# 38 2021 Dev. Psalm 121:1,2. We Are On a Pilgrimage! Read all of Psalm 121 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 121:1,2 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Intro. Ps. 120-137 is a series of Psalms that include 15 “songs of ascent.” Songs of ascent were sung at the temple by the Priests walking up the 15 steps entering the sanctuary, also sung by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem for the three feasts required, Pentecost, Passover and Tabernacles, as well as during the return from Babylon.

Psalm 121 is a four stanza praise song introduced by two verses, 1 and 2, that capture for us the universal question of all time and the eternal answer to all our earthly and heavenly needs. Each stanza has an introductory statement

Vs.1,2 Comes from a pilgrim, a traverller, looking up to the mountains in the distance that he may have to cross. Also, and perhaps more so, this comes from people traveling through life, facing mountain after mountain, opposition after opposition in our culture. People today ask; “where does my help come from?” or what, will or can help me through this life? It is a question that faces every human being and there are as many answers as cultures in the world.

The Psalmist gives us the right answer and the only true answer; “My help comes from the Lord.” That should be enough for us but the Psalmist does not leave it there, he adds “the Maker of heaven and earth.” He has created us, provided a temporary home for us here, cares for us, and calls us to our eternal home at the appointed time but only if we have faith and believe in the Lord Jesus.

Vs. 3,4 “He will not let your foot slip_” God is in control 24/7 always He watches over those He Loves, Sometimes, like the time we are in, we wonder, we question, God where are you? In our human limitations we do not always understand but God is here with us!

Vs. 5,6 “The Lord watches over you-” the Lord is at our right hand shading us from every trouble, not that we will not have illness or opposition but that we will be victorious in His Name. There is protection day and night!

Vs. 7,8 “The Lord will keep you from all harm-” the Lord protects our lives, we will not have a minute more or a minute less in this life than what God has ordained for us, and that goes for everyone. But for the followers of Jesus, “the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Praise Him!

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# 37 2021 Dev. Revelation 3:20. Refined Gold! Read Chapter 3:14-22 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelations 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Chapter 3 continues with Jesus’ exhortation to the Seven Churches. Again, seven is a complete number that means that each type of church is addressed throughout all of history. Jesus is addressing us today as well.

Laodicea was a wealthy city in Roman times, it was a banking center, it had a medical school, a large textile industry and produced the material for a well known eye-salve. Further, it was located on a major trade route. It does not appear that the church was persecuted.

Jesus address Laodicea: “These are the words of the Amen, the one true God, the faithful and the true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” (The Alpha and the Omega) “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot” Be one or the other as it is “I am about to spit (vomit) you out of my mouth.” “I am about to” means there is still opportunity to repent. They were complacent, rich, self sufficient, not in need of anything by their way of thinking. This is starting to sound familiar, like many churches today in varying degrees. 

But no, you are blind, poor and naked. “I council you to buy from me gold refined in the fire.” Come and buy without money or cost as Scriptures metaphorically described the gift of Salvation. Receive white clothes (righteousness) compared to the black cloth they produced and anoint your eyes with spiritual salve, so you may see. “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. After this, Jesus makes a personal appeal: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” This is not an eschatological statement, referring to the great feast of the lamb. No, this is an intimate appeal to re-establish Jesus’ relationship with the church. Eating together was the ultimate fellowship then and still is in many cultures today. There is also a promise: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne.” Yes, as fantastic as that may sound, we will reign together with Christ in the New Heaven and the New Earth.

Jesus is still knocking on our doors and on the door of the church, inviting us to re-evaluate how we do church and how we prioritize our lives. I think that in this passage Jesus is speaking directly to us and to the church today. There is still time, thanks be to God!

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# 34 2021 Dev. Psalm 119:105. LIGHT FOR LIVING! Read all of Psalm 119:73-178 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Ps. 119 is an acrostic poem (see footnotes} We comment on each stanza.

Vs. 73-80 “Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.” We are made in the image of God, male and female he created us. We know right from wrong, we have a discerning conscience and worship comes naturally. (See Ps.139)

Vs. 81-88 “All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.” Persecution goes on all over the world to the tune of two million people and it is on the way to you, it has arrived.

