Category Archives: Courage / Fear

All Knowing, All Powerful / King of All, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Introduction to Books of Bible, Peace / Rest, Persecution / Glorifying God

Introduction to the Book of Esther

We are going to start a walk through the book of Esther. As a way to get started, I wanted to share just a touch of backstory, or context. I am copying from my Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible (NASB), whose Executive Editor is Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. This is an excellent resource and I highly recommend it.

The name of this book comes from its main character, Esther, a young Jewish girl who later became Queen of the Persian Empire. Through the providence of God, she was in position (Esth. 4:14) to prevent the annihilation of her entire nation. The Feast of Purim commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people on that occasion. There is no organic connection between the Book of Esther and the rest of the Bible, but scholars believe that this book is our only glimpse of Jewish life under the Persians during the period between the first and second returns of Jerusalem. Although there is no mention in the Book of Esther of Palestine, Jerusalem, the temple, or the Law of Moses, the events took place within the general timeframe of officially-approved migrations of Jewish exiles back to their homeland. Esther lived during the reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)  in 486-465 B.C. Early in his rule, his armies fought the Greeks for the first time. His empire extended from India to Ethiopia and included twenty satrapies, which were divided into many provinces. Jerusalem was only a tiny outpost in his kingdom. Though the name of God never appears in Esther, God’s power is implied everywhere in the book. The Book of Esther teaches that God’s providence is active in every facet of human life. We cannot escape Him. His purposes, though sometimes hidden, are far-reaching. We can be confident of God’s care and protection. 

As we reflect on the historical context of Esther, we see an example of God’s power and protection permeating throughout the historical record. God puts Esther and even Mordecai in position where they will need to be in order to protect God’s people. God is fully aware of what will confront His people. He is not surprised. He does not need to come up with a “plan B” when this situation develops. We can rest assured that God is in aware of all situations and is able to prepare a way through adversity consistent with His broader plans. This assurance should give us peace in knowing that we can trust in God even during very challenging times when we may not understand how He is working. We should focus on Him and on what role he may want us to play in addressing whatever situations we encounter. Let us not overlook that Esther had to step out in great faith, after fasting and prayer, to protect her people at significant personal risk. She had not experienced an obvious “burning bush” encounter where God told her clearly what she must do.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help Your people to find peace in knowing You are not surprised by any situation. Help us to trust in You even when we do not understand or see how You are moving in a situation. Help us to have clarity and conviction for when and how You want us to act to bring about Your will.  Thank You for Your written word which documents Your relationship with Your people, from which we can learn and be encouraged! Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News

Walk Out God’s Purpose Despite Challenges

All those who are disciples of Yeshua have purpose for His kingdom. There are plenty of examples throughout scripture of general guidance for all of us (e.g. The Great Commission – Make Disciples of all the Nations) and we may also get instructed with specific direction as we seek God in prayer and as the Holy Spirit guides us.

For many of us, we can get caught up in many distractions in life. Some of them may be joyful celebrations, some extreme suffering, and sometimes it can even be the busyness of everyday life. Any of these things can distract us and draw us away from proclaiming the truth of the gospel to those around us. As Paul was approaching the end of his life, he reached out to Timothy to emphasize the importance of always being prepared to preach the word, no matter the situation. We can learn a lot from listening to Paul’s advice for Timothy and applying it in our lives as well.

2 Timothy4:2-5

      1I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

We can also be sure that Paul was not just talking about this… he lived the example across many difficult situations. After much “unfair” treatment and hardship, Paul finally arrived at Rome, under arrest for a crime he did not commit. In fact, the Roman rulers knew he did not deserve any punishment but held him anyway as a favor to the Jews who came against him.  Upon reaching Rome, Paul wasted no time in reaching out to the Jews there and begin proclaiming the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. He could easily have lost himself in distraction and self-pity about his situation but chose not to do so. He overcame adversity and focused on his mission for Yeshua.

