On My Heart 2004 - A Weekly Devotional by Bob Krepps

December 30, 2004 – My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.  How long will you assault a man?  Would all of you throw him down – this leaning wall, this tottering fence?  They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies.  With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse.  Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.  Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.  Do not trust in extortion or take stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.  One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard; that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.  Surely you will reward each person according to what he had done.  Psalm 62 (NIV) 

In Psalm 62 David does not speak to God until the last verse.  He first speaks to himself, then to his soul, then to other believers in the living God and finally to God.  David is under a lot of stress; he is in a very difficult situation that could easily lead to self-pity.  He could be spiritually and emotionally destroyed.  In this situation what David needs most is to remind himself about God.  This is exactly what he does.

We need to learn to speak to ourselves about God.  We need to remind ourselves of God’s greatness, glory and majesty.  Rest for the soul is almost impossible to find when we are anxious, afraid or depressed.  We can find rest for our soul when we have things in perspective.  In the Lord Jesus Christ we have salvation; He is our rock (strength), our fortress (security) and a loving refuge.  These blessings are found in God.  Trusting in anything else or in ourselves is like trusting in a leaning wall or a tottering fence. 

After David speaks to himself, he then urges others to trust in God at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. 

What do you do when you are under a lot of stress?  (It is easy for me to slide into miserable self-pity.)  Have you learned to speak to yourself about God?  Do you frequently remind yourself of God’s goodness, majesty and greatness?  Seek all God has for you in Jesus Christ today.

December 23, 2004 – The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  Isaiah 9: 2 (NIV)  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of increase of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.  Isaiah 9: 7 (NIV)

People are living in darkness, in sin.  They are blind to the truth of God and can not see the beauty of Jesus Christ.  All of us were in this desperate situation but the light of the gospel has come to us.  That light is Jesus Christ; for to us a child is born, to us a son is given.  He is a child and Mighty God.  Nothing could be more amazing or incredible.  God actually became man and lived among us. 

Jesus is called Wonderful, Counselor; He is the One with amazing wisdom.  He gives us sound direction and advice.  When we follow His Word we never go wrong.  We should listen to Him and let Him guide us.

Jesus is Mighty God, God with us, Immanuel.  Isaiah makes this very clear.  God is with us in power in might.

Jesus is our Everlasting Father, there will be no end to His kingdom and His is a Kingdom established with justice and righteousness.  He is a kind and loving Father not a harsh dictator.  His love and compassion for us will never change. 

Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  The peace that Jesus Christ achieved for us is not fleeting; it is not affected by circumstances.  His peace is a peace with God achieved for us by justification through faith.  He took our sin upon Himself to reconcile us to God.

This is Jesus Christ; totally unique; awesome God. There is no one who compares to Him.    Our only hope of eternal salvation is in Him. 

December 16, 2004 – Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.  Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.  Surely you desire truth in the innermost place.  Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.  Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.  Hide your face from my sins and blot out my iniquity.  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.  Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.  O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.  In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.  Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your alter.  Psalm 51 (NIV)

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of confession of sin and repentance before God.  He gives no excuses; he takes complete responsibility for his actions.  He is guilty.  David had very clearly sinned against Uriah when he committed adultery and murder, but he acknowledges that all sin is sin against God.  When we sin against each other we are sinning against God. 

David’s only hope for forgiveness rests in the unfailing love and mercy of God.  Sin leaves an ugly stain that must be cleansed; sin must be blotted out.  Hyssop is a little shrub which was used to apply the blood of purification under the Law of God.  David was asking God to cleanse him using the means God had provided.  God’s appointed means to deal with our sin is the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Confession sets us free from the burden and guilt of sin.  Confession involves humbling ourselves before God by admitting our sin and guilt (agreeing with God about our sin) and repenting from sin (changing directions).  We sin daily.  Genuine confession should be a normal part of our daily conversation with God.  We should never make excuses for our sin or attempt to justify ourselves.  Sometimes we need to confess our sins to one or more people that we can trust.  Confession and repentance before others is difficult and humbling.  We fear being exposed and fear what others will think about us.  But when we reveal our secret sins and weaknesses they can lose their power over us.  We experience healing and restoration.

Have you sinned against the Lord?  If you have, humbly confess your sin, and ask Jesus Christ for forgiveness and cleansing.

