What Is Jesus Teaching You Today?

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Wayne Davies


When we open the New Testament, we find four books called “gospels” – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  All four present compelling accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Jewish Messiah and Son of God.

Mark is the shortest of the gospels, with 16 chapters. The main reason Mark’s gospel is shorter than the others is because he devotes the least amount of space to the teachings of Jesus.

Because he spends less time recording the teachings of Christ, the book of Mark is a fast-moving, action-packed description of Jesus’ 3-year ministry. But when you read Mark, you would do well to take note of this – while not focusing as much on the content of Jesus’ teachings, he does emphasize the importance and frequency of Jesus’ teachings.

To demonstrate Mark’s focus on Jesus’ teaching ministry, let’s take a tour through the book of Mark.

Please take note: Jesus taught everywhere He went.

He taught in the synagogue.  As a faithful Jew, Jesus would go the synagogue to observe the Sabbath. And he would often be the speaker, or what we would call the “guest preacher.” We see this in Capernaum, his ministry headquarters in Galilee – “when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach” (Mark 1:21). Likewise, when he traveled to other cities, such as his hometown of Nazareth, “When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue” (Mark 6:2).

He taught in homes. In Capernaum, where he likely stayed with Peter’s family, “he preached the word to them” (Mark 2:2). Note also Mark 3:20-23, where Mark mentions specifically that “Jesus entered a house” and then “spoke to them in parables”.

He taught by the lake. We know that Jesus spent much time in the northern part of Israel, in the region of Galilee. At least four of the apostles were fisherman (Peter, Andrew, James and John) who made their living on a lake known as the Sea of Galilee.  This lake this was one of Jesus’ favorite places to teach – “Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them” (Mark 2:13). “Once again” communicates that teaching by the lake was something Jesus did repeatedly.

He even taught on the lake. But crowd control was a problem. People came to Jesus by the thousands, which forced him to use the water as a way to protect himself from the masses clamoring for his attention. “On another occasion Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. He taught them many things” (Mark 4:1-2).

Can you picture this scene? I would love to have been there on the shore, listening to Jesus teach the Word while sitting in a boat! When you think of Jesus and imagine what it would have been like to follow him for three years, have you ever visualized this – Jesus in a boat, doing what he told the disciples he would show them how to do – fishing for the souls of people by teaching them the Word of God.

So Jesus taught in public places, both indoors and outdoors.

He taught in small towns. Dozens of towns dotted the landscape of first century Israel.  Jesus made it a priority to keep moving throughout the countryside, visiting as many communities as possible. This was part of his strategy. Early one morning, while spending time alone in prayer at Capernaum, Peter tracked him down. Jesus told him, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. This is why I have come. So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues” (Mark 1:38-39).

He taught in big cities. Jerusalem was the largest city in Israel and Jesus went there for the annual Jewish religious festivals every spring and fall. He went to Jerusalem for the Passover, most importantly to die on the cross. When Mark tells us that Jesus spent his last few days on earth “teaching in the temple courts” (Mark 12:35), this should not surprise us.

Jesus spent much time teaching and preaching to the masses. He wanted everyone to have opportunity to hear his message. Inside and outside, small towns and big cities. If you wanted to hear Jesus speak, there would have been many opportunities to do so.

He taught his inner circle. And he also spent much quality time with just his disciples, especially toward the end of his ministry. “He then began to teach them (the disciples) that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected . . . and that he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).

As his crucifixion drew nearer, Jesus made time alone with the disciples a priority — away from the crowds — specifically for the purpose of teaching them about his death and resurrection. “Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise'” (Mark 9:31-32).

Make no mistake about it. Jesus was known first and foremost as “The Teacher,” a title used of him over 40 times in the gospels. And he spent time teaching his followers about the most important event in his life and in the history of the world: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Unfortunately, “they (his disciples) did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it” (Mark 9:32).

What about you? Do you understand the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus? What did Jesus mean when he said that the purpose of his coming was “to give his life as a ransom for many”?

