LEARNING DAILY

John 14:12-14. "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

There are three parts of these verses to consider. “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do.” To get a clear understanding of what Jesus was tell His disciples, the word “works” needs to be defined. The Greek meaning includes the actions or the conduct of a person. John 5:36 gives a reference to this. “But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.” Here Jesus was talking with the religious leaders, telling them what He was doing and teaching, were examples of His equality with God. The miracles, “the works”, demonstrated His power and authority were only done because His Father had given Him power to do them. What He had done was a greater witness showing who He was than the testimony of John the Baptist.

Now, Jesus is telling the disciples they would do the works, the actions He had done; they would do them because the life they would live would glorify God. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus spoke of this, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Disciples of Jesus Christ are to be the salt of the earth and let the light (Jesus Christ) in them shine. That means to live a life that is seen in this dark world; it does no good to hide. Believers let their light shine by doing “the works” God intends for them to do. Why live this way? It is so “the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Believers live their life, they study, pray, fast not to be seen by men and receive the adoration of others. It is to do what God intends them to do in order for Him to be glorified!

“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” There are some qualifiers for God answering prayer and using a Believer. In these verses “asking” and “asking in My name” are very important. I need to include “asking with right motives” (James 4:3) in this as well! God does not write a blank check; He is not a vending machine or genie (I read that in a commentary when studying Proverbs 28:9) that gives miraculous power to anyone. Jesus is telling the disciples and Believers today that doing “the works He did and even greater works” happen when one is working according to God’s will and in His authority.

The context of these verses deals with comfort, assurance, and encouragement to the disciples who were about to face the crucifixion; it would leave them alone and probably confused. He was giving them encouragement to carry on the His work and doing so by promising He would hear their prayers and answer them, according to His will! By praying “in His name” He told them they would have His authority to carry out His purposes and for His kingdom.

As Believers, this is a principle to guide us in aligning our will with the will of Jesus, to accomplish His goals. In doing so, we honor His name and glorify the Father in Heaven. When we do this, He provides what is needed to accomplish what He wants done and to equip Believers to be His servants.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

In the previous verse, Thomas asked the question all of the disciples probably wanted to ask. “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” That was asked after Peter had asked Him where He was going (John 13:33); I bet Peter was not going to say anything for a while. Was Thomas still thinking about human accomplishments being the determining factors for eternal life?  It is difficult to be too hard on the disciples who had been with Jesus for the time of His earthly ministry and still did not understand these things. People still believe being a good person, their position in life, their wealth, and how others view them as the way to get into heaven.

Jesu told the disciple in verse 4, “And you know the way to where I am going.” He did not tell them the destination, only that He was coming to get them. They knew the way there because getting there was through a person – Him – not a process, or by anything one could do. Again, not works; it cannot be earned!

Verse 6 is one of several “I am” statements made by Jesus when referring to Himself. They reflect the very name of God in the Hebrew language; Yahweh means the Self-Existent, Eternal God. It is the name of power and authority, and Jesus said it was His.

The disciples were confused and wanted to know how they could get to where He was going. What are the directions or the way to get there? Has Jesus not been telling them and showing them who He was during the time they were with Him? “You know the way!” “The way is through Me!” “I am the way!” “There is no other way! Follow Me!” The disciples are eventually going to understand. Peter is going to tell a crowd in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Be careful! There are many who say there is a different way; they are deceivers meant to cause confusion and mislead all who listen. They will even present an easier way (which is the broad way that leads to destruction) than walking a narrow way into God’s kingdom.

Jesus said He was the truth. John writes in chapter 1, verse 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John was establishing that Jesus was God from the Beginning because He was always with God. The work of Jesus are the works of God, the Father. He said and did only what the Father told Him to say and do. As the Father is Truth, so is Jesus, the Son the Truth; they are one and the same.

Jesus also states that He is the life as He tells the disciples about His approaching death. He is telling them that He is the source of all life but is laying down His life for all who would believe in Him (John 3:16-17). He will speak later about His authority over death by saying the world will no longer see Him, but they will and because He lives, they will also (John 14:19).

Jesus is making it clear, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” The disciples still did not understand – but they would. Once they did, they were changed individuals and changed the world. They believed His words and obeyed what they believed. That led them to tell others the truth about sin, righteousness and the only way to go to heaven. When those who believe follow Jesus on the narrow “way”, they can be assured they are following Him right into eternal life in His kingdom!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Romans 10:17, So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

 Pastor Jonathon Moore of NorthRock Church preached a message this weekend that Believers either need to hear or be reminded of. He used the prophet Elijah as an example of hearing God. Israel was in the midst of a drought that caused famine in Israel. It had not rained for over three years; God used the prophet to “hear” the sound of rain. He proclaimed the drought was about to end – not because he saw the rain but because He heard “the sound of abundance of rain” (1 Kings 18:41). The message was about the ability to listen to God, hear what He is saying, and then to be obedient to it. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Audrey wrote in her notes, “If faith comes by hearing the Word of God, we are in control of how much faith we have by how much we read our Bible.” That is a great word for each of us!

God can speak to Believers anyway He wants to. God speaks to me through the reading of His word. I can say I have heard God twice that I really knew it was Him. Once, there is no audible voice but I knew He was telling me something very personal. The second time, I was asking whether He was going to do something or not and I heard “no”. That was it! But let me tell you when I read the Bible, His Word, it can become very clear that I need to apply something in it to my life. Recently I have been doing a detailed study of the Proverbs, and I have clearly been getting the message about changes in my life needed to be made. It has come to being a time of “pieces” for me, if you read yesterday’s blog. Yet, peace has come because God is bigger!

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Pastor Moore was clear, “Get into your Bible!” Do you want fruit in your life? “Get into your Bible!” Fruit comes from having the Word of God dwell in your life and that comes from spending time reading/studying/ meditating on God’s Word (Joshua 1:8); faith comes from doing so. “You just cannot feed on the Word of God one time per week (at church) and expect to have faith. You have to eat “the bread of life” every day.” (Pastor Moore). Just as one eats food every day to sustain the body, one needs to be in the word of God to sustain their spiritual life. In Audrey’s notes, she wrote, “We have to feed ourselves.” John 1 is clear, Jesus is the Word, who was with God, and was made flesh to live among His people. In John 6:35, Jesus was clear that He is the Bread of Life and said in Matthew 4:4 that Believers are to not only live on food but on every Word He has given us. Those words are found in His Bible.

Joshua 1:8 tells Believers to not only read the word; they are to meditate on it. Think on it and consider what it means and is saying to you. Do you have a plan? It is really great to spend time reading. The question is are you taking time to really think about what you are reading. Are you absorbing it? When you do, God reveals things to you, things about Himself and things about you. By meditating on the Word, you begin to allow changes to occur in how you speak, how you act (Audrey’s notes). “Revelation moves to transformation,” (Pastor Moore). Changing who you are to become what the Lord Jesus wants you to be is what walking the narrow way is about. No, one does not become perfect and will fall many times; get back up!

