Heavenhigh

The Rock!

# 17 2019. Dev. Psalm 61:2 The Rock! Read all of Ps. 61 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Ps. 61:2 “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Ps. 61, is one of four Psalms praying for protection, for refuge, for relief from the current situation. If these are psalms of David as they appear to be, I it has been suggested that he wrote these prayers during the time of Absalom’s rebellion.

David is overwhelmed, he cries out to God, “hear my cry, O God; Listen to my prayer”. We identify with this prayer more then a few times in our Christian lives, we are overwhelmed with life, with sin, with evil, with rejection. We identify with the innocent people killed at worship on Easter Sunday. We ask ourselves – where is God? Like David, we call “from the ends of the earth”, from a bad place, a place that seems far from God. We despair, our “hearts grow faint”. We have no place to go Lord Jesus, but to you. “lead me (us) to the rock that is higher than I”, higher than we are, the rock of Jesus.

God, we have hope because you have always been there for us, “my refuge, a strong tower against the foe”. Make no mistake, we are in a spiritual battle, those who follow Jesus are under siege all over the world, including our own county.

We all want to belong, to be protected, to feel God’s presence, to “take refuge in the shelter of your wings”, Lord Jesus! That is Jesus’ desire as well, Jesus, speaking to his own people: “how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing” (Mt. 23:37).

We are blessed, and like David we have “the heritage of those who fear your name”. Speaking for my wife and I we come from a long heritage of followers of Jesus, church attendance and years of reading God’s Word, leading us to the Rock that is the living Jesus. Thanks be to God!

In the power of the Holy Spirit David ends this prayer with a messianic reference: “Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. ⁷May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;” Our God reigns and Jesus is alive and among us! We thank Him!

Rapture!

# 16 2019. Dev. I Th.4:15. Rapture! Read Ch. 4:13-18. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Thessalonians 4:13 “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”

There are various positions about the reign of Christ for a thousand years and the idea of the rapture. We mention the four predominate views here but will concentrate on the reformed view: 1) There is the post tribulational, pre-millennialism. 2) the next view is the pre-tribulational, dispensational pre-mill., 3) The third view Is post- mill., 4) the last view is Amillennialism held by Reformed and Presbyterian believers.

We believe Amillennialism is the more correct biblical position. The thousand-year reign of Christ is going on right now, “Our God Reigns”! One thousand years is a symbolic number covering the time from Jesus’ birth, death on the cross, resurrection at Easter and His ascension into heaven to the coming “Day of the Lord” – when Christ comes again at the end of time, as we know it. Jesus will come with great glory, all people on earth will see Him coming and He comes to judge the living and the dead.

So what is the great hope of the followers of Jesus? Paul explains what will happen to those who have fallen asleep in the Lord: When Jesus comes again all His followers will be risen from the grave and meet Him as He is coming and His followers still alive at the time will be taken up to meet Him, all in their glorified bodies; a great multitude will accompany Jesus as He comes to judge the living and the dead. The rapture happens on the day of the Lord; at the end of time.

Jesus said to Martha at Lazarus’ death: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; ²⁶and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (Jn. 11:24-28). Eternal life, our hope and our reality! Praise be to God!

A Lament!

# 15 2019. Dev. Psalm 60: A Lament! Read all of Ps. 60 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Ps. 60: 4-5 “But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow ⁵Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.”

This Psalm is a prayer to God for help and protection. It is a national prayer the psalmist is praying for all the people and for the land. The prayer moves from lament to confidence in God’s love for the righteous, “Those who fear you” (God). The lament was a prayer but also a teaching tool (title) and may be connected to 2 Sam 1;17-27, a lament for Israel when Saul and Johnathan where killed by the Philistines. It was a major defeat for Israel brought on by King Saul’s unfaithfulness.

We live in a time of lament today, the disruptions of nations by war, and by leadership corruption sending thousands upon thousands fleeing as refuges the world over. Our own country is divided by those throwing off all norms dictated by the love of God and those who continue to be faithful. As good as life is now under a strong economy we are heading to a morally corrupt existence.

