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Psalm 98 David’s poetic praise
1 
Go ahead—sing your brand-new song to the Lord!
    He is famous for his miracles and marvels,
    for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength.
2 
Everyone knows how God has saved us,
    for he has displayed his justice throughout history.
3 
He never forgets to show us his love and faithfulness.
    How kind he has been to Israel!
    All the nations know how he stands behind his people
    and how he saves his own.
4 
So go ahead, everyone, and shout out your praises with joy!
    Break out of the box and let loose
    with the most joyous sound of praise!
5 
Sing your melody of praise to the Lord
    and make music like never before!
6 
Blow those trumpets and shofars!
    Shout with joyous triumph before King Yahweh!
7 
Let the ocean’s waves join in the chorus with their roaring praise
    until everyone everywhere shouts out in unison,
    “Glory to the Lord!”
8 
Let the rivers and streams clap with applause
    as the mountains rise in a standing ovation
    to join the mighty choir of exaltation.
9 
Look! Here he comes! The Lord and judge of all the earth!
    He’s coming to make things right and to do it fair and square.
    And everyone will see that he does all things well!

My father was a good and fairly patient man, but he would only put up with disrespect and disobedient behavior from his children for just so long. Eventually, it became very apparent when Dad had “enough.” My father expected that his children would honor his authority, will, and instruction. Well, our heavenly Father is the perfection of my earthly father’s expectations and ways.

In our passage today, David sings about the goodness and justice of God. As believers and followers of Christ, we know we serve the God of justice. Something we must remember is our God never promises to bring “instant” justice to set things right. He promises to one day intervene, judge, and remedy the destructive work of sin and evil. At that time, he will set “all things” right forever.

For now, Jesus stands at the crossroad and bids us come toward his righteousness and right standing with the Father. So, we put our hope in our heavenly Father and trust in his appointed time when he will say to Satan, “enough!” Praise and glorify the Lord, today, because his goodness and loving-kindness endures forever and his promises are sure!

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the world to wake up and realize you will in your appointed time say, “enough!” Sin and evil and those who engage in it, will face the justice you have warned is coming. How loving are you to send your Word ahead and let all the world know the Truth! With the ocean waves I clap with applause, praise with gratitude, and give to you the honor and right to deal with the injustice I have faced in this life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Isaiah 49:5-6 (TPT)
5 
And now, the Lord Yahweh—
    who shaped me in the womb to be his servant,
    to bring Jacob’s tribes back to him
    that Israel would be gathered back to himself,
    for I am honored in the sight of Yahweh.
    I find the source of all my strength in my God—
6 
who says:
    “Is it too small a thing for you, my servant,
    to restore greatness to Jacob’s tribes and the survivors of Israel?
    I will make you to be a light to the nations and
    to bring the light of my salvation to the ends of the earth!”

In our passage today, the prophet, Isaiah, speaks a word of hope to God’s people about bringing freedom to those suffering from exile in Babylon—the world’s system. Our passage exalts the Lord Yahweh, his perfect love, and his power to save and restore. This prophecy is really about the future salvation Jesus Messiah will bring as the sinless and obedient Servant of Yahweh who will die for the sins of the world.

Think about this prophecy and the things we now know God has done, in Christ, to deliver us into freedom and wholeness. We are not bound by the things of this world or the work of Satan, we have been released by the Liberating King. A future of choices awaits us and we are free to make them. Our relationship with God is blessed and strengthened by the righteous choices we make to live in the Kingdom. We know it is a narrow path, but we follow.

Jesus was called from the womb, covered by God’s Spirit and favor, as well as equipped and prepared by God to bring salvation—the greatest miracle of all—to the world. Never forget, Jesus, the Light of the World, was sent to invite not only Israel back to rest or dwell in Yahweh, but the nations, as well. May we have the Wisdom and courage to live in the righteous Hand of Truth.

Prayer: Lord, throughout biblical history, you reveal your love and plan to redeem and restore creation and bring everything back into your righteous Hand. Thank you for loving the world and for making a way for our salvation. I treasure your love, trust your will, and seek to protect our relationship in Messiah. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 14:18-31

18 “I promise that I will never leave you helpless or abandon you as orphans—I will come back to you! 19 Soon I will leave this world and they will see me no longer, but you will see me, because I will live again, and you will come alive too. 20 So when that day comes, you will know that I am living in the Father and that you are one with me, for I will be living in you. 21 Those who truly love me are those who obey my commands. Whoever passionately loves me will be passionately loved by my Father. And I will passionately love him in return and will reveal [personally] myself to him.”

22 Then one of the disciples named Judas [Judah] (not Judas Iscariot) said, “Lord, why is it you will only reveal your identity to us and not to everyone?”

