Scripture Reading Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Faith is a step beyond hope. Hope is necessary in order for us form an optimistic view of the future. Hope is even included as one of the “Great Three” listed in 1 Corinthians 13:13. (Faith, Hope and Love) Faith takes hope to the next level. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for…” The word “assurance” is translated from the Greek Word ὑπόστασις. (hupostasis) This word means that a person has concrete evidence that something is true. This is like a court case where the evidence is undeniable and demonstratively accurate. Faith is not vague and undefined. Faith is specific and clear. Faith is also the absolute conviction concerning the “things not seen.” Would it be great to know the future? As a Believer in Christ, we do know the future. We may not know the details of how things will unfold, but we do know how they will ultimately land. According to Romans 8:28 “All things are going to work out for our good.” According to Jesus’ own words, He is preparing a place for us, and He is going to come back and receive us. This is not merely a hope, this is the future reality for those that are in Christ Jesus! Questions to Consider:
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Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. There was turmoil in the church. The denomination that they were a part of had sent the new pastor. The former pastor of the church was a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching, God-fearing man who loved God with all his heart. The newly installed pastor openly stated that he was an atheist and believed that God was a myth. What we know, without a doubt, from Hebrews 11:6, is that this new pastor was not a true man of faith. Being a clergyman was his chosen profession, but he was not a believer. Faith begins with two prerequisites; 1) One must believe that God exists, and 2) That God is good. Specifically, He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. I do not understand what would motivate a self-proclaimed atheist to lead a community of faith, but that was what was happening in this church. This would be a church with some major gaps. This church would lack in being led with wisdom, because the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. This church would lack in evangelistic fervor because the heart of the gospel would not be preached with conviction. This church would lack in hope in the future because the pastor had no hope to offer the families of a deceased loved one. Questions to Consider:
“The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. Mark 4:28 NASB
Jesus says that the soils of our heart is what will determine growth to happen or not happen. In this parable of the sower of seeds, three out of the four soils were in areas that were outside of the designated field where a sower would typically sow seeds. The seeds landed in these areas, and in some cases growth happened; but they were in areas outside of the prepared and cultivated field. Where the seed grew and produced fruit (Mark 4:20), someone had prepared that soil. This is what you do as a farmer, you prepare and cultivate the soil so that it is ready to receive seeds and that those seeds can grow without interference. The preparing and cultivating of the hearts of those that God has brought to us is of extreme importance if growth is going to take place. But how do we cultivate and prepare the hearts of others? Isn't that their job to prepare their own hearts? speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Ephesians 5:19-21 NASB What Paul is describing here in these verses is one of the way that we as a church cultivate and prepare the hearts of one another so that we can continue to receive seeds of growth in our lives. In verse 21, Paul says to "be subject (submit) to one another". Why do you think that is? Because If we are not submitted to each other then we will not give permission or authority for others to help cultivate our hearts. This may be an obvious statement, but we need each other more than we know. We need a community around us that helps keep the soil of our hearts soft and ready to receive. But if we keep everyone at an arms length distance away, and never let them get "too close", we will most likely develop a hardened heart as we miss out on the blessing of the church community. Preparing the soil to receive seeds takes more effort than the sowing of the actual seeds. It takes time, energy, sacrifice, and attentiveness to make sure that the ground is prepared. Then after the seed is sown, it takes even more time and energy to continue to water the seed and to cut down the thorns that try and grow up around it. This is not meant to be the task for one person; this is meant to be a community effort. Questions to Consider: 1. Do you have a community around you that helps cultivate your heart? If not, please reach out so we can get you plugged into a community group. 2. How are you currently cultivating the hearts of those whom God has brought into your life? And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? 31“It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE.” Mark 4:30-32 NASB
In the beginning portion of Mark 4, Jesus speaks about one of the seeds that fell on the road and what happened to that seed. as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up. Mark 4:4 NASB “These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. Mark 4:15 NASB Jesus says that the "bird" that came and snatched the seed off of the road is a picture of Satan. We know Satan to be God's enemy and our enemy, but the word "Satan" means adversary and accuser. So, because of the hardness of the soil (pictured as a packed down road), and before this seed could ever go deeper and take root, Satan swoops down like a bird to snatch the seed away. If you have ever watched a bird swoop down to grab something to eat, they do so swiftly, with precision, and with stealth. Their domain is in the air, so they try not to spend too much time on the ground; so they come quickly and then disappear. How does Satan snatch up the seeds of the word of God that have been sown in someone? In two primary ways: 1. By bringing accusations against us causing us to feel unworthy of the truth of the word. 2. Bringing accusations against God causing us to doubt His goodness and the truth of the word. When we experience accusations against ourselves and against God, we should recognize that we are under attack and that something spiritual is taking place. Know this, the devil