May the many followers of Jesus pray unceasing prayers of lament to God who is faithful and loves those who serve Him. There is an increasing responsibility of the Church of Christ, her leaders and ministers of the Word of God to proclaim God’s will, make His Word clear and encourage her members to live Jesus in the face of immoral trends all around us.

As David points out that God is in control, see verses 6-8, He still is in control today and will “Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.With God we will gain the victory”, We are “more than conquerors”, Praise be to God!

The Good Life?

# 14 2019. Dev. I Th.4:1. The Good Life! Read Ch. 4:1-12. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Thessalonians 4:1 “As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living.”

Paul wrote the Thessalonians to give them further teaching and to encourage them to stand firm while being persecuted. In Chapter 4 Paul moves to how they should live as Christians. The Greek life style during Paul’s time was pagan; their religion included many deities and the temple cults was based on prostitution. The new Christians were not only persecuted but there were daily temptations.

Here, Paul is very specific: “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.” He says: “avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable,” do not live like the godless people around you. Further, Paul adds something very important in that regard; “and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.”

In this short statement Paul hits us where we are today in terms of the culture we live in. Frankly, we no longer are able to say that we live in a Christian country. We thank God that there are many Jesus followers throughout the land but we are under the same pressure the Christians of Thessalonica were under.

It is God’s will that we live the Good Life; love others, morally pure, joyful, thankful, satisfied with what God gives us, not taking advantage of others, physically or physiologically. We are to be not only good example to those around us but if there is no repentance from lose living, God punishes those who do not heed his instruction.

The Good Life includes a simple life style, working diligently, taking care of yourself, your family and the family of God. God’s family is based on the human family that follows Jesus and includes: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” In their daily living and relationships. Living to please Him and being Christ’s example to others is God’s will for us, thereby becoming the true church of God! The good life begins now, living in Jesus’ presence but ends in heaven face to face with God. Praise The Lord!

Protection!

# 13 2019. Dev. Psalm 59:9-10. Protection! Read all of Ps. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Ps. 59: 9,10 ”You are my strength I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely.”

The title of Ps. 59 indicates that this is a prayer for protection for David when King Saul sent men to lay in wait for David in order to kill him. However, it appears that the prayer was revised to include a much larger force of opposition, perhaps by a king at a later time, some think in Nehemiah’s time. Be that as it may it is a prayer, including a request for protection in the first half and an expectation of God’s protection and assurance in the second half. The two sections of the prayer are divided by verses 9 and 10.

“You are my strength,” vs. 9. Last week we were comforted by Nehemiah’s statement: “The joy of the Lord is your strength”. David confirms God as his strength, he does not rely on himself, even as an accomplished warrior he is totally dependent on God.

As followers of Jesus where do we find our strength? Even with all the benefits of our lives today are we totally dependent on God? David continues; “I watch for you”. Do we, today, watch for God? How long are we willing to wait for God? God is always with us, but He has His timing and design for our lives. He continues: “you, God, are my fortress” David is talking about protection, you God protect me, only you. God protects us today, those of us who depend on Him. God’s protection is something we must acknowledge and depend on in whatever situation we find ourselves.

Then there is verse 10, “my God on whom I can rely.” God’s love for us drives out fear, Scripture tells us. We do not need to be afraid, God is with us, always, in every situation and we go forward in the confidence of the Lord relying on His will for our lives. God’s will for David was that he should be king in God’s time. God’s will for us is to serve and praise Him in every situation He places us. “God on whom I can rely”. Amen and amen!

Joy

# 12 2019. Dev. I Th.2:19. Joy in the Lord! Read Ch. 2:17 though Ch. 3. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Thessalonians 2:19 “^“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crownin which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? ²⁰Indeed, you are our gloryand joy.”