December 9, 2004 – Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike:  My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.  I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle:  Why should I fear when evil days come, when deceivers surround me – those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?  No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him – the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough – that he should live on forever and not see decay.  For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.  Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.  But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.  This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.  Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them.  The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from princely mansions.  But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.  Psalm 49: 1 – 15 (NIV)

How do you actually view life?  Do you view it from a worldly perspective or from an eternal perspective?  I can view the world through “spiritual eyes”, with God’s perspective or I can simply view the world through “physical eyes” and fail to grasp the eternal.  My view of life will greatly affect my thinking and my actions.

We can live life as if this world is all there is, or we can view our existence on earth as preparation for eternity.  We live in the world and the responsibilities and pressures of this world tend to demand our attention.  Our value system is affected when we invest more of our energy, thoughts and attention on things that will someday be destroyed than we do on things that will endure forever.  Treasures “laid up for eternity” cannot be destroyed or stolen.  They are secure.

Compared to eternity; no matter how long we live, life on this earth is very short. 

“As for a man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”  (Psalm 103: 15 – 16)

The writer of Psalm 49 reminds us of what is important and encourages us to look beyond this life.  In Jesus Christ I have a certain hope that God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.

What or who are you trusting in today?

December 2, 2004 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.  Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.  He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.  Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”   The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Psalm 46 (NIV)

The writer of Psalm 46 gives some very wise advice:  Be still and know that I am God.  It is hard for me to be still; life is very full of activity and noise.  Real stillness is rare for most of us.  I am all for activity – some believers are lazy servants – the workers are few.  But I need to take time to be still because there is a God who cares enough about me to make Himself known to me.

The purpose of stillness, spending time in God’s presence or meditation is to draw near to God and know Him more intimately.  Don’t be satisfied with knowledge about God.  Get to know God who active in our lives, a refuge and strength, an ever-present help and our fortress. 

Take time today to be still, take time to be aware of God’s presence and take time to think about the amazing character of the God you love and worship.

November 25, 2004 – As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul pants for God, for the living God.  When can I go and meet with God?  My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”  These things I remember as I pour out my soul:  how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.  Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of Jordan, the heights of Hermon – from Mount Mizar.  Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.  By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.  I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?”  My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”  Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42 (NIV)

The writer of this psalm is under severe spiritual distress.  My tears have been my food day and night.  His enemies torment and mock him saying, “Where is your God?”   Remembering better times only increases the pain.  Remembering the past can be good or harmful.  If we just focus on what used to be, then we may end up feeling deeply depressed. 

It is in this condition that the writer of Psalm 42 has an intense desire for God.  He is like a deer being chased by a dangerous predator, whose mouth is dry.  A deer that needs strength to escape; the deer’s need for water is desperate.  In the same way, the writer’s thirst for God is extremely desperate.  He desperately wants to experience the refreshing presence of God.  Only the living God can satisfy and refresh a thirsty soul. 

Why are you downcast, O my soul?  Why so disturbed within me?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  The most important conversations we have are often the conversations we have with ourselves.  Faith and hope argue with fear and sorrow in our mind; we make major life choices.  In this case, faith and hope in the living God win.  God has been faithful and merciful.  God is trustworthy; His grace gives hope.  There are sound reasons to place trust in God, who never changes.  When distress is overwhelming, put your hope in God. 

What do you do when you find yourself in a similar situation?  When you face times of spiritual dryness how do you respond?  Do you cry, talk to yourself, remind yourself of God’s character or pray honestly?  (The writer of Psalm 42 did all of these.)  Even though outward circumstances do not change, you can enjoy the blessings of the presence of God and praise Him with joy and thanksgiving. 

Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5: 18 (NIV)

November 18, 2004 – I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise shall always be on my lips.  My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.  Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.  This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.  Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.  The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.  Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.  Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.  The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.  The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.  Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.  The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.  Psalm 34 (NIV)

The introduction to this Psalm says, “Of David, when he pretended to be insane.”  The story is found in 1 Samuel 21 and 22.  David had big problems.  Problems he had created.  He had lied to Abimelech, the priest, and as a result, Saul killed the priest and eighty-five others.  David then came before the Philistine King and degraded himself by pretending to be insane. 

David felt like a poor man – a failure - with many troubles.  He was brokenhearted and crushed.  He felt guilty.  His sin had resulted in the death of eighty-six people.  Still, he cried out to the Lord.  David did not allow his deep sense of guilt keep him from praying.  This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. 

When you feel ashamed of your actions – feel that you are a poor pathetic Christian - in your weakness cry out to God, because the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Do not minimize your sin.  Do not let guilt stop you from praying.  Call out to God.  Do rest completely in God’s grace.  The Lord redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him.b

I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise shall always be on my lips.  My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.  Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!

