the heart of His accusers saying that they were  from this world and He was not; They did not know the Father or His Son; They did not know the truth or abide in His Words; and They were not of God and did not hear the Words of God. Pretty powerful accusations! What I can take from this is that I need to know the Truth, and this Truth will set me free, free from my petty judging, free to know God, and free to love the Son. This amazing Truth is found in the Word. The Word is what will change me from the inside out and allow the Fruit of the Spirit to grow and stamp out the works of my flesh. Why do I still grovel in the flesh when Jesus has given me a life beyond belief? The power of the flesh is unbelievably strong to enslave and destroy, but walking in the Light and Truth is even stronger. When judgmental thoughts fly into my head, I need the desire to send them on their way, and the power of Christ to do it!  " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

Father

I confess my judgmental spirit. Cleanse me and put me on a right path. Send Your Spirit to convict, guide and lead me in Your way. Help me to love others as You did.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Springs

Jn. 7:36

'"Whoever believes in me as the Scripture have said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."'

I believe in Jesus and the Word of God; consequently, I have rivers of living water flowing out of my heart. Questions that come to mind are: Why is there more than one river? What is the purpose of these rivers?What are these rivers?

In the next verse Jesus said He was speaking of the Spirit when He was talking of these rivers, the Spirit whom He had not yet given to those who believed. As to the plural nature of this abundant water, I think it would be the many ministries of the Spirit within my life. He is responsible for drawing me to the Father for salvation, a river which washes away the heinous stains of my sin in the blood of Jesus. After salvation, there are rivers of conviction, teaching, guiding, sealing, sanctifying, interceding, and so much more. The Spirit's ministry in my life is huge and constantly flowing!

Could these rivers ever get stopped up or diverted? The Spirit Himself can be quenched and grieved by my sin, pride, and waywardness. When I allow this, the free-flowing abundance of cleansing and power that the Spirit wants to provide in my life is temporarily altered. I have blocked the free flow, not completely, but definitely changed the course of the flow. Why would I do this? My flesh and pride are formidable foes, and at times, present convincing arguments. When I listen, I fall, and consequently live in altered flow. Not a pretty picture or something pleasant to experience! Thankfully, grace is overall. From God's point of view, grace is in control. He sees me only through the blood, but from my point of view, I have hurt myself by making myself obstacles to the free flowing Spirit. I have been enticed by my own desires and lusts. Because of grace, I can still go with confidence to the throne of Grace to find grace to help in time of need, grace that I need to restore the flow of the river. Then the Spirit's work in my life is fruitful and abundant. Jesus did not give me a single stream of the Spirit, but rivers! What a gift! 

Father,

Thank You for these rivers of the Spirit and for Your great grace. Help me to ever access these rivers so that I can be fruitful in my love for You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Bless the Lord

Ps. 103:1-19

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name."

What a beautiful psalm! Certainly, one that is prime for memorization and meditation. I am to remember His benefits, not just to know them intellectually, but to allow them to become part of my soul and my spirit, to allow them to lift me up in the valley and to sustain me on the mountain top. What a glorious God I can call my Father!

Without fail, He

• forgives all iniquities and heals all diseases
• redeems my life
• crowns me with steadfast love and mercy
• satisfies me with good
• renews my youth like an eagle
• works righteousness in my life
• makes known His ways to me
• shows mercy and grace to me
• deals with me without chiding or anger
• deals with me without considering my sin
• shows steadfast love to me from everlasting to everlasting
• removes my sin as far as east is from the west
• shows compassion to me as a loving father
• knows my dust-filled frame
• allows me to be part of His heavenly kingdom

What is my response? "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." What better way for me to remember the goodness of my God than to memorize this beautifully, poetic expression of worship.

Father,

What a gracious God You are! Your goodness only reinforces my undeserving state and Your great grace in my life. Certainly, nothing is of my doing! Thank You for choosing me for salvation and covering me in the blood of Your Son.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Guard Yourselves

Mal. 2:16

"So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless."