“When faith needs to be built, go to the Word to build your faith! In times of crisis and temptation, go to the Word. Nothing in the Word of God will ever fail. God wants every Believer to grow in their spiritual walk with Him by knowing what God says about him/her.” (Pastor Moore). May I encourage you, if you are not in God’s Word daily, to make a plan to do so and stick with it. His Word is new each and every day. Just because you have read something many times does not mean today the Holy Spirit will not open your eyes to see what you need for this specific day.

“Give us this day, our daily bread!” (Mathew 6:11).

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 14:1-4, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father 's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Jesus

Jesus has told the disciples that one of them would betray Him. He has also told Peter that he would deny Him three times. This is all in the context of Jesus suffering at the hands of the Romans, being nailed to a cross, and He was going to His Father’s house in Heaven leaving them alone to fend for themselves. Jesus speaks to the disciples to not be troubled over this; He is speaking to them to have courage in the face of what is going to happen. It is not difficult to imagine the anxiety the disciple faced in all this. They did not understand all that Jesus was speaking about. They did not have the benefit of all the study helps and ability to look back like Believers do today. Yes, they were with Jesus, but they did not always understand. Each wanted to know if he was the one going to betray Him. Peter, being Peter, once again spoke without thinking, asking why he could not follow Jesus where He was going. “I will lay down my life for Your sake!”

Jesus continues to try to encourage the disciples by telling them that He is now going to His Father’s house in heaven. Over the years, I have heard and read various thoughts about “mansions being prepared” for the followers of Jesus. There are thoughts of wonderful mansions to log cabins regarding what Believers are going to spend eternity in. I read a more thoughtful, more practical interpretation – Jesus might have meant there will be room in His Fathers’ house, in His family for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Eternity with Jesus Christ is the result of what He was going to do, what He accomplished at Calvary’s cross. Every Believer will step into eternity at the end of their journey on a narrow way or because of the rapture taking place. Jesus did not need to prepare or build any place for His followers to live in eternity; it was already ready.

Jesus continued to try to reassure His disciples that He would come back to bring them to where He was going. Again, I’m not sure that they understood what He meant. Did they wonder how He was going to do that? He simply told them He would be the One taking them to where He was. Compare this statement with what He told the Pharisees and chief priests in John 7:32-34. He told them He was going away, they would seek Him, not find Him, and could not go where He was. Those who reject Jesus Christ will not be people who He comes to take to be where He is.

Jesus said His Followers would have troubles and trials in this world – because He had trouble. He said walking the narrow way would be difficult. It is! I would just as soon have Jesus right here beside me when I face the difficult times. I would like to talk to Him face to face, asking Him to get me through this difficulty. Maybe I could trust Him just a little more then. But, just as Jesus was trying to encourage His disciples, He is encouraging every Believer that He has already done everything that needs to be done to get us through each situation we face. Because believers have placed their faith in Him, he has sent the Holy Spirit to live in them, guiding them through each day and whatever they encounter. Believers just need to yield to Him. When they do, the words of Jesus speak clearly, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”

 

LEARNING DAILY

2 Thessalonians 3:16, Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Do you remember where the disciples were after Jesus had been crucified and after He had risen? According to John 20:19 they were in the Upper Room behind locked doors because they feared the Jews. Pastor Ed Newton said this weekend, “The disciples were in fear of what tomorrow might bring”. They were afraid that the Jewish leaders were coming after them for being the followers of Jesus. Yet, Jesus came to be with them. He gave them His Word which was attached to His promises and attached to Him” (Pastor Newton). In other words, the Lord Jesus was telling them to have peace instead of fear they were to keep their eyes focused on Him.

The message this weekend at Community Bible Church was about peace. Go back and read the verse from 2 Thessalonians again and you will discover that one’s peace is found In the Lord Jesus Himself; He gives peace to those whose faith is in Him at all times, in every situation. Pastor Newton said, “If there is no internal peace there will never be external peace. One will never know eternal peace without internal peace!”  Read that again – slowly. It is because of grace – God’s grace – that all who believe in Jesus can find peace; “by placing one’s faith in Jesus, He chases us and sustains us in every situation” (Pastor Newton).

He asked this question, “If you say you lost your peace, where did it go?” He continued, “When there is an absence of peace, fear takes its place.” Pastor Newton’s message was centered on the words “peace” and “piece”. How often do we allow pieces (a situation that might be caused by people, not knowing our purpose, personal health, being in the right place, and the problem of need versus want) to cause us to take our eyes off Jesus? For example, is there a person who has caused you to be troubled and focus on that situation? Have you locked yourself up to where that situation has consumed your life? Perhaps, your focus has been consumed on what your real purpose is or you have become consumed with a health issue. Has fear locked you behind doors of an “Upper Room”? Be careful that you have not allowed the piece that troubles you to become bigger to you than God’s ability to fix it.

Pastor Newton pointed out when the disciples were locked in the Upper Room, fearing what might happen, Jesus showed up with “no judgment, only grace and forgiveness”. Their anxiety – fear of the unknown” – was changed because Jesus showed up. He does that for each of us in those things, those pieces we tend to focus on causes us to take our eyes off Him. Pastor Newton mentioned part of the solution is to die to self and allow Christ to be greater in our lives than any piece that tries to disrupt the peace He gives.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).  “One does not lose their peace; they just misplace it” (Pastor Newton). Allow the Lord Jesus Christ to rule and reign in your life by walking on a narrow way which leads to eternity in His kingdom with Him!

Jesus said, “I have said these things to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). He does not run out of peace; He has an abundance of it.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 13: 34-35, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

“Can’t we all just get along?” From what I could find, this quote was first said by Rodney King during the 1992 riots occurring in Los Angelos. It seems that question is still valid today. The answer or the ability to do that lies in what Jesus told His disciples in the Upper Room.

His statement was not a new revelation. He had been asked by a lawyer (Matthew 22:34- 40), “Which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus knew this was trick to test Him and told him the first commandment was to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The second was to love your neighbor as yourself. When talking with the disciples in the Upper Room, Jesus spoke of a “new” commandment; He was highlighting the importance of loving one another.

This reminder was coming after washing the feet of the disciples in an act of humbling Himself to show the disciples they too could humble themselves to serve others as He did. He did this as an act of love for them and his love is to be the standard for those who follow Him. For His disciples (and all Believers) love was to be the outward expression or sign of their Christian faith. Jesus was especially concerned with His love being shown between His followers.

All Believers today need to have sound biblical doctrine (take a moment to find 1 Timothy 6:3-5) and must be living moral lives (find Colossians 3:1-10 and read it). But the standard set and established by the Lord Jesus Christ is to love one another! “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” What does this mean? How do we live this?

Let’s get personal today. Do you have a sincere love for fellow Believers? John emphasized this again in one of his letters. 1 John 4:21 states, “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also”. This seems clear. But just to emphasize the command – love is essential to the Christian faith! In giving this command Jesus was creating a group (His followers) that would be identified by their love. It is obvious that in the world there are groups identified by something – uniforms, skin color, political affiliation, tattoos, interests, and on and on. But the True Church, True Believers, the True Followers of Jesus Christ, walking on a narrow way is identified by their love. Skin color does not matter. The uniform or crazy hat worn does not matter! The only thing that matters is the love they show toward one another.