November 11, 2004 – Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.  Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.  Sing to him a new song; play skillfully and shout for joy.  For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.  The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.  By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.  Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him.  For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.  The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.  From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on the earth – he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.  No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.  A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it can not save.  But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.  We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.  May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.  Psalm 33 (NIV)  

What helps you worship God?  Maybe it is singing, music or loud shouts of praise.  Maybe it is silence, nature, or reflecting on God’s creative power. 

God is worthy of worship.  Psalm 33 calls us to worship our living God.  He is our Sovereign Creator, King and Savior.  God is active.  His words are never empty; they are always connected to His work.  By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.  God’s work and power is evident in creation, in past history, in the present and in the future.  The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. 

I need to take time to worship God every day.  We live very busy lives.  Our work is never done.  Urgent things sometimes overwhelm us.  It is very easy to get distracted and forget God.  Our ministry can easily become a substitute for personal intimacy with God and worship.  Ministry should be a result of our worship (or even an act of worship, our response to God’s greatness); but too often true worship gets left out of our day.

God is in control.  We can forget this truth when life is hard.  He is Lord!  Focus on Him; then worship Him.  Our hope is in God and in His unfailing love!

Where are you placing your hope?  Is it in God and God’s unfailing love?  We were created to know and treasure God above all else.  Take time out of every day to praise and worship God.

November 4, 2004 – Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.  Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.  When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.  Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.  Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.  You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.  Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.  Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.  Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!  Psalm 32 (NIV)

It is an amazing thing to experience God’s forgiveness.  The God we love and serve invites us into His presence.  He delights in our prayers.  He invites us to pray in spite of our sin. 

Genuine confession should be a part of our normal daily conversation with God.  We sin every day.  Take some time and think over the past twenty-four hours.  Has your every thought, action, attitude and word spoken pleased God?  Have you done things that have not glorified God or left undone things God commands us to do?

Confessing our sin can be very difficult and humbling.  It is hard to face the truth about ourselves.  It is much easier to make excuses, ignore or justify our sin.  There is nothing I can do to remove my sin.  I can not work if off.  I am totally dependant on God’s mercy.  Like David I can not relive yesterday and undo what I have done.  Keeping silent is not an option; it only weighs heavy upon my soul.  My only hope is to be forgiven by the One who made atonement for my sin.  Anything other than humbling myself before God and confessing my sin will not free me from the guilt and burden of sin.  Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.  I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin.  

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness.  I John 1: 8 – 9 (NIV) 

There is incredible happiness (blessedness, joy) and freedom in forgiveness.  Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!  David knew any righteousness he had was not his own; it was God’s, given to him by grace.  He had experienced God’s forgiveness.  Rejoice and be glad in the Lord.  Make the Lord Jesus Christ your hiding place and trust in His unfailing love.

October 28, 2004 – The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?  When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they stumble and fall.  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.  One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.  Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.  Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”  Your face, Lord, I will seek.  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn servant away in anger; you have been my helper.  Do not reject me, O God my Savior.  Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.  Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.  Do no turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.  I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.  Psalm 27 (NIV) 

With the Lord Jesus Christ as our Light and our Salvation and our Stronghold we have nothing to fear from the enemies of our soul.  The enemies of our soul are powerless before a Savior like our God.  Our confidence is in Jesus Christ and in no one else.

If you could ask one thing of the Lord, and have it granted, what would it be?  David’s one request was to enjoy to the constant presence of God.  He wanted to be close to God (dwell in His house), see and appreciate God’s beauty.  His priority was to seek God’s face.  He was preoccupied with the person of God and His will.

My heart says of You, “Seek His face!”  Your face, Lord, I will seek.  Like David, my heart says, “Seek God, seek His face!”  But I still have to actually do it; Your face, Lord, I will seek.  I can not let all the many distractions of life and the many enemies of my soul keep me from seeking God’s face.

Your spiritual life is greatly enriched and strengthened when you seek, listen to and wait for the Lord.  In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”.  Have you been putting first things first?  Is seeking God’s face (or kingdom) first for you?

October 21, 2004 – To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God.  Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.  No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.  Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to you love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.  Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.  He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.  All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.  For the sake of your name, O Lord, forgive my iniquity, through it is great.  Who, then, is the man that fears the Lord?  He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.  The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant know to them.  My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.  Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.  The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.  Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.  See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!  Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.  May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.  Psalm 25: 1 – 21 (NIV)

Who or what are you placing your trust in?  We might say (or think) that we are placing our hope and trust God; but what do our reactions to our life’s situation and daily problems actually tell us about what we are really trusting in?  Often we do not really place our complete trust in God.  In Psalm 25 David expresses his deep trust in the living God.  He is humbly trusting God to protect him, guide him and forgive him.

