Let us mediate on God's word.

The LORD wants us to meditate on the Scriptures day and night, because it is the source of life, of wisdom, of guidance, the source of our joy.  The Bible is like an oasis in the middle of a hot desert; it provides fresh water to all people who are thirsty.  God's word provides instruction, guidance, wisdom and guidelines. Meditate on it day and night. Thank you LORD for giving us your written living word. 

Text:  Psalm 1  - NIV

1    Blessed is the one

      who does not walk in step with the wicked

      or stand in the way that sinners take

      or sit in the company of mockers,

2    but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

      and who meditates on his law day and night.

3    That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

      which yields its fruit in season

      and whose leaf does not wither—

      whatever they do prospers.

4   Not so the wicked!

      They are like chaff

      that the wind blows away.

5   Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

      nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6   For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,

      but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]  When Andrew and his family went on safari in Kenya, they had the pleasure of watching a variety of animals frequenting a small lake that appeared in the scrabbly landscape. Giraffes, wildebeests, hippopotamuses, and waterfowl all traveled to this life-giving source of water. As Andrew observed their comings and goings, he thought how the “Bible is like a divine watering hole”—not only is it a source of guidance and wisdom but it’s a refreshing oasis where people from all walks of life can quench their thirst.

Andrew’s observation echoed the psalmist who called people “blessed” when they delight in and meditate on God’s law, a term used in the Old Testament to describe His instruction and commandments. Those who meditate on the Scriptures are “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season” (Psalm 1:3). Just as a tree’s roots reach down into the soil to find the source of refreshment, people who truly believe in and love God will root themselves deeply in Scripture and find the strength they need.

Submitting ourselves to His wisdom will keep our foundations embedded in Him; we won’t be “like chaff that the wind blows away” (v. 4). When we ponder what God has given to us in the Bible, we gain nourishment that can lead to our bearing fruit that lasts. - By Amy Boucher Pye

[From Commentary]  Psalm 1 introduces the reader to the whole book of Psalms. It sets up the theme of God’s instruction (“law” or “torah,” v. 2), and it anticipates the twofold path before those who read or hear the Psalms: choose faithfulness to God and find life or choose wickedness and find judgment.

The two themes of righteousness and wickedness will unfold throughout the book. Some psalms explore the trustworthiness of God (Psalm 25), while others wrestle with how hard it is to trust Him when the wicked seem to win (Psalm 73). And the longest song of all, Psalm 119, explores the life-changing power of the words of God.

When we read the Psalms, we join believers in God throughout the ages in ascribing to Him glory, expressing our trust and doubts, and clinging to His promise that He’ll save His people. - Jed Ostoich

[From me]  The LORD wants us to meditate on the Scriptures day and night, because it is the source of life, of wisdom, of guidance, the source of our joy.  The Bible is like an oasis in the middle of a hot desert; it provides refreshing water to all people who are thirsty.  God's word provides instruction, guidance, wisdom and guidelines. Meditate on it day and night. Thank you LORD for giving us your written living word.   LORD, please help me to treasure them with gratitude and wonder.

Posted March 31, 2023

God wants us to finish our race successfully

The Bible gave us the stories of the heroes of faith who finished their respective races with good results. God wants us to finish our race too successfully. He wants us to draw inspiration from those heroes of the faith, who are watching us as witnesses and encouraging us to move on, to strive to ran with courage and perseverance.  God wants us to throw away everything that hinders us, including sin that easily entangles us, that slows down our race.  God wants us to focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us ran with a courageous faith. The great eternal reward is waiting for us. That reward is far more greater than anything that this world can offer. 

Text:  Hebrews 11:39-12:3   NIV - New International Version

39   These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 

40   since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

12:1   Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

2   fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

3   Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]  It was impossible not to tear up at my friend Ira’s status update. Posted in 2022 only days after she’d left her home in Kyiv, the besieged capital of Ukraine, she shared a past image of herself lifting her country’s flag after completing a running event. She wrote, “We are all running to the best of our abilities a marathon called life. Let’s run it these days even better than that. With something that never dies in our hearts.” In the following days, I saw the many ways my friend continued to run that race, as she kept us updated on how to pray for and support those suffering in her country.

Ira’s words brought new depth to the call in Hebrews 12 for believers to “run with perseverance” (v. 1). That call follows chapter 11’s moving account of the heroes of faith, the “great cloud of witnesses” (12:1) who’d lived with courageous, persistent faith—even at risk to their lives (11:33–38). Even though they “only saw . . . and welcomed [God’s promises] from a distance” (v. 13), they were living for something eternal, for something that never dies.

All believers in Jesus are called to live that same way because the shalom—the flourishing and peace—of God’s kingdom is worth giving our all for. Christ’s example and power is what sustains us (12:2–3). -  By Monica La Rose

[From Commentary]  What’s the role of “the great cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1? We might think they’re to serve as our examples of being faithful to run the race God has called us to. However, after telling their stories and connecting their presence to the race of the Jewish believers in Jesus (and by extension to us; see ch. 11), we’re told to “run . . . [while] fixing our eyes on Jesus” (12:1–2) and to “consider him” when we’re tired and taxed by the race before us (v. 3). Our encouragement doesn’t come from those who’ve gone before us and modeled faith; we don’t look to those awaiting perfection to find courage and strength. We find our strength in Christ alone. A witness is someone who’s seen or heard or experienced something. The witnesses have already seen God’s faithfulness and testify to the need to focus on Jesus. They point us to Him. - J.R. Hudberg

[From me]  The Bible gave us the stories of the heroes of faith who finished their respective races with good results. God wants us to finish our race too successfully. He wants us to draw inspiration from those heroes of the faith. God wants us to throw away everything that hinders us, including sin that easily entangles us, that slows down our race.  God wants us to focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us ran with a courageous faith. The great eternal reward is waiting for us. That reward is far more greater than anything that this world can offer. 

