MORNING MEDITATION

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 6:30-34

Our journey has barely just begun and already we have had to consider the reason why we are here. Within us is a deep desire for more of Jesus; however, as we read yesterday, the people were seeking after Him as well, only to have Jesus confront them with the true motivation of their heart - or belly for that matter. Their pursuit of Him was motivated by the flesh, and, even though Jesus pointed this out to them, they continued to ask for a further sign in order that they might believe.

We might ask ourselves this morning how much of what we pray and ask for is for our personal comfort, or for relief from pain and suffering? How much time do we spend complaining about what we don't have or criticizing others for what they do have; or how much time do we waste contemplating or striving for the things we wish we had or could do? What do we really want from God? Can we honestly say with pure hearts and clean hands that all we want is more of Him? In a world full of constant striving and gain, is Jesus truly all that we want and need - is He really more than enough?

In our Scripture reading this morning the people asked for a miraculous sign from Jesus to prove He was sent from God. They believed that the coming Messiah would be a miracle worker and provide manna to meet their physical needs, just as Moses had provided for their forefathers. Once again, however, the people missed the message (and the messenger). They failed to see that God had indeed sent fresh manna from heaven, but this time His provision was meant to satisfy their deepest and greatest need. After 400 years of silence the Lord was revealing Himself and speaking loud and clear - in a very visible and tangible way, but the people were spiritually blind; they could not see. Jesus had already done many miracles in their midst, yet they did not realize that the greatest miracle was standing in the flesh before them. God was speaking to them in human flesh and holding out to them the true bread from heaven which would satisfy them eternally. "My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world" (vv. 32b, 33). Our Heavenly Father is fully aware of our every need, however He knows that the presence of sin in our lives is robbing us of the higher spiritual life He intends for us to live - that is why He sent His Son into the world. "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). We who have trusted Christ are the recipients of His indescribable gift of eternal life, but let us not forget that it cost our dear Savior His life. He died so we could live. May we not neglect this new life we have been given, even for a single day. Let us commit to living fully surrendered to the Lord, being satisfied with the daily bread of His Word He has given us to nourish this new life within! He is all that we need!

Heavenly Father,
We praise You for opening heaven to us,
and feeding us with the true bread
from heaven which gives life to the world.
"The eyes of all look to You,
and You give them their food at the proper time.
You open Your hand and satisfy the desires
of every living thing." (Psalm 145:15-16)
Crucify the flesh in us
that desires anything else but
the fulfillment that can only be found in You.
And let Your holy life shine through us
so that others will have a purified picture
of the life You have given for the world.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 6:35-40

Jesus had just finished telling the crowd that God was offering them divine bread that would provide eternal life, and they responded affirmatively: "Lord, give us this bread always" (v.34). They were expecting a miracle bread that would prolong their physical life, but what Jesus was offering them would transform their life for all eternity. He declared to them, "I am the Bread of Life." This was the first of seven names that Jesus used in His teaching as He began to reveal who He was and why He was sent. These next 40 days, as we take up our cross and follow Christ, we will be studying these "self-descriptions" of Jesus as we feast on the One Who has been sent from above to save us from our sin and fill us with His love.

When God first introduced Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14), He revealed Himself as the dependable, trustworthy and faithful God. A person's name was vitally important to the Jews, because it was a representation of their full character. Moses was prevented from seeing the fullness of God, but he was able to hear it proclaimed: "The LORD, The LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin..." (Exodus 34:6-7a). Jesus came in the fullness of the Godhead, expressing the magnificence of God by name, and demonstrating the majesty of God as He lived and walked among the people of His day. His name encompassed all that He was, is, and ever will be, therefore the Father gave His Son the name that is above all other names.

"Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place
and gave Him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."
(Philippians 2:9-11)

With every word He spoke, and everything He did, Jesus' life was a bold declaration that He had been sent from heaven to do the Father's will."For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). Even though Jesus was fully God, His dependence upon the Father was vital to accomplishing the work He had been sent to do. "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (John 4:34). As His followers, it is critical that we learn to trust God for our daily bread and become intentional about feasting on the spiritual food He has placed in our hands - the Holy Bible - EVERY DAY! The work we have been commissioned to do is a heavenly and holy assignment. As His ambassadors we can't lead others where we haven't been one ourselves. Jesus came to offer His life as spiritual food for a spiritually starved world, and we must make every effort to be nourished in the knowledge of Him so we can continue His work. Jesus provided for us the standard we are to live by, as He Himself went to the Father daily in prayer to be nourished and strengthened in the divine presence, so He could do the work He had been sent to do. If we claim to be true follower's of Jesus Christ we must be willing to do the same - for we bear His glorious and holy name!

This morning as we digest our spiritual breakfast, may we, like Ezekiel and John, savor the Word of God as sweet honey on our tongue, but let us not ignore the bitter feeling in the pit of our stomach, as we are gravely reminded of the many who remain separated from God (reference Ezekiel 3:3; Revelation 10:9-11). When we sit at our tables we offer words of grace to God for our food, however when we sit at the Lord's table He offers us grace as our food. Let us take time now to pray and ask God for the grace this spiritually starved world so desperately needs, and may we willingly dispense His grace to all those He brings across our paths today. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

Heavenly Father,
You have promised that "he who comes to Me
will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me
will never be thirsty."
You have sent Your Son into the world
so we could experience life to the full.
Everything good from Your hand flows
through Christ into our lives.
We praise You that we rest secure in the knowledge
that none of all that You have given
to Your beloved Son will be lost.
And we rejoice that we will indeed be
raised up with You in the last day.
Help us now to live our lives in the fullness
of Your grace and surrendered to Your
perfect will, so that Your Kingdom come
and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Thank You for our daily bread.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

_____

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 6:45-51

God dispensed His grace upon the world through His Son Jesus Christ. "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14a). This verse goes on to say, "and we beheld His glory..." (v. 14b). Up to this point the eyes of mankind could not look upon God without the fear of dying. Jesus confirmed this by telling the people, "No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only He has seen the Father" (John 6:46). We are drawn to God first by our hearing (Romans 10:17), but then, as we learn from Him, we see Him through the eyes of faith. "Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me" (v. 45b). The people had boasted to Jesus about the manna their fathers had eaten, which they had seen with their eyes and picked up with their hands and ate, but this bread only preserved and supported their life. Jesus stood before them and explained that He is the "living bread" sent from heaven to save their life. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world" (v. 51).