If you are not sure what Jesus meant, please don’t be afraid to “ask him about it.” By reading and studying the Bible, you can go to Jesus himself and listen to him delineate the meaning and significance of his death, for your eternal destiny depends on it. The book of Mark is a good place to start. After that, I recommend the books of Romans and Galatians to better understand the Gospel.

Jesus is King of kings, Lord of lords, and the one and only God-Man. He is also the greatest Teacher to ever walk on this planet.

What is he teaching you today?

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How to Sit at the Feet of Jesus

Posted on August 20, 2021 by Wayne Davies


I’ve been reading Psalm 119 lately. Here’s a verse that leaped off the page and penetrated my heart:

“I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me” (Psalm 119:102).

The psalmist says that God Himself was his Teacher. What a wonderful thought!

Isn’t this what should happen when we read the Bible? We open the Book, fill our minds with divinely inspired words of life, and God Himself teaches us how to live for His glory.

In Luke 10:38-42, isn’t this why Jesus commended Mary instead of her sister Martha?

38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.” Martha was distracted, “worried and upset about many things.” What a study in contrast.

In your own life recently, have you been more like Mary or Martha?

Do you set aside time regularly, even daily, to sit at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him through the written Word of God? Or have “all the preparations” of life pulled you away from Jesus and His teaching ministry that is indispensable to your spiritual growth?

Either way, if you are looking for a surefire way to enrich your time in the Word, I recommend reading and meditating on Psalm 119. To help you navigate your way through this passage, I’ve written a short book entitled Sweeter Than Honey, More Precious Than Gold: Meditations on Psalm 119. Here you’ll find guidance on how to read one of the most-loved chapters of the Bible in such a way that your love for Jesus as Teacher will be enhanced. It’s available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback, or you can get a free downloadable PDF copy here: www.GodWroteTheBook.com.

You can also check out the companion resource, Sweeter Than Honey, More Precious Than Gold Workbook: A 22-Day Journey Through Psalm 119, which is available on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1532910053/

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How to Celebrate Thanksgiving in August

Posted on August 15, 2021 by Wayne Davies

In the U.S. we celebrate Thanksgiving in November.

But for the Christian, every day is a day to give thanks. Amen?

I like the way Psalm 147:7-9 puts it:

 

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.”

Simple words, are they not? But how profound, how meaningful, how true.

The psalms are filled with commands to praise God with our voices. It’s good to remember to whom we are singing. We don’t sing to ourselves, we don’t sing to the person sitting next to us. Who do we sing to?  We sing to the LORD.

And how do we sing? With thanksgiving.

(I’m quoting the 1978 NIV. The most recent NIV replaces “thanksgiving” with the phrase “grateful praise,” and I’m thankful that the idea of thanksgiving, via the word grateful, is still included.)

But why? Why should we sing with thanksgiving? What are we thankful for?

Verse 8 gives us one compelling reason. We sing with thanksgiving because God “covers the sky with clouds. He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.”

This is not brain surgery. This is easy to understand.

God is in control of this planet. He’s in control of the weather. He puts the clouds in the sky and when’s He’s good and ready, He makes it rain and causes every plant to grow –the trees, the flowers, the grass. And all the fruits, vegetables and grains that we eat to stay alive.

Jesus said it like this, in Matthew 5:45. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

And because He does all that, you were able to wake up this morning, and live this day, and open this email and read about the grace of God.  Without God covering the sky with clouds, without God sending rain to make the crops grow, we wouldn’t have coffee beans and bananas and bread, or anything else we need to exist.

David said it like this: “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16). From His hand to our mouth, everything we eat and drink comes from our Good Shepherd, the One who makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside quiet waters (Psalm 23:2-3).

Would you join me today in giving thanks to the Great Provider?

And if you’re so inclined, feel free to leave a comment below to let me know what you’re thanking God for today. I’d love to hear from you.

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Three Reasons to Rejoice In God (Thoughts on Psalm 47)

Posted on July 31, 2021 by Wayne Davies

Looking for reasons to be joyful today?

Look no further than the psalms, which are filled with exhortations for the people of God to rejoice in the presence of God — to be glad in Him, to experience delight because of who He is, what He has done, and what He will continue to do.

Psalm 47 begins with a compelling and universal call to joy: “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the LORD Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:1-2).

