1. Taking Time To Meditate On The Things Of God
Our little David was probably two years old when Matthew pointed the television remote at him and said, "I'm gonna fast forward you." And he did, because David started running as fast as his little feet would go to escape from his older brother's tease. Looking back, that was probably about the time that all of our lives were set into fast forward mode. The older boys were beginning to play ball, and with church and school, and adjusting to a fourth baby boy, we were very busy. Now that the children have grown up and moved on with their own families Michael and I have moved from the fast forward mode to the pause button. I like to begin my day reading a few chapters from the Bible. We enjoy a little pause each day to walk down to the garden. We like to pause in the evenings and watch Hallmark movies or baseball games. And we take two days a week to pause and worship our Lord at our church. Several of the Psalms have the word, "Selah" at the end of a verse and although we don't know exactly what the word means, some scholars have suggested that it can mean, "Pause". Let's look at some scriptures in the Bible that encourage us to pause and meditate on the things of the Lord and ask Him to speak to us through His Word.
"In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah." (Psalm 44:8)
2. Let Us Pause To Sing
Not only are there suggestions that "Selah" means pause, but I also saw that it could mean praising or possibly be a rest in musical terms. Taking all of these together, let's pause today to sing unto our God. I enjoy hearing the birds sing their songs of praise, and there will come a time when the whole earth shall worship our God in song. We can be ready for that day, and offer up our songs of praise today. Sing to the Lord! And listen to the words you sing, pausing to reflect on true worship of our Holy God.
"All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah." (Psalm 66:4)
"O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah." (Psalm 67:4)
"Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:" (Psalm 68:32)
3. He Heard My Cries
It has been four years since I first had problems breathing and was sent to the hospital. I have been doing okay using pills and an inhaler, and I have given up many things that seem to cause me trouble. During the month of June I struggled to keep it under control and I think it may have been the weather. Saturday morning it got so bad Michael had to call 911. When the medication I had didn't work I had a panic attack and I cried out to God to help me. As the paramedics worked to restore my breathing and blood pressure back to normal I prayed. I prayed for myself and I prayed for them. And I am thankful that God heard and answered my prayers. "I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah." (Psalm 3:4) Troubles and trials can come into our lives quite unexpectedly and it is so assuring to know that God hears and answers our prayers. These same troubles and trials can make us pause and reflect on life, and the important people and things in our lives. It helps to keep the line of communication open in your prayer life, because you never know when you may need to make an emergency call to the Lord. I want to encourage you today to spend time in prayer with the Lord, and pause to give Him thanks for hearing and answering your prayers.
4. Sleepless Nights
Do you ever lay down at night and all the joys and pains, and blessings and fears come to your mind and you are just too overwhelmed to sleep? We go through so many emotions during the day and we don't have time to take it all in until we finally get in bed and we are so tired we just want to fall asleep, when BAM! our minds are in overdrive trying to take it all in. Is that just me, or does it happen to you, too? Some nights I lay down and I am stressed about what I could've done, or would've done, or should've done and how maybe I can make things a little better tomorrow. Then, there are other times when I lay down and the prayer requests from all my family and friends come to mind and I pray and sometimes cry, hurting for them. The most wonderful nights are when God reminds me of His blessings on my life and tears of joy run down my face and make a wet spot on my pillow. God understands. "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah." (Psalm 4:4) David begins this Psalm, "Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." He puts his trust in God and he stands in awe of the Almighty and he ends this Psalm, "Thou hast put gladness in my heart... I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:7-8) Before you go to sleep at night, pause to "commune with your own heart upon your bed" and talk with your Lord. He can calm your troubled soul and give you peace so that you can sleep in His loving care.