Acts 28:11-31

Paul Arrives at Rome

      11At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14There we found some brethren, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

      16When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

      17After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18“And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. 19“But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20“For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22“But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.”

      23When they had set a day for Paul, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe. 25And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers,

26saying,
‘GO TO THIS PEOPLE AND SAY,
“YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND;
AND YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE;

      27FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL,
AND WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR,
AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES;
OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT SEE WITH THEIR EYES,
AND HEAR WITH THEIR EARS,
AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN,
AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.”’

28“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will also listen.” 29[When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.]

      30And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming all who came to him, 31preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness, unhindered.

Time was not just limited just for Paul when he arrived in Rome. Time is limited for all of us, even from the moment we are born. Often we just do not face that truth and instead make reasons to delay submitting to and serving God fully. We get distracted. We become unprepared to share the gospel… telling ourselves it is not the “season” for us to share because of what is going on in our lives. Paul reminds us to be prepared in season and out of season.

None of us are promised any tomorrows, so do not delay. Submit your life to God today and pray that He would help you follow Him wholeheartedly and joyfully, without excuse.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me and all Your people to seize every opportunity to proclaim the truth of Yeshua as Messiah. Help us not to get so distracted with living our own lives that we miss the mission or calling You have for us. Prepare people to hear the message. Set up divine appointments for us to share with others. Give us courage to stand boldly even in the midst of conflict or adversity. Let us not be discouraged that some will reject the message, for some will also hear it and receive it! Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Angels, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Heaven and Hell, Share the Good News

Keep Cool Under Pressure and Shine God’s Light

When the going gets tough… the faithful trust in God, everyone else tries to manage on their own.  When we keep our cool and turn to God in the face of death and suffering, we allow God to shine through us as a powerful light to draw others to Him. Let’s read a dramatic example of how Paul did this while facing shipwreck in a powerful storm… on his way to Rome for a trial!

Acts 27

Paul Is Sent to Rome

      1When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 3The next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; 8and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

      9When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, 10and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

      13When a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore.

Shipwreck

      14But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. 17After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along. 18The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; 19and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.

      21When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22“Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23“For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25“Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26“But we must run aground on a certain island.”

      27But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. 28They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak. 30But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, 31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” 32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.

      33Until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. 34“Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your preservation, for not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.” 35Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it and began to eat. 36All of them were encouraged and they themselves also took food. 37All of us in the ship were two hundred and seventy-six persons. 38When they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea.

      39When day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did observe a bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could. 40And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they were heading for the beach. 41But striking a reef where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves. 42The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44and the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.

Quite frankly, I have never faced anything as dire as what Paul seemed to face on a regular basis. Praise God that Paul is such a wonderful and inspiring example to us. We do not have to hide in fear, but rather trust in God and allow Him to shine through us when we, and those around us, face terrible situations. God may or may not save us physically from any given situation, but whether or not He chooses to save us we know that He is able and we can trust Him either way.  Shadrach, Meschach, and Abed-nego demonstrated faith like this, not knowing whether or not God would choose to save them physically from the fiery furnace.

Daniel 3:16-18

   16Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18“But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Take courage and share the gospel at all times and in all situations.

I invite you to pray:

Father, please help Your people to stand firm when times get tough. Help us to truly shine as a light to guide others to You. Let us not be discouraged and lose our joy under stress, when we could potentially have the most impact by continuing in joy. Thank You for loving us despite our weakness and thank You for using us to serve You! Help us bless Your name through our lives. Amen.