will do everything he can to make sure that the truth of God's word does not take root in our hearts because he knows that he is no match for the power of God's word. In Mark 4:32 above, Jesus says that once the seed of God has grown it will grow up and become large enough to provide shade for the birds to nest under. We know already from the previous devotional titled: "Shade for the birds" that we are called to be a place for people to come and nest under and find shade from the trials and worries of life (see Matthew 6:25-26 & Matthew 11:28). To nest means to dwell or take up quarters, and the word under means to come under the authority of someone as a subordinate; to come under and remain under someone else. So, not only are we called to be a place of shade for the birds (people), but we are also called to be a place of shade from the thieving, swooping birds of the air. Demonic birds are constantly trying to steal the powerful word of God. It's important to note that the hard, rocky, packed down hearts of people that the seed is sown upon is of major concern. If it wasn't a hardened heart where the seed fell then the seed may have immediately been hidden deep in the soil, untouched by birds of the air. But we must remember what the prophet Jeremiah prophesied: "Is not My word like fire?" declares the Lord, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock." Jeremiah 23:29 We should never underestimate the power of the word of God. If it falls in an impossible situation of even a hardened heart, the word of God can still break through causing tenderness to happen. What Jesus is describing here in Mark 4:30-32 is what becomes of those who allow the word and seed of God to take root in them and transform them. These little seeds grow and become large trees with large branches. They will begin to stand firm in a new authority through the transformation of the life of Christ. When we allow God’s seed to grow in us, we will become a place of shade for others to come to for protection and concealment from even the swooping demonic realm of Satan. We will begin to walk in the authority of Christ to where even demonic "birds" of the air that fly around snatching up the seeds of the word of God, come up "under our shade" of authority. We don’t have the authority in and of ourselves, the seed of Christ in us gives us that authority. The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” 18And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. 19“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. Luke 10:17-19 NASB We have been given authority over all the power of the enemy through Christ. This starts with us on an individual level in our individual walk, but it "branches out" to others that are in need of protection, deliverance and guidance from Satanic influences. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy but we as partakers of the life of Christ have been called to bring life and life abundantly. Let us walk in this calling and in Christ's authority. Questions to Consider: 1. Are we a shade for ourselves, our families and our church that protects them from the demonic "birds" that fly around snatching up the truth of God's word? 2. Have you ever noticed how hard the devil and this world fights to keep us from the word and from prayer? How does the devil and the world do this in your life? And He said, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? 31“It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE.” Mark 4:30-32 NASB
How large does this little mustard seed become? Jesus says that when this little seed has grown it will be larger than all of the other garden plants with large branches that will provide shade to the birds of the air and a place for them to nest. As we read the parable of the sower of seeds we come to realize that Jesus is talking about the hearts and minds of people, not actual wheat. What does Jesus mean by "birds" here in verse 32? Two times in the gospels Jesus uses the term birds to describe two different things. One is in reference to human affairs and worrying, and the other to describe spiritual, satanic entities. The first is found in Matthew 6:25-26: “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? In the verses, Jesus is demonstrating the care-free lifestyle of birds in comparison to worries that humans face. Jesus is trying to get us to see how birds do not worry, yet they have all that they need, so why do we worry. The worries and cares of this world are experienced by everyone to different degrees. But a constant state of worrying or anxiety will often reveal a double-minded heart, or will lead to double-mindedness which will choke out the life of Christ in us. When we worry or have anxiety, it is usually because we do not fully trust in the good and all satisfying God of creation. A life of constant worry cannot be endured for a long period of time. If worry and anxiety are not dealt with, it will eventually lead to isolation which leads to depression and eventual death; spiritual or physical. This is why we as a church need to understand what Jesus is trying to show us and how important these verses in Mark 4:31-32 are for those who do have the seed of God growing in them. The word that Jesus uses for “nest” in verse 32 means to take up quarters or set up camp; to find a place to dwell. There are many people in this world (maybe even you reading this) that need a place to come and dwell and camp-out for a while. The scorching sun (see Mark 4:5-6) is beating down on them and they cannot endure it any longer. They are afraid, worried, anxious, and they feel alone. They are about to wither away if they cannot find a place of shade to dwell under. This is what the church is meant to be. A tree that has grown with large branches for the "birds of the air" to come to when they need rest. The beautiful thing is once they experience that type of rest, they will no longer desire to leave the secure branches of the shade tree. Jesus, Himself is our example in this. He made it clear who He was calling to Himself in Matthew 11:28 when He said: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." That heart of Christ and mission of Christ is now being continued through His church. Have we allowed the seed of God in us to grow to such an extent that we now are a place of shade and refuge for those facing the scorching trials of this world? But that's not all that Jesus describes these beautiful, large trees as being. He says that the birds of the air will be able to nest "under" us. The word for “under” in verse 32 means to come