Posted March 30, 2023 

God gives us peace of mind and rest for our soul.

People have no true rest and peace in their souls if they dont know God.  They are like loose leaves that are thrown to various random directions by the wind.  But if we know God, He  gives us rest for our souls. We find love, assurance and peace of mind. Because God loves us so much.  We find contentment and satisfaction. Jesus gives us a yoke, the light yoke of discipleship. It is easy to bear. God will give us the strength to bear it. What is important is that we have peace of mind, and contentment in our hearts, and rest for our souls. 

Text:   Matthew 11:28-30   NIV - New International Version

28   “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

29    Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

30   For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]   The restless soul is never satisfied with wealth and success. A deceased country music icon could testify to this truth. He had nearly forty of his albums appear on Billboard’s country music top-ten charts and just as many number one singles. But he also had multiple marriages and spent time in prison. Even with all his achievements, he once lamented: “There’s a restlessness in my soul that I’ve never conquered, not with motion, marriages or meaning. . . . It’s still there to a degree. And it will be till the day I die.” Sadly, he could have found rest in his soul before his life ended.

Jesus invites all those, like this musician, who have become weary from toiling in sin and its consequences to come to Him personally: “Come to me,” He says. When we receive salvation in Jesus, He will take the burdens from us and “give [us] rest” (Matthew 11:28). The only requirements are to believe in Him and then to learn from Him how to live the abundant life He provides (John 10:10). Taking on the yoke of Jesus’ discipleship results in our finding “rest for [our] souls” (Matthew 11:29).

When we come to Jesus, He doesn’t abbreviate our accountability to God. He gives peace to our restless souls by providing us a new and less burdensome way to live in Him. He gives us true rest. - By Marvin Williams

[From Commentary]  Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28–29 are among the most comforting in the Gospels. The thought of finding deep, soul-rest in Him is certainly appealing in our turbulent times. The context for these words, however, might be surprising. The chapter opens (vv. 1–6) with John the Baptist seeking confirmation that he’d rightly identified Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus affirms John’s previous confidence before telling the audience of the unique greatness John had displayed (vv. 7–19). Christ would then go on to declare a judgment (vv. 20–24) upon cities where His work hadn’t been received before then turning to the Father in prayer (vv. 25–26). This leads into Jesus’ offer of rest—perhaps the very kind of rest that John needed as he followed events from prison. Christ’s recognition of our personal fragility—even in one as profound as John—seems to be behind His powerful offer of true rest. - Bill Crowder

[From me]  People have no true rest and peace in their souls if they dont know God.  They are like loose leaves that are thrown to various random directions by the wind.  But if we know God, He  gives us rest for our souls. We find love, assurance and peace of mind. Because God loves us so much.  We find contentment and satisfaction. Jesus gives us a yoke, the light yoke of discipleship. It is easy to bear. God will give us the strength to bear it. What is important is that we have peace of mind, and contentment in our hearts, and rest for our souls.  

Posted March 29, 2023

God can use us to bless others.

God can use animals, things, other people, even pagan people to accomnplish His purposes.  Nothing is impossible with God. God can also use us for His own plans and purposes, to serve and bless other people.   LORD, I want to serve You,  Use my hands, my feet, my mouth, whatever You like! Help me to live for You today.

Text:  Numbers 22:21-31  NIV - New International Version

Balaam’s Donkey

21   Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the Moabite officials.

22   But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, it turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat it to get it back on the road.

24   Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path through the vineyards, with walls on both sides. 

25   When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat the donkey again.

26    Then the angel of the Lord moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. 

27    When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat it with his staff. 

28    Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?”

29    Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.”

30   The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”

“No,” he said.

31    Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]  Jack knew how to put trains on the right track. In nine years of work, he never missed a track switch as locomotives drew near the Uitenhage, South Africa, station, indicating by their whistles the direction they were to go.

Jack was also a chacma baboon. He was cared for by railway signalman James Wide, and Jack in turn took care of James. Wide had lost both his legs in a fall between moving rail cars. He trained Jack to help him with tasks around the house and soon Jack assisted him at work also, learning how to respond to the incoming trains’ signals by pulling corresponding levers for their tracks.

The Bible tells of another animal that helped someone in a surprising way—Balaam’s donkey. Balaam was a pagan prophet serving a king who intended to harm Israel. As the prophet was riding his donkey en route to assist the king, “the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth” and it spoke to Balaam (Numbers 22:28). The donkey’s speech was part of the way God opened “Balaam’s eyes” (v. 31), warned him of imminent danger, and kept him from harming His people.

A railway baboon? A talking donkey? Why not? If God can use these amazing animals for good purposes, it’s not at all far-fetched to believe He can use you and me as well. Looking to Him and seeking His strength, we can accomplish more than we ever thought possible.  By James Banks

[From Commentary]   The book of Numbers records the mercenary exploits of Balaam and how God hijacked his plan to curse His people (see Numbers 22–24). Through another Balaam-devised strategy, however, the children of Israel were led astray (see 31:16). Three times in the New Testament, Balaam’s waywardness and the consequences thereof are used to warn and divert believers in Jesus from unrighteousness. Second Peter 2:15 speaks of “the way of Balaam . . . who loved the wages of wickedness,” Jude 11 notes “Balaam’s error,” and Revelation 2:14 warns of “the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin.” - Arthur Jackson

[From me]  God can use animals, things, other people, even pagan people, to accomnplish His purposes.  Nothing is impossible with God. God can also use us for His own plans and purposes, to serve and bless other people.   LORD, I want to serve You,  Use my hands, my feet, my mouth, whatever You like! Help me to live for You today.