We can trust God because He is good and upright.  All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful.  His mercy is great.  We can take refuge in Him.  God is worthy of our trust.  That is what our God is like!  There is no one like Him.  We can rely on Him, for He is our Savior.

What are you the most in need of today:  protection, guidance or forgiveness?  Trust God to provide what exactly you need.  Put your hope in Him.  Meditate on the character of your Savior, Jesus Christ.  All His ways are loving and faithful.

October 14, 2004 – The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.  Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?  Who may stand in His holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.  He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior.  Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.  Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the king of glory may come in.  Who is this King of Glory?  The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.  Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the king of glory may come in.  Who is He, this King of Glory?  The Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory.  Psalm 24 (NIV)

The world and everything that lives in it was created by God and for God.  He created an amazing place for His satisfaction and glory.  We were created for God’s glory and purposes, not our own. 

King David asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?  Who may stand in His holy place?”   In other words, who is able to enjoy entering the courts of God, worshiping Him with joy?  Who can enjoy amazing fellowship with the King of Glory?  Who can enjoy God’s presence?  But there is a big problem.  The answer that is given, he who has clean hands and a pure heart, seems to rule me out.  I know the sinful state of my own heart.  Will I ever be able to ascend the hill of the Lord or stand in His holy place?

Fortunately, Jesus Christ has already climbed the holy hill.  He is the One who by His grace has given me clean hands and a pure heart.  He is the One who creates in us a new heart and a new spirit.  Through Jesus Christ we enjoy God’s blessing and can worship the awesome King of Glory.

Are you resting in all Jesus Christ has done for you?  Are you enjoying fellowship with the King of Glory?  Seek God’s face and blessing today.

September 30, 2004 – The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want, He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.  He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23 (NIV)

This is a very familiar Psalm of praise; David is delighting in God and trusting in Him.  He is rejoicing in all God has done for him.  The Lord is my Shepherd.  If by God’s grace, I am the sheep of His pasture, then this is a Psalm of thanksgiving for what I already have in Jesus Christ.  My Lord leads me, He restores my soul, He guides me in paths of righteousness and He comforts me.  My Shepherd meets my needs right up to the end of my life when I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

This is not a prayer of David (David is not asking God for anything); it is a song of thanksgiving and praise.  He is focusing on God and all that God does for him.  Is this your experience?  Or are you still praying that God will be your Shepherd?  Is Psalm 23 your experience now?  Or are you still praying that God will lead you, guide you, restore you, comfort and protect you?  Ask God to enable you to be the kind of person who enjoys the Lord and trusts Him.  Make this Psalm your personal Psalm of rejoicing in God’s goodness.

The Lord is my Shepherd.  If you are a child of the living God, rest in that fact.  Delight in the Lord Jesus.  Remember that He said, “I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”  (John 10: 11)

September 23, 2004 – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my groaning?  Oh my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent.  Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.  In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.  They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.  But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people.  All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads:  “He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him.  Let the Lord deliver him, since he delights in him.”  Psalm 22: 1 – 8 (NIV)  I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.  My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.  My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.  Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.  I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.  They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.  Psalm 22:  14 – 18 (NIV)  I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you.  You who fear the Lord, praise Him!  All you descendants of Jacob, honor Him! Revere Him, all you descendants of Israel!  For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to His cry for help.  Psalm 22:  22 – 24 (NIV)

While suffering in agony on the cross in Matthew 27: 46 Jesus cries out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”  This is a quote from Psalm 22 written a thousand years before Jesus Christ was born; but it is much more than a quote from Psalm 22.  This was Jesus’ experience.  This prophetic Psalm clearly describes what Jesus went through to redeem His people.  In Psalm 22 we see the mental anguish that Jesus experienced, the intense hatred people had toward Him and the physical torture that He endured. 

Agony soon turns to praise!  For He has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to His cry for help.  Sin has been dealt with; redemption is accomplished!  This Psalm ends in the joyful assurance of divine love. 

This is also a description of David’s own experience of despair and hope.  We also go through times of grief, abandonment and suffering.  When you feel like you have been abandoned by God and others how do you express yourself?  (Anger, Disbelief, Tears or Faith, Trust, Grace, Peace)  At such times, remember that Jesus experienced the same things.  He listens, understands and cares.  Praise Him!  Celebrate God’s grace.  His suffering accomplished redemption for His people.  Think about what Jesus joyfully went through for those He loved.  Take time this week to meditate on your relationship with Jesus Christ.  How close is your relationship with Him?  What does it mean to you?