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Government, He Appears Before You, Murder, Persecution / Glorifying God, Protector / Deliverer, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News, Submitted / Servant

Those Who Oppose Messiah Rationalize Much

Many who oppose Yeshua will do so with such passion that they will violate the values the claim to believe in order to oppose Him.  They rationalize absurd contradictions to come against Him. We see examples still today in similar fashion to those documented in the Bible from thousands of years ago. People have not changed. One of today’s examples is those who zealously demand tolerance for all belief systems, no matter how vile. These same people then practice no tolerance of those following Yeshua and our beliefs. They prosecute Christians or Jews with a passion that defies logic. They will try to ruin people for not baking them a wedding cake for a gay wedding, but then turn around and embrace Muslims who, under Sharia law, throw homosexuals off a building to their death without a trial. It defies all logic, with the exception that the devil is attacking those who live for Yeshua.

Paul experienced this kind of persecution continuously because he dedicated his life to the purpose of sharing the truth of the gospel of Yeshua. People came against him constantly, as they did our Messiah Himself. They were not concerned about what was lawful, but rather plotted as they saw fit regardless of the law of the land. They were blinded by their own biased view of the matter and not considering it truly rationally.

Acts 23:11-35

     11But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

A Conspiracy to Kill Paul

      12When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15“Now therefore, you and the Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation; and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.”

      16But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21“So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”

Paul Moved to Caesarea

      23And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.” 24They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25And he wrote a letter having this form:

26“Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings.

            27“When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman.
28“And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Council;
29and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment.

      30“When I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you.”

31So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33When these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34When he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.

I want to highlight a “shout out” for the LORD. In verse 11, He encourages Paul that he is on the right track bringing the word of God and Messiah to Jerusalem and then next to Rome. Clear guidance and confirmation must be so helpful when confronting such difficult situations!

We should absolutely get involved in our local and national governments to try to ensure God’s values are protected. Do not give ground to the ungodly even if they win a court battle here and there. Wrong is wrong. We must engage and support our brothers and sisters in Yeshua to receive the protection of the law they are due. We see how helpful it is for Paul when the Romans actually protected him as a Roman citizen from those who wanted to kill him because he served Yeshua.

Of course, we can also be encouraged that God can use all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called by Him. God uses this situation with Paul to help lead him to Rome, consistent with God’s plans for him.

Romans 8:28

28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When you experience persecution because of Yeshua, turn to Him prayerfully for help and turn to your true brothers and sisters in Yeshua. When you see others facing persecution, engage in intercessory prayer on their behalf and help them where you can yourself. Do not accept the lies, deceit, or persecution presented by the world as reason to turn away from any element of what God calls us to do. Stand firm and proclaim the truth boldly.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for encouraging us and guiding us in the way You want us to go. It is so powerful to give us confidence and courage in difficult times. Please continue to embolden and raise up leaders like Paul to understand deeply and teach boldly the word of Yeshua as Messiah and your instructions for how we should live as Your people. Prepare us as Your people to hear and obey and support those leaders and teachers. Amen. 

—-

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Comforter, Courage / Fear, Encouragement, He Appears Before You

Encouragement Can Carry Us Far in Difficult Situations

Have you ever been trying to accomplish a difficult task and things seem to just go badly? You find yourself wondering if you are doing it right or if you should be doing it at all. At those times I have found great encouragement when someone who has been there before comes in and encourages me and reassures me that I am indeed on the right path.

One example I can immediately relate this to involves homeschooling my children. My wife has taken on this significant commitment and is doing well. I see much value in this approach to create a godly homeschool environment. When we first started there were days when it was difficult, and we were not sure if that was expected or if we were doing something wrong. What an encouragement to link up with more seasoned homeschool families who could tell us that was a normal difficulty, especially when first getting started. We were greatly encouraged to continue the journey.

How gracious our Lord, Jesus Christ who does the same for us in our lives through the written scriptures, through prayer, and sometimes through direct encouragement as He did for Paul in Acts 23.

Acts 23:1-11

Paul before the Council

      1Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” 2The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4But the bystanders said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 5And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’”

      6But perceiving that one group were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul began crying out in the Council, “Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9And there occurred a great uproar; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and began to argue heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man; suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

      11But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.”

