Heavenhigh

Fasting.

# 21. 2017 Dev. Mt. 6: 17-18. Fasting. Read verses 16-18. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Matthew 6:17-18

¹⁷But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, ¹⁸so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Jesus here make a comparison of how to fast; what is acceptable to God and what is not. In the west fasting is not talked about much today and does not seems to be practiced by many Jesus followers. It was common practice in the Old Testament (mentioned 25 times) and was practiced by the early Christian church (mentioned 9 times in the New Testament).

Jesus was asked why He and his disciples did not fast? “Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”

Fasting and prayer go together. It is a way to focus on an important issue you want to bring to God. You don’t take time to eat (most people do drink water) you separate yourself from intimacy, entertainment or other things you may like to do. You concentrate on God and on what you are praying about. Fasting and prayer are powered by the Holy Spirit and there is a glow around a person fasting in that power.

In Jesus’ time on earth fasting was much abused, it was done for show and to impress people, an attempt to raise ones’ status in the religious community. Today fasting is all but ignored. If you are one of those who fast, v.17 tells us how to fast in a way that is pleasing to God. God will hear your prayer and your future is assured! Praise be to God!

Trust God!

# 20. 2017 Dev. Ps. 10:1-2 Trust God! Read all of Ps.10. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 10:17-18

¹⁷You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,¹⁸defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

While Ps. 9 deals with evil nations Ps.10 speaks to individuals. David begins with a question that we may have asked on occasion: “Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” This question is based on vs. 2-11 describing the wickedness of mankind. However, this question is not based in reality when we read the next verse.

12 brings us back; “Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.” This is a prayer that we know our God hears and will answer. Our God is the defender of the weak, those denied justice, the disenfranchised, the oppressed, those overwhelmed with illness and those persecuted. Praise Him!

The last two verses 17 and 18 is a prayer we must pray not only for ourselves but for the hundreds of thousand caught in the evil lies and acts of people like Assad, the leaders of Al Qaeda, the Taliban and the leader of Isis. Can prayer really make a difference? Pray! Stand back and wait on the Lord God, He is the King forever!

Praying!

# 19. 2017 Dev. Mt. 6: 9-13. Praying. Read verses 5-14. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Matthew 6:5-14 ⁹“This, then, is how you should pray:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.¹²And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.¹³And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Jesus here has the same attitude as he has for when we give to the poor, don’t pray to impress others with fancy or with many words, pray to God alone. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This then, is how you should pray:”

“Our Father in heaven,” Jesus makes it personal “our Father in heaven” Generally speaking, fathers love their children, care for them, and sets the ground work for them to live long and happy lives.

“Hallowed be your name:” Jesus praises His father and He wants us to praise Him as we pray.

“Your Kingdom Come”: When we pray this prayer we are asking Jesus to return to complete the coming of the Kingdom with the New Heaven and New Earth.

“Give us this day our daily bread”: When we pray this what do we think about; our jobs, our pay checks, the money we have invested, the money we have in the bank? Do we depend on God everyday? Or are simply giving lip service that we depend on God for our daily bread?

“and forgive us our debts, (sins) as we as also forgiven our debtors” (those who sin against us). Jesus elaborates on forgiveness in verse 14, Jesus says: If we forgive others God will forgive us but if we don’t neither will God forgive us. Strong words.

“Lead us not into temptation” (In other words protect us and guide us in this broken world) “but deliver us from the evil one.” Many people no longer believe that Satan is real but believe me he is active in this world.

All of our praying should include: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication (ACTS). The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Praise God!

Give Thanks!

# 18. 2017 Dev. Ps.9:1-2 Give Thanks! Read all of Ps. 9. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 9: 1-2

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. ²I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.

Ps. 9 is a Psalm of David and is liturgical, used in temple worship. There is some indication that Ps. 9 and 10 are one composition. NIV Note: Psalms 9 and 10 may originally have been a single acrostic poem in which alternating lines began with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. In the Septuagint they constitute one psalm. Further, Ps. 10 is not titled.

But now they are separate so we read them separately. David begins with thanking and praising God with all of his heart. In v.3-6 he tells of the works of God on his behalf. He makes a switch in v.7-10. “Our God reigns”: he praises God for His righteous judgments, for being a refuge, a stronghold. Those who look to Him trust God and God does not reject those who seek Him!

Again in v. 11-12 David sings God’s praise. Vs.13-14 is a personal request for mercy and to be able to enjoy God’s salvation. In vs. 15-20 David alternates between God’s acts in the nations and God’s attributes.