Posted March 28, 2023

Allow God to use our lives for his honor and glory.

The Apostle Peter was used by God to bring back to life Tabitha (also called as Dorcas] who is a disciple of the LORD.  Tabitha was a kind woman, cheerfully helping the poor. The LORD allowed her to come back from the dead, so that she can continue to what she is doing (helping the poor) and also to make many people in Joppa to believe in the LORD.  There was a purpose in this miracle. LORD, please grant to me and keep in my heart that cheerful willingness to help the poor, and let my life be used for your honor and glory, and use me, LORD, so that other people will get to know you as their Lord and Savior.

Text:  Acts 9:36-42  NIV - New International Version

36   In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.

37  About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 

38   Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

39  Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

40  Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 

41   He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 

42   This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]  In the last few days of my dad’s life, one of the nurses dropped by his room and asked me if she could give him a shave. As Rachel gently pulled the razor across his face, she explained, “Older men of his generation like to have a neat shave every day.” Rachel had seen a need and acted on her instinct to show kindness, dignity, and respect to someone. The tender care she provided reminded me of my friend Julie who still paints her elderly mother’s nails because it’s important to her mom that she “look pretty.”

Acts 9 tells us about a disciple named Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) who showed kindness by providing handmade clothing for the poor (vv. 36, 39). When she died, her room was filled with friends who tearfully mourned this kind woman who loved helping others.

But Dorcas’ story didn’t end there. When Peter was brought to where her body lay, he knelt and prayed. In God’s power, he called her by name, saying, “Tabitha, get up” (v. 40). Amazingly, Dorcas opened her eyes and rose to her feet. When her friends realized she was alive, word spread quickly through the town and “many people believed in the Lord” (v. 42).

And how did Dorcas spend the next day of her life? Probably exactly as she had before—seeing the needs of people and filling them.  By Cindy Hess Kasper

[From Commentary]  The main event we usually focus on in Acts 9 is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. However, Peter’s time in Joppa is also highlighted (vv. 36–43). When he raised Dorcas from the dead (v. 40), he said, “Tabitha, get up.” This echoes Jesus’ Aramaic words to Jairus’ daughter in Mark 5:41, “ ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’).” This event sets the stage for the events in Acts 10, when Peter received a heavenly vision in anticipation of messengers from the Roman centurion Cornelius (vv. 9–16). This vision would prepare the way for the door of the gospel to be opened to the gentiles. So, Peter’s brief stay in Joppa was not only eventful but reached forward throughout the history of the church as people from every tribe, tongue, and nation were invited to respond to the gospel. - Bill Crowder

[From me]  The Apostle Peter was used by God to bring back to life Tabitha (also called as Dorcas] who is a disciple of the LORD.  Tabitha was a kind woman, cheerfully helping the poor. The LORD allowed her to come back from the dead, so that she can continue to do what she is doing (of helping the poor) and also to make many people in Joppa to believe in the LORD.   There was a clear purpose in this miracle.   LORD, please grant me and keep in my heart that cheerful willingness to help the poor, and let my life be used for your honor and glory, and please use me, dear LORD, so that other people will get to know you as their Lord and Savior.    Posted March 27, 2023

Let us ask for God's wisdom and guidance in making key decisions

At certain times in our lives, we sometimes come across some great opportunities for jobs or income, which is highly financially rewarding, and often times, we interpret such opportunities as God's answer to our prayers.  But upon closer examination such job or income is from an activitiy that is not pleasing with the LORD.  Hence, we should reject such offer or opportunity even though it may cause us a financial opportunity loss.  Sometimes God is testing us, and he is trying to see if we shall go to bad or nefarious ways of making an income, or if we will stick with the good and decent ways of earning a living. It is a choice between good and bad.  Let us ask for wisdom and guidance from our LORD when making some key decisions.   Lord God, our Provider, please grant me the wisdom to discern opportunities before me and the faith to follow your way, that I might always do what pleases You.

Text:  1 Samuel 24:1-7  NIV - New International Version

1  After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the Desert of En Gedi.” 

2   So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.

3   He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 

4   The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.

5   Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 

6   He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” 

7    With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

            [From Our Daily Bread]    The offer looked good, and was exactly what Peter needed. After being laid off, this sole breadwinner of a young family had prayed desperately for a job. “Surely this is God’s answer to your prayers,” his friends suggested.

 

               Reading about the prospective employer, however, Peter felt uneasy. The company invested in suspicious businesses and had been flagged for corruption. In the end, Peter rejected the offer, though it was painful to do so. “I believe God wants me to do the right thing,” he shared with me. “I just have to trust He will provide for me.”

            Peter was reminded of the account of David meeting Saul in a cave. It seemed like he was being given the perfect opportunity to kill the man hunting him down, but David resisted. “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing . . . for he is the anointed of the Lord,” he reasoned (1 Samuel 24:6). David was careful to distinguish between his own interpretation of events and God’s command to obey His instruction and do the right thing.

            Instead of always trying to look for “signs” in certain situations, let’s look to God and His truth for wisdom and guidance to discern what lies before us. He will help us do what’s right in His eyes. - By Leslie Koh

            [From Commentary]   Twice David spared King Saul’s life—first as recorded in 1 Samuel 24:1–10 and again as described in chapter 26. The setting in chapter 24 is a large cave in the wilderness of En Gedi. This cave is one among many in the region, some large enough to hold thousands. Saul and his soldiers were pursuing David with the intent of killing him when Saul stopped to relieve himself in the very cave where David and his six hundred men were hiding. In chapter 26, Saul continued to pursue David. Once again, David was close enough to take Saul’s life but showed him the mercy that the king lacked. - by Alyson Kieda

        [From me]  At certain times in our lives, we sometimes come across some great opportunities for jobs or income, which is highly financially rewarding, and often times, we interpret such opportunities as God's answer to our prayers.  But upon closer examination such job or income is from an activitiy that is not pleasing with the LORD.  Hence, we should reject such offer or opportunity even though it may cause us a financial opportunity loss.  Sometimes God is testing us, and he is trying to see if we shall go to bad or nefarious ways of making an income, or if we will stick with the good and decent ways of earning a living. It is a choice between good and bad.  Lord God, our Provider, please grant me the wisdom to discern opportunities before me and the faith to follow your way, that I might always do what pleases You.

