LEARNING DAILY

Luke 17:17, So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?”

Read the entire passage regarding the cleansing of the ten lepers. Pastor Newton, Lead Pastor at Community Bible Church, used this passage about Jesus cleansing the ten lepers as an example of be thankful, of showing gratitude. Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem; it was time for Him to fulfill His mission on earth. Pastor said, “Jesus was not in such a hurry that He would not stop to meet the need of anyone. That included going through Samaria to meet the needs of ten lepers.”

When He entered the village, He was greeted by the cries of “ten men who were lepers. ‘’Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’” Read the passage. Did you notice what Jesus did not do? Pastor Newton pointed out, “Jesus did not tell them they were healed. He told them to get up and show themselves to the priests.” Look at the last part of verse 14. “And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed.” Most of the time I read too fast and when I do, I miss so much! As soon as they obeyed, by beginning to walk to have the priests announce they were clean, they began to be healed!

All ten had the same experience of being obedient and being healed. Only one of the ten returned. “Nine continued on to the priest to be declared healed; one returned to the ‘High Priest’.” Only a Samaritan returns (verse 16), falls at the feet of Jesus and gives Him thanks. Gratitude! Jesus’ question is not necessarily one of anger; it is more of a rhetorical question. The nine were Jews (from verse 18) and Jesus is wondering why they did not return to the place they were healed and bow in worship to the One who healed them. Lepers were separated from their loved ones because of their terrible disease. They should have returned to the One who had set them free from being separated, praising Him for allowing them to be declared clean and return to family, friends, and loved ones.

Pastor Newton said, “Our cry for healing is loud; the praise for what Jesus does in our life needs to be as loud as the cry to be healed!” Do not dismiss what the Lord Jesus Christ does each day – the large miraculous things but also the little things He does to guide and protect you. Be thankful for the times He uses you to speak to others about Him or when He uses you to pray for others. Be thankful for the people He brings into your life to just listen to or give you the opportunity to bless them.

I am so thankful for how God has used my wife and me, for His many blessings and the opportunity we have had to help those around us. I look forward to giving Him praise and thanksgiving for what He going to do in 2025! I am going to do my best to walk the narrow way with Jesus as my guide and to have spirit of gratitude each day! Don’t hold back! Will you commit to joining me?

 

LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 43:18-19, “But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for My people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert.

Pastor Ed Newton used this verse to close out 2024 in his message to Community Bible Church. He used it to make sure those hearing his message would take time to remember the events of 2024 in our lives, to remember and reflect on God’s goodness, and to be thankful. At the same time, Pastor wanted us to remember the “old has passed away and that all Believers are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). Believer, serve God in faith, looking forward to what He has for each of them in the year 2025!

I found this very same sentiment of being thankful in a new book I am reading by Mark Batterson, A Million Little Miracles. Being thankful or grateful – showing gratitude – for what God does in our life is essential to walking the narrow way with Jesus Christ. Both Pastor Newton and Batterson have shared about the importance of not only reflecting on the past year but on each day as essential to our spiritual walk. The question needs to be asked when was the last time you took time to really be thankful about what God has done in your life and in the lives around you? Batterson wrote, “Nuanced gratitude results in nuanced joy.” He means that when we begin to train our minds to noticing the every day miracles around us, the little things become sources of great joy into our lives (at least that’s what I got out of that statement). I am also learning to give God the praise for the miracles of answered prayer and the many blessings He has given to me! Batterson confirmed this in his book, “Whatever you don’t turn into praise turns into pride, until you have sufficiently counted your blessings, you aren’t ready for the next one.” Praise and thanksgiving certainly might keep one busy during the day!

Batterson wrote, “Did you know that gratitude and anxiety can’t coexist in the human mind?  There is something about gratitude that flips the switch on anxiety. If you increase gratitude, you decrease anxiety by default [I’m going to keep this in mind!]. Count your blessings! But don’t stop counting once you’ve listed all the obvious ones. Keep digging deeper and deeper. Remember how God ended each day of creation? He paused and took joy in His creation. What if you set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to count your blessings? It might not change your circumstances, but I guarantee it would change you! After you count your blessings, flip those blessings for other people, and gratitude will grow like compound interest. Gratitude isn’t getting what you want; it’s wanting what you have. It’s a growing awareness of and appreciation for a million little miracles!”

That is a good word by both Pastor Newton and Mark Batterson; one I needed to hear and read. As I reflect on 2024, I have so much to be thankful for and praise the Lord for. As the year closes out, I look forward to 2025. I know God is doing something and remember the words of the prophet, “But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See I have already begun! Do you not see it?” Yes, He is doing a new thing in my life and I do look forward to what He is going to do!

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 1:37-39, The two disciples heard Him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

The two disciples mentioned are Andrew and, most likely John, the writer of the gospel. When Jesus was identified by John the Baptist, the two disciples began to follow Jesus. When He turned to them, He asked a really important question, “What do you seek?” I wonder if this is not the same question, He asks of everyone who claims to be seeking Him – “What is it you are really looking for?” Would you agree that what a person is really seeking or wants will affect what you are willing to believe? Do you believe that the Christmas celebration is only a day or two off from work and about presents or do you believe that it is the time of celebration of the Son of God who came to set people free from sin and death?

“Come and see.” The same statement Philip replied to Nathaniel as was discussed in the last page of the blog. Jesus was saying to the two, come with Me, spend time with Me; and they did. John writes that they remained with Jesus the rest of the day. The question Jesus asked them when they came to Him is a question for those who are truly seeking to know Jesus and walk with Him on the narrow way. When Believers seek Him, He reveals Himself to them through His Word, helping them to become more and more like Him. It is a matter of desiring to spend time with Him!

When calling other disciples, He said to “Follow Me”! This statement seems to follow “Come and see.”  This Christmas season the shepherds, and the wise men went to Bethlehem to see the newborn King of the Jews. We have seen the challenge to “Come and see.” The next step is the choice to follow Him.  What does it mean to follow Jesus? Jesus answered the question Himself in Matthew 10:34-39. Please read it for yourself. Here is a quick reference to what He said. He did not come to bring peace on earth, but a sword. One who follows Him cannot love a member of their family more than Him. One who follows Him must take up his cross and follow Him. He who loves his life will lose it and the one who loses his life for Jesus will find it. David Jeremiah said, “Christ ultimately came to earth to bring peace, but when people choose to follow Jesus, they will often face division and conflict, even within their own households. To choose loyalty to family over loyalty to Christ disqualifies a person from being one of His disciples.”