Vs. 89-96 “Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.”  What else do we need to know?

Vs. 97-104 “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.” Wiser also than teachers and elders; God speaks truth, teaching us wisdom, true wisdom needed in this world.

Vs. 105-112 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” A lamp, a light, is what is needed to guide us through dark times. Your Word is light, grace and peace, while social media is mostly dark and oppressive, our job is to bring light.

Vs. 113-120 “Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.” Indeed, God gives life and hope for this life and for the next.

Vs. 121-128 “It is time for you to act, Lord; your law is being broken.” The psalmist cries out, we cry out as well, the world is upside down God, we wait for you Lord.

Vs. 129-136 “Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.” God’s mercy and salvation is extended to all who call on His name, do not delay.

Vs. 137-144 “Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servants loves them.” Over the centuries, followers of Jesus have experienced His love, grace, peace and His power. Praise God!

Vs. 145-152 “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” The answer to our current situation is continual prayer, including fasting to focus our prayers.

Vs. 153-160 “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out decrees.” The difference between the followers of Jesus and those who reject Him is peace, joy, assurance in this life, salvation and eternal life for the next. Thanks be to God!  May your Spirit, Jesus, touch those who reject You.

Vs, 161-168 “Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” The followers of Jesus live by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

 Vs. 169-178 ‘May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.” Worshiping and serving God for His faithfulness: His peace, joy, assurance, and salvation is the purpose and the meaning of life for those who follow Jesus. The light for living has implications for how we live and interact with our neighbors and those who do not follow Jesus. We live in the face of all opposition to God.  Amen!

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# 33 2021 Dev. Revelation 2:12. The Sword of Jesus! Read all of Chapter 2:12-29 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelations 2:12 “These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.”

Introduction: This book is perhaps the most misunderstood and the most misinterpreted book of Scripture. Scripture must interpret the Scriptures of which this book is a primary example. The language is apocalyptic, symbolic and understood in the eastern culture.

Chapter 2 begins with Jesus’ exhortation to the seven churches. Again, seven is a complete number that means that each type of church is addressed through out all of history. Jesus is addressing us today as well.

To the church in Pergamum: “I know where you live-where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name.” Even in the face of death, “you did not renounce your faith in me,” Most people in this church were faithful and passed the test resisting Emperor worship. Pergamum was the center of Emperor worship in what was known as Asia at the time.

“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you:” compromising with idolatry and with immorality, as advised by Balaam in his time (see Num. 22-31).  Also, “the teaching of the Nicolaitans.” Nicolas was a convert to Judaism (see Acts 6:5,6) who compromised with the occult of the day. Satan used a prophet and a deacon to subvert God’s will and precepts for His people. Jesus is speaking to the church and to followers of Jesus, today because this subversion is going on now; many churches have compromised with the world’s values that conflict with God’s will for our lives. This all comes under the guise of acceptance and love but the love of Jesus means pointing out the truth of God’s will and His commands. To those who hear and persevere, they will eat heavenly food and be given a new name in the Kingdom of God.

To the Church in Thyatira: Thyatira is an ancient Greek city, known for the dying of purple cloth and producing clothing. Apparently the water of the area was so well suited for dying that the color of the cloth could not be matched elsewhere. The Scriptures confirms this trade when Paul met Lydia, a seller of purple and established a church in her home.

 “These are the words of the Son of God,” He is both God and Human with eyes and feet. I know “your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are doing more than you did at first.”

“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel.” She leads people astray, into immorality and idolatry. Jesus has been patient with her but she is unwilling to repent. Jesus will punish her and those who commit immorality with her, so that “all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” This applies to us today if we will not repent. If you have ears listen to Jesus!  “To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations…” We will reign with Christ in the New Heaven and the New earth, praise the Lord.

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# 32 2021 Dev. Psalm 119:63 The LIGHT OF LIFE! Read all of Psalm 119:1-72 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 119:63 “I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.”

Introduction. Psalm 111- 119, This series is called the Egypt “Hallalu Yah” (Hallelujah) meaning rejoicing to praise God for His salvation. Not superficially but as a matter of the heart, true piety! The series has a close connection with the songs of Miriam Ex.15:1-21 and of Mary Lk.1:46-56.