March 26, 2023

God listens to our cries and prayers.

There are moments in our lives when we cry to the LORD in prayers, asking Him to answer our prayers. Our hearts grow faint and we are discouraged. We start to doubt if He hears us.  But God truly hears our prayers, and his action or response on our prayers depends on His divine will and plan, which is many times beyond our understanding.  Because we are finite.  God's timing is perfect.  He answers our prayers. We rejoice in the fact that God has given us the heritage of eternal life.  God is our refuge.  Our tower. Let us continue to offer our petitions and praise. Thank you LORD.

Text:  Psalm 61   NIV - New International Version

1   Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

2   From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint;  lead me to the rock that is higher than I.  

3   For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.

4    I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

5    For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.  

6   Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations.

7   May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;  appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

8   Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.

INSIGHT:

[from Our Daily Bread]  Author and theologian Russell Moore described noticing the eerie silence in the Russian orphanage where he adopted his boys. Someone later explained that the babies had stopped crying because they learned that no one would respond to their cries.

When we face difficult times, we too can feel that no one hears. And worst of all, we can feel that God Himself doesn’t listen to our cries or see our tears. But He does! And that’s why we need the language of petition and protest found especially in the book of Psalms. The psalmists petition for God’s help and also protest their situation to Him. In Psalm 61, David brings his petitions and protests before his Creator, stating, “I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (v. 2).  David cries out to God because he knows that only He is his “refuge” and “strong tower” (v. 3).

Praying the petitions and protests of the psalms is a way of affirming God’s sovereignty and appealing to His goodness and faithfulness. They’re proof of the intimate relationship we can experience with God. In difficult moments, we can all be tempted to believe the lie that He doesn’t care. But He does. He hears us and is with us. - By Glenn Packiam

[From Commentary]  The background of Psalm 61 is difficult to ascertain because the superscription only gives a brief musical instruction: “For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.” What do we know? The content of the psalm itself is worshipful and—with the heavy emphasis on the singer being the king himself—clearly qualifies as a royal psalm. Additionally, some see in this song the characteristics of lament, especially in verse 2 where we read, “as my heart grows faint.” This statement seems to speak of a heart that’s overwhelmed with the circumstances of life and needs safety, hence the references to God as “refuge” and “tower” (vv. 3–4). The song may have been written during the season when David was driven from the kingdom by his son Absalom because the references to his role as king wouldn’t have applied when he was being pursued by King Saul. - By Bill Crowder

[From me]  There are moments in our lives when we cry to the LORD in prayers, asking Him to answer our prayers. Our hearts grow faint and we are discouraged. We start to doubt if He hears us.  But God truly hears our prayers, and his action or response on our prayers depends on His divine will and plan, which is many times beyond our understanding.  Because we are finite.  God's timing is perfect.  He answers our prayers. We rejoice in the fact that God has given us the heritage of eternal life. God is our refuge.  Our tower. Let us continue to offer our petitions and praise. Thank you LORD. 

Posted March 25, 2023

Jesus showed to us what humility is

 Thank you LORD for demonstrating to us the true meaning of humility.  LORD Jesus, you showed us that you are the Humble One. You humbled yourself, and obey God the Father, and allowed yourself to be crucified, for and on our behalf. Help me LORD to be have a humble attitude and spirit. 

Text:   Philippians 2:1-11  NIV - New International Version

Imitating Christ’s Humility

1  Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 

2  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 

3   Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 

4  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7   rather, he made himself nothing

    by taking the very nature of a servant,

    being made in human likeness.

8   And being found in appearance as a man,

    he humbled himself

    by becoming obedient to death—

       even death on a cross!

9  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

    and gave him the name that is above every name,

10  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

     in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11   and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is

      Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]  I’m often amused by the unofficial holidays people come up with. February alone has a Sticky Bun Day, a Sword Swallowers Day, even a Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day! Today has been labeled Be Humble Day. Universally recognized as a virtue, humility is certainly worth celebrating. But interestingly, this hasn’t always been the case.

Humility was considered a weakness, not a virtue, in the ancient world, which prized honor instead. Boasting about one’s achievements was expected, and you sought to raise your status, never lower it. Humility meant inferiority, like a servant to a master. But all this changed, historians say, at Jesus’ crucifixion. There, the One who was “in very nature God” gave up His divine status to become “a servant” and “humbled himself” to die for others (Philippians 2:6–8). Such a praiseworthy act forced humility to be redefined. By the end of the first century, even secular writers were calling humility a virtue because of what Christ had done.

Every time someone is praised for being humble today, the gospel is being subtly preached. For without Jesus, humility wouldn’t be “good,” or a Be Humble Day even thinkable. Christ relinquished His status for us, revealing through all history the humble nature of God. By Sheridan Voysey

[From Commentary]  One of the great debates in theology surrounds the “kenosis theory.” The word kenosis is derived from the Greek word kenoō, which means “to empty” (see Philippians 2:7, “made himself nothing”). If Jesus “emptied himself” (esv; nasb) to come in human flesh, of what did He empty Himself? Some speculate that He emptied Himself of His divine attributes. However, without divine attributes, He’d cease to be God, and the Bible clearly states that the incarnate Christ was both God and man (v. 6). Many scholars conclude that Jesus didn’t empty Himself of any aspects of deity but rather set aside the privilege of freely exercising those attributes. He depended instead on the Holy Spirit and was guided by the Father’s purposes. - Bill Crowder

[From me]  Thank you LORD for demonstrating to us the true meaning of humility.  LORD Jesus, you showed us that you are the Humble One. You humbled yourself, and obey God the Father, and allowed yourself to be crucified, for and on our behalf. Help me LORD to be have a humble attitude and spirit. 

