The Spirit of truth

4You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit ^a of truth and the spirit of falsehood. (1 John 4:4-6) 

Thoughts: The word "antiChrist" sums up the atheist movement.  It is not really "for" anything- it is just against God and against Christ.  It is a negative.  But the positives of life are always more powerful than the negatives.  Those for God are greater than those against Him.  However, this does not mean that there are not many more for what we see than what we do not see. 
    We should not expect popularity.  But we should expect God to be there when we are on His side, doing His will as He proscribes it.  Whoever listens to us as we share God's Word, shows that God is at work in them.  Those who refuse to listen have hard hearts showing that God is not at work in them.  Those who listen to God's Word of truth show a desire for truth.  Those who refuse to listen to scripture desire to make up their own idea of truth.  When we make up our own truth and refuse to listen to God- then there is a spirit of falsehood.  John is trying to say who can be assured of salvation (this is clear from verse that follow in chapter 4).  People can be assured if they believe the truth of God- but they ought not be assured if they do not believe.  God- the Creator of reality- is also the creator of all truth.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to believe and hold forth the great love and truth that you have made.  

The Spirit of truth

1Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1 John 4)

Thoughts: The western world's leading philosophy is postmodernism.  Postmodernism's dictum is that there is no real truth.  That your sincere truth is as good as anyone else's view.  The problem is, we don't and can't live like that.  If you decide you want to drive down the wrong side of the road, I would dispute your view of truth.  If you are a nurse and you decide it doesn't matter what kind of medicine you give out- I would dispute that way of looking at things- for one person's medicine is another's poison.  The obvious problem of postmodernism is it devalues meaning and purpose in life with the hope that if we say it doesn't matter- people will get along better. But when we say that your meaning is as good as my meaning- in the end there is no meaning- for there is no truth to live for- only feeling.  Your feelings may get in the way of my feeling.  I think this was evident somewhat in the supreme court confirmation hearings this week.  Feelings and lust for power seemed to own the day.  But the real search for truth was downgraded.  For some, one religion is as good as another.  But then something like 911 happens- fueled by misguided beliefs. 
     So our passage says to "test the spirits" to see if they are really from God.  This implies there are some that are not from God.  The measure of the test is not our feelings or how much we want something selfishly.  The measure of truth is the way, the truth, and the life- Jesus Christ.  

Prayer: Lord, give me the will to not just go with the flow of popularity or my feelings.  Help me to test everything by you- the ultimate rule and standard of truth.  

A Call to Witness

6Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1)

Thoughts: The disciples wanted the kingdom to be restored to Israel.  Jesus wanted the kingdom spread all over the world.  He was taken up visibly to remind them of His power- and power over all the earth.  God will empower them to witness.  Then they will witness locally in the city, in the whole state, in the next state over, and then to the ends of the earth.  God is not concerned with just one country.  We will be His witnesses.  The question is what kind of witness will we be?  Let us fulfill our calling from God to witness for Him.  

Prayer: Lord, I am unable to witness well.  I fail  I forget how important your hope is for others.  I become shy and insecure talking about you- the greatest being ever in the world.  Help me to be a good witness wherever you call me to go.  

The Gospel Spreads Before the End

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  (Matthew 24:14)

Thoughts: The great professor at Fuller Seminary, George Eldon Ladd, says that this is the most important verse of our day.  Why?  Because it will potentially be filled for the first time in the history of the world in our day- our generation.  In 1988 the last nation without any baptized Christians in it (Nepal), attained baptized converts. Some missiologists said that this gospel needs to be preached to every tribe (ta ethne) before the end.  Jesus said to go and preach the gospel to all nations (ta ethne/ethnic tribe).  In 1988 there were 17,000 tribes with no Christian witness in it.  Now some say this is down to 4,000 and shrinking. 
    By spreading the gospel of the kingdom- we are bringing the kingdom down to earth.  The influence of Christ grows, but the reign of Christ grows too.  Christians do not need to be on the defensive or retreat as if we have nothing to say to the world.  Christ is the world's only lasting hope.  All other hopes die with time.  So let us pray, work, and love the kingdom of God into others.  This is our earthly vision.  People spend lots of money and time trying to write vision statements, but this is our vision- to spread the love of God.   

Prayer: Lord, may your kingdom come.  May your gospel be spread to all tribes.  

God cares for all the world

1In the last days

the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established

as the highest of the mountains;

it will be exalted above the hills,

and peoples will stream to it.

2Many nations will come and say,

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the temple of the God of Jacob.

He will teach us his ways,

so that we may walk in his paths.”

The law will go out from Zion,

the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

3He will judge between many peoples

and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.