Ps. 119 “Is an acrostic poem” (see footnotes) The author is passionately devoted to the Word of God. This is the longest chapter in the Bible. We will comment on each stanza.

Vs. 1-8 “Oh that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!” That is our desire and our goal, we fall short, but God is faithful in His grace, mercy and love.

Vs. 9-18 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”The Word of God is the light of life on the earth.

Vs. 17-24 “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” The scriptures are a living book, understood by God’s Spirit in us.

Vs. 25-32 “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.” Religion is in decline and evil is on the rise, yet God is in control and will accomplish His purposes in our lives and in this world.

Vs. 33-40 “Turn my eyes from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” The world is too much with us, subtly, we are distracted with living in our culture but the Word of God is the wisdom for life.

Vs. 41-48 “May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation, according to your promise; then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word.” Today we are taunted when we openly promote Christian (biblical) values but our salvation is sure, our life after death is sure, God’s Spirit gives us the answers we need in this life.

Vs. 49-56 “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” By faith we believe the promises of God, by faith we know that God is the ruler of this world. “Our God reigns!”

Vs. 57-64 “The earth is filled with your love, Lord; teach me your decrees.” The love of God is everywhere; consider God’s good earth, consider God’s love and care for the people of the earth, consider that God’s Spirit holds everything together. See Jn. 3:16,17 also Ps.104:27-30)

Vs. 65-72 “before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.” God disciplines and teaches those He loves to strengthen and move us onto the right path, the path of righteousness.

The light of life in our lives has implications for how we live and interact with our neighbors and those who do not follow Jesus. Following the path of righteousness is a much needed witness to the people around us and to the people of the world. Amen!

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# 31 2021 Dev. Revelation 2:1. These are the Words! Read all of Chapter 2:1-11 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelations 2:1“These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.”

Introduction: This book is perhaps the most misunderstood and the most misinterpreted book of Scripture. But it does not have to be: Scripture must interpret the Scriptures of which this book is a primary example.

Chapter 2 begins with Jesus’ exhortation to the seven churches. Again, seven is a complete number that means that each type of church is addressed through out all of history. Jesus is addressing us today as well.

Vs.1-7 to the church in Ephesus: “I know your deeds, hard work and perseverance.” You proved those who are false, you do not tolerate the wicked. “You have endured hardship for my name, and have not grown weary,”

“Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken the love you had at first.”

The church had done everything right, rejected false teachings, suffered for name of Jesus and rejected the Nicolaitans; those who have one foot in Christianity and the other foot in the occult. In their struggle to remain true to the teachings of the Apostles they lost the love for others and the love for each other along the way and had turned into a cold hard condemning orthodoxy. As Paul writes in I Cor.13 whatever is done without love is useless. To love and not condemn one needs to walks along side the offender, becoming a friend, not condoning or participating but praying and by the power of the Holy Spirit you both grow and change. That is the hope, but if the person does not change, you keep loving and praying. Sometimes churches and church people do not see the difference between love as Christ loved us and condemnation. God holds us accountable, are we listening?

Vs.8-11 to the church in Smyrne: a church being persecuted and in poverty, “yet you are rich”, Jesus says, and I know what you are going through. Persevere, there will be suffering, “be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” Jesus is speaking to hundreds, if not thousands of small, and some large churches all over this world. Two million followers of Jesus are under persecution currently and it is increasing. We see the signs in our own country, with the outcry to change the courts to reflect the will of a godless society. As Jesus tells us there will be suffering for those who are the true followers of Jesus; it is already happening, rumors of restricting jobs if one doesn’t toe the line of woke culture, you are canceled, we are seeing it now. But God is in control: v11 “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” Judgment is coming, praise be to God!

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# 30 2021 Dev. Psalm 118:14. God is Good! Read all of Psalm 118 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 118:14 “The Lord is my strength and my defense^[a]; he has become my salvation.”

Introduction. Psalm 111- 119, This series is called the Egypt “Hallalu Yah” (Hallelujah) meaning rejoicing to praise God for His salvation. Not superficially but as a matter of the heart, true piety! The series has a close connection with the songs of Miriam Ex.15:1-21 and of Mary Lk.1:46-56.

Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for “his love endures forever.” This Ps. of this series (111-119) directly highlights salvation from a powerful enemy. The king or leader is speaking for the people. The song is bracketed with: “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.” Sections of this Ps. are quoted and referred to in the New Testament.

Vs. 1-4 is a call to worship: “Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘his love endures forever.” This applies to us today; God is good, God cares for us daily and God’s world continues to speak of His Glory every morning.

Vs. 5-7 Introduces the issue that the leader is addressing. We all can identify with that issue at one time or an other; illness, rejection, loss or conflict.

Vs.8-14 The leader affirms his trust in God, not humans and elaborates on what God has done for him. Can you look back and reflect on God’s goodness? Yes, we all can! With the Psalmist we say: “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Amen!

Vs.15-21 Here the leader praises God and acknowledges God’s discipline, not unto death but for righteousness. “This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.” In the leader’s time, probably the temple. For us it is our faith in Jesus the Christ.

Vs. 22-24 is the praise and adulation of the people. Jesus quotes this passages referring it to himself and this passage is quoted and referred to five different times in the New Testament. I like this reference Eph. 2:19-22.

V.25 stands alone; “Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!” How many times have I prayed this prayer? How about you?

V.26-29 prefigures Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, John 12:12-16.

Followers of Jesus will quote the last two verses of this song: “You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God and I will exalt you. Give thanks to God for he is good; his love endures forever.” Amen!

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# 29 2021 Dev. Revelation 1:3. In God’s Hand! Read all of Chapter 1 first. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Revelations 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

Introduction: This book is perhaps the most misunderstood and the most misinterpreted book of Scripture. But it does not have to be: Scripture must interpret the Scriptures of which this book is a primary example. There are four ways that have been used to interpret this prophecy: (1) “Preterists understand this book primary in terms of its first century setting, claiming that most of its events have already taken place.”(2) “Historicists take it as describing the long chain of events from Patmos to the end of history.”(3) “Futurists place this book primarily in the end times.”(4) “Idealists view it it as symbolic pictures of such timeless truths as the victory of good over evil.” (NIV Study Bible). While these four approaches have merit, we see # 2 as most helpful, this book is about what Jesus said; “we are in the last days.” From the time of Jesus till today, we are still in the last days; Jesus is on the way

Vs. 1:3 Says it all: “The revelation from Jesus Christ which God gave him to show his servants what must take place”. This book is to be a blessing for followers of Jesus.  “The time is near.” Many people think the time is near today. Given all that is going on one would think so. What do you think?

Vs. 3-8 Given that this is a letter to the 7 churches, John starts with a greeting and a doxology. In Scripture 7 is a complete and holy number, indicating that this letter is written to all churches in all times, it is intended for us today. John’s greeting ends with a powerful statement (a blessing for followers of Jesus) “I am the Alpha and Omega,’ says the Lord God ‘who is, and who (always) was, and who is (surely) to come, the Almighty.”

Vs. 9-19 “John’s Vision of Christ”. It was on a Sunday, (Sabbath) he heard: write what you see and send it the the seven churches (meant for all churches then and throughout history, as well as today). John “was in the Spirit”, in intense prayer and deep meditation. Read the description of what John saw as he turned around, John had not known Jesus in the way he saw him now, all of us would fall down as if dead. We understand the double edge sword as the Word of God. Jesus explains the seven stars and lamp stands: The seven stars are the leaders, pastors, lay leaders of the seven churches, Jesus is holding them in his right hand, the symbol of God’s power. Even today Jesus is holding on to leaders protecting, guiding not only leaders but because 7 is a complete and a holy number Jesus is holding onto, protecting and guiding every true follower of Jesus. Amen. Jesus explains the seven golden lamp stands as the seven churches. They were to give light in a very dark world at the time. That translates to every church through out history, outside of the community of followers of Jesus the world is a dark place, as we are experiencing right now. There are evil forces at work in society and government and followers of Jesus must bring light into every dark corner and situation as individuals and as churches.

How? Intense prayer and fasting, living our faith intentionally, even in the faces of those opposed to the values of Jesus.  We will be canceled, persecuted, maybe even lose jobs but as in John’s time, Jesus is holding us in His right hand, protecting and guiding us, praise be to God!

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