9 “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
12 “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles – to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
Acts 26:9-20
Greetings Sojourners!
I hope that this finds you well and ready to dive into God’s Word together!
Last week, we started looking more closely at what it means to have been in the presence of Jesus. Our theme verses for this devotional are Acts 3:19-21, and, in them, we see that “times of refreshing…come from the presence of the Lord”. Those words came from a sermon that Peter preached, and we followed those events through to their end when the hearers of that sermon were “astonished” that “uneducated, common men” – working class fishermen – could have spoken so eloquently (Acts 4:13). It was clear to all that the only way this could have happened was that they “recognized that they had been with Jesus”.
So, today, we are continuing our look at what happens to one’s life when they have been with Jesus – when He has saved them and “caused [them] to be born again to a living hope” (1 Peter 1:3). Peter and John were standing trial for practicing their faith, and it is the same for Paul in today’s passage.
Paul was standing before King Agrippa and was given the opportunity to “make a defense…for a reason for the hope” that was in him (1 Peter 3:15). I am sure that it had to be tempting to speak up for release. In fact, Paul had been imprisoned for a while by that point. Yet Paul saw this as an opportunity to share the gospel with his captive audience.
King Agrippa was really nothing more than a figurehead, but he had been summoned to hear Paul’s case by the Festus, an official representing the Roman government. Paul was originally put in jail for his own protection as some Jewish men had made a vow to kill him. He could have been released, but he had instead appealed to the emperor (Acts 25:25) since 1) it was his right as a Roman citizen, and 2) he felt compelled to take the gospel to the household of Caesar (Philippians 1:13, 4:22). You see, he had no desire to free himself from his worldly bonds because he was right where Jesus had already freed him to go – “…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
I have often heard people say that they wished that they had a life like Paul’s, but, hearing his testimony, I do not think that people have really thought that through. Paul did not candy-coat his story or gloss over the rough bits. He was unashamedly sharing his sinful past because there was “now no condemnation” for those actions (Romans 8:1); he had already been forgiven!
He testified to the fact that he had been heavily involved in persecuting those who are now his brothers and sisters. He testified to the fact that he put them in prison (where he now finds himself) and that he sought to have them speak against Jesus. Why did he share these terrible bits? He cannot have been proud of them. Why would he tell these strangers about his sinful past? He wanted them to understand that they too could be forgiven – that they too could be saved!
He moves on from his sinful past to the moment that he encountered Jesus. For us, it is through His Word and the prompting of His Holy Spirit as it is read or preached. But, for Paul, it was an experience like no other. The very same Jesus he was persecuting – and trying to convince people that He was dead – showed up on the road to Damascus! Talk about a life-altering experience! The very Light that he was trying to extinguish shined so brightly on that road that he became literally blind. And the gospel truth of the resurrected Christ that he was blind to suddenly became clear!
Any time that a lost sinner, dead in his or her trespasses and sins, gets saved and finds new life in Christ, it is a miraculous thing. Men and women dead in their sins can come alive in Christ through faith and repentance in Him – even today! Think of the awesome opportunity that Paul had that day: he stood before the political leaders of his day and shared with them how to be saved. Let us look at the message he proclaimed to them.
He shared with them that – just as his blind eyes were opened – the gospel of Jesus Christ could “open their eyes” (v. 18a). Isaiah 42:7 tells us that God can “open eyes that are blind” and “bring out…prisoners from the dungeon”. This is especially cool since the prisoner (Paul) is seeking for Christ to free his jailers from the true prison – sin! He hoped that – as he would later write – their eyes would be opened to see “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
He also shared with them how Christ can turn us from “darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God” (v. 18b). This reminds me of the imagery that we read about around Christmas time: “…the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16). Paul introduced them to Jesus who was the “life and light of men” and who “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome” (John 1:4-5)! He wanted them to have the opportunity to turn away from their lives of sin to the light and light that only comes from Jesus Christ.
The last part of his message focused on forgiveness. How many of us could forgive those who had wrongfully imprisoned us? How many of us can forgive things much less than that? But this was not some great character trait of Paul; it is a trait that comes from being forgiven of much ourselves (Matthew 18:21-35)! You see, Paul’s sharing of his former wickedness and life change through Christ showed that he remembered what Christ had done for him. And he knows and wants others to have it, too.
He wanted King Agrippa, Festus, guards, and anyone else who would listen to “receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith” (v. 18c). He wanted them to know that it is in Christ “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14) and that “to Him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name” (Acts 10:43).
I want you to know that the same thing is offered today. I hope that you have looked at the life of Paul today and noticed whether your life shows that you have been with Jesus. One day, we will all stand before Him, and we will either stand on the merit of our own works and the “wages of [our] sin” or on the merit of the work He did on our behalf and “the free gift of God…eternal life” (Romans 6:23).
It is my hope and prayer that, if you are reading this, you have had your eyes opened by the gospel of Jesus Christ and moved from darkness to light, the power of Satan to God by repenting of your sins, believing in Him, and finding the forgiveness that only comes from Him. If you have, pray with me that God will make Himself evident in your life. If you have not received this eternal life, I would love to talk with you and introduce you to the One who gives it in abundance.
The Bible is clear that, as believers, our “citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior” (Philippians 3:20). But it is also apparent that we still have an earthly home. Living in these two realities can be quite challenging.
Paul, in 1 Timothy 2, gives us a little bit of guidance on this subject, specifically in regard to praying for earthly leaders:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
We are literally urged to make supplication (beg God sincerely) and to intercede (come to God on behalf of) for all people, specifically “for kings and all who are in high positions”. The scope of these prayers of supplication and intercession encompasses how we live our lives and are aligning ourselves with God’s desire for “all people to come to the knowledge of the truth”. Let us respond by praying for the American people and our current and prospective leaders during this election season. Let us also pray that many in both categories come to know Christ!
During this time when people are typically at each other’s throats politically, let us be on our knees in prayer, seeking God’s mercy and grace. This does not negate any other type of political activity or engagement. But it does recognize that seeking the will of the holy, sovereign God of the universe is literally the most we can do in this situation. It is good do one’s civic duty; but it is imperative that we seek Christ daily.
Over the next thirty days, we will look at and pray specifically for what God’s Word has for us our own hearts and minds, our nation, the election, the candidates and incumbents, the Church, spiritual warfare, and that God would grant revival to break out in America!
