The living Word and the written Word of God!

# 5 2021 Dev. 2 Pe.1:12. The Living Word! Read verses 12-21. 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.

2 Peter 1:12 “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.”

Peter, as he so often does, points back to what he writes before, “confirm your calling, add to faith and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom…” Peter wants to continually remind his parishioners and us today to keep us “firmly establish in the truth you (we) now have.” Life is short and we do not get a rerun, Peter knows that he is about to inherit the kingdom. Tradition has it he was killed, crucified upside down in the persecution brought on by the Roman Emperor Nero after writing this second book some time during AD 63-68.

Peter makes every effort so that the followers of Jesus be reminded of the things he is teaching and has taught them. Today we are blessed to have not only this letter but many diverse letters completing the whole Word of God. Peter tells of his experience with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration where he heard God’s voice. He also points to the prophets as “completely reliable” and as a light in a dark place. All of scripture is reliable “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The Bible is a living book, one may read the same passages at different times of life and find content you missed the first time because the Holy Spirit guides you to what you need at the time.

As Pastors and church leaders we all need to take on the intensity of Peter’s calling as an Apostol of Jesus. Not only Pastors and leaders but all followers of Jesus, that is why we read Scripture, that is why we attend church, not to get saved, no, we are already saved but we do all the things Peter writes about out of thankfulness to God. But there is more, we want to honor God’s calling and election. God puts us in churches to teach us, to encourage us, so that we may teach and encourage others, Amen! Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 “The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” God gives the followers of Jesus, “the ministry of reconciliation.” One more way to put it is that “God makes His appeal through us.”  All of life is worship, use words as necessary. We Thank God!

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God’s Good Earth!

# 2 2021 Dev. Psalm 104:24. The Glory of God! Read all of Psalm 104. 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 104:24 “How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms. This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 104 is a hymn to God our creator and could be a prayer as well. This Psalm begins with an introduction v.1 “Praise the Lord, O my soul…” and ends with an epilogue vs. 33-35. “I will sing to the Lord all my life;..”

While Ps. 103 is all about God’s compassion, Ps 104 is all about God’s glory.The Psalmist describes that glory in terms of His creation, in terms of His creative power and in terms of His complete power in His world, vs 2-4. We sometimes forget, many people don’t know and many don’t care but this world was created by God, vs. 5-9 and is maintained by God for the benefit of His people and His animals, vs.10-23. When we look up, put aside the brokenness in our lives, and open our hearts to God, we say: ““How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Vs. 24-26.

God created this world for us, His people, to care for us, for us to develop, for us to be able to enjoy our lives on God’s good earth. God’s first mandate to mankind Is: “to work it and take care of it” Gen 2:15-17 God set a boundary for mankind to test our obedience, sadly we failed and brought brokenness into our lives. But God is faithful he does not leave us in our folly, His Spirit is still in this world to hold things together, vs.27-30. We are created to worship God for the short time we are on this earth, to care for it and to work toward the good of others and for ourselves.  We are on this earth to worship God, the Creator, not creation itself, vs. 31-32. At the present time we are being pulled in that direction.

The Psalmist ends his hymn with a prayer, he only wants what is positive, he will sing, praise, meditate and rejoice but rejects the negativity of sin. It is my prayer that as you think about this wonderful but troubled world, you look up, think about God, Father Son and Holy Spirit, who created this world, who created you, saves you in Jesus, and will take you to the place where you belong, your true home in heaven, God bless!

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# 2 2021 Dev. Psalm 103:8. Compassion! Read all of Psalm 103. 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 103:8 “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 103 is a hymn by David about God’s love and compassion toward His people. This is a Psalm familiar to many of us as the closing to a communion service. The Ps. is divided into three sections, v. 6 and v.19 transition to the next section.

Vs. 1-5 praises the Lord for “all his benefits… forgives all your sins… heals all your diseases… redeems your life… love and compassion… good things… youth is renewed.” This is a message for all time but particularly needed at this time. This is a message meant for all people everywhere but applies for those who praise the Lord. Praising God seems less and less today as people forget the source of our freedom, our health, and our well being. Pray for a revival!

V. 6 is the transition to section two: “the Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Vs.7-18 describes God’s righteousness, justice and God’s love. These verses are a great source of comfort at that time and in our time today. We all have fallen short of the will and precepts of God but when we seek His face, God is “compassionate, abounding in love, he will not always accuse.” Vs. 11-12 shows us God’s great compassion: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” This is a great source of comfort for us and the example as well.