Read about the early church in Acts 2:40-47. It was made up of people from all over who came together and met each other’s needs. They lived the love of Jesus. Jesus loved unconditionally (not to get something in return). Jesus loved sacrificially; He gave His life so that those who believe in Him would be saved from the slavery of sin and be changed by Him. His love forgave and was pure. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 to see how we are to love as Jesus loved. Even the enemies of Jesus received His love; we can benefit by that!

This type of love may not be natural for those who walk in the flesh and walk as the world thinks. No, this love Jesus talks about comes from a relationship with Him. It comes from spending time with Him in His Word and through time with Him in prayer. To love like this takes a change in one’s heart! It is knowing that Jesus loves you that enables you to love others – especially other Believers – as He has commanded. The Holy Spirit will give evidence that you are a disciple of Christ and the light of Christ shines in you.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 13:3-5, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, arose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

 Chapters 13-17 of John’s gospel make up a major address or teaching of Jesus it has been titled The Upper Room Discourse. “The five chapters that make up The Upper Room Discourse focus on Jesus’ love for His own and His desire to communicate that love so that it would never be forgotten after His return to heaven” (David Jeremiah Study Bible notes). Verse 1 tells us, “Jesus knew His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.” This verse expresses the love of Jesus for His disciples and explains the basis for what He is about to do and say to them. Over the next days, I want to encourage Believers to know that Jesus loves you more than you realize!

Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. Yes, it surprised them because this task was usually done by someone of the lowest status; it is an act of servitude and humility. Most of you have worn sandals of some type and know your feet can get dirty; washing them is a necessity. Usually, people of this time would wash their own feet. When one was at another’s home, the washing of feet of someone who had a higher status, was done by a servant of the homeowner. It was ridiculous for this time period for the master of the house to do the foot washing.

What was the point of Jesus doing this? He did this to show a living example of servanthood and humility. If serving others in this fashion is not beneath the Son of God, it should not be beneath those who follow Him to serve others. Perhaps Jesus was expressing the need for the disciples to walk in humility. In the past they had argued over who should be seated next to Jesus in His kingdom and had been almost prideful over the fact that the demons had been subject to their commands. Perhaps he was demonstrating what true leadership really was to be. Further on, Jesus tells them that they are right – He is the Teacher and Lord – yet He acts in humility. He tells them that they are not greater than Him, so they are not above serving others.

Of course, Peter speaks up because he is shocked at Jesus doing this. Peter misunderstands the intentions of Jesus and what He is trying to show them. Jesus is trying to visually show them what walking in humility is. Peter is pretty hardheaded, and it takes him several times to get what Jesus is doing or teaching. But Peter will eventually write, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed in humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” Peter needed to come to an understanding of what Jesus was teaching in order for him to walk in humility and serve others.

In verse 12, Jesus asks the disciples if they know what He has done to them. I ask do you understand what Jesus is teaching you, today? The point of what Jesus did is not that you have to literally wash the feet of others. No! The point is that you and I are not above the Master. If He acts in love toward others, you and I must do the same; its an attitude of humility and self-sacrifice that we are to walk in. No Believer is “so big”, so spiritually above another that he/she cannot love and serve others! No Believer has the right to look down on serving others, thinking that serving is beneath him/her.

Are you ready to wash some feet?

 

LEARNING DAILY

Proverbs 21:1, The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

I watched quite a bit of the inauguration of Donald trump as the 47^th President of the United States yesterday. As I write this, I also remember watching the coronation of King Charles. There is always much ceremony and tradition when a person is inaugurated or crowned. As usual the different news medias had different thoughts on the president elect. If it was not stated in what those covering the inauguration said, it was discerned in their attitudes. It seems appropriate to remind all Believers, all who read this that the Lord is sovereign over kings and presidents!

Proverbs 19:12 is also about kings and presidents. “The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like the dew of the grass.” This idea may not be celebrated but it is worth noting. Those in power have the ability and authority to help or hurt those under him. It might be wisdom for a person to not unnecessarily provoke those in authority. It is important to understand that even the most powerful figures are still under the authority, still subject to God’s power and His will! Proverbs 21:30 states clearly, “There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord.” Let’s be clear – no matter how hard we try, we cannot outthink God. He cannot be tricked or fooled into doing anything. He cannot be surprised by anything, and He cannot be out maneuvered. One might be well-meaning in their attempts to get God to act; but it is all in vain. God is absolutely sovereign.

The President of the United States is considered the most powerful leader in the world. He is still subject to God’s power and His will. He can even be shaped to do God’s will if God so chooses. Read, for an example, Exodus 10:1-2 where God hardened Pharoah’s heart in order for God to show him signs which He had done so he would know that He was God. Read where God caused King Cyrus to allow the Jewish captives to return to Jerusalem to “build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judea” (Ezra 1:2). Here is another example of God moving in the heart of a king to do His will. God caused Caesar Agustus to call for a census to be taken causing Joseph to take a pregnant Mary to Bethlehem to be counted (Luke 2:1-3). Understand that God can and will use kings and presidents to serve His purpose.

People can debate all day long if and how God has used a former president and will use the current president to do His will; as sure as I’m writing this, the debate goes on and will continue. This I know, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist bring judgment upon themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).  “Believers are to submit to the ruling authorities wherever they live. The world tries to circumvent the authority of government. But God says to be submissive to it (Titus 3:1). God is the ultimate ruler over all earthly leaders. He sets up kings and removes them according to His will. Knowing this, Believers are called to pray and submit accordingly.” writes David Jeremiah. As God is the greater authority, Believers submit to Him when leaders tell them to do something that is in violation to God’s law or His will. Believers are to obey God rather than men! (Acts 5:29).

All that being said as a reflection of what I saw yesterday. President Trumps’s relationship to Jesus Christ is not for Believers to judge. We do judge what He says and does according to God’s Word. Believers are responsible to pray for Him, praying that His words and actions honor God. The coming days, months, and years are going to be interesting; he needs to be prayed for daily as he guides this nation into the days ahead!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Genesis 15:6, And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to Him for righteousness.

Pastor Jonathon Moore gave his thoughts about what Believers are to do when God does not do what He says He is going to or when He gives a promise and does not fulfill it right away. He used God’s promise to Abram (Abraham) in Genesis 12. At Age 75 God told him he would have a son with Sari (Sarah), his wife. In Genesis 15, which was “some years later” there was still not son with Sari. What was Abram’s reaction? “He believed in the Lord”. He believed! What do you do “in a period of waiting”? (Pastore Moore).

Pastor Moore stated Believers should “Stay in the Word while waiting!” (From Audrey’s notes). She wrote, “We often put a date on something, and God never gave us a date. That’s when we get into trouble.” “We get in a hurry; God isn’t” (Pastor Moore). So, we wait knowing “God is present, faithful, and working” (Audrey’s notes). It has been said that delays do not mean God is denying our request or He has changed His mind. He is laying the groundwork for what He is going to do, preparing us!