Sunday, October 4
Pray for God to give you wisdom – not just in regard to the election, but also to follow Him. Ask Him to lead you by His Holy Spirit and guide you through His Word. Ask Him to examine your heart and the choices/positions you are for/against and that He show you how those stances line up with His Word.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6
Monday, October 5
Pray again for God to give you wisdom and that His wisdom will impact the way you live your life – not just how you vote. Just as His wisdom is pure, ask Him to cleanse you of your sin. As His wisdom is peaceable, ask Him to not only give you peace but to let you be an agent of peace for Him. Ask Him to make you gentle and open to reason as you converse with your neighbors, all of whom may not hold the same views as you. And ask Him that the mercy that He has shown you be evident in your life as you genuinely and sincerely bear fruit for Him.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17
Tuesday, October 6
Pray to God about the issues that are troubling you in your community and country. Let the issues that concern your heart be poured out to Him. Bare your soul to Him. Ask Him to be your refuge rather than looking to a politician to fill that role. Ask Him in His strength to solve the issues that pain you. Ask Him to give you strength to be part of the solution rather than merely worrying or talking about it. Ask Him to help you realize that He is not far off but that His help is “very present”, even in the things that trouble you about events, circumstances, and issues facing this country today.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
Wednesday, October 7
Pray to the Lord and call upon His name. Trust that He hears you. Ask Him to move upon your heart that you may seek Him – not just in this election season, but for all time. Ask Him to remove idols from places of worship in your heart. Ask Him to grant you repentance where you need it. Ask Him to give you the hope and refreshing that comes from His presence as you seek Him.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:12-13
Thursday, October 8
Pray to God and trust Him today. Ask Him to give you an eternal perspective in regard to this election. Ask Him to help you to trust Him no matter the outcome of the election. Tell Him that you trust His judgment and will for your life and for the future of this country. Tell Him that you trust Him more than the electoral college or your political party of choice. Ask Him to grant you the faith you need to believe that He has all of this under control despite the news and social media fear-mongering and trying to convince you otherwise. Trust in His Name – the name of our God and Savior Jesus Christ – over chariots and horses, and even elephants and donkeys.
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
Psalm 20:6-8
Friday, October 9
On behalf of our nation, pray that people will turn away from their sin and to God. Ask God to soften hearts and allow people to share the gospel in their communities, cities, states, and all across this nation. Ask God to give you opportunities to share His gospel. Thank Him for coming and dying for our sins. Thank Him for raising from the dead. Thank Him for the opportunity to trust Him to be saved and pray that lost people around this country turn from their sins and to Him.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53:6
Saturday, October 10
Pray for God to open people’s hearts and minds to His gospel and the wisdom that comes from His Word. Rather than focus only on how America was built on biblical wisdom and values, ask God to make it so once again. Pray that God’s Word will bring the correction we desperately need. Then, ask God to pour out His Spirit on us and make His Word known throughout this nation.
How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
Proverbs 1:22-23
Sunday, October 11
Pray for people who are walking in darkness. Rather than condemn them in their sin, remember that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1) and ask God that He help them to fear Him and obey His Word. Ask Him to remind us and the world that He is the Light. Thank Him for shining. Ask Him to grant our nation the opportunity to turn from darkness to His Light.
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Isaiah 50:10
Monday, October 12
Pray to God and thank Him for the freedoms that we celebrate in this nation. Ask Him to preserve those freedoms that we may serve Him and His Kingdom. Ask Him to grant you repentance for wasting the religious freedoms here in America and taking them for granted. Thank Him for the example of those in persecuted countries who practice in persecution what we do not in freedom. Ask Him to give you opportunity and freedom to worship and serve Him. Then, do it!
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Tuesday, October 13
Pray to God and thank Him for the freedom and liberty that America represents. Ask Him to again let her shine as a beacon of right judgment and fair treatment. Ask Him to allow opportunity for reconciliation from whenever her people fall short of those ideals. Ask Him for opportunities for our nation to help those who need it. Thank Him for rendering such help to us in our times of need. Ask Him to help you to see the needs in our communities and to allow you to be a part of His work locally to benefit this nation.
Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.
Zechariah 7:9
Wednesday, October 14
Pray to God that His wisdom will be like a necklace for you during this election season. Ask Him to help you examine your behavior and speech in regard to this election. Ask Him to guard your steps and help you not to stumble as you navigate rough political waters. Thank Him for the Life that comes from Him and ask that He help you live it well and not stumble.
My son, do not lose sight of these – keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
Proverbs 3:21-23
Thursday, October 15
Pray that God’s wisdom will influence your mind as you contemplate which candidates, parties, and/or platforms you support and are planning to vote for. Ask Him for insight in the midst of crooked media and campaign strategies. Ask Him to bring His Word to your mind when you need it so that you may not forget to whom you belong. Ask Him to bind His Word to your thoughts and that your mouth have opportunity to share the hope contained within it.
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 4:5
Friday, October 16
Pray for God to guard your behavior and character as the election draws closer. Pray that God will season your verbal speech as well as your social media presence. Ask Him to grant you opportunity to keep you mouth closed if need be. Ask Him to strengthen your thumb on the delete key rather than using it to tear down others. Thank Him that He gave you mercy and grace when you were His enemy. And ask Him to allow you to forgive those who vote and support differently than you.
But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:15-16
Saturday, October 17
Pray for President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. Pray for the democratic party candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Pray for the third party candidates. Ask God that any and all of these who may not know Him as Lord and Savior will have the opportunity to hear His gospel, repent, and believe. Ask Him to fill those who are saved with His Spirit and give them the courage to follow Him alone as they lead or campaign. Ask Him that all of the candidates “come to a knowledge of the truth”. Ask Him for firm conviction for leaders to live “godly and dignified” lives in every way. Thank Him for the gospel and the life change that it brings through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Sunday, October 18
Pray that God give His wisdom to those currently leading our country and to those who hope to one day fill those positions. Thank Him for those who lead who claim to know Him. Ask Him to fill those leaders with His Spirit and allow them the freedom and courage to practice what His wisdom shows us in His Word. Ask Him to let their understanding and practice praise Him and give Him glory.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Psalm 111:10
Monday, October 19
Pray to God to give firm conviction to us and our brothers and sisters across America. Ask Him to help us to see how He would have us to vote. Ask Him to keep us on the firm foundation of the Rock that is Jesus. Ask Him to keep our convictions firmly founded on the truth found in His Word. Thank Him for the faith you have in Him and ask Him to guard it for you.
If you are not firm in your faith, you will not be firm at all.