under the authority of someone as a subordinate; to come under and remain under someone else. Jesus is saying that when this seed has been sown, and when it has become fully grown, it will be a place for the birds of the air to come up under and experience shade. This is a great picture of what we call discipleship today. Not only are we to be a place of rest from the worries of this world but we are also to lead, direct, encourage, and teach those that have come up under us. We are to direct them to God's word and show them what God says about the bombardment of lies from the devil and this world. Lucifer is raging right now like the blazing, burning sun. He has a purpose of destroying lives and keeping people blinded to the gospel. As people of Christ, we need to realize our calling in response to this activity of the devil. Let us be a place that provides shade and instruction to those being afflicted today. This isn't the role of a pastor; this is the calling of anyone who has the seed of God growing inside of them. Trust in the word that was sown in you and let it grow, stand tall, and see how God will use you to show His love to those in need. Questions to Consider: 1. Do you know someone that is facing trials right now? How can you be a place of shade to them? 2. Who is someone that provided shade and instruction to you during trials in your life? Maybe they need the same encouragement they provide to you. I encourage you to reach out to them as the Lord leads. “In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; 17and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. Mark 4:16-17 NASB
Have you ever noticed that when God reveals something new to us through His word or through His church we will often face something that is completely contrary or that is in opposition to that word? Or within a matter of hours or days we will be given the opportunity to practice what was revealed to us. Jesus, in Mark 4:17 reveals this spiritual principle to us. In verse 16, a seed was sown in someone who did not have depth of soil but instead had a rocky foundation. The person receives the word with joy and the seed shoots up quickly. The picture here is that this person has the seed within their mind, they understand it and are joyful over it, but the seed has not yet entered the deeper places of their heart where it can be firmly rooted and produce fruit. So when affliction, trials, and persecutions come about because of that word, they have no depth and the seed withers away by being scorched by the trying, afflicting sun. Jesus says that the reason for the affliction and persecution that comes is because of the word. Verse 17: then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. The word is the reason for the afflictions and persecutions. Why is that? We find a reason for that in Psalm 105:19 which says: Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. What the psalmist is revealing here is that a person received a word. In the waiting for that word to manifest itself or come about, the same word of the Lord tested him. When we receive a word or revelation, the Lord will then test that word so that the "seed" moves from our minds into our hearts. The problem with this person in Mark 4:16-17 is that they had no depth of soil for the seed to move into and instead it was scorched by the sun and it withered away. The word was nothing more than any other idea that we can let go when times get tough. But imagine what would have happened if this person held onto that word despite the afflictions. Imagine if this person had other people around him to cultivate a deeper understanding of what was happening. Transformation would have happened in them and they would have seen the word come to pass instead of becoming another statistical tragedy. The reason for the sower of the seeds parable is to teach us that the word of God was never meant to stay on the surface of our minds. Instead, it is meant to move into our hearts and then into action. For that to take place a testing of the word is necessary. For example, the Lord may reveal to you that He is a God who heals. Then in the coming days you will encounter someone who is in need of healing. In that moment, the revelation you received of God being a healer is still in your mind. You believe it intellectually but the Lord is trying to move it into your heart so that it becomes something experiential and real instead of theoretical. Or, another example would be that the Lord reveals to you the power of fasting. Then shortly thereafter a friend will speak to you about how they are going to be fasting and would like to have someone do it with them. The planted revelation of the power of fasting is now being tested by the Lord in your life so that you can experience the power of fasting firsthand, instead of only reading about in the bible. Or, how about another. We hear that "God will supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory" (Phil 4:19). Then we face a financial crisis or affliction soon thereafter that tests that word we just received. In that moment we can believe the word of the Lord and see God's provision and mercy like never before, or we can become scorched by the trial, grumble, complain, and fall away. This is why Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:7 that in the last days there will be men who will come who will be "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." The word for "knowledge" there does not mean head knowledge or theoretical understanding. The word means an experiential knowledge. Knowledge that is gained through a first-hand relationship and experience. Learning is extremely important and valuable but we have not been called to be hearers of the word; we have been called to be doers. Look for the opportunities that God has provided to take what He has shown you and move it into practice. And if you are facing afflictions or persecutions because of what God has spoken, rejoice! -- because breakthrough is coming if you endure. He has, He will, and He is bringing about those tests to prove His word to be true and trustworthy in your life. Questions to Consider: 1. What is something that God is showing to you right now? Have you been given the opportunity to put that revelation into practice? 2. Following Christ and the life of faith has a risk element to it. What are some areas in your life where you can take a risk to see God move? 3. Do you know someone facing a trial right now? Will you reach out to them with encouragement to keep trusting in what the Lord has revealed to them?