They will beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will not take up sword against nation,

nor will they train for war anymore.

4Everyone will sit under their own vine

and under their own fig tree,

and no one will make them afraid,

for the Lord Almighty has spoken.

Thoughts:  God is God of all the nations.  "The prophets grew increasingly aware that not only would Israel all share in the redemption.  God would break in to restore his liberating Lordship over the entire world of the nations." (Verkuyl in Perspectives of the World Christian Movement p. 37).  He is the God of all peoples (Isa. 2:1-4; Mic. 4:1-4; Jer. 3:17; Isa. 25:6-9; Isa. 60; Zech 8:20 ff).  So we should see this is a part of God's overall plan- to bring every tribe, language and nation- at least representatives of each one to Himself.  God judges between many peoples and will bring peace.  

Prayer: Lord may the world know you.  May your peace and influence be on our world today. 

The earth is to be filled with the Knowledge of God

14For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea. (Hab. 2:14) 

They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Isa. 11:9)

Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. (Psalm 72:19) 

"Yet as surely as I live and as surely as the whole earth is filled with the glory of the LORD, (Numbers 14:21)

9The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name. (Zech 14:9)

Thoughts: You get a similar message in all these verses.  God is concerned with all the earth.  His glory is in all the earth  One day everyone will know God in every part of the globe.  Our part in this is to spread the love and grace of God throughout the world. 

Prayer: Lord, Help me to play a part in spreading your good news throughout the whole earth.  

May all the Peoples Praise God

 1May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face shine on us— ^b

2so that your ways may be known on earth,

your salvation among all nations.

3May the peoples praise you, God;

may all the peoples praise you.

4May the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for you rule the peoples with equity

and guide the nations of the earth.

5May the peoples praise you, God;

may all the peoples praise you.

6The land yields its harvest;

God, our God, blesses us.

7May God bless us still,

so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.  (Psalm 67)

Thoughts: There is definitely an element in the Old Testament that focuses only on Israel as the chosen nation.  But the balance is that they were chosen to be a nation of priests- so that all the world and all the nations would hear of God. In this Psalm the plea and wish is that all the peoples would praise God.  This is a clear wish that the Gentiles would recognize the One who blesses, guides, and rules the earth.  This should be our wish as well 

Prayer: Lord,  May all the tribes and peoples bless your name.  Help me to play a part in making that happen.  

Forerunners of the Great Commission

1The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2“I will make you into a great nation,

and I will bless you;

I will make your name great,

and you will be a blessing. ^a

3I will bless those who bless you,

and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all peoples on earth

will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12)

Thoughts: God's commission to Abraham was to go and that as he was going, God would bless all nations through him.  God's concern was not just for Abraham or for his immediate family or tribe- but for all nations.  All peoples of the earth will be blessed through Abraham's faith and acting on his faith by going.  The people of God are always called- and always called to leave their comfort zones to be a blessing to all people.  We are the light of the world and we cannot hide that light under a bushel.  Abraham was blessed to be a blessing.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to go and be a blessing wherever I go this week.  

The Great commission

16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28)

Thoughts: This was the last command by Jesus and one of the most important.  The message of Jesus- the Good News- is not just for one people but for all people.  Every human being- no matter what tribe or language, needs grace, forgiveness, love, and hope. 
     Some things to note here- we do not go in our own authority, but in his authority.
     We are called not to go and make converts but to make learners- disciples. 
      Baptism is the sign of discipleship.  But this baptism is in the name of God- father, son, and spirit- not just any name.  It is not a singular name, but a three fold name.
      Part of being a disciple is to be taught the commands of God. 
      When we do these things- baptize and make disciples- then not only will His power be with us, but his presence will be with us wherever we go.  God is not a God of one people, or one country but of all the earth.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to fulfill your commands. Give me a heart for others to know you.  

Share with the Lord's people Who are In Need

9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12)

Thoughts: This passage in Romans 12 has a lot of commands (imperatives) blurted out.  It speaks of being loving instead of hating; giving credit to others instead of yourself; being excited instead of apathetic about God; But it ends in facing the tough times with God and then sharing with those who are in need- especially our brothers and sisters in the faith.  We are to care for all people.  But we are a family with those who believe.  When we see a believer in need, we are asked to share with them.  To practice hospitality means to welcome and accept others.  It means go out of your way to make others feel loved.  
     The floods and disasters we face in life are opportunities to care.  Instead of shutting ourselves up we are called to open ourselves out to others.  

Prayer: Lord, give me the strength and energy to do your work- to help believers who are in need.    