5. Our Flag Of Freedom
As I thought about celebrating Independence Day I thanked God for our freedom. Many fought and many died to give us the freedom we have today. We raise our flags to declare our patriotism. And as we think about our freedom we must also praise the Lord for our freedom from the bondage of sin. Christ died on the cruel cross to pay the debt for my sin, and for your sin. He died so that we might live. I believe that we can look at the banners in the Bible as a symbol that would compare to our flags today. Our Selah verse is found in Psalm 60:4, "Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah." We don't have to display a public banner or flag showing our Christian heritage, but I believe that the love of God is displayed through our lives as we serve God by serving others. All of this is possible because of the great love of God, reaching down to give us the gift of salvation. "He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2:4) "We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions." (Psalm 20:5) As you celebrate your liberty, pause to thank God for the liberty you have in Christ Jesus. "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (II Corinthians 3:17) "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)
6. A Dry And Thirsty Land
Rain fell in some surrounding areas Wednesday night, and I enjoyed walking out on the wet ground just before I went to bed. "I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah." (Psalm 143:6) The long hot days leave the ground dry and thirsty. The heat creates a thirst and we must stay hydrated to keep our bodies healthy and working. Our thoughts of pause and reflection today remind us to thirst after the things of God. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?' (Psalm 42:1-2) Jesus is the water of life and He promised, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) In John 7:37-38 we read, "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." We are living in a dry and thirsty land. Be a witness for the Lord. Share the water of life, while there is still hope. Amos 8:11 warns, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:"
I could not find who wrote this little song, but I want to share it with you as I close. May this be our song of praise and pause today.
"As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You."
7. Loaded With Benefits
Michael and I went to Sams to get supplies for our Youth Jubilee, which will be at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Archdale, NC, July 16-19. We each had a large cart and we filled both with a full load. The items would barely stay on as we pushed them out to the car. This is how I see a load, something that is full, and flowing over the brim. Our Selah verse today is found in Psalm 68:19, "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah." I want to pause today to praise the Lord for all He does for me each day. Not only did He give me salvation, and supplies all my needs, but He loads up my wagon. He has filled my life to the brim, and it overflows with His blessings every day. As David said in Psalm 23:5, "...my cup runneth over." If you go for a job interview you will be told the starting salary. Sometimes there are benefits in addition to the monthly income, and those are extra. We often quote Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." But, we also have verses like Psalms 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." I can't tell you all the times that I wished for something in my heart, and God gave it to me. Once I thought about how I needed to get an umbrella, and the next week our company gave each employee a nice, big umbrella. One of my favorite verses, tried and true, is Malachi 3:10. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Don't take those blessings for granted. Pause to give the Lord thanks, and give back to Him with your tithes and offerings.
8. The King Of Glory
With access to the internet we can keep up with the royal family and I have seen enough photos online that I would recognize some of them if I saw them. But, I don't know anybody that belongs in a royal family. I can say, however, that I know the King of Glory. In Psalm 24 David asks, "Who is this King of glory?"
"9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:9-10)
When Jesus was born, the Wise Men came to worship Him. "Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2)
What became of the King of the Jews?
"17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!
19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
22 And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.
23 And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.
24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.
26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS." (Mark 15:17-26)
This was no surprise to Christ. "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice." (John 18:37)
Have you heard His voice? "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) Open the doors of your heart and let the King of glory come in. The next time He comes He shall come as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." (Revelaiton 17:14) "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:16)
9. The House Of The Lord
There are many places we could go, and many things that we could do on a Sunday morning, but my favorite place to be is in the house of the Lord. We sing songs and hymns of praise, study God's Word, and fellowship in prayer and worship of our God. I was blessed to have been raised in a Christian home where going to church was instilled deep in my veins and it comes natural to go to church when the doors are open. We used to sing Psalm 122:1 with our children when they were young. "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." You may also be familiar with the 23rd Psalm that ends, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." I hope that you have a church home, a place where you feel blessed to be, and to worship the Lord. "Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah." (Psalm 84:4)
10. For His Face To Shine Upon Us
To get where I'm going today I need to do a little background work, although you may already know this story. God called to Moses to go up Mount Sinai. After forty days and nights Moses started back down the mountain with the two tables of stone, the commandments, written with the finger of God. While God was giving Moses instructions for the tabernacle and how Aaron and his sons were to be the priests, Aaron was down with the people molding a golden calf. The Lord told Moses to go down because the people had worshiped and sacrificed to the false god. Moses intervened when God wanted to destroy the people but when he saw the wickedness of the Children of Israel he threw down the tables of stone and broke them. About 3,000 men were slain and the Lord plagued the people.
