Yea Lord, You Know I Love You

Scripture: John 21: 15-17

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

Scripture Commentary:  It’s one thing to save you love Jesus, it’s a different thing to show it

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him.  When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed his sheep.  When you tell Jesus you love Him, what do you do to show it?  It’s one thing to say you love Jesus, but the real test is your willingness to serve Him.

Jesus led Peter through an experience that removed his denial.  Peter had disowned Jesus three times.  How many times have you disowned Jesus?  Each time you knowingly do wrong, you are denying Jesus.

How would you characterize your relationship with Jesus?

Peter repented, and here Jesus was asking him to commit his life.  Peter’s occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to rock; and his relationship to Jesus changed.

Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Jesus confronted him.

How would you respond if Jesus asked you?

Do you really love Jesus?  Are you really His friend?

Read the Entire Chapter:
John Chapter 21

God’s People Must Live Together in Unity

Scripture: Psalms 133: 1-3

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!   It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.  It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.  For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Scripture Commentary: Love binds us together in perfect unity*

David stated that unity is pleasant and precious.  Unfortunately, unity does not abound in the church as it should.

Do you have the true love of Our Lord Jesus Christ in you and in your church?

Oftentimes we disagree and cause division over unimportant and ungodly issues.  Some of us delight in causing tension by discrediting others.

Unity is important because it does 3 things:

  1. Makes the church a positive example to the world and helps draw others in
  2. Helps us cooperate as a body of believers as God meant us to be, giving us a foretaste of heaven
  3. Renews and revitalizes ministry because there is less tension to sap our energy

Living in unity doesn’t mean that we will agree on everything.  There will be many opinions just as there are many notes in a musical chord.

We must agree on our common purpose in life, to work together as Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us.  We must love one another as He loves us.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms 133

*Additional Reading:
Colossians 3

God Discards the Record of Our Transgressions

Scripture: Psalms 130: 1-5

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;  Lord, hear my voice.  Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.  If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Scripture Commentary: If God kept a record of our sins, it would become a wall between us and Him

When we ask God to forgive us our sins and when we live the life that Jesus Christ has told us to live, the record of our transgressions is gone.  If God kept a record of our sins, it would become a wall between us and Him.  God doesn’t keep the record when He forgives us.  He forgives completely, tearing down everything standing between us and Him.

We can feel helplessly lost because of our sins, but we shouldn’t let that despair isolate or distance us from God.  This is precisely when we need God the most. Despair over sin can lead to self-pity, making us think more about ourselves than about our God.  Instead, we must confess our transgressions and let God’s mercy, forgiveness and redemption work through us.

The lines of communication between us and God are completely open

We can talk to God about anything.  There’s nothing between us and Him.  When we pray, we must remember that God is holding nothing against us.

Turn to the only One who can truly help.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms 130

Now About Food Sacrificed to Idols

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8: 1-9

Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

4 So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.

9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Scripture Commentary:

In this scripture, Paul addressed believers who weren’t bothered by eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols.  Although idols were phony, and the pagan ritual of sacrificing to them was meaningless, eating such meat offended Christians with more sensitive consciences.

Therefore, Paul said that if a weaker or less mature believer misunderstood their actions, they should, out of consideration, avoid eating meat offered to idols.  We must be careful not to offend a sensitive or younger Christian or, by our example, cause them to sin.

When we love others, our freedom should be less important to us than strengthening the faith of a brother or sister in Christ.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Corinthians 8

As Christians, We Are All One Body, One Spirit

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 1-8

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

Scripture Commentary:  It is an awesome privilege to be one body and one spirit with Christ

God has chosen us to be Christ’s representative on earth.  In light of this truth, Paul challenged us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received.  It is an awesome privilege to be called Christ’s very own.  And all who are called are one body and one spirit with Christ.

This includes being humble, gentle, patient, understanding and peaceful.  Often differences among people can lead to division but this should not be true in the church.

No one is ever going to be perfect here on earth so we must accept and love other Christians

When we see faults in fellow believers, we should be patient and gentle rather than dwell on a person’s weakness or look for his faults.  Pray both for that person and for yourself.

All believers in Christ belong to one body.  All are united under one head – and that is Christ himself.  Each believer has God-given abilities that can strengthen the whole body.

Your special ability may seem small or large, but it is yours to use in God’s service.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians Chapter 4

Into Thine Hand I Commit My Spirit

Scripture: Psalms 31: 1-5

(To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.) In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.  Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.  For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.  Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou artmy strength.  Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

Scripture Commentary: Trust God and commit to Him

We say we have faith in God, but do we really trust in Him?  David called upon God to deliver him.  “Into thine hand I commit my spirit…”  This conveyed his complete trust in God.

When we place something in God’s hands, do we leave it with Him?