March 24, 2023

We should put God's commands above all traditions

Jesus said we should not let go of God's commands just to do human traditions.  Jesus said we should put God's words and clear commands above traditions. In our country we have so many traditional practices (mass, religious parades, fiesta, penitencia, bisita iglesia, etc.), and we should examine if those practices are biblical or not.  If not we should stop doing them, because we are violating God's commands. Heavenly Father, help me to follow Your commands and to forgo any tradition that conflicts with the Scriptures.

Text:  Mark 7:8-13  NIV - New International Version

8   You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”

9    And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 

10   For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’

11    But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— 

12    then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. 

13    Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]  While preparing a meal, a young mother cut a pot roast in half before she put it in a large pot. Her husband asked her why she cut the meat in half. She replied, “Because that’s the way my mother does it.”

Her husband’s question, however, piqued the woman’s curiosity. So she asked her mother about the tradition. She was shocked to learn that her mother cut the meat so it would fit in the one small pot she used. And because her daughter had many large pots, the act of cutting the meat was unnecessary.

Many traditions begin out of a necessity but are carried on without question—becoming “the way we do it.” It’s natural to want to hold on to human traditions—something the Pharisees were doing in their day (Mark 7:1–2). They were distracted by what seemed like the breaking of one of their religious rules.

As Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions” (v. 8). He revealed that traditions should never replace the wisdom of Scripture. A genuine desire to follow God (vv. 6–7) will focus on the attitude of our heart rather than outward actions.

It’s a good idea to consistently evaluate traditions—anything we hold close to our heart and follow religiously. The things that God has revealed to be truly needed should always supersede traditions. - By Katara Patton

[From Commentary]  Mark’s gospel is unique in several ways. It presents the Savior as the divine Servant. It’s held by many conservative scholars to be the recollections of Simon Peter and is the most action-oriented of the Gospels, causing many to see it as intended for a Roman audience. This assumed Roman audience may also account for Mark’s concern in explaining some Jewish ritual practices (see Mark 7:3–4)—explanations which aren’t needed in Matthew’s gospel and its assumed Jewish audience. Ultimately, Mark’s account, which begins, “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” (1:1), reveals Jesus as the One who said, “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (10:45). - Bill Crowder

[From me]  Jesus said we should not let go of God's commands just to do human traditions.  Jesus said we should put God's words and clear commands above traditions. In our country we have so many traditional practices (mass, religious parades, fiesta, penitencia, bisita iglesia, etc.), and we should examine if those practices are biblical or not.  If not we should stop doing them, because we are violating God's commands. Heavenly Father, help me to follow Your commands and to forgo any tradition that conflicts with the Scriptures.

March 23, 2023

God wants us to turn away from our wicked ways, and to turn to Him and to seek Him.

God wants us to turn away from our wicked ways, and to turn to Him, he wants us to seek Him, and God promised that He will forgive our sins and heal our land.  God does not want us to worship other gods or bow down to idols.  Lord, please bring revival to our land, starting with me.

Text:  2 Chronicles 7:11-16   NIV - New International Version

The Lord Appears to Solomon

11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, 

12 the Lord appeared to him at night and said:

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.

13  “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 

14  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

15  Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. 

16  I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

[From Our Daily Bread]  Aurukun is a small town in northern Australia—its Aboriginal population drawn from seven clans. While the gospel came to Aurukun a century ago, eye-for-eye retribution sometimes remained. In 2015, clan tensions grew, and when a murder happened, payback required someone from the offender’s family to die in return.

But something remarkable happened in early 2016. The people of Aurukun started seeking God in prayer. Repentance followed, then mass baptisms, as revival began sweeping the town. People were so joyful they danced in the streets, and instead of enacting payback, the family of the murdered man forgave the offending clan. Soon 1,000 people were in church each Sunday—in a town of just 1,300!

We see revivals like this in Scripture, as in Hezekiah’s day when crowds joyfully returned to God (2 Chronicles 30), and on the day of Pentecost when thousands repented (Acts 2:38–47). While revival is God’s work, done in His time, history shows prayer precedes it. “If my people . . . will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,” God told Solomon, “I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

As the people of Aurukun found, revival brings joy and reconciliation to a town. How our own cities need such transformation! Father, bring revival to us too. - By Sheridan Voysey

[From Bible Commentary]  In 2 Chronicles 7, during the dedication of the temple, King Solomon prayed for favor and blessing on his people. God responded and reiterated His promises of blessing according to the covenant He made with their fathers: “If my people . . . will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive” (v. 14). As one commentator states, “God had plans to bless them from the very beginning, and . . . had contingencies in place for their lapses in obedience. [He] was providing for their eventual return, assuming that the human heart is prone to wander and cannot help but stray.” This if-then conditional statement makes it clear: If the people repent, then God will forgive. We see an example of this enacted in the story of Hezekiah (32:24–26). Hezekiah and the people repented, and God forgave and delayed His judgment. by Alyson Kieda

[From me] God wants us to turn away from our wicked ways, and to turn to Him, he wants us to seek Him, and God promised that He will forgive our sins and heal our land.  God does not want us to worship other gods or bow down to idols.  Lord, please bring revival to our land, starting with me.

