Devotional Notes Psalm 114+John 2

7 Apr 20

MORNING

Psalm 114

B1 What does this mean?

C1 In verse 2 Jacob and Israel refer to the nation, not the person they were named after.

C2 Israel (the Jews) spoke a different language then the Egyptians.

C3 The sea refers to the dry sea that Israel walked over but in the same sea the Egyptian Pharaoh and soldiers drowned.

C4 The Psalmist also mentions a few other miracles.

B2 How do I apply this to my life?

C1 God knows the difference between those who do not believe and those who do. At the judgment one is saved the other condemned.

C2 Israel is still God’s people but we don’t have to support the government and most are not believers but rejecters of God. We must treat the Jews with respect as we would any person of any nationality.

C3 The God who did these miracles can and does judge. We cannot hide. Let us believe and worship Him.

EVENING

John 2

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Jesus first miracle of changing water into wine

D1 Cana is in northern Galilee.

D2 Jesus, His mother, and His disciples were among those invited to the wedding.

D3 The wedding feast, often lasting as long as 7 days, had run out of wine. Some believe that Jesus, Mary, and the disciples arrived after the wedding feast had started. Others believe that Mary had been there when Jesus arrived.

D4 Why Mary told Jesus is not known but perhaps thought He might do a miracle.

D5 Why Jesus told her that it wasn’t His time yet and then shortly thereafter miraculously created more wine is not known. Nevertheless, Mary believed that He could provide this. It is not wrong to ask God in prayer as Mary did here (prayer is talking to God, not a ritual). God may answer yes or no. Mary did not argue about it.

D6 Each of the 6 jars of water held about 95 liters of waters (~25 gallons).

D7 We learn that God is glorified by this miracle, belief was the response from His disciples, and that the wine was better than what had been served at first. Jesus does all things well including our salvation. Miracles to not always guarantee belief and trust in Jesus. We read these miracles that happened then and not now.

C2 Down to Capernaum means going downhill from Cana.

C3 Jesus’s first clearing of the Temple

D1 True religion and God’s desire for worship had been corrupted by the leaders.

D2 Instead of worshipping God, people were buying and selling.

D3 The leaders wanted a sign, but the Scriptures already gave the sign. The Temple was a place of worship not a place of business. We are not to corrupt our worship or assembling together.

C4 Destroy this Temple means the temple of His body. See John 2:21 NIV But the temple he had spoken of was his body. His disciples remembered this after Jesus had been resurrected.

C5 Verse 25, believed in His name. This is not saving faith for note how Jesus did not trust them.

C6 Jesus knows everything about us. He knows our motives, attitudes, actions, thoughts, words, and deeds. Nothing is hidden.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? As I wrote above.

I hope to have a devotional every day on John’s Gospel starting with the last chapter of Luke’s Gospel. This is the way I do my devotions. You may notice grammatical and spelling errors. It is my hope you will also start or continue in your daily reading and thinking about the Scriptures. I do this Monday through Friday. It is a 3 year plan of reading and thinking on 1 chapter in the Old Testament, which takes 3 years, and reading and thinking on 1 chapter in the New Testament once a year for a total of 3 times. So, I read through the Old Testament 1 time and the New Testament 3 times over a period of 3 years.

Devotional Notes Psalms 113, John 1

MORNING

Psalm 113

B1 What does this mean?

C1 The Psalmist is excited. He praises God. Note how God is described as the God, not just a local god (...From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised)! Compare: Malachi 1:11 NIV My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations," says the LORD Almighty.

C2 There is only one God. He is described at being greater than all things that exist. Compare Isaiah 66:1. Isaiah 44:8 NLT Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses--is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock--not one!"

C3 Even though God is so high (exalted), He is still mindful and caring for us, animals, and all His creation.

C4 God has the ability to help us and does. He answers all prayers (yes, no, wait, or this instead). God knows best. His ways and decisions are done in wisdom, love, and holiness.

B2 How do I apply this to my life?

Let us count the many ways God has blessed us.

EVENING

John 1

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Jesus is the Word

D1 The beginning refers to creation. Jesus was already there.

D2 He was in the beginning with God (that is the Father). The Trinity (Godhead) is one essence with 3 persons.