As Jesus was dying on the cross, He said, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”  This showed his absolute dependence on God, the Father.  Peter also repeated these words as he was being stoned to death.

David, Jesus and Peter knew that in death they were simply passing from God’s earthly care to His eternal care.

We should commit our possessions, families and our very lives to God

Don’t be trapped by the false security of prosperity.  Wealth, power and fame have an intoxicating effect on people, making them feel self-reliant and self-secure.  They make themselves independent of God.  Satan has a way of making us feel dependent upon earthly things.  Don’t fall into his hands.

As Jesus and Stephen did, commit yourself to God by living and working in His name.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 31

God’s Compassion Never Fails

Scripture: Lamentations 3: 1, 20-24

I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.(1)  My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.(20-24)

Scripture Commentary: God is full of compassion, grace, truth and mercy*

In Jeremiah’s darkest hours, his hope was strengthened with this assurance: God had been faithful and would continue to be so.  Because of God’s great love, you are not consumed.  His compassion never fails.

Have you given up on the Lord, or do you think the Lord has given up on you?

Our Lord Jesus Christ will never give up on you so do not give up on Him.  When you don’t live in a godly way and are disobedient to God’s will, He may chastise you  out of love.

Jeremiah knew from personal experience about God’s promise that punishment would follow disobedience, and it did.  But God also promised future restoration and blessing, and Jeremiah knew that God would keep his promise.

When you ask God for help and promise Him you will do better, do you keep that promise?  You must not complain about being disciplined by God; you must learn and trust in Him.

We must allow God’s correction to bring about the kind of behavior in our lives that pleases Him.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Lamentations Chapter 3

*Additional reading:
Psalms Chapter 86

 

 

You Can Overcome Temptation with God

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10: 12-14

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.  Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

Scripture Commentary: Paul gives us guidance on how to resist temptation

If we acknowledge our human weakness and let God in our lives to guide us, we will see that the only way is His way.  God can help us through any trial and temptation if we lean on Him.

Today’s pressures make it easy to ignore or forget the lessons of those who have gone before us.  This is why we must study the Bible.  It tells the mistakes and lessons that those who have gone ahead of us have learned.  Through them, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul gave us strong encouragement about how to resist temptation.  He tells us that by turning to God, we will make it through our trials and temptations.

We must give Jesus Christ our full allegiance.

When God is the guiding force of our principles, then everything we do is glorifying God.  He has saved us, so we now can serve Him.

Read the Entire Chapter:
1 Corinthians Chapter 10

 

How Should God Reward You?

Scripture: Job 34: 32-37

 “Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.’ Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.  “Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,  ‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’  Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man! To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”

Scripture Commentary:  What should we do and how should we be before God?

There are many things we should do, say, be.  Ask God to show you what you aren’t able to see.  Learn what you are doing wrong and make correction.

We can:

  • Turn to God for understanding, endurance, and deliverance
  • Ask important questions we might not take time to think about in our normal routine
  • Prepare to identify with and comfort others who suffer
  • Open ourselves to helping others
  • Obey God’s Word
  • Be ready to learn from a trustworthy God
  • Realize we can identify with what Christ suffered on the cross for us and be sensitized to the amount of suffering in the world

That, OR we can:

  • Become hardened and reject God
  • Refuse to ask any questions and miss any lessons that might be good for us
  • Allow ourselves to be self-centered and selfish
  • Withdraw from the help that others can give
  • Reject the fact that God can bring good out of calamity
  • Accuse God of being unjust and perhaps lead others to reject Him
  • Close ourselves to any changes in our lives

God is still concerned even though He does not intervene all the time.  God will always execute justice.  He loves us.

Read the Entire Chapter:

Job 34

Lead and Teach Me Your Ways, O Lord

Scripture: Psalms 25: 1, 4-7

Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.(1)  Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.(4)  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.(5)  Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.(6)  Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.(7)

Scripture Commentary:  Teach me how I should be; lead my life according to your ways, Lord

David asked God to keep his enemies from overcoming him.  He asked God to lead, teach, and show him mercy.

Your enemies not only oppose you.  They also oppose God and how He wants you to live.

You are opposite to God’s laws when you place money, success, prestige, and lust in your life.  When you let these things overcome you, then you are living as Satan wants.  If you begin to live this way, then you’re lost.  And your family and friends may think that living for God is futile.

You must keep the Lord Jesus Christ in your life at all times so that your enemies will not succeed

Pray for guidance.  Place yourself in His hands.  Let God guide you in the path of righteousness.

Your first step is to want to be guided and to realize that God’s primary guidance is in His word.  Read Psalms 119.  It tells of the endless knowledge found in God’s Word.

Do not be tempted to demand answers to all of your questions.  You should be prepared for direction and guidance.

Seek and you will find the path that God has prepared for you.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms Chapter 25

Additional Reading:
Psalms Chapter 119