pathoflifedevotions April 18, Devotions

April 6 “Fearless”

Fearless

Friends talk to each other; Companions communicate.
Still, the world thinks it odd when Christ-followers say that Jesus speaks to them. Christianity is not a philosophy of life; it is a life lived in relationship with a real, living person who happens to be Jesus, the Son of God. Seen in this light, it would be odd if we did not hear His voice.

When Jesus Speaks
As He addressed the dangerous times ahead for those who would follow Him, Jesus made it clear that His followers would never be separated from Him. They would always hear His voice. When the times were dark, He would speak from the darkness. When the light returned, they would repeat His words in the day so that all could see and hear. When alone, cut off from the fellowship of other believers, the Lord would whisper in their ear an intimate word of comfort and promise. When circumstances turned, they would shout what He whispered from the rooftops.

Whom shall I fear?
The poet asked crucial questions:

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Jesus echoes this psalm:

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”

It is good to be cautious and better to be fearless. Courage does not spring from ignorance of the danger, but from a careful calculation that the reward is worth the risk. When a courageous person sees a job that must be done for the greater good, he/she decides to do what must be done regardless of personal outcome. Why? Because, whatever the issue, there is another issue higher—eternity. This life will end anyway. If it can be spent in a worthy, eternal cause—the greater good—so much the better. This courage leads someone like the Apostle Paul to make a most remarkable statement.

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

This precise calculation of risk and reward, of cause and cost, made Paul fearless.

Sparrows
These worthless little brown birds teach us a lesson in worth and in fearlessness. They are in the Father’s care! He counts them every day and marks the ones who fall, loving them all. Each one of us is more precious to Him than many of His sparrows. He knows the minute details of our existence. He knows the medical facts before the reports from the tests come back. He knows the dreams that trouble us and what they mean. He knows the dangers around the bend before we get there and dispatches angels to make our passage safe. He knows the answers to our most repeated prayers and sees them on the way. His Spirit warns us of those we must not trust and attracts us to faithful ones He puts in our pathway. As the poet said, “He has hemmed us in behind and before and laid His hand on us.”

The Fearless Life
If all around you is darkness, listen for the voice of the Lord. If all have deserted you, tune your ear to heaven’s frequency; the Lord is whispering to you now. Find the light and speak what He has told you. Climb to the nearest rooftop and shout what He whispered to you. You are more valuable to Him than a flock of His favorite birds. Why be afraid? It is time to be fearless!

Scriptures:
Matthew 10:27-31
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Psalm 27:1-3; 14
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
Philippians 1:19-26
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
Psalm 139:5
You hem me in — behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You have hemmed me in behind and before and laid Your hand on me. There is no way for me to know the number of times You have rescued me from danger or even death. You have whispered to me when no one else could I hear. Your voice has come to me in the darkest of times. Help me speak in the light and shout from the rooftops the things You have said. I want to be a fearless disciple, an apostle sent on a mission from You. This takes courage so make me fearless, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Song:
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Words: Civilla D. Martin: Music: Charles H, Hudson

1. Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is he:
his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, (I’m happy)
I sing because I’m free, (I’m free)
for his eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.

2. “Let not your heart be troubled, ”his tender word I hear,
And resting on his goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path he leadeth but one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.

Refrain

3. Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When song gives place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to him; from care he sets me free:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions April 18, Devotions

April 5 “Persecutions”

Persecutions

There is a high cost to following Christ. All of us pay it to one degree or another.
Some believers are blessed to live in lands where religious freedom is the norm but many, perhaps the majority, do not. The people who listened to Jesus and decided to follow Him certainly would do so at the risk of their lives. It was part of the compassion of Christ to tell them this. Yes, there was forgiveness of sins and power over evil spirits and health beyond the reach of disease but there was also opposition from powerful and wicked human forces. Traditions were not going to throw open their long-secure doors to the followers of Jesus. Governments and their armed officials were never going to welcome those who followed someone who claimed to be the King of kings. What people found in Jesus was going to have to be enough to sustain them through violent and unrelenting persecutions. It was more than enough.

Sheep, Wolves, Serpents, and Doves
Jesus used representatives of the animal kingdom to illustrate the future of those who followed Him.

  • Their opponents are wolves, stalking in silence or howling in the darkness. Their cunning minds, sharp teeth, and powerful jaws were ever present dangers.
  • Believers are among them like sheep, feeding in pastures protected by the Good Shepherd and finding safety in numbers, innocent and precious from generation to generation.
  • Believers are also doves, peaceful birds threatening no one, dealing in truth and beauty.
  • Their sworn enemies are snakes, evil ones lying in wait, seeking opportunity to strike the innocent, hissing lies and rattling fear with cold poison in their every nest.