D3 Everything that had a beginning of existence was created by Jesus, God the Son.

D4 He had the principle of life. He can give life; He can take life. He gave life to all that is living is it planned way whether plants, animals, humans, or angels.

D5 This life was the light for people, not animals or plants. He gave light to us, but Adam despised it and deliberately sinned. Light is equated with truth, revelation, God's works, etc. Here most likely the idea that we can only find forgiveness, fellowship, reconciliation, etc. only through Jesus Christ, the Light of the world.

D6 The principle of life is in God. The light that shines from God cannot be extinguished. He has no beginning and no end. Nothing can overcome God. In the same way, nothing can overcome Jesus, God the Son, unless He allowed it (as He did in His passion).

C2 John the Baptist

D1 Is the forerunner who announces and prepares people (especially Israel) for the earthly ministry of the Messiah, Jesus.

D2 John was not the light (though many thought so). John witnessed about the Light, especially at Jesus's baptism, where John saw the likeness of a dove (the Holy Spirit) alight on Jesus, the Passover Lamb for the sins of the world.

D3 Many people have preconceived ideas about what God looks and acts like, but this is wrong. It takes revelation to reveal Him. John gave this revelation plus Jesus's life was authenticated by prophecy, miracles, His teaching, His death, His burial, His resurrection, and His ascension.

D4 The new birth (think of John 3) is not from physical as birth or a nationality (Jew). It is only from those who believe.

D5 We realize God's law through Moses. We realize grace and truth through Jesus Christ only. Grace is receiving what we do not deserve. Truth is reality. Both are only under in the perfect sense through Jesus's life and teaching.

D6 The bosom of the Father refers to the oneness of God, not literally coming out of God's chest.

C3 John's testimony.

D1 He is not Messiah.

D2 He is not Elijah.

D3 He is the forerunner as spoken of by Isaiah, the prophet. See Isaiah 40:3.

D4 Robertson, in his notes, writes: The early writers note the differences between the use of Λογος — Logos (Word) for the Messiah and πωνη — phōnē (Voice) for John.

D5 John baptized with water because people repented of their sins. Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit because people believed in, trusted in, and called upon Jesus for salvation.

D6 Many of John's disciples (followers) followed Jesus because of John's testimony. One of those who followed John, then Jesus was Andrew. Andrew went and told his brother Peter about Jesus. Peter went to Jesus to see for himself and followed Jesus, too. We are to be witnesses.

D7 Come and see is a good testimony. We can read the Scriptures. Did Jesus exist? Yes, it is reasonable for Jesus's enemies wrote about Him, for example, Tacitus and early Jewish writers who were enemies of Jesus (or at least, not followers). It is reasonable to believe the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were written in the first century CE, because of other late first century writers and early second century writers. See Cold Case Christianity and search for “Are the Gospels Reliable?” So so other Christian apologists.

D8 Phillip believes in Jesus because of the testimony of Jewish prophets. He tells Nathanael about Jesus. Jews for Jesus have a good article about the prophecies about Jesus here.

D9 Verse 51 probably refers to the Ascension of Jesus (Acts chapter 1 and see John Wesley note on this passage). Compare Isaiah 64:1, Acts 7:56 (Stephen's testimony concerning seeing Jesus), Mark 14:62 (Jesus's coming at the end of the Millennium), John 20:12-13 (His resurrection with the angels message at the empty tome), and Genesis 28:12 (Jacob's dream).

B2 How do I apply this to my life?

I have a reasonable faith in Jesus.

I hope to have a devotional every day on John’s Gospel starting with the last chapter of Luke’s Gospel. This is the way I do my devotions. You may notice grammatical and spelling errors. It is my hope you will also start or continue in your daily reading and thinking about the Scriptures. I do this Monday through Friday. It is a 3 year plan of reading and thinking on 1 chapter in the Old Testament, which takes 3 years, and reading and thinking on 1 chapter in the New Testament once a year for a total of 3 times. So, I read through the Old Testament 1 time and the New Testament 3 times over a period of 3 years.

