Psalm 138-12.19.22
Scripture
Psalms 138:7 NLT
“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.”
Observation-What does it say?
This is a psalm of David. David is writing this psalm in the midst of the trials he is facing. In this psalm, David still gives his praise and honor to God for God’s goodness, faithfulness, mercy, unfailing love, protection, and God’s willingness to hear and answer his prayers. David knows of God’s goodness and greatness. He has witnessed God’s amazing power firsthand. He knows that soon all the kings of the world will give God the praise and thanks He deserves because the glory of God is great.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Just because we are Christians, doesn’t mean we are exempt from life’s troubles.
Whether I am reading the Bible about David, or more recently, reading about Job; one thing is for sure, life is filled with trials and troubles. Just because we choose to follow God and live godly lives doesn’t mean our lives are going to be peachy clean from that moment on. On the contrary, the Bible tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust-(Matt. 5:45). Meaning, that troubles are going to hit everyone in life. Jesus actually warns his followers that troubles will surely come to them:
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”-John 16:33
God did not remove life’s troubles from Job or David. God may not even remove some of life’s troubles we are facing. But does that mean God isn’t with us, or that He isn’t listening to our prayers? Absolutely not! You see, there will be times when we cry out to God and He delivers us from trouble. But more often than not, God will allow us to go through those trials and troubles. It isn’t because He has abandoned us. In actuality, God is right there, standing alongside with us, giving us the faith, strength, and courage to endure through it. It kind of reminds me of taking my kids to the doctor or dentist. Sure they don’t want to go and go through with it. But as their father I know that it will be good for them. It will help them in the long run. What more of our Heavenly Father who is perfect? He sees our hurts. He knows our concerns. Even though He may not take them away from us, He is standing there with us, holding our hands every step of the way. He is refining us, molding us into the people He has called us to be. So are you facing life’s troubles today? Take heart! Know that God is with you. Know that He took on human form in Jesus, and went through everything we are going through and more! Know that Jesus overcame it, and so can you!
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”-Romans 5:3-4
Life Application
Courage under fire.
There is a saying that you could really see a person’s true character when life’s struggles and troubles come their way. What more for a Christian? They already have all eyes on them. They have other people watching and waiting to see how they respond when certain situations start coming their way. They have people who are just waiting to pounce on them the moment they slip, just to say, “Ah Ha! You hypocrite!” Let’s not give them that chance. Let them see our faith. Let them see our love. Let our actions speak to them in a way that points them to Jesus. May they see the strength and confidence we have in our God no matter what life throws at us.
-Moses Gaddi
Matthew 21 - 12.16.22
Scripture
Matthew21:5
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.
Observation – What does it say?
Jesus commanded his disciples to run an errand into town and they obeyed.
Understanding – What does it mean?
The nature of a disciple is to obey the one they are a disciple of. I cannot call myself a disciple of Jesus yet refuse to obey his instructions. I don’t have the option to obey certain commands I like and that feel easy and to disregard others that don’t feel convenient.
The kingdom belongs to the obedient, not those who merely offer lip service.
In this same chapter, Jesus told a parable in which he commended the son who obeyed his Father as opposed to the one who said he would obey and didn’t. Then later he told the Pharisees that the kingdom would be taken from them because they refused to obey, and given to others who would obey and produce kingdom fruit. We are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. But faith looks like something. Namely, obedience.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Life Application
God, please show me the areas and times I disregard your commands. I don’t just want to call you my Lord, but I want my actions to reflect it. May I not be like the fig tree that was cursed because it didn’t have the fruit you expected it to have. Make me, and make your church a people who it would be said of that, “they went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” Amen.
-Levi Thompson
Matthew 20- 12.15.22
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20:28 NLT
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
OBSERVATION:
Jesus has an encounter with a rich young ruler who desires to “do a good deed to enter heaven” (19:16). He is quite enthusiastic to share with Jesus that he follows all the commandments. But—when Jesus proposes that he sell ALL he owns to give to the poor—explaining he would receive riches in heaven—and invites the young ruler to “come be one of HIS disciples”—the cost is just TOO high. The sad young ruler leaves.
This prompts a question from a greatly concerned Peter about their future—and what they will “GET” because after all—they’ve left EVERYTHING to follow Jesus.
The concerns about their future continue when James and John are jockeying for places of honor in heaven asking to sit on either side of Jesus. SO—Jesus STOPS to teach the disciples a clear lesson about SERVING—Serving—the way of Jesus.
UNDERSTANDING:
Serving—the way of Jesus—
Today I am pausing (selah) and continue to be in awe how “personal” Jesus is. Reading HIS word—and the things HE is speaking to me. I may have read certain passages countless times before—but all of a sudden—one certain word OR phrase will ring in my heart—and begin to circulate in my mind. It is like what Katie shared on Sunday—Selah—pause—pay attention—God is speaking WITH me today—Listen—Remember—all the times HE has been WITH me—exalt HIM.
Jesus came TO serve.
I am thinking about this on the heel of Peter’s question, “What will we get?” Jesus, Of Course, didn’t ask everyone to sell their possessions to follow HIM. Jesus Knew in the case of this young ruler—his riches were his “identity”. Much like James and John seeking those honored positions in heaven.
Jesus knows the things that weigh us down. I must be transparent here and share that I periodically need to stop and do a check—asking where is my identity stemming from? I pray my heart is pure for Jesus. For years I strived for those titles—Saks Fifth Avenue Buyer, Bloomingdale’s West Coast Divisional-and once I got them it wasn’t enough—I wanted the next one. But, God was never impressed. In fact—HE specifically told me so one very important day when it all came crashing in with my illness.
“I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God— which is your spiritual service.” (Romans 12:1TLV)
LIFE APPLICATION:
I am a servant of Jesus.
This is the most important title we will EVER have.
It means literally dying to our own ideals and visions of self—however that may look—SO that we may TAKE up the IMAGE of Christ.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20a NLT)
Jesus explained clearly that “rulers in this world enjoy authority AND flaunt it over others—BUT—with my disciples—it will be…different.”
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you , must be your servant and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27 NLT)
AND with this service we GO with the LOVE of Jesus…Selah…HE is WITH us!
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will EVER be able to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35, 38-39 NIV)
Dearest Lord Jesus,
Thank you for your revelation of Love that continues to astound me. YOU invade every crevice of our beings to demonstrate YOUR wonder working power at work IN us and THROUGH us. Nothing is TOO much for you. Your Love is reckless and unlimited and able to reach through the thickest walls of depression and oppression and the most remote valleys of of emptiness and sadness—YOUR Love can FILL to overflowing. May we NEVER limit your ability or power to move in unexpected ways or places by our human understanding or expectations. Teach me to Selah—stop—pause—and listen. May our faith and hope arise to the highest peeks for your glory. In Jesus Name. Here I am Lord. Send me.
Tina L Kudelka