When Abram questioned God about not having any offspring, God took him outside of his tent and told him to look up at the stars in the sky. God told him to count the stars; there were too many for him to count. It was as if to say, “See what I can do”. (Pastor Moore). No one knows the number of stars in the sky but God. Audrey wrote in her notes, “God’s power, promises, and freedom is unlimited!” The point is to not limit God; God was telling Abram not to limit what He could do. Because of God, Abram and Sari would have a baby, even at their age.

The message was about praying for something that lines up with God’s will that has not occurred yet. It was about a promise God may have made to you that has not happened. Or perhaps you have a dream., a dream that is too big for you and cannot be accomplished by your own efforts. Take a moment to think about the number of stars (or if you can get up and go look at them). Nothing is too difficult for God to accomplish. Pastor Moore stated, “God wants you to see what He has done in order for you to believe for what is to be. Stay in step with God; His timing is perfect!”

Have you ever tried to get ahead of what God wants to do in your life? I have – and I messed it up! “No matter what you try to do, you cannot speed God up! You might get ahead of Him by trying to make things happen” (Pastor Moore). That does not work either! Pastor Moore used Hebrews 6:11-12 to confirm this, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”. Pastor said, “Allow God to be your guide, stay diligent in faith and be patient. Sari conceived 25 years after the promise of a child was given. Have trust in Him, walk in faith with Him, and patiently wait on Him to do what He promised he would do.”

Every Believer has someone they have been praying for, perhaps for years. Or there is some promise God has made in His Word that you are believing for in your life. God’s timing is always perfect, and He provides when He knows the timing is right.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Revelation 3:15-16, “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”  Jesus

Pastor Ed Newton used three different verses of Scripture to help believers grow spiritually. The first comes from what the Lord Jesus said to the church at Laodicea. Jesus was referring to the city’s attempt to obtain a reliable water source. Laodicea got cold water from the springs at Colossae and hot water from the hot springs at Hierapolis. But by the time the water got to Laodicea it was neither hot nor cold. I know some of you like ice coffee, some of you like hot coffee. But if either set too long, the ice coffee is no longer cold and the hot coffee is no longer hot; both have become lukewarm and not as good as what you ordered.

Different theologians have different views about “hot and cold”. Jesus told the people in this church they were neither hot nor cold; they were lukewarm. They were complacent, maintaining the status quo. They were comfortable – neither excited about a Christian walk nor callous about Christian matters. In other words, they just went through the motions, continued with their meaningless activities, and maintained an indifferent mindset.  Those who were lukewarm had just enough knowledge of Him that they were fine with hearing a sermon but lacked much real faith to get them involved walking in their faith. That condition may be more difficult to change than changing the cold-hearted non-believer.   In doing so, they placed and kept the Lord Jesus on the outside of the Church knocking on the door of the Church to come into them; instead, they just continued to sing, do their church thing.

Philippians 3:12-13, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” (Emphasis was Pastor Newton’s)

“Your past does not define you. You need to forget the failures, the mistakes, the shame, and stop putting the past successes in front of others. Not one of us has achieved perfection as Paul wrote” (Pastor Newton). Paul is writing about his future, when he will be with Jesus – perfect and complete. That time has not yet occurred. Paul did not want those who followed him or read his writings to believe differently. Pastor Newton reminded the congregation that that was true of each one of us. At the same time, as Believers, we must move on from our past failures and successes to walk with Jesus on the narrow way as he desires and guides us. This is a time when every Believer is changed by Him to become more like Him; it is a time of sanctification or being made to be holy. It is a time of being separated from the world and become like Him. “The prize is eternity with Jesus. One day every Believer is going to step into heaven and be with Him forever! Until that time, every Believer should want to make their life count right now. Every Believer should want to walk the walk and talk the talk unashamedly!” (Pastor Newton).

Colossians 3:1, “If you have been raised with Christ [born again], seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Matthew 6:33 tells Believers, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”.  The Psalmist wrote, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, an know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Be careful praying this because God will show you! Believer, take an honest look within. Are you distant from serving Jesus, from walking with Him as he desires? “Are you giving Him your very best, not just your leftovers? God only comes to the places He is invited!” (Pastor Newton).

The takeaway from this message was to make sure you are putting God first in your life. Don’t keep Him knocking on the door of your heart – let Him in. You alone can answer if you are lukewarm, stuck in your past, and living your life for eternity! (from the Listener Guide)

 

LEARNING DAILY

Zechariah 14:9a, And the Lord shall be King over all the earth.

 Perhaps you have been wondering why the emphasis on the Millennium in the last pages of the blog. It has been my intent to encourage every reader to be diligent in your walk on the narrow way with the Lord Jesus. Walking the narrow way, making godly choices each day is an essential part of the Believer’s lifestyle Be sure to take time to do your own study on this wonderful period of time that may very well be in our near future! In studying and trying to understand this time, I have as many unanswered questions as I have answered questions.

One other aspect of the Millenium is the most important aspect. Wherever a kingdom exists, there will be a king. Jesus Christ will be the King in the Millennial Kingdom! During the millennium there will be one King and one King only – King Jesus (Zechariah). There may be those who are leaders or nobles of their nation, but they will all bow to King Jesus. Take the time to read Psalm 72:7-11. The righteous are going to flourish because King Jesus will have dominion over all the earth. Continue reading in the Psalm and you will read “the whole earth will be filled with His glory”.

Isaiah 9:6a, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.” This verse predicts the birth of Jesus, in whom salvation will be given to all who believe in Him. It is also a promise to Israel that God will give to the people a Messiah who will restore His peace, His rule, and His government to earth. Believers who have been raptured, risen from the dead, Christians from all ages will rule with King Jesus over all those entering into the Millennial Kingdom.

I do look forward to being with King Jesus! I pray you are encouraged to walk the narrow way with Him until that day He takes Believers to be with Him and reign with Him!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Revelation 20:1-3, Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a while.

I have been interested in who would be in the millennial kingdom. One of the important thoughts is that all who enter this kingdom will be redeemed therefore, they are righteous (Isaiah 35:8-10. The redeemed include two groups – those who were saved during the tribulation and have human bodies. The other group includes those with glorified bodies of the saints – those who are resurrected and those who were raptured (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18); the group also includes those martyred in the tribulation (The Revelation 20:4-6):and the Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:2).

Those who enter the Millennium in earthly bodies will live for a long time (Isaiah 65:20); go back and read how long people lived in Genesis. During that time, they will have children. The Revelation 20:7-8 states that the number of people living at the end of the millennium will be “like the sand of the sea”; the earth will be well populated! Those born during this time will have to choose to exercise their faith in Jesus Christ just like each person has had to choose. Obviously, there will be those who choose not to (Isaiah 65:20).