March 22, 2023

God wants us to always talk to him, in prayers.

God wants us to constantly talk to him, in prayer.  We are to reach out to him, in all kinds of prayers. We should remember that we are living not only in the visible, physical world, but there is also an invisible world, and our enemy is comprised of demons and spiritual forces, and we are in a spiritual battle. We can fight effectively through the use of prayer, as we connect with God and tap into the great powers of God to fight those spiritual forces.  Let us always talk to God, our Father.  Let us also help and minister to our brothers and loved ones through intercessory prayers. 

Text:   Ephesians 6:10-20  NIV - New International Version

10   Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 

11   Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

12   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

13   Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

14   Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

15    and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

16   In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 

17    Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18    And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

19    Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 

20   for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT:

[From Our Daily Bread]  During a writing conference where I served as a faculty member, Tamy handed me a postcard with a handwritten prayer on the back. She explained that she read the faculty biographies, wrote specific prayers on each card, and prayed as she delivered them to us. In awe over the details in her personal message to me, I thanked God for encouraging me through Tamy’s gesture. Then I prayed for her in return. When I struggled with pain and fatigue during the conference, I pulled out the postcard. God refreshed my spirit as I reread Tamy’s note.

The apostle Paul recognized the life-affirming impact of prayer for others. He urged believers to prepare for battle “against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). He encouraged ongoing and specific prayers, while emphasizing the need to intervene for one another in what we call intercessory prayer. Paul also requested bold prayers on his behalf. “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains” (vv. 19–20).

As we pray for one another, the Holy Spirit comforts us and strengthens our resolve. He affirms that we need Him and one another, assuring us that He hears every prayer—silent, spoken, or scribbled on a prayer card—and He answers according to His perfect will. By Xochitl Dixon

[From Commentary]  In daily living, it’s easy to get swept up in the things we can see and touch and to forget that there’s an unseen realm. The apostle Paul gives this warning in Ephesians 6:12: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Prayer is such a key element of our spiritual armor because we’re not dealing with “flesh and blood” but with “spiritual forces.” Through prayer, we connect with the invisible God who is Lord over both the seen and unseen.  Learn more about how to pray effectively.

Bill Crowder

             [From me]  God wants us to constantly talk to him, in prayer.  We are to reach out to him, in all kinds of prayers. We should remember that we are living not only in the visible, physical world, but there is also an invisible world, and our enemy is comprised of demons and spiritual forces, and we are in a spiritual battle. We can fight effectively through the use of prayer, as we connect with God and tap into the great powers of God to fight those spiritual forces.  Let us always talk to God, our Father.    Let us pray for others too, in intercessory prayers.    We can help and minister to our brothers and loved ones through intercessory prayers. 

March 21, 2023

We are the clay, God is the Potter.

 Our souls are stained by sins.  We cannot remove it using our own capacity.  Our righteous acts are like just filthy rags in the sight of God. We are not capable to save ourselves.  But thank GOD, He made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins, a way for us to be saved from our doomed state.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the wonderful salvation that you have given us.  Thank you for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the righteousness that you have imputed on us.  We are the clay, you are the Potter.  Make us and mold us, O Lord. Salamat po.  

Text:  Isaiah 64:1-8  NIV - New International Version

64 Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before you!

2   As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you!

3   For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.

4   Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

5   You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways.   But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry.   How then can we be saved?

6   All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;  we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

7   No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you;  for you have hidden your face from us and have given us over to[b] our sins.

8   Yet you, Lord, are our Father.   We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT:

[From Our Daily Bread]  Recently, my wife and I were cleaning our house before having guests over. I noticed some dark stains on our white kitchen tile floor—the kind that required getting on my knees to scrub.

But I soon had a sinking realization: the more I scrubbed, the more I noticed other stains. Each stain I eliminated only made the others that much more obvious. Our kitchen floor suddenly seemed impossibly dirty. And with each moment, I realized, No matter how hard I work, I can never get this floor completely clean.

Scripture says something similar about self-cleansing—our best efforts at dealing with sin on our own always fall short. Seeming to despair of God’s people, the Israelites, ever experiencing God’s salvation (Isaiah 64:5), the prophet Isaiah wrote, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (v. 6).

But Isaiah knew there is always hope through God’s goodness. So he prayed, “You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter” (v. 8). He knew that God alone can cleanse what we cannot, until the deepest stains are “white as snow” (1:18).

We can’t scrub away the smudges and smears of sin on our souls. Thankfully, we can receive salvation in the One whose sacrifice allows us to be cleansed completely (1 John 1:7).  - By Adam R. Holz

[From Commentary]  The potter-clay motif is an image used by the prophet Isaiah to depict the strained relationship God had with His people. This metaphor points to a sovereign Creator and submissive creature relationship. As clay, we’re the intricate work of the Father’s hand (Isaiah 64:8). Choosing to go our own way, we reject God’s authority over our lives and “turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!” (29:16). It’s like the pot telling the potter what to do. Isaiah warned, “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker” (45:9). As our Maker, He has every right to do what He pleases (vv. 10–12). Some sixty years after these words from Isaiah were written, the prophet Jeremiah went to a potter’s house to give God’s people this same message: “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel” (Jeremiah 18:6). K. T. Sim 

[From me]  Our souls are stained by sins.  We cannot remove it using our own capacity.  Our righteous acts are like just filthy rags in the sight of God. We are not capable to save ourselves.  But thank GOD, He made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins, a way for us to be saved from our doomed state.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the wonderful salvation that you have given us.  Thank you for the forgiveness of our sins, and for the righteousness that you have imputed on us.   We are the clay, you are the Potter, O LORD.   Make us and mold us.  Salamat po.  

