Devotional Notes Psalm 127+John 15

Blogging will be rather sporadic as we are selling the house and moving.

MORNING

Psalm 127

B1 What does this mean?

C1 God builds His own house and His own kingdom. One principle that is needed to build is found in Proverbs 24:3 NKJV Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established. All of God’s doings are in wisdom, knowledge, love, and holiness.

C2 Our effort is needed, but with God’s blessing there is success.

C3 Bread of sorrows: Whedon writes: Bread of sorrows—Bread procured by bitter labours and cares. The allusion is to Genesis 3:17 : “In sorrow shalt thou eat. ” Excess of care should be rolled upon God: forethought and diligence belong to us, in reliance upon his guidance. 1 Peter 5:7.

C4 God loves children. The sorrows children face and have faced is usually due to the bad choices of the parents. Think about the children that died in Noah’s flood. The parent’s decision kept the youngsters out of the Ark. God help us all to make godly decisions.

C5 There is something wonderful about family. There is no greater family than the family of God, our brothers and sisters everywhere in the world.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Rely on God’s help. He wants to help and will help us. That doesn’t mean God will make everyone rich financially but will be rich spiritually.

EVENING

John 15

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Jesus Is the Vine

D1 Fruit. All people have fruit in and from their lives. It may be bad fruit or good fruit.

E1 Matthew 7:15-20 NRSV Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will know them by their fruits.

E2 Bad fruit. See Galatians 5:19-21.

E3 Good fruit. See Galatians 5:22-24.

D2 Remain attached refers to our need of God’s help, strength, and wisdom to live the life that the Lord Jesus wants us to live.

D3 Verse 5 ...for without me you can do nothing. This refers to that fact that we need God’s help.

D4 Verse 7 and asking refers to one who desires and does God’s will. An example of answered prayer will be: James 1:5-6 NRSV If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. 6 But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind;

D5 Verse 10 shows the conditions. If we obey, we are blessed. If we do not obey, we will be chastened. This happened to the nation of Israel many, many times.

D6 Verse 11, God wants us to be filled with joy. Only God can give joy when life is troubled and miserable.

D7 Verse 16 is specific for the Apostles but much can be applied to every believing sister and brother.

C2 People Hate Disciples Because They Hate Jesus

D1 The righteous are hated for no reason other than believing in Jesus. Compare:

E1 Psalms 34:21 GNB Evil will kill the wicked; those who hate the righteous will be punished.

E2 Psalms 35:19 GNB Don't let my enemies, those liars, gloat over my defeat. Don't let those who hate me for no reason smirk with delight over my sorrow.

E3 God has been hated for a long time: Numbers 10:35 NKJV So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said: "Rise up, O LORD! Let Your enemies be scattered, And let those who hate You flee before You.

D2 Jesus’s message and life has been a perfect witness. There are no excuses.

C3 The Work of the Holy Spirit

D1 There are two witnesses today—the Holy Spirit, who opens the hearts and minds of all people for the Gospel, and the believers, who speak and live God’s way (His lifestyle, His worldview, and His desires).

D2 The People’s New Testament gives this comment on verse 27: Ye also shall bear witness. The apostles had been "with him from the beginning," and knew all the facts. If he was true, they knew it; if he stilled the waves and raised the dead, they knew it; if he rose from the tomb, they knew it. They bore witness to him by word and left their words to us. They bore witness by life, gave up all for him and died for their testimony. Such testimony is the strongest human testimony ever offered to any fact.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Are we living the Christian life and His rules? Are we relying on God’s help to live it? Are we witnessing about 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. I do this Monday through Friday and use Saturday and Sunday for other devotions.

Devotional Notes Psalm 126+John 14

Blogging will be rather sporadic as we are selling the house and moving.

MORNING

Psalm 126

B1 What does this mean?

C1 We can’t but help to praise God when prayers are answered. Are we thankful?

C2 Praising and thanking God also gives witness to His goodness.

C3 The laughter of the ransomed: — God's glorious deliverance always seems too wonderful to be real. Even the apostle who finds his fetters dropped off and his dungeon door swung open, is like unto them that dream: "he wist not that it was true, but thought he saw a vision." So in modern times, when Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, the abolitionist, heard that the long fight was at last finished and every slave on British soil was a free man, he broke out instinctively into the joyful verse: "Then was our mouth filled with laughter and our tongue with singing." (T. H. Darlow.) as found in Bible Illustrator—Old Testament.