There are many reasons for Christians to rejoice. God is so good – He rarely tells us to do something without also providing a holy motive to do it. He wants us to know why the command to be joyful has been issued, as indicated by the key word “for” at beginning of verse 2, which means “because.”

These opening verses of Psalm 47 give us at least three reasons to lift our voices with joy to God, and they center on who God and what He is doing.

Reason #1: The Supreme Position of God
We can rejoice because our God is “the LORD Most High.” We serve the one and only true God. But He has much competition. Our rebellious nature has resulted in the creation of countless false gods, from the physical idols of wood, metal and stone so common in biblical times, to the more subtle yet equally profane idols of modern society, such as money and possessions, pleasure and entertainment, power and popularity.

God does not tolerate our idolatry. Immediately prior to bringing the Israelites into Canaan, He commanded them to “Destroy completely all the places on the high mountains, on the hills and under every spreading tree, where the nations you are dispossessing worship their gods. Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones and burn their Asherah poles in the fire; cut down the idols of their gods and wipe out their names from those places” (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). This is the practical application of the first of the Ten Commandments, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).

And some 1,500 later, God continues to steer His people away from the temptation to replace Him with the vain imaginations of our evil hearts, as the Apostle John ends his first letter with these words, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21), for “He is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).

Yes, the lure of counterfeit gods surrounds us every day. The antidote to idolatry is to focus on the matchless supremacy of the LORD Most High. By meditating on His transcendence, we can live in the heavenly places of Colossians 3:1-2 and “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Reason #2: The Awesome Wrath & Grace of God
The Bible is filled with breathtaking adjectives that describe God. Here is one of my favorites: “The LORD Most High is awesome” (Psalm 47:2). This Hebrew word has a wide range of meaning, as demonstrated by the diverse ways it is rendered in various Bible versions. Consider these other translations: “the Most High is awe-inspiring” (HCSB); “the Most High is to be feared” (ESV and NASB); “the LORD most high is terrible” (KJV). Yes, in 1611 the King James Version used the word “terrible” to describe our God.

And for good reason. When you consider the never-ending wrath of God that awaits unrepentant and idolatrous sinners, isn’t the eternal destiny of hell the most horrific fate imaginable? Yes, God is terrible . . . for those who refuse to believe in Him, submit to Him, and worship Him.

For those of us who have humbled ourselves before the throne of grace, all things do work together for our good in both this life and the next (per Romans 8:28). But for the rest of the human race, the terror of God will be all they know on Judgment Day and forever.

The wrath of God gives us reason to be in awe of Him, because God’s saving grace in Christ has rescued us from that terror. Because of the death of His Son, He has delivered us from His wrath, and therefore we are awestruck and flabbergasted. His unfailing love takes our breath away. Surely this is reason to rejoice every day!

Reason #3: The Holy Reign of God
Our God is nothing less than “the great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2). The kingdom of God is prominent in this psalm, for verses 6, 7 and 8 return to this theme. “Sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth; sing to Him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.”

In the presence of such glorious royalty, we show the utmost respect, honor and admiration. We bow down before Him. We prostrate ourselves in His presence, well aware of our unworthiness, yet here we are, blown away by His majesty – all because His holy throne is also a throne of grace.

Yes, God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He reigns over everyone and everything, whether we acknowledge it or not. Be not dismayed by what is reported in the news media on a daily basis — the Lord is in charge. He has ultimate authority and is in complete control of history. He reigns supreme because He is supreme.

Obviously, with the condition of the world the way it is, it doesn’t necessarily look like God is sitting on a holy throne. But for those with eyes of faith, we can see that Jesus is fulfilling every promise He has made, and that one day “every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11). In every way, King Jesus is the best, the strongest, the wisest and the most beautiful Person in the universe. No one else comes close. He’s in a class by Himself, a league all His own, because He is the LORD Most High, the awesome One, the great King of the cosmos.

These are three great reasons to rejoice in God. Today, and every day, may we lift our hearts and our voices in joyful adoration to the King of kings and Lord of lords.

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What Is the Best Thing in Life?