23 Jesus replied, “Loving me empowers you to obey my word. [proves a relationship] And my Father will love you so deeply that we will come to you and make you our dwelling place. 24 But those who don’t love me will not obey my words. The Father did not send me to speak my own revelation, but the words of my Father. 25 I am telling you this while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Spirit of Holiness, the One like me who sets you free,[from the curse] he will teach you all things in my name. And he will inspire you to remember every word that I’ve told you.

27 “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!
28 “Remember what I’ve told you, that I must go away, but I promise to come back to you. So if you truly love me, you will be glad for me, since I’m returning to my Father, who is greater than I. 29 So when all of these things happen, you will still trust and cling to me. 30 I won’t speak with you much longer, for the ruler of this dark world [slanderer/accuser] is coming. But he has no power over me, for he has nothing to use against me. 31 I am doing exactly what the Father destined for me to accomplish, so that the world will discover how much I love my Father. Now come with me.”

There is so much associated with our passage that it is difficult for me to decide what to highlight, today. I will start by reminding you the Lord promised his disciples, before his crucifixion, they would see him again. They saw him many times after the resurrection, before his accession, and gained a clear understanding of the importance of obedience to the Father. At Pentecost, they saw him in the personal coming of the Holy Spirit and experienced his power. And, the Lord promised they would see him in the parousia—coming or presence. Now, some times Scripture speaks of the parousia in terms of the taking away of the Church before the Tribulation (1 Thes. 4:13-18). Some times Scripture speaks of the parousia as the coming of Christ at the end of the Great Tribulation when he comes to set up the Millennial Kingdom on earth (Matt. ch. 24-25; Rev. 19:11; 20:4-6). I believe we will experience Christ’s coming and presence in both events. Just remember, the parousia is a future and glorious realm for the Lord and those who obey his commands and passionately love him.

My friends, when we ask Christ to come into our hearts, we spiritually experience the Lord of Life. When we ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit and obey his leadership, we experience the Lord of Pentecost power. And, every day, we must keep our hearts open and our souls expectant, because he has promised to come for us. We may find ourselves witnessing a web of conflict and moral chaos in this world, but we as God’s children of love can live in his supernatural peace and provision. As a believer, you have the Lord of Life and Power living in you, so live courageously in his love. Be an instrument of peace wherever you go. Satan has no power over the Lord who lives in you, so don’t give the enemy any room in your life. Stand in Truth, live in love, and watch for our Lord to come.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for coming personally into my life and saving me from the curse of sin and death. I am blessed abundantly by your presence in me and I know you bring every good and perfect gift for my new life in you. Holy Spirit, help me to abide in your perfect peace and live in your love and power each day as I continue to wait expectantly for you to return for your Church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

James 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom from above is always pure, [holy] filled with peace, considerate and teachable.[easy to correct] It is filled with love [mercy] and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy [never wears a mask] in any form 18 and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.

Many times as human beings we want to think we are wise. In fact, Scripture teaches “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil” (Pro. 3:7). However, human wisdom is very different than divine wisdom. We hear people talking all the time who think they have wisdom, but do they? In our passage today, James tells us about divine wisdom. Please read this short passage over and over again and let it soak into your soul. Be determined to be transparent, extend mercy, and make peace everywhere you go, today.

Prayer: Lord, I am so blessed to know if I lack divine wisdom all I need to do is ask for it. Thank you, Jesus, for being my divine wisdom and for helping me to bear the fruit of righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Galatians 5:16-26 (TPT)
The Holy Spirit, Our Victory
16 Let me emphasize this: As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life. 17 When your self-life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit you hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your self-life from dominating you! So then, the two incompatible and conflicting forces within you are your self-life of the flesh and the new creation life of the Spirit.
18 But when you yield to the life of the Spirit, you will no longer be living under the law, but soaring above it!

19 The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, 20 chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, 21 being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior.

Haven’t I already warned you that those who use their “freedom” for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God!

22–23 But the fruit [harvest] produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love [agape] in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit (Lordship). Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless.

24 Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus Christ have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self-life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah. 25 If the Spirit is the source of our life, we must also allow the Spirit to direct every aspect of our lives. 26 So may we never be arrogant, or look down on another, for each of us is an original. We must forsake all jealousy that diminishes the value of others.

In our passage this morning, the Apostle Paul gives a very powerful reminder of the life we should enjoy when we are connected to the Vine—Jesus Christ. Our flesh may wage war within us, but we cannot give way to the demands of the flesh; the flesh has been crucified in Christ Jesus. Let’s not resurrect that which seeks to destroy our fellowship with the Lord. When we offend the Holy Spirit with our self-centered inclinations, we limit the expression of divine love flowing through us. This world needs to experience the agape love of God flowing through his children of Light. Live in the Holy Spirit; live in victory!