September 16, 2004 – The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.  In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.  It rises at one end of the heavens and makes it circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.  The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is pure enduring forever.  The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.  By them is your servant warned; and in keeping them is great reward.  Who can discern his errors?  Forgive my hidden faults.  Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.  Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19 (NIV)

David is meditating and thinking about the wonderful glory and majesty of God.  All of creation testifies to God’s greatness, goodness and glory.  God is so awesome that language can not adequately describe His glory.  As David contemplates how God has revealed Himself though the world around him he also contemplates how God has revealed Himself through the Word of God. 

God’s Word and ways revive the soul and give joy to David’s heart.  They give light and radiance because they reflect God.  God’s Word reflects His amazing glory.  God’s Word is pure, precious and sweet.  David takes time to savor it.  His appreciation of God and God’s greatness grows as He meditates.

As David draws closer to God, he is forced to look as his own heart.  In prayer he asks, “Forgive my hidden faults.  Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.”  He wants everything he meditates on and thinks about to please his Lord and redeemer.

Take time to look at the world around you.  Does God’s creation fill you will a sense of God’s glory?  Does God’s Word bring joy to your heart as you read it and meditate on it? 

September 2, 2004 – Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?  Who may live on your holy hill?  He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.  He who does these things will never be shaken.  Psalm 15 (NIV)

David is serious about God.  He has a deep awe and reverence for God.  At the same time, David enjoys the Lord.  He has discovered that is only possible to get close to God (dwell in His sanctuary) and enjoy Him to the fullest is when we are serious about reflecting His glory.  God is holy.  His ways are blameless; He speaks truth and keeps His promises.  The Triune God of the universe wants us to enjoy and be in fellowship (dwell in His sanctuary) with Him.  God calls us to live holy, sanctified lives.  This is not legalism or salvation by works.  In this Psalm King David tells us how God’s redeemed people can enjoy and glorify their awesome Lord.  We should be people who are characterized by integrity, honesty, kindness, and generosity. 

Psalm 15 reminds me of these New Testament verses:  Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.  In your anger do not sin.   Do not let the sun go down while you are angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.  He who has been stealing, steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.  Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Ephesians 4: 25 – 32 (NIV)

If you want to really enjoy God and draw close to Him, carefully consider these passages from God’s Word.

August 26, 2004 – Why, O Lord, do You stand far off?  Why do You hide yourself in times of trouble?  In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.  He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.  In his pride the wicked does not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.  His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and Your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies.  He says to himself, “Nothing will shake me; I’ll always be happy and never have trouble.”  His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.   He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.  He lies in wait to catch the helpless and drags them off in his net.  His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.  He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He covers His face and never sees.”  Arise, Lord!  Lift up your hand, O God.  Do not forget the helpless.  Why does the wicked man revile God?  Why does he say to himself, “He won’t call me to account”?  But you, O God do see trouble and grief; you consider it and take it in hand.  The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.  Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.  The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from His land.  You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, man terrify no more.  Psalm 10 (NIV)

I love the Psalms because the writers are people who are just like me.  Sometimes they express exactly what I am feeling and thinking better than I can myself.  They are real and honest with God.  They write things I am reluctant to voice out loud (at least when anyone can hear me).

Have you ever asked these kinds of questions?  Do you ever ask why?  Intellectually and deep in my soul I know that God is in control.  I know He is near to me.  I know that He hears, cares and understands.  I know His timing is perfect.  But when I am going through a difficult time I still find myself feeling and saying: Why, O Lord, do You stand far off?  Why do You hide yourself in times of trouble?  I even find myself telling God what He should be doing!  I point out to Him that He is acting much slower than He should.  I speculate that non-believers I know must have an easier life than I have.

When it seems like God is silent, when we are face great needs, when it does not seem like God is answering our prayers; the bottom line is that the Lord is King for ever and ever.  He hears our desires.  God listens to our cry.  He is near.  His ways are perfect.  His promises are true. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8: 28)  This is God’s sure promise.

August 19, 2004 – O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory above the heavens.  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.  When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him or the son of man that you care for him?  You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.  You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet:  all flocks and herds, and the beast of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the sea.  O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.  Psalm 8 (NIV)

When our thoughts are taken up with the wonder of God’s glory, majesty, power and goodness we are drawn closer to Him.  Nearness to God comes when we appreciate the wonder and glory of who God is and all God has done for us.  In Psalm 8 David is enjoying the Lord.  His thoughts are of God.  He is delighting in the Lord.  O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Too often we fail to see the greatness of God.  We are very good are telling God what we need or want or don’t have.  But, how good are we at praising and adoring the Lord?  How good are we at enjoying the Lord and delighting in Him?