This fallen creation is not a friendly place to those who would answer the call of Jesus, “Follow me.”

Two Big Differences
Two huge factors in this hostile environment give the Christ-follower hope for a blessed life.

  1. We are not alone in these persecutions; Jesus is with us. Jesus made an all-purpose promise to be with us, to never leave us or forsake us, in good times or in terrible times.
  2. When the enemy has done his worst, the best for us is just beginning. In moments of public torture and testing, the Holy Spirit will fill our mouths with the truth of God. When the moment of death comes for the Christ-follower, we will go immediately into the heavenly presence of Jesus, all pain relieved, all danger past.

The Ancient Church
Those who chose to follow Christ when He walked this earth were privileged to see and hear Him, something we can only dream about. They would witness or learn of His atoning death and would experience the Good News of His resurrection. They would become the New Testament Church, full of the Holy Spirit. These believers and those who came to know the Lord through their witness, would face three centuries of persecution. The spiritual engine that powered the early church was the constant threat of martyrdom. Yet the Lord was with them and the hope of heaven sustained them as the church grew in every part of the Roman Empire until becoming legal in 312 with the conversion of Constantine.

Jesus was with them.
The Holy Spirit empowered them. No power in or out of hell could withstand those who endured these persecutions. It is still true today for our brothers and sisters in repressive lands. Their governments, cultures, and families persecute them and still they believe and serve and witness. We must pray for them and make our outstanding freedoms count in the Kingdom.

Scriptures:
Matthew 10:16-26
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know that whatever tomorrow brings, You will be with me. You will be with me as a live and when death comes to me, You will be with me even then. Then, for all eternity we will be together. Help me be as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove. May I stay in the flock where You are the Good Shepherd. Lord, I pray for my brothers and in others lands who serve You at the risk of their lives. Strengthen them and let Your presence be known to them. Make each one a flame of fire for the honor of Your name. Help Your church do everything possible to bring Your Kingdom to every land. Amen and Amen.

Song:
We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations
Words and Music: H. Ernest Nichole

1. We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy,
a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.

Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
the kingdom of love and light.

2. We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
that shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
a song that shall conquer evil
and shatter the spear and sword,
and shatter the spear and sword.

Refrain

3. We’ve a message to give to the nations,
that the Lord who reigneth above
has sent us His Son to save us,
and show us that God is love,
and show us that God is love.

Refrain

4. We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
who the path of sorrow has trod,
that all of the world’s great peoples
may come to the truth of God,
may come to the truth of God.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions April 18, Devotions

April 4 “Sent!”

Sent!

Many people amble through life with little sense of purpose. Others are sent into the world with a job to do.
Jesus selected twelve men to do His work. Sometimes they are called disciples and sometimes apostles. The difference between the two is significant.

  • A disciple is one who shares the discipline of the leader, as in the field of study.
  • An apostle is a disciple who has been sent by the leader to do a certain thing in his name.

The Twelve
They were both disciples and apostles.

  • They were called to Him, not to a cause or a movement, but to the Man, Christ Jesus.
  • He gave them spiritual authority over sickness and unclean spirits.
  • He gave them instructions about who exactly should be the objects of their efforts.
  • They had to depend on the people who received their ministry for support.
  • They must be courteous to everyone but never waste time on people who did not receive them.

Disciples and Apostles Today
Everyone who becomes a Christ-follower today should be a disciple of Christ. He is our Teacher and we try to learn His ways and live for Him in ways that reflect His values. He is also our Savior, the one who cast our sins far away. Jesus is also our Champion. He defeated and disarmed our enemies from hell and ordered angels from heaven to guard our footsteps. It is good to be a disciple of Jesus.

Believers Are Apostles, Too
Each disciple of Jesus should respond to Him with specific things that he/she feels called to do for Him. We are all disciples and apostles—we follow Christ and we have work to do in His name. There are really two distinct lists of things we are sent into this world to do:

  1. Things that all disciples should do and
  2. Specific things He has called each of us to do.

The General Will of God.
These are the things that each of us must do:

  • Worship Him in spirit and truth both privately and with the church.
  • Live holy lives shunning sin and doing works of righteousness.
  • Tell His story, including our testimony, to all who will listen. This is done in demonstration as we live according to His teaching and show compassion to others, and in words as we speak to others about what He has done for us.

This call to discipleship is upon every one of us.

