“For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.” 2 Samuel 7:12-13 NLT
I must admit there are some things I do not understand about God. Noticing the ways God has worked overtime the best authors, playwrights, and screenwriters couldn’t conceive such stories. God works in ways we could never imagine. He even takes our sin and works His purposes through it. That doesn’t leave us off the hook of responsibility. We are still accountable for our sin and there will be consequences. But I do not understand it and need to take it by faith trusting in the holy God of the universe.
King David probably never thought when God promised that one of his ancestors would build the Temple it would be a son from a wife he took from one of his soldiers after he had him killed. The story of David and Bathsheba is well known and there is no need to repeat it here, (2 Sam.11) except to say it was a grievous sin. Yet, before that unconscionable moment, God told David, “I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.” (2Sam.7:12-13 nlt) That son was Solomon.
The Bible tells us David repented of his sins, (Ps.51) but there were consequences for his actions. The child that was conceived in the adulterous affair died, and David would live the rest of his life with the memory of it. However, God’s grace and mercy upon David and His steadfast love for him and his throne would be forever. “Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” (2Sam.7:16 nlt) David was promised this at the same time he was told his son would build the Temple. We may not understand how or why God works His plan the way He does but let us be grateful He does.
“And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Jeremiah 18:4 ESV
How many times have you seen your plans and goals in life slipping out of reach? You have a college degree in your desired field but can’t get your foot in the door to plant your feet. You find yourself in a career you haven’t chosen, and as the years go by your dream job is becoming less plausible. It could be you hindered yourself by some regrettable decisions you’ve made placing you where you are now. Have you ever asked yourself, how did I get here? I have. The answer is I put myself here. But it is amazing how God still works out His perfect will for us, wherever we are.
Being in a place you don’t want to be is frustrating. But there is a reason why you are there. I’m not one to say, ‘just make the best of it’ but to say, ‘trust in God to show you the way.’ You may be surprised that you are not where you want to be, but you are where God wants you to be. Once you accept that, it makes all the difference in the world. Trust me, I know. We have our plans and goals, so does God. Sometimes they match, sometimes they don’t.
The Lord gave the prophet Jeremiah an illustration of His sovereignty over the people of Judah. He had him go down to the potter’s house and watch him. “And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” (Jer.18:4 esv) Whatever the reason for being spoiled in the potter’s hand, He is reworking you to be all you were meant to be. The Lord has plans for you. You’re not rejected, but being reworked. You may get that dream job after all, just not where you thought it would be. And if you don’t, your dream will come true right where you are if you allow the potter to do His work.
David’s prayers in the Psalms are simple and direct. He prays exactly how he feels, whether it’s through joy, comfort, praise, sorrow, anger, confession, abandonment, fear, or whatever else was on his heart, he prayed to the Lord simply and direct. David had an intimate relationship with the God of heaven so much so, that his heart heard Him say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ Several other translations say, ‘Seek My face.’ David was constantly seeking to be with his God in prayer that when he heard ‘Come and talk with me’, he was always ready to say, ‘LORD, I am coming.’
We may all not sense God speaking in our hearts as David but all of us can develop the characteristic of seeking God’s face. Seeking His face is nothing more than having a deeper desire for intimate fellowship with your creator. The more we desire Him, the more we will be aware of His desire for us. God also desires to be with us intimately. This is often missed by our routine repetitive early morning prayers and out the door we go. God is inviting us to seek His face to come and talk with Him. Talking with someone is to have a conversation. Speaking and listening. Taking time to listen to God is just as important as telling Him all your problems.
Listen closely to what God is saying to you through the Holy Spirit in prayer. You may never hear God speak audibly to you in prayer, I never have, but I’ve felt His presence and direction many times through prayer as I seek His face. God desires to have that intimate fellowship with us through prayer. He is saying, ‘Come and talk with me.’ May we have the same desire by seeking His face and be ready to say, ‘LORD, I am coming.’
Today April 22 the world celebrates Earth Day. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is ‘Our Power, Our Planet.’ (1) I think God would have something to say about that. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen.1:1 kjv) Based on that first verse of the Bible, I would say it looks like the planet is His. We are held as stewards of the planet to care for what He has given us. There have been many accomplishments over the years from Earth Day’s influence. “For 55 years, Earth Day has led the world in educating and mobilizing the public to take action to address critically important environmental issues. We are global advocates for the health of the planet, calling for the protection of our air, oceans, soil, ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.” (2) The focus of recent Earth Days has been on renewable sources of energy and this year is no exception. “This Earth Day 2025, let us commit to harnessing renewable energy to build a healthy, sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for all, let us commit to Renewable Energy Now.” (2)
The movement flaunts the power of the people over the years in the successes to date. “The strength of this movement lies in its grassroots nature, and our power as individuals. This people-powered revolution demonstrates that when we unite our voices and actions, we can overcome even the most recalcitrant systems and create a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all.” (2)
People united for a common cause are usually very successful and hard to stop. So, credit is given where credit is due. But let’s not stop there. Let credit be given to the God of heaven who gives us the power, the knowledge, and the wisdom in maintaining what He has created and graciously given us to manage. He is the creator and sustainer of the earth and the universe. May we remember in our efforts this Earth Day, it is His Power, His Planet.