Devotional Notes 3 Apr 20

I hope to have a devotional every day on John’s Gospel starting with the last chapter of Luke’s Gospel. This is the way I do my devotions. You may notice grammatical and spelling errors. It is my hope you will also start or continue in your daily reading and thinking about the Scriptures. I do this Monday through Friday. It is a 3 year plan of reading and thinking on 1 chapter in the Old Testament, which takes 3 years, and reading and thinking on 1 chapter in the New Testament once a year for a total of 3 times. So, I read through the Old Testament 1 time and the New Testament 3 times over a period of 3 years.

3 Apr 20

MORNING

Psalm 112

B1 What does this mean?

C1 The person who lives God's way will be blessed. God's guidance principles are the best and are proven to be best as is obvious from society's mess.

C2 Verses 6

D1 Godly people will be remembered, that is, remembered by God.

D2 Bad news doesn't bother the believers in the same way as unbelievers, for we have hope for the future.

D3 Even having enemies standing in front of him, lying, verbally abusing, etc., they remain confident.

D4 The wicked (unbelievers) are not remembered by God.

B2 How do I apply this to my life?

C1 Believers experience fear, too, but if we remember God's dealing with us and others in the past, we have confidence.

C2 We need God's grace to succeed.

C3 God is willing to give His grace to help us.

C4 God's memory is perfect. His remembering has to do with who gets His blessings and fellowship with Him. Malachi 3:16-18 BSB At that time, those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. 17 “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. 18 So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

EVENING

Luke 24

B1 What does this mean?

C1 The Resurrection of Jesus

D1 The word they in verse 1 refers to the they in Luke 23:56. It is the women.

D2 The tomb was empty. They were perplexed by the stone being rolled away, the empty tomb, and then the men.

D3 That these are not ordinary human men is noted by shining garments. Also see verse 23.

D4 In verse 6, the word remember is in the imperative, that is, a command. The angels wanted the women to remember what Jesus had told them. They did remember and went to tell the eleven and the rest of the disciples.

D5 Verse 10 names the women who were there early Sunday morning.

D6 The first witnesses are women, who are not believed by the disciples. The disciples were upbraided later by Jesus because of the unbelief of not believing the women. Let us heed this.

D7 Peter then ran to the tomb to see for himself, saw the tomb was empty, saw the linen burial clothes, and left deep in thought.

C2 Jesus on the Emmaus Road

D1 Two of the disciples were traveling to Emmaus discussing all the events.

D2 Jesus (unrecognized) comes up to them and starts walking with them.

D3 Why was Jesus not recognized? Probably to test their faith, strengthen their faith, and encourage them (as happened shortly).

D4 At verse 25, Jesus begins teaching them what they already know but do not believe or perhaps forgotten.

D5 In verse 26, Jesus tells again that Messiah needs to suffer first, then He will enter His glory.

D6 In verse 28, Jesus made as if He was going to continue on His journey. Some have suggested that Jesus was feigning this, that is, lying. But maybe He really was going on further. Nevertheless, the brethren encouraged Him to have supper with them and spend the night.

D7 As they readied to eat, their eyes were opened and the recognized Him, then He disappeared. The disappearance is an indication of the new body believers will have at the resurrection/rapture. Philippians 3:20-21 BSB But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

D8 Jesus appears to the disciples after the 2 return to Jerusalem with their news. They were shocked, believed He was a ghost, and terrified, but Jesus comforts them and proves to them that He is flesh and bones. Then Jesus eats some food and gives them instructions concerning fulfilling the Law, His suffering, His resurrection, their commission to preach the Gospel, and to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit empowered them. Note how He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Without God's grace, we cannot understand the Scriptures rightly.

C3 The Ascension

B2 How do I apply this to my life? As above.

A Few Thoughts About Psalm 111

Psalms 111:1-10 GW Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company of decent people and in the congregation. 2 The LORD's deeds are spectacular. They should be studied by all who enjoy them. 3 His work is glorious and majestic. His righteousness continues forever. 4 He has made his miracles unforgettable. The LORD is merciful and compassionate. 5 He provides food for those who fear him. He always remembers his promise. 6 He has revealed the power of his works to his people by giving them the lands of other nations as an inheritance. 7 His works are done with truth and justice. All his guiding principles are trustworthy. 8 They last forever and ever. They are carried out with truth and decency. 9 He has sent salvation to his people. He has ordered that his promise should continue forever. His name is holy and terrifying. 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Good sense is shown by everyone who follows God's guiding principles. His praise continues forever.