Paul was on trial and clearly experiencing difficult times. Paul was used to it, yes, but that does not mean it was easy for him. After a harsh encounter with the religious leaders in Jerusalem, Jesus came by his side to encourage him and give him guidance for the path forward. This really impresses me as Paul came to Jerusalem knowing he would be persecuted for Christ! Now Jesus reaffirms that he was right to come to Jerusalem and likewise must now proceed to Rome.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for those times when You encourage me or send someone else to encourage me. I appreciate that very much. Help guide me and lead me to encourage others as well. Help Your people be a light and support to one another. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Encouragement, Faith / Trusting God, Interceding for Others, Persecution / Glorifying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Submitted / Servant, Through Prophets

Fellowship and Encouragement Among Believers

What a beautiful picture we see as Paul travels back from Ephesus to Jerusalem. We get a sense of the impact his efforts have had on the region. He travels from city to city and there are fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who greet him. They are one in Christ Jesus. They are not Jew or Greek. They do not separate based on color of their skin or based on whether they are rich or poor or male or female. All are one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

Paul makes time to fellowship with and support each local congregation of the brethren despite being on a journey to get to Jerusalem. They in turn also take time away from their own personal lives to receive him and encourage him, even to warn him. They are all acting in one accord as followers of Christ. They show us what the body of Christ should be like, but often is not, even today.

We see different members of the body of Christ with different gifts including prophets and evangelists. Paul is even warned by Agabus that he will be persecuted if he goes to Jerusalem, but Paul shows he remains prepared to face any form of persecution to honor and serve Jesus Christ.  When Paul decides to proceed to Jerusalem despite the warnings, the people still support and encourage him… relying on God’s will. They do not reject him or throw him off because he did not listen to their warning. They bring their families to escort him out of town and pray with him. They are truly one in Christ Jesus.

Acts 21:1-14

Paul Sails from Miletus

      1When we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara; 2and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. 6Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.

      7When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brethren, we stayed with them for a day. 8On the next day we left and came to Caesarea, and entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. 9Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses. 10As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of the Lord be done!”

Take care not to think Paul a fool for going to Jerusalem despite warnings and prophecy. He did not disregard these warnings, but rather felt he needed to go to Jerusalem anyway and was willing to pay that price to do God’s work there.

Consider also, how does your life and the life of your family or church compare with that of the believers as demonstrated in Acts 21? Do believers come together in harmony, working together, praying for one another or is their infighting and division between different people, churches or denominations? Do churches support one another and work together to reach the community or compete against one another for how many members they can get to fill their seats? What can you do personally to make a positive difference in your local community of brothers and sisters in Christ? Pray for God’s wisdom and courage and then get started.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please bring Your people together in unity, serving You and helping none another in one accord. Heal division that separates us. Help us work through smaller differences in beliefs that keep us apart. Raise up prophets and evangelists from among Your people to do Your work. Prepare people to hear and respond to the truth of Your word. Clearly show each of us the role You want us to play. Amen. 

Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? If you die today, do you know for sure that you would be with God in heaven? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Am I on the path?, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, False Prophets / Teachers, Money / Finances / Wealth, Persecution / Glorifying God, Share the Good News

Portrait of One Who Lived Submitted to Christ

After meeting Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, Paul lived a life that serves as a good portrait of one who lived submitted completely to Jesus Christ. Paul truly died to self and took up his cross to follow after Christ.

Matthew 16:24-27

      24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27“For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS.

As he prepared to leave for Jerusalem, Paul met with local elders of the church to remind them about his personal life lived as example as one submitted to Christ. It was filled with hardship and uncertainty, but also hope and joy in all circumstances. Paul provides a good summary of how we should approach our lives submitted to Christ. We do well to read carefully as if Paul were writing this to us and try to apply it in our lives today.

Acts 20:17-38

Farewell to Ephesus

      17From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. 18And when they had come to him, he said to them,
“You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22“And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

      25“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. 26“Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. 28“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31“Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32“And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33“I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35“In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

      36When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

As we consider this portrait of living for Christ, Paul reveals several key elements we should carefully consider and apply in our own lives, not matter what our work or ministry.