B2 How do I apply this to my life?

EVENING

John 14

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Jesus Comforts His Disciples

D1 Comfort is a character trait of God.

E1 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 BBE Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; Who gives us comfort in all our troubles, so that we may be able to give comfort to others who are in trouble, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

E2 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 WPNT Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope, by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good word and work.

D2 Verse 2 speaks of our citizenship in heaven and home

E1 Philippians 3:20 NKJV For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

E2 Home for our soul/spirit: 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 NKJV For we know that if our earthly house, [this] tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,

E3 Home, a specific place. Heaven is where God’s throne is. The New Jerusalem comes from heaven. It is a special city. Revelation 21:2 ESV And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

C2 Jesus and the Father Are One

D1 God’s being one refers to His essence, the stuff that God is. God the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are of one essence. They are three persons. Jesus is stating that He is God the Son.

D2 Verse 12: Clarke comments: Perhaps the greater works refer to the immense multitudes that were brought to God by the ministry of the apostles. By the apostles was the doctrine of Christ spread far and wide; while Christ confined his ministry chiefly to the precincts of Judea. It is certainly the greatest miracle of Divine grace to convert the obstinate, wicked heart of man from sin to holiness. This was done in numberless cases by the disciples, who were endued with power from on high, while proclaiming remission of sins through faith in his blood.

D3 Verse 13, obviously not everything. If we ask to walk on water or flap our arms to fly, it won’t happen. This verse is to be understood the way the Apostle John did: 1 John 5:14 ESV And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

C3 The Promise of the Coming Comforter

D1 15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.” We can either obey God or our sinful passions.

D2 Comforter

E1 The Greek word has the idea of advocate, pleader, intercessor (Abbot-Smith) but also so in Rabbinic lit., פְּרַקְלִיטָא), "a friend of the accused person, called to speak to his character, or otherwise enlist sympathy in his favour" (Abbot-Smith)

E2 Also used in John 14:16; 26; 15:26; and 16:7.

D3 Note how Jesus gives strong promises of His return. It is soon. Come, Lord Jesus.

D4 Verse 21 is one test for us if we are believers. No one is sinless, except Jesus, but we can with the grace of the Holy Spirit do God’s will as taught in the New Testament. Doing God’s will is in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

D5 Verse 26 primarily applies to the 12 Apostles of Christ. God does help us also when He brings a verse to mind, etc.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Lord, by your grace give all believers comfort and wisdom.

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. I do this Monday through Friday and use Saturday and Sunday for other devotions.

Devotional Notes Psalm 125+John 13

Blogging will be rather sporadic as we are selling the house and moving.

MORNING

Psalm 125

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Two topics

D1 Trusting in God

E1 2 Kings 18:5-6 GNB Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel; Judah never had another king like him, either before or after his time. 6 He was faithful to the LORD and never disobeyed him, but carefully kept all the commands that the LORD had given Moses.

E2 Isaiah 28:16 GNB This, now, is what the Sovereign LORD says: "I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, 'Faith that is firm is also patient.'

E3 Verse 3, Clarke writes: Rod, here. may be taken for persecution, or for rule; and then it may be thus interpreted: "The wicked shall not be permitted to persecute always, nor to have a permanent rule."

D2 A contrast between the believer and the rejecter in life and the after life.

E1 Believer will receive good from God. Good is defined by God as perfect, so compare creation.

F1 Good, that is perfectly good, is a character trait of God. With the grace given by the Holy Spirit, we also are to be and do good.

F2 Contrasted: Psalms 52:3 GNB You love evil more than good and falsehood more than truth.

F3 Example of one who is enemy of good: the magician in Acts 13:10 GNB and said, "You son of the Devil! You are the enemy of everything that is good. You are full of all kinds of evil tricks, and you always keep trying to turn the Lord's truths into lies!

F4 Good is not something in our human nature: Paul writes: Romans 7:18 GNB I know that good does not live in me—that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it.

F5 God does the preparing, we do the work: Ephesians 2:10 GW God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

E2 The rejecter

F1 Will be rejected by God.

G1 Proverbs 11:20 GNB The LORD hates evil-minded people, but loves those who do right.

G2 Proverbs 6:16-19 NRSV There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that hurry to run to evil, 19 a lying witness who testifies falsely, and one who sows discord in a family.