Malachi 's warning is in the context of adultery saying that a man needs to be faithful to the wife of his youth. If he is not faithful and divorces her, the Lord says that he covers his garment with violence. What God has put together with a portion of His Spirit, man should rip apart or trample on. So what should man do? Guard his spirit, and be faithful. Since his spirit responds to the Spirit of God, he needs to guard it carefully by being faithful.

This warning could go for many areas, any area that violates the clear commands of Scripture. Since the Spirit indwells me, and my body is His temple, I need to guard my spirit by being faithful to the Spirit who lives within me. As the bride of Christ, I need to be chaste, pure, and faithful to Jesus Christ guarding my spirit which will one day be united with Him at the marriage feast of the Lamb.

Father,

By Your grace, help me guard my spirit and be faithful to the One who died for me. 

In His name,

Amen

Integrity of Heart

Ps. 101:2b

"I will walk with integrity of heart within my house."

Integrity is the subject of David's psalm. He declares he will walk with integrity within his heart and within his house, the place that is the most difficult of all. It was within the house that David's sin with Bathsheba happened. In fact, most sins that  pollute character happen within the house. It is there that we keep things  hidden from others, that we show how we truly feel, and that we act without fear of consequence. When there are no prying eyes, integrity takes on a different flavor. Sadly, David did fall from his integrity, and all believers have that potential as well. Knowing full well my nature, I must guard my integrity through the strength of the Lord. When I take charge, it can easily bring a downfall.

David adds areas that characterize this God-given integrity. First is to keep my eyes focused on worthwhile things. What a rebuke! How much of my time is spent on worthless things, not necessarily bad things, but things that really have no value. I am to redeem the time, to buy it back from preoccupation with the worthless to complete focus on the worthwhile. How will I distinguish the worthwhile from the worthless? By the Word. Its worth is established by God Himself.

Secondly, is keeping free of perversity and evil. For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also."  An evil treasure makes an evil heart! Certainly, I would never desire evil, but I think that Satan is clever is muddying the waters, in making things off color and funny. What is gray, is evil too. I am to be free of all that is evil and that includes harboring sin of any kind.

Integrity also includes the absence of slander, of not tainting others for personal benefit. Instead, I am to put others before myself, and not to think highly of myself. The act of slander is rooted in pride. When pride is in control, I want to be the best. To maintain this false sense of self-worth, slander becomes an easy tool. By slandering another, I can destroy another's self-worth and reputation, all the while raising my own self-worth. I am wondering if there aren't gray areas in this as well. What about gossip? I don't think that the degree changes the underlying nature. David then refers to a  haughty look and an arrogant heart, two things which are the natural results of slandering others and of life filled with pride. Even though I am freed from sin, I am still in the flesh, and my flesh always wants to be first. What a battle is a life lived in integrity!

David concludes by speaking harshly about practicing deceit and lying. Truth is a must! If God chose me to be saved and to be conformed to the image of His Son, and His Son is Truth personified, then I must have a commitment to truth as well. Truth does not allow deceit or lies. Certainly, living a life in integrity of heart is a constant grace walk. It is not something to be accomplished in the flesh but only through the grace and strength of God.

Father,

Teach me how to have integrity of heart and how to be serious about how you have called me to live.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Believe the Word

Jn. 4:50

'"Jesus said to him, "Go, your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way."'

The second sign that Jesus performed was when an official in Capernaum came to Jesus to ask for the healing of his sick son. Jesus listened, but instead of accompanying the man back home, he told him to go without Him because his son was healed even as they were speaking. How hard would this be to believe? Would it be more difficult than having Jesus come and heal the boy in person? How much faith would be involved? What would have been my response? I know that I would have been begging and pleading Jesus for the life of my child, but would I have put more importance on the presence of Jesus over the words of Jesus?  But this man believed the words of Jesus; in fact, he staked the very life of his son on these words.When he went home, he found his son was indeed healed, and at the very moment, that Jesus had spoken the words. The result was that the man and his family believed in Jesus.

I am once again amazed at the power of the words of Jesus! His words are the very words of God, the Logos. His words are the same words that I have in the Bible. What is my response to these words? Do I believe them as if my very life depends on them? Do I have implicit faith in them without any doubting? With such power as this in these words, they should be of prime importance to me. I should know them, study them, meditate on them, and even memorize them. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit. of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." What a gift I have in the Word of God!