  • Serve God with humility, even through trials and tears.
  • Do not shrink from teaching truth and repentance, regardless of consequences to you personally.
  • Remember that our life’s purpose is not our own when we are submitted to Christ. Our purpose is to wholeheartedly seek after the work God assigns us to further His kingdom.
  • Be on guard for false teaching and those who would draw you away from Christ. The threat comes both from those outside the church as well as from among the church. People will pervert God’s word to draw disciples after themselves.
  • Do not cease to admonish one another so that we help one another to remain in Christ and in His truth.
  • In testing for false teaching, admonishing, and living for Christ we must look to God and to the word of God as our unchanging source of truth.
  • Work hard to provide for yourself and do not covet someone else’s wealth.
  • Help the weak.
  • Pray for one another in genuine love and concern. Create a community of brothers and sisters in Christ that truly love and care for each other.

Ask yourself… “How does this teaching from Paul apply to my life today?” and then take action to make any course corrections you need to live fully submitted to Christ.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, You and You alone are God. There are none like You! There are none who do the works You can do! Your ways are high above our ways, but You still take notice of us. You invite us into relationship with You. Help each of us, as Your followers and servants, to live according to the principles that Paul highlights in scripture. Help us to be bold and courageous. Help us to see beyond ourselves to Your mission. Help us to know Your specific direction for our lives. Help us admonish one another in love and teach the pure word of truth. Help us be on guard against those who will bring a false teaching to lead others astray for their own purposes. Thank You for the Holy Spirit so that we do not have to do this alone! Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Am I on the path?, Courage / Fear, Faith / Trusting God, Purposeful / Intentional, Share the Good News

God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear and Timidity

Jesus calls us to speak the truth courageously, share the gospel with love, and to demonstrate self-discipline as we represent Him in how we live.

People around us will pressure us to accept everything as an equivalent point of view and then the same people turn around and attack Christians who stand up for truth because it is not what they want to hear.

2 Timothy 1:5-14 shows us important points we should understand.

To fulfill God’s call we must begin with genuine faith and keep growing it. This does not mean blind faith, but rather faith we hold because of the overwhelming evidence of the truth of the gospel.  Faith that grows with our ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

We must fan into flames the spiritual gifts God has given us. We must practice and work at it intentionally to get the most out of it… just like building up any muscle in our body. It does not just land in our lap ready to go with power to move mountains.

We are called to live a holy life, one that is set apart for God’s purposes. We are not to live as the non believers do. If we as Christians are not the light, then how shall anyone else find their way to Jesus Christ?

We are called to carefully guard the precious truth and not let anyone corrupt it or compromise it. God’s word is 100% true and sufficient.

Think about your life… are you different for Jesus Christ, even if you will face hardship for Him? or do you blend in?  The light should not be placed under a bushel basket but on the lampstand to provide light for all.

I found it helpful in my life to start stepping out for Christ in little ways first to practice overcoming timidity… at the coffee pot, the water cooler, at the ballpark… even amongst other Christians (who tend to be a supportive audience for this message).

2 Timothy 1:5-14

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him.

With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News. Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
I invite you to pray with me:
Father, please build up my faith and boldness as Your follower and disciple. Please also do so for Your followers everywhere, that we would be bold for You and not timid. Help us to have a passion to guard and share the precious truth that has been entrusted to us. Amen. 
Shalom
Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Courage / Fear, Diligent / Hard Worker, Faith / Trusting God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Purposeful / Intentional, Wise

What Can We Learn from the Leadership of Nehemiah?

Imagine yourself in Jerusalem among the people of God during Nehemiah’s leadership. He arrived and organized the people to rebuild the walls. He inspired and led the people. They had purpose and worked together against opposition. I am sure that must have been both exciting and stressful for the people. Once the wall was completed, was the mission done? No. There was more to be done.