Posted on July 29, 2021 by Wayne Davies

In July 2020 one of my spiritual mentors died.

J.I. Packer passed away and I recall vividly how sad I was to hear the news. But through the many books he wrote, his ministry of Christ-exalting Bible teaching continues. His best-selling Knowing God has had tremendous impact on me; it is the only Christian book (other than the Bible) that I’ve read more than twice.

For the one-year anniversary of his death, Sam Storms has written an excellent article, “J.I. Packer on the Hub of the Christian Life.” Please take a few minutes to read it and you’ll be blessed.

You’ll find answers to these questions:

1-According to Packer, what is the best thing in life, bringing more joy, delight and contentment than anything else?

2-Why study God?

3-What does the activity of knowing God involve?

4-Why did Packer say that God “does not exist for our sake, but we for his”?

You can access this article here:
https://www.crossway.org/articles/j-i-packer-on-the-hub-of-christian-life/

For more of what I have learned from Packer’s Knowing God, visit:
https://godwrotethebook.com/category/knowing-god/

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Who Made God?

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Wayne Davies

One of the best questions a child can ask is, “Who made God?”

Or how about this one: “Where did God come from?”

These are great questions that a person of any age can ask, don’t you think?

Fortunately, the Bible provides an answer that theologians call the self-existence of God.

 

The wonder of God’s greatness is beyond the limits of our finite minds. Yet God wants us to know Him to the extent we are able. He desires that we “Be still, and know that I am God “(Psalm 46:10). This is why the Bible is filled with profound statements that tell us who God is and what He is like. So let’s take a closer look at one of my favorite truths about God: His eternal self-existence.

The Reality of God’s Self-Existence
God has always existed. He is eternal, and His eternality extends into the past as well as the future. I think we have an easier time thinking about the never-ending future existence of God, mainly because “God has given us eternal life” (1 John 5:11). We will live with God forever because God lives forever. Of course, even this future aspect of eternal life is mind-boggling and way beyond our mental ability to comprehend. But even more difficult to grasp is the truth that God has always existed in the past.

Please join me in this brain-bending exercise: meditate on the fact that God has no beginning. He is uncreated. No one or no thing made God because God always was. We don’t have a category for this. Everything and everyone in the world has a beginning, a point in time when it came into existence. But not God. He has always been.

A.W. Tozer comments on the mystery of God’s eternality and the challenge we face in our attempt to understand it: “To think steadily of that to which the idea of origin cannot apply is not easy, if indeed it is possible at all . . . The human mind, being created, has an understandable uneasiness about the Uncreated. We do not find it comfortable to allow for the presence of One who is wholly outside of the circle of our familiar knowledge. We tend to be disquieted by the thought of One who does not account to us for His being, who is responsible to no one, who is self-existent, self-dependent and self-sufficient” (The Knowledge of the Holy).

We know God has no origin because this is what Scripture teaches. Moses begins Psalm 90 with these words:

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

It’s that last part of verse 2 that makes our heads spin. “From everlasting” God has been God. The Common English Bible translates this as “from forever in the past to forever in the future, you are God.” Psalm 93:2 is equally clear: “Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.” Or as the NIV puts it, “you are from all eternity.”

The Reason for God’s Self-Existence
God has always existed because God is life. This amazing truth is also revealed in the Bible. When God spoke to Moses in the burning bush He told him that “I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go, I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:9-10).

Moses’ response to God’s command was less than enthusiastic, so he said, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (Exodus 3:13).

God then said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob – has sent me to you. This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation” (Exodus 3:14-15).

The Hebrew word for “LORD” (in all capital letters) is Yahweh, and it literally means “I am.” This is the most common word for God in the Bible, used over 6,800 times in the Old Testament! We must not miss the significance of this – God has a name (just like you have a name), and His name is based on the truth of His eternal self-existence. Every time we read the word “LORD” in the Old Testament, we should be reminded that our God is the source and fountain of life, because He is life itself. He is the only self-sufficient, self-sustaining being in the universe, dependent on no one else and therefore the only truly independent Person.

The Gospel of John makes this truth about God’s self-existence abundantly clear:
In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind (1:4);
For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself (5:26);
I am the resurrection and the life (11:25);
I am the way, the truth and the life (14:6).