F2 Has no peace and no future goodness: Isaiah 57:21 NRSV There is no peace, says my God, for the wicked.

C2 1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Believe and serve Yahweh.

EVENING

John 13

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Jesus Washes the Disciple’s Feet

D1 Most Christians do not take this passage in its plain, normal sense. I certainly will not argue. It is a memorial and is humbling, and serving our fellow believers with love. But, the question should be asked, “Am I willing?”

D2 It also shows the attitude we must have for all. Some take advantage of this serving and love to abuse. We are not to serve this type of person. God will serve them with justice at judgment.

D3 Ryle commenting on this passage writes:

Well would it be for the Church if this very simple truth was more remembered, and real humility was not so sadly rare. Perhaps there is no sight so displeasing in God's eyes as a self-conceited, self-satisfied, self-contented, stuck-up professor of religion. Alas, it is a sight only too common! Yet the words which John here records have never been repealed. They will be a swift witness against many at the last day, except they repent.

C2 Jesus Predicts His Betrayal

D1 100% fulfilled prophecy is truly an authentication of one’s credentials. Jesus is Messiah, the I AM.

D2 Verse 21, again the emotions of Jesus. The word distress (troubled in KJV) has the idea of being disturbed. It is the opposite of being calm.

D3 Verse 22, those who followed Jesus the closest did not know who Jesus was speaking of. Judas must have been an awesome fake. How many of our church people might be the same. We should at least be aware of the fact.

D4 Verse 26, as others have pointed out, this was the last appeal to Judas.

C3 Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

D1 Ryle commenting on verse 33 writes:

Of course the words applied to the Jews meant that Jesus was going to a place where spiritually and morally the Jews were unfit to go, and in their impenitent state could not go. The words applied to the disciples only meant that Jesus was going into a world where they could not follow Him till they died. They were remaining on earth, and He was going to heaven.

D2 Jesus showed love to His disciples in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. He expressed these in many speeches, many miracles, many fulfilled prophecies, etc.

B2 How do I apply this to my life?

evotional Notes Psalm 124+John 12

Blogging will be rather sporadic as we are selling the house and moving.

MORNING

Psalm 124

B1 What does this mean?

C1 No matter what battle we face. It may be the battle of depression, persecution, pain, abuse, etc., but we must remember:

D1 If the Lord had not been on our side, there would be no victory or hope. God always wins. It may be at death or before. He knows best. The soul of a believer will not be cast into hell.

D2 Psalms 39:7 GNB What, then, can I hope for, Lord? I put my hope in you.

C2 Psalms 124:8 GNB Our help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. God may send someone, something, some event to help us. We never have to worry about God’s punishment at death.

D1 John 16:33 GNB I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!"

D2 Philippians 4:6-7 GW Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.  7  Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.

D3 James 3:17 GW However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial, and sincere.

D4 John 11:25-26 GNB Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die;  26  and those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

D5 Psalms 23:4-6 GW Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm. Your rod and your staff give me courage. 5 You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. 6 Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the LORD'S house for days without end.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Trust God always.

EVENING

John 12

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Mary of Bethany Anoints Jesus’s Feet

D1 We learn who was present.

D2 We learn what Mary did.

D3 We learn Judas’ response and Jesus’s response.

D4 We learn about Judas’ character. He was outwardly trustworthy, but his actions (stealing) revealed his true character. As it is said, “Actions are louder than words.”

D5 We learn that the Jewish leaders solution to problem was often murder. Lazarus had done nothing worthy of death. If people wish to kill Christians today, the same attitude is revealed.

C2 Jesus Enters Jerusalem Riding a Colt

D1 This feast is the Passover. It is one of 3 feasts that all Israelite men were required to attend. The others were Pentecost and Tabernacles.

D2 Verse 14 & 15 are another fulfilled prophecies. Compare: Top 40 Most Helpful Messianic Prophecies

D3 Barclay (beware) writes on verse 19: We cannot leave this passage without noticing the simplest thing of all. Seldom in the world's history has there been such a display of magnificently deliberate courage as the Triumphal Entry. We must remember that Jesus was an outlaw and that the authorities were determined to kill him. All prudence would have warned him to turn back and make for Galilee or the desert places. If he was to enter Jerusalem at all, all caution would have demanded that he enter secretly and go into hiding; but he came in such a way as to focus every eye upon himself. It was an act of the most superlative courage, for it was the defiance of all that man could do; and it was an act of the most superlative love, for it was love's last appeal before the end.