Nehemiah was very good from a practical leadership perspective. He knew that building a wall, is not enough. You have to have a process to maintain it and to guard the people and manage the gates for entrance to the city. He knew this was important. and entrusted it to two men. The only criteria highlighted as credentials was that one was Nehemiah’s brother and the other feared God more than many. Seems simple, but this is important. These men Nehemiah could trust.   By putting in place people who would themselves look to God, Nehemiah could continue to focus elsewhere to lead the people. He could not do it all himself.

Nehemiah 7

Census of First Returned Exiles

      1Now when the wall was rebuilt and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed, 2then I put Hanani my brother, and Hananiah the commander of the fortress, in charge of Jerusalem, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. 3Then I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot, and while they are standing guard, let them shut and bolt the doors. Also appoint guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each at his post, and each in front of his own house.” 4Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few and the houses were not built.

      5Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogies. Then I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up first in which I found the following record:

      6These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his city, 7who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah.

      The number of men of the people of Israel: 8the sons of Parosh, 2,172; 9the sons of Shephatiah, 372; 10the sons of Arah, 652; 11the sons of Pahath-moab of the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,818; 12the sons of Elam, 1,254; 13the sons of Zattu, 845; 14the sons of Zaccai, 760; 15the sons of Binnui, 648; 16the sons of Bebai, 628; 17the sons of Azgad, 2,322; 18the sons of Adonikam, 667; 19the sons of Bigvai, 2,067; 20the sons of Adin, 655; 21the sons of Ater, of Hezekiah, 98; 22the sons of Hashum, 328; 23the sons of Bezai, 324; 24the sons of Hariph, 112; 25the sons of Gibeon, 95; 26the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188; 27the men of Anathoth, 128; 28the men of Beth-azmaveth, 42; 29the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah and Beeroth, 743; 30the men of Ramah and Geba, 621; 31the men of Michmas, 122; 32the men of Bethel and Ai, 123; 33the men of the other Nebo, 52; 34the sons of the other Elam, 1,254; 35the sons of Harim, 320; 36the men of Jericho, 345; 37the sons of Lod, Hadid and Ono, 721; 38the sons of Senaah, 3,930.

      39The priests: the sons of Jedaiah of the house of Jeshua, 973; 40the sons of Immer, 1,052; 41the sons of Pashhur, 1,247; 42the sons of Harim, 1,017.

      43The Levites: the sons of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodevah, 74. 44The singers: the sons of Asaph, 148. 45The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, 138.

      46The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth, 47the sons of Keros, the sons of Sia, the sons of Padon, 48the sons of Lebana, the sons of Hagaba, the sons of Shalmai, 49the sons of Hanan, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, 50the sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, 51the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, 52the sons of Besai, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephushesim, 53the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur, 54the sons of Bazlith, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha, 55the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah, 56the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.

      57The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida, 58the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel, 59the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Amon.

      60All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon’s servants were 392.

      61These were they who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon and Immer; but they could not show their fathers’ houses or their descendants, whether they were of Israel: 62the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, 642. 63Of the priests: the sons of Hobaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai, the Gileadite, and was named after them. 64These searched among their ancestral registration, but it could not be located; therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood. 65The governor said to them that they should not eat from the most holy things until a priest arose with Urim and Thummim.

Total of People and Gifts

      66The whole assembly together was 42,360, 67besides their male and their female servants, of whom there were 7,337; and they had 245 male and female singers. 68Their horses were 736; their mules, 245; 69their camels, 435; their donkeys, 6,720.

      70Some from among the heads of fathers’ households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold drachmas, 50 basins, 530 priests’ garments. 71Some of the heads of fathers’ households gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 gold drachmas and 2,200 silver minas. 72That which the rest of the people gave was 20,000 gold drachmas and 2,000 silver minas and 67 priests’ garments.

      73Now the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants and all Israel, lived in their cities.
And when the seventh month came, the sons of Israel were in their cities.