Sounds quite harsh, doesn’t it! Jesus never “sugar-coated” the truth and following Him often means making tough choices. To truly follow Him means Jesus has to become everything to the believer. One cannot follow Jesus half-way. It means striving to be like Him in every way; it means to make Him Lord of every aspect of your life! It means to walk in obedience, walking with Him on the narrow way into His kingdom; it is seeking to please Him at all times because of the grace He has given to you.

Can’t do it on your own? You are right! Because the Father knew that, He sent the Holy Spirit to help us apply the truth of His Word and glorify Him in everything we do.

“Come and see.” Psalm 34 :8 states, “Taste [come] and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the Man who trusts in Him!”  This is an invitation to draw close to the Lord, to experience His love, and to know how good He is! When you do, I pray that like John and Andrew, you “Follow Him” from then on!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 2:23, And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

John 1:46, And Nathaniel said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus came to live in the town of Nazareth. It was a city located about 55 miles north of Jerusalem; those from Nazareth were not thought highly of by the Jews of Galilee. With this in mind the question asked by Nathaniel is not as odd as it seems on the surface. “While no Old Testament prophet states, “He shall be called a Nazarene”, the prophets do say that Jesus would be “despised by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Nazareth, where Jesus would grow up, was a place “despised and rejected” (John 1:46). The hatred of Nazareth mirrored scorn that was leveled against Jesus, fulfilling this aspect of Old Testament prophecy” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). Nathaniel’s question reflects his concern that the Messiah, the One to deliver Israel, should be held in the highest reverence. Then, why would He come from Nazareth?

But, read further in John 1; Nathaniel soon changes his tune when he meets Jesus. Jesus greets him and Nathaniel asks how Jesus knows him. Jesus answers him and Nathaniel declares, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49).

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Philip said to Nathaniel, “Come and see!” Is that not what all people are called to do regarding Jesus? I assume (too often) that most people who read this blog are saved. If you are reading this and have not come to see who Jesus is, I invite you to “Come and see!”  -- come and see if Jesus is the Savior for all who would believe. Come and see, investigate to see for yourself. There is no attempt here to argue with you about the kingdom of God or who Jesus is. Just “Come and see!”

For those of you reading this who have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ, let me ask you this. Are you walking the narrow way into His kingdom with Him in obedience? John Kilpatrick states the real difference between Christians who fear God and those who call themselves Christians is obedience to Him and doing His will. Christmas is about Jesus coming into the world to save people from sin and death. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, walking in obedience is a priority. That means no longer thinking one can do whatever they want because they believe grace will cover it and everything will be okay. The issue is centered on walking the narrow way as Jesus demands of His Followers – walking by obedience to Him. The challenge is to “Come and see!” how He will change your life when you become obedient.

Jesus Christ is still inviting all people to “Come and see!”. It is a decision each person will give an account for. You will be amazed and in awe of Him if you decide to say yes to the invitation!

 

Follow us on Instagram -- @learningdailyblog

 

LEARNING DAILY

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

I am in complete awe of these blessed events! It is difficult to comprehend that “God so loved the world [you and me] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” “Whoever” is the invitation to come to Him, to be saved, and to be changed by Him as you walk a narrow way with Him each day. If you are not walking with Jesus in obedience to His Word, may this be the day you begin. Take the step and find the true joy the angels spoke to the shepherds about! Yes, it was a holy night, the night of our dear Savior’s birth!

Thank you for taking time to read this blog! I pray you have been encouraged and found hope in the Lord Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas!! 

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:10, Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people.”

“The first thing the angel said was, ‘Do not be afraid!’” That was what Jonathon Moore. Lead Pastor at NorthRock Church, stated in his message this weekend. He continued, “There are 365 ‘do not fears’ in the Bible; that’s enough for one each day of the year. The Good News is that the Savior is born! That brings good news to all people – all who accept Him as their Savior. Those who do, do not have to live in fear, anxiety, nor have to stay where you are now stuck.”

Pastor Moore stated, “there are things that impact one’s joy like something tragic or something simple or something we just thought might happen. Christmas reminds us we can still have joy regardless of our circumstances” Let me remind you at this point that joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness is an emotion that is centered around how one is feeling; it is affected by some form of pleasure or contentment. Happiness is temporary and can be based on self-centeredness. Joy is something one can have on a constant basis because it is based on being concerned more about others than about self.

The angels said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people.” The “Good News”, the best news ever, is for “all people”.  Pastor Moore stated, “Joy comes when we hear the “Good News”!” Circumstances may cause one’s happiness to turn to some other emotion, but knowing and believing Jesus Christ came to set us free from sin and death brings joy into our hearts that is always constant! The angels seemed to be giving the shepherds an invitation to go find the “Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger”. When the angels left them, the shepherds went as fast as they could to find Him – which they did!

Pastor Moore’s final point was “Joy is activated when we respond to the invitation”. Luke 2:20 tells us, “Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and see as it was told them.” Can you imagine what the shepherds experienced that night? Their lives were changed forever, filled with the joy of seeing the Savior of all who would believe; that joy would never leave them.

“For all people.” That includes you and me! Just like the invitation was given to the shepherds to find the Savior, each person today, is given the invitation to seek Him, accept Him as their Savior, and to walk the narrow way with Him as Lord! There is no greater experience that is able to bring “joy” into one’s heart! The invitation is for each of us to walk with Jesus each day knowing that “He will never leave nor forsake us” and that with Him we are walking into eternity in His kingdom. There is no greater joy than that!

 

Follow us on Instagram -- @learningdailyblog

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 1:18-20, Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

Just when I believe I have heard everything about the Christmas story, I am shown something I have not seen before. Pastor Ed Newton, Lead Pastor of Community Bible Church, shared something many of you probably already know, something I have overlooked! When Mary was “with the child of the Holy Spirit”, she went “with haste to where her cousin, Elizabeth was” (Luke 1:39-56). Verse 56 states, “And Mary remained with her [Elizabeth] about three months, and returned to her house.” Joseph did not see her during this time; “he was busy preparing a place for his bride” (Pastor Newton).

After three months, Mary was probably showing her pregnancy. Did Joseph notice or did Mary tell him about her condition? Understand some terms at this point. “Betrothed” and “divorce” indicate that Joseph and Mary were married. It was at this point Joseph shows his character by “not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly”. “He was heartbroken, his world was turned upside-down” (Pastor Newton). It was at this point that “divine intervention came in the form of a dream to Joseph. God began to work in the heart of Joseph, giving him confirmation of the conception and birth of Jesus Christ”. (Pastor Newton). 