What a great God we have!  His creation is amazing; it is the work of His fingers.  Do we stop frequently to appreciate what God has made?  If we appreciate a sunset God has given us do enjoy, do we take time to praise the One who created it?

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, became a man, destroyed death, and saved His people from the destructive power of sin.  Our great God redeemed us!  Even creation does not compare to all Jesus has done for us.  O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Today experience nearness to God by praising and adoring our great and wonderful God!  If you are feeling distant from God or powerless then focus on praising God and adore Him.  He will draw near to you.

Special Note:  All the NMSI staff and missionaries living in the Fort Myers and Cape Coral area are safe and doing well after hurricane Charley Friday afternoon.  Our homes only experienced minor damage.  Most of us were without power and water this past week. NMSI’s headquarters’ building and contents experienced heavy damage when the roof blew off the south half of the building.  No essential information was lost we were able to resume serving our missionaries by Tuesday morning.  More details and pictures are now on our website.  We are praising God for all He has done and the many ways He has blessed us.

August 12, 2004 – O Lord, how many are my foes!  How many rise up against me!  Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”  But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.  To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill.  I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.  Arise, O Lord!  Deliver me, O my God!  Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  From the Lord comes deliverance.  May your blessing be on your people.  Psalm 3 (NIV)

This Psalm was written by King David when he had to flee for his life from his own son, Absalom.  David has very serious family problems.  He has a lot to deal with.  His son rebelled and is attempting to take the throne away from him.  People are talking too, criticizing him, “God will not deliver him.”  David is losing the support of his people.  How could someone with a rebellious child lead God’s people?

But David’s circumstances cause him to turn to the Lord.  Adversity strengthens his relationship with God.  If David listened to what people were saying or looked at his circumstances, rather than going to God, he would have given up in total despair.  In the middle of all of these serious problems he was able to experience God’s peace and get a good night’s sleep.  I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  David was confident because he believed that “from the Lord comes deliverance”.  No matter how strong his enemy was, almighty God was the One he was trusting to deliver him.

When we face problems we need to have the same confidence in our Lord that David had.  We need to take our troubles to the Lord in prayer and trust Him with them.  Too often I pray, but then take I my troubles back again, instead of leaving them with the Lord.  We need to leave them with Him.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  I Peter 5: 7 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4: 6 – 7 (NIV)

Is there something you have been losing sleep over?  Why? 

When adversity comes do you allow it to strengthen your relationship with God and deepen your trust in Him?

August 5, 2004 – Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?  The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.  “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”  The One enthroned in the heavens laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.  Then He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”  I will proclaim the decree of the Lord:  He said to me, “You are my Son, today I have become your Father.  Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, You will rule them with and iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”  Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.  Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for His wrath can flare up in a moment.  Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.  Psalm 2 (NIV)

This Psalm seems to have been one of the favorite Psalms of the early Church.  It is quoted in the gospel of Matthew, several times in Acts (in Chapter 4 & 13) and in Hebrews.  The early believers knew they were blessed because they had taken refuge in their Anointed King; the Lord Jesus Christ.  They were confident that this ancient Psalm of praise was clearly referring to their Lord, Jesus Christ.  They served the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  He is the supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; the resurrected Lord.  Opposing Him is simply laughable – only a fool would attempt it; serving Him is worth any cost.  These words helped them endure hardship.

It is foolish for anyone to attempt to plot against God and attempt to throw off His rule.  He is the all powerful and sovereign Lord.   The wise person worships and serves Him. 

Are you embracing God’s rule in your life?  Or are there ways you are trying to throw off or avoid His gracious rule?  (This Psalm is a serious warning.)  How do you “kiss the Son” or pay homage (honor) to Jesus Christ?  How will you honor and worship Him today?

If you are facing difficulties, take refuge in the Lord.  Let this Psalm remind you that the One you are serving is enthroned in the heavens.  You will be greatly blessed!

July 29, 2004 – Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does he prospers.  Not so the wicked!  They are like chaff that the wind blows away.  Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.  For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.  Psalm 1 (NIV)

The word ‘blessed’ means happy.  This Psalm is telling us what brings real happiness.  Most people think that happiness depends on our circumstances.  If things are going well they are happy.  If this is true then any happiness is fleeting; something that constantly changes.  Happiness would constantly come in and out of our lives.  But for the person in this Psalm, happiness is not dependent on circumstances.  It depends on our relationship with God.