Isaiah 7:9b
Tuesday, October 20
Pray for God’s protection from evil for our leaders and candidates. Ask Him to not only protect them from the evil around them but also for the evil that is within their own hearts. Ask God to guard and protect us from the evil that Satan wants to reign in this and all lands. Thank God for the victory that He has already won. Ask Him to show us clearly what is evil and what is good that we may follow Him in all our ways.
You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.
Psalm 12:7-8
Wednesday, October 21
Pray for the Church in America. Pray that we will truly be unashamed of the gospel. Ask God to give us the courage to share His Word that we may see Him save people and work in this nation. Ask Him to give us faith enough to stand and live on His gospel in our every day lives.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17
Thursday, October 22
Pray for the witness of the Church in America. Ask Him to allow us to be salt and light. Ask Him for the opportunity to examine our presence in our communities. Pray for opportunities for healing where others have done great damage. Thank Him for the freedom we have in Christ, and, while so doing, ask Him to give opportunities for that freedom to exhibit love instead of selfishness. Ask Him to strengthen your local faith family that you may be known for your love for Christ and each other and not for hate.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:13
Friday, October 23
Pray that the Church will be known for Christ-like characteristics above any other reputation. Ask God to give our local faith families unity based on our relationship with Him. Ask God to grant us the opportunity to be of one accord and mind as we are about His Kingdom work. Thank Him for your brothers and sisters in Christ and ask that He help you to genuinely see others more “significant than yourselves”. Ask God for opportunities, during this season and beyond, to show that we care about the interests of others and not just those nearest and dearest to our hearts.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4
Saturday, October 24
Pray that God provide strength for His Church to respond to the wickedness in this world as Christ did rather than responding out of the wickedness in our own hearts. Ask God for the strength to live out the gospel in our lives. Ask Him for the opportunity to lead people to Him instead of distracting them. Ask Him to help us win souls to Him rather than winning arguments.Ask God to free those who see themselves as our opponents from the snare of Satan and grant them repentance that we may lose enemies by gaining brothers and sisters in Him.
The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
Sunday, October 25
Pray that God will help His Church persevere and endure so that the gospel may be proclaimed. Ask Him to open our mouths to proclaim His Word. Pray for your brothers and sisters in your local faith family. Ask God to strengthen them. Pray for those in your local faith family who are charged with shepherding and preaching. Ask that God strengthen them and give them bold witnesses and opportunities to make much of Jesus.
To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel….
Ephesians 6:18b-19
Monday, October 26
Pray that God will help His Church to look more like Him than the world around them. Ask God to renew our minds and remind us of the transformation that takes place when we move from being dead in our sins to alive in Christ Jesus. Ask Him to help His people to be able to “discern what is the will of God”. And ask Him for the strength to follow in those convictions.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Tuesday, October 27
Pray that we handle God’s Word well. As we notice people around us being blind to the gospel and teachings of God’s Word, pray that God would open their eyes to see the truths of Scripture. Ask God to make sure that our own eyes are open to His truths, as well. Ask God to help us to not be “underhanded” in our use of His Word and not to let us “lose heart” in the midst of the spiritual battles we face.
Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:1-4
Wednesday, October 28
Pray that God will show you “how you walk”. Ask that He help you to look at your personal walk with Him and see any deficiencies. Ask that He strengthen your walk and to help you to follow Him more closely. Ask that He make clear through His Word what His will is and to allow you to understand it. Ask Him to protect you, your family, your faith family, and your nation during these evil days. And ask that He help you to use the time that you have wisely and for His glory!
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
Thursday, October 29
Pray that God strengthen you with His strength and protect you as only He can. As we “wrestle” with Satan’s forces, ask God to help us to trust in Him in the midst of the struggle. Thank Him that the victory has already been won by Him! Ask Him to help us to rely on that victory and not be overthrown by the “schemes of the devil” or to be used by Him to advance His schemes.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12
Friday, October 30
Pray that God will move powerfully across this nation and save people. Ask God that He remind you what it is to be saved and how He saved you. Thank Him that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”! There have been great revivals – Great Awakenings – in this country in the past, and they only come from Jesus. Ask that God will spark revival and awakening again. Ask that He make a way for us to get the gospel out and see people saved as in Bible days.
…because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved…. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9-10, 13
Saturday, October 31
Pray that God will produce a “humble” and “contrite…spirit” in you – that we will repent of our sin regularly and follow after Him. Ask God to help you to “tremble at [His] Word” – to have such a reverence and awe in reading it and hearing it preached that it impacts the way you live your life. Thank God that for making all things come to be. Ask God to help us to look only to Him for help and Life.
All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
Isaiah 66:2
Sunday, November 1
Pray that our nation will learn to “tremble at [God’s] presence” in worship before it learns to in judgment. Ask God to make His name known among those who do not know Him. Thank God for the “awesome things that we did not look for” – things He did because He is God and knows best for us! Thank Him for acting on behalf of “those who wait for Him”! Ask Him to help us to make Him and His Word known where He has planted us so that people can see His surpassing worth and glory and turn to Him.
Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence – as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil – to make your name known among your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.
Isaiah 64:1-4
Monday, November 2
Pray that God will grant us the mercy and grace that we so desperately need. Ask God to give us strength to “hold fast our confession” and be faithful to Him. Thank Him for being our example. Thank Him for taking care of us in our weaknesses. On behalf of those in this nation who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior, “draw near the throne of grace” and intercede on their behalf. Genuinely ask God to save people. Pray for lost people you know by name and ask God for the opportunity to share His Word with them.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Tuesday, November 3
Pray that God grant you peace no matter the outcome of this election. Thank Him that, no matter who sits in the Oval Office, He is on His throne now and forevermore. Ask Him to come quickly and that our hearts will find more joy at His coming than in the returns being counted from a ballot box. And ask Him to give you an opportunity to share Him and His gospel today so that you will have cast an effort that will last longer than four years, showing that our hope is truly in Him.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
Acts 4:13-22
Greetings, Sojourners!
Last week, I heard back from one of my readers, and they referred to the devotion as “R & R”. That typically refers to rest and relaxation. While those are good things – and definitely things that I crave, it is much better and fulfilling to be able to rest in the presence of Jesus and be refreshed in our time spent with Him.
I find myself often returning to the verses that sparked the idea for the Refresh & Restore devotions:
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.
Acts 3:19-21
We have talked at length over the last month about repentance. We have looked at how we have sinned against God and need to turn away from our sin to Christ our Savior. Now, I want us to see some examples of what it looks like to have been in the presence of Jesus.