The Specific Will of God.
Discovering this is a matter of prayer and consultation with leadership. Here are some time-proven guidelines:

  • God usually calls us to do something we are gifted in and for which we have talent. For instance God calls musical people to music ministry. Our talents need to be developed into skills God can use.
  • God’s power flows in the area of our calling. When we do the things God is calling us to do, the results are obviously blessed by the Holy Spirit.
  • Doing what God is calling us to do brings a sense of joy to our hearts.
  • Godly leaders recognize God’s blessing on our work and affirm His calling.
  • Knowing what God has called you to do sets up a plan of action to prepare for it.
  • Knowing God’s will helps you say no to things others want you to do.

Each of us should live with this sense of having been sent by Jesus into the world, sent in His name and in His power.

Scriptures:
Matthew 10:1-15
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead,* cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food. “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You made me for a purpose. I am not in this world by accident. I know Your calling on my life and I am doing all I can to fulfill it. Help me to never betray that calling with foolish choices and sinful actions. Let the anointing of Your Spirit rest on me each day as I seek to do Your will. Help me to go where You send me and stay where You keep me and be who You called me to be. For Your glory, Lord! Amen.

Song:
Living for Jesus
Words: Thomas O. Chisholm; Music: C. Harold Lowden

1. Living for Jesus a life that is true,
striving to please him in all that I do,
yielding allegiance glad hearted and free
this is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to you,
for you in your atonement did give yourself for me.
I own no other master my heart shall be your throne:
my life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for you alone.

2. Living for Jesus, who died in my place,
bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace:
such love constrains me to answer his call,
follow his leading, and give him my all.

Refrain

3. Living for Jesus wherever I am,
doing each duty in his holy name,
seeking the lost ones he died to redeem,
bringing the weary to find rest in him.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions April 18, Devotions

April 3 “Compassion”

Compassion

With only word-of-mouth and no advance man or professional handlers, how did Jesus attract and hold crowds?
The compelling factor in the earthly ministry of Jesus was not His oratory, His miracles, or His sterling team of helpers. It was His compassion. His ministry was not a show; it was a rescue. His teaching was not a debate; it was a deliverance. His presence was not a special effect; it was a visitation from heaven. He really cared! He healed people because their sickness broke His heart. He delivered people from demons because they were not made for them, but for God. He taught the truth because lies are terrible, destructive things. He spoke peace because tension and strife were everywhere.

Compassion with Power
It is one thing to feel compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves but Jesus had the power to do something about it! When He left for His next place of ministry, somehow two blind men followed Him. Their cry to Him indicated they believed He indeed was Messiah.

“Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Jesus asked them if they had faith to believe in Him and His powerful compassion and they answered simply, “Yes.” As they stretched forth their necks, offering their sightless eyes to Him, He touched them saying,

“According to your faith let it be to you.”

Faith mixed with compassion can change things in this world. Immediately their eyes were opened. Darkness gave way to blessed light for each of these men. Many in the crowd began to feel the compassion of this man called Jesus and wondered if there was help for them, too.

Despite Jesus’ instructions to keep it quiet, the two men told everyone they saw. Emboldened by this miracle, a group of people brought a friend who was mute and demon-possessed. Jesus made short work of both afflictions to the further amazement of the crowd. Each of them said some version of:

“It was never seen like this in Israel!”

This tacit indictment of the leaders of the country was too much for the Pharisees standing by.

Compassion without Power
No doubt there were good men among the Pharisees, Sadducees, priests, and scribes who really cared for the people. Their compassion was limited by human weakness. They had no power to heal diseases or correct handicaps or expel demons. Their compassion was vocal but not substantial, an ecclesiastical pat on the back. Obviously they had to mount some sort of defense.

“He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

This hasty defense collapsed of its own weight. It made no sense for Satan to divide his kingdom and cast out his own demons.

A Flood of Compassion
There followed a deluge of healing grace leading to a flood of compassion charged with the power to make a difference. Doors to synagogues were opened to Jesus. Fields turned into amphitheaters and projecting rocks into pulpits as Jesus met the crowds preaching the gospel of the Kingdom.

As miracle after miracle occurred, the burden of the overwhelming need began to weigh heavy on Jesus. He saw the never-ending multitude as sheep with no shepherd. He turned to His disciples with an agonizing request.

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

What did He mean? He was saying, “Share my compassion; I will give you power.”