Let us return to vs 1-2 Make it your own: Give thanks to the Lord with all your heart. I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. What has God/Jesus/Holy Spirit done for you? I will be glad and rejoice in you: As followers of Jesus do we rejoice, are we glad/happy people? I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. Read these two verses and take the time to fill in (write it and articulate it) your own Christian experience

Take the time to do these two verses this week!

Giving!

# 17. 2017 Dev. Mt. 6:3-4. Read verses 1-4. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Matthew 6:3-4a

³But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your giving may be in secret.

Jesus’ sermon on the mount in the Gospel of Matthew goes on for three chapters, 5,6,7. Today we move to chapter 6 :1-4 and Jesus moves from loving your enemies to giving to the needy. Chapter 6 begins the third section of Jesus’ sermon. The Beatitudes is the introduction to the Kingdom of Jesus that include the gifts of the Kingdom (blessings). In the second section are the ethical expectations of the Kingdom, ending at the end of Ch. 5. Ch.6 begins the comparison of Jewish legalism and the ways of the world to the Kingdom.

Giving to the needy is assumed here, Jesus expects his followers to help the disadvantaged. Giving with compassion is part of the image of God in us. Both believers and unbelievers are compassionate but what Jesus is talking about here is the way we help others.

This section begins with a warning: “be careful how you practice righteousness”. One would think that righteousness is self qualifying. That would be true if our motivations are neutral; if our motivation is only to practice righteousness with no thought about the perception of others about us.

Along with a warning to be careful Jesus includes what can only be interpreted as a negative promise; “you will have no reward from your Father in heaven”. Apparently, as we see today, some people at that time made big announcements when giving to the poor. Jesus tells us that drawing attention to ourselves when giving to others is not righteousness but unrighteousness.

Therefore, Jesus says: “do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”. Give in secret and God will reward you but those who seek the praise of men have their reward already. I think that Jesus is warning us because it is a very subtle issue in our lives; often, we are upset because we get very little recognition for the good we do as followers of Jesus. We have work to do in this area and we thank God for the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us moving closer to Jesus. Praise God!

God’s Majesty!

# 16. 2017 Dev. Ps. 8:1 God’s Majesty! Read all of Ps. 8. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 8:1

Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.

Ps. 8 is bracketed with v.1a and v.9, in-between are two sections, God’s glory and God’s reference to man. Surely God’s glory is all around us! The Psalmist talks about the heavenly host; the moon and the stars “set in place by God’s fingers”. There are still a few places in the world where it is really dark because there is no man made light. On a clear night the heavenly lights are overwhelming, that is what David is talking about here. But in contrast David also writes: “Through the praise of (small) children and infants you have established a stronghold” to hold back and to defeat evil. It is hard for us to imagine that God empowers the innocent, the vulnerable, the praise of the helpless.

Verse 4 is the center of this Psalm. There is a shift from God’s work to man. How is it possible God that in your great power you reach out to man and the children of man? When confronted with God’s glory we immediately see our own short comings! Yet, “We are a little lower that the angels” and you have put much of creation in our hands. We are co-reagents with you Lord in our responsibility to care for the earth. Hebrews 2: 6-8 attributes Ps. 8:4-8 as a reference to Jesus: “But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (v.6-11}. Hebrews point is that Jesus is also fully human. Yet these verses also refer to us, mankind: Hebrews points out in v.11:^“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters”. We speak of the true church of Jesus.

Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth! Amen!

Love Your Enemies!

# 15. 2017 Dev. Mt. 5: 43-44a. Love your Enemies! Read verses 43-48. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Matthew 5:43-44a

⁴³“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[ⁱ^] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”

The devotional for this week is much like what Jesus told us two weeks ago (The Eye and Tooth). It is not what people want to hear. Jesus is radical in that way; his expectations are the opposite of what the world dictates. Jesus gives us the example of God’s Grace and Gifts of His creation given equally to the righteous and unrighteous. God’s love by the power of the Holy Spirit holds this world together for every human being.

It is no wonder that Jesus says love your neighbors. Loving a neighbor is more than loving a friend or our spouse. It is not the same kind of love but love as we see what the Good Samaritan shows to a stranger; showing compassion and mercy to a needy person, it is, more than likely, what followers of Jesus would do and are doing now.

But Jesus is asking for more, much more! Love those who are not your friends and not of your family. Love those who appose you because you follow Jesus. Love those who persecute you, love your enemies! Really? How do we love those? It is not the kind of love we have for a neighbor but it is a love that seeks good for those who appose us and seeks good for all people. Jesus tells to do so by praying for them. Praying for their well being, praying for them to see and understand God’s love and praying for their conversion.