The Psalmist

B1 Praises God

B2 Gives thanks to God

B3 Offers praise and thanks publicly

God is described as

B1 Doing spectacular deeds

C1 To a Jew this would cause reminders of God’s deliverance from Egypt and all the miracles that happen then and in their 40 years of wandering.

C2 To a Christian, not only the above, but also all the miracles of the Lord Jesus. We see His authority over death, sickness, weather, demons, evil people, etc.

B2 Righteous

C1 To be righteous, there must be a standard to measure.

C2 God’s standard is primarily the 10 Commandments. God always has, is, and will live perfectly by that standard in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

B3 Doing miracles

C1 Miracles show Yahweh is the creator. Only the creator can create in these ways as healing, etc.

C2 Miracles authenticate one’s qualifications.

D1 The devil can do miracles: Exodus 7:11 WEB Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers. They also, the magicians of Egypt, did the same thing with their enchantments.

D2 The devil’s miracles are limited: Exodus 7:12 WEB For they each cast down their rods, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.

D3 God can do miracles: Exodus 7:8-10 WEB Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 9 “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Perform a miracle!’ then you shall tell Aaron, ‘Take your rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it become a serpent.’” 10 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, as Yahweh had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

D4 God’s miracles are superior: Exodus 7:12 WEB For they each cast down their rods, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. [Emphasis is mine]

B4 Merciful

C1 God has the authority to judge and sentence. 2 Timothy 4:1 NET I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

C2 God has given conditions under which one can receive His mercy. He does not have to, but enjoys doing so because of His love.

D1 John 3:18 WEB He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

D2 James 2:13 GW No mercy will be shown to those who show no mercy to others. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

C3 Ephesians 2:4 NET But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us,

B5 Compassionate

C1 Showing concern for other’s hurts and needs

C2 2 Corinthians 1:3 GW Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort.

B6 Providence

C1 Able to, wanting to, and does supply our needs.

C2 For example:

D1 2 Corinthians 9:10 BSB Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

D2 Philippians 4:19 BSB And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

B7 Keeps His promises: Hebrews 6:16-18 BSB Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument. 17 So when God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath. 18 Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.

B8 Does everything in truth

C1 Truth is reality.

C2 John 14:6 WEB Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

C3 Hebrews 6:18 EMTV in order that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong encouragement, who have fled to take hold of the hope being set before us;

B9 Does everything with justice

C1 Justice is treating all equal when judging, etc.

C2 Deuteronomy 32:4 LEB The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are just; he is a faithful God, and without injustice righteous and upright is he.

C3 Psalms 9:8-9 CPDV But the Lord remains in eternity. He has prepared his throne in judgment. 9 And he will judge the whole world in equity. He will judge the people in justice.

B10 His wisdom is trustworthy

C1 1 Thessalonians 5:24 NET He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this.

C2 Psalms 19:7 GW The teachings of the LORD are perfect. They renew the soul. The testimony of the LORD is dependable. It makes gullible people wise.

C3 When we read His words in Scripture, we know they are 100% true.

D1 Direct quotations of God are 100% true.

D2 Direct quotations of others are a 100% truthful recording of what they said and did.

B11 Does everything decently

C1 God has standard.

C2 He lives by His standard.

C3 What He requires of others, He, Himself, lives by.

C4 The word for decency (uprightness in the KJV) is a word meaning (via Thayer)

D1 straight, upright, correct, right

E1 Straight, level

E2 Right, pleasing, correct

E3 Straightforward, just, upright, fitting, proper

E4 Uprightness, righteous, upright

E5 That which is upright

D2 Psalms 119:137 MKJV You are righteous, O LORD, and Your judgments are right.

D3 Nehemiah 9:13 GW You came from heaven to Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them fair rules, trustworthy teachings, and good laws and commandments.

B12 Holy

C1 The Hebrew word is קָדוֹשׁ qâdôwsh meaning separated from evil, dedicated to God for service, etc. Free from defilement of crimes, idolatry, and other unclean and profane thing (Gesenius Hebrew Chaldee Lexicon).