The Overflow of God’s Self-Existence
The implications of God’s self-existence should humble us. The only reason we exist is because God exists. He is life itself and has chosen to give life to us. Every breath we take and every move we make is because of His sustaining power. We would not be here if God had not brought us into being. And we would not continue to live another second were it not for the grace of God.

He made us, and He upholds us. God is the only reason we are alive today. And only because of His mercy will you wake up again tomorrow. Let the goodness of God, as manifested in the provision of our daily existence, take your breath away. “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

Our Response to God’s Self-Existence
In light of this amazing truth, how do we then live? What effect should the self-existence of God have on us? It should bring us to our knees in worship of the living God. This is the only appropriate response!

John had a vision of God on His throne in heaven. Angels are worshipping Him, and this is what they are proclaiming day and night: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8). God was. He “was” in the sense that He always was. There has never been a time when God was not God. This should evoke endless praise and adoration of the great I AM.

While these angelic beings “give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever,” the 24 elders, representative of God’s people, join the celebration and “fall down before Him . . . and worship Him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say, ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being’” (Revelation 4:9-11).

Looking for a reason to glorify God today? Look no further than the beating heart in your chest. If you are alive and can read these words, you have every reason to worship King Jesus, “the author of life” (Acts 3:15) and the lover of your soul.

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How to Pray Like an Apostle: 6 Characteristics of Effective Intercessory Prayer

Posted on July 4, 2021 by Wayne Davies

Can I ask you a personal question:

How’s your prayer life?

If you’re like me, perhaps you have good days and bad days – days when prayer comes easily and often, and days when prayer is a struggle.

I find comfort in Paul’s description of Epaphras: “He is always wrestling in prayer for you” (Colossians 4:12). It’s good to know that I’m not the only one for whom prayer can be like a wrestling match.

Intercessory prayer — praying for other people — can be the type of prayer that requires the most self-discipline. The Apostle Paul is a good example for help in this regard. And Philippians 1:3-11 is a great passage to study to learn how to pray for other believers.

6 Characteristics of Effective Intercessory Prayer

#1 – A Sincere Thankfulness
“I thank my God every time I remember you” (v. 3). This is a wonderful way to begin praying for another Christian – by expressing gratitude. Before we ask God to do anything for anyone, we simply offer a sincere “thank you” for this person. The next time you pray for someone, start by offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving. “Thank you, Lord, for my friend (or spouse or child or Pastor or whoever). Thank you that I have the privilege of knowing him (or her) and being in a relationship with him.”

#2 – A Genuine Joy
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” (v. 4). Paul got much pleasure from the Christian fellowship he had with believers. When he prayed for people, his heart was filled with gladness. Prayer was no easier for him than for us, yet he found reason to rejoice when he approached the throne of grace. When you pray for other believers, what brings a smile to your face as you think about the person you are praying for? Take time for communicate that joy and gladness to your heavenly Father. He would love to hear how someone He loves makes you happy!

#3 – A Shared Faith
“I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel” (v. 4-5). Here we find out why Paul experiences pleasure when he prays for other Christians – by praying for them, he is reminded of their faith in Christ, and this is the source of his gratitude and joy. These people came to Christ through Paul’s ministry, and now, some 10 years later, he can take much comfort in knowing that the Philippian believers have persevered on the path of discipleship and are still following Jesus. That is why Paul can say with confidence, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ” (v. 6). This, too, should be the cause of our thanksgiving and gladness when praying for believers — we share a common faith in Christ and are united in our love for Him. Paul is rejoicing because “all of you share in God’s grace with me” (v. 7). What could be more precious than that?

When praying for your Christian friend, take time to reflect on the glorious truth that you have a unique bond with this person. You are interceding for your spiritual brother or sister before our heavenly Father!

#4 – A Heart of Affection
“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart . . . God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus” (v. 7-8). Paul’s prayers were not a ritualistic formality, just another item on a busy man’s To Do List. Rather, they were an expression of his deep love for the Philippians. He was their spiritual father and even though he could not be with them in person, they lived in his heart every day. The word “affection” (NIV) can be literally translated “inward parts” (NASB). The Apostle missed them dearly and his prayers were the natural outflow of the tender feelings he had for them.