How dearly the Father desires that we be nourished in the knowledge of His Son. His greatest priority for our life is a life of deepening intimacy with Him. The knowledge He wants us to glean from Him is not meant to rest in the pages of a book on some abandoned shelf, but to take root in our hearts so that we would be abandoned to Him. To truly know God is to experience God. This depth of knowledge enlists the entire body in the learning process - the heart, mind and soul. This is not merely head knowledge - but heart knowledge. The process of transferring the knowledge of God from the six inches from our head to our hearts cannot be achieved from a textbook, rather it is often accomplished through trial. Jesus showed us, from the onset of His earthly ministry, that the lessons God has for us to learn would come from a place of tribulation, testing, and temptation. At the end of His 40 day fast in the desert, when hunger and temptation set in, Jesus demonstrated to us that His Word would be our most valuable and effective weapon to achieve victory in the midst of weakness and spiritual warfare (reference Matthew 4:1-11). It is therefore vital that we feed on God's Word so that we will be prepared to face the trials that will inevitably come into our life (reference 1 Peter 4:12-13). "They are not just idle words for you - they are your life" (Deuteronomy 32:47a).

Let us take a moment today to consider the many books, magazines, articles, and newspapers we have read; all the research we have done to learn a new activity, language, or skill; all the knowledge and education we have gained to become an authority in a subject or profession. Education and knowledge may be important to achieving a successful life in this world, and while our freedom and ability to get an education should not be taken for granted, the greatest, most productive, and most impactful use of our time will come from the attention we give to knowing God - by spending time with Him in His Word, and in communion with Him in prayer. The Holy Bible is not just a book, it is a person - the person of Jesus Christ. In Him alone do we find our life; Jesus offers us abundant life. This morning, let us offer a prayer of gratitude for the privilege of owning a copy of the Holy Bible, and the freedom we have to study it and share it. That freedom came at a great cost and is being trampled on today. If we don't use it, we will surely lose it! Let us lift up our "Sword of the Spirit" and pray for those around the world who are literally laying their lives on the line every day to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost. May we utilize the time we have each day to study God's Word, which so many have fought to preserve; and may we "declare it fearlessly as we should" (Ephesians 6:20b), making the most of every opportunity to share this "living bread" with the spiritually hungry around us.


Heavenly Father,
"Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens,
Your faithfulness to the skies."
Thank You that we have been invited
to feast on the "abundance of Your house"
through the "living bread" You
have provide through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
You have opened our eyes to behold His glory,
and we have gazed upon perfect love and purity.
We declare with all our heart that there is nothing
in this world that will ever satisfy -
stir within us a deeper hunger
for the Eternal Word which You have
given for the life of the world.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 6:53-58

Our souls cannot live without Christ. In our reading this morning, Jesus continued His discourse on the necessity of feeding on Him as the Bread of Life. "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you" (v.53). Apart from Jesus Christ we have no life in us; we are as dry, dead bones wasting away, and in desperate need of revival (reference Ezekiel 37:5). I believe it was Oswald Chambers who said, "To wash and dress a corpse is a far different thing from making a man alive; man can do the one, God alone can do the other." Only God can give us life, and make us alive in Christ!

To "eat His flesh" and "drink His blood," means we are to have faith in Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). He offers us redemption and eternal life, but we must believe in Him, so that these nourishing morsels become life to our soul. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:6). It is not enough to just look upon Christ and Him crucified, we must also believe on Him; we must trust in Him and feed upon Him, so we will be filled with the eternal, abundant, irrepressible life He purchased for us. It is one thing to have knowledge of God, it is another thing to acknowledge Him. Our Father in heaven wants us to be completely dependent upon Him - to find our strength and support in Him. To do this we must live upon the "man"-na He has sent to us from heaven to become our life. We have no spiritual life in us if we do not hunger and thirst for the One who eternally lives.

Our spiritual life comes from faith in Christ alone. The benefit of this new life is the oneness we experience with the Lord. "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him" (v.56). Intimacy with Christ is God's greatest priority for our lives. We achieve this by responding to the Lord as He has required of us: by feeding on His eternal promises just as we would eat our bread or meat, or drink from our cup today. The Lord has come to save us from sin and this world, which is devouring our flesh, and to give us His life, so that we can live abundantly for, and eternally with, Him. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20). The evidence of the spiritual life is found in a person who delights in the Lord; whose desire is for Christ alone. Fasting is a wonderful discipline of the Christian faith which affords the believer the opportunity to quiet and conquer the flesh, so that we can truly live on Christ alone and live for Him during our pilgrimage in this world. "As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me" (v.57). As we continue in our journey up the mountain to that higher standard of spiritual life, let us not be deterred when the hunger pangs take over and the flesh begins to cry out; rather than responding to the flesh as we would normally do, let us instead let the Spirit lead us to the One who said, "My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed" (v.55), and feed upon His richer and more satisfying morsels which will nourish our life with the abundance of His love, joy, peace, and grace.

Heavenly Father,
"You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound."
(Psalm 4:7)
Thank You for stirring this spiritual appetite within,
and for silencing the cravings for the world.
I no longer live because Christ lives in me,
and His Word is all that will satisfy my soul;
they have become the joy and delight of my heart.
Awaken this hunger within Your Church
and give us the pleasure of bringing many
hungry souls to Your table where they
too can feed upon the Bread of Life
and find eternal satisfaction and nourishment.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 7:25-36

If there is anything we have gleaned from our first week together on this 40 day journey it is this: Jesus is our life! He is our necessary food; for without Him we have no life in us. His work on the cross delivered us from death unto life; and His continued work in us through the presence and power of the indwelling Holy Spirit enables us to experience the full and abundant life He has promised us (reference John 10:10). As we continue our journey let us ask the Lord to trust us with the choicest meat of His Word, and take the time necessary to digest every morsel He places on our plate. Our Father in heaven knows exactly what is necessary to nourish, satisfy, strengthen, and make us healthy. "Give me neither poverty nor riches but give me only my daily bread" (Proverbs 30:8b).

As we step into the pages of our reading this morning we find the people questioning Jesus' deity. They thought they knew God; because of their understanding of the scriptures they were sure the man before them could not be the promised Messiah. The people lacked true knowledge of God; they were ignorant of the scriptures which predicted the very place He would be born (see Micah 5:2). "Yes, you know Me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on My own, but He who sent Me is true. You do not know Him, but I know Him because I am from Him and He sent Me" (John 7:28-29).