Scriptures:
Matthew 9:27-38
When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.” But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country. As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.” Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Psalm 145:8-9
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You walked this earth in the compassion of Jehovah God, promised long before and lasting to this moment. You would be justified in turning to us in judgment but You have chosen mercy. Help me feel Your broken heart for those who have never heard of Your compassion. So many don’t believe that You exist or that You are good. Lord, send workers into this desperate harvest field, communicators who can tell the Good News, artists who can depict Your mercy, story-tellers who can tell Your story, and caregivers who can touch hurting souls with Your compassion. Until You come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Song:
Reach out and Touch the Lord
Words and Music: Bill Harmon

Reach out and touch the Lord As He walks by.
You’ll find He’s not too busy To answer your cry.
He is passing by this moment Your needs to supply.
Reach out and touch the Lord As He walks by.

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions April 18, Devotions

April 2 “Reports”

Reports

The only news service in those days was the one we still call the best: word of mouth.
Still in the vicinity of His hometown, Nazareth, two people came to Jesus with great needs because they had heard about Him. They occupied the opposite ends of society. He was a ruler and she was a poor woman, probably a widow with no family to care for her. Word of mouth had reached both the high and well-connected and the low and powerless. They had two things in common: problems they could not solve alone and the news about Jesus—He was the problem-solver, the Healer.

The Ruler
We know from other sources his name was Jairus, a ruler in the synagogue. Leaders in the synagogues had a problem with Jesus. His miracles were wonderful but He had a way of taking it too far, claiming to be Messiah. This threatened the leadership structure. Great personal need led Jairus to be more concerned with Jesus the Healer than Jesus the potential Messiah. Jairus’ daughter was ill to the point of death. Perhaps news of the healing of the Centurion’s servant prompted Jairus to reach out to Jesus. Unlike the Roman, he felt worthy to have Jesus come to his fine house. Jesus and His men started that way.

The Woman
Their progress was interrupted by the woman who had suffered with a blood disease for 12 years. The illness had broken her financially as well as physically. Hearing about Jesus turned her desperation into hope. She felt if she could just get close enough to touch His clothes, she would be healed. She gathered all her remaining strength to pursue Jesus through the streets. As the crowd jostled him, it tossed her about, sometimes forward but most often backwards. She never gave up, continuing to press through until with a final stretch of her ancient arm she lightly touched the hem of His robe.

Jesus stopped and looked around. He had felt her touch, the touch of faith. It was as powerful to Him as the Centurion’s confession of faith. More than just her touch, Jesus felt power flow from His body to hers bringing a flood of healing. When He stopped and inquired as to who had touched Him in faith, the crowd murmured and gradually gave way revealing the old woman standing taller than she had stood in decades, strong, whole, healed, and smiling. Jesus returned her smile:

“Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.”

And she was! The word-of-mouth-machine went into high gear.

At the Ruler’s House
When Jesus arrived at Jairus’ house He was met by the sound of mourning; the man’s little girl had died. Professional mourners were already on the job. Seeing all this, Jesus went to work.

“Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.”

The mourners were not about to lose a job! They ridiculed His analysis so Jesus had them removed from the home. He went to her room, took her by the hand, and helped her to her feet. The mourners knew death but Jesus knew life!

“And the report of this went out into all that land.”

The only news service in those days was the one we still call the best: word of mouth.

Scriptures:
Matthew 9:18-26
While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour. When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. And the report of this went out into all that land.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am so glad that I have felt Your touch! When I was sick, You touched me and made me well. When I was afraid, Your touch comforted me and calmed my fears. When I was alone, I felt Your gentle touch deep in my aching heart. Your love keeps me going, Lord. I know I can count on You and Your wonderful love. I am so glad the news about You reached me! Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Song:
Let Me Touch Him
Words and Music: Vep Ellis

1. Let me touch Him let me touch Jesus.
Let me touch Him as He passes by.
Then when I shall reach out to others
They shall know Him they shall live and not die.

Refrain:
Oh to be His hand extended
Reaching out to the oppress’d.
Let me touch Him let me touch Jesus
So that others may know and be bless’d.

2. I was straying so far from Jesus.
I was lonely had no peace within.
Then the hand of my Saviour touched me.
Now I’m reaching to others in sin.

Refrain

3. There’s a river a river flowing
From within and to cleanse my soul.
And the flow sets my life to glowing,
Holy Spirit more than silver and gold.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

For an article based on this story go to: https://stevephifer.com/pressing-through/

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions April 18, Devotions

April 1 “Wineskins”

Wineskins

Jesus is called the Messenger of a New Covenant that would emerge from the Old.
Still at the dinner with “tax collectors and sinners,” probably at the home of Matthew, newly chosen as a disciple, Jesus taught about the New Covenant using the analogies of new and old wine and wineskins. We are told that wine, fermented juice of the grape, was a safer thing to drink than water in the first century. To keep the wine at peek potency, animal skins were used as containers. New wine was still in the fermenting process and would burst old wineskins that could no longer expand. New wine required new wineskins that were still soft and stretchable.