C2 Psalm 78:41 NLT Again and again they tested God's patience and provoked the Holy One of Israel.

C3 Zechariah 14:5 NLT You will flee through this valley, for it will reach across to Azal. Yes, you will flee as you did from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all his holy ones with him.

B13 Awesome (worthy of reverence)

C1 The Hebrew word is יָרֵא yârêʼ. It means fear of something (thus running away from it), to fear God (as in fear of the one who can judge, sentence, and punish), to tremble for joy (as in Isaiah 60:5), and something so wonderful we are in shock and awe (as in Psalm 66:3 and 5).

C2 Revelation 19:16 NLT On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

One more thing

B1 Psalm 111:10 CSB The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever.

B2 God’s ways are best. Look at the mess in the world of all societies and nations.

B3 Commenting on this verse Whedon writes:

10. The beginning of wisdom—Not only in the sense of order of time, but also as chief or first in dignity. See Proverbs 1:7; 4:7, where the same word, “beginning, ” occurs. Understanding must here be taken in its ethical sense of wisdom, prudence, discretion; which was always looked upon as the gift of God and the guaranty of success and happiness. Job 28:28; Proverbs 13:15.

His praise endureth—Whose praise? Some suppose the praise of the wise man, who keeps the commandments, is meant, as in Psalms 112. But Jehovah in his works is the theme of the psalm, and the pronoun more properly refers to “Lord ” in the first member of the verse, to whom all praise is due.

Revelation 22:17 NLT The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.

A Few Thoughts About Values and Meaning

Values equals standards of right and wrong.

Meaning equals a reason and purpose for living.

Values

B1 Defined

C1 A never changing standard of right and wrong.

C2 The principles that help you to decide what is right and wrong, and how to act in various situations: (Source)

B2 The best set of values is the standard of the Kingdom of God

C1 God (Yahweh) is King of all kings:

D1 Revelation 19:16 NLT On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

D2 Psalm 136:2 NLT Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever.

D3 1 Timothy 6:15 NLT For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

C2 God’s kingdom is the Kingdom of God. He will come and set up the kingdom. God sets up His kingdom so it will be correct and perfect. Daniel 2:44 NLT During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever.

C3 Mosaic Law has ~613 laws that Israel (Jews) must obey: Deuteronomy 8:6 NET So you must keep his commandments, live according to his standards, and revere him.

C4 Believers obey the Law of Messiah/Christ:

D1 John 14:15, 21, 24 NLT If you love me, obey my commandments. ... 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." ... 24 Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.

D2 Revelation 14:12 NIV This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

C5 The beauty of God’s way and His kingdom

D1 Revelation 21

D2 Isaiah 65:25 NLT The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the LORD, have spoken!"

D3 Isaiah 11:6-9 NLT In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. 7 The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. 8 The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. 9 Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD.

D4 The following things will not happen in God’s Kingdom: Galatians 5:19-21 WEL Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sins, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

D5 These things will happen in God’s Kingdom: Galatians 5:22-23 WEL But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Meaning

B1 Why am I here? This is a common question.

C1 We are here to have fellowship with God and serve Him forever.

D1 Fellowship

E1 Christians are invited into fellowship with God and other believers: 1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

E2 We have a choice as all believers. Do we fellowship with God and His people or the other crowd. 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

E3 We have fellowship with God. There are characteristics of those who fellowship with God. Darkness is the opposite of truth, opposite of righteousness, opposite of a false spirituality. We are required to be in fellowship in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. When we sin, we have a Messiah. 1 John 1:3, 6-7 ESV that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ... 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

D2 Serve Him

E1 All Christians are servants of God: Colossians 3:23-24 NIV Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

E2 God’s yoke (authority and rulership) is easy and His burdens (laws) are light. He is a delegator, not a dictator. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

E3 We are free, but not to do anything: 1 Peter 2:16 ESV Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

E4 Rewards for serving God: John 12:26 BSB If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

C2 God does not need our fellowship. He just enjoys our fellowship.

C3 He never abandons us: Matthew 28:20 GW Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. "And remember that I am always with you until the end of time."

C4 Without God’s help and supply (providence), we cannot be eternally successful. John 15:4-5 GW Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me. 5 "I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can't produce anything without me.