Matthew 1:21 reveals the mission of Jesus, “He will save His people from their sins.” “That’s why Jesus came!’ (Pastor Newton). He fulfilled the prophecy (verse 23). “Immanuel, which is translated ‘God with us.’” Pastor said, “There is no place Jesus will not go with us.” Think on that statement. Jesus goes everywhere with us! Think about that the next time you consider going “there” or “doing that” or “you fill in the blank”. Take a moment to read Psalm 139, a Psalm of David about God knowing everything about him [you], everything he did [you do], everything about where he was [you are]. I have written in my Bible, “As God’s child, I can never move beyond God’s care, guidance, and supporting strength. He is with me in every situation – past and present.” Consider that as you walk on the narrow way each day!

When Joseph woke up from his sleep, “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife.” Pastor explained, “Joseph was crazy in love with Mary, but more crazy in love with His God. Joseph and Mary were going to do this together. Taking her as his wife meant that people were going to now look at him, thinking he had not fulfilled his role as the spiritual head in their marriage. Rumors were now going to move to his failure, that he was weak by not waiting the consummation of their marriage.”

The takeaway for this message was: Every encounter with Jesus requires a personal decision (Listener Guide). Joseph did not take Mary’s word; he needed his own encounter with God. So, it is with each Believer. Our encounter with God cannot be based on someone else’s encounter with Him, their relationship with Him. Each Believer must be spending time in God’s Word reading/studying/meditating on it and by spending time in prayer, both talking and listening to Him. Being in His presence comes by being obedient to Him and to His Word as each Believer walks daily on the narrow way into eternity with Him in His kingdom.

Follow us on Instagram -- @learningdailyblog

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 2:11, And when they had 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 gifts to Him; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It takes great faith to trust and be obedient to God as believers walk the narrow way into His kingdom and life in eternity with Him. Believers can certainly learn this from the wise men. It took them a long time to make the journey to find Jesus and then to return home. One can only imagine the obstacles and difficulties they had to face. That sure sounds like the life Believers live in their journey with Him! Learning that He can be trusted to watch over Believers, protecting and guiding them is a major aspect of walking the narrow way!

They not only worshipped the King of the Jews; they brought Him gifts. Pastor Jonathon Moore, Lead Pastor of NorthRock Church, said last weekend “these gifts were prophetic gifts; gifts fit for a king”. He continued saying, “these gifts were useful gifts that foreshadowed who Jesus was. The gold was symbolic of a king, the frankincense was offered to deity, and the myrrh was a burial spice.” Let’s look at these gifts more closely.

“We three kings of Orient are ….” “Gold, I bring to crown Him again!” Gold – the precious metal that is so difficult to find in its pure form. Throughout time it has been used to honor kings. Reflect on how gold was used as an overlay throughout the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. King Solomon did the same in the temple. Gold represents God! Satan would use gold to create idols, a golden calf for example. The gift of gold presented by the wise men proclaimed Jesus to be King at His birth! Jesus even proclaimed Himself to be King when he stood before Pilate (Matthew 27:11). Jesus spoke often during His earthly ministry of the Kingdom of God; that kingdom is here today and is found in the hearts of all Believers. Jesus Christ is their King as He reigns and rules in their hearts!

“Frankincense to offer have I, incense owns a deity nigh.” Frankincense is an incense and perfume used in the sanctuary of the Lord (Exodus 30:34). It must have been used with prayer as well (Luke 2:9). Because of that, frankincense is symbolic of Jesus’ position as High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus certainly ministered to people during His ministry on earth, He continues to do so as the Believer’s High Priest before the Father as He intercedes for them.

“Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom, sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb.” Myrrh was a spice used for cosmetics, medicine and an anointing oil. Prophets were anointed with it as they were to communicate God’s will and speak to the people. Jesus Christ came also as a Prophet as he did the will of His Father and spoke His Father’s words. Myrrh was also used to anoint the dead. The body of Jesus was anointed with Myrrh for his burial.

The Child born the King of the Jews came to earth in the form of a small baby on a “rescue mission” (Pastor Moore) – to save all who would believe in Him. He came as the King of Israel, a Priest of God, and as God’s Prophet. The gifts brought by the wise men represent each of these offices. The wise men gave their time, their talents and their treasures to this Child. They worshipped Him and gave gifts. You and I need to do that as well! Jesus Christ is coming again to setup His kingdom on earth. Until that time, He remains our High Priest in Heaven interceding for us.

Follow us on Instagram -- @learningdailyblog

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 2:1, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews” For we have seen His Star in the East and have come to worship Him”.

The story of the birth of Jesus never gets old; in fact, it seems to bring more thoughts to explore. For example, who were the wise men? Were they kings from the East? Were there just three or were more individuals involved? So, I decided to find answers.

The “magi” were from the area of Persia, the country we know as Iran; they were astronomers, possibly from those Daniel had saved when he interpreted the dreams of King Nebuchadnezzar. Since Daniel was in captivity in Babylon for seventy years, he had the opportunity to share prophetically about the coming Messiah. It may have been through Daniel that these men had heard prophesies. They might have known a prophesy from Numbers 24:17 spoken by Balaam, “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; a Star come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult.” As scholars, the magi may have known this prophecy and had been watching for its fulfillment.

When they did see “the star”, they traveled the 800-plus mile journey to Jerusalem to see the “the One born King of the Jews”. Once again, consider the travel they had to take. They, no doubt, traveled over the ancient routes to get to Jerusalem and, then, to Bethlehem. The time needed to travel this distance, and the challenges involved are significant to consider when remembering the wise men and their part in this finding the Messiah.

When they got to Jerusalem, the reaction by “King Herod and all of Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:3) was “troubled”. David Jeremiah writes, “When King Herod was troubled, the entire city was troubled”. “King of the Jews”? That meant trouble for Herod, Rome, and even the Jews! He brought in the chief priests and scribes and wanted to know where “the Christ was to be born”. They showed him the prophecy from Micah 5:2; that’s when Herod called in the wise men from the East to inquire when they first had seen “the star”. The secrecy involved might have been done because Herod did not want the Jews to know he was inquiring about the age of the Child. Would the Jews had made this public in order to protect this baby?

I doubt the wise men knew what kind of person King Herod was. They knew nothing about a plan to kill all male babies born around the time frame of the first appearance of “His Star”. God obviously knew and would warn them to not return to Herod and they would return home a different way.

What I find interesting is something all Believers need to do – the wise men were paying attention to the signs. The birth of the King of the Jews, the Messiah had been long told of. The very specific prophecies about a star and about Bethlehem were known and they recognized them. God has given all people the specifics of what to look for in His Word, telling all who seek and pay attention the conditions in the world regarding the return of the “KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS”! The question is about whether Believers know what they are and are waiting attentively, walking the narrow way as best they can! The wise men came seeking. When the King of the Jews was not where they thought He would be, they continued to seek Him until they found Him. The difficulty of getting to where He was and the amount of time it took Him was certainly rewarded as finding Him brought them great joy. The result was that they “fell down and worshipped Him”!