C3 Jesus Predicts His Death

D1 Verse 21, would all people so desire.

D2 Verse 21, would see Jesus probably refers to be able to speak with Him. Nevertheless, time does not permit it.

D3 Verse 24 not only refers to Jesus’s death but also our death to the world system, worldview, and lifestyle.

D4 In verse 25 Jesus warns about the error of having this life as the highest priority. We are to seek God’s kingdom as our highest priority.

E1 Matthew 6:33 ESV But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

E2 Bible Illustrator has this comment:

Man’s first duty His first duty.

1. In priority of time.

2. In excellence of value.

3. It implies diligence.

4. It implies consideration. How the unjust steward planned his conduct.

5. Seek a personal interest in the kingdom of God.

6. Seek the extension of the Redeemer’s kingdom.

7. Seek the glory of the kingdom

D5 In verse 32, the word all refers to all people. See here.

D6 In verse 32, the word draw is to lead into a certain place.

E1 Even though He draws, that is attracts, believing and trusting in Jesus is up to the individual to accept and reject.

E2 Sometimes, depending on the context, it can mean drag as James 2:6 CSB Yet you have dishonored the poor. Don't the rich oppress you and drag you into court?

E3 In verse 32, it has the idea of draw. See lexicon.

F1 Compare: John 6:44 ESV No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

F2 Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges: ἑλκύσω. Not συρῶ (see on John 6:44). There is no violence; the attraction is moral and not irresistible. Man’s will is free, and he may refuse to be drawn. Previous to the ‘lifting up’ it is the Father who ‘draws’ men to the Son (6:44-45). And in both cases all are drawn and taught: not only the Jews represented by the Twelve, but the Gentiles represented by the Greeks. Πρὸς ἐμαυτόν, unto Myself, up from the earth. The two verses (31, 32) sum up the history of the Church; the overthrow of Satan’s rule, the establishment of Christ’s.

D7 Verse 35 is a warning. Much light has come from the teaching of Jesus Christ. His actions and words were understood, but as the hearers, for the most part, rejected, the light faded and the hearing dulled. Let us not refuse the call from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 11:28-30 NET Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry."

C4 Most Jews Refuse to Believe

D1 A very sad commentary for sure. God help us. John 12:42-43 WEL Nevertheless, even of the leaders many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess, lest they should be thrown out of the synagogue, 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

D2 Verse 46, darkness refers to the opposite of truth, freedom, peace, safety, rest, hope, etc. If we believe Jesus, we have these good things. If we do not believe, then we have lies, slavery, no peace, no safety, no rest, no hope, etc. Ephesians 5:8 GNB You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord's people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light,

D3 Another warning in verses 47-48: we can either believe in Jesus or reject. This is a genuine warning of our choices. Choices have consequences.

D4 The commandment of verse 50 is the commandment to believe. We can obey the Gospel call or reject.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? As 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. I do this Monday through Friday and use Saturday and Sunday for other devotions.

Devotional notes Psalm 123+John 11

Blogging will be rather sporadic as we are selling the house and moving.

MORNING

Psalm 123

B1 What does this mean?

C1 We look to Yahweh for help and guidance first.

C2 We watch for His answer (waiting).

C3 Many do not love God, His ways, His rules, His lifestyle, or His worldview, so they persecute our brothers and sisters for their faith.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Seek God’s help first, wait for answer to prayer, love God supremely and that being the highest priority, and pray for my brothers and sisters.

EVENING

John 11

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Lazarus Dies

D1 It is not written why Lazarus died. It seems that he was a young man as he and his sisters were not married yet.

D2 While some sickness may be caused as punishment from God and by foolish choices, most sickness is the result of the curse of the universe. Romans 8:20 NLT Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope.

D3 Verse 4, Jesus is teaching that Lazarus is not permanently dead.

D4 Verse 11 reveals the knowledge Jesus had of events even if not present. Hebrews 4:13 NLT Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

D5 Verse 13, John would know this, because he heard Jesus say this.

C2 Jesus Teaches Lazarus’s Sisters

D1 Martha went to meet Jesus, while Mary stayed home. Many have suggested this was due to their character. See Luke 10:38-42.