When you pray for a person it is hard to hold a grudge or to hold onto hate, it may even move us to forgive. That is the goal here, to bring peace and harmony and thereby proving ourselves to “be children of your father in heaven”. Let’s pray this prayer as well: Jesus, empower us to be perfect as our “heavenly Father is perfect”. Amen?

God Most High!

# 14. 2017 Dev. God Most High! Ps. 7:8-9. Read all of Psalm seven. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 7:8-9

“Let the Lord judge the peoples. Vindicate me, Lord, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous God
who probes minds and hearts.”

David appeals to the court of heaven. He is under attack, probably by king Saul or a supporter of the king. King Saul continually pursued David but David did not raise his hand against him, even at opportune times. David takes refuge in God; “My shield is God Most High who saves…” David is completely dependent on God for his physical and spiritual well being.

“Let the Lord judge the peoples” David placed his case with God but he is not over confident about his innocence or God’s help: There are two “ifs” In this Psalm. vs. 3-4 “if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me”. David accepts the fact that he may have fallen short and would accept possible punishment. V. 12 referring to God here: “If he does not relent,” God’s grace comes into play; God will take action according to His time and according to His righteous will.

The message and prayer of this Psalm and the two verses we look at is much needed today: David appeals to God: “Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.” Evil is attempting to overwhelm all of us here and in many places around the world but God is in control.

Whatever we are struggling with right now, know that God is in control of our physical and spiritual well being. God stands to judge all people and our faith in Christ puts us in the grace of God. May we continually pray the prayer of this Psalm and along with David we say: “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praises to the name of the Lord most high”. Amen and Amen!

The Eye and Tooth.

# 13. 2017 Dev. Mt. 5:38-39. The Eye and Tooth. Read verses 38-42. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Mathew 5: 38 -39

³⁸“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^[^h^] ³⁹But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also”.

This statement of Jesus may be one of the most difficult to apply. The idea of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, a foot for a foot is found in Ex. 21:24, Lev.24:20, and Dt. 19:21 The precept is about personal injury and the appropriate response to it. It does not mean that an eye, tooth or foot would be required but a response appropriate for the offense is required.

Jesus is saying something quite different and even more radical. Don’t resist, turn the other cheek for a second blow. Really? Don’t resist evil with evil but with good, not by allowing ourselves to be a door mat but to give to those in need. What Jesus is saying is that we respond with an appropriate response; Love!

If someone wants something from us it should be appropriate to the need of the person. Does he/she really need a shirt or a coat? If we have what we need we are required to help those in need. We are told to not only look to or own interest but to the interest of others and love others more than ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4. “Have the same mind of Christ.” Paul tells us: in humility serve others.

Jesus is talking about our relationships; in the last analysis our relationships are more important than our processions. That is not the way of the world, we are surrounded with appeals to buy, buy this and be happier, a lot of it we do not need. Jesus is telling us to think about others in conflict, “turn the other cheek” and to look at others who are in legitimate need, help and go the extra mile. As followers Jesus our responses should be geared to build relationships, thereby building the Kingdom of God. Amen!

Lord Hear My Prayer!

# 12. 2017 Dev.Ps.6:2-3. Read all of Ps. 6. The purpose of these devotionals is to draw closer to God by memorizing selected passages of Scripture. Further, to view the passage in context and grow spiritually by applying His Word to our daily living with family, friends and others. All passages are taken from the NIV.

Psalm 6:2-3

Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.³My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?

Ps 6 is a Lament, and one of 7 “Penitential Psalms” (along with 32; 38; 51; 102; 130; 143). David thinks that God is angry with him but that may not be necessarily so. God disciplines people for sin but also to prepare one for what is to come, to prepare one for service, holiness (Heb. 12:1-13).

Perhaps there is an indiscretion, a sin, or perhaps he is dealing with a difficult situation that he has not yet come to grips with; Sin not confessed , lack of forgiveness, not dealing with perceived unjustified bad treatment as was the case with David’s enemies. All these unresolved issues bring on “deep anguish” and a physical decline resulting in “groaning and weeping”. David struggles night after night, weeping, asking for mercy, blaming his sorrow on his foes.

But David has hope because of God’s “unfailing love”, because God has heard his prayer and heard his cry for mercy, he is assured an answer. We can identify with David, whether we deal with sin in our lives or we are unable to forgive, or we feel personally attacked and we are not able to move on. Because of God’s “unfailing love” we ask for mercy, we bring our lament to God, we are specific in our prayers and we anticipate God’s answer in his time. Praise be to God!