Saul of Tarsus was a man who thought he knew God. He had been taught by the greatest teachers, and he was very zealous for God (reference Philippians 3:5-6). But it wasn't until the Lord revealed Himself to him personally that he realized he didn't really know God at all. "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting..." (Acts 9:4-5). All this time Saul thought he was doing the work of God, but his divine encounter with the living Lord proved that he was actually hurting God. There are some in the church even today who believe they are working for God and doing good for the kingdom while living personal lives that offend God. What they have to offer is poisonous fruit that is making the church sick; but the work is so subtle that many can't put a finger on where their lethargy and apathy are coming from. "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophecy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers!'" (Matthew 7:22-23). Charles Spurgeon has said, "We slander God by our very eagerness to work for Him without knowing Him." If we really knew God we wouldn't stand in the pulpit, kneel at the prayer altar, or accept any position in the church without taking stock of our personal holiness. We are operating from a deficit of spiritual power in the church because we don't acknowledge the majesty and holiness of God. We have surrendered our high view of God. "These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is made up only of rules taught by men. Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder; the wisdom of the wise will perish the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish" (Isaiah 29:13-14).

Saul of Tarsus was profaning the name of God by claiming to be working in God's name. He was killing the work of God, instead of contributing to God's Kingdom. When the scales finally fell of his eyes, Paul, saw clearly that the One he had been previously persecuting was indeed the promised and risen Christ (reference Acts 9:18-22). From that moment on he, "resolved to know nothing...except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). Before he came in contact with the resurrected Christ, Paul was unknowingly serving Satan's purposes to destroy the work of God. The Lord radically intercepted his life and called him out to be His "chosen instrument" to carry His name to those who are blind as he himself once was.

Saul yielded to Christ, and the Lord broke the chains of the religious spirit that bound him. Saul had been living as a slave to the religious system until Jesus entered His life and set him free; and from that moment on he was sold out for Christ. Jesus came to, "Preach good news to the poor...to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed" (Luke 4:18). It is only the redeeming power of Christ's death and resurrection that sets us free. He came to break the chains that have us bound to the world, so that we can be sent out proclaiming the glorious name of Jesus Christ. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). We must be fully yielded to God ourselves before we can be of any use to His kingdom. Paul experienced the power of the cross, and it dramatically changed the course of his life. Let us lay everything down at the foot of the cross and declare with Paul, "what things were gain to me these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord..."(Philippians 3:7-8a).

Heavenly Father,
I praise You that You are at work
in the lives of the ignorant as well as the
wicked, both of whom are in opposition
to the Truth of the gospel.
Though the people in Your day sought to take You,
they couldn't even lay a hand on You,
because "Your hour had not come."
What comfort it is to know that
You tie the hands of those who
seek to chain the gospel
until the appointed hour has come.
There is no greater knowledge than the knowledge of God.
Thank You that You are watching over
Your Word to see that it is fulfilled.
"...so is My Word that goes out from My mouth;
it will not return to Me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
(Isaiah 55:11)
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
_________

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 1:1-14

As the sun rises on this new day, let us take a moment to praise the Lord for the light He has given to us to enjoy His beautiful creation; that which brings warmth to our day, and aids in the growth, function and production of every living thing. When God began His creative work He first brought light into the world: "Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). As we open up the pages of God's Holy Word we will turn our attention this week to the second self-description of Jesus as "The Light of the World." In our devotional reading this morning, in the first chapter of the Gospel of John, our eyes are opened to the revelation of an even greater light, the One who "was in the beginning with God." The true Light "that gives light to every man," Who was, not only the author and creator of the world, but also, from the beginning, would be for the redemption of the world. "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (v.4).

Light was given to the world for our physical existence, and then Light came into the world for our spiritual existence. "...the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining" (1 John 2:8b). Our entire life is utterly dependent upon God; we need His light to live. Tragically, though many love and worship the light of the sun, they do not love and worship the Son who brings them the light. Jesus came into this dark world as a spiritual light, but sin has eclipsed His light. "...the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it" (v.5). Though the dark forces of evil resist the light of Christ, Jesus' light shines even brighter to break through the dark shadow of sin, so that hearts of men can be enlightened with revelation of Jesus Christ, and come to the light of His salvation. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (1 John 3:8b)

The light of God had come down, and was veiled in a garment of human flesh. God's glory, which once dwelt in the tabernacle in the wilderness and in the temple, had settled upon the earth and made a temporary home in a tent of human skin. And while many of the people saw only the human side of Jesus: "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own received Him not" (v.10-11); there was a remnant of intimates who saw Christ's glory shining through that veil of flesh. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." How blessed we are that our heavenly Father has given us what we so desperately need - His grace and truth - that we might know Him and make Him known in this world. As we go about our day, may our lives radiate the light of Christ with every step we take, so that the darkness of the world will be repelled and the Kingdom of God advanced!

Heavenly Father,
"You are my lamp, O LORD;
the LORD turns my darkness into light"
(2 Samuel 22:29).
"You have delivered me from death, and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before You in the light of life"
(Psalm 56:13)
I praise You for calling me out of darkness into Your wonderful light.
(1 Peter 2:9)
Help me to be a true reflection of Your glorious light and life,
so that those around me may behold Your glory,
and be drawn into Your marvelous light.
Thank You that "Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path"
(Psalm 119:105).
Guide me, Holy Spirit, into the deep recesses
of Your truth, and help me to walk in Your wisdom every day.
Be glorified in my life, Lord, I pray.
"I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify Your name forever."
(Psalm 86:12)
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 3:14-21

Today, as we open our Bible, our devotional reading falls upon a high holy text (and I do hope you are using your Bible, and not just quickly reading the scriptures on your cell phone). Beloved, we are walking on holy ground. I've heard it said that the Truth of God's Word is like a multi-faceted diamond. If that is true, then John 3:16 is the Hope Diamond of the Scriptures. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Let us take time to let those words fall fresh upon our palette. Let us savor their sweet flavor where they may have fallen flat because of their familiarity. "God so loved the world." God wants us to know how great His love is toward us. Not as a mass of people, but as individuals. He wants each one of us to know we matter to Him. No matter how unworthy we feel, and no matter what rotten fruit we are chewing on that feeds our thought-life with the lies of the devil who tells us no one cares about us; God says otherwise. His Word lays those lies to rest, and gives us life. And God not only told us how much He loves us, He demonstrated His great love by sending His Son to die for us. "He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

There is a plague of hopelessness in the world because of sin, for which there is only one remedy - Jesus Christ. He is the hope of the world. God put on a garment of human flesh to deliver His message personally; and to show us that He loves us and matter to Him. Jesus spent His ministry going from person to person to tell them of the Father's love, and to show them His love, as He touched them and transformed their lives. He wants to do that for every single person on the world today. He will not leave a single stone unturned, or a tribe overlooked, until every person has had an opportunity to hear the message of God's great love for them. Jesus went on to demonstrate the height and depth, and length and breadth of God's love when He died on the cross and paid the penalty for our sin which separated us from the Father's love. How quickly and suddenly the entire landscape of our life would change, if we would just believe the truth that falls from the heart, mouth, mind, side, nail-pierced hands of God our Savior, rather than listening to the taunts of the enemy of God, who plays his broken record of lies to convince us that we are all alone and that nobody cares about us, especially God. Let us hold this glorious diamond up to the Light of Christ, so that those all around us, who have found themselves in a pit of hopelessness, struggling in sin, and separated from God, may have the pathway that will lead them home illuminated with the glorious message that they matter to God.