Colossians 4:2 EMTV Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving;

A Few Thoughts About Peace

A song by the great blues musician Landon Spradlin

Seeking peace

B1 Psalm 34:14 NIV Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

C1 Most of us at one time or another have said something true or not, then have been attacked by bullying, shaming, gas-lighting, false accusations, etc.

C2 The Christian response must be, “Let’s talk this over.” We are not to seek revenge, bully, shame, rage against them, making others feel they are crazy, lie, etc. We need to seek peace. Proverbs 15:28 NLT The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

C3 The Christian response must be, “Let’s wait to talk this over.” We are not to go on the attack and argue. We need to seek peace, not pick a fight. Proverbs 15:1 NIV A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

C4 We have all failed many times, but with God’s grace we can do what is right.

C5 The word peace is שָׁלוֹם shâlôwm. It means safety, health, peace, friendship, tranquility, etc.

C6 The word seek is בָּקַשׁ bâqash. It means seek, search, make request, etc.

C7 The word pursue is רָדַף râdaph. It means to run after, chase, with diligence and perserverance. It is a high priority.

C8 In seeking and pursuing peace let us remember: Romans 12:9-10 NLT Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

C9 1 Peter 3:8-11 GW Finally, everyone must live in harmony, be sympathetic, love each other, have compassion, and be humble. Don't pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you, or ridicule those who ridicule you. Instead, bless them, because you were called to inherit a blessing. "People who want to live a full life and enjoy good days must keep their tongues from saying evil things, and their lips from speaking deceitful things. They must turn away from evil and do good. They must seek peace and pursue it.

B2 Matthew 5:9 GW Blessed are those who make peace. They will be called God's children.

Being in peace, calm, and tranquility

B1 Isaiah 26:3 CSB You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.

C1 ESV: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

C2 NLV: You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You.

C3 The word for dependent, stayed, kept, etc. is סָמַךְ çâmak. It means to lean on something for support. We lean on Him, so He is solid support. The flesh may die, but the soul is kept:

D1 Psalm 3:5 NET I rested and slept; I awoke, for the LORD protects me.

D2 John 10:28-30 NIV I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. 30I and the Father are one."

C4 Anxieties are common in this life. Worries about money, health, relationships, family, etc. We face these things.

D1 It is not a sin to worry. There is no verse that states worry is a sin.

D2 Worrying does not mean we do NOT trust God. We can trust God completely and still worry and have cares.

D3 God comforts us in our worries: Psalm 94:19 CSB When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.

D4 He is the greatest counselor. He does listen and hear our worries, troubles, fears, sorrows, pains, etc. He is there!!! Psalm 142:2-6 NLT I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. 3 When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. 4 I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. 5 Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, "You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. 6 Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.

D5 He does not leave us: Nahum 1:7 NLT The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.

D6 He wants us to talk to Him: 1 Peter 5:7 NLT Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

D7 Messiah, Yeshua, knows; yes, He knows! Isaiah 53:3-5 NLT He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

B2 Psalm 23

B3 Luke 12:7

B4 Psalm 118:9

A Few Thoughts About Learning God’s Ways

Psalm 27:11 NLT Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.

Psalm 25:4 NIV Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Isaiah 2:3 NIV Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Hebrews 3:10 NIV That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, 'Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.'

What are God’s ways?

B1 God’s beliefs

B2 God’s attributes

B3 God’s worldview

B4 God’s lifestyle

B5 God’s rules

B6 God’s government

C1 Administrative

C2 Judicial

B7 God’s design

B8 God’s work ethic

B9 God’s religion

What are God’s ways?

B1 God’s beliefs

C1 This is His teaching, His doctrine, His theology, His principles of government. Essentially, it is everything about God and who He is.

C2 This would include His thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

C3 The totality of His beliefs would be considered truth.

C4 Since God is perfect in every aspect of wisdom, knowledge, holiness, love, etc., we would consider His beliefs as the best possible worldview, lifestyle, and convictions.

C5 Bible verses about God’s ways:

D1 Deuteronomy 8:6 CSB So keep the commands of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and fearing him.

D2 Joshua 22:5 NLT But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.