It seems that there would be no rebellion in the Millennium; sadly, there will be those born during this time who choose not to have faith in the Lord and King Jesus Christ and will be in rebellion. The Revelation 20:1-3,7-8 tells us that at the end of this period of time, Satan will be let loose and will stir up rebellion just as he did in the Garden of Eden. Rebellion is sin; it will not last long. The Lord and King Jesus will rule with “an iron hand” (The Revelation 2:27 from Psalm 2:9). This covers all wrongs committed during the Millennium will be dealt with swiftly by the One who knows everything, every intent of the heart. There will be no trial or long waiting periods for justice to take place. There will be immediate justice based on the holy reign of Jesus Christ (based on the writings of David Jeremiah).

The idea of a rod of iron comes from the shepherd’s staff used by the shepherd to protect his sheep (Psalm 23:4). The rod was a short stick, like a baton. The rod in The Revelation 2:27 used by King Jesus will be to judge the nation during this time. The fact that He has this rod shows that not everyone will submit to Him, even though they will eventually have to. Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) who watches over His sheep; that is exactly what He will do during the Millenium.

The sin nature in man will not be eliminated until the new heaven and new earth comes and eternity begins! Even during this 1000-year period the need for a Savior is present. Man can never achieve anything close to righteousness on their own; it only comes through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Revelation 20:1-3, Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a while.

I wonder why God doesn’t just establish His kingdom on earth right now! Why doesn’t He just do away with Satan and set it up? There is a key word in the verses above, “bound”; Satan is bound but not destroyed. How important is this to the end times message? “He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished.” Someday, Satan will be unable to deceive the nations nor any individual; he will be bound and cast into a bottomless pit!

It is important to remember that this period of one thousand years will not be perfect but a transitional period (David Jeremiah). This is not heaven (read the last two chapters of The Revelation to see the difference). What will the Millennial reign of Christ be like? I am going to do the best I can with what Scripture says about this time. I am going to give Scripture and let you find it and read what it says. Tim LaHaye wrote in his book, “The Essential Guide to Prophecy”, During the 1000-year millennial kingdom, there will be a partial lifting of the curse and the consequences of original sin. There will still be death (for those who enter the Millennium in their natural bodies), and the complete effects of the fall will not be lifted until the creation of the new heavens and new earth in the eternal state after the Millennium.”

I think one of the really interesting aspects of this time is the tremendous change that occurs in the animal kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25); nature will be redeemed, and the animals will no longer fear mankind. In Genesis 9:2 God put the fear of man into every beast, allowing man to hunt and eat animals. No longer will this be the case as animals and man will exist peacefully together. The fear of snakes and serpents will be gone as Isaiah states snakes and children will be able to live together without fear of harm.

Isaiah 32:16-18 tells us that the Millennium will be a time of peace. Micah 4:4 says that this time will be when no one needs to be afraid. Think of these verses and what they mean. War has been a part of the world’s history from the time there were kings. People live in constant fear today. Think about no more war, no longer a need to lock our doors at night. Read Isaiah 2:2-4 explains that everyone will get along; people will make their “swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore”.

In the Millennium there will be joy (Isaiah 61:7, 10) and comfort (Isaiah 40:1-2). Is that not what people are seeking, trying so hard to have in their lives? Isn’t this time every Believer should be looking forward to? It is a time Believers can look forward to (and even pray “Thy kingdom come” – I do not want to take that out of context) as we live in a world of chaos and difficulty!

I am going to continue with this in the next page of the blog!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Mark 1:35, Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

I have to say, I enjoy listening to a really good message given by an anointed pastor. I heard two really good messages this past weekend. However, it has been some time since I was challenged like I was by the message Pastor Jonathon Moore gave at NorthRock Church. He continued a series about believing in prayer.

The challenge presented by Pastor Moore was to follow the example of Jesus when He prayed. In the verse from Mark, Jesus rose early in the morning to pray; He prioritized time in prayer. Jesus prioritized prayer, going to His Father the first thing in the morning. He began His day seeking God (Matthew 6:33) before He did anything else. He was preparing for whatever the day was going to bring, what He was going to face. From my granddaughter Audrey’s sermon notes – she wrote, “When something happens, where do I turn first? Prayer may not be the first thing we do, but it must be the first thing we do!” Prayer is the first place to prepare for whatever we are going to face. Pastor Moore stated, “First things are important with God; so, we put Him first by seeking Him early, before the day begins.”

Jesus modeled private prayer. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus said to pray in our room with the door closed to pray to our Father in heaven. In Luke 5:16 we read that Jesus would go to desolate places to pray. (From Audrey’s notes). Pastor Moore said, “Prayer might be learned in church, but it is developed in private.” Praying in private might have sounded pretty radical for those hearing Him speak. The religious leaders enjoyed others seeing how pious and religious they were when they prayed. Public prayer might even be important to some today in order to gain a high opinion of themselves from others. But Jesus, states that if that is one’s motive for praying God will not reward that person’s prayers. Jesus said that prayer unseen by others will be rewarded by Him (Matthew 6:6); God is not interested in a performance.

Jesus also modeled passionate prayer. Audrey wrote, “Not all prayers need to be reverent; its okay for prayers to be intense. God can handle it.” This was according to Pastor Moore’s statement “the intensity of our prayer should match the intensity of the need”. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was intense in His prayer time – so intense that He sweat drops of blood when He prayed. Urgent needs need different prayer than the everyday need we face.

 Pastor Moore used the Lord’s Prayer as a model for us to pray. This is a summary of how he suggested we might pray this prayer. This might be an aid to your prayer time!

Our Father in heaven – connect with God relationally by recognizing your relationship to Him!

Hallowed be Your name – bring your worship to Him by recognizing who He is!

Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – submit to the Lordship of Jesus in your life, aligning your will with His (I wonder if it is also praying for the Millennial kingdom of King Jesus to come as well!).

Give us this day our daily bread – humbly expressing our reliance on God during the day.

Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors – the way to get our heart right with God and with others.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – asking God for strength, guidance, and protection.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen – expresses our faith in God’s ability to do all things.

Pastor Moore ended his message, “There is nothing I can do to get God to love me more or less. But He does want to change me [you] to be more like Him because He loves me [you] so much.”

Can I challenge you to prioritize your time with God in prayer? I am going to do my best to follow Jesus in His prayer time! I pray you will do so as well!

 LEARNING DAILY

John 6:47, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.”  Jesus

Pastor Ed Newton began his message with what he had heard at a conference. The speaker asked the audience to think about and answer on a scale of 1-10 how sure they were if they died that day they would go to heaven. He had the audience raise their hand as he broke down the scale by 1-3, 4-7, and 8-9. Pastor said he was surprised at how many were not sure about going to heaven. The question for each of you reading this today is: Where do you fall on this scale? If you are not sure, pay close attention to this brief review of what Pastor had to say.

Go back and read the statement made by Jesus. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” Jesus did not say maybe. He did not say there is a 50-50 chance. He said if one believes, he has everlasting life! “In the 21-days of prayer and fasting, this is the greatest break through one can have!” (Pastor Newton). He continued, “Do you want to go to heaven? Then you need to know Jesus Christ as your Savior! Salvation is not a feeling; it is a fact!”