There is much we can learn from the wise men from the East!

Follow us on Instagram -- @learningdailyblog

 

LEARNING DAILY

Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler of Israel, whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting.”

“O little town of Bethlehem…” Bethlehem is most known for the Lord Jesus Christ being born there. We know that a census was being taken and that “Joseph being of the house and lineage of David” (Luke 2:4) needed to go to Bethlehem to be counted. “The census was being taken for the purpose of taxation and conscription” (David Jeremiah Study Bible); it was also done so that Micah’s prophecy above would be fulfilled.

Bethlehem was known as the City of David; the obvious reason is David lived there with his father Jesse (1 Samuel 16:1). It was here that the prophet Samuel was shown by God that David was His chosen kin. David was anointed as king by Samuel at that time. David was a shepherd boy at this time; he was with the sheep when Samuel called for him to come to his father’s house. The land where he attended the sheep, according to one account I read, were declared to be holy grounds because sheep raised here were raised to be sacrificed in the temple. It is easier to understand the statement made by John the Baptist when he saw Jesus coming to him to be baptized, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Bethlehem means “house of bread” because of the bountiful fields, orchards, and vineyards. The town was in an area that had plenty of rainfall and a mild climate. It is interesting that the Lord Jesus would later declare, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Just as bread was essential to the life of those in and around Bethlehem, Jesus is stating He is essential to life eternal. Was it coincidental that God chose this little town for His son to be born in the flesh? No!

My wife and I have been to the place traditionally thought to be where the Lord Jesus was born. When we were able to see it, I really do not know if it was originally a cave, a stable, or a room off the main house of the “inn”. It seemed pretty small and may have been a cave where animals were kept. It would have been interesting to see without the Church of the Nativity that is built over the sight and without all the people crowding to see it.

The Lord Jesus Christ came to the little town of Bethlehem as a baby. He was wrapped in cloths that were used to protect lambs from injury and laid in a trough used to feed animals. He came into this world in very humble beginnings. That was the first time as He came to save mankind from sin and death. Take time to read Revelation 19:11-21. He is going to come again, but not as a humble baby. He is coming as the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”. He is coming with power and authority - every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. He is coming as King, the sovereign Ruler of earth! The world was not ready for the baby born in Betlehem. His people did not recognize Him. Believers must be anticipating, ready, and watching for His Second Coming!  It could very well be at any time!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 2:1-2, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wisemen from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

“His star”. “Various scientific explanations have been offered to account for the star, but this was not simply a natural phenomenon. It was “His star”, supernaturally placed in the heavens for the purpose of guiding the wise men. We see throughout history that God always guides His people” (notes from the David Jeremiah Study Bible). The wise men in the East – probably living in the area of Persia or Babylon – saw a sign in the heavens that alerted them to the birth of a King, the King of the Jews.

The wise men were probably part of a group of astrologers who studied the stars. Daniel speaks of them in Daniel 1:20 and in other writings. Many Bible authorities related the teachings of Daniel (9:24-27 may or may not be a timeline for the birth of the Messiah) when in captivity in Babylon regarding prophecies of a promised Messiah whose name would be “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (From Isaiah 9:7 and I did take some liberty using this here!) Isaiah the baby, Jesus who would become a King. The star prompted the wise men to travel to Jerusalem. They probably did not know the prophecy found in Micah 5:2, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be ruler of Israel, whose goings forth are from old. From everlasting.” Jerusalem would be the logical place to start looking for the King of the Jews.

I have always thought the star was a continual guide for the wise men. I did have questions about why no one else saw, or did they?  A closer reading of Matthew’s account and it is seen that the star guided them to Bethlehem after they left Herod. “When they saw the star, rejoiced with exceedingly great joy” (Matthew 2:10). The star led them to where the “young child” was with His mother.

The manger scene we have displayed has the wise men kneeling, presenting their gifts to the new born baby. That is not very accurate. King Herod inquired of the wise men when the star first appeared to them. We learn from Matthew’s account that Herod believed the star appeared to the wise men when Jesus was born which would mean it took somewhere in a two-year period for them to find Jesus.

I am very curious about this star, “His star”. I have found that scholars believe this star was more than a star. It seemed to appear only to the wise men; it did not act like a normal star as to how it led them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem (from a website I enjoy called GotQuestions). This website suggests the star may have been an angel or a manifestation of the Shekinah Glory of God – the presence of the Lord. Would that not fit into the narrative of the angel Gabriel appearing to both Mary and Joseph, the miraculous story of Zacharias and Elizabeth, and the angels appearing to the shepherds? Remember the Shekinah Glory leading God’s people out of Egypt?

“His star”. Regardless of scientific or theological explanations for the star, it holds great significance; it is the divine intervention and guidance of wise men to Jesus. It is one more sign that shows the God’s control and arrangement of the birth of the Messiah, the One who would save all who come to Him from their sin and death.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 1:26-28, Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city in Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

Continue reading on through verse 38. Pastor Ed Newton talked about the surprise Mary got when the angel Gabriel came to her. “She lived in a small village – less than 700 people”, he said. Gabriel greeted Mary as “highly favored, blessed among women”. Mary’s response was to be “greatly troubled at the saying” (verse 29). Mary was troubled because she had no expectation about what was about to happen; “she had not been waiting around for an angel to proclaim her position, to bestow the honor of being the mother of God” (Pastor Newton). Return to the greeting given by the angel Gabriel and notice “there was no confirmation of Mary’s expectation; it was nothing she earned – it was favor bestowed on her by God Himself” continued Pastor. The angel Gabriel told Mary to not be afraid. God had appointed Mary for this moment when she would bring God’s Son into the world. “What a privilege for Mary! What a privilege for Believers to introduce the Savior to others in the days we live in!” (Pastor Newton). Pastor continued, “Believers today honor Mary for being chosen by God for this honor; Believers worship Jesus, the Son of God.”

Pastor mentioned the question that Zacharias asked when he was told that his wife Elizabeth would become pregnant, “How can this be?” Compare this question to the question Mary asked, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Mary’s reaction was one of uncertainty and a question or reminder that “she had not known any man” (verse 34). Mary’s question was not “if” but “how”. Gabriel explained that this would occur by a miracle of the Holy Spirit!