D2 Verse 23, Jesus asks questions in order to teach and reveal what a person believes. He knows what we believe, but often we do not. Martha shows that she knows Jesus can do miracles and that there is a resurrection.

D3 Note Martha’s sorrow at Jesus not coming to heal her brother. Jesus does not rebuke her. He is the great counselor and listens, then teaches. We should do the same. 21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died,

D5 Note Jesus’s emphasis concerning the length of life to those who believe. This is both a statement of fact and a promise. 26 “And all who live and believe in me will never, ever die forever. Do you believe this?”

D6 Jesus emphasis that He is God, is life, and is the life giver. He wants Martha to understand this. Apparently, she only believed that Jesus was a prophet.

D7 She confesses her faith that Jesus is Messiah: 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

D8 Verse 33, God does have emotions. Note Jesus’s sorrow.

C3 Jesus Raises Lazarus From Death

D1 Verse 39, Jesus had taught, and now it is time to test, as all good teachers do. Jesus knew what would happen, but we need testing for us to know. We need to learn what we believe and put into practice what we have been taught.

D2 Why 4 days? Some have suggested that the Jews of that time believed that after death, the person’s spirit leaves the body but stays in the area for 3 days, then leaves. Lazarus’ spirit would have left by now. See Gill’s commentary.

D3 Verse 41-42, It is interesting to note Jesus mentioning almost apologetically of the reason for thanking God for answering His prayer request. This is a testimony to those present and a witness of Jesus’s faith.

C4 As a Result, the Jewish Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus

D1 One would think everyone would fall on their knees, thank God, and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. Some did not. It was from their hard hearts. John 11:45-46 NLT Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

E1 Mark 3:5 NLT He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!

E2 Psalm 78:8 NLT Then they will not be like their ancestors—stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

D2 Verse 48 reveals the Jewish leaders’ jealousy and wanting to continue their position of privilege and power.

D3 Verse 56, the greatest desire of these Jewish leaders should be towards the celebration and seriousness of Passover, instead it was to find Jesus and kill him as soon as possible.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Help mine unbelief.

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. I do this Monday through Friday and use Saturday and Sunday for other devotions.

Devotional notes Psalm 123+John 11

Blogging will be rather sporadic as we are selling the house and moving.

MORNING

Psalm 123

B1 What does this mean?

C1 We look to Yahweh for help and guidance first.

C2 We watch for His answer (waiting).

C3 Many do not love God, His ways, His rules, His lifestyle, or His worldview, so they persecute our brothers and sisters for their faith.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Seek God’s help first, wait for answer to prayer, love God supremely and the highest priority, and pray for my brothers and sisters.

EVENING

John 11

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Lazarus Dies

D1 It is not written why Lazarus died. It seems that he was a young man as he and his sisters were not married yet.

D2 While some sickness may be caused as punishment from God and by foolish choices, most sickness is the result of the curse of the universe. Romans 8:20 NLT Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope.

D3 Verse 4, Jesus is teaching that Lazarus is not permanently dead.

D4 Verse 11 reveals the knowledge Jesus had of events even if not present. Hebrews 4:13 NLT Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

D5 Verse 13, John would know this, because he heard Jesus say this.

C2 Jesus Teaches Lazarus’s Sisters

D1 Martha went to meet Jesus, while Mary stayed home. Many have suggested this was due to their character. See Luke 10:38-42.

D2 Verse 23, Jesus asks questions in order to teach and reveal what a person believes. He knows what we believe, but often we do not. Martha shows that she knows Jesus can do miracles and that there is a resurrection.

D3 Note Martha’s sorrow at Jesus not coming to heal her brother. Jesus does not rebuke her. He is the great counselor and listens, then teaches. We should do the same. 21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died,

D5 Note Jesus’s emphasis concerning the length of life to those who believe. This is both a statement of fact and a promise. 26 “And all who live and believe in me will never, ever die forever. Do you believe this?”

D6 Jesus emphasis that He is God, is life, and is the life giver. He wants Martha to understand this. Apparently, she only believed that Jesus was a prophet.

D7 She confesses her faith that Jesus is Messiah: 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I have believed that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

D8 Verse 33, God does have emotions. Note Jesus’s sorrow.

C3 Jesus Raises Lazarus From Death

D1 Verse 39, Jesus had taught, and now it is time to test, as all good teachers do. Jesus knew what would happen, but we need to know. We need to learn what we believe and put into practice what we have been taught.