Father,

Strengthen my faith in every word of Your Word so that it becomes my entire reason for life, for whatever I do, think, and even feel. Help me to run in the way of Your Words when You enlarge my heart.

In Jesus name,

Amen

My Food

Jn. 4:34

"Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work."

As I read this account, I had to ask myself if my 'food' was to do the work of the Father? When Jesus spoke of food, He meant that which was necessary for survival, for quality of life. For the average Christian, how much time is spent in the daily purchasing, cooking, and storing of food? How much time is spent earning the money to buy the groceries? It is this time and focus that Jesus meant when He taught this lesson. His complete focus was the will of the Father even if it meant giving up a meal, even if it consumed all of His time.

In this particular instance, Jesus had also crossed boundaries demonstrating how this was part of the will of God as well. He was speaking with a Samaritan woman, something that Jews did not do. Why would He do this? He gave the answer later when He spoke to the disciples. "Lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are ripe for harvest."  Jesus was modeling what He was asking His disciples to do. He was attending to the harvest, a harvest which applied to all peoples and nations even those who were normally considered outcasts.  

Now for the hard questions, how much of my time is spent accomplishing the will of the Father as compared to the time that I spend attending to the normal activities of life? What is my focus about food, shelter, and clothing? Are they more than necessities? Am I desiring some kind of status and position with the world because of where I live, where I shop, what I cook, and how I dress? Does my life reflect worship of God more than a preoccupation with the world?  Am I reaching out to those people who are 'outcasts'? Am I looking at the harvest as a ready reaper?

Father,

What a lesson! Cleanse my heart of a longing for what the world has and offers. Sharpen my eyes to the harvest. Make me a ready and able harvester reaping anywhere that You lead.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Increasing

Jn. 3:30

"He must increase and I must decrease."

Early on, John the Baptist, gives unbelievable insight into a personal relationship with Jesus. Even though he was the forerunner, he knew his position. He was to decrease, to become unseen, as Jesus became increasingly more visible. This did happen with help from the powers that be! Not only did John know he had to decrease, but he lost his head which decreased him to the point of utter silence

I am wondering if this concept doesn't draw a parallel for me. Certainly, in  my life, I must decrease while Jesus must increase. Every day I need to be growing in 'decreasing' so that Jesus may increase phenomenally. John the Baptist's final decrease was  loss of his head, the loss of his life. In my life, it would be a blessing if metaphorically I lost 'my head.' It is my head which often seeks ascendancy over Jesus in my life. It is my head that still makes claims of self-sufficiency, and it is my head that succumbs to my flesh over and over again. But how? How could I lose my head without going John's gruesome way. "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Jesus Christ." Taking my thoughts captive for obedience is losing 'my head.' What a great concept! But where is the power to do such a task? It comes in the divine power, the power of the Spirit of God resident within my life. He is there to teach, guide, convict, and even become my weapon against my flesh. Through His grace, I must use the Spirit, calling and relying on Him. I think my failures come because I try and fight this battle using my own strength, my mind and my flesh. I try and fight this battle. It never works! It must be of grace so that no man may boast. My decreasing and His increasing should be my constant prayer.

Father,

Show me how to battle my flesh and mind through Your divine power. Fill me completely with Your grace so that I will be decreasing and Jesus will be increasing.

In Jesus name,

Amen

I Will Make Them Strong in the Lord

Zech. 10:12

'"I will make them strong in the Lord and they shall walk in His name," declares the Lord."'

How do I get strong in the Lord? God makes me strong in Him which then in turn helps me walk in His name. This is GRACE! Even though this verse is in the OT, it really is saying the same thing as Phil. 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Only the God of all grace would want me to be strong in Him and then give me the grace that enables me to be strong in Him! God saves me and gives me a purpose, a mission. Then in that mission and purpose, He gives me the strength and wisdom to do it. It is all of Him. "And this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast . For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  Eph, 2:8-10  It is clear that God does not want human boasting so to eliminate it,  He does it all. Without God's grace, where would I be? Lost and unable to do anything! He does it all so that my heart is full of praise and thanksgiving, so that I am delighting in Him, and so that I am bringing glory to His name.