Power but not Flexibility
The Covenants before the Jesus Covenant, those of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and King David, could not rightly be called flexible. Worship happened in specified times and places with prescribed sacrifices given in great detail. Like old wine, it was powerful stuff but there was little room or need for innovation. Old wineskins were required.

Jesus changed all that when He said “a time was coming and now is” when true worshipers would worship God not in time and place but in Spirit and Truth. The Old Covenant structures of the Tabernacles and Temples would be replaced by a spiritual house—the Church—the Calvary-cleansed People of God, the Habitation of God by His Spirit. Churches have sprung up in the strangest places all over the world because of this flexible New Covenant which adapts itself to the cultures and languages of the believers. This New Covenant wine—the moving of the Holy Spirit—is such powerful stuff that new songs and methods and signs and wonders are needed to transport it from place to place.

The Disciples of John
Those who had repented in response to the call of John to prepare for the Kingdom of God asked Jesus a sincere question about fasting. These were not critics or cynics; they were sincere seekers of the Kingdom. They had patterned their lives after the serious message of John: a life of repentance and the disciplining of fleshly desires for the sake of the Kingdom. They were confused by the joy they saw in the followers of Jesus. It was like a new and potent wine leading to laughter and celebration. Why this difference in lifestyle?

The Bridegroom
Jesus was with them every day! His joy was complete and infectious. Blind people were seeing again and deaf people were hearing as people who once could not speak were singing. Those once lame were dancing as those formerly possessed by demons sat smiling in the presence of Jesus. This was a time for celebration, for feasting not fasting. Those times would come and the disciples of Jesus would do their duty, but not yet.

The New Covenant supplied garments of praise made from the new cloth of redeemed lives. The Spirit flowed from vats in the hearts of those whose sins were forgiven and the old ways could not contain the new.

The dinner at Matthew’s house was a foretaste of the Kingdom to Come, the one Jesus told them to pray for every day. For a moment it was on earth as it was in heaven.

Scriptures:
Matthew 9:14—17
Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.
John 4:23-24
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the Messenger of the New Covenant! You made this covenant in Your own blood, making it possible for us to worship in spirit and truth. You cleanse our hearts from sin, making them fitting hosts for the residence of the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is peace and freedom and joy! This is the new wine of the New Covenant! Help me to never substitute earthly wine but to drink deeply of the New Wine kept in these wonderful, creative new wineskins! You are the Joy of My Desire! I Love You, Lord Jesus!

Song:
Joy of My Desire
Words and Music: Jennifer Randolph

Joy of my desire, all consuming fire.
Lord of Glory Rose of Sharon Rare and sweet
You are now my peace, Comforter and friend,
wonderful, so beautiful, You are to me.

I worship You in spirit and in truth.
Lord, I worship You in spirit and in truth.
There will never be a friend as dear to me as You

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 31 “Forgiven”

Forgiven

Unbelievably, when we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus, we are actually forgiven!
It seems too simple, too good to be true, but it is the truth—the Gospel truth. Jesus was always a step ahead of His critics; they were no match for Him in the brains department.

Back to Nazareth
He and the disciples crossed back across Galilee and journeyed south to Nazareth. As so often happened, friends of a paralyzed man brought the poor guy to Jesus. The crowd got ready to see another healing miracle, including the scribes who were trying figure out what to do next. If He were simply a healer through some mystical connection with God, that was no threat to them. If they could enlist Him as an ally, He might even be useful to them.

When Jesus saw the faith of the paralytic’s companions, His commendation was a surprise:

“Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

The watchful scribes all took the same deep breath and had the same silent thought,

“This Man blasphemes!”

Though not a word was spoken, Jesus knew their hearts so He conversed with their thoughts.

“Why do you think evil in your hearts?
For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?

This logic left no room for a reply. Sicknesses were individualized problems so healings were nice and could easily be attributed to God. Sin was a different thing altogether. Not everyone was sick but everyone had sinned! Healings were wonderful but the forgiveness of sins was for God alone. To their silence, Jesus replied that a healing here would prove His point:

But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” — then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Like all the other times, it happened. The man’s frozen legs began to limber. Bones started popping so loud the people heard them. With a few stretches of his newly loosened limbs the man stood up to the amazement of the crowd. He flexed new muscles and picked up the bed they carried him on and went home. There was nothing to do but marvel at the power of Jesus and believe that God was the source of it. As the man journeyed home in his newfound strength, there was also a new feeling in his heart—the joy of being forgiven.

