Encouragement from the Lord

 "The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, 'Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.'" - Acts 23:11

How could Paul be discouraged or afraid if the Lord Himself said to him, "Take courage"? It doesn't matter how many people stood against Paul; the Lord stood near him, and that was enough. The Lord encouraged him by reminding him of Paul's previous works: witnessing about Jesus in Jerusalem, and confirmed that he will do the same thing in the future, testifying about Jesus in Rome.

So Paul was going to live and testify about Jesus, no matter that more than forty people conspired to kill him. The Lord had given him a work to do; how could people interfere with that work?

Those who do the work of the Lord may be forsaken by men, but not by the Lord. Jesus stands beside them and says, "Take courage."

From my diary,

March 20,   2024

Journaling the Journey: Lessons from the Travel Journal

"Now Moses wrote down the starting points of their journeys at the command of the LORD. And these are their journeys according to their starting points." - Numbers 33:2

This chapter caught my attention because it is a travel journal, written by Moses and commissioned by God.

If God commanded to write a diary of the journey of God's people, then it is necessary, and there is something to learn.

What can I learn from this chapter, where we repeatedly see these words: "they moved from," "they camped," "they departed from," "they journeyed from," and a long list of hard-to-remember place-names?

Of course, I cannot remember all these place names, but I can notice that during the entire journey, the Lord guided them, forgave them their sins, freed them from enemies and dangers, and took care of them.

Remembering all this prompts gratitude: when you remember what the Lord has done in your life, your heart is filled with thanksgiving. It also strengthens faith: when you see what miracles the Lord has done in the past, you believe that He will do them in the future. It also prompts caution: when you remember your past sins, you are careful not to repeat them again.

My gratitude journal, prayer journal, and scripture meditation journals are also travel journals that remind me of the progress of my spiritual journey.

From my diary,

March 19,   2024

No Exceptions: The Assurance of Forgiveness for Believers

 "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses." - Acts 13:38, 39

Is there any happier news for a person who sees his sins, repents of his sins, and strives to get rid of them, than this: your sins are blotted out, forgiven? There is one who has completely paid off your debts. Satan loves to read the list of our sins; he knows them by heart, and he has not forgotten any sin. But our Lord has promised those who believe in Him that He will erase and forget our sins; He has removed them from us as far as the east is from the west. Every believer can rejoice, because it is not written, "Many of those who believe are justified," but "everyone who believes." There are no exceptions.

From my diary,

March 18,   2024

A model meeting

"Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God." - Acts 10:33

The meeting at Cornelius' house serves as a good model for any gathering in the Church of Christ to follow. Here, we see punctuality; everyone was ready, with no absences. Cornelius said, "We are all present before God." They were aware of God's presence, and this awareness led to sincerity, reverence, and worship.

They had the right purpose: they had come to hear the Word of God, not just the things that Peter had to say, but everything that God had commanded him. They were willing to listen to not just a few things, but all the things that God commanded. They were not only physically present; their hearts were also present, with no one sleeping or allowing their thoughts to wander. The result was wonderful: the Holy Spirit came upon everyone while they were listening to God's Word. Where there is a longing for God's Word, there is the presence of God's Spirit.

 From my diary,

March 17,   2024

Fueling zeal and overcome

 

Therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

If I want to be among the overcomers, I must be zealous. That zeal should be expressed in hatred of sin and false teachings, wholehearted love for God, longing for God's Word, seeking God's blessing, zeal in serving God, constant prayer, mortification of the works of the flesh. If I have that zeal, I will happily participate in God's work, the purpose of all my work will be the glory of God and the edification of God's children.

That zeal must have the right motives: the shortness of time, the increasing of iniquities in the present age, the constant vigilance of the devil must drive me to zeal. The love of God, my gratitude for His works, my meditations on heavenly glory, the example left by Christ will make me zealous.

From my diary,

March 16,   2024

May I live and keep Your Word

 "Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word." - Psalm 119:17

Here is a servant who trusts in the bounty of the Lord, expects it in his life, asks for it, and knows that he cannot live without the goodness of the Lord. He asks for God's goodness to live a life that is pleasing to God. He does not want a life for worldly enjoyment, but to live and keep the Word of God. God's mercy keeps him, and he wants to keep God's Word.

From my diary,

March 15,   2024

A separated people

 "Behold, a people who dwells alone, And will not be reckoned among the nations." - Numbers 23:9

Not only is the Old Testament people of God a separated people, but also the New Testament Church is separated and will not be reckoned among heathen nations. God's people is set apart by God because it is His property bought at a great price. The children of God are different from the children of the world in every way. They live on earth apart from the sons of the world, for their heart is in their eternal home; here they are sojourners and pilgrims.

Spurgeon wrote: "Our place is not in their Vanity Fair, nor in their City of Destruction, but in the narrow way where all true pilgrims must follow their Lord."

We do not share in their sins, therefore we will not receive their plagues.