Before we run out the door and get caught up with the business and busyness of the day, let us tarry just a little longer at the burning bush before us. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." In these words we find the purpose of God, the reason He sent His Son into the world; the world They created: He sent His Son, not to judge us, but to save us. Rather than condemning the world that had become so wrought with the sickness and disease of sin, God sent His Son to heal it - to reclaim it - to reconcile it to Himself. This is His world, and we are His creation, and He is Sovereign over all! God has rescued us. He has given us the remedy we so desperately need, but still many do not believe. They are like patients who refuse to listen to their doctor who has given them the prescription that will not only ease their pain, but save their very life. And the Bible says, "but he who does not believe is condemned already." Their unbelief has kept them in the shackles of their sin, when believing is the key that would set them free. How truly dark and depraved this world is that we prefer sickness over salvation; that we would rather be slaves, instead of free. "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (v. 19). Let us pray for those who willfully and arrogantly close their eyes to the Light; who prefer to stumble around in this dark world, rather than walk securely in the glorious light of Christ; that they would allow the Light to penetrate that wall of hatred that guards their heart so it can be filled with the love of God.

Heavenly Father,
"I lift up my eyes to You,
to You whose throne is in heaven"
(Psalm 123:1)
I praise You, Lord Jesus, that I am the one You died for;
You were thinking about me; You were concerned about
my condition; and You knew that the only remedy
that could save me was found in You alone.
Forgive me for the years of chewing on the lie of unbelief.
Thank You that Your patience never wore out,
as You waited for the prodigal to realize that all that I
could ever want and need is found in You,
and to run home to Your loving, open arms.
Help me now to "do the truth," as Your Word says,
so that my "deeds may be clearly seen, that they have
been done in God" (John 3:21).
Give me the privilege of sharing
Your message of truth with the individuals
You desire to reach, and remove the blinders from their eyes
so they can see Your glorious Light and believe in Your name
and experience the gift of Your forgiveness and salvation today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen,

_________

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 8:12-18

Jesus came to the earth to bring the "true" light of heaven. "The true light that gives light to every man" (John 1:7,9). He flipped the "spiritual" light switch that allowed mankind to see their Creator in a "new" light - a purified and undiminished light. Only through Jesus Christ can we see the Father as He was meant to be seen. "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9b). The "spiritual" light that Jesus brought to the world works as heavenly laser eye surgery, miraculously transforming spiritually blind "natural" eyes into "spiritual" seeing eyes, when we believe. Squinting eyes, barely able to see the next step in front of them are restored to 20/20 vision - opening the eye to a world the naked eye could never hope to see and bringing the heavenly Father into view in all His glory and majesty. "One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25b).

"I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life."
(John 8:12)

We depend so much on the physical light which the sun provides, but we easily dismiss or ignore the greater spiritual light of the Son of God which has come into the world. We depend on one sun for our physical needs, and so we must depend on one Son for our spiritual needs: "Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Jesus is the Light that we are meant to follow. If we are willing He will lead us, not only in this world, but all the way to eternity. He will walk with us straight through this life into heaven. But we must walk in His light. Jesus is the true light. He will guide our feet, where our physical eyes could never take us. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

We live in a world filled with artificial lights which deceive people into believing they do not need the light which Jesus Christ brings. The devil and his cohorts parade around as "angels of light" casting their counterfeit shadows on the filth, depravity, immorality and corruption of this world; causing many to turn a deaf ear and blind ear to their own tragic condition. Jesus came as the Light of the world to expose our sin and to give us sight "and release from darkness for the prisoners" (Isaiah 61:1b).
Sadly, men continue to love darkness rather than light, "because their deeds [are] evil" (John 3:19). Praise God that though men may resist His glorious light, they cannot thwart His plans. Let us thank our Father for the "spiritual" eyes we have given through Jesus Christ His Son, which enable us to behold "His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14)! May our eyes always be "ever on the Lord," for His eyes are always upon us (Psalm 25:15). "Your eyes are open to all the ways of men" (Jeremiah 32:19).


Heavenly Father,
"Let the light of Your face shine upon us, O LORD"
(Psalm 4:6)
Thank you for illuminating my path so I can walk
in the light of life. I praise You for
opening my eyes to see the obstacles
in my path that I have stumbled over in the past
because my eyes were not fixed on You.
Your Word has become a ever-growing light
which expands its reach across my path
and enables me to see more clearly so I can
advance further in the race that has been set before me.
Holy Spirit, I depend on You to lead me
down paths of righteousness
for Your Names' sake that I may bring
glory to the Father with every step I take.
Help me to never stray from the path
You have laid out for me, even when that
path may seem long and challenging to traverse at times.
May I travel well so as to leave a straight
and unobstructed pathway behind me that will
provide other pilgrims a well-lit and identifiable road
that will lead them into Your glorious light.
In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

____

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 9:1-5

Good morning, travelers. It is a joy to walk this journey with you as we draw close to our Lord in the opening of the pages of His Word, and as we follow Him along the path toward the cross. He knew our journey would be challenging as we submitted to this season of fasting, so He tenderly reminded us from the very beginning that He is the Bread of Life. As we are getting further along, I pray the cravings of the stomach are being transformed into a holy hunger for the Lord, and a new appetite is burning within your heart for more of Jesus as He is revealing Himself to us this week as "the Light of the world". May we be able to make the same declaration as the travelers on the road to Emmaus: "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32). My prayer for you these 40 days is for fresh revelation to fill your heart as you meditate upon these familiar scriptures. May the light of Christ continue to draw us closer into the warmth of His love and open our eyes to a deeper understanding of who He is. May He kindle the flame of passion for Him and compassion for those we pass by in our journey.