This miracle is accomplished through the creative power of God – El Elohim! “The power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called the Holy Son of God”! Pastor said, “If Mary had not been a virgin as prophetically spoken by Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14), then the sin nature of man would have been passed to Jesus.” Understand the significance of that! Because Jesus was born to a virgin, He was not born into sin; He was sinless and because He was He became the substitute for all who would believe!

Mary’s response to this was, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be according to your word” (Verse 38). “The miracle of God happened at that moment” (Pastor Newton). Pastor said the Son was the carbon copy of the Father, “He is the begotten Son of the Most High”(verse 32). The apostle Paul writes in Colossians 2:9, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily”. John wrote in John 14:9, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the carbon copy of the Father – they are equal! It is the purpose of Jesus to reveal the Father to those on earth, to free those who believe from slavery to sin.

In this season be reminded that the God who created all things, who needs nothing chose to come to this earth clothed in the flesh of humanity, was laid in a feeding trough and cried because he needed humanity to take care of Him. He was perfect and sinless in every way, born into a sinful world so that He would die on a cross to set those who believe free from the bondage of sin and death. Let that be your hope, not only in this Christmas season but every day as you walk a narrow way into His kingdom for all eternity!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 28:16, Therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.

A theme of Isaiah 28 is God’s assurance that He will bring stability to the chaos and uncertainty in Israel. The leaders have been trying to build alliances with other nations rather than relying on Him. Isaiah is also denouncing sin and apostasy in Israel, saying the God’s judgment is coming. To this God offers a cornerstone – a sure foundation – where the leaders and the people place their trust in the security only He can give. Isaiah is using this metaphor to point to a coming Messiah who will be a firm and secure foundation for all who place their trust and faith in Him.

As we look at the season celebrating the birth of this promised Messiah, it is important to remember there is no surer foundation for the Christian faith than Jesus Christ. “Since ancient times, builders have known that in every stone building, one stone was crucial. This is the stone that the entire structure would rest – the cornerstone” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). Once the cornerstone was set in place, every measurement in the rest of the construction was carefully aligned to it. The cornerstone is straight, and it is true and everything in the building lines up with it.

Paul wrote in Romans 9:33, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believe on Him will not be put to shame”. Paul quoted Isaiah who wrote that the Messiah, Jesus, would be a sanctuary for those who believed but also “be a stumbling and rock of offense to both houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem” Isiah 8:14). That can certainly be seen in the gospel of John where he writes that Jesus came to His own people, but they did not recognize Him.

In 1 Peter 2:4-6, Peter writes that Jesus is the “living stone, rejected by men”; Jesus is called this because He is the cornerstone – the cornerstone in the spiritual house of God. It is interesting that in verse 5 Peter refers to all who place their faith in Jesus are “living stones”. Continuing this train of thought, Believers could be considered part of the spiritual house being built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. In other words, Believers are not only saved by Jesus but are being changed as they place their faith in Him, the Cornerstone. The result is walking on a narrow way being changed to be like Jesus. The house Jesus is building will not fall.

 “Whoever believes will not act hastily.” Following Jesus is a commitment to righteousness. This is a reminder that the Believer’s faith be rooted in Jesus Christ, being patient and persistent in walking on the narrow way. We believe in Him, trust in Him, and obey Him, meaning it is necessary to know we are following His leading and not making hasty or quick decisions that can result in regret. Do not rush to act without prayer and considering alternatives when making decisions.

I’m trying something new – follow us on Instagram -- @learningdailyblog

 

LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 7:14, Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Immanuel – God with us. Imagine that and what it means! The prophet Isaiah foretells of promised Messiah being born of a virgin, conceived without the involvement of a human father. Matthew made note of Isaiah’s statement when the angel told Joseph not to divorce Mary upon hearing she was with child. For every Believer today, the prophesy from Isaiah and the message from the angel in the gospel of Matthew clearly point to Mary became pregnant by the Holy spirit and not by a man.

The prophesy in Isaiah has a second prophesy to mention. Isaiah had been sent to deliver a message to Ahaz, the king of Judah. Israel had been spilt into two section and the northern nations, Israel, had joined with the nation of Aram; they were going to attack Judah. Jerusalem was in Judah and where the kings in David’s lineage ruled from. Ahaz, even though he had rebelled against God, was still protected by God. In Isaiah 7:10, God told Ahaz to ask for a sign about waiting on the Lord – “do not bow or fear the northern coalition”. But Ahaz refused and would not test the Lord. God then gives this prophetic word through Isaiah; it continues to give the downfall of Judah’s enemies.

Isaiah’s message, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel”, to Ahab was, God will be with you! The message was telling Ahaz and the people of Judah that their enemies were defeated; their enemies did not know that, but the battle was lost. God was with Judah – He had entered the battle!

Matthew 1:23 uses these words from Isaiah to make clear that Mary was pregnant with the promised Messiah. The prophesy is clear that Jesus is God, sent to earth to be with us, to save each person who would believe in Him. Isaiah was God’s prophet who spoke the words God gave him to speak. Matthew writing by the influence of the Holy Spirit applied the words spoken by Isaiah to Mary and Jesus.

This blog refers to the struggles all around. Believers not only are faced with the events in the world but face personal struggles of all kinds. There are those who go through varies trials alone. No matter your situation be encouraged that “Our Father in heaven” sent His Son to be “Immanuel – God with us”. As a Believer, you are never alone, Jesus is with you! Take a few minutes to just meditate on that. Remember those times He was with you as you went through whatever it was you faced. He was with you then and He will certainly be with you in whatever the future holds. Read Romans 8:37-39 – nothing can separate the Believer from God and His love for His Faithful Followers in Christ!

What a message to cling to and be reminded of as we enter this Christmas season; the time we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 96:11-12. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing.

Psalm 98:4-5, Shout joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and sound of singing.

“Joy to the world, the Lord has come!” “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near (Philippians 4:4-5). Nehemiah 8:10 tells us “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Joy is not happiness. Happiness is based on feeling that changes from day to day, from circumstance to circumstance. Joy is a constant that comes from an inner peace that comes from contentment and satisfaction; it is new each morning because of God’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23). Being joyful and expressing joy is to be a constant expression from Believers; it comes from knowing they are sons/daughters of God and their hope is in Him.

I begin with this because I am not going to be robbed of the joy I have in God sending His Son to save and change all who place their faith and trust in Him. I was quite disappointed in the very first Christmas program of this season. Okay, I believe in the old Christmas carols that express a message of the joy, hope and promise of a child born of a virgin in a stable in Bethlehem. I believe in the Christmas story of angels telling shepherds of the Savior’s birth and those shepherds going to see the Christ Child. I believe in wisemen from the east following a star to worship and present gifts to the Savior born. I believe in Jesus as the Word of God who became flesh and lived among men on this earth.