All of us knows John 3:16. The next verse says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” Let’s be clear and honest – you do not save yourself by being a “good person”. You are saved through the mercy of God through His Son. John 10:28 tells us, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” That’s God’s guarantee for each person who asks Jesus Christ to save and change them! (Listener Guide).

Pastor said, “One will never know their need for a Savior until they admit they are a sinner. When did you become a sinner? Psalm 51:5 answers this, ‘Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me.” (Listener Guide).  “Jesus Christ is the standard for holiness [and righteousness]. When one admits he/she does not meet this standard, acknowledges he/she is a sinner, then he/she can be saved” (Pastor Newton). The problem is ignoring this message, believing one can get into heaven on their own merit.

That takes each person to the cross of Calvary! 1 John 4:15 is an important verse for every person to consider, “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God” (Listener Guide). The “whoever” means it does not matter who you are, where you are coming from, what you have done, or even how old you are, Jesus Christ is able to save and change you. Pastor Newton stated, “The cross was the payment [for everything you have done and said and thought] and the empty tomb is your receipt. By taking His Word, by faith, He will change your life. The cross is the power to do this (read Colossians 2:13-14).”

The last thought Pastor Newton left us with as he closed his message was, “Christians are not as effective as they could be because they are not sure of their salvation.” Let the word of God speak to this (from the Listener Guide)! “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). “And who has also put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 1:22). “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one can snath them out of My hand.” (John 10:28). Those are verses of promises that when you say yes to His salvation, you belong to Him and you are secure!

Where do you rate on that scale, now?

 

LEARNING DAILY

Revelation 20:1-3, Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a while.

I have a correction to make from the last page of the blog. I wrote “I guess the police could really be defunded; in reality, there would be no need for them at all because there would be no crime!” There will be crime in the Millenium because there will be those born in the Millenium who have not or will not accept Jesus Christ. I will reflect on this in the coming days. Sorry, I do not want to write error and will correct it when I do!

To better grasp the subject matter of the thousand years when Jesus Christ rules His kingdom on earth, read The Revelation 20:1-7. Also remember what David Jeremiah wrote. He describes this time as, “a transition between time and eternity, between the old earth and the new one, between momentary and the everlasting” (from his book, The Coming Golden Age).  This is a physical kingdom established on earth and will last for one thousand years without any influence from the devil; he is bound in the bottomless pit during this time. His time on earth influencing the minds and hearts of humanity to oppose God’s will is now stopped. People will no longer be influenced by his power and evil.

This thousand-year period will not be a perfect time; it is a transitional period of time. But it will certainly be an indication of what eternity will be like on the new earth to be established. Why does there need to be a transition period? Why does God not throw Satan in the bottomless pit, throw away the key and set up the new heavens and earth instead of waiting a thousand years? As I researched, the answer came because God has made promises to Israel that need to be kept during this time.

In Genesis 15:18-20, God made promises to Abraham about the specific land his descendants would possess; Israel has never possessed these lands. Another promise is found in 2 Samuel 7:16; King David’s heir would sit on the throne of Israel forever. Bible scholars agree that Jesus Christ is this heir and the fulfillment of this will begin with the Millenium. Jeremiah 31:33, Isaiah 59:20-21 prophetically speak of Israel being God’s people, living in the land He gave to Abraham, God writing His law on their hearts and He would be their God. In other words, His people would worship Him. Bible scholars recognize this thousand-year period as the time the prophets spoke about. Daniel also was promised that the nations of the world would live in peace with Jesus as their ruler (Daniel 7:11-14). Daniel was also given a vision of this millennial kingdom in Chapter 2 verse 44, And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and shall stand forever.”

The promises God has made in His Word about a time coming should be an encouragement to every Believer! In the book of Genesis God created all things and saw that His creation was good. Then sin entered what He had created, through the disobedience of Adam and Eve. Because of their disobedience, God cursed the devil, pain would become part of childbirth, and man was to work the land; even the land was cursed (Isaiah 24:4-6). From that time on everything changed; the curse has affected not only humanity but all of nature! All that will change again when the Millenium, the thousand-year reign of King Jesus, comes!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Revelation 20:1-3, Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a while.

I want to take a few days to encourage each reader of this blog to walk closer to the Lord on the narrow way into His kingdom. There is a day coming when Jesus Christ will lock up the devil, the deceiver of all who follow their own sinful desires, into the bottomless pit; he will be locked up there for one thousand years. What does that mean?

When the Lord Jesus does that, He will establish His kingdom on earth. David Jeremiah describes this time as, “a transition between time and eternity, between the old earth and the new one, between momentary and the everlasting” (from his book, The Coming Golden Age). How long has man been looking for the perfect society? How many times have individuals tried to establish their version of a perfect society? Robert Owen tried, and his attempt did not last. The hippie movement of the 60s and 70s tried establishing communes, their idea of perfection and they did not last. Man’s attempt to create a world without problems has always failed!

Take a moment to consider a world as God created the Garden of Eden – a perfect world, where He walked and talked with Adam and Eve. It was a world free of sickness, war, fighting, crime, and all the terrible things experienced in the world today. Consider what your life would be like without all the temptations, worries, and anxieties that you face during your day. I guess the police could really be defunded; in reality, there would be no need for them at all because there would be no crime! What if you were not sick, or there was no more cancer or other illnesses, or your body was free from the aches and pains you experience? When the police are gotten rid of, let’s just get rid of the doctors as well! What would your day be like? What if this lasted for a week? Or a year? Or a thousand years?

Do you enjoy true worship, spending time singing and giving praise to the Lord? If so, imagine being with only people filled with the Holy Spirit, offering praise and worship to the One who enjoys receiving it! Can you imagine being where the Lord Jesus, King Jesus walks among His people, the entire world under His power and His authority. It will be a time of peace, prosperity, and the fulfillment of every promise God has made to Israel and to Believers in His Word.

It is a time after Jesus returns to defeat Satan and all who follow him in the Battle of Armageddon. It does not matter what you believe about the time leading up to this time regarding tribulation. King Jesus will return to imprison the enemy and establish this thousand- year reign. I want to look at it to encourage each Believer to walk with Jesus on the narrow way, looking forward to not only living in these thousand years, but for eternity!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 50:10-11, “Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on God. Look all you who kindle a fire, who encircles yourself with sparks: walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled – this you shall have from My hand: you shall lie down in torment.

God is speaking to His people in exile through the prophet Isaiah. He is also giving warning to those who oppose God and His messenger; those described as having sparks that start a fire. To God’s people, Isaiah is telling them that even though they have “no light and walk in darkness”, they are to be faithful, trust in God and obey the voice of His Servant. For the Church today that would mean Believers must follow the voice of Jesus, the Word of God. For this passage in Isaiah, does it mean to follow what he has spoken to them prophetically as the Lord speaks through him?

Here is the meaning to what Isaiah speaks to the people: For those who trust in the Lord, remain faithful to Him even though they may have to walk in darkness – difficult times – due to the apostacy of the nation. What does apostacy mean? It occurs when people fall away from their faith when persecution or difficult times come. It is when one turns away from following Jesus or when one lives in open rebellion and sin.