"And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written." (Exodus 32:31-32)
At this point Moses may have felt like a failure. He was called to lead the people to the Promised Land and they rebelled against God and would not follow. God told Moses that He would go with them and Moses said to God, "If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence." (Exodus 33:15) Then, Moses, who had seen the people at their worst, wanted to see God at His best "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." (Exodus 33:18) When the sin and despair of this world puts us on our knees, we can look up to our heavenly Father and cry out, "Show me Thy glory." Again Moses was with the Lord on the mountain forty days and nights and did not eat nor drink. "And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him." (Exodus 34:29-30)
That is my introduction. Now, here is what I want us to pause to think about today. We live in a sin cursed world that is dark and we need God's Light to go through this life. We often fail and we get so low, but we can pray and seek God's mercy. "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah." (Psalm 67:1) The Israelites sang this song and this is my prayer for you today. Do you know what would happen if God shined His face upon us? His Light would reflect off of our lives and radiate through us and people would know that we have been with the Lord. This is shown through the growing ministry and leadership in the early church.
"10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:10-13)
I want people to know that I have been with Jesus! I want my light to shine for Christ! My prayer today is that God's face would shine upon us and we would be shining lights to the world, for the cause of Christ.
"24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
11. Forgiveness
Fifty years ago, while my Grandpa Moyer P. Beasley was preaching about the rich man and Lazarus, I realized that I was lost and I started crying. I was sitting with my Grandma and she explained that if I told God that I was sorry for my sins and asked Jesus to save me, He would. And He did. God forgave me and has been with me all these years. But, I am not perfect. Sometimes I fail the Lord but my God is merciful to forgive me when I confess my sin to Him. Micah 7:19 tells me that God will cast my sins "into the depths of the sea." That is as deep as it gets. I also have the promise of Psalm103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Think about that, the east and the west never meet, but continue going in opposite directions infinitely. Jesus Christ died to pay for my sin and He has given me this amazing promise, "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:17) But... sometimes I remember. I think about the wrong things I have done. I see an old acquaintance and remember something that I did that hurt her. I may be in bed trying to go to sleep and my thoughts go miles away to things I wish I could forget. Maybe the memories are to help us not make those same mistakes. Hurtful memories of the past can also humble us and keep us from lifting ourselves up above others in pride. I don't know if this little personal look at my life will help you, but maybe you can take comfort in knowing that God will forgive you of your sin. Something to pause and think about. "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah." (Psalm 32:5)
12. Trust In The Lord
I saw an online quiz last week about questions only baby boomers would know. I did really well on it, with some of the answers being simple for someone as old as I am, like "skate keys" and gasoline selling for "20 cents a gallon." There were very few that I didn't know and remember. Those days seem so long ago, and there are some things I miss about them. I miss the carefree life we had as children; catching lightning bugs after dark, riding our bikes in the street, spending more time with our grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Life wasn't always so easy, as we spent long hours working in the garden and helping Dad load the wood he cut to sell. I remember waking up on cold mornings, waiting under the covers until Mom lit the oil heater. Another thing I miss about growing up was that most people could be trusted. Good was good, and bad was punished. We hear more and more stories today about good people being attacked, just for being good. I feel like we are walking where Isaiah was when he said, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20) I believe that we are in the "last days" that Paul warned Timothy about in II Timothy 3:1-5.
"1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
Our Selah verse today tells us what we can do in these troubled times. "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." (Psalm 62:8) God is still in control. Trust Him.
13. Eternity
Let's have a little geometry lesson today. Have you ever made a timeline of your life? Draw a line and mark a point on the left end as your birth. Then mark off increments and write important or cherished events that have happened during your life. Put an arrow on the right and your timeline is now a ray because it has one point and continues to move in the other direction. We can make a point on the right side to show that our life here on earth will end and we now have a line segment, because our line, like our life, is bounded on both ends. I remember learning in math class that a line extends in both directions infinitely. To illustrate this you can start at the point of birth and extend the line as far as you can to the left. Then extend the right point as far right as you can. To carry this concept farther, let's imagine that we are on the beach, drawing with a stick in the sand. We will begin by drawing 1 inch to represent 100 years for our lifetime, marking it on both ends to show the beginning and the end. Working like a map scale, let's extend our inch to the left 2 inches, and we have gone back 200 years. Go back 10 inches and we have 1,000 years. Still going to the left, we can go 20, 30, even 60 inches and our little inch now looks very small in comparison. What if we go beyond creation and look down the beach, past the people, past the pier, as far as you can see, and we get an idea of God "in the beginning". Now, back to our little inch, and adding to the right side, let's make the line extend as far as it will go, because eternity never ends. Pause and think about how small we are in the timeline of eternity. I believe this is what David was talking about when he said, "LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah." (Psalm 39:4-5) This sounds a little discouraging, but the encouragement is found in John 3. Your little line can extend with God in heaven throughout eternity. We can be born once and die twice, the natural death and the spiritual death in torments. Or, we can be born twice, our natural birth and also a spiritual birth, and die only once.