Paul’s concern for the new converts in Thessalonica is evident in this passage. He wants to return to them but is prevented by Satan, in what way we are not told. Perhaps his return, as the leader of the group, was too dangerous for the new church, given the apparent intense persecution going on. Yet, Paul wanted to encourage them and have some news of what was going on with them, so Paul sent Timothy. Timothy returned with “good news about your faith and love”. Paul writes: “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?¹⁰Night and day we praymost earnestly that we may see you againand supply what is lacking in your faith.” That is what Paul is concerned about.

What do we take away from this passage?

Pray. The beginning of outreach is prayer; pray for the person or persons you are led to impact for Christ. Pray for yourself, ask for the discernment, for opportunities to speak the Good News and for the power of the Holy Spirit in your life and in the life of those turning to Christ.

Temptation. Understand that Satan will oppose you and try to lead you and the person or persons you pray for, astray. Temptation is subtle and insidious in our culture today; as it is, Satan is not seen as a threat, or believed to be a personal being, yet, what is wicked or evil is still recognized by most people.

Perseverance. Sign up for the long haul, know that faith grows and is strengthen over time and by opposition. Further, new believers have many questions about the scriptures and sometimes about their perception of churches and some purported Christians.

Joy. I think that the spiritual impact of new believers on the church and on those working with those turning to Christ is under estimated. Paul puts the spiritual impact back in focus: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crownin which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? ²⁰Indeed, you are our gloryand joy.” Think about that! Every follower of Jesus needs to again see the importance of reaching out for Christ in terms of the huge spiritual impact and benefit for churches and individuals. What really defines the Church and us as Christians spiritually? The missional focused church and missional focused Christians, they are the true followers of Jesus and are blessed with Joy!

Injustice.

# 11 2019. Dev. Psalm 58:1 Injustice. Read all of Ps. 58 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Ps. 58:1 “Do you rulers indeed speak justly?Do you judge people with equity?”

Psalm 58 is prayer for justice, for God to judge those responsible to bring justice to the people but do not judge with righteousness. The administration of a fair judiciary was a big concern in Israel and the near east, often it was not fair.

This Psalm is framed by a rhetorical question, v.1-2 and an assurance to the righteous, v.9-11. David asks the question “do you rulers indeed speak justly?” And answers it in the negative: “No… you devise injustice and mete out violence on the earth.” Injustice starts in the heart, is pondered in the mind and is executed by the hands; injustice involves one’s whole being. Vs.3-5 wickedness is from birth and we are all affected. Wickedness is subtle, like venom spreading through the body slowly. Wickedness is intentional, “has stopped its ears that will not heed.” Vs.6-8 is the heart of the prayer; disable the wicked O God. Let those who practice injustice “vanish like water that flows away, like a still born child that never sees the light of day”. Vs.9-11 the wicked will be “swept away” quickly, there will be rejoicing and a reconfirmation of God’s presence and care: “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”

We live in a country of laws, but our culture is changing, there is much injustice, discrimination on all levels and a disregard for the law. Social media and biased news facilitates convicting people before a trial, jeopardizing the presumption of innocence that is the norm under the law. Followers of Jesus, now more than ever, must practice justice and righteousness and pray daily for our country and our leaders.

God will reward the righteous; “The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Ps. 103:6.

Praise be to God.

Approved By God!

# 10 2019. Dev. I Th.2:3-4. “Approved by God!” Read all of Ch. 2.The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Thessalonians 2:3-4 “For the appeal we make (The Gospel) does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. ⁴On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.”

Paul had been in Thessalonica for only a short time (see Act 17 :1-9). He wrote to encourage them and to continue explaining the message of the Gospel of Christ. There was opposition from the Jews living there and they stirred up the people against Paul and the new converts. Paul also teaches us today about ministry and about outreach. The first and perhaps the most important aspect of ministry is that as heralds of the Gospel Paul and his fellow workers were approved by God. It is God who calls, equips and empowers ambassadors of the Gospel with the Holy Spirit. Today, those who follow Jesus are called, equipped and empowered.

Second, they connected with the people they reached out to: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” Promotion of the the gospel is most affective in the context of relationships.

Third, hard work: “we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone”. Church planting and evangelism takes a maximum effort of those involved.