“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem.” Daniel 6:10 NLT
Christians struggle today as to when is it appropriate to disobey the government. What would be a legitimate reason to ignore certain laws and encourage others to do the same. I’m sorry, I’m not about to give you an approved list which enables you to defy the government, but I will give us all an example of what is right when the time is right.
The prophet Daniel lived his entire adult life in captivity. Captured as a teenager and brought to Babylon during the destruction of Jerusalem, Daniel proved to be an example of one who completely trusted and obeyed God whatever the circumstances. He never wavered, and the Lord used Daniel to work out and reveal His purposes. Now in his eighties, and still well respected by those who now held him captive, Daniel was about to put his faith and obedience on display.
Daniel was one of the top officials in the new kingdom of Medo-Persia serving Darius the king. Darius’ favoritism of his highly regarded official brough envy among his colleagues so much they concocted a plan to get rid of him. They convinced the king to sign a law stating that “for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human— (except Darius the king)—will be thrown into the den of lions.” (Dan.6:7 nlt) They knew Daniel would not comply, seeing him three times a day praying towards Jerusalem, they got him, well, sort of.
If you’re familiar with the story of ‘Daniel in the lions’ den’ you know it has a happy ending. Daniel knew that if he obeyed the king’s law, he would be disobeying God. So, he did what he always did, he reached out to God for help in his daily prayers. Daniel had no assurance that God would deliver him, but he knew that He could, and he was not going to disobey the Lord God who had blessed him all his life. Let the same be said of us.
There are many things we take for granted today. I’m sure previous generations have done the same, but I sense it’s a lot easier for us in our advanced technology savvy culture. Just about anything and everything is available at our fingertips. We have grown accustomed to quick service, abundant supplies, easy access, instant communication, the world has gotten smaller, and we more or less come and go as we please. We take for granted all the material things we have accumulated in life, the friendships we’ve developed, the work we do, the families we have, and even our own lives without giving much thought to know who is responsible for it all.
It’s easy to get caught up in our daily lives just going along and forget to honor the one who makes our life possible, the Lord God. The Lord brought all things into being, in which we take for granted not realizing it. He is in control and brings everything into our lives whether we like it or not. For that alone, we should honor Him. We couldn’t be in better hands. Yet, we fail at times even to notice the sunrise or sunset placed there by God for our enjoyment. We pass it by saying to ourselves, it will be there again tomorrow.
King Belshazzar learned a horrible lesson by not honoring the sovereign God who is over all things. He not only did not honor God but blasphemed Him by using the sacred vessels from the Temple in Jerusalem in worshiping idol gods. We may not ever go that far in not honoring God but let everyday be a reminder of all that God does for us, from supplying our needs and providing us with His creation to enjoy. May we not hear, “But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!” (Dan.5:23 nlt)
“Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’” Mark 4:38 NLT
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Our study this week in the book of Mark reveals an undeniable truth. Jesus is both a man and God the Son. Believers, unbelievers, and theologians have debated for centuries including our current day the deity of Jesus. There are many people of faith who insist Jesus was a good man, a prophet, a teacher, a miracle worker, healer, and a man of love, but He was not God. Perhaps, you may be one with such beliefs. Hopefully, this short passage of scripture will change your mind, or get you thinking through it with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We will see Scripture presenting the truth of who Jesus really is. It’s undeniable!
After a full day of teaching with His disciples by His side, Jesus suggests they go across the lake to the other side. The eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee was the area of the Gerasenes. There were no large cities in that region which meant fewer people. No doubt, Jesus was looking for some much-needed rest. I’m sure the disciples were mentally exhausted from all of Jesus’ teaching as one listening to a college professor’s lectures for hours. The disciples took Jesus’ advice and headed for the boat but take note some people followed them. “So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed).” (Mk.4:36 nlt)
Scripture says a fierce storm came up shortly after their departure. Violent storms were not uncommon on the Sea of Galilee. The lake was 690 ft below sea level surrounded by mountains. Warm humid air rising from the lake collided with the cool Mediterranean air making its way through the narrow mountain passages causing a whirlwind effect much like a hurricane. Mark is very descriptive as he captures the effect of the hurricane like winds, “High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.” (Mk.4:37 nlt) Even for experienced fishermen, which some of the disciples were, this was a storm that would sink their boat.
We all go through storms in life, some of them with the potential to sink us. Storms occur even when we are following the Lord’s leading. It seems unlikely, at least in our minds, that God would lead us into a storm, but He did just that leading His disciples into a storm as they left for a mini vacation across the lake. Storms are a part of life in a fallen world, but take heart, Jesus has overcome the world. (Jn.16:33)
Imagine trying to sleep during a violent storm in the middle of a lake. There is loud thunder and streaks of lightning, and the boat is rocking from side to side with water splashing over filling the boat with water. The Bible says Jesus was asleep. Mark notes our Lord’s humanity. “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion.” (Mk.4:38 nlt) Jesus was so tired and exhausted that even a violent storm couldn’t wake Him. But frantic disciples fearful for their lives were able to wake Him. Jesus heard the cries those who needed Him, His disciples, His followers. We too can be comforted knowing that Jesus hears our cries when we call out to Him.