Vs.13-18 moves us into a more personal concept of God’s love; “as a father has compassion on his children”. But there is a condition, “compassion on those who fear him.” The Lord is our creator, He knows our failures, our weakness and the shortness of our lives. Vs.17-18 is an issue that should concern us and comfort us at the same time: “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” 

The transition, v. 19, is the call to praise God: “The Lord has established his throne in heaven and his Kingdom rules over all.”  Praise the Lord in heaven, praise him “you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord all his works.” And last but not least: “Praise the Lord, my soul.” This is what it comes down to: are you praising God for all of his gifts to us, even at this time? In this New Year, me and my house will praise the Lord!

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# 1 2021 Dev. 1Peter 5:7. Comfort! Read all of Ch. 5. 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.

1Pe. 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

In Ch. 5 Peter encourages church leaders and church members. Peter is speaking out of experience, as a witness to the suffering of Christ and he suffered as well. Apparently the followers of Jesus were going through a time of suffering and it is clear that Satan was working hard to bring down God’s Kingdom exemplified by the church. Today we see his activity all around us.

Peter encourages leaders to watch over God’s people; not out of obligation but a labor of love. Be honest, be a good example, not lording over your charges, you are shepherds along side the “Chief Shepherd”, Jesus Christ, who rewards the faithful.

Peter also encourages the followers of Jesus; be respectful to the elders, be submissive and everyone be humble “toward one another…” that God “may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” This is also encouragement for us today; no matter what may be going on, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are right there besides us and dwell in us, we do not need to be afraid. Today, we should apply Peter’s encouragement toward the church, to our families as well, to singles, to fathers, mothers and children.

But we are warned as well, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Recognize the enemy, “resist him standing firm in the faith” your faith, it is a gift to be cultivated by the Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. The universal suffering that Peter was talking about was perpetrated by Nero who burned down much of Rome in AD 64 and made followers of Jesus the scapegoats. After this warning and before his final greeting Peter gave them and gives us this benediction:

 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.” This blessing is very much in need today!

Peter ends this letter with greetings from Rome and encouraging you (and us) testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it! Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” Amen and amen, have a blessed New Year.

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# 52 2020 Dev. Psalm 102:17. Love! Read all of Psalm 102. 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 102:17 “He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
    he will not despise their plea.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 corresponds with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 102 is a prayer as well as a lament seeking God’s favor. It appears to be a personal request for healing, he is “reduced to skin and bone,” he experiences what he feels is God’s rejection, he is alone. Today, this prayer could be prayed in almost any country of the world.

Vs. i-2, the Psalmist’s appeal, “when I call answer me quickly.” Vs. 3-11, he describes his condition, “My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I wither away like grass.”

Vs.12-17 In these verses he pivots to his faith and addresses God directly: “enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations”. You “have compassion, the appointed time has come.” The land is dear to God’s people as the God’s Kingdom is dear to the followers of Jesus. The Lord will rebuild Zion” as God will rebuild our lives. God “will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
he will not despise their plea.” After much darkness we start to see light, God responds because of His compassion and loving kindness, God is always near His people, especially when we feel abandoned, he will not reject those who call upon His name. God is with us during this difficult time. Praise Him!

Vs.18-22, the Psalmist raises the issue of responsibility of teaching the next generation, “that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.” They are to know that God ‘looked down’ and heard the ‘groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.’ That is what we celebrate at this time of the year, God’s Love, He sets us free from the chains of sin, and gives His life so that we may have eternal life. Praise the Lord!

Vs. 23-28, The Psalmist goes back to his personal prayer, he requests a long life. He praises God for His eternal reign and for His creation but points out the that human life is tentative and fleeting. Yet, God’s salvation is the bottom line in his prayer: “The children of your servants will live in your presence; their descendants will be established before you.” From darkness to light is the result of God’s love. Today we celebrate Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Today all we need to to do is to respond to His Love. Have a blessed Christmas!

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Gremar delivered this couple’s first born giving them great joy! _{Image subject to copyright.}

# 51 2020 Dev. 1Peter 4:13, Joy!  Read verses 12-19. 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.

1Pe. 4: 13 “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

We are in the Advent Season, we look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth and we anticipate Jesus coming again. Peter here brings up a difficult issue, “suffering for Being a Christian”, not a subject we want to hear about at this time of the year. Even so, it is not just in Peter’s time, suffering is with many people today, people in this country, and people in countries around the world. Is Christian suffering going on right now? I say yes, when you consider that the many restrictions on society are perpetrated by some godless leaders and religion is singled out. There are places in this country where there is no restriction, go figure.