Fourth, we must be good examples: “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.”

Fifth, we must be filed with compassion for those turning to Christ: “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, ¹²encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”

Sixth, thank God daily for the people He brings to you: “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”

Seventh, depend on the Holy Spirit, be still for a time daily and listen to his voice; He is at work in you who follow Jesus and in the people God wants you to direct to Jesus.

Called by God, love for the lost, hard work, be a good example, be compassionate, be thankful and be dependent on the Holy Spirit. Admittedly, evangelism is a difficult task but the blessings and the satisfaction if only one convert is worth every effort we put forth. believe me, I speak from experience and I thank God daily, praise be to God!

God Sends Forth!

# 9 2019. Dev. Psalm 57:12-13. God Sends Forth! Read all of Ps. 57 The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Ps. 57:3 “He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me—God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.”

This Psalm is much like the Psalm 56: divided into two sections, each ending in a refrain. David asks for God’s mercy, confirms God as his refuge; “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings”. He confirms Gods salvation; “He (God) sends from heaven and saves me”. David uses the metaphor of living among lions to describe his situation. Even so he ends this half of the prayer by glorifying God: “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”

The second half of the prayer is reversed; he begins with all what his enemies are trying to do in order to catch and kill him. Again he confirms God’s love and faithfulness; “My heart, O God is steadfast”. Again he is determined to praise God, to sing songs of praise as witness to God’s love for him: “for great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”

The situation that David is praying about is found in I Sa. 24:1-3. Saul is pursuing David in order to kill him, not that he is an enemy, no, he was a beloved friend, but because God had anointed David to be the next king. David is innocent and given the opportunity, he refused to kill Saul.

David’s situation was a spiritual and a political attack on him. Today we live in an oppressive environment; people are rejected for who they are, rejected for lofty positions and for lowly positions, rejected for being Christian, or for being conservative, or, for being republican. We identify with David and take his prayer to heart. God is our refuge, Jesus’ love and faithfulness for those who follow Him “reaches to the skies”.

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.”

The Good News

# 8 2019. Dev. I Th.1:2-3. Faith, Love, Hope! Read all of Ch. 1. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw Gremar and I closer to God and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Thessalonians 1:2-3 “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul wrote to the Thessalonica church around 51 AD while on his second missionary Journey. He fled from there after a short visit because of persecution, see Acts 17:1-9. Paul wrote the early believers to give them encouragement under persecution and to give then further instructions some of it eschatological, doctrine of last things, Christ’s return.

Paul begins with greetings in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. “Grace and peace to you.” After his greeting he moves to a prayer of thanksgiving. Paul goes on: “We know that God has chosen you” by the power of the Holy Spirit and with “deep conviction for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.” At this time this church was “a model to all the believers” in the surrounding area. “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.”

O, if only that was true about churches today, what a blessing we would be in the world. Isn’t this why the Church exists; to be the body of Christ and the message of Jesus in the world today? The Thessalonica church is praised because they practiced the three values of following Jesus; faith, love and hope.

Look at Paul’s prayer: “your work produced faith”. We all must have that “deep conviction” that God sent Jesus (Jn. 3:16-18) to you personally; to save you, to save us, to save the world. Amen?

Paul goes on: “Your labor prompted by love”. We must have a deep love for one another, tolerant of leaders and members in the church, knowing the Holy Spirit is working and that Jesus is the head of the the church. Jesus’ prayer: “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

“Then the world will know that you (God) sent me (Jesus).” The goal is for the church to be the body of Christ; the physical presence of Jesus in the world. That means that every believer must love the unbeliever more than themselves! That is a command and is the mind of Christ, Philippians 2:3-4.

Paul goes on: “and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”We live in the world and we are chosen to promote Jesus and his message in the world but we are not of this world. Our hope in Jesus is that we will not experience the second death (Hell, separation from God), be bodily resurrected when Christ returns and that we will live with Jesus and each other in the New Heaven and the New Earth forever more. Practice faith, love and hope!