Isaiah was giving God’s people warning about those who “kindle a fire”, those who oppose Jesus Christ and walk in their own ideas and ways, those who do everything they can to oppose and destroy the teachings of God’s Word and those who do all they can to follow it. Isaiah tells God’s people those who “encircles yourself with sparks” shall be judged accordingly.

Just like the time of Isiah, this nation is faced with apostacy, and it threatens the body of Christ. Think of the people who have come into this country and/or those who have lived here for a long time who have to have anti-American, anti-Christian views who are attacking, killing, destroying the American way of life. Those who have come into this country illegally that have done terrible things – each of you reading this knows what I am writing about. We have just seen another horrible destruction of human life in New Orleans and a car explosion in Las Vegas. There are also articles being written about terrorist cells and warnings about stuff that might be coming in the days ahead. Does that sound like Isaiah’s warning about “walks in darkness and has no light?”

Sounds grim, doesn’t it! The encouragement is that Believers serve a God who knows what is happening and is in control. Nothing happens without His knowledge or His permission! Isaiah’s encouragement to us today in these times: “Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on God.” He writes in 51:7-8, “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but My righteousness will be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation.” Isaiah continues in the next verse, “Awake, awake, put on My strength, O arm of the Lord!”

Believers, we know that the sin and darkness around us will grow in these last days. As we see it grow, we put on God’s strength, trust in Him alone, knowing the His kingdom is near because we walk with the King and He has promised to guide and protect us – even through the darkness!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Mark 11:24, Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Genesis 3:4-7 give an indication the relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed with God before they sinned. They were able to walk and talk with Him and they knew Him as He is (David Jeremiah Study Bible). Take a moment and consider that. Pastor Jonathin Moore shared at NorthRock Church that “their talks were not about getting things. They just talked; it was about Adam and Eve’s relationship to God. Their talks were about God’s will!”

Pastor Moore also spoke about prayer and fasting as NorthRock Church is also encouraging 21-days of prayer and fasting. I hope you got out of yesterday’s blog that prayer and fasting go together. Pastor Moore began his message with the need to “believe” when praying. The emphasis here is to trust God and have the confidence in Him that He is able to do what we ask even before there is any indication of Him doing so. As Pastor Ed Newton emphasized, Pastor Moore made sure his listeners understood that the prayers of believers must align with God’s will.

1 John 5:14-15 is important. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of Him.” Let this verse clear up any misconception that God gives anything and everything to the one who asks, no matter what it is. God is not Santa Claus, not a vending machine or a robot that gives or does whatever one wants Him to do. He does and answers according to His will and according to what He knows best! He responds to those who ask and believe according to His will! James 4:3 includes the motives of the one praying, “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

Pastor Moore answered the question, “How do I align with God’s will?” You must “intentionally make the decision that you want God’s will to be done, and you are going to walk with Him.” The way to begin this is to pray and fast! “Prayer and fasting do not change God’s mind about you – it changes your mind about God!” (Pastor Moore). Praying and fasting is not “about manipulating God but to prepare yourself for what God wants to do in your life.” Prayer and fasting is about “connecting to God” (Audrey’s notes). Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, “to lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and run with endurance the race that is set before us”. By prayer and fasting this can be achieved as Believers “humble themselves before God” removing pride and anything else in the lives of Believers that keep them from being who God wants them to be.

As I did in the last page of the blog, I ask all who read this to join me in 21 days of prayer and fasting. Give up whatever God leads you to give up in order to become closer to Him as you walk the narrow way into His Kingdom Believe that He wants to draw closer to you, to give you good things, and to use you for His honor and glory in the days ahead!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 9:14: Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

This is a rather interesting question because John the Baptist denounced the Pharisees and the Pharisees did not accept the teachings of John the Baptist. Yet, here they agree about fasting. “According to the law, the Jews were required to fast only one day each year: the Day of Atonement. The Pharisees, however, had extended the law to require twice-weekly fasts. Jesus and His disciples did not follow their fasting rules, and John’s disciples wanted to know why” (David Jeremiah Study Bible).  Pastor Ed Newton answered this by referring to Jesus’ statement about fasting being inappropriate to fast during a wedding feast because the groom was still with them. “John the Baptist had already announced that Jesus was the Bridegroom and when the Bridegroom is present the people celebrate. Soon the Bridegroom would be taken away and then the people would mourn and fast” (DJSB).

Pastor Newton said, People fast because “they want to be in His presence and want His return to happen”. Believers are called to fast. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “When you fast” Matthew 6:16); He did not say “if” but said “when”. Pastor Newton made it clear that fasting is not done to get a new ____ from God. Nor is about showing others that you are fasting. The Pharisees would show they were fasting with gloomy faces; they wanted others to see how religious, how pious they were because they were following their rules about fasting.  They will receive their reward by being seen by appearing devout. Their efforts were about bringing attention to themselves and not to God.  No, that’s not what fasting is about!

Believers are to fast without announcing to everyone. You might tell someone without announcing it to everyone else to see. Jesus said, “do not appear to be fasting, go into your secret place; and your Father, who sees in secret will reward you openly”. Fasting is not to be motivated by the praise of others. Notice that Jesus made the same statement about prayer in Matthew 6:6! The Father is watching what His faithful do in secret, when they honor Him in and from their hearts – when no one else knows what they are doing. Fasting and prayer are about pleasing Him, drawing closer to Him, being in His presence and He is the only One who needs to know! Except, He rewards openly what His followers do in private!

January 6 begins the challenge at Community Bible Church (and also at NorthRock Church) 21-days of fasting and prayer. It is a time of giving up something of value to the person fasting in order to replace it with a closer walk with Jesus, to walk closer with Him on the narrow way into His kingdom. It is allowing Him to change the Believer and to draw each one closer into the will of God. It is to allow Him to deal with whatever is holding one back from being who He wants him/her to be. 1 Corinthians 6:12 refers to this, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (from the Listener Guide). The apostle Paul was writing to encourage the Corinthians – and Believers today – to understand “Christian liberty” is not an excuse to do whatever they wanted. Prayer and fasting, a time of earnestly seeking God’s presence and His will in the Believer’s life, is a time to remove anything that is keeping the Believer from following Jesus as He desires and demands. It is spending time with Him, seeking Him and hearing from Him (from the Listener Guide).

May I encourage each of you who reads this to join me in a time of prayer and giving up something in your life to seek something and Someone greater than you or what you give up! The takeaway from Pastor Newton’s message is my desire for the days ahead. “Your circumstances may or may not change, but you will never be the same.”

 

LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 8:3-4, When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?

As this week comes to an end, I would like you to consider a question over the next few days. Just how big is God to you? Do you think that is an easy question to answer? Mark Batterson wrote in his book, A Million Little Miracles, “From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture paints a composite picture of who God is. One of the common mistakes we make, our ancient error, is making God in our image. How? We cut and paste the character of God, leaving us with a caricature of God. That’s when and why we go back to the drawing board called Scripture” May I suggest the only answer you will have or find is in God’s Word.