March 20, 2023

Jesus is the true light and He wants us to reflect his light to brighten a dark world.

Jesus is the true Light. The light of Christ reaches us as true believers and we reflect the light of Christ to the shadowy unbelieving world around us. We are the light and salt of the earth.  Through our good deeds, people will praise the Lord.  We are to brighten a dark world.  Shine on me brightly, O Lord, so I can reflect and shine also brightly to this world.  Lord, let my life become a shining testimony to your goodness and lovingkindness.  Praise God. 

Text:   John 1:4 to 9   NIV

4   In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 

5   The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6   There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 

7   He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 

8   He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9   The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT:

[From Our Daily Bread]  To capture the beauty of reflective light in his landscape oil paintings, artist Armand Cabrera works with a key artistic principle: “Reflected light is never as strong as its source light.” He observes that novice painters tend to exaggerate reflected light. He says, “Reflected light belongs to the shadow and as such it must support, not compete with the lighted areas of your painting.”

We hear similar insight in the Bible concerning Jesus as “the light of all mankind” (John 1:4). John the Baptist “came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe” (v. 7). The gospel writer tells us, “He himself [John] was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light” (v. 8).

As with John, we’re chosen by God to reflect Christ’s light to those living in the shadows of an unbelieving world. This is our role, as one source says, “perhaps because unbelievers are not able to bear the full blazing glory of His light firsthand.”

Cabrera teaches his art students that “anything that has direct light falling on it in a scene becomes a source of light itself.” Similarly, with Jesus as “the true light that gives light to everyone” (v. 9), we can shine as witnesses. As we reflect Him, may the world be amazed to see His glory shine through us. - By Patricia Raybon

[From Commentary]  John 1:1–4 describes Jesus as God’s Word—the source of life and light for all humanity. Both life and light in Jewish tradition would’ve been associated with God’s revelation in Scripture. In Deuteronomy, for example, the Israelites were told that through obedience to God’s law they could “live and increase” (30:16). In Psalm 119:105, Scripture is described as a “lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Light was also understood as a symbol for holiness—being separated from the world and devoted to God’s purposes. Isaiah says Israel was called to be “a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness” (42:6–7). In describing Jesus as life and light, John teaches us that He’s God’s fullest revelation, the ultimate source of hope for all people. - Monica La Rose

[From me]  Jesus is the true Light. The light of Christ reaches us as true believers and we reflect the light of Christ to the shadowy unbelieving world around us. We are the light and salt of the earth.  Through our good deeds, people will praise the Lord.  We are supposed to brighten up this dark sinful world.  Shine on me brightly, O Lord, so I can reflect and shine also brightly to this world.  Llord, let my life become a shining testimony to your goodness and lovingkindness.  Praise God. 

March 19, 2023

We should stand for the truth. Keep away from trolls who spread fake stories.

These days there are numerous trolls and people who spread false stories and narratives to deceive the public. They are employed and paid by dirty politicians. We should not participate in such bad deeds, because God tells us clearly this command: “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness." (Exodus 23:1).  We should stand for the truth and justice; we should condemn and shun the spreading of fake news.   We should not oppress the poor by spreading fake narratives.  Thank you LORD for this reminder. Father, help us show Your love to the world as we stand for Your truth.  Praise God. 

Text:  Exodus 23:1-9 - NIV New International Version

Laws of Justice and Mercy

1 “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.

4 “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. 

5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

6 “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 

7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.

9 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHTS: 

[From Our Daily Bread]  “One man is dead. Another man’s life is at stake,” says the judge somberly in the classic 1957 film 12 Angry Men. The evidence against the young suspect appears overwhelming. But during deliberations, it’s the brokenness of the jury that’s exposed. One of the twelve—juror number 8—votes “not guilty.” A heated debate ensues, in which the lone juror is mocked as he points out discrepancies in the testimony. Emotions escalate, and the jury members’ own murderous and prejudicial tendencies come to light. One by one, the jurors switch their votes to not guilty.

When God gave His instructions to the new nation of Israel, He insisted on honest courage. “When you give testimony in a lawsuit,” God said, “do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd” (Exodus 23:2). Interestingly, the court was neither to “show favoritism to a poor person” (v. 3) nor to “deny justice to your poor people” (v. 6). God, the righteous judge, desires our integrity in all our proceedings.  

In 12 Angry Men, the second juror to vote “not guilty” said of the first, “It’s not easy to stand alone against the ridicule of others.” Yet that’s what God requires. Juror number 8 saw the real evidence, as well as the humanity of the individual on trial. With the gentle guidance of His Holy Spirit, we too can stand for God’s truth and speak for the powerless.  - By Tim Gustafson

[From Bible Commentary]  The law of Moses, summarized in the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue), sought to instruct the people of Israel in two vital areas—how to relate to God and how to relate to other people—whether fellow Israelites or foreigners. The Decalogue itself reflects those values, with the first part dealing with how they were to respond to God and the second part guiding their interpersonal relationships. Today’s reading (Exodus 23:1–9) reflects a further detailing of those interactions with other people. So, when Jesus said in Matthew 22:36–40 that all the law was reflected in two commandments—to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself”—He was reinforcing the law’s two great values. Loving God is the primary vertical relationship and gives context, significance, and value to all our horizontal (human) relationships. - Bill Crowder

[From me]   These days there are numerous trolls and people who spread false stories and narratives to deceive the public. They are employed and paid by dirty politicians. We should not participate in such bad deeds, because God tells us clearly this command: “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness." (Exodus 23:1).  We should stand for the truth and justice, and we should condemn and shun the spreading of fake news.   We should not oprress the poor and deceive them with false narratives.   Thank you LORD for this reminder. Father, help us show Your love to the world as we stand for Your truth.  Praise God. 

