Heavenhigh

Rejoice in the Lord!

# 40 2021 Dev. Psalm 122:1. Rejoice in the Lord! Read all of Psalm 122 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 122:1 “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

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 back to Jerusalem.

Psalm 122 is a psalm of ascent with a two verse introduction and two stanzas framed with “the house of the Lord.”

Vs.1-2 A fellow pilgrim or a group of pilgrims said at the beginning of their journey, “let us go up the the house of the Lord.” They rejoiced at the prospect to worship at the temple at a time of one of the required feasts. They have arrived after a long uphill journey and “our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.”

This Introduction reflect our present lives, we are on a pilgrimage, heading for our heavenly home, along the way do we rejoice at every worship opportunity? Do we worship daily? All of life is worship! What is important, the trip or the destination? Some have only just started, some are half way, some are standing at the gate. What is important to you? As for me it is the pilgrimage itself: the opportunity to influence the world around me, the people around us, the execution of and the fulfillment of God’s calling on our lives no matter our occupation. The goal is assured; like the early travelers we only have to cross the threshold.

Vs. 3-5 “Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together”, a place where there is contact with everyone, no escaping those unlike you, those who have a different orientation or those you want to avoid. Grace is required, forgiveness is required, compassion and tolerance. This is the place of ultimate worship, a place to praise, a place of Judgment by our God the King.

The above is the goal of our pilgrimage, our heavenly home, where we arrive by God’s leading and by His timing, and we will all arrive. What are the works that follow us? Only works done in the name of Jesus follow us because we are saved by the works of Jesus, not anything done on our own.

Vs. 6-9 “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure”. May there be be peace, security, prosperity, “For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘peace be within you”

Like those pilgrims before us the goal begins to be reached at the beginning of the journey. New Life in Christ begins the day one is converted and puts their trust in Jesus. It is therefore that the pilgrimage, our life’s journey, is important.

We may legitimately say: “for the sake of my family and friends, I will say, ‘Peace be within you.” And for the sake of the church, and followers of Jesus (the house of the Lord’) “I will seek your prosperity.” We pray for a blessing on all churches, on all followers of Jesus, on all works of promoting the Gospel, on all works of mercy done in the name of Jesus and on all those who are in search of the truth. Amen!

God’s Throne!

# 39 2021 Dev. Revelation 4.2. God’s Throne! Read all of chapter four 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.

Revelation 4:2 “At once I was in the Spirit, and before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”

Revelation chapter 4 describes the throne room in heaven; what is being described here is the whole universe from the perspective of heaven (Hendriksen). “And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, ‘Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” John is caught up in the Spirit and describes what he sees. Chapters 1-3 are not in code but speak straight forward of what John heard and saw. But the vision of Ch. 4, the Throne room, will need some interpretation.

Him who sits on the throne is described in human terms and language: he had the “appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.” Terms to describe God, who is a Spirit, in human terms are called anthropomorphisms.

God’s Throne is encircled by “twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders.” These represent the whole of the church both in the Old Testament and in the New, corresponding in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles (Rev.21:12-14). They are dressed in the righteousness of Christ with white robes and wear golden crowns of victory, i.e. the redeemed reign with Christ. Seven lamp stands are in front of the throne, “the sevenfold Spirit of God” and “what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal”, symbolizing the sanctifying power of God (Hendriksen).

The four living beings are angels of the highest order; they are like the cherubim symbolized by the cherubim on the ark in the Holy of Holies of the earthly temple. In Ezekiel Ch. 1 and 10, the same beings are described. The first being has a face like a lion indicating strength, the second creature has a face like an ox indicating the ability to serve, the third creature has a face like a man indicating intelligence, the fourth creature has a face like an eagle indicating speed, and the many eyes indicate deep perception. “They never stop saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, is, and is to come.”

Whenever the creatures give glory and honor, the 24 elders fall down in worship and lay down their crowns.

This wonderful vision of heavenly worship is overwhelming and brings to our attention our worship in the church. It also brings attention to our lives because all of our life is worship to God. The complete harmony and selflessness of the worshipers in heaven should open our hearts every Sunday and every day to God’s grace and to His compassion. His desire to reconcile all people back to Himself is one tenets of the Kingdom of God which the church is to reflect. The 24 elders are us, forgiven, sanctified, victorious in life and death.