Today we join Jesus near the temple as He is drawn with compassion to a man who was blind from birth. "As Jesus passed by, He saw him..." No one escapes the watchful eye and concerned heart of our Lord. These two words should put our weary and burdened mind to rest and make our heart leap within our chest, "He saw." Beloved believer, He sees us. He knows our situation and our circumstances, and He knows why we are where we are. Our Lord knows exactly where to find us; and He comes for us even when we aren't looking for Him, or can not see Him like the blind man. Such is the sad condition of the world we live in. Many are spiritually blind, and do not even know how close the Lord is or of His great ability and willingness to heal them.

The Lord was stirred with compassion, but His disciples were moved to question: "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" They believed, as many did, that sin was the cause of the sickness; surely this pitiful man was experiencing the punishment of either his or his parents' sin. How quickly we are to judge the afflictions of others as punishment for some wickedness or evil in their lives; and consider their lack of healing as a lack of faith. Jesus declared this man to be a vessel of His mercy. "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him." The man who had caught the special attention of the Lord, and the criticism of the people, was a chosen vessel for the glory of God to be revealed. He had been selected from birth for such a time as this that the power and goodness of God might be made manifest in his healing. Jesus took the opportunity to show Himself as the one sent from God, to do the work of God. "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day...As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

Jesus went on to heal the man; in doing so He not only cured the man, but also revealed the purpose for his condition. Jesus was sent into the world to be the light of the world and to give it spiritual sight. Jesus is the true light who reveals deep and hidden things (Jeremiah 33:3). Let us praise our Father in heaven for those seasons of affliction in our own lives where He has revealed Himself more dearly to us. When we are in the midst of tribulation it is often difficult to see clearly the purpose for it at the time, but we can look back on our trials with 20/20 vision and see the hand of God with greater understanding. May this story stir our hearts to fervent prayer on behalf of those in our path who are enduring their own difficult diagnosis, impossible illness, or time of trial and testing. May we not pass them by, but press in in prayer that they may see Jesus in the midst of them and feel His tender and compassionate touch. May they gain greater understanding of His purpose for the season they are walking through as He sheds His light on their situation. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

Heavenly Father,
"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for You."
(Lamentations 3:21-24)
Lord, I pray that You will be glorified in my life,
in times of weakness and in times of strength.
In all things and in all ways I pray
You will be able to show Yourself through me.
May nothing in me, whether it be
doubt or fear, or any other thing,
rob You of Your glory that is
meant to be revealed through my
light and momentary affliction.
May I decrease that You may increase
so Your glorious light may fill this land.
To You be all glory, honor and praise.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
_____________________________________

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 9:35-41

As surely as the sun rises each morning, the light of Jesus is shining upon us. His light lifts us out of gloom of doubt and despair and sets us high upon a rock where we can bask in the warmth of His eternal glow. The natural sunlight is a lamp which illuminates the glorious intricacies of God's wondrous creation. The great Artist of the universe spared no detail on His earthly canvas; in sight, in sound, in color, in texture, in movement, in order, in everything; and all of this is just a small sampling of His majestic handiwork. How blessed we are to gaze upon His creative work with our natural eyes - it is a feast for the eyes! But how much more so are we, who have believed in the One who is the "true light" of the world, to have our "spiritual" eyes open to see through eyes of faith the very One whose hand is in every brushstroke. We know, with full assurance, that this is just a taste of the promised kingdom that is to come, as our spiritual eyes and ears are awakened to hear the sound of creation groaning for that glorious day when it, too, will be "liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into glorious freedom" (Romans 8:21).

The Light of the world, Jesus Christ, opened our eyes to see the world, in which we live, in a new light. We now, having seen the Father through the light of Jesus, see our present world through the lens of eternity. The spiritual vision we have been given allows us to see all things from a kingdom perspective of which we are now heirs (reference Romans 8:17). "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!...now we are children of God, and what we will be has not been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies Himself, just as He is pure" (1 John 3:1-3).

From the moment the blind man received sight from Jesus he was put on trial and asked to give an account of his healing. He had been blind all his life, but when confronted by the Son of God, he was able to see in a way none of the teachers of the law could see. "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes" (John 9:30). As Christians, we are put under the microscope of the unbelieving world who cannot understand the change that has happened to us because they don't have proper vision to see. The man who had been born blind had an eye-opening experience with Jesus Christ and no amount of questioning or criticism would cause him to deny what he knew experientially and personally. As believers we should "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15). The Pharisees rejected the man's testimony and threw him out; they cast judgment on the blind man when they were the ones who were, in fact, blind. This man's testimony was meant to open their eyes to see the Christ, but they rejected God's gift and brought judgment on themselves. "For judgment I have come into the world so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind" (John 9:39).

The light of Christ reveals the true nature of men's hearts. Jesus came into the world to meet every human need, but there are some who, in their blindness, can't recognize their need no matter how much light they are exposed to. "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains" (v.41). Man is without excuse as the natural light of the creation reveals God's "eternal power and divine nature" and the light of Christ exposes their sinful nature. Jesus' presence in the world naturally divides the darkness from the light and we will all be given the opportunity to choose sides. May we radiate His light brilliantly while it is still day that all the world will be exposed to His glorious light!

Jesus pursues each one of us personally to open our eyes that we might see Him and believe. The man born blind was rejected by men who claimed to see, but was received by Christ who saw him as He purposed him to be. "...when He found him, He said, 'Do you believe in the Son of Man?' (John 9:35b). "Then the man said, 'Lord, I believe; and he worshiped Him" (v.38). When the blind man's natural eyes were opened he was able to testify to the miraculous work of God, but when his spiritual eyes were open he fell down in worship of Holy God. Jesus opens our eyes so we will testify of His love and learn to worship the Creator and not the created thing. God opens our eyes that we might see the one who loves us endlessly. May our day be spent in worship of the One who gives us spiritual eyes to see, and Who provides our every need.