Father,

Thank You for making me strong in You and helping me to walk in Your name. I praise You for this great gift of grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

He Knew What Was in Man

Jn. 2:24-25

"But Jesus on His part did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for He Himself knew what was in man."

Man, on the whole, lacks so much discernment. Although, he is wowed by signs and wonders, he rarely ever considers the substance of the person performing these signs. If there is a splash or a show, man loves it, much like TV religious speakers who con people into giving large amounts of money for their shows In these verses Jesus had been in Jerusalem for the Passover feast doing great signs. Many believed in His name but only because of the signs. They did not go beyond the exterior to the heart of Jesus. Sadly, without seeing the man Jesus and the reason for the signs, their vision would be short-lived.

Jesus knew the heart of man since He was God in human form. He knew man's attraction to signs, but He also knew better than to entrust Himself to them. Even though they might be in awe at one moment, the next moment they could be screaming, "Crucify Him, crucify Him."  After reading this, I am so very thankful that God chose me for salvation even though He knew what was in my heart. He didn't reach out and save me because of my great discernment, but for His will and purpose.

Like Jesus, I do need to learn discernment about people and their motives. Since it is not in my nature, I need to use the Spirit of God to communicate with my spirit not just about other's motives but about my own. Jesus is exposing a common weakness of people that is believing without understanding and believing but not following through. This lesson must be applied to me personally. Am I following through when Jesus speaks to me? Can I be entrusted to be faithful and obedient to His Word? I know that it is only if I am relying on His power, His Spirit, and His grace. In myself, I would fail!

Father,

Make me aware of my true condition so that I will be constantly crying out for Your grace.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Praises!

Ps. 95:1-7

I would think that praise is a large part of worship, praise in song and praise in prayer. Sometimes I feel like my 'thank you' is so shallow, and it is! What to do? As I was reading Psalm 95 this morning, I realized that the first seven verses are prime verses to memorize, to quote or pray back to God. God has given me a perfect example in this heart cry from the psalmist. 

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving: let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise. for the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, the heights of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." 

After thinking about these verses again, I see that singing is key to worship. Singing, not just in corporate worship, but in my personal life. A song of praise should be flowing freely filling my hours. 

Then the psalmist praises God for His attributes: His strength as the Rock, His greatness, His kingship above all others, His creating of all, and His personal relationship with His children as the Shepherd. 

I also see that I must come in worship. It is an action based in my heart's response to God. I must desire to be in His presence, and I must do this in humility even to the point of kneeling to a God who is so great. I need to give Him my all since He is my shepherd, and I am His sheep. This coming is not just a once-a-week experience, or something just reserved for church. It is my coming, me alone in the presence of God.

So what is my problem? When I am alone at home, what do I chose to do? Do I want to worship, or do I fill my life with so many mundane activities? Is worship as important or more important that the many things that fill my day? I know that God gave me grace, His strength to worship, but still I must desire it. I have to cut lose the ties that bind me to the temporal things of this world. Praises to my God need to be filling my head, my heart, and my voice constantly.

Father,

Guide me into the worship that You so desire. Transfer my hold on the inconsequentials to the great eternal matters of consequence. Teach me to worship as You would have it be.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Grace upon Grace

Jn. 1:16

"And from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."

The fullness of Jesus Christ is grace. It is His essence, His nature, and His gift to those the Father has chosen for salvation. Through His sacrifice and death, His life essence was imparted to all those who believe. I receive not only grace for salvation, but grace upon grace. Grace for daily living, for weakness, for insults, for illness, for persecution, for sanctification, and for eventual glorification. His grace was magnified and made available through His great sacrificial love. It is a gift like no other!

Can I ever use up my allotment of grace? NO.  His grace is that never ending supply of all that I need to be obedient, to be a servant and a son, and to bring glory to His name. Grace is all that I am and will ever be. It is my hope and my stay. When I am hard pressed and feeling done in, grace is there to buoy me up and draw me back into my Father's loving arms. When illness and pain seem overwhelming, grace is there to carry the burden with me. When I don't understand and seem to have lost my way, grace is there to be my sure guide. When tragedies come and rip my heart asunder, grace is there to heal and soothe. No matter what my need, grace is there and is available to me. In fact, there is a throne of grace that I may enter with confidence for all the grace that I will ever need. That is the rub! I must ask for this great gift of grace! How many times have I struggled through on my own when this grace was waiting there for me?  Sadly, all to often. How foolish is my flesh! 