Scriptural Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31 NASB95 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. [12] She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. [13] She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. [14] She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. [15] She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. [16] She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. [17] She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. [18] She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. [19] She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. [20] She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. [21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. [22] She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. [24] She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. [25] Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. [26] She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. [27] She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: [29] “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” [30] Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. [31] Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. We are approaching Mother's Day, the day we recognize and honor those who gave us life. Let me start with the obvious, in spite of the current twisted gender nonsense rampant in American culture, without mothers none of us would exist. If you enjoy life, you know who to thank. So, this Mother's Day, if you have the opportunity, make sure to tell your mom, "Thank you" and "I love you!" (If your mom has passed away, remember her with a thankful heart) I happen to have a very high opinion of women in general and mothers specifically. In my life I have been surrounded by "Proverbs 31" women, and I have been shaped and blessed by their influences. My mom, my wife, my daughter, my daughter-in-law, my sister, both of my grandmothers, the one great grandmother that I knew...all amazing women. Full of love for God and family. Creative. Productive. Faithful. Intelligent. Helpful. Sacrificing. Examples worth following. Loving. Joyful. Kind... The list of worthy attributes runs deep. In most families the center of the family and greatest influencer is the mother. The opportunity to shape the family and to bless future generations is the prerogative offered most mothers. I had a wonderful father, but my mother had the greatest impact in shaping my character and view of life. I will forever be thankful that my mother carried me for nine months until I was given the opportunity to live; and then for many years she nurtured and cared for me; and to this day I am blessed by her prayers. No doubt, the Proverbs 31 woman has a value that can only be described as priceless. Questions to Consider:
(Author's note: I realize that not everyone's life experience is the same. I have had friends who suffered because the home was not what it should or could have been. Humanity does not always make the most of the afforded opportunities. If you suffered at the hands of your parents, I point you to our heavenly Father who has no shadow of turning. The Apostle John defined God in one word, "LOVE.") Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:5-7 (NKJV) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Some people walk in the darkness, because they actually love the darkness. They avoid the light, because it would expose the actions and choices of their lives that they would rather remain hidden. Obviously, God gives us the free will to make such a choice; but, is it a wise decision? When you consider the heavy price that is paid in broken lives, regret and sorrow, a life lived in darkness is not a wise choice. "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all!" God is everything that is good--everything that is hopeful--everything that is of love--everything that is of healing--everything that is holy, worthwhile, inspiring, beautiful, magnificent, glorious, lovely...light. The world is full of possibilities for those who walk in the light. Walking in the light as He is in the light is our opportunity to walk in the destiny that God has prepared for us. It is a wise choice. The Bible tells us that our minds cannot even conceive (imagine) the great things that God has prepared for those that love Him. (1 Corinthians 2:9) If that is true, and it is, I can conceive of some pretty amazing possibilities and yet my possibilities pale in comparison to the reality that God is preparing for me. What is the key to unlocking that door? "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin!" That, my friends is good news!! Questions to Consider:
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)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. No question about it--the battlefield for each individual's soul is located in the mechanisms of our thought life. Think of your thought life as the normal processes and thinking patterns that have been established over time. These well-established patterns are now in control. The question is this: Who has established the thinking patterns and what thinking patterns are being established right now? These thinking patterns will exert a great amount of control over your future actions, so what are the primary inputs of information being fed into your brain? Please note: All input counts! Most of the input that shapes our thinking comes through what we "see" and what we "hear." (But addictions are also developed through what we taste, smell and feel as well) What are you watching and what are you hearing? What are your primary sources for education, entertainment and social development? What movies do you watch? What TV shows do you enjoy? What music do you listen to? What books do you read? What friends do you listen to? What advice do you receive at home, school and work? What sites do you visit on the internet? The list go on and on... We are being shaped by what we feed into our brain on a regular basis. This indeed is the battlefield. Paul gives us two strategies for the battle: 1) Let our knowledge of God and our Christ-centered values be the standard by which we evaluate the input. If the ideas, values, thoughts and arguments do not met the "God-Standard" they need to be brought into captivity. What does that mean? That we simply do not give audience to ungodly thinking. We don't allow secular thinking to take root in our brains. 2) Secondly, we need to pro-actively pursue Godly input. We need to expose our brains to books, music, conversations, teaching, fellowship and communion with God; that is full of "things" that are noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. Questions to Consider:
Author's Note: This would probably make a better subject for a book than a devotional, but I wanted to draw attention to the ongoing battle. We live in such a sensual, feel-good, me-centric, humanistic, nihilistic, post-truth world, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred and the wrong values are being championed. It is hard not to be influenced or tainted by the exposure. The Church will need to become increasingly counter-cultural. We need to stop worrying about being relevant and start being the light. Please note: A Church full of God's light will always be relevant to the purposes of God. RJD |
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