The happy person does not take their standards or way of life from the world around them (the wicked) but from God’s Word.  The one who is truly happy has a standard that does not change; life has stability.  When circumstances change and trials come they are not shaken. 

Where do you search for happiness?  Is it in your circumstances or in the Lord?  When do you take time in your day to delight in God and meditate on His Word?

Take the time to delight in the Lord.  Meditate on His Word.  Learn to enjoy the Lord.  When you do this, God will be your happiness.  You will be truly blessed and fruitful!

July 15, 2004 – While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”  They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.  He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  Look at my hands and my feet.  Is it I Myself!  Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”  When He had said this, He showed them His hands and feet.  And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?  They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He took it and ate it in their presence.  He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:  Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”  Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  He told them, “This is what is written:  The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.  I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”  Luke 24: 36 – 49 (NIV)

Jesus suddenly shows up.  It seems too good to be true.  Even though Jesus is standing right there, the disciples don’t believe what their eyes are seeing.  But this is definitely not a ghost, an illusion or a vision that they see.  It is Jesus Christ.  Jesus really did rise from the dead!  He shows them His hands and His feet and then asks them for something to eat.   After this encounter with Jesus the doubts that they have disappear.  Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  They now can clearly understand what Jesus had been teaching them.  Christ’s death, resurrection and the gospel of repentance and forgiveness of sins now make sense.  It was a message they would now proclaim with power

God is the One who enables us to understand His Word.  He is the One who promises to empower His people for ministry.  Do you need understanding?  Ask God to open your eyes to understand His Word.  Ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you.  Do you need power for ministry?  Wait on the Lord for His power and strength.

Special Note:  This is the last devotional message from the gospel of Luke (Luke 24: 50 – 53 was the May 20^th devotional).  Next week we will start a new series.

July 8, 2004 – On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.  They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; He has risen!  Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’”  Then they remembered His words.  When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.  But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.  Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.  Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.  Luke 24: 1 – 12 (NIV)

The announcement that “He has risen!” turned the world upside down.  The women went to Jesus’ tomb and found His body missing.  While they were standing at the tomb wondering what could have happened, two angels, messengers of God, appeared with the incredible announcement.  They also reminded the women that Jesus had predicted this would happen.  “Remember how He told you, while He was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” 

But when these women shared the news of the resurrection with Jesus’ own disciples they rejected it as nonsense.  They would not believe unless they saw it for themselves.  But it was true and the resurrection would soon be backed up by Jesus Christ Himself!  It was a truth that would soon transform their lives.

 Does Jesus’ resurrection make a difference in the way you look at and live your life?  How does His resurrection affect the way you respond to your circumstances?

July 1, 2004 – It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining.  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit.”  When He had said this, He breathed His last.  The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”  When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breast and went away.  But all those who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.  Luke 23: 44 – 49 (NIV)

Jesus was the only innocent man ever to be punished by God.  He volunteered to be the Lamb of God, laden with our sin.  God poured out His wrath on Him, God made Christ accursed for the sin He bore.  The sun stopped shining.  All this was done for us.  Jesus Christ took the punishment justice demanded from us.  And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.  The curtain kept people out of the holy of holies.  It symbolized the barrier between God and a sinful human race.  Now that barrier is gone.  Because of all Christ has done for us we now can have access to the presence of God. 

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”   The man in charge of the soldiers who execute Jesus, observing all this, praises God and declares Jesus was a righteous man.

Meditate today on what Jesus Christ has done for you.  Thank Him and praise Him for becoming the Lamb of God.

June 24, 2004 – Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with Him to be executed.  When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals – one on His right, the other on His left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  And they divided up His clothes by casting lots.  The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at Him.  They said, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ of God the Chosen One.”  The soldiers also came up and mocked Him.  They offered Him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.”  There was a written notice above Him, which read: This is the King of the Jews.  One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him:  “Aren’t you the Christ?  Save yourself and us!”  But the other criminal rebuked him.  “Don’t you fear God,” He said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong.”  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”  Luke 23:  32 – 43 (NIV)

While Jesus is suffering a horrendous death He expresses concern for the eternal destiny those who are tormenting Him.  Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  He asks God to grant grace, mercy and forgiveness to the people who were at that very moment killing Him!  In spite of this they still mocked Him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.”  But Jesus was not interested in saving Himself.  He was the “Christ of God the Chosen One” and “King of the Jews.”   In mocking Jesus they proclaimed the truth of His identity.  But, if Jesus Christ had saved Himself no one else could have been saved. 