Jesus is the reason for Christmas! It is not “happy holidays”; it is “Merry Christmas”! It is not about presents; it is about the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives! It is about Immanuel – God with us who came to save us because not one of us can save ourselves by being a good person! For every Believer, Christmas should not be just a time of joy; it should be a time of great joy! The angel said to the shepherds in their fields, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people” (Luke 2:10). When the kings from the East “saw the star stop over the place where the child was, they were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:10).  Even the angels came from the heavenlies to rejoice and praise God for giving His Son to mankind.

 The joy of Christmas comes to each of us in the form of a baby, the baby Jesus. For Believers that joy is present not only in the season of Christmas, but throughout the entire year. That joy in our lives comes as Believers choose to surrender to Jesus each day and follow Him growing, maturing, into His image, while walking a narrow way into His kingdom! “Joy is prayer. Joy is strength. Joy is love. Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls” (Mother Teresea). Joy is knowing, accepting, and living the gift of eternal life given to us freely by Jesus Christ. The joy by which we live is to freely give back to Him; live so “others may see the light of Jesus in you shine before men that they may see your good dees and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

I refuse to allow the foolishness of what the world professes about Christmas to take the joy I have found in Jesus Christ and the celebration of His birth.

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 1:38, Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be according to Your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Pastor Jonathon Moore, Lead Pastor at NorthRock Church, spoke about “The Trouble of Christmas” this weekend. He began his message by saying that “the best presents can come with peculiar packaging”. Pastor mentioned that he does pretty well buying gifts but has an awful time wrapping them to look nice. I don’t do so good with wrapping gifts either.

What does that have to do with Mary being with child? Joseph had decided to send Mary away quietly when he found out she was pregnant. He was brokenhearted to think she had not been faithful to him; he did not believe she told him the truth about her conception. Pastor Moore stated, “We don’t often see the gifts given to us from God because we judge the packaging” (from granddaughter Audrey’s note – she will be helping write this page of the blog while home over break!). Pastor Moore continued, “The best presents can come with peculiar packaging. Joseph was about to receive the greatest gift he could receive – a gift he did not want. Joseph almost passed on the gift of raising God’s Son because he was unsure of the packaging” (also from Audrey’s notes).

Even though Joseph had decided to end this relationship with Mary, God had other plans. “Christmas teaches us not to judge, not to make conclusions about what we see or are going through” (Pastor Moore). That statement fits right into the message given at Community Bible Church by Pastor Ed Newton regarding trials/temptation helping us grow closer to the image of Christ. Joseph was going to end the relationship; he did not do so. God had His plan. “Miracles come from seasons of misery; stick to God’s plan (Audrey’s notes). Joseph listened to what the angel of the Lord told him, accepting what God was doing. It must also be noted that Mary accepted the plan of God as well, “Let it be according to Your word.”

Believer, look at your situation. What do you do or say when you do not understand the situation you are facing? Do you say, “I don’t want this!” Be careful you don’t miss the miracle God has for you because you just do not see God’s blessing in your situation, your circumstance! I want to interject a thought in Pastor Moore’s message. Please find and read Psalm 37:3-7.  I have been so encouraged by these verses over the past few days and seem to fit here. In reading them you will be encouraged to “Trust in the Lord, and do good”. “Delight yourself in the Lord. Commit your way to the Lord”. Then rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him”. Trust, delight, commit, and rest! Look again at your situation – don’t miss the miracle God has for you!

Pastor Moore made it clear that when one says yes to Jesus and walking with Him, the path will not necessarily be easy. Joseph and Mary needed to go to the place of Joseph’s birth to register for a census being taken. That was over 100 miles away and Mary was very pregnant. Yes, when we say yes to doing what God asks of us, there is often chaos that comes. Pastor Moore said, “Sometimes following a star leads to a stable. The stable was not clean, was not comfortable, and the journey getting there was not easy. Yet the stable may be where you need to be in order to become free from what is keeping you from your miracle. God has a way of showing things about Himself in the stable or during the storms we face.”

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 6:33). Joseph almost missed the miracle of his part in the life of Jesus. “Do not let the trouble in your life cause you to miss the peace that Jesus Christ brings to you. Christmas was caused by trouble in the world. Jesus came on a rescue mission – a mission to rescue and save you and me! Don’t miss the peace Jesus brings to “whosoever believes” (Pastor Moore).

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 6:9-10, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Pastor Ed Newton has reminded us that our God is Father, King, Provider, Forgiver.; He is also our Leader and our Deliverer. Pastor Newton said, “To lead means to bring something/someone into the existence. In this case to bring people into the presence of Jesus and the forgiveness He offers”. Jesus tells us to “follow Him and He will be a shield to us”. He leads us as we trust in Him, trusting in His ways and not trusting or leaning on our own understanding. Psalm 23:2 describes the direction he leads us into. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (from the Listener Guide).

When Believers pray “lead us not into temptation” it is necessary to understand that God never leads us into temptation. James’ writing is very clear! “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’, for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed” (James 1:13-14). Pastor added, “Our own hearts lead us; our flesh makes us do what we do not want to do.”

All Believers experience continual temptations. Understand the devil knows what triggers each Believer to be tempted. He is not omniscient, omnipresent; “but he does watch and keep notes on the weaknesses of Believers. He does not waste time on me in the areas I cannot be tempted; but he does do everything he can to cause me to fail in those areas where I am weakest. God establishes boundaries for those who follow Him and walk a narrow way. That way to His kingdom is narrow because it helps Believers to walk as He demands in order to become like Jesus. Walking the narrow way is the way Believers overcome “which is through a heart transformation” (Pastor Newton).

Believers are “To count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4) (from the Listener Guide). “If we did not face the temptation or go through it, we would not grow in our relationship with our Father” (Pastor Newton). Remember, God does not tempt you; He goes through the trial/temptation with you to help you grow in the image of His Son.

“But deliver us from evil”! To “deliver” is release or break the bonds. We are in the Christmas season, and it is important to remember that the Lord Jesus came to save us from the works of the devil! He came to die on a cross for the sins, all the sins, of those who believe in Him and walk the narrow way with Him. “He wants all people to be saved and the walk in freedom” (pastor Newton). He wants us to be delivered “from” the power of sin! Romans 6:6-7 tells us, “We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin” (Listener Guide). You might be thinking that all sounds great, but you still have lots of difficulty. The key to walking on the narrow way is found in Galatians 5:16, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh”. The Holy Spirit will prompt the Believer about doing wrong, about staying out of places where resisting temptation is too difficult. Romans 8:11 tells Believers, “If the spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who lives in you”! Believers realize the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in you, who gives you power to overcome all trials/temptation the devil throws at you! Through the Holy spirit you have the power to be victorious over evil!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 18:4, For so the Lord said to me, “I will take my rest, and I will look from My dwelling place like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of the harvest.”