From my diary,

March 14,   2024

Tell me what you say 'amen' to, and I'll tell you what spiritual state you are in

 "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, 'Amen!' Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 106:48)

Sometimes, I notice on Facebook that some Christians say "amen" to posts that are foreign to the Holy Bible. We can say: "Tell me what you say 'amen' to, and I'll tell you what spiritual state you are in." A lover of God's Word will definitely say "amen" when they hear God's Word. They are able to discern God's Word from human interpretations, so they will not say "amen" when people preach their own thoughts.

One who praises the Lord in their heart will say "amen" when they hear others praising the Lord, speaking about His works, and giving thanks to Him. Someone who desires correction will say "amen" when they hear rebuking messages. One who eagerly awaits the coming of Jesus will say "amen" when they hear people discussing the need to be ready for His coming. A person with a prayerful heart will say "amen" when they hear right prayers and desires those prayers to be answered. They will also say "amen" when listening to a song whose lyrics are inspired by the Word of God.

The word "Amen" speaks volumes about the person who utters it.

In this psalm, the psalmist praises God, recounts His works, and expects God's people to respond with "amen".

"Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting!"

Let His children say "amen."

From my diary,

March 13,   2024

The Path to Joy: Seeking the Lord

 "Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! "- Psalm 105:3.

A heart that seeks the Lord is a heart that rejoices in the Lord. He who seeks the Lord's face, His presence, His power, His Word, has many reasons to rejoice. There is fullness of joy in the presence of the Lord (Psalm 16:11). His statutes rejoice the heart (Psalm 19:8). God's power gives victory over sin, and victory brings joy. So the joy of those who seek the Lord is assured. If there is a lack of joy in the heart, then there is a lack of longing for the Lord.

From my diary,

March 12,   2024

The hireling and the good Shepherd

"The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. " - John 10:13

"... I lay down My life for the sheep." - John 10:15

The hireling is selfish and indifferent, working only for money. The sheep do not need such a shepherd. Jesus laid down His life for His sheep. He is a selfless, caring Shepherd; His flock need not fear the coming of a wolf. The hireling's sheep are not safe; when the wolf comes, the hireling will flee. Blessed are those who belong to the flock of Jesus.

From my diary,

March 11,   2024

 

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: they didn't know the important things

 The question of disciples of Jesus: “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” (Luke 9:54)

The rebuking answer of Jesus: “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” (Luke 9:55-56)

The Samaritans did not receive Jesus, and James and John were so angry that they spoke these words. This question shows what they knew. They knew that the attitude of the Samaritans towards Jesus was wrong, they knew what the prophet Elijah did, they knew that before doing anything they should ask Jesus, they knew that if the Lord allows them, they can do the same thing that Elijah did. But they didn't know two important things: they didn't know what spirit they were from, they didn't know why Jesus came. Jesus rebuked them and reminded them that the purpose of His coming was not to destroy people's lives, but to save them.

Topical meditation 2024

March 10

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Ananias' hesitation and the answer of Jesus

 The hesitation of Christ’s disciple: "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem." (Acts 9:13)

The answer of Jesus: 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.'" (Acts 9:15)

What Ananias had heard about Paul was true. Paul had done much harm to the Lord's saints in Jerusalem and was coming to Damascus to arrest the believers in Jesus. But God knew more about Paul. He who persecutes the followers of Christ will become a follower of Christ himself; he is a chosen vessel to testify to the name of Christ before the Gentiles and Jews. He who persecuted Christ's disciples will himself be persecuted and suffer for the name of Jesus.

In the transformation of Saul to Paul, we witness the profound wisdom and sovereignty of God, who turns persecutors into proclaimers, demonstrating His ability to use even the most unlikely vessels for His glory.

Topical meditation 2024

March 9

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Sinful man or son of Abraham?

 People’s complaint: “He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man!” (Luke 19:7)

The words of Jesus: “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9)

People only saw Zacchaeus as a sinful man. He was a tax collector, a person who defrauded people. They knew he was sinful. Jesus knew that this sinful man would make haste and come down and receive Him with joy. He knew he was a son of Abraham and would repent. Zacchaeus longed to see Jesus, and Jesus saw his longing, his effort to see Him. Not only did Zacchaeus see Jesus, but Jesus also saw Zacchaeus.

People knew he was a rich man who had deprived others. Jesus knew that he would give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold those whom he had deprived.

Jesus doesn't think like people think: He has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Topical meditation 2024

March 8

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: question of men and question of Jesus

 Question of men: "'Why this waste? " (Matthew 26:8)

Question of Jesus: "Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me." (Matthew 26:10)

I've meditated on this story many times before, especially since it's about my favorite biblical heroine. This time, the questions caught my attention. The first question was asked by those complaining about Mary of Bethany's action, and they called her deed 'a waste.' The second question was asked by our Lord to the complainers, showing His approval of Mary's action, and called her action a "good work." He also mentioned for whom the good deed was done: for Jesus.