#5 – A Focus on Spiritual Growth
“And this is my prayer . . .” (v. 9). Now we come to the specific requests of Paul’s prayer. I am always amazed at the content of Paul’s prayers. He rarely, if ever, mentions physical needs. Rather, his focus is on spiritual growth, personal holiness, and living a life of love for God and His people. For the Philippians, Paul pleads with God “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (v. 9-11). Wow! If you have never prayed a prayer like that for another believer, why not start doing so today? Use Paul’s words and make them your own. Ask God to give your Christian friend the love, knowledge, insight, purity, blamelessness and righteousness that can only come from Jesus. What we are asking God to do is to sanctify our believing friend – that God would make him/her more and more like Jesus.

Wouldn’t you like another Christian to pray this prayer for you? Of course you would. All the more reason to pray this prayer for your Christian friends.

#6 – A God-Centered Purpose
“To the glory and praise of God” (v. 11). Paul concludes his prayer by reminding us of the ultimate purpose of his prayer – that God would be glorified and praised. Think about it: do you think God wants us to pray for the sanctification of other believers? Do you think God would like to answer such a prayer? And if He does, who gets the praise and glory for that? He does! Yes, we can only become more like Jesus by the work of the Holy Spirit, who produces His fruit in us so we can live a God-fearing, Christ-pleasing life. And the end result is that we see the work He has done in us and exclaim, “Praise you, Father, for doing a work in us that only you can do. You are renewing our minds and conforming us to the image of your Son, so that your power is displayed and your greatness is exalted.”

This is how Paul prayed for the Philippians. This is how we should pray, too, when interceding for our fellow believers.

You don’t have to be an Apostle to pray like one.

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How to Flourish Like David: 5 Keys to Spiritual Growth

Posted on June 27, 2021 by Wayne Davies

David wrote about half of the Psalms. He was a gifted writer and musician, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he wrote a plethora of hymns that have resonated with the hearts of God’s people for centuries.

Psalm 52 is no exception. It ends with these words:

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.
I will praise you forever for what you have done;
In your name I will hope, for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints.”
Psalm 52:8-9 (NIV 1978)

David experienced much pain and suffering in his life. In his early years, before he became Israel’s king, he was the victim of undeserved abuse at the hand of King Saul. And after taking the throne, he brought much turmoil on himself as a result of his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of her husband Uriah.

Yet through it all, he maintained a life of devotion to God. He is described twice as a man “after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). And here in Psalm 52 we see David reflecting on his life and saying, “I am like a green olive tree” (ESV). Like any tree, a healthy olive tree should have green leaves and bear fruit. This is what a tree is made to do. This is what it means for it to flourish and thrive.

After comparing himself to a mature, fruit-bearing olive tree, David then proclaims what that kind of life looks like. He takes a personal inventory and sees the evidence of God’s power at work in his attitudes and actions.  And while David praises God for His provision, we get a firsthand account of five spiritual keys which enabled him to pursue and maintain a godly life no matter what.

Key #1: Acceptance of God’s forgiveness.
“I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God.” Note that David says he is like a fruitful tree in the house of God. The temple wasn’t built yet, so this could be a reference to the tabernacle, the place where repentant sinners came to acknowledge their sins and offer an animal sacrifice to symbolize the provision of God’s grace through the forgiveness of sins. A godly life starts here, with the recognition of our rebellion against God and our need for His mercy. When we repent, God is more than willing to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). To live a God-pleasing life, David knew that he needed God’s forgiveness, as evidenced by his writing of Psalms 32 and 51.

Key #2: Faith in God’s love.
“I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.” David was a firm believer in the never failing, steadfast love of God. He had a confident conviction in God’s unwavering commitment to His people. This faith was based on a profound understanding that God knows what is best for us. He can be trusted because He is trustworthy. We can rely on Him to take care of us through thick and thin, good times and bad. Just like us, David had plenty of both.