And along with them we say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Amen, praise the Lord!

We Are On A Pilgrimage!

# 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.”

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?” Who 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!

We Are On a Pilgrimage!

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.”

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.

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!

Refined Gold!

# 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!

God Answers!

# 36 2021 Dev. Psalm 120:1. God Answers! Read all of Psalm 120 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 120:1“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”

Intro. Ps. 120-137 is a series of Psalms that include 15 “songs of ascent” it is called the “Great Hallel” meaning rejoicing to praise God for His enduring presence, as compared to the series we just finished “Egyptian Hallel” meaning rejoicing to praise God for His salvation. 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 120 calls on God for help: “I call on the Lord…” It has 3 stanzas.

Vs. 1-2 He makes a specific request: “Save me Lord from lying lips…” Who do you call when in distress?

Vs. 3-4 The Psalmist anticipates God’s answer and he imagines the liars fate. He will cut you and burn you “deceitful tongue”. Do you anticipate God’s answer?

Vs. 5-7 The Psalmist despairs the place he lives: “Woe is me that I dwell in Meshek that I live among the tents of Kedar!” The Psalmist makes a moral connection with Meshek one of the sons of Japheth and with Kedar one of the sons of Ismael; warring and wandering tribes that never have sought peace. How do you feel about the culture you live in?

For followers of Jesus; we call on God and anticipate a positive answer. Further, like the Psalmist, we desire to hear truth and live in peace, we want to trust all those around us but we know we cannot. The Psalmist is anxious to go to the feast in Jerusalem, to be among his own people. This speaks to us: “come out of your dwelling place”, your culture, spiritually, desire peace, seek refreshment in Jesus. How, you ask? Make your home a place of peace, a place of laughter and forgiveness. Attend your church, meditate on the Word of God and pray for your family, for churches, for your friends and for those who do not follow Jesus. Intercede for the people around you, Christ is interceding for you. Praise be to God!

Jesus Holds the Key!

# 35 2021 Dev. Revelation 3:2. Jesus Holds the Key! Read all of Chapter 3:1-13 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 3:2 “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.”

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 of the time.

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 through out all of history. Jesus is addressing us today as well.

To the church in Sardis. Sardis was the main city of the Kingdom of Lydia, known for it’s arts and crafts, a city of wealth. It was the first center for minting silver and gold coins and hosted the great temple of Artemis. However, all that ended with the earthquake of A.D.17 which ruined the city physically and financially. (Zondervan. Pictorial Bible dictionary)

Jesus says: “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up!” Go back to what you heard in the beginning. I will come when you least expect it if you do not repent. Twice in the city’s history their fortress was subdued by stealth. Jesus here turns His critique around, condemning the church but pointing out a few people who have not contaminated themselves. Apparently, there was a serious issue in this church that negated the true gospel. Yet, no mention of Jewish opposition or Roman persecution. It seems to have been spiritual apathy; going through the motions, doing all the right things by all appearances but the church people were facing to be blotted out of the book of life. It seems that this situation in Sardis is what many churches are going through today; there is compromising with worldly values, and an obsession for political correctness, both contradicting spiritual values. The answer is to get back to the Word of God as it has been interpreted over the centuries.

To the church in Philadelphia. Philadelphia was close to Sardis and on the main road from the East. The city’s name comes from the founder, Attalus II Philadelphus (brotherly love) due to his respect for his brother. The city was situated on the vault of the earthquake of A.D. 17 and they suffered many recurring earthquakes. They were faithful followers of Jesus and have maintained a Christian witness to this day. (Zondervan pic. Bible Dictionary)

Jesus says to them: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” Jesus will stop the opposition of the “synagogue of Satan” (false Jews). Jesus will also protect them from the trials to come. After all the destruction of the city and of their lives, “to one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it” The structures of God are permanent, like the name of God and the name of the city of God, Jesus gives his own from everlasting to everlasting. Praise be to God!

We live in a temporary place, and we live in a broken place just as the Philadelphians, a place with increasing opposition to maintaining a Christian witness. But as we see, faithfulness is possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. May every church today tap into that power. It may not be politically correct, it is nonsense to most people, but It is up to us to allow the Spirit of God free reign in our lives. That is the answer!

Light For Living!

# 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!

The Sword of Jesus!

# 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.”

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.

The Light of Life!

# 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!