Most of today’s blog will be from the writing found in Batterson’s book. He makes a rather obvious statement: “The Bible is a big book ….” He writes, “Read the Bible from cover to cover, and you will arrive at one inevitable, undeniable, incontrovertible truth – God is God, and we’re not. Someday all of us will bow before the throne of God. Newsflash: I won’t be sitting on it, and neither will you.” I have written this before, but here goes. All of us are too busy doing life that we miss the wonders of God. We make excuses for why we do not read and study God’s Written Word, the Bible. May I offer another challenge to you for 2025? Find the time to read the entire Bible this year. Yes, you can – make the time! What you will find as your read from Genesis to Revelation is “a composite picture of a good [great] God” (Batterson).

I wrote the following thought from Batterson’s book in the front of my Bible. “There are many ways to cliffnote Scripture. My spiritual father, Dick Foth, does it with four phrases: God left His place, He came to our place, He took our place, then He invites us back to His place. You can cliffnote the covenants – the Adamic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic – all the way to the New Covenant, which was signed, sealed, and delivered at Calvary’s cross. You can cliffnote defining moments. At Bethlehem, He is God with us. At Calvary, He is God as us. At the empty tomb, He is God for us. At Pentecost, He is God in us.” Read/study/meditate on God’s Word. You will find that “God is God, we’re not”.

After reading Batterson’s book I understand we do not need to go very far to be aware of the miraculous. Too much time is spent asking for God to do something great in our lives; all we have to do is take the time to look around and consider what He has already given to us. Take the time to look at the little thing. He has told us to be faithful in the little things before He gives us more. Take the time to read His Word from beginning to end this year and notice just how big God is. As you do, consider the fact that this great God, creator of all things loves and cares for you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son to be nailed to Calvary’s cross in the place you deserve. He not only wants to save you from your sins, He wants you to walk with Him on a narrow way so He can change you into His image.

So, I ask again, just how big is God to you? Is He big enough that you desire to do all you can to become like Him, to spend more time with Him reading, studying, and praying? Yes, He is!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 29:13, And the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. And their worship of Me amounts to nothing more than human laws learned by rote {memorization and repetition]. (from the New Living Translation)

John 1:10-11, He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

The word “world” needs to be defined. It is the whole of society, organized and operating independently of God, His rule, and His rules. The world will never recognize the Lord Jesus Christ; it will remain indifferent to or an enemy of Him and His gospel. When Jesus began His earthly ministry, the people looking and waiting for the Messiah to come did not recognize who He was. They thought of Him as a “good’ person, a teacher, and/or a prophet. Instead, they rejected and hated Him; they eventually nailed Him to a cross.

The verse in Isaiah speaks of a God’s people whose hearts were not committed to Him. Oh, they went through all of the right motions, following the many laws they were told to do by the religious leaders. “God’s people were coming before Him in prayer, worship, song and praise, even though their hearts were not committed to Him or His Word. They acted as if God’s revelation and His righteous standards were not obligatory. Instead of cherishing God and His word, they filled their lives with religious rituals and traditions taught by their leaders, and in false security they lived for themselves” (Life in the Spirit Study Bible). In other words, even when they were saying and doing all the right things, their hearts were far from God; they were trying to walk with one foot on the narrow way that leads to God’s kingdom and the other foot walking on the broad path that leads to destruction. Even more likely, they had both feet on the broad way!

At the risk of sounding harsh, I do not want myself nor anyone who reads this to be the person who says and does all the right things but has a heart that is far from God, who worships without their heart being in it. We just cannot be a people who praises and honors God in church and then leaves and lives a lifestyle that is not pleasing to God. Not one of us can be as the Pharisees who Jesus said pretended to care about the outward walk on the narrow way but cared little or nothing about Him on the inside (see Mark 7:6-7).

In 2025, may each of us care more about the relationship we have with God within our heart; doing so will certainly be reflected to others and will keep us on the narrow way. Loving God from our heart is the key to worshipping and walking with Him as He desires. Developing and maintaining that relationship with Him is a matter of placing Him first in what you do. I pray often Matthew 5:6 and Matthew 6:33 over each of my family and for each of you who reads this blog. My prayer for myself, my family, and for you is to have a greater, “hunger and thirst for God’s kingdom and His righteousness”! It only comes from your own desire to spend time reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word and spending time in prayer. Go back and read the rest of Matthew 5:6 – when you hunger and thirst, you will be filled!  

 

LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 90:12, So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

We begin a new year today; Happy New Year to you! I do not know about you, but it seems as if we were just celebrating the beginning of 2024. I have heard many times that the older one gets, the faster time seems to go by. All of us has probably thought that and shake our heads about how the time goes by.

Moses wrote this Psalm and asked the question in verse 11 for the reader to consider the righteous anger and wrath of God. He asks God for wisdom to consider and take into account what God’s people do with their time. If you have thought about how fast time goes by regarding your life, you might understand what Moses is asking from God. It is important for each of us to think about how we make use of the time, the days, God has given to us.

The last two pages of the blog have been about taking time to reflect on 2024 and remember to give “gratitude” – our praise and thanksgiving for all God has done for us. That might involve reflecting on the forgiveness of sin in our lives. Yes, Jesus did forgive the past, present, and future sins of those who Believe in Him. But confession of what Believer’s do, say, or think restores fellowship with God. He does not take sin lightly; therefore, Believers should value each moment of each day by walking the narrow way into eternity in God’s kingdom. Not one of us knows what tomorrow will bring! That being said, each Believer ought to dedicate each day to living as God desires and not do anything that satisfies the desires of the flesh.

I believe there are events that occur in the life of the believer that cause him/her to reflect on how their day is spent. Psalm 39:4-5, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.’ (The new Living Translation). Do not be discouraged nor be down about this. Instead, be encouraged to make the best of the life God has given to you, living a life that God blesses and is blessed by you. David Jeremiah noted in his Study Bible, “A day is like a dollar; it can be spent wisely or foolishly, but once it is spent, it cannot be spent again”.

David prayed each morning that God would lead him through each day to do His will (Psalm 143:10). Jesus prayed early in the morning, that should be our example. Jesus taught while on earth to number our days. In Luke 12:19-21, about a rich man who had for many years filled his barns with the harvest and thought only about the easy life of eating, drinking, and being merry; he had no time to think about God. The rich man believed he had many more years to enjoy all he had, but God took his life that night. If he had taken the time to “to number our days, that he might gain a heart of wisdom”, perhaps he would have pursued the things that had eternal rewards and significance.

Take time on this first day of the new year and consider how you might best spend your days in 2025! Will you pursue wisdom, truth, goodness and walk the narrow way by seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness before everything else? God does not force His gift of eternal life on anyone, nor does He make anyone walk on His narrow way. But for those who learn to number their days and live for Him see each day as a valuable gift from God and live each day as an opportunity to store up treasures in heaven (Luke 12:33).