Our passage today connects with these verses; they are part of the same event. Peter and John happened upon some people carrying a “man lame from birth” to the Beautiful Gate where he would beg for money (Acts 3:2). That man found more than he bargained for when he encountered Peter and John. Peter introduced him to the One who would change his life forever – Jesus. He told him:
“I have no silver and gold, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
Acts 3:6
And, just like everyone who has ever encountered Jesus, his life was changed thereafter.
Peter and John would proceed to have the opportunity to preach the gospel to a multitude of people at the temple because of this event and that man’s testimony. They testified to the amazing and miraculous salvation that takes place when people put their faith and trust in Christ. That same gospel still applies today for you and me! If we turn from our sin and put our faith and trust in Christ, we can find salvation as well!
Peter and John’s message travelled all the way to the Sanhedrin (Israel’s Supreme Court at the time). The powers-that-be were “greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:2). They set out – and succeeded – in arresting Peter and John. Their annoyance led to anger. But the gospel preached led to “many of those who heard the word [believing]” – “about five thousand” (Acts 4:4)!
The Sanhedrin felt that they had a duty to the status quo to keep Peter and John quiet. They tried the same thing with Jesus when they crucified Him. But, they were about to find that they could not stifle or silence the gospel. As Big John often says, “Preacher’s gonna preach!” Rather than being put out or discouraged by their arrest, Peter and John found themselves with a captive audience to hear their plea before the court. I can almost picture them smiling at the opportunity to testify!
I find it amazing that the people who failed to kill Jesus (well, they succeeded in killing Him for a few days) would ask as foolish a question as they did to Peter and John. They wanted to know “By what power or by what name did you do this?” For people who wanted them to stop proclaiming the name of Jesus, they sure went about it foolishly! Those who arrested Peter and John to quiet them just invited them to preach in the court!
It would have been easy for Peter and John to take credit for the healing of the lame man. It would have been easy for them to claim some sort of power and use it to manipulate the court into freeing them. They could have complied with the order to stop preaching. Or could they? There are many places in the world today that the powers-that-be have ordered that people stop preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In those places, they would not care that good had come from people being saved, healed, or otherwise. They simply will not abide with the name of Jesus being proclaimed.
But the Bible is clear on the subject. The gospel must be proclaimed:
Jeremiah 20:9 – If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary holding it in, and I cannot.
Amos 3:8 – The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophecy?
John 15:27 – [Jesus said] And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
1 Corinthians 9:16 – For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
When one is saved by faith alone through grace alone in Christ alone, they cannot help but proclaim it! And that is just what Peter and John did in response to the question of the court:
“Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead – by Him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:8b-12
Instead of seeking to free themselves from arrest, they sought to offer opportunity through the gospel for lost people to be freed from their sins and saved by Jesus!
The response of the court is that they were “astonished” that these “uneducated, common men” were able to preach with such “boldness” (v. 13). And their astonishment fell beyond Peter and John. The powers-that-be “recognized that they had been with Jesus”! May that be our testimony today – that people will recognize that we have been with Jesus, that we have been in His presence!
Spending time with God is always a noticeable thing. I know that I can tell a difference in myself and my own attitude when I spend time with Him in His Word and prayer. I also find that I cannot share what I have not experienced. Just as the lame man could not wait to run and tell everyone once he had been healed, Peter and John could not but tell people about the influence that Jesus had made on them – the impact of moving from death in their sins to life in Christ (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5)!
The Sanhedrin were afraid for the gospel to continue because they had witnessed first-hand that it is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). It is quite a statement that the people who wanted to stop the preaching had a genuine belief that its preaching would cause the Way of Christ to continue and permeate their community. Do we believe that?
Are we spending time in God’s Word and in prayer and seeing it carry over into our lives? Are people looking at us and recognizing that we have been with Jesus? Unfortunately, we often just blend into the crowd. Our powers-that-be are not crying for us to cease preaching. But maybe we have yet to begin! May we think back to what Christ has done for us and proclaim it to any who will listen. Or else maybe we look and find that our lives have not yet been changed. What good news it is that Jesus specializes in just such a situation. “…[C]onfess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, [and] you will be saved” (Romans 10:9) Then, and only then can you rest and be refreshed in His presence!
This Sunday at Christ Community we get to celebrate new life! We celebrate the Life – our resurrected King Jesus! It is a blessing to get to be a part of what He is doing!
Speaking of what God is doing, we will get to celebrate believers’ baptism Sunday afternoon! I have always found that baptism Sundays are the most exciting ones in every church I have served, but there is only one party that outdoes Christ Community’s baptism services – when the angels rejoice over saved sinners (Luke 15:10)!
It is no less miraculous to see someone born again than seeing someone born the first time! You see, a lost sinner – dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) – repenting of their sin and putting their trust in Christ – being raised to life in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5) is a miracle. I mean, how often do we see the dead raised?
Baptism – as Paul describes it in Romans 6 – is a beautiful picture of this miracle:
We were buried therefore with Him in baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4
When a new believer is submersed under the water, it symbolizes the death of the old self, the flesh. It represents the death we deserve that was earned by our sin (Romans 6:23). But, typically, the grave is a one way trip. Gravediggers only dig entrances.
Jesus makes a Way for us. He died for our sins and rose from the dead. He invites us to have faith – believe and trust – in Him. And, if we do that, the Bible teaches that we share in His Life, His resurrection:
For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His.
Romans 6:5
That’s good news that’s worth celebrating! And that’s what we’re singing about this Sunday morning! It’s my prayer that, if you do not know Him, that you see the surpassing worth that is in Jesus (Philippians 3:8)and trust in Him!
These verses were on my heart as the worship set came together this week:
Grace Wins — The reality of our sin is that we really are guilty. If it wasn’t for Jesus, this news would be solely bad. But, for those who put their trust in the Lord, “grace wins every time”! And that’s good news!
Holy Water — The reality of our sin makes the forgiveness of God that much sweeter. When we cry out to Him to forgive us – to save us – He most definitely will (Romans 10:13). The grace of God in salvation moves us to worship Him!
In Christ Alone — Salvation come by grace through faith in Christ alone. There is no other Savior. There is not other God. What a beautiful truth it is that the sovereign, holy, righteous, all-powerful God of the universe has decided to love us! May we trust Him and give Him the worship He deserves!