I find it interesting to see the priorities upon completing the walls and hanging the doors. First Nehemiah assigned the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites. Most of us would connect with the gatekeepers as making sense. We may be a bit more surprised by the Levites and the singers as worthy of call out, but this is consistent throughout scripture. The singers play an important role, but it is not entertainment as we may think today. It was to raise up in song praise to God. The Levites properly assigned enabled the society at that time to live according to God’s laws. Levites were an integral part of living out aspects of the law. We can also see from the rest of the passage that family structure is important. It is a key and consistent way in which God’s people organized in society. Further, we see the willing donation of gifts brought by the people as offerings to God.

One element which I want to develop a bit further pertains to defense. Sometimes people are inclined to completely pass on their responsibility for their own welfare or security or provision and they just say they will “trust in God”. While it is good to trust in God, and Nehemiah certainly did, we should also take wise action to protect ourselves and provide for ourselves and not put God to the test. Prayer and action. Both are elements we see in Nehemiah that are key to how he led the people successfully. He was not random or dismissive. Even having people guard or build the wall near their own homes was strategic and ties into human nature. People will do a better job if it is really personal!

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help Your people to work together in unity. Help us to function as a community, as a single body. Raise up and organize us with leaders, those who sing and praise, those who protect, those who help us carry out your laws and instructions, and so on. Let us not all seclude ourselves separately but band together for Your glory and to restore Your ways. Amen.

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

All Powerful / King of All, Courage / Fear, Diligent / Hard Worker, Discerning / Judging, Faith / Trusting God, Protector / Deliverer, Provider, Purposeful / Intentional, Wise

Proceed with Caution: Adversaries Ahead

It is interesting to try to even understand the motivation of those who came against Nehemiah. Why were they so bound and determined to try to stop what he was doing in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem? Sometimes people come against us and we really can’t discern what is in it for them. They seem content just to disrupt any work being undertaken for the LORD and His glory. They want to intimidate God’s people to stop. They are willing to deceive and outright lie. They are willing to threaten and try to rally others against God’s work and God’s people.

Let Nehemiah serve as a solid reminder that we must keep our heads and be courageous. We must seek discernment and act wisely in our response. Do not believe everything you hear or trust everyone who reaches out.

Nehemiah 6

The Enemy’s Plot

      1Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, to Geshem the Arab and to the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall, and that no breach remained in it, although at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates, 2then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. 3So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” 4They sent messages to me four times in this manner, and I answered them in the same way. 5Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same manner a fifth time with an open letter in his hand. 6In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel; therefore you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these reports. 7“You have also appointed prophets to proclaim in Jerusalem concerning you, ‘A king is in Judah!’ And now it will be reported to the king according to these reports. So come now, let us take counsel together.” 8Then I sent a message to him saying, “Such things as you are saying have not been done, but you are inventing them in your own mind.” 9For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, “They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.

      10When I entered the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined at home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you, and they are coming to kill you at night.” 11But I said, “Should a man like me flee? And could one such as I go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.” 12Then I perceived that surely God had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13He was hired for this reason, that I might become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order that they could reproach me. 14Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these works of theirs, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the rest of the prophets who were trying to frighten me.

The Wall Is Finished

      15So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. 16When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. 17Also in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18For many in Judah were bound by oath to him because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. 19Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

As you seek to obey God’s written word and any specific guidance He gives you for your life, be wary that some may and likely will come against you. You may not even understand their motivation, but you will need to be wise and courageous none the less. Seek God and seek the fellowship and help from others who are standing with you for God’s work. Watch carefully not to be tricked into compromising your obedience to God as you respond to them.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please lead and guide your people to come together to accomplish Your will. Raise up righteous leaders like Nehemiah to lead with courage and wisdom. Protect us from those who would come against us and against You.  Let the success we experience in accomplishing Your will bring glory and honor to You rather than us. Amen.

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.