March 18, 2023

God delights in us just like a young groom marrying his young bride

God disciplines us, because He loves us and wants to correct us.  But after the pain and discipline, God restores us.   He brings back the glory, the joy, the comforts.   He delights in us, just like how a young groom delights in marrying his young bride.   We (the Church) is the bride of Christ, and he loves us very much.  His love endures forever.  Thank you, O Lord, for rejoicing over me in love.  Thanks for your wonderful love. 

Text:  Isaiah 62:1-5  NIV - New International Version

Zion’s New Name

1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet,     till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.

2  The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow.

3  You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. 

4   No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate.  But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married.

5   As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT: 

[From Our Daily Bread]  Brendan and Katie beamed at each other. Looking at the pure joy on their faces, you would have never guessed the difficult ways so many of their wedding plans had been dramatically altered due to COVID-19 restrictions. Even with only twenty-five family members present, joy and peace radiated from the two as they said their vows because of their love for each other and expressed their gratefulness for God’s love sustaining them.

The image of a bride and groom delighting over each other is the picture the prophet Isaiah painted to describe the type of delight and love God has for His people. In a beautifully poetic description of His promised deliverance, Isaiah reminded his readers that the salvation He offered them reflected the reality of living in a broken world—comfort for the brokenhearted, joy for those who mourn, and provision for the needs of His people (Isaiah 61:1–3). God offered help to His people because, just like a bride and groom celebrate their love for each other, “so will your God rejoice over you” (62:5).

It’s a remarkable truth that God delights in us and wants a relationship with us. Even when we struggle because of the effects of living in a broken world, we have a God who loves us, not begrudgingly, but with a rejoicing, lasting love that “endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). By Lisa M. Samra

[From Commentary]  After prophesying that God would use the Assyrians and the Babylonians to discipline His people for their idolatrous unfaithfulness (Isaiah 1–39), Isaiah comforted the Israelites with the promise that God would restore and bless them once the discipline was complete (chs. 40–66). In chapter 62, God speaks of the vindication and restoration of Jerusalem or Zion. God will personally make a grand spectacle of Jerusalem, so much so that the world “will be blinded by [its] glory” (vv. 2–3 nlt). Instead of being known as an abandoned and forsaken city, Jerusalem will be renowned as “Hephzibah” (v. 4), which the New Living Translation renders as “The City of God’s Delight,” and as “Beulah” (meaning “married”), rendered as “The Bride of God.” God presents Himself as the faithful and loving Builder and Bridegroom who will establish, cherish, and protect His beloved (v. 5). - K. T. Sim

[From me] God disciplines us, but after that He restores us. God brings back the glory.  He delights in us, just like a young groom delight in marrying his young bride.  We (the Church) is the bride of Christ, and he loves us very much.   Thank, O Lord, for rejoicing over me in love.  Thanks for your wonderful love. 

March 17, 2023

God provides protection and help to us

The LORD is our protection and refuge.  He provides help and assistance when we are distressed or in trouble or hard pressed.  He provides protection when we are threatened and when in mortal danger. God provides help, care and provisions. He is dependable, and reliable.  He is our shield, refuge and defense.   Thank you LORD for your love and protection and care.  Praise God.

Text:  Psalm 118:5-14   NIV - New International Version

5   When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;

    he brought me into a spacious place.

6    The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.

    What can mere mortals do to me?

7    The Lord is with me; he is my helper.

    I look in triumph on my enemies.

8    It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in humans.

9    It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in princes.

10    All the nations surrounded me,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

11    They surrounded me on every side,

    but in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

12    They swarmed around me like bees,

    but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns;

    in the name of the Lord I cut them down.

13    I was pushed back and about to fall,

    but the Lord helped me.

14    The Lord is my strength and my defense

    he has become my salvation.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT:

[From Our Daily Bread]  Many years ago, a friend told me how intimidated she was while trying to cross a street where several roads intersected. “I’d never seen anything like this; the rules I’d been taught for crossing the street seemed ineffective. I was so frightened that I’d stand on the corner, wait for the bus, and ask the bus driver if he’d please allow me to ride to the other side of the street. It would take a long time before I successfully learned to navigate this intersection both as a pedestrian and later as a driver.”

As complicated as a dangerous traffic intersection can be, navigating life’s complexities can be even more menacing. Although the psalmist’s specific situation in Psalm 118 is uncertain, we know it was difficult and just right for prayer: “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord” (v. 5), the psalmist exclaimed. And his confidence in God was unmistakable: “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. . . .  The Lord is with me; he is my helper” (vv. 6–7).

It’s not unusual to be fearful when we need to change jobs or schools or housing. Anxieties arise when health declines, relationships change, or dollars disappear. But these challenges needn’t be interpreted as abandonment by God. When hard pressed, may we find ourselves prayerfully pressing into His presence. By Arthur Jackson

[From Commentary]  Many scholars believe Psalm 118 was written during the time when the ruined walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt (around 444 bc; see Nehemiah 12:27–43). As such, it would have been sung by the entire congregation as they gathered to dedicate the work. The triple repetition of verses 10, 11, and 12—“in the name of the Lord I cut them down”—lends itself well to a congregational response in worship. Such strong militaristic language would also be encouraging to a people long subjugated by oppressors and now keeping a watchful eye on those who opposed the efforts of rebuilding. Interestingly, the early church fathers, Cyprian and Augustine among them, viewed the entire psalm as a particular encouragement to believers who faced the danger of martyrdom for their faith in Christ. Tim Gustafson

[From me]  The LORD is our protection and provides help and assistance when we are distressed or in trouble.  He provides protection, help, care and provisions. He is dependable, and reliable. Thank you LORD for your love and protection and care.  Praise God.

March 16, 2023