Heavenly Father,
"I lift my eyes to You whose throne is in heaven"
(Psalm 123:1)
"Open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things in Your law."
(Psalm 119:18)
"Turn my eyes away from worthless things and preserve my
life according to Your Word." (v. 37).
Thank You for revealing Yourself to me
and for allowing me the privilege of gazing upon
Your beauty and holiness.
Guard my eyes and help me to daily keep them fixed
on You as I seek to spend time with You
in Your Word and in prayer.
"May the eyes of the hearts of all of Your children
be enlightened to know the hope to which they have
been called, the riches of the glorious
inheritance of the saints" that You have so
graciously bestowed upon us.
(Ephesians 1:18)
Be glorified in all that I watch, see, say, do,
entertain, and pursue - and may my
utmost pursuit and desire always be for You.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

_____________________________________

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1b, 2)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 12:37-46

Good Morning, beloved of the Most High God! How great the Father's love is towards you! "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1, NIV). I love that the word "lavished" is used in the NIV. To lavish, as defined, means to give or bestow an abundance; to shower; characterized by or produced with extravagance or profusion - as in a lavish buffet. God's love for us is a "lavish buffet" - a feast of epic proportions! Our gracious and benevolent Heavenly Father spared nothing when He offered His Son up as the main course. For the unbelieving, blind and foolish world, that may be a tough pill to swallow; but for us, who are being saved, it is the power of God (reference 1 Corinthians 1:18). And we are only at the rehearsal dinner! Can we even begin to grasp what awaits us at the Great Wedding Supper of the Lamb when we will feast at His table and in His Presence for all eternity? Why would we ever want to dine on the carnal crumbs of the world's table? Why would we waste our time eating artificial scraps that will never satisfy? Beloved, we have been invited to dine at the table of the King of Kings, and the portion He has placed on our plate today the world does not have eyes to see, let alone the palate to digest. May way hold of what He has so thoughtfully prepared for us today in His Word; realizing that our devotional reading is just the starting point of where He wants to take us today. Let us enjoy every morsel knowing it went through His hand before it ever got to our plate. He is our eternal cupbearer. Let us take a moment and say our table grace before He continues to lavish us with His Amazing Grace today!

Jesus Christ, our glorious light, came into the world so that "the blind will see and those who see will become blind" (John 9:39b). It is a gift of God's grace that we have been given eyes to see; and as we mature in our walk with Him, and the path before us is further illuminated through the study of His Word, the lens of our spiritual eyes are open to see even more than the handiwork of God in all creation - we will see the profound way in which God works. When that spiritual light bulb turns on in our soul we begin to see that God's ways are not our ways. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9). God purposed that the cross of humiliation would bring glory; in suffering we would receive salvation, in heartache we would experience healing, in weakness we would find strength, in poverty the greatest riches, and in death we would experience life.

The people saw with their own eyes the miracles that Jesus' performed in their presence (reference John 12:37). God's glory was radiating before them like a great neon sign flashing the message that God was with them, but they refused to believe. God in His Sovereignty knew that they would purpose in their hearts to reject His Son, but He also had planned a higher purpose for their unbelief. "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn - and I would heal them" (John 12:40). God, in His supreme justice, chose to harden the hearts of the Jewish people, much like He had hardened the heart of Pharaoh during the Exodus, so that His purposes would be fulfilled for the whole world. God's purpose in choosing Israel out of all the peoples of the earth was that through them His glory would be revealed to the world. "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles that you may bring My salvation to the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 49:6b).

There are many things the Lord has done and continues to do that we cannot truly understand or grasp; however, He has opened our spiritual eyes so we would know that everything He does is ultimately for our good and His glory. Jesus Christ endured the most extreme rejection, humiliation, and suffering known to man. He suffered, not only the rejection of men, but also the rejection of the Father, so we would never have to face that terrible separation - unless, of course, we choose to. His suffering brought our salvation; and Israel's rejection of Christ opened the door for the rest of the world to have the opportunity to receive Christ. "I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved..." (Romans 11:25-26a). How humbled we should be that there are those who wait in darkness while we waste the Light we have been given. Are we beginning to comprehend the price of the treasure we have been given? There is so much more at stake and there is no more time to waste - the kingdom clock is ticking. Our eyes have been opened to see where we fit in to God's great kingdom plan. The light we have been given is meant to be shared. How ashamed we should be of the time we waste when so many are still in darkness. Let us pray that the Lord would give us the pleasure of leading many to Christ, and then go out in confidence and lead them to the light. Today and everyday, may we pray for the peace of Jerusalem and daily approach the throne of Grace on their behalf until the Lord "establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth" (Isaiah 62:7). They are waiting on us; what exactly are we waiting for? It's time to wake up and finish the work we have been called to do (reference Matthew 28:18-20). May we be found faithful stewards of the light we have been given and to the work of Him who called us to Himself while it is still day. "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch" (v. 1).

Heavenly Father,
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable His judgments,
and His paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?
Who has ever given to God that God should repay Him?
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be glory forever! Amen."
(Romans 11:33-36)
Thank You for the portion You have placed on my plate,
You knew exactly what I needed to satisfy and sustain me today.
Instill in me a deep hunger for more of You
and protect me from the temptation to fill up
on the artificial substitutes of the world before I even come to You.
Fill my heart and mind with more of You
as I sit at Your table and dine with You.
Take pleasure with how I clean my plate
and delight in how I continually come back for more.
Be glorified with my life. I desire to be just like You.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.


___________

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious Presence without fault and with great joy - to the Only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 24)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read Revelation 22:1-7

From the very beginning our heavenly Father purposed us to live in paradise with Him. The first paradise was between the two rivers and inhabited by only two people; but it was as heaven on earth as the Lord walked among the garden in the cool of the day and His creatures enjoyed unbroken communion with Him. The word paradise itself speaks of a heavenly and pure state of endless bliss. The first paradise was poisoned by the fruit of deception and ruined by evil, but that did not disrupt our Creators' original plan. Today we turn to the final chapter and read of God's wondrous provision for the whole world. In the new paradise the tree of life has grown into an expansive and fruitful tree that extends to both sides of the river. The tree is fed by the "pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb" (v.1). It yields an unending supply of fruit which will be for the health and healing of God's people.

Our greatest joy and delight, and absolute fulfillment of this heavenly and eternal state, will be to see our Lord face to face. "They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever" (vv.4-5). This is where the journey of our life leads us beloved believer. The true light that has come into the world to illuminate the dark recesses of our souls with His infinite love will be for all eternity our perfect light. Jesus is the source of all our light and life in this world and in eternity to come. Apart from Him there is only darkness. How blessed we are that God's great love has been shed abroad in our hearts and we have the privilege of walking in the light of Christ. We are but a candle and Jesus is our flame and He will lead us home to the perfect paradise He has created for us. He is faithfully leading us just as He did the Israelites all those years in the wilderness: "By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night" (Exodus 13:21).

Today, let us thank our Father in heaven for the beautiful reminder of the eternal paradise He has prepared for us; and let us praise Him that we can enjoy this blissful state even now as He walks with us and guides us through this life. But let us not forget that the final garden is a place filled with the nations, and it is our duty to let His light shine while we are in this present sin-polluted world so we can lead others home. May our prayers be filled with gratitude for the light we have been given, and may we commit our lives to walking in the light and reflecting His glorious light in this world. May our lips drip with the fruit of words that praise His name, extol His marvelous works, and testify to His wondrous love this day. Mother Teresa has said, "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." May every tender, nourishing word from God's holy Word that we feast upon each day be used to increase His light and magnify His glorious name in the earth.