Matthew’s Call
Passing from the scene, Jesus saw a tax collector named Matthew. He called him to join His men with the same words used before:

“Follow Me.”

Matthew obeyed and as he committed to Jesus and believed in Him, his sins were forgiven. He invited Jesus and the others to a dinner to meet his friends. Jesus was happy to attend. When critics arose to challenge this behavior, Jesus set them straight. Those who are well have no need of a physician as do those who are sick. He challenged them to go and learn what they should already have known: that deeds of mercy were the coinage of the Kingdom of God,

“For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

He had the power to heal and to forgive sins.

Scriptures:
Matthew 9:1–13
So He got into a boat, crossed over, and came to His own city. Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This Man blasphemes!” But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” — then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your power is great both to heal and forgive sins. Where would I be if You hadn’t both healed and delivered me from sin? Like Matthew, You have also called me to serve You and I am happy to do so. Keep me free from sin by the power of Your Spirit. Keep me well by the stripes they put on Your back. Keep me in the traces where You put me by the power of Your blood and the might of Your name. Amen and amen.

Song:
My Sins Are Gone
Words and Music: N. B. Vandall

1. You ask why I am happy
So I’ll just tell you why,
Because my sins are gone.
And when I meet the scoffers
Who ask me where they are,
I say my sins are gone.

Refrain:
They’re underneath the Blood
On the Cross of Calvary,
As far removed as darkness is from dawn.
In the sea of God’s forgetfulness,
That’s good enough for me.
Praise God my sins are gone

2. ‘Twas at the old time altar
Where God came in my heart
And now my sins are gone.
The Lord took full possession
The devil did depart.
I’m glad my sins are gone.

Refrain

3. When Satan comes to tempt me
And tries to make me doubt.
I say my sins are gone.
You got me into trouble.
But Jesus got me out.
I’m glad my sins are gone

Refrain

4. I’m living now for Jesus
I’m happy night and day
Because my sins are gone
My soul is filled with music
With all my heart I say
I know my sins are gone

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 8 “Repentance”

Repentance

In modern Christian circles we tend to think of repentance as the final goal of our witness. Actually, it is the beginning.
The meaning of the word is simple and beyond dispute: it means to turn around. It is a deliberate reversal. Instead of traveling north we do a 180º turn and start traveling south. This is the first step in following Christ and it is a step often repeated on the Path of Life because we tend to get sidetracked onto useless paths that lead to destruction though at first they seemed right to us. When the Holy Spirit convicts us that we are on a path to destruction, we need to repent and get back on the Path of Life! O Lord, I want the power of the Spirit! I know it begins with repentance so I repent! I have gone under the water and up again to new and unending life in You. Now I want what John said You would bring—a baptism of fire! I realize how inadequate my gifts are to do the work You have called me to do. I need the Holy Ghost! Please do not leave me to my meager gifts and talents! Anoint me with Your power! Fill me with Your Spirit! “O Lord, send the power just now!” Amen.

John’s Call to Reversal
John, the Forerunner of Christ, stood in the waters of the Jordan River and called for a reversal in the ways of his generation. He was not gentle.

“Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance…”

He called his generation’s leaders snakes—not exactly good PR and very poor “optics” as they say in politics today. But this was his message, his mission. He was not called to be gentle; he was called to tell the truth to his generation. Change was coming and repentance was the first step in preparation for the change. Results rescue repentance from being just an act of public theatre.  Repentance is a real reversal of the heart. “Fruit worthy of repentance” was John’s demand. When we really repent, our lives produce a different set of results.

  • We are peacemakers rather than strife producers.
  • We are loving instead of hate-filled.
  • We are honest instead of deceptive.
  • We are humble instead of haughty.
  • We deal in grace not vengeance.

These things are the tests of true repentance. Words without a reversal of conduct are worthless.

Heritage does not automatically transfer.
The object of John’s preaching claimed to be children of Abraham, as if their bloodline won them favor with God. While Jehovah is a covenant-keeping God and will be true to His promises to bless Israel, those promises included warnings against apostasy—falling away from true worship and godly living. Their heritage had merit as long as their personal conduct was in keeping with the Law and such was not the case. John as much as said, “Big deal!”

“God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.”

It was the day of reversal, of pruning the national tree and the ax was already at the root.