D2 Why 4 days? Some have suggested that the Jews of that time believed that after death, the person’s spirit leaves the body but stays in the area for 3 days, then leaves. Lazarus’ spirit would have left by now. See Gill’s commentary.

D3 Verse 41-42, It is interesting to note Jesus mentioning almost apologetically of the reason for thanking God for answering His prayer request. This is a testimony to those present and a witness of Jesus’s faith.

C4 As a Result, the Jewish Leaders Plot to Kill Jesus

D1 One would think everyone would fall on their knees, thank God, and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah. Some did not. It was from their hard hearts. John 11:45-46 NLT Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. 46 But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

E1 Mark 3:5 NLT He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!

E2 Psalm 78:8 NLT Then they will not be like their ancestors—stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.

D2 Verse 48 reveals the Jewish leaders’ jealousy and wanting to continue their position of privilege and power.

D3 Verse 56, the greatest desire of these Jewish leaders should be towards the celebration and seriousness of Passover, instead it was to find Jesus and kill him as soon as possible.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Help mine unbelief.

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. I do this Monday through Friday and use Saturday and Sunday for other devotions.

Devotional Notes Psalm 121+John 9

Blogging will be rather sporadic as we are selling the house and moving.

MORNING

Psalm 121

B1 What does this mean?

C1 No matter where we look for help and comfort, the only true, lasting help and hope come from Yahweh.

C2 Clarke comments on verse 3: The foundation, God's infinite power and goodness, on which thou standest, cannot be moved; and whilst thou standest on this basis, thy foot cannot be moved.

C3 God does not sleep or take a nap.

C4 God is our keeper (the good shepherd).

C5 God keeps our soul/life safe. Our flesh may die or be killed but the soul is safe to those who trust God. Matthew 10:28 EMTV And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

C6 Since God does not die or defeated in any battle, He can keep our soul safe forever and ever.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Thank you, O Lord.

EVENING

John 9

B1 What does this mean?

C1 Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

D1 Sad to see that at that time it was common to believe that if you were healthy and rich, then God was blessing them. It was a sign. Still today, people believe this. Jesus clarifies, by stating, “Neither this man or his parents sinned, on the contrary [it was] that the works of God might be made evident in him.”

D2 Jesus proves that statement by healing the man. Note how Jesus deals with individuals individually.

C2 Jewish Leaders Question the Healed Man

D1 Even though the religious leaders knew of many miracles, they still question it. Some teach that if there are many miracles, many will believe, but often miracles do not do that. God still heals.

D2 Verse 16 “…does not comply with the Sabbath...” refers to their rules not Gods.

D3 Verse 27, the man realizes that they don’t believe or Jesus.

D4 Verse 34, note the arrogance or love of power/authority. It seems that they considered themselves to not have been born in sins. Yet, Psalms 51:5 GW Indeed, I was born guilty. I was a sinner when my mother conceived me.

C3 The Healed Man Believes and Worships Jesus

D1 Verse 35, the Jews understood the term “Son of God” to refer to Messiah. See: John 10:36-39 NLT why do you call it blasphemy when I say, 'I am the Son of God'? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. 37 Don't believe me unless I carry out my Father's work. 38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don't believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father." 39 Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them.

D2 Barclay (beware) writes:

(i) Jesus looked for the man. As Chrysostom put it: "The Jews cast him out of the Temple; the Lord of the Temple found him." If any man's Christian witness separates him from his fellow-men, it brings him nearer to Jesus Christ. Jesus is always true to the man who is true to him.

(ii) To this man there was made the great revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. Loyalty always brings revelation; it is to the man who is true to him that Jesus most fully reveals himself. The penalty of loyalty may well be persecution and ostracism at the hands of men; its reward is a closer walk with Christ, and an increasing knowledge of his wonder.

D3 Verse 38, there is no such thing as needing to say the sinner’s prayer. Note this man’s prayer, “Lord, I believe.” The proof? “And he worshiped Him.”

D4 The Amplified Version clarifies verse 39: The Amplified Bible Then Jesus said, I came into this world for judgment [as a Separator, in order that there may be separation between those who believe on Me and those who reject Me], to make the sightless see and to make those who see become blind.

B2 How do I apply this to my life? Lord, your ways are true, just, and faithful. Thank you.

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. I do this Monday through Friday and use Saturday and Sunday for other devotions.