When awaken, Jesus immediately rebukes the storm and says to the waves to be still. ‘Silence, Be still!’ He silences the storm, and the waves dissipate at once. There was no gradual clearing of the skies as the cold front moved through. No, it was immediate. So miraculous and terrifying was this event the disciples were more afraid now than during the storm, saying to each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Mk.4:41 ntl) The Ryrie Study Bible notes, “Though not comprehending fully who Jesus was, they knew He was greater than they thought.”
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Jesus did rebuke the disciples for not having faith. Though Jesus was sleeping, if the disciples had faith in God, they had no reason to fear. God the Father was aware of their troubles and God the Son was with them in the boat. Jesus proved His power over nature by calming the storm to nothing. He is Lord over all creation. The apostle Paul writes, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” (Col.1:15 nlt) Jesus did indeed proved His deity by showing He is Lord over all creation. He proved His humanity by His need for rest when wearied from exhaustion while on this earth, giving us encouragement that He not only understands our needs but is able to care for them because He is God.
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” Job 23:10 NLT
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Have you experienced deep challenges that caused you to ask yourself, is this a test? I’ve had many, mostly in my retail management career. Things begin to go wrong, slowing me down when I’m approaching a deadline. Projects pile up and the pressure is coming from all sides. Can you relate? Then it’s time to ask the question, is this a test? It may not be, but take it from one who knows, most likely it is, and coming from the Father above.
You might ask, does God test us? Indeed, He does. Does God tempt us? Never! But He does put us to the test. Testing from the Lord is a spiritual check-up that is like our yearly physical check-ups, only they are not scheduled in advance, at least to our knowledge. Knowing when our physical check-ups are due, we look at our weight and make sure we are taking all the medications that are prescribed. Following the doctor’s orders is now a priority until the check-up is over.
We cannot cram for a spiritual check-up as we would for our doctor’s visit, or for studying for an exam which tests our knowledge. We need to always be prepared. The Lord will test us when we least expect it to test our faithfulness and obedience to Him. The test will reveal our attitudes in how we respond. Do we have a Christ-like demeanor? Will others be encouraged in how well we handle the challenge? The purpose in testing us is to make us more like Christ and bringing glory to God.
Testing from God is not always pleasant, but it is an important part in our Christian Walk. When we pass the test, we are better for it. The Lord goes before us, leading the way and preparing us for more challenges ahead. As Job says, “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.” (Job 23:10 nlt) We are also guaranteed to come out purified by fire in a crucible as gold. So let the testing begin!
“But I (God) will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me.” 1 Samuel 2:30 NLT
“….. I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal.” Daniel 4:34 NLT
Have you ever stopped to think of how many things you take for granted on a typical day? You woke up this morning. You had a nourishing breakfast to start your day. If you’re working today, you have a job. Students, you have a school of learning waiting for you. You have transportation to get you there. You have clothes on your back. The sun came up this morning and the moon will rise this evening. We get rain when we need it and sometimes when we don’t need it, but that is in the hands of the rainmaker, our Lord God. In fact, everything we take for granted is supplied by our creator God. We cannot claim anything achieved or possessed as our own. God is the source for it all.
Taking things for granted is taking them too lightly. We expect those things, whatever they are, will always be there without giving thought to their origin. We surmise somehow that we had a part in their existence. When we take for granted everything we have, or put ourselves in control of our own destiny, we are thinking lightly of God. He is the creator and ruler over all things. He is all sufficient and the one who supplies our needs.
Recognizing God is all sufficient and is the Most High and is ruler forever over all things pleases God. The Lord God Himself says, “But I will honor those who honor me.” (1Sam.2:30a nlt) But the Lord also says to us who take too many things for granted, “I will despise those who think lightly of me.” (1Sam.2:30b nlt) The question to ask yourself is, ‘am I despised or honored?’ Let it be, ‘I’m honored.”
“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
The Old Testament prophet Zephaniah in his prophesy of Israel’s restoration in the ‘Day of the Lord’ says, “For the LORD your God is living among you.” (Zeph.3:17 nlt) Israel will rejoice and their fears will be calmed as Jesus, the Messiah, reigns on the earth. The Lord Jesus will be with them on that day and all fear will be gone.
We have the Lord living among us today through the Holy Spirit for those who know Jesus as savior. Jesus promised to send us the His spirit in John 16, and Luke records Peter’s words in the book of Acts, “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.” (Acts2:32-33 nlt)
Every Christian has the assurance of the presence of the Holy Spirit with them through this life. As Zephaniah also writes, the Lord takes delight in us, and with His love He will calm all our fears. Because of Jesus’ love for us, He sent us His Spirit so we will not be alone and will not fear for He is with us. The Lord Jesus rejoices over us for we are His. He paid the ultimate price to redeem us from Satan’s clutches. So let us rejoice that Jesus in His love for us sent the Holy Spirit to calm our fears.