Father,

I confess my foolish 'take-charge' attitude. Draw me ever to You for your great gift of grace. Thank You Jesus for being grace upon grace for me.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Elijah, a Man of Like Passions

Jas. 5:16b

"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

James is saying some important things about prayer. First, prayer is essential for healing. The specific example is confession of sin. He encourages believers to confess to one another, to pray for one another so that they may be healed from actual sickness and from soul sickness. I think that there are two key elements here. First, to confess takes a great deal of humility which means a change of heart for the one suffering, and then it stresses the importance of believers supporting one another in prayer. The power of God is in prayer for the sinner and for the one supporting!

Then James goes on to use Elijah as an example of power in prayer. According to James Elijah was just like any human, fearful, lonely, and at times even desiring to die. Yet, God used him mightily. When he prayed for the rain to stop, it did; and when he prayed for the rain to begin, it did. When he prayed for God to consume the sacrifice, it did. He may have been just any person, but he was a person who prayed!  This is James' point. Prayer is powerful. Faithfulness in prayer can change a person from the wallowing in pity to being greatly used by God.

The point is if Elijah was like all of us and he could pray down the visible power of God, can I?  James says yes. I think he speaks to believers like this because prayer is often the great untapped resource. It is here for me to use, but how much time do I spend praying? Is the focus of my life prayer? Do I pray consistently for my own sin and sickness and for the illnesses of others? Am I using this great gift as I should? I would imagine Elijah prayed as if his life depended on it, and it did. Am I praying as if my spiritual life depends on it?

Father,

I confess my lack of prayer and even passion in prayer. Transform my heart. Help me to desire to be in constant communion with You.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Patiently Waiting

Jas. 5:8

"You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

The Lord is coming! My responsibility is to wait patiently all the while establishing my heart. What does that mean? To establish means to make firm like a foundation, to be steady and permanent. In the spiritual realm that means growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ as well as growing in sanctifying grace so that I will be holy and blameless when He comes. I won't be like one the unwise virgins who were caught unprepared with no oil in her lamp. Instead my lamp will be burning brightly with plenty of fuel in reserve.

Waiting patiently implies that the believer can hardly wait, that He is impatient. So much so that He wants Jesus to come right now. I think that there are only few people who are impatient for the Lord to come. In fact, many are so wrapped in their lives and this world's culture that they secretly hope He doesn't come for quite awhile. They have plans, things they want to do first. This speaks to my heart directly! What is my attitude about the coming of the Lord? Am I looking forward to it? Thankfully, I am looking forward to it so much more than I used to. I am genuinely concerned that I be ready when He does come, but I have such a ways yet to go.

Later in the passage it says that there are other things that are part of this waiting process: not grumbling against one another, suffering patiently, and being steadfast through whatever comes. I shouldn't grumble or judge other believers because Jesus the righteous Judge is nearly here. It is His responsibility to judge not mine. The examplesof suffering and steadfastness were the prophets who spoke the message regardless of the suffering they took and Job who suffered beyond belief but remained steadfast. Should these examples characterize my life? Should I be suffering for speaking out the Word and for remaining steadfastly obedient to God?  Tough questions!  I am not seeing my life as an arena for this intense suffering. I am wondering if this lack of suffering is related to a poor attitude toward Christ's return?  Suffering would intensify my desire to see the Lord, to be with Him and the Father, to be finally home. In my life I see that the pain of illness has drawn me so much closer to the Lord. It has made me cry out for His grace constantly and has made me look forward to His return. I can only imagine what suffering like the prophets would do in my life.

The bottom line is wait patiently and get ready! Redeem the time, use it for God sharing Jesus Christ with others and growing in grace.

Father,

Teach me how to be ready for the return of Your Son. Strengthen my desire for His return.

In His name,

Amen