Mary did not think about what people would think or what appreciation they would give to her action; she just wanted to show her love, gratitude, and dedication to Jesus. She did it for Jesus, not for attention. When we do anything for Jesus, no matter how many people disapprove, Jesus will approve.

God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts. The stark contrast between how men viewed Mary's actions as 'a waste' and how the Lord deemed it 'a good work' emphasizes the incomprehensible depth of God's wisdom and love.

Topical meditation 2024

March 7

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Samuel's thought and God's answer

 Human thought: "Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him!" (1 Samuel 16:6)

God’s answer: "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

A true prophet of God drew the wrong conclusion when he saw Eliab's beauty and stature. He thought God had chosen Eliab to be king. Jesse didn't even think to call David, who was tending the sheep at that moment. Neither David's father nor God's true prophet could have guessed who would be chosen by God to be king. God had chosen one whose heart was right before Him, one who had chosen to follow God's commandments.

It is possible to impress people with external beauty, external piety, but not God. He sees what is inside the cup and dish that shines outside; He sees the impurity inside the whitewashed tomb. He esteemed a man according to His own heart someone whom we saw as an adulterer and a murderer. Because He does not see as man sees.

Topical meditation 2024

March 6

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: God's way and Naaman's angry response

 God’s way: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you, and you will be clean.” (2 Kings 5:10)

Human thought: “I thought that he would surely come out, stand, and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the spot to cure my leprosy.” (2 Kings 5:11)

Obedience to God's Word is hindered by preconceived opinions, conclusions drawn from one's own imagination. Naaman was angry when the prophet Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan because he had imagined in advance how Elisha would heal him. Pride puts one's own opinion above God's Word. God doesn't work the way we think. If His assignment is very easy and simple, we should not think that it is ineffective.

If I pray about a problem, I should not prefigure how God is going to solve that problem. Let me not say, "I thought," because God's ways are higher than my ways.

Topical meditation 2024

March 5

God's Thoughts and Ways Above Ours: Elijah's thought and God's answer

 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8,9)

God's ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and our thoughts. His plans are always wise and perfect. This week, I want to recall examples from the Bible that support that truth.

Human thought: "I am the only one left…" (1 Kings 19:14)

God’s thought: "Nevertheless, I have reserved seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:18)

In despair, Elijah thought that he was the only one left who was zealous for God, that he was the only one among those who remained faithful to the Lord. The Lord said that he reserved seven thousand people in Israel, who did not bow down to Baal, did not serve idols.

Many Christians have experienced Elijah's feeling of loneliness and said desperate words like him. "I am the only one left who believes in the pure scriptural teaching, in my school, in my town I am the only one who follows the Bible." But it is not so; the Lord has people everywhere who are faithful to the Word of God.

I'm not the only one left.

Topical meditation 2024

March 4

Jesus wants to heal you, say ''Yes'''!

 

"Do you want to be made well?" (John 5:6)

Jesus did not ask the man, who had been infirm for thirty-eight years, "How many years have you been sick? Have you tried to be healed? Have you seen a doctor? Do you have a helper who can put you in the pool?" Instead, He only asked about his willingness to be healed, waiting for a positive answer before  healing.. However, instead of answering "Yes," the paralyzed man began to explain why he had not been healed, mentioning that he had no helper to put him into the pool when the water was stirred up.

But Jesus knew that he wanted to be healed, and He healed him with His word. He instructed him to do something that a healthy person could do: "Rise, take up your bed and walk." The man was immediately healed, regardless of the fact that he was not healed in the way he expected. He was healed in a faster and easier manner.

Jesus delivers us from the disease of sin in the same way! It does not matter how many years we have suffered from the disease of sin; He asks if we want to be healthy, and He heals immediately.

From my diary,

March 3,   2024

Caleb's Confidence: A Testament of Faith

 "Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, 'Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.'" (Numbers 13:30)

Caleb, like the others, had seen the fortified cities, the giants, the children of Anak. But while others were saying, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." (Numbers 13:31), Caleb said, "We are well able to overcome it." What was the reason for his confidence? He was not stronger than the children of Anak, he did not have the extaordinary strength of Samson, he did not have powerful weapons, but the Lord said that he had a different spirit. (Numbers 14:24). That spirit does not doubt God's power, believes in God's promise, does not look at obstacles, and follows God completely.

From my diary,

March 2,   2024

Faith in the Faithful: The Certainty of God's Word

 "The LORD answered Moses, 'Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass.'" (Numbers 11:23)

The Lord answers our doubting questions with rhetorical questions: "Is the LORD’s arm too short?" or "Is there anything difficult for the Lord?" And as the Lord said to Moses, He also says to me: "You will see whether or not My word will come to pass." There has never been a time when what my Lord has said did not come true, and there never will be such an instance. Let me not ask meaningless questions; let me happily wait for the fulfillment of His promises, because it will always be as He said.

From my diary,

March 1,   2024