Resurrecting — The beauty of the resurrection is that King Jesus did not remain dead. Death could not hold Him. He is the only person on earth to ever borrow a tomb. And because of Him, the grave does not have to be the end for us. He has already won the victory over sin, death, and hell. And the same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in those who put their trust in Him (Ephesians 1:20-21).
(invitation) Way Maker — This song has quickly become an anthem for us because we do know the reality of our sin. We truly understand our need for a Savior. Rather than letting that beat us down, we humbly reach up to the outstretched hand of the Savior who cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-7). He makes a way where there is no other. And He cared enough for us to be the Way for us.
I hope to see you with us, whether you gather in person, in the parking lot via speaker, or on Facebook or YouTube live!
If gathering in person, please remember that masks are recommended and that we need to remain vigilant in our social distancing measures. Continue to pray for those who are sick – not just our members but all those around the world.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O LORD, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Psalm 51:13-19
Greetings Sojourners!
I cannot speak for everyone, but I have struggled through our study of repentance. I have struggled because, ultimately, repentance is not something that comes naturally to me. I have struggled because I like to believe that I have no need to repent. I have struggled because I am a sinner. But, sometimes, it is good to struggle – at least if you make it through to the other side!
We have been looking at the example of King David, seeing how repentance is an act of worship. David’s song of repentance, Psalm 51, has been our guide as we have discovered that we have sinned against God and are in need of Him alone as Savior. And, last week, we moved to some good news by discovering what it means to be restored to the joy of salvation. Today, as we wrap up our study of repentance, it is my prayer that we can look once again at the example of David and see how sweet it is to return to serving the Lord.
Even though David sinned against God – coveted, committed adultery, conspired to murder, and so on – he was still the king of Israel. When Nathan the prophet confronted him in his sin, he was the king. When he wept bitterly on the floor over the sickness of his child, he was the king. And when sat down to write Psalm 51 – you guessed it; he was the king.
Now, through most of this he was not in right standing with the Lord. Through most of these events, he was not worshiping the Lord. He was, for the most part, serving his own evil, sinful desires and not the Lord. And it is the same for us in our sin. We cannot serve ourselves and the Lord. We cannot succumb to temptation and seek Him. One excludes the other, just as the one act compromises the other.
But, while we would all most assuredly want to be restored to joy in salvation, we seem to lack joy in serving the Lord. I speak from experience in this area. I absolutely love that I get to serve the Lord today, but – not too many years ago – I literally begged God to let me not have to keep preaching and leading in worship. I hatched a grand, orchestrated scheme to leave ministry behind and get a regular job (or so I thought). I wanted to find joy in anything else, but I just did not want to serve.
I wish that this were untrue. I also wish that this did not show the sinful selfishness of my own heart. In those moments, I was more like Satan than the Jesus I claimed to serve. In John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost, he depicts Satan in a similar light. There is a line in that poem that reads: “better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” I absolutely hate the fact that these words echoed my sinful heart!
In Psalm 103:2, David says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits….” We want to be forgiven of our sin and have our diseases healed (103:3). We want to be rescued from “the pit” and crowned with the love and mercy of God (103:4). We want to be full and have our “youth…renewed like the eagle’s” (103:5). We want this, that, and the other. But what about wanting Him? And, in that wanting, serving.
This is where David is at the end of Psalm 51. Verse 13 shows us that once he had been restored he would “teach transgressors” the ways of God – and that those “sinners will return” to God! His reasoning for being cleansed is so that he have the opportunity to “sing aloud of [God’s] righteousness” (v. 14). David saw the opportunity to get to return to the service of his God and King as a privilege. He understood that he messed up.
It is good news for David – and for us – that our God specializes in sinners and mess ups! David, even though these words had not yet been written, knew and could testify to Jesus’ words in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Praise God for that truth! It is in these truths that we can echo David’s words in Psalm 51:15: “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise”!
You see, God is not interested in keeping the status quo. He is not worried about appearances. Last Sunday, my pastor, John Goldwater, made the statement (while talking about God’s response and attitude toward sin in Jeremiah) that God is not an enabler. An enabler is one who – through their own inaction – ends up encouraging (enabling) bad or dangerous behaviors in a person. An enabler sees the negative things that happen and does not intervene. No, our God is not an enabler. Instead, he grants us the opportunity to repent of our sin and turn back to Him (2 Timothy 2:25).
For David and Israel at the time, keeping with the status quo would have been the ceremonial acts of worship and sacrifices. David makes it clear in v. 16 that God had no desire to receive a sacrifice or burnt offering from him in his sinful state. Instead, God preferred the sacrifice of “a broken spirit” (v. 17). God knows that we are good at keeping up appearances. He knows what is in our hearts. And it is for that reason that he delights more in “a broken and contrite heart” than in the sacrifice of a whole herd of bulls. He delights more in repentant hearts broken over sin than a thousand sermons. For he knows that, if we truly love Him, our heart will show it; for it was God, Himself, who said, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:34).
For me, those years ago, I had to come to a place of genuine repentance before I realized that I was not truly serving the Lord. I had to quit to begin working. I had to be humbled before I could serve. And, while I would not recommend the process, I am immensely thankful for it now.
I had to realize that I was not a sufficient Savior (Psalm 51:1-2). God did not save me so that I could be a major workhorse for Him. His Kingdom was not lacking in anything and in need of me. I was lacking and in need of the King (Acts 17:24-27)!
I had to be broken and find myself in despair before I could seek after the joy found only in Christ (Psalm 51:3-6, 11-12)! I had to be torn down and laid low before Christ would heal me and lift me up (Psalm 51:7-8)! I had to look into the mirror of His Word and see the filth of my sin that covered me before I ever sought to be washed clean (James 1:22-23, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:9-10)!
But part of the journey is the perspective that it brings. I dare say that, if David had it all to do over again, he would have gone out with his troops to battle and stayed away from high vantage points above where beautiful women bathe (2 Samuel 11:1-2). If only going back in time were to be an option! Alas, it is not. But going back to God in repentance and relishing in his everlasting, steadfast love and mercy is!
I wish I could talk to my younger self. But that is not an option either. So, I rejoice that I get to talk to you now. I share what God has done in His Word and how He has blessed me. Where I once hoped to never have to serve again, I am now blessed with second-third-fortieth chances that I am not worthy of. I get to serve my King. And, while I am most assuredly not worthy of such a gift and opportunity, He loves me. And He loves and offers the same to you, as well. Know that you are loved and prayed for. May you heed the call of Isaiah 55:6 and “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near….”
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:7-12
Greetings, Sojourners!