"5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:5-7 and 16)
Do you have everlasting life?
14. Heaven
We talked about eternity, and today I want to continue that thought with our next Selah verse, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah." (Psalm 49:15) The grave is not the end for God's children. We have victory in Jesus. "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:55 & 57) Jesus is preparing us a home in heaven.
"1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3)
I have seen pictures of some beautiful mansions here on earth, but there is nothing to compare to the glory of heaven. Our pause and reflection today is to encourage you to find comfort, and a steadfast hope, that you can rejoice in the victory you have in Jesus.
"13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
15. Jesus Is The Only Way Of Salvation
Sometimes at night when I can't sleep I look up and there is just enough light to see the four blades of the fan against the white ceiling. It looks like a cross, and it reminds me of the wonderful gift of salvation from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that I talk about salvation often, and that is because it is the most important decision you will ever make. We have been looking at Selah verses from the book of Psalms and this is the last one we will pause to think about. "Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah." (Psalm 3:8) It has been said that Christians are close-minded and don't accept other religions. I am that way for a reason. I believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that it gives us the only way of eternal life and salvation. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) We also read in Acts 4:10-12...
"10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
For that someone who may not know how to be saved, here it is in A,B,C form. Accept, Believe, and Confess.
Accept that you are a sinner and sin has to be punished by death. Jesus died to pay for your sin. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God who gave His life to pay for your sin and that He rose again on the third day and is in heaven with God the Father.
Confess your sin to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
16. Things To Ponder
I have enjoyed looking at the Selah verses, and I want to move forward with the thought of pausing to reflect on God's Word. I am reading through the gospels and marking some verses that show how and what some people thought of Jesus. Let's begin with the gospel of Luke where we find Mary, the mother of Jesus. The angel of the Lord appeared to Mary and told her that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. She did not understand, but she was willing to be used of God. "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." (Luke 1:38) After the birth of Jesus in the stable, the shepherds came to find the "babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" just as the angels had proclaimed. "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19) Mary pondered. She carefully thought about all the things about the birth of her Lord.
"Ponder" is rarely used in the Bible, but there is a verse in Proverbs 4:26 that tells us what we should ponder. "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." God wants us to pause and carefully think about the path we are traveling. That can mean what you have planned today, and it can also apply to your direction and goals in life. When I was trying to decide on a theme verse for my web site I chose, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) When we stay in the Word of God, He will guide our daily walk as a lamp unto our feet, and He will also show us the light for the path that lies ahead. "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 4:18)
17. In Your Heart
Yesterday we read Luke 2:19, "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." We are adding a similar verse today, "And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." (Luke 2:51) My thoughts lie in the last three words of both verses, "in her heart." Last week we saw that salvation comes from believing on Jesus in your heart. After that we are to love the Lord with all our heart. "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." (Matthew 22:37-38) Next, we see that we are to serve the Lord with all our heart. "And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul," (Deuteronomy 10:12) "Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you." (I Samuel 12:24) We are to trust the Lord with all our heart, as we read in Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." In closing, I want to encourage you to praise the Lord with all your heart! "I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore." (Psalm 86:12) We can do things out of habit, without really thinking about what we are doing. And that is fine for brushing our teeth, and the simple things we do each day. But our love, service, and praise to the Lord should not be done as a routine. We need to put God first in our lives and do all these things with all our heart.
18. The Shepherds Found Jesus
Since we are looking at what people thought about Jesus, let's go back to the first ones that met Him. The angels appeared to the lowly shepherds, and told them that Christ The Lord had been born. I like the response of the shepherds, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." There are some that have heard about Jesus, but they never made that forward motion to find the Lord. The shepherds went with haste to find the Savior. We are not promised tomorrow. Please make Him your Savior today. As we continue with the story we see that the shepherds went out and told what they knew. That is what a witness does. He tells what he saw and heard, and that is just how the shepherds responded when they met Jesus. The Lord wants us to be witnesses for Him. As we do, others may pause and wonder at the things we tell them, and seek the Lord to be their Savior, too.