You might be having the same reaction to reading this verse that I had – what is the meaning?! I had to do some studying and found comfort in what I found. Believers, do you agree that we live in an evil and chaotic world that certainly needs revival, to find Jesus Christ as their Savior and King? In researching the meaning of this verse, I found there is “calm in the midst of the storm” (David Jeremiah). Let me explain.

Verse 3 states the whole world is concerned about the growing threat from Assyria. The destructive forces of the Assyrians have left devastation, and the leaders of countries are trying to prepare for an invasion from Assyria. Ethiopia (David Jerimiah’s note say that Isaiah refers to Ethiopia and Egypt in nearly synonymous terms) looked for alliances – especially with Judah.

In verse 3 Isaiah tells the nations to watch for what God might do, to wait and see what action He would take against the Assyrians. Isaiah is basically telling them that God is in control (That seems to be a continual thought, doesn’t it!) not the enemy that everyone is afraid of. When the time is right, God will act and all will know it is Him at work. That’s the word for all Believers facing the enemy who is constantly attacking and trying to deceive in these days!

Isaiah told the people about the calmness and peacefulness of God and contrasts that to the Ethiopians who are determined who try to defeat the Assyrians; he tells them the time for action has not come yet. God is “take my rest, and I will look from My dwelling place like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of the harvest.” God is going to continue to wait, allowing the tension to build until He determines it is time for His judgment to be released against His enemies. Another reminder that God is sovereign over the affairs of history, He is never caught off guard by what takes place in the world.

Why does God wait to take down the Assyrians? If you read Isaiah 10, you will see that God does use the Assyrians, without their knowledge, to judge and punish His ungodly people. Continue reading in the chapter and see that God punishes Assyria for their pride and arrogance. The king of Assyria falsely believed their power came from themselves (Is. 10:12). Isaiah stated that was false and God was only using them. God will always punish those full of pride arrogance, and self-glorification.

For Believers today the message is to rest and find comfort in God in a world filled with chaos, evil, and leaders filled with pride and arrogance. There is warning in this as well – do not consider your plans and successes are because of your own abilities. You can believe that God is involved, and your successes are because of what He is doing/has done in your life for His purpose. As you can see from the writings of Isaiah people and nations have been used for God’s purpose throughout history.  Find your rest and peace in Him today!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 3:3-6, But You, O Lord are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

King David’s is fleeing from his son, Absolom, who has sent an army of 12,000 men to kill his father. If you read verses 1-2 of this Psalm, you will read that few thought David had any chance of escape. Yet, King David does escape, like he has many times in the past, because of His trust in God. “But You, O Lord are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts my head.” King David acknowledges that even with the challenges he faces, the Lord is the ultimate One who protects him. His Lord is a “shield”, his divine protection from all that comes against him. Just as the warrior is protected from the arrows sent against him and from the swords swung in battle, so David sees the Lord protecting him from these enemies. I wonder if this is not a thought that goes back to the battle he had with Goliath as when David declared His God would deliver him from the one who taunted and defied God and the army of Israel.

David declared God was his “glory”, his true source of honor and all he did. Romans 8:16-17 declares that Believers are children of God, therefore, joint heirs with Christ and because of that our glory is firmly connected with our relationship with Christ. It is the Lord “who lifts our head” which means the Lord is there to lift Believers up, to encourage them when faced with difficulties and trials; His presence in the Believer’s life does encourage and help them rise above life’s problems as they walk the narrow way. The Lord’s presence needs to be a constant reminder of His love, that He cares very much and that He is faithful to His children.

Because of this knowledge, King David cried out to the Lord to once again deliver him from this circumstance. “’God’s holy hill’ refers to Jerusalem where God had made David king and where David had placed the ark; it was the earthly symbol His throne, His covenant (Psalm 2:6)” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). King David had cried out to the Lord before and been delivered from grave situations before by Him.

God still does this today! I have to often remind myself of Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of god, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” David’s prayer should be an encouragement to every Believer to pray instead of worry and fear over every situation and circumstance being faced.

God heard David’s prayer! “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.” Even when surrounded by his enemies, King David felt safe and secure because he knew the Lord had heard his prayer; he knew that the Lord was with him, protecting him. I believe each one reading this can remember a situation where the Lord protected you, kept you safe. We probably do not know all the times we were protected or kept from some harmful situation. One thing you can know is that nothing happens to us that is outside of God’s knowledge or His control. Knowing that should help us say with King David, “The Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around”. That’s confidence in the One who saved us and is in the process of changing us into His image as we walk a narrow way into eternity in His kingdom!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”.

Philippians 1:12, But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.

All Believers have had to deal with situations that were difficult. Do not believe that you are alone in the things you have had to face. Think back and see what the results of your difficulties have been. Have you grown in your faith? Have others accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and/or grown in their walk on the narrow way because of things you have had to walk through?

If you are reading this, God is not through with you yet! You can be assured that based on God’s faithfulness he will complete what He has started in your life. One’s salvation begins the moment of accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior; the process of being cleansed, the process of becoming more like Christ (walking the narrow way into God’s kingdom) is just that – “a process”.  That process continues until the Believer walks into the kingdom of God.

Paul uses verse 12 to encourage the Philippian Believers and us by what he has experienced. Paul had the right attitude about facing the trouble he had faced. Paul loved his brothers and sisters in the Lord. Remember, he was writing to the Philippians from a Roman prison. Let me share some thoughts Believers are able to glean from studying this verse.

 Difficulty or hardships furthers the gospel. Paul should know. He was imprisoned, beaten, and suffered various hardships while preaching the message of Jesus. In all he experienced, he rejoiced that the message was able to be shared. The David Jeremiah Study Bible states, “The Greek word for furtherance is a military term that described engineers preparing a road for an advancing army and removing obstructions such as rocks and trees.” It goes on to note that Paul’s circumstances had removed barriers to the advancement of the gospel. I picture in my mind the gospel not just spreading but “advancing” into territories unknown and changing the hearts and lives of people there.