I am excited to bring you some good news today! That is, after all, what the gospel is – good news.
Over the past few weeks, we have been diving into what repentance is and how it fits into our walk with Christ. Part One showed us the example of King David. We saw how sin occurred in his life and how God uses David’s situation and the repentance that followed to teach us that repentance is a part of worship. Part Two helped us to realize that we need to acknowledge that our sin is against God and that we need a Savior.
The reality of our sin and our role in committing it is definitely bad news. My pastor, John Goldwater – who loves good news more than bad news, said in a sermon a couple weeks ago that we need the bad news to help us see and appreciate the good news. I agree. The reality of our sin and our realization that we need to cry out to our God and Savior Jesus Christ help us see the good news in the gospel. And, through the gospel, we can begin this week in looking at the good news regarding repentance.
As we journey through David’s song of repentance in Psalm 51, I hope that we can see what it is to be restored to the joy of salvation. I want to highlight the verses in today’s passage by looking at them in sections. As we walk through these verses, it is my prayer that you seek the Lord. Maybe you are missing the joy of His salvation in your life. It is my hope that you find yourself restored in your relationship to Him through the working of His Spirit in the reading of His Word!
vv. 7, 9
Verses 7 and 9 point to our need for cleansing. This carries over from last week’s passage, acknowledging our sin and need for salvation. The language that is used here – to be “purged” or “purified” with hyssop – brings up some Old Testament images. The priests used hyssop branches to sprinkle blood in various sacrifices. The biggest sacrifice was on the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, when the priest would make a sacrifice on behalf of all of Israel and sprinkle the blood on the Mercy Seat on the Ark of the Covenant. That day was very important in the life of Israel. It was a day that represented removing sin. But the priest would have to repeat it every year; in fact, Yom Kippur is coming up on September 28th.
The good news for us is that Jesus’ sacrifice takes away our sin forever! Hebrews 9:26b says, “But as it is, He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” When we cry out to be cleansed, purified, and have the stain of our sin removed, we can rejoice because Jesus handles it once for all time! We can trust that God, through the finished work of Jesus, removes our sin “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). We can praise the Lord that He has “compassion on us”, tramples “our iniquities underfoot”, and casts “all our sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). You see, when Jesus cleanses from our sins, we are clean!
v. 8
If, at first glance, you find this verse to sound crazy, you are not alone. It defies logic and typical human thinking. Why would someone rejoice over being broken? Broken bones will certainly make someone cry out, but in praise? It is unheard of!
It is tempting to try and excuse this verse or glaze over it, but to do so would be to weaken what it is to repent. You see, repentance can only come out of a place of brokenness. Unless we reach that place in our lives where we truly understand our need to be saved, we will never submit to Christ. And, since our sin is against the holy, righteous God of the universe, the brokenness comes out of being chastised by Him:
Psalm 44:19 — …yet You have broken us in the place of jackals and covered us with the shadow of death.
Psalm 32:3-4 – For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me, my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
But God does not break us to hurt us. He breaks us so that we find healing and Life in Him alone. There is good news because of the bad. The same hand that chastises us is reached out to pull us out of the muck and the mire, into His Fatherly embrace. 1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us to “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
Many people complain about old injuries and formerly broken bones aching when it rains or when bad weather approaches. For the believer, storms are going to happen in life – this much I can promise you. Jesus said it this way in Matthew 7:25: “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the Rock.” If you have your faith and trust in Christ, the wind and rain will not make the bones that He has broken ache; they will remind you of the grace and mercy He has already shone. They will remind you that His hand is outstretched to help you again and again and again.
v. 10
It is easy to forget that our hearts so often lead us astray. So much advice is spent trying to tell us to follow our hearts that we forget that God’s Word tells us that “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9). And, while Jeremiah’s warning about our hearts is true, God also uses Him to bring us good news about our hearts: “I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be there God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart” (Jeremiah 24:7). And how do we return to Him? By repenting of our sin and turning toward Him!
Through repentance and a relationship with Him, the reality is that He does create a new heart within us. Not only that, but He gives us His Spirit! I love these verses from Ezekiel because they give such vivid imagery for the change that occurs within our hearts:
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit will I put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
That’s good news! A heart of stone is dead, but praise God He, “being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us…made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5)!
vv. 11-12
Our true fear is revealed in this portion of the song. We are afraid that God will abandon us, banish us, or stop loving us because we sin against Him. Everyone has felt this way as a child. I can remember a time in each of my kids’ lives where – when being punished – they asked if I still loved them. I can remember that it broke my heart when they asked. But do you know what I cannot remember? I cannot remember what they did to be punished. And the reason I cannot remember is because it has long since been forgiven.
We fear that God is going to abandon us because it is human nature to want to discard things that cause us pain. Part of repentance is acknowledging the pain that we cause our Father when we sin against Him. But the good news is that He will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Nothing will “be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
We can trust that He will not remove His Spirit from us because He is Emmanuel – God with us (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23), and He has promised to be with us “always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 20:28). And it is because He will never leave us – because He will keep His Spirit with us – that we can rejoice! As painful as the process of repentance can be, it is – in and of itself – evidence of God’s Spirit at work in our lives (2 Timothy 2:25). So, if you feel the need to repent, rejoice! God is not done with you!
I do not know where you are in your journey, but, I assure you, God is not done with you! Maybe you are cast down in your spirit. Maybe you feel like you are far away from the Lord. But let me encourage you to “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8a). Turn away from your sin and toward the Savior. Find joy in the comfort of His mercy and grace.
L.G. tells us often that God has a plan for our lives, but it is different when we see it begin to form before us. It is different still when that plan involves repentance. You see, repentance is not fun. It is not enjoyable. Nor is it meant to be. Being corrected is never fun – never enjoyable. But it is always necessary. And, while the process is not enjoyable, the results are blessing and restoration!
Psalm 32 is considered a penitent Psalm (basically a Psalm of repentance). But look at how positively it teaches us to view repentance:
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Psalm 32:1-2
The blessing comes from the forgiveness! This does not do away with the pain or consequence of sin. It highlights the fact that we have a loving Father waiting for us on the other side of the process (Luke 15:11-32)! We have the opportunity and the privilege to get to repent. And when we turn away from our sin and back toward our Savior — oh, what a blessing it is to return to Him!
And that’s what we are singing about tomorrow — the joy of returning to the Savior in repentance!