"10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." (Luke 2:10-18)
19. Simeon And Anna Were Looking For The Lord
As we continue in the gospel of Luke we see that Joseph and Mary took Baby Jesus to the temple, according to Jewish law. Now, I believe that the temple was a busy place with priests and religious rulers and many people offering their sacrifices. With all these people, and animals, crowded around, we are told of two people who knew who Jesus was. As you read their stories in the scriptures below, think about how the Holy Spirit led them to Jesus, who was just over a week old, and told them that He was the Savior. Since I am not a Jew, I can rejoice in the prophecy of Simeon because Jesus really is, "A light to lighten the Gentiles." And for that I am truly thankful.
"25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." (Luke 2:25-38)
20. The Wise Men Worshipped Him
Today we are still looking at the "Christmas In July" scenario and adding the Wise Men to the list of characters. We are going through the New Testament gospels to see what people thought of Jesus. The Wise Men worshipped! They traveled a great distance to get to see Jesus. They rejoiced "with exceeding great joy." They fell down and worshipped the King. They gave Him great treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What are we giving to the Lord in worship to His Holy name?
"1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him...
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." (Matthew 2:1-2 and 9-12)
21. Herod Was Exceedingly Wroth
Up to this point in our look at what people thought about Jesus there has been great rejoicing at His birth. But, when King Herod heard that another king had been born who would be a political threat to his kingdom, he was wroth. He was so angry that he killed all of the children in Bethlehem and the surrounding areas from two years old and under. The angel of the Lord told Joseph to take Mary and Joseph and flee to Egypt until the death of Herod. Still today there are people who become exceedlingly wroth when you talk about Jesus or pray in His name. They don't have this anger towards other religions because those gods are false. Even though Jesus died on the cross, He rose up from the grave on the third day and He lives. He lives in heaven above and He lives in my heart!
"16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life." (Matthew 2:16-20)
22. Sorrow When Jesus Wasn't With Them
There is only one story of Jesus' childhood recorded in our Bible. The scripture follows. I can only imagine the sorrow and fear Joseph and Mary experienced during the three days they sought for Him. The part I want us to focus on is in Luke 2:44, "But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance." They didn't miss Jesus until a day had passed. Then, it took them three days to find Him. Do we walk and talk with Jesus everyday? How often are we reading our Bible? How much time are we spending in prayer? We may go to church and spend time with the Lord, but when we turn to go back home, are we leaving Jesus behind? Do we invite Him to go with us, or do we just suppose that He is in our company? I want to encourage you today to walk and talk with the Lord daily. In James 4:8 we read, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..."
"41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:41-49)
23. They Were Astonished
Sometimes when I am reading my Bible I come across something that I don't quite understand. So, I go to Michael and ask him my questions. Often he helps me understand, but at times he doesn't have the answer I am looking for, so I ask the question in a different way, just in case he didn't understand my question. Still he answers, "I don't know." Then, I think of a different way to ask the question, and again he says, "I still don't know." He will tell me that no matter how I ask the question, it is still the same question. (So, sometimes I ask a few more times just to aggravate him in a playful way.) When Mary and Joseph found Jesus, after being lost at twelve years old, He was in the temple. "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." (Luke 2:46-47) There are many, many times in the scriptures that people were astonished at the teaching and miracles of Jesus. I believe that there is a danger for Christians who go to church all their lives to lose their astonishment at the saving grace of our Lord and Savior. As you go to church today, listen as if it were your first time hearing God's Word. Let's stay astonished at His Word and His love and mercy.