Water and Fire
Standing and preaching in the river, John plunged the repentant ones under the water as a public act representing the inward reversal in their lives. For those people it was a dividing line in their lives. How many of these people would be the ones to be healed or delivered by the hand and Word of Jesus? How many of these would be miraculously fed in the wilderness? How many would witness the resurrection of Lazarus? There is no way to know, of course, but this act of preparation was the first step in preparing for Jesus to walk among them in power.

Standing and preaching in the river, John prophesied about another baptism to come, one not of water but of fire, the fire of the Holy Spirit. The cleansing begun in the waters of repentance would continue in the fires of the Spirit. God would raise up children of Abraham from every nation of the world.

And it has been so!

Scriptures:
Matthew 3:7-12
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11
Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Acts 2:1-4
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Prayer:
O Lord, I want the power of the Spirit! I know it begins with repentance so I repent! I have gone under the water and up again to new and unending life in You. Now I want what John said You would bring—a baptism of fire! I realize how inadequate my gifts are to do the work You have called me to do. I need the Holy Ghost! Please do not leave me to my meager gifts and talents! Anoint me with Your power! Fill me with Your Spirit! “O Lord, send the power just now!” Amen.

Song:
O Lord, Send the Power Just Now
Words and Music: Charles D. Tillman

1. They were in an upper chamber, They were all with one accord,
When the Holy Ghost descended As was promised by the Lord.

Refrain:
O Lord, send the pow’r just now,
O Lord, send the pow’r just now;
O Lord, send the pow’r just now
And baptize every one.

2. Yes, the pow’r from Heav’n descended With the sound of rushing wind;
Tongues of fire came down upon them, As the Lord said He would send.

Refrain

3. Yes, this old-time pow’r was given To our fathers who were true;
This is promised to believers, And we all may have it too.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 6 “Nazareth”

Nazareth

Sometimes it takes an outsider to speak to a closed system.
The leaders in a corrupt system close the doors to outsiders and consolidate their power. Such was the condition down in Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that Jesus and most of His disciples were outsiders, residents of the northern part of Israel, the region of Galilee. The prophet Isaiah called it, “Galilee of the Gentiles.” By the time of the Jesus Story, Galilee was populated mostly by Jews. Also, far removed from the stratified social structure of Jerusalem, a large middle class of merchants and craftsmen, including a thriving fishing industry, developed in Galilee. This was exceptional in the Roman culture of the day. As a craftsman, Joseph fit right in in the Nazareth community.

The People Who Walked in Darkness have seen a Great Light.
The Great Light that would eventually bring the power and presence of God to Jerusalem was Jesus Himself. He would come out of the north and bring the truth to the south, an outsider, the “Messenger of the Covenant who suddenly came to the Temple.” The faithful remnant in that closed, corrupt system to the south will delight in Jesus while the entrenched power brokers will rage against Him. Gentiles were not the only ones walking in darkness!

Out of Egypt; Back to Israel
Joseph’s dreams continued to play a major role in the Jesus Story. When wicked King Herod died, Joseph was informed of this by an angel in a dream and brought his family back to Israel. However, Herod’s replacement was also dangerous so in another angelic dream Joseph is warned of the danger. He turned aside to Galilee, settling in the village of Nazareth in the southern region of Galilee. Fathers today can imagine the joy Joseph took in raising this Boy who was both the Son of God and of Mary. If Jesus’ first word was as it often is today, the Hebrew equivalent of “Dadda,”—probably, “Abba”—Joseph was the recipient of the greeting. Mothers today can imagine the joy of Mary holding Jesus in her arms, seeing His first smile while looking into her face, and knowing before any of us did, His warm touch. These things happened in Nazareth.

The Synagogue in Nazareth
The hometown meeting place in the village of Nazareth will figure large in the Jesus story. It was here, as well as in the home of Joseph and Mary, Jesus memorized the scriptures that spoke of Messiah. He played with the neighborhood children. Surely He was the delight of His teachers. He learned Joseph’s craft by his side in the carpenter’s shop and he learned proper business practices in the community. In other words, Jesus, far removed from an elitist system in Jerusalem, learned the truths of real life, work and worship in the real world. In this, we identify with Him. He truly was one of us, living in a world not unlike ours: family, local worship and education, work and personal responsibility.

What a blessing that “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Scriptures:
Matthew 2:19-23
Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Isaiah 9:1-2
Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the Lord of hosts.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You came to this earth to be one of us. Even in the selection of Your hometown, You chose to live outside of the power structures. You learned life as a boy in school and church just like us. You learned the value of work and honesty in business. You learned real life in a real world. Help me tell Your real story in my real world. Lord, I too, am an outsider in this world. People walk in darkness all around me; help me bring Your light to them. For Your glory, Lord. Amen.