One of the criminals being executed also starts to hurl insults at Jesus.  The other criminal comes to Jesus’ defense, “Don’t you fear God,” He said, “since you are under the same sentence?  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong.”  He admits that he is guilt and that he is getting the punishment he deserves – that is genuine confession and repentance.  Then He acknowledges Jesus as his Lord and King, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  Jesus then promises him (and everyone who repents and humbly puts their faith in Him) that when the moment of death comes, “you will be with me in paradise.”  That paradise is something more wonderful than we can imagine.  That is something that is only possible because Jesus Christ was not interested in saving Himself but in saving us.

What is your concern when you are being treated badly?  Is it yourself or the spiritual condition of those hurting you?

June 17, 2004 – Then seizing Him, they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest.  Peter followed at a distance.  But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them.  A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight.  She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with Him.”  But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know Him,” he said.  A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”  “Man, I am not!” Peter replied.  About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”  Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”  Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed.  The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.  Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”  And he went outside and wept bitterly.”  Luke 22: 54 – 62 (NIV)

When Jesus was arrested the followers of Christ all fled, with the exception of Peter.  Peter did not run away, he follows Jesus at a safe distance.  He is frightened and tries to blend in with the crowd of onlookers without being noticed.  But a servant, with no authority at all to harm Peter, simply says that she recognizes Peter as one who was with Jesus.  Peter strongly denies it.  “Woman, I don’t know Him!”  He does not want this group of people to know he is associated in any way with Jesus.  He is afraid and embarrassed to be closely connected with Jesus Christ.  Then two more times over the next hour Peter denies that he is a follower of Jesus Christ (or that he even knows Jesus at all).

Finally, Jesus comes into view, turns and looks Peter straight in the eye.  Peter deeply feels the gaze of his Lord; it pierces deep into Peter’s soul.  We are simply told that “he went outside and wept bitterly.”

Peter did display some courage; he did not completely abandon Christ.  But he was still overcome with fear and denied even knowing Jesus.  The gaze of Jesus Christ into his soul brought about deep conviction and remorse.

Are there times when you would rather follow Jesus at a safe distance and just blend into the crowd?  Are there situations in which you are embarrassed or afraid to be known as a close associate of Jesus Christ?  Allow Jesus Christ to gaze deeply into your soul so that you can be touched and transformed by His grace.

June 10, 2004 – Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him.  On reaching the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”  He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.”  An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.  And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.  When He rose for prayer and went back to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow.  “Why are you sleeping?” He asked them.  “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”  Luke 22: 39 – 46 (NIV)

He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.”  The disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ needed to pray.  A time of crisis was quickly approaching.  They needed to pray more than they had ever needed to pray so that they would not fall into temptation.  The temptation to falter in their loyalty to Jesus Christ would be intense.  This was the time to pray!

Jesus, in deep anguish, sank to His knees in prayer.  He knew the He would soon face the horrible death of a Roman cross and the intense agony of bearing the sin of the world.  He cries out asking His Father for another way to redeem His people.  But more than anything else, Jesus Christ wanted to do the will of His Father.  Only in earnest prayer would Jesus find what He needed in the coming hours.

Instead of praying the disciples fell asleep.  They were in deep sorrow; Jesus had told them that He would soon die.   Sleep was a welcome escape.  But there would be lots of time for sleeping later; right now a crisis was looming and they needed to stay awake and pray.

How do you respond in a crisis or difficult situation?  Is your first reaction to pray?  When we find ourselves in a crisis situation that is the time for prayer!  We need to pray so that we will not fall into temptation or falter in our loyalty to Jesus Christ.  We need to pray so that our responses in difficult situations will bring glory to God.  We need God’s strength to do His will, when everything in our flesh wants to take the “easy way out”.

May 27, 2004 – As He looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small cooper coins. “I tell you the truth,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.  All these people gave their gifts out of wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”  Luke 21: 1 – 4 (NIV)

The treasury in the temple was the place offerings were given to be used for the poor or for the expenses associated with the worship of God.  There were thirteen trumpet shaped chests there that people put offerings of money in.  Jesus looked up and happened to see some rich people giving.  Then he saw an impoverished woman bring a small gift.  Jesus was deeply moved by her gift.  She gave sacrificially.  She gave out of a sincere love for God and thankfulness for all His blessings.  In comparison, she gave far more than those who were wealthy.  Spiritually, she was very rich.  She never expected to be noticed by anyone, but, the King of Kings noticed her loving sacrifice. 

In what ways could you follow this widow’s example?  What is your attitude when you give?   Do you give out of a loving and grateful heart to God?

May 20, 2004 – When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them.  While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.  Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.  Luke 24:  50 – 53 (NIV)