God helps us to be generous

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;

their righteousness endures forever.” ^a

10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9)

Thoughts:  God is the ultimate gift giver.  Here Paul reminds us that God blesses the generous.  He blesses us who give that might have the root for more gifts (the seed).  God  His generosity results in his praise to God.  

Prayer: Lord, enrich us so that we may be generous.

One church helping another

26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. (Romans 15:26)

Thoughts: Macedonia was 600 miles from Jerusalem but the people there shared with the saints in Jerusalem because they were going through a famine. They had compassion on a people far away that they probably would never meet and who probably would never thank them.  This is an example to all of us. 
    We are called to help people who are in need- whether we know them or not; whether we get something back or even a thanks or not.  

Prayer: Lord, give me eyes to see those hurting far away that I might be a blessing to them in your name.  

Picture of loading a bus up for a Food pantry in Cheraw, SC- hit by hurricane Florence. 

Giving thanks after the storm

1Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.2Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,3those he gathered from the lands,from east and west, from north and south.^a

28Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,

and he brought them out of their distress.

29He stilled the storm to a whisper;

the waves of the sea^b were hushed.

30They were glad when it grew calm,

and he guided them to their desired haven.

31Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

32Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people

and praise him in the council of the elders. (Psalm 107) 

Thoughts: There is always a tendency that, when God spares us, to feel guilty. It is an interesting phenomenon, but common.  In war, the person who saw many of his comrades in arms killed has a bit of guilt that he survives.  I think of the classic movie, "Saving Private Ryan."  The movie starts at the graves of his fellow soldiers in France.  The survivor, Private Ryan, was rescued though several died in order to save him.  In tears he cries, "I hope I earned this.  I have lived a good life."  The Psalmist invites us away from the guilt of survival into thanksgiving.  In fact, he invites us to come to the assembly (to worship) and give thanks.  Giving thanks builds up our faith in God, and helps us to focus in healthy ways.  Part of giving thanks in the Bible is to bring thank offerings.  This is an additional offering from the tithe.  At our church we are grateful for only minor damage like power outages (about a fourth of our congregation lost power some time), or a tree or two down.  Yet we are close enough to the damage (much like the flood of 2015), where we can make a difference to those who are hurting.  So we are collecting materials to be taken down toward the coast (water, food, diapers, hygiene products- toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, combs) for those still in shelters or who have been flooded out.  Let us give thanks to the Lord, and let us seek to help others with compassion.  Our God has helped us perhaps so we can help others.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for watching over us.  Thank you for sparing us.  Thank you that you calm the storm to a whisper.  

[I had internet outages and was unable to post some of my devotions over the weekend- this is a new start].  

God sends Rain

     13So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— 14then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. 15I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. (Deuteronomy 11)

Thoughts:  In a land that has rainy seasons and little rain in the hot summer, it is important to get that rain at the proper time- planting and harvest.  Farmers know that they are not in control.  Many of us do not want to be dependent on so much beyond our control.  Yet so much of our lives- the economy, our health, the love of others is not totally or even mostly controllable. 
    With all our computer technology that is able to put in hundreds of thousands of variables, our predictions conflict and are limited (whether we are talking about the weather or football models).  So the spaghetti models about Hurricane Florence varied wildly. 
    In this passage God is saying, in the Bible that He is in control.  He sends rain and blessing.  More than that, that He is able to bless people who love and serve Him.  Not many believe that today.  But it is a key element of faith.   Hebrews says, "If anyone wants to come to Him they must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him."  

Prayer: Lord, I seek your blessing your protection.  I seek to give you thanks when you do bless me, and I want to have eyes to see your hand at work. 

Jesus calms the wind and waves

23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

26He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

27The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matthew 8)

Thoughts:  Jesus rebuked two things here.  He rebuked first the disciples for not trusting God to watch over them.  After all, Jesus...Jesus was in the boat with them.  Their fears were overcoming their faith.  Many times we let fear drain away our courage so that we do not do the right thing for God.  We think the worst and forget the best. 
    The second rebuke of Jesus was to the wind and waves.  One version says that he said, "Be still!" (Mark 4:39)  and then immediately they were stilled.  The Word of Jesus calmed the storm.  Just as God's Word (recorded in Genesis 1)- "Let there be... and there was" created sea, earth, air, and all that is in them; So God's Word calms the current wind and waves that He created.  To not believe that God is able to control these things is a degrading of the Creator's power.  It is saying the Creator has no power over His creation.  It is saying that the Creator doesn't care or mess with His creation after He created it.  God is all-powerful and God cares more than we can imagine. 
     I have no problem at all giving thanks to God for the degrading of Hurricane Florence that was once a category 4 storm to a tropical storm.  Many prayers- maybe millions have gone up asking for mercy from God.  God stilled the storm into a whisper.  All that I have- my roof, my windows, my trees, my dry house- is a gift from God.  That they are preserved this night is an act of grace, mercy, and kindness.  To think otherwise would be to say that any good that has happened is a matter of luck, chaos, or chance. Sometimes we believe because we can measure things or have predictive computer models that we are controlling the weather- this is not so. There is more to life than meaningless luck/chaos/chance or even our own ingenuity and pride.  There is a loving God who can rebuke the wind and waves- and rebuke us for not trusting that He could do this. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in your power and love.  