Heavenly Father,
"You are resplendent with light,
more majestic than mountains rich with game"
(Psalm 76:4)
"You wrap yourself in light as with a garment"
(Psalm 104:2)
And have spread Your radiant cloak around me
as the dawn of a new day.
Thank You for delivering me from the darkness of sin and shame
so that I could walk in the freedom of Your glorious light.
May every step I take in this world fill
the pathway before me with Your wonderful light.
Forgive me for the things I do which dim Your light,
or diminish other people's view of You.
How I long for the day when there will be no more
darkness, but all who are Yours will dwell
in Your wonderful Light.
To "God, the blessed and only Ruler,
the King of kings and Lord of lords,
who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light,
whom no one has seen or can see.
To Him be honor and might forever. Amen"
(1 Timothy 6:15-16)
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious Presence without fault and with great joy - to the Only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 24)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 10:3-5; 25-27

Sheep are not driven like cattle, they are led. They are led by a shepherd who calls to them, and they obediently and willingly respond because they know their shepherds' voice. A single fold can hold several flocks of sheep for the night, and when the watchman opens the door and the shepherd calls to his sheep, they will respond and follow their shepherd because they recognize and know his voice. Sheep may wander off and get into trouble, but they will never follow a stranger, because they do not know his voice (reference John 10:5). "The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice" (vv. 3-4). Our good Shepherd has delivered us from sin and death and He will lead us to experience the blessed and abundant life of fellowship with Him and the Father if we follow Him. "My sheep listen to My voice, I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). Sheep know the voice of their shepherd, and willingly follow where he leads them. We should know the voice of our shepherd; His is the voice of love, and He will never lead us astray. We learn to discern God's voice through His Word. This morning, and every morning, as we open up the Word of God, may we be still and listen to our shepherds' tender and loving voice as He leads, guides, and instructs us for the day. "The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back" (Isaiah 50:4-5).

Our good Shepherd desires to captivate His sheep and lead us to experience deeper fellowship and union with Him as He has with the Father. He longs to get us all by ourselves so He can have us all to Himself; He desires our full and undivided attention and affection. His greatest priority for our lives is for deepening intimacy with Him - it is the blessed and happy state of the true follower of Jesus Christ. "Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at My doors, waiting at My doorway" (Proverbs 8:34). We must become intentional about our pursuit of God. This requires more than setting aside the time each day to be alone with God in His Word and in prayer, it also requires discipline to remain still and to wait upon Him until we hear Him speak. We need to learn to cultivate the silence in which God can be heard. This can be very challenging in the time that we live in, when just turning off our cell phones can be a daily struggle. Our good shepherd is calling us to: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Will we listen to His still small voice in the midst of all the other voices vying for our attention today? There are so many wondrous things that we have missed or forfeited because we have been too busy or distracted to remain still long enough to hear our Shepherd's voice. How easily distracted we are. Beloved, the voice of the "Majestic Glory" will penetrate our hearts and profoundly impact our lives if we are willing to get alone with Him in the quiet and secret place and patiently wait for Him to speak (reference 2 Peter 1:17-18). "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). The Lord calls us to these special seasons of prayer and fasting and feasting to strengthen those whose hearts are fully yielded to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9). He is always willing to share His heart with His children who long for deeper intimacy with the Father. May each step of this journey open our hearts to greater depths of God's love, increased revelation of His will, renewed fervor for His honor, and deeper love for the lost and needy. May we follow close to our Shepherd's heart each and every day. "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14).

Heavenly Father,
"I want to know Christ and the power of His
resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His
sufferings, becoming like Him in His death,
and so, somehow, to attain to the
resurrection from the dead."
(Philippians 3:10-11)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me.
The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20)
"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed,
but will have sufficient courage so that now as always
Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
(Philippians 1:20-21)
Be glorified in my life Lord as I obediently follow
Your tender and loving voice each day.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious Presence without fault and with great joy - to the Only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 24)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 11:1-16

In our journey these past twenty-nine days we have walked with Jesus as He has reminded us through His Word that He has the life that we need. As the "Bread of Life" He is our Provision to nourish, sustain, and strengthen us with the portion He has provided for us; as the "Light of the world" He is our Presence to guide us as we walk the path He has prepared for us; as the "Gate for the sheep" He is our Protection to keep us safe and secure in the pasture He has presented to us; and as the "Good Shepherd" He is our Peace to lead us to the eternal life He has promised us. Now, as we begin to make our way through the final portions of our journey we discover a shift in the Lord's teachings. The subject matter moves from life to death as Jesus, Himself, moves to the final leg of His earthly ministry to fulfill the reason for His coming. The abundant life that He has promised us would come through the fulfillment of the work He was sent to do. Our life would come through His death. "The last enemy to be destroyed is death" (1 Corinthians 15:26).

In our Scripture reading this morning Jesus began to prepare His disciples for His ultimate glorification by providing them a glimpse of what was soon to come, as He allowed one of His beloved friends to experience death. "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). It is here that our Lord reveals His power over death and receives glory through death. The disciples had already seen Jesus raise people from the dead, and they knew that He only had to give His word to accomplish it (reference John 4:50-53); now He would show undeniably that He is the Son of God and lead His disciples to a higher level of faith. When Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus that Lazarus' was sick they believed He could heal their brother with just a word. Jesus declared that this sickness would not end in death, because He had a greater purpose for this miracle. He would use this opportunity to manifest His glory and reveal His deity, and also lead His disciples to a higher level of faith. "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe" (John 11:14, 15).


With all we know about God - His provision, His presence, His protection, His peace - it is a wonder how quickly we falter in our faith when faced with the first sign of suffering or trial. We question God's love for us when we face problems and pain in this life; especially when we know from His Word that He is good and has demonstrated His power to deliver us. How quickly we begin to doubt and question God, wondering why He would allow this circumstance in our life, rather than trusting Him and believing, with reverence and awe, that He is using this opportunity to grow us in our faith. Jesus gives us His Word to stand on so that we will believe Him and trust Him no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, no matter how discouraging the trials we face, and no matter how defeated we may feel. His purpose in our pain is to reveal His power and build our faith. "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:12b, 13).