D3 Psalm 25:10 CSB All the LORD's ways show faithful love and truth to those who keep his covenant and decrees.

D4 Psalm 103:7 CSB He revealed his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel.

C6 Contrasting God’s ways with other ways

D1 The violent person: Proverbs 3:31 CSB Don't envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;

D2 Angry people: Proverbs 22:24-25 CSB Don't make friends with an angry person, and don't be a companion of a hot-tempered one, 25 or you will learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

D3 Motives considered: Proverbs 16:2 CSB All a person's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs motives.

D4 God pays people for what they do: Jeremiah 32:19 NET You plan great things and you do mighty deeds. You see everything people do. You reward each of them for the way they live and for the things they do. (Compare Romans 6:23)

D5 Jesus came as a servant: Acts 3:26 NIV When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

D6 Peter contrasts the difference between God’s standards and desires with human standards and desires: 1 Peter 4:1-4 WEL So just as Christ has suffered in the flesh for us, equip yourselves in the same way with the same attitude, for he who has suffered in the flesh wants nothing to do with sin, 2 So that he should no longer live the rest of [his] life in the flesh [yielding] to human lusts but to the will of God. 3 For in times gone by, it may have satisfied us to have done the will of the Gentiles [non-Christians], when we led a life of sexual promiscuity, evil desires, drunkenness, carousings, drinking parties, and depraved idolatries. 4 They think it strange in that you don’t rush into the same excessive, unrestrained actions, [and so] start cursing you.

B2 God’s attributes (For a rather complete list see here)

B3 God’s worldview

C1 Worldview is a particular philosophy of life or conception of the world. (Source is Bing via Oxford Dictionary).

C2 God’s worldview answers the question, “What is truth?”

C3 It is the broad set/categories of rules/standards, see Exodus 20:1-17.

C4 The summary statement: Mark 12:28-31 NIV One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.

C5 As seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

C6 Compare Psalm 104. Note His intelligence, knowledge, wisdom, ability, creativity, authority, beauty, etc.

B4 God’s lifestyle

C1 As seen in the life of Jesus, His life, how He dealt with friends and enemies, and in many situations.

C2 Consider Psalm 1.

C3 Psalm 24:3-4 NIV Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

C4 Micah 6:8 NLT No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

B5 God’s rules

C1 The Old Testament has ~613 laws.

C2 The New Testament has >1,000 rules. For example, James 3.

B6 God’s government

C1 Administrative

D1 God is a delegator, not a dictator. God is a manager but not a micromanager. See here and here.

D2 God condemns the dictator: 3 John 1:10-11 NIV So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

D3 Compare: Luke 7:8 NIV For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

C2 Judicial

D1 God:

E1 Compare Psalm 82.

E2 1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

D2 Others: for example, Isaiah 10:1 NLT What sorrow awaits the unjust judges and those who issue unfair laws.

B7 God’s design (everything done in wisdom, skill, love, and holiness)

C1 Isaiah 45:18 BBE For this is the word of the Lord who made the heavens; he is God; the maker and designer of the earth; who made it not to be a waste, but as a living-place for man: I am the Lord, and there is no other.

C2 Psalm 19:1 NLT For the choir director: A psalm of David. The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.

C3 Studying beauty, the theology of beauty.

D1 Here is a starting place behaps: Beauty

D2 Or here: Beauty

B8 God’s work ethic

C1 On call 24/7/365: John 5:17 NLT But Jesus replied, "My Father is always working, and so am I."

C2 Supplies need (providence): Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. 11 It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

C3 Position of authority: Psalm 22:28 NET For the LORD is king and rules over the nations.

C4 Principle of rest: Genesis 2:2 NLT On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.

B9 God’s religion

C1 No one else is god: Isaiah 45:21 NET Tell me! Present the evidence! Let them consult with one another! Who predicted this in the past? Who announced it beforehand? Was it not I, the LORD? I have no peer, there is no God but me, a God who vindicates and delivers; there is none but me.

C2 Holiness and righteousness: Proverbs 21:3 NET To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

C3 Provides salvation: Acts 4:12 NET And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.

A few thoughts to start our study and thinking about God’s ways. It is a lifetime of study.

We are weak; He is strong. He gives His grace to help us accomplish and understand His ways.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.