Read Philippians 1:13 and see how Paul’s imprisonment gave him opportunities to witness not only to other prisoners but to the Roman guards that he was continually chained to; he was chained to the soldiers assigned to high-ranking officials. Can you imagine being chained to Paul? He had plenty of opportunity to speak to many different guards over the time he was in prison. Just to give you how many guards we are talking about – Paul was chained to a guard 24 hours per day. I wonder how long each guard’s shift was. It became evident to all that Paul’s imprisonment was due to speaking the message of Jesus Christ; all knew he was no real criminal.

Paul’s time in captivity gave him plenty of opportunity to witness. Philippians 1:14 gives us insight into the effect of Paul’s imprisonment on other Believers. They became confident and began to speak boldly about their faith, without fear. Because Paul could go to jail for speaking about his faith, others began to take a stand for Christ and speak boldly about their faith.

I am getting long in this page of the blog. Continue reading in Philippians 1 and you will see Paul’s goal was to speak clearly the gospel of Christ in a clear manner (verses 15-18). He evaluated all experiences through his life’s purpose (verse 21). “The challenges Paul faced and that Believers do in their lifetime prepares us to see life and death in a proper perspective – to serve the Lord properly in life and that death offers the blessing of finally and completely knowing our Savior” (verses 22-26) (thoughts from the David Jeremiah Study Bible).

There are occasions that give Believers opportunities to speak boldly about their faith; take those opportunities to overcome fear of sharing your faith in Jesus Christ and what He has done in your life. All Believers need to get better at doing this!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 56:8-11, You number my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle; are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know because God is for me. In God (I will praise His Word), Int the Lord (I will praise His Word), In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

King David was certainly no stranger to hardships, and he knew fear. He also knew that in difficult situations and circumstances God knew what he was going through and was right there with him. The verses from David reminds every Believer that our Father in heaven knows and even keeps track of all of our troubles and sufferings. King David reacted to difficulties and fear by trusting in God; he comforted himself in knowing that God noticed what he had to deal with.

Any person who tries to convince you from the pulpit or in one-on-one conversation that your life is going to be free from difficulties and trials is leading you down a path of misinformation. Read about the difficulties King David had in his life. Yes, some were self-inflicted, many others were not. Yet, he learned that God cared and He was right there through it all. David wrote that God cared so much that He counted every move he made and saved every tear he shed. For Believers, today, that is telling them that no suffering is wasted or pointless. Roman 8:28 is a reminder that all things a Believer goes through work to the good, for those who are called according to God’s purpose. For the Believer that gives the thought that all suffering will be rewarded by God. May I encourage those who might be going through difficult times right now because circumstances beyond your control that God sees and there is a time coming when all evil will be punished (Revelation 20:11-15) and all hurt will be made right (Revelation 21:4) for those who have been saved and changed by walking on the narrow way.

David knew what it meant to be chased and hunted by a jealous king (Saul); He even resorted to living among the Philistines, the great enemy of Israel. What did David do? He prayed, believing that God’s protection would keep him safe. He prayed, “When I cry out to You, then my enemies will turn back; this I know because God is for me.” Why did he pray with so much confidence? It was because he knew God was on his side! As a Believer, you and I can pray with that same confidence. David knew it; there was no indecision at all. Believer, do you believe that for your own life, your own situation?

I want you to know and believe without any doubt that prayer is powerful. 2 Corinthians 10:4 tells Believers that the weapons of their warfare are not what we think; they are from divine power, God’s power to destroy the “strongholds” that come against them. In Romans 8:31, Paul assures believes that, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”. A few verses later, Paul tells Believers, “They are more than conquers in Him [Christ Jesus] who loved us”. Remember that does not mean Believers are immune from difficulties and tragedies but that God does not allow us to experience these things without some purpose.

David remembered that God was with Him through all things he experienced. As Believers, we need to remember that as well. From reading about David’s life, I don’t believe he never experienced some anxiety over events in his life. He was always honest about what he was feeling. But, in the face of all that, He never failed to turn to God, to trust Him through the difficulties he faced. Ultimately, God is in control of every situation, circumstance a Believer faces. Even if what the Believer faces ends in death, there is no defeat in the one who has chosen to follow God! Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!”

Trust in God! Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. You can be assured with King David that God is with you and you do not need to fear anything!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 6:9-10, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

In this heavenly prayer, Pastor Ed Newton has directed us to God as our Father, our King, our Provider, and now, as our Forgiver. Pastor Newton reminded us that when we said yes to the salvation that God gives us through Jesus Christ, He forgave all of our sins – past, present, and future. I think Believers need to be reminded of that from time to time. Romans 3:23 is a verse that tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. But continue on to the next verse, “being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”. “Nothing unclean gets into heaven”, declared Pastor Newton, “but because of the faith placed in Jesus Christ death on a cross and His resurrection, faith declares Believers righteous, not guilty for all sin committed!” That is certainly a reason for every Believer to be thankful each and every day!

Pastor spoke about 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness”. If you have read this blog for very long, you will know I write about this verse from time to time. Pastor Newton shared his thoughts better than I have in the past. He said, “John is writing to Christians; he is writing about relationship and not salvation. This is about taking responsibility for the sin we continue to commit as [Believers] walk the narrow way. God forgives before we ask, but when we admit to doing something wrong, it eliminates the distance the wrongdoing creates with our heavenly Father and creates a close relationship with Him.” Pastor Newton made the following statement that I want you to remember. “I (use your own name) still battle with sin. The devil calls me a sinner. But I must recognize who I am; I am not a sinner. I am a forgiven and free son/daughter of God who is justified by grace!”

The forgiveness given to believers by our heavenly Father needs to be extended to others. I must confess this is an area I need to work on. There are those who have done what I consider wrong to me and/or my family. After listening to this message, I have had to forgive some people. What about you? Matthew 18:33 asks an important question, “Should you not also have compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” Jesus asked that question, and I believe He is still asking it. Believers have been forgiven much and because of that are called to forgive much. That forgiveness by Believers needs to flow from their heart.  

Forgiveness is necessary. “Every person has owed a debt they could never repay, but grace paid it” (Pastor Newton). I pray that each person reading this will grasp that! Every Believer has the responsibility to “worship, to be devoted, and to be obedient for this forgiveness” (Pastor Newton). “As Jesus went through the beatings, being spit on and mocked, having a crown of thorns pushed down on His brow, and being nailed to the cross, He forgave those doing this” (Pastor Newton).

Pastor Newton concluded by saying, “Forgiveness is not a feeling – it is a choice. It includes giving the situation to God, asking Him to help Believers to release it and/or the person to Him in order for us to move forward in our walk with Him. Giving the situation or person to Him gives us freedom in Jesus’ name and brings healing to the one doing the forgiving. “My sin was great! But God’s forgiveness is greater! His mercy is new every day!” (Pastor Newton). I certainly can relate to that!