We may not always understand why God delays His answer, but we can trust His answer will come at the appointed time and believe that there is a divine purpose behind everything He does. We can trust that He is working all things out for our good and His glory. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). The Lord wants to perfect our faith, and we know from His Word that "[His] power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Throughout the Scriptures we see God's glory revealed through human weakness, and there is not a better nor more powerful example found than in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. During these next seven days of our journey the Lord will open our eyes to a renewed vision of the glory of God as we tap into the resurrection power of Jesus Christ and find our strength in the "central affirmation" of our Christian faith. This morning, let us pray for those around us who could use a miracle in their life today. There may be some people who are beginning to doubt and despair because of the length of time they have been struggling, and are growing weary and discouraged because of the pain and suffering they are enduring because of their present circumstances. Let us stand in the gap for them in prayer. You know who they are - God has placed them on your heart for this purpose - to intercede for them today. May the Lord use us or someone close to them to send word of His unfailing love and faithfulness and to encourage them with a fresh Word from God that will give them the strength and hope they need to persevere. Beloved, if that is you, be encouraged that our great Mediator, Jesus Christ, is lifting you up before the throne, and He will not let go until He has accomplished all that He has purposed for your life. Grab hold of the hem of His garment until His power is poured out from on high. Stay close to the Shepherd for He has promised that His glory will be revealed in your life!

Heavenly Father,
"Praise be to You, O LORD,
God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom:
You are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from You;
You are the ruler of all things.
In Your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give You thanks,
and praise Your glorious name."
(1 Chronicles 20:10-13)
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

_____________________________

[Godbetheglory]

RAISE UP THE STANDARD!

"To Him Who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious Presence without fault and with great joy - to the Only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 24)

Morning Devotion: Feasting in His Presence - Read John 11:17-37

We left off yesterday morning with Jesus delaying His journey to Jerusalem two days after He had received word that His friend Lazarus was deathly ill. By the time Jesus arrived in Bethany Lazarus had been in the grave four days. Martha, the sister who had on earlier occasions been so busy serving that she missed out on sitting in the presence of God, now in the midst of great pain and sorrow dropped everything and sought out Jesus, "the one that is needed" (reference Luke 10:42). She expressed her disappointment in His delay, while at the same time exhibited great faith, believing that Jesus was who He said He was and that He had the power to prevent her brother's death. "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You" (John 11:21-22).

Beloved, how those questioning words of Martha, that were later repeated by Mary (v.32), resonate with so many of us who have prayed and waited on God to bring an answer only to have watched our hopes and dreams die right before our eyes because we didn't get the answer that we prayed for. How many of us have agonized over why God would allow us to face death (death of a loved one, death of a dream, death of a relationship) when we know that He holds the power of life in His hands? God's delays are never meant to bring disappointment, rather they are meant to develop in us a greater faith. The Lord's question to Martha cuts deep into our hearts: "Do you believe this?" Do we truly believe that God is who He says He is? Do we believe He has the power to do what He says He can do? Do we believe that He is "the resurrection and the life"? Martha affirmed her belief that Jesus was the promised Messiah, but her faith in His ability to meet her personal needs was being greatly tested. Everyone who professes to believe in Christ will be faced with a great trial of faith at some point in their journey, because God desires for His children to have an indestructible faith - in Him!

"I am the resurrection and the life.
He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies;
and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.
Do you believe this?"
(John 11:25-26)


When Martha told Mary that Jesus had arrived and was calling for her, she went to Him and fell at His feet, as she had been known to do (reference Luke 10:39; John 12:3). "The Teacher has come and is calling for you" (v.28b). The Lord always delighted in Mary's devotion and worship; when He saw her weeping He was overcome with grief. He was deeply moved by her tears, and it is here that the tenderness and love of God was revealed on a deep and personal level. "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). The shortest verse in the Bible is also the most powerful verse in the Bible. With these two words the power and passion of God collides and touches us on a deeply personal level and preaches a silent sermon that affects our hearts like nothing else ever could. In this moment our great High Priest becomes our sympathetic friend and our hearts connect with Him on a new and profoundly deeper level. "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isaiah 53:3a). The God who revealed His glory to Moses on the mountain of the Lord has condescended to reach down and touch us in a personal way, and has shown us He is a God who sympathizes with us in every way (reference Hebrews 4:15). "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness..." (Exodus 34:6).

Beloved, how great is His love towards us (reference Psalm 117:2a). That gaping hole in your heartbroken chest that no one else can see, those wounds that won't wear off no matter how often you plead, those scars that are a constant reminder of your humiliation and shame, and the terrible thorn that *****s and offers no hope of ever going away - Jesus sees and feels and wears all of your pain, your guilt, and your shame as a garment of flesh that has become His conquering king's robe for all eternity. Every wound, every scar, every thorn, and every heartbreak are not meant for you to wear as a badge of shame, instead they are your medal of honor as you move up of the ranks of faith. God has counted you worthy of advancing to the next level and has trusted you with the deepest place of anguish in His heart so you too can sympathize and feel His heart as He weeps over the pain of others. He has given us these painful gifts, not as a reminder of the circumstances we have faced, but as a reminder to always look to His compassionate face and trust in His constant love and endless grace. Every tear that you have shed He has shared with you!

Jesus came to conquer death and give His life for the world. He accomplished this work through great suffering, trial, and pain. He proved through the power of the resurrection that death has no hold on Him, and that He has total power over death and the grave. Jesus is the life and He offers us that life; and if we are willing to believe in Him we will never have to fear death (reference Romans 10:9). Jesus wants to put to death all our doubts, our fears, and our concerns for this life and build in us a perfect faith so we can experience the fullness of His resurrection life. The choice to believe is left up to us. Are you willing to wait on the Lord to accomplish His greater purpose in your life, and in the lives of others He is using your circumstance to bless and touch? Will you trust Him to accomplish the work He intends, or will you choose to solve your own problems and find your own answers in the world rather than in His Word? Will you run from the problem because it is too much to bear, too big to solve, too much to handle, or will you run to Him believing in His promises that there is glory and a promotion waiting for you if you will trust Him to lead you through this difficulty to the promise land other side? We have so much to gain if we are simply willing to believe. This morning confess where you have wavered in your faith because you have grown weary of the wait, and ask the Lord to do whatever it takes to make you strong in Him again. Tomorrow we will see that there are blessings and good things in store for those who are willing to believe and wait! "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).

Heavenly Father,
"I want to know Christ and the power of His
resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings,
becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow,
to attain to the resurrection from the dead."
(Philippians 3:10-11)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me.
The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me."
(Galatians 2:20)
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, through which the world has been
crucified to me, and I to the world."
(Galatians 6:14)
"To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!"
In Jesus' Name. Amen.

_____________________________