These Scriptures were on my heart as the worship set came together this week:
Holy Water — This is a new song for us, and it’s a little different. But isn’t everything about Christ Community a little different? Amen, and yes! We are going to rejoice in the cleansing of God! 1 John 1:9 says that “if we confess our sins” we will find that God will faithfully “forgive our sins” and “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. This song rejoices in what comes after — the sheer joy that comes from returning to God and being refreshed and restored in Him!
The Father’s House — When we turn from our sin and return to God, the Bible gives us the image of running to the open arms of a Father! That’s good news! This makes me think of my boy, Xander. He compartmentalizes the pain of punishment and the need for restoration better than anyone I’ve ever seen. As soon as he gets punished, he immediately turns and wants a hug to be restored. Our heavenly Father waits for us to return to Him with open arms — restoration is available!
How Great is Our God — Part of returning and being restored to God is worshiping Him. In fact, repentance is, in and of itself, an act of worship. When we realize all that He has done for us in salvation and all that He continually does for us, our response should always be “How great is our God!” There is nothing in this world that offers the grace, mercy, and forgiveness that can be found in Him, so we should proclaim His glory and Name from the rooftops!
King of Kings — Perhaps one of the most important images for us as Christians is that of the King leaving His throne and coming to earth to save us. He did not sub-contract the work of salvation. He knelt in the dirt and depravity and lived for us — to “reconcile the lost”. He suffered and did “not despise the cross” — “for our sake [He] died”! He then defeated death by rising from the tomb! And, just as the stone was removed from the entrance to the tomb, He removes the stone from our hearts, giving hearts of flesh – restoring us to Him! That’s good news!
(inv) Beautifully Broken — Once we are broken over our sin, we have the opportunity to return to the Savior who can bring to life that which is dead – who can restore that which was lost – who can mend that which was broken. There is no other source of such healing. He issues a call for all who are weary and broken to come to Him and find rest. How will you respond to that call?
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
Psalm 51:1-6
Greetings, Sojourner!
What a joy it is to have the opportunity to be refreshed by the presence of our Savior. Yet sometimes the joy – the refreshment – seems far off. Sometimes this journey seems longer than it should.
There are times when this distant feeling comes from outside sources – spiritual warfare, persecution, general difficulties. But there are also times where our times of struggle and lack of refreshment come from our own sin. We looked last week at a situation in the life of King David where His own sin caused difficulties. And, it was through that narrative, that we began to understand our own sin and see the grand example of repentance that we so desperately need.
King David is often held up as the human standard for worshiping God. And, it is through his example of repentance, that we see what is perhaps one of the strongest examples of worshiping – turning away from his sin and to the loving-kindness and forgiveness of his God. Psalm 51, basically, is a song of worship from David to God repenting of his sin and celebrating being restored to a right relationship with Him. We will look at this psalm over the next few weeks in three sections: acknowledging our sin/seeking the Savior, being restored to the joy of salvation, and offering our acts of service to the Lord once more.
David begins this song with a plea for mercy. The word for “mercy” in the original language means to show favor, to be gracious, or to show compassion toward someone. It is a plea for God to withhold the judgment and punishment that is deserved for sin committed. It is the cry of the guilty.
This may sound odd, but it is absolutely imperative that we understand that we are guilty of sin. Repentance cannot occur until we understand that fact. No one will seek a Savior until they are convinced of their need to be saved. And only those who are guilty of sin need a Savior.
David cries out for God to “have mercy” on him, and cites the “steadfast love” and “abundant mercy” of God as reasons for the mercy to be given. This reminds me of the way children will go to their parents after messing up. It does not matter if it is a toddler bringing the pieces of something he or she knocked off and broke or a teenager calling home after running the car off into a ditch; the cry is the same. They seek after their parents to remember their love for them as they dispense punishment. They seek for mercy to triumph over judgment (James 2:13).
Psalm 123:3 says, “Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.” When David appeals to God’s “steadfast love” and “abundant mercy”, it is because it is very much different than what the world offers. Instead of the “contempt” we deserve, we seek for God to “wash [us] thoroughly from [our] iniquity” and to “cleanse [us] from [our] sin” (v. 2).
The terms “wash” (Exodus 19:10) and “cleanse” (Numbers 19:19) fit with the Old Testament sacrificial system. Again, this reminds us that we are guilty of our sin and that there is no way for us to clean ourselves up. Only God can do that. The way that David shows us to repent here in Psalm 51 is mirrored in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” These truths are echoed in 1 Peter 2:24 and in the old hymn:
“What can wash away my sin? What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”[1]
David tells the Lord, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment” (v. 4). Does this mean that Bathsheba, who David slept with and who shared the child who passed away, was not sinned against? Does this mean that Uriah, the husband whose wife was stolen – whose murder was arranged by David, was not sinned against? Absolutely not. David was guilty as charged on all counts – covetousness, deceit, adultery, murder. But who decided that coveting, deceiving, adultery, and murder are sin? There is only One.
As important as it is that we understand our guilt and our need for God’s mercy, we need to know and understand that our sin is against God. You see, God is holy, perfect, just, and righteous. He created the universe and everything in it, and mankind holds a special place in that creation. God is sovereign over His creation. He made the rules and gives the commands. And going against His command is an act against Him.
It is quite an uncomfortable thought to think that we are sinners against a holy and righteous God. It is more uncomfortable to think that He is, in the very least, displeased with us because of our sin. It is another thing entirely to realize that our sin separates us from Him. Romans 5:12 tells us that “just as sin came into the world through one man (Adam), and death through sin…so death spread to all men because all sinned”. We are reminded that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). But, rather than leave us with our sin and death, King David leads the way to repentance and Life.
David reminds us that God “delight[s] in truth in the inward being” and “teach[es]…wisdom in the secret heart” (v. 6). God does not want to leave us in our sin. He has made a Way for us (John 14:6)! While David did not know the full picture, he pointed us in the right direction. There is good news to be had – even in the midst of sin and sorrow. And, being “grant[ed]…repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth” that allows us to “come to [our] senses and escape from the snare of the devil” (2 Timothy 2:25-26) is good news, indeed!
We have looked today at what it is to be guilty of sin. We have seen a prime example of how to acknowledge that sin before the God we sinned against. But all of that is nothing if we are left in our sin. King David had faith that the “steadfast love” and “abundant mercy” of God would win out. Even though he did not understand it, his faith showed him a shadow of what we know through Romans 5:8: “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”. This is an important truth for us to remember!