God stabilizes us in the Storm

O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted, Behold, I will set your stones in concrete, And your foundations I will lay in sapphires. (Isaiah 54:11)

Thoughts: God says for those who have been beaten about by the storms of life- those tossed from pillar to post- that He will stabilize them with His peace.  God will make us steady when we cannot steady ourselves.  Those who have been tossed about will be anchored down.  We are not alone in the storm.  God is there to grant us peace and stability.  

Prayer: Lord, keep my soul safe in the storm.  

God is a shelter in the storm

4You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in their distress,

a shelter from the storm

and a shade from the heat. (Isaiah 25:4)

Thoughts;  God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the mountains fall into the heart of the sea; though the seas roar and foam and quake with their surging.  (Psalm 46),  God is a refuge.  We go to him to catch our breath from the beating rain and wind.  Tomorrow most of us will have a solid shelter against the storm for we know it is coming.  If you have been out in a hurricane you know it can blow you down.  The rain can literally beat against you and hail can hurt you- just as it can dent a car.  Having a place to go is so important.  When it is a hundred degrees out- it is important to look for shade which can literally save your life.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you that we can go to you for relief, protection, help, a break, strength, and encouragement, 

Song "A Shelter in the time of storm" 

Spreading Hope in the midst of Hopelessness

28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him...

39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41And because of his words many more became believers.

42They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Thoughts:  We can learn a lesson from the Samaritan woman here.  She was not just amazed at Jesus.  She wanted other people to experience the Jesus she knew.  When others heard him, they too believed. 
      On the anniversary of 911, we should see the need to spread the good news of hope.  In times of disaster- man-made or weather-made- we need to find strength and hope.  The woman at the well went from someone ashamed and weak to someone strong enough to reach out to others.  It is often in times of sadness and disaster that we get out of our homes and reach out.  Christians have the good news of hope.  We know the God who knows us.  Let us invite others to share in that hope. When people are sad, alone, dejected, and hopeless (as the woman at the well was), it is important to share the hope we have. 

Prayer: Lord, in a world that lacks hope and is full of fear, help me to show your hope.  

Spirit and truth and Messiah

24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

25The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

26Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” (John 4)

Thoughts:  God is to be worshiped not just from the lips- or simply in one particular place.  He is to be worshiped in spirit.  God does not have a body like we have, that is restricted to one place.  He is capable of being everywhere at once (omnipresent).  This does not mean that God does not care if we worship Him in the sanctuary or not.  His desire is that we worship Him together with His people.  Jesus also shows concern for truth.  Today, where post-modernism reigns, there is little concern or even belief in an ultimate truth.  But God is real and the true God should be worshiped.  Sincerity is not the only standard (worshiping in spirit).  But sincerity must also be wedded to truth.  The object of our heart-felt worship should be true. 
     The woman began to be perplexed.  So she said, the Messiah is coming who will answer these questions.  She thirsted for these answers. 
      Jesus did not flinch.  He said, "I who speak to you am He."  Jesus from the beginning claimed to be the answer man- the Messiah.  He can answer our questions about God- for He is God in the flesh.  He can bring God and human beings together because He is the bridge person- the God-man.  He is the true God and the sincere One.  He is able to answer us with truth. 

Prayer: Lord, may your spirit and truth be a part of my worship.  

Spirit and truth

19“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

21“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4) 

Thoughts: The Samaritan woman was trying to keep Jesus at bay.  He was getting personal talking about her husbands and her live in boyfriend.  So she began to talk about theology/politics- the things that separated the Samaritans from the Jews. 

One was the place of worship. The Jews saw the Samaritans worshiping on a high place that was not kosher.  The Jews prescribed worship to be in Jerusalem only.   Jesus' reply was that true worship is not a matter of place- but of the heart- in spirit and in truth.  Jesus wants love and sincerity in worship- not a bunch of lipservice and self-serving political snippets. 
    When Jesus said God is spirit, it is a reminder that no Temple or mountain can contain God.  But it is also a reminder we must worship God spiritually and not just physically.  Our worship must be truthful from our heart. 

Prayer: Lord, let me worship you in spirit and in truth.