Because Jesus suffered for speaking the truth, suffering will always be with the followers of Jesus. Peter says: “do not be surprised…” what “has come on you to test you…” Evil is perpetrated by the evil one who is out to destroy the Kingdom of God but at the same time a testing for Christians allowed by God. At this time of the year we are drawn into a world of soft cuddly babies, gifts, celebration and family gatherings but meaningless if separated from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Peter gives us some advice when we are suffering; “rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the suffering of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Peter here is anticipating Jesus’ second coming. If you suffer “you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” Peter sees the suffering God’s people are going though in his time as the Judgment of the last days.  That thought has been on our minds as well.

But the bottom line is that the Spirit of God and of Jesus dwells with us and in us. As a result, we are to rejoice and praise God this Christmas season, celebrating, giving gifts, thanking God for His gift of salvation. We are to rejoice at such a time as this, a time for Hope, Peace and Joy!

Paul agrees with Peter, his final exhortations: Php. 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE!” Amen!

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# 50 2020 Dev. Psalm 101:6. Peace! Read all of Psalm 101. 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 101:6 “My eyes will be on the faithful in the land,
    that they may dwell with me; the one whose walk is blameless
    will minister to me.”

Ps. 101 starts a new series of 10 Psalms This series is like a Psalm within the Psalms. The series is complementary from front to back: Ps. 101 with 110 and 102 with 109 and so on. Psalm 101, the King is speaking the words of God.

Vs. 1-3a. The king’s world and life view: “I will be careful to lead a blameless life… I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.”

Vs. 3b-4. The king is still speaking in the first person: “I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part of it. I will have nothing to do with what is evil.” The king makes a personal decision. In todays everyday life and political life, we would do well to pay close attention. The king’s words and actions bestow peace upon the the people of the land.

Vs 5-6 are the center of the Psalm, they are opposed to each other and stand alone. V. 5 the slanderer and the “haughty” will not be tolerated. V.6 but he approves the “faithful” and the “blameless will minister to me.” What is evil tears down, what is good builds up.

Vs. 7-8 The king will not tolerate “deceit” or “falsehood” or “wicked” people or “evildoers”. The king is speaking as one ordained by God to suppress evil and do good; that is the role of those who God has placed over the land. “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Ro 13:1-5). If we are to have peace in the land leaders must do what the Psalmist is telling us. However, it is not enough to desire peace in the land, we also must have peace in our hearts, without fixing our hearts we will not find peace. That was the meaning of the first Christmas and still is the true meaning today: that people turn their hearts back to God, that we turn our hearts back to each other. Christmas is a time for hope and peace, Christ came to set us free from the evil the Psalmist opposes. Please pray for our country and for a change in our hearts. We thank God for His salvation!

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This is one of the Babies my wife delivered at the school in Niger State, Nigeria. ^{Image subject to copyright}

# 49 2020 Dev. 1Peter 4:7. Hope!  Read verses 1-11. 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.

1Pe. 4:7 “The end of all things is near. Therefore, be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. ⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

We are in the Advent Season, we look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth and we anticipate Jesus coming again. Peter connects chapter 4 with chapter 3 as he has consistently done throughout his book.  He connects Christ’s suffering to our suffering: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (Chapter3). “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin” (Chapter 4).

This is a hard concept, not much understood but think about it. When people are suffering by illness or persecution you move to look outside of yourself, for followers of Jesus they look to Him.  When we are forced to look outside ourselves and we are out of our comfort zone, reality sets in and the fragility of life comes into focus, changing our life styles.  Let’s be clear, all illness, persecution, corruption, exploitation and all that makes humans miserable by the actions of others comes from Satan as God allows it.  As followers of Jesus we know that one function of the Holy Spirit is to suppress evil in the world.  The bottom line is that God is in control!

The next section, vs. 7-11 gives us the direction and comfort we need in a broken world, be of “sober mind so that you may pray” our first line of defense. “Above all love each other deeply.”  Love overcomes! “Use whatever gifts you have received to serve others.” Live God’s grace, everyone has gifts. Speak with “the very words of God.” In other words, know your Bible in your heart and live God’s Word. Serve “with the strength God provides…” serve not in your own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit. This section is titled “living for God”.

 What does that mean for you? We worship, we hear His Word, we are encouraged, we give funds to organizations helping the poor and to missions and we support our churches and Christian education. Is that the full measure of living for God? The church is more than that, we are to impact our families and our neighbors, people living next door, we are to impact our neighborhoods, we are to impact the powers that be, those who God has set over us. The purpose of the church is worship daily, thereby changing the world and the abuses of the people of the world. You are asking yourself, why do all that?  Well, that is why God established Christ’s church and Peter adds: “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

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