We realize this in salvation. When confronted by our sin and need for a Savior, we have the opportunity to repent of our sins and turn to Christ, trusting and believing in Him (Romans 10:9-10, 13). That act of repentance starts one following after Jesus along His Way. But repentance does not end there because, unfortunately, sin does not end there.
1 John 2:1a-2 tells us:
“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Where sin continues, repentance must continue. And, thankfully, God is not done with us once we have sinned against Him. It turns out His mercy is indeed “abundant”, and His love is indeed “steadfast”. And it is in these truths that we find ourselves at either an impasse or a challenge.
Will we continue in our sinning against the holy, sovereign God of the universe, or will be submit to Him, seek after Him as Savior and Lord, and repent of our sin?
I cannot answer this for you. I cannot repent for you. No one can. This is personal between you and God. And, thankfully, He is a personal God who specializes in forgiveness, grace, and mercy. So, I urge you to consider King David’s song. May you sing out to God as a plea for mercy. May your heart’s song be a plea to His love and mercy and seek forgiveness.
If you do not know Christ as your Savior and Lord, it is my prayer that you cry out to Him and trust Him to save you. And, if you know Him already, it is my prayer that you “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8).
As always, I want you to know that I love you and am praying for you, but, more than anything, I want you to know that you are loved by King Jesus. There is no greater love than that (John 15:13)!
19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets long ago.
Acts 3:19-21
Greetings, Sojourners!
Twenty-one weeks ago, I began this journey of writing and sending out devotions. It has been one of the most enjoyable and challenging tasks that I have ever undertaken. I love the Word of God. And I love sharing that Word with others.
These verses grabbed my heart and inspired the scope and direction of these devotions. I wanted to show people that there are times of refreshing to be had in the presence of Jesus. I still want that. I wanted to show people that the way things are going on this earth are not going to be that way forever – that God has a plan for restoring His creation. The King of kings and Lord of lords – Jesus Christ, our Savior and God – has already won the victory. We can put our trust in Him.
But a key part of following and worshiping Him is a lot less enjoyable. Repentance occurs before refreshment. And repentance is not fun. I think Keri defined repentance better than I will ever be able. When she was first learning of the concept, she said it so simply: “I need to turn away from my sin and look at God”.
It seems like it gets, or at least feels, more difficult as the years go by, but it is always that simple. We are to look at the surpassing worth of our Savior and away from the filth and wickedness of our sin. We see who He is and what He has done, and our desire for Him should become greater than our desire to satisfy ourselves in our sin.
When I think of people who exemplify what it looks like to worship the Lord with abandon, there is perhaps no man in the history of the earth who has worshiped the Lord with such a heart as King David. The Bible describes him as one who “the Lord sought out…after His own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). And he loved the Lord.
David was an example of worship and trust before the Lord. He killed the giant Goliath to show God’s people that “there is a God in Israel” and “the Lord saves not with sword and spear” (1 Samuel 17:46-47). But David was a man, and he was a sinner.
1 In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.
2 It happened, late one afternoon, when David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; and the woman was very beautiful. 3 And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”
2 Samuel 11:1-3
As much as David shows us what it is to be a true worshiper of the Lord, we can learn more through his times of sin than we can in his times of victory. We can learn as much, if not more, in the way that he followed God after Bathsheba than we can in him standing over the corpse of Goliath. We have more in common with him here and need to learn from his example of repentance.
You see, David’s sin here was not unique. It happened just like all our sin does. He was not where he was supposed to be. He was not doing what he was supposed to be doing. Is that not how we fall into sin – being where we should not and doing what we should not?
It was spring and the armies of Israel were out waging war. David was a warrior king. He belonged on the battlefield with his men. They “ravaged” but he “remained”. Then “it happened”. Sin happened.
I do not believe it was an accident that David was on that rooftop. I think he accomplished what he set out to do – to get to lust after a beautiful woman. You see, as much as we would like to convince ourselves and others, we enjoy the sin with which we struggle. Think about it: gluttons do not gorge themselves on lettuce and carrots but fried chicken and Little Debbie snacks; the prideful do not revel in their failures but successes. We struggle with sin that we enjoy and struggle with stopping. And sin works the same way for us today as it did with David thousands of years ago.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:13-15
When “it” happens for us, it begins in our hearts and minds. The idea is like a lure. It looks good to us. We occupy our minds with thinking about it until the point that the desire becomes acceptable to us. Once it becomes acceptable to us, it is only a matter of time before what is accepted becomes practiced.
We need to realize that, while the mechanics of sin is simple, the reality of it is not. James talks to us about how sin “brings forth death”. This is not a new truth; it is literally as old as mankind. We inherit the nature to sin from great-great-grand-daddy Adam. But our practice of sinning is our own. Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death”. And that is exactly what David found himself confronted with.
You can follow the story in 2 Samuel 11. David lusts after Bathsheba and then sleeps with her. Not only is he a married man, but she is the wife of one of his mighty men. Their act of sin ends with her becoming pregnant. David’s cover up goes to great lengths before ending with him having her husband, Uriah killed.
2 Samuel 12 shows us how God confronted David in his sin through the prophet Nathan. I urge you to read it. God confronts us in our sin through the Word as well. David’s sin cost him the life of the child of his and Bathsheba’s union. I cannot explain it. The reality of it pains me to my soul. It is just what God’s Word tells us happened. Just as it tells us that “sin brings forth death”. It is the truth.
But there is good news even in sadness. Repentance restores us to God. Once God’s judgment and punishment showed up in David’s life, look at his response:
Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.
2 Samuel 12:20a
David turned from his sin and back to God. The Bible records David’s cry to God in repentance in Psalm 51, a passage that we will be walking through over the next few weeks.
It is my hope and prayer that you learn what it is to repent and turn back to God. I can attest to how painful a thing it is to be confronted with sin. But I can also testify to how worthy God is and how sweet it is to be restored to Him. So, if you want to experience a time of refreshing in the presence of the Lord, I pray that the Lord will grant you repentance (2 Timothy 2:25) and, instead of death, you experience Life in Christ:
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved….
Ephesians 2:4-5
There is grace greater than our sin, and I pray you embrace it in Christ Jesus!
Tomorrow is the Lord’s day. It is the day that His people gather together and celebrate the resurrection of King Jesus! We plan to make much of Him tomorrow!
All of the songs we sing make much of Jesus because He is everything. Tomorrow, all of our songs are stemming around the great Christ hymn found in Colossians 1:
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the Church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies because of your evil behavior. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Colossians 1:13-23
It is all about Jesus! May our lives and praises reflect this!
Just Keith Harris 