"And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?" (Matthew 13:54)
"And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." (Mark 1:22)
"... And they were astonished with a great astonishment." (Mark 5:42)
"And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?" (Mark 6:2)
"And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak." (Mark 7:37)
"And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine." (Mark 11:18)
"And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power." (Luke 4:32)
24. Unbelief
"Do you really believe that story the preacher told about Daniel in the den of lions?" My friend was asked this question after church one Sunday. She had taken her son to church all of his life and he knew all the familiar Bible stories. Until one day, in his early twenties, he rolled his car several times and spent a lengthy recovery in a coma. When he woke up he didn't know his family or remember even the simple aspects of his life. He had forgotten all the Bible teaching he had had through the years and each new sermon and lesson were completely new to him. He listened, and learned to believe again. He even asked his preacher to baptize him again since he did not remember the first time. I want to encourage you today to teach your children Bible truths. They are never too young to hear, "Jesus Loves Me" sung to them. Jesus called the little children to come unto Him while their hearts were young and tender. "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." (Luke 18:16-17) I don't think there is anything more dangerous in the life of a person than unbelief. If you are struggling with unbelief, try praying like the father did in Mark 9:24, "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." There were many in the Bible that did not believe in Jesus. Even His brothers and kin did not believe in Him. "For neither did his brethren believe in him." (John 7:5)
"But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching." (Mark 6:4-6)
"And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." (Matthew 13:58)
"Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen." (Mark 16:14)
"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29)
Do you believe in Jesus? Do you believe that He is God's only begotten Son and that He came to die for your sin so that you could have everlasting life? "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life... He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16 & 18)
25. Some Forsook All And Followed Him
As Jesus began His ministry here on earth He called twelve disciples to follow Him. At least four of the twelve were fishermen. As you read the scriptures below notice that Jesus told Simon Peter to let down the nets, plural, and with some hesitation he let down the net, singular. They caught so many fish that they filled both ships, which began to sink. They brought their ships to land and left the ships, fish and nets, and followed Jesus. Simon Peter went from being a little doubtful, to forsaking all, to follow Him. We just finished our week of Youth Jubilee and it was a great week of worship, with songs of praise, and wonderful sermons. It was a joy to meet Andrea Colson and Alisha Colson, missionary sisters who live and serve the Lord in Chuuk, Micronesia. Their family forsook their home many years ago to go to a different land to tell others about Jesus. I have a great respect for those who forsake all to follow the Lord. If you would like to find out more about the Colsons and their work for the Lord you can check out their facebook pages.
https://www.facebook.com/andreainchuuk
https://www.facebook.com/alisha.colson
"1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2 And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him." (Luke 5:1-11)
26. To Touch The Hem Of His Garment
My heart is burdened deeply as I sit and write this devotional this Tuesday evening. Someone very special to me needs a touch from the Lord. I have laid my burden at the Savior's feet, hoping that I can just touch the hem of His garment. As Jesus walked from town to town, teaching and healing the multitudes, there were many who had enough faith to believe that if they could touch the hem of His garment they would be healed, and they were. My prayer this evening is that my faith will be strong and that my Lord will hear and answer my prayer.
"20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." (Matthew 9:20-22)
"And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole." (Matthew 14:36)
27. Taking Time To Give Thanks
Jesus heard and answered my prayer! My daughter fell Tuesday and since she is 6 months pregnant the doctor told her to go to the hospital for observation. During that time she started having contractions and they lasted for several hours. Today I want to say "Thank You, Lord!" for hearing and answering our prayers to stop the contractions. We began this series with "Selah" verses, which we paused to meditate and think on. Now, we are looking at the people who knew Jesus and what they thought of Him and His ministry. Jesus went from place to place and had compassion on the people and healed them. He fed thousands with bread and fish. I did a quick search to see how many said, "Thanks" or "Thank you" and I only found one. I used to think it was bad that only one in ten returned to give Him thanks, but after looking again, I think the ratio is far greater than that. Today I am the one. "Thank You, Lord!" I praise Your holy Name!
"11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole." (Luke 17:11-19)
28. A Faith To Share
I just received messages from family and friends about two babies who need prayer. We have talked about prayer this week, and it makes me feel honored when someone asks me to pray for a specific need. Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) I believe that when we gather in prayer, even though we may be miles apart, Jesus is in the midst and hears our prayers. Mark's gospel tells about a time when four friends lowered a sick man down through the roof to get him close to Jesus. Jesus commended the faith of the four and healed the man. Today I want to encourage you to share your faith. Pray for those who ask you to pray. Be faithful to your church and fellowship with Christian friends. Share the gospel message. And let your light shine so that others may see Christ through your life.
"1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee...
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion." (Mark 2:1-5 and 9-12)
29. Who Is Jesus To You?
We have looked into the lives of those who walked and talked with Jesus to see who they thought He was. We are closing this series on a personal level with the question Jesus asked, "But whom say ye that I am?" Because that is the important thing. We are all going to bow before God and only those who believe in Jesus and asked Him to save them will live with Him in heaven. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)
"13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:13-17)
Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Are you following Jesus?
"24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:24-29)
"21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:21-23)