Prayer: Lord, in a culture that hungers to live by sinful flesh and unrestrained emotions, please raise me up by the power of the Spirit so that I might live in your Holy presence. Help me bear the fruit of your righteousness and be the original you created me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 22:25-26 TPT

25 
You’re the reason for my praise; it comes from you and goes to you.
    I will keep my promise to praise you before all who fear you
    among the congregation of your people.
26 
Let all the poor and broken eat until satisfied.
    Bring Yahweh praise and you will find him.
    May your hearts overflow with life forever!

When we call out to the Lord, he hears our cries and answers our prayers. There are two aspects to a right response to such a loving and wonderful Deliverer. First, we should give him public praise; people around us should hear about the goodness of God operating in our behalf. Our witness should be powerful and positive; the Lord is the reason for our praise! Second, we should remain faithful to his commands and covenant of love. Our desire to live in a way that pleases God must be our priority every day. To fear God is to come to him with holy respect and awe for his goodness to his creation; to fear God is the beginning of godly wisdom.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always coming to help me when I call. I praise and worship you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark 14:26-31 (VOICE)
26 After the meal, they sang a psalm and went out of the city to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus: 27 All of you will desert Me tonight. It was written by Zechariah,
    I will strike the shepherd,
        and the sheep will scatter.
28 But when I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.

Peter (protesting): 29 It doesn’t matter who else turns his back on You. I will never desert You.

Jesus: 30 Peter, mark My words. This very night before the cock crows twice, you will have denied Me three times.

Peter (insisting): 31 No, Teacher. Even if it means that I have to die with You, I’ll never deny You.
All the other disciples said similar things.

Throughout Scripture, God’s Word reminds us the Lord knows all hearts; he knows the attitudes and motives of our hearts. God knows our strengths, as well as our weaknesses. Although he loves us, he will always be honest with us about our need to grow in spiritual maturity. He is the Truth. We are physical beings, as well as spiritual beings; our physical actions can have spiritual importance. The more we allow ourselves to grow in spiritual formation the more we will be ready for the times ahead—either good or challenging.

Our passage today is an excellent reminder—the Lord knows how we will respond to the Truth each day. Praise the Lord for the Spirit’s work in your life. Don’t protest the change the Lord wants to bring; welcome the growth because he sees far ahead of you. We all want to say we are ready for Christ’s return. Now is the season for growth so let’s embrace it because the harvest always follows.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for how well you know me. Prepare me for the work ahead. Make me bold and strong in your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Galatians 6:8

8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul teaches us that everything we say and do becomes a seed that either feeds the Spirit or feeds our sinful nature. If we sow to our selfish flesh—feed the sinful and sensual desires that are opposed to God’s Word—we will reap destruction. We must persist in sowing righteous seeds.

If a farmer plants corn, he does not expect to harvest watermelons from his seeds; he planted corn so he knows he will reap corn. To think otherwise is folly. Therefore, how we live our lives as we manage God’s grace and resources determines what we will reap. We need to live in a way that pleases the Spirit, then we will reap the eternal resources of heaven. “Don’t get tired of doing what is good and right before our Lord, because in His season we shall bring a great harvest if we can just persist” (Gal 6:9).

Prayer: Lord, help me be persistent in sowing good seeds into the Spirit-life. I desire to reap the eternal life you have promised. Thank you for being my Helper. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

April 26, 2021
Psalm 95:6-7

6 
Come, let us worship and bow down.
    Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
7 
    for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
    the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today!

In our passage today, the psalmist offers an invitation to humble ourselves and worship Yahweh Lord. We bow down in humility and adoration as we acknowledge our supreme Creator and Master. He is our Redeemer and Shepherd; we are the sheep in his hand. Yahweh’s commitment is always constant, his care is all-encompassing, and his love is extremely personal. So, come let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Prayer: Lord, I worship you with my life today. I humbly bow down and praise your name. You are so good to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 23:4-6
4 
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
5 
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Our psalmist today, King David, is described as a man after God’s own heart. In Christ, God writes his laws on our hearts and renews our minds, so we will interpret and champion the things of His heart. Our obedience to live according to the righteous things written by God is the revelation that we truly walk with God. On our walks with the Lord each day, we must remember he is the Source of protection and comfort. As well, even when the world rejects our convictions, the Lord is there to anoint us and reward us with his presence. Make sure you focus on the goodness of God and make pleasing him in your walk through this world your highest goal. He alone can satisfy the longings of your soul and affirm you as living with His heart.

Prayer: Lord, stay close beside me while we walk together through the dark valleys in this world. There are so many things that grieve my heart; perhaps they grieve your heart, as well. Yet, I have hope in your ongoing work to redeem the world. So, Lord, protect me and my family from evil and be the comfort to each one of us that only you can be. I will remain focused on your goodness and love; I will ask for your blessings upon my life, as well as the lives of all believers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.