Song:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Traditional

1. O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

2. O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go.

Refrain

3. O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law in cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

4. O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem, unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save, and give them victory o’er the grave.

Refrain
5. O come, O Key of David, come and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road and bar the way to death’s abode.

Refrain

6. O come, O Bright and Morning Star, and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light.

Refrain

7. O come, O King of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our King of Peace.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.
pathoflifedevotions Devotions, March 18

March 5 “Innocents”

Innocents

Everyone knows it is not wise to make a king angry.
He has all kinds of power at his command and he does not hesitate to use it. The Jesus Story is more than singing angels, trembling shepherds, and kneeling wise men. It is the story of evil at its worst seeking to destroy good at its best.

Herod Makes His Move
Deceived by the wise men who saw through his intention to “worship Him, too,” King Herod struck out against this potential rival, this infant who is called Messiah, King of the Jews. While Jesus was still in His mother’s bosom, His young life was threatened. With the assistance of the wise men through their valuable gifts, Joseph and Mary had enough to pay their taxes and make a hastily arranged, clandestine journey to Egypt. Lost in a lumbering caravan through the Sinai, retracing the steps of their ancestors, they escaped Herod’s unreasoning wrath.

Not so the baby boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding regions. In what has come to be called “The Slaughter of the Innocents,” Herod ordered the murder of every boy two years old and younger. Thus, the prophesied cry of weeping mothers became a real sound of lamentation.

Why Would God Allow This?
At first, anyone reading this story will ask why. Why would God allow a wicked king to wreak such destruction? This is another way of asking what is the question of the ages: “Why does God allow evil when He has the power to stop it?” Theologians and philosophers grapple with this question in every generation and have since the beginning. The answers are beyond the scope of this writing. What do we know from Scripture?

  • God is just. (Psalm 37:27-29)
  • God is loving. (1 John 4:16)
  • Death is not the end of life. (Psalm 37:27-29)
  • God’s ways are beyond our understanding. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

These things we can understand and we cling to them by faith when faced with things we cannot understand. God does not run the universe at the level of our understanding. There will always be more questions than answers in this life.

A Fallen Creation
When God put the finishing touches on creation He said it was good, very good. When Adam and Eve believed the lies of the serpent and fell into sin, this perfect world began to rot, to decay from within. Evil stalked the land and has to this day. In the time of the Jesus Story, the world was held in the merciless grip of an evil empire. Israel was in the hands of a puppet king and her worship was led by a corrupt priesthood. Power was the coin of the realm, political power for Rome and the power of spiritual wickedness in the Temple. Power must be grasped and firmly held against all opponents, even a helpless child. What was the sound of weeping mothers to Herod? It was the sound of victory.

Another Child
Down in Egypt, another child nursed at His mother’s breast as a carpenter and his wife made do until it was safe to return to Israel. For Joseph and Mary there was no fear. They knew from experience that God was in control. When news of the slaughter reached them, they wept with the mothers of Bethlehem and held the Boy even closer to their hearts. There would be an answer to such evil.

Scriptures:
Matthew 2:16-18
Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”
Jeremiah 31:15
Thus says the Lord: “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted for her children, Because they are no more.”
Psalm 37:27-29
Depart from evil, and do good; And dwell forevermore. For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, And dwell in it forever.
1 John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Your ways are higher than my ways. As the Bible says they are “past finding out.” When I have questions about life that I cannot answer, help me review the things I do understand from Your Word and dwell on these things. I trust Your heart, Lord, in things I don’t understand. I know that You are loving and just and that You comfort those who suffer at the hand of the evil in this world. The time is coming when You will make all things right and dry all tears. Thank, You, Lord. Amen.

Song:
When the Morning Comes
Words and Music: Charles Albert Tindley

1. Trials dark on ev’ry hand, and we cannot understand
All the ways that God would lead us  to that blessed Promised Land;
But He’ll guide us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die;
We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain:
By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We will tell the story how we’ve overcome;
We will understand it better by and by.

2. Oft our cherished plans have failed, disappointments have prevailed,
And we’ve wandered in the darkness, heavyhearted and alone;
But we’re trusting in the Lord, and according to His Word,
We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain

3. Temptations, hidden snares often take us unawares.
And our hearts are made to bleed for some thoughtless word or deed.
And we wonder why the test when we try to do our best,
We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain

Semper Reformanda!
Stephen Phifer

© 2018 Stephen R. Phifer All Rights Reserved

TheJesusStory devotions are also found at KingdomWinds.com.