Key #3: Praise for God’s work.
“I will praise you forever for what you have done.” At any point in time, David could look back on his life and see what God had done for him. David recognized God as the ultimate source of all he had experienced in life, and he continued to worship God regardless of his circumstances. The beginning of verse 9 can also be translated, “I will thank you forever, because you have done it.” David was a thankful man, filled with gratitude for the grace and mercy of God to him, an undeserving sinner.

Key #4: Hope in God’s goodness.
“In your name I will hope, for your name is good.” David was a man of hope. Because of the goodness of God, he had a positive outlook on the future. In Scripture, the word “hope” is not the wishful thinking that says, “I hope I win the lottery.” Instead, it is the strong expectation and certain assurance that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).

Key #5: Fellowship with God’s people.
“I will praise you in the presence of your saints.” David did not trust God in isolation from others. His faith and hope were bolstered by a close relationship with other believers. He lived for God with the people of God. This is one of the indispensable marks of genuine faith — identification with and involvement in the church of Christ. The genuine Christian life is not a solo flight. It is lived out in the context of the local church — the family of God, the household of faith.

Reality Check
As you reflect on these key characteristics of David’s life, I urge you to take an inventory of your own life. How are you doing in each of these areas?

Do you regularly and genuinely confess and forsake your sins, going to God directly to express heartfelt sorrow over your faults, as well as the need for God’s power to overcome them? Then, while looking to the death of Jesus as the sole basis for God’s forgiveness, you experience the sweet joy of reconciliation with your Savior.

Do you believe in the sovereign, never-changing love of God? To increase that faith, it is essential that you spend much time in the Word, knowing that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Do you offer praise and thanks to God for His work on your behalf? A true Christian is increasingly enthralled by God’s work of salvation on our behalf through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We never tire of hearing the good news of the gospel of Christ. It is sweeter than honey and more precious than gold!

Do you find hope in the goodness of God? You do not have to travel far or spend much money to experience God’s kindness. Simply open the Bible and you’ll find evidence of His grace on every page. Then take a look at your own life and you’ll see the same God extending that same grace to you.

Are you actively involved in a local church? Do you enjoy spending time with God’s people, worshipping King Jesus together, serving Him together, and becoming increasingly like Him together? If not, something is amiss and you are outside the will of God.

By the grace of God and the strength provided by the Spirit of God, every believer can flourish by living in the presence of God. May this be my experience, and yours as well.

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How to Cultivate Daily Bible Reading

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Wayne Davies


Looking for tips on how to cultivate the habit of daily Bible reading? Here’s 5 ways to increase your love for God and his Word.

1. Decide what time of day is best for you.
Are you a morning person, or is later in the day better? We’re all different. Some folks love to wake up in the morning and dive into the Word before doing anything else. But that may not be what’s good for you, your schedule and your family – especially if you are a parent with young children who need you from the moment you wake up.

So you’ll need to figure this out. If you’re married, this may require a conversation with your spouse. But be encouraged – this is not rocket science. It can be done. And you’re smart enough to make it happen.

2. Find a place where you can be alone.
Depending on your living situation, this can be a challenge. If you have a room at home where you can close the door and be left all alone, go for it! But in many families, this can be literally impossible, at least when everyone is awake.

You may need to leave the house to be alone with God. Going to a nearby coffee shop or public library might work for you, or just take a drive and find a place to park.

3. Make a commitment to meet with God at the designated time and place.
We all make appointments. Doctor, dentist, insurance agent, whoever. Well, don’t you think it makes sense to make an appointment with God? Doesn’t he deserve the same respect you give your  tax preparer?

I urge you to cultivate an attitude that takes your daily Bible time seriously, because you want to take God seriously. Sure, life will get in the way of your plans, and the unexpected will inevitably occur and you’ll have days when your appointment with God gets cancelled for any number of valid reasons.

But if you are hungry for God and his truth, you will have the desire to keep this commitment.

4. Do it whether you feel like it or not.
There will be days when you are tempted by a lack of desire to read the Bible. That’s OK. It’s normal for our hunger for the Word to vary from day to day.

But think about this – if you only went to work on the days you felt like it, how often would you go to work? You know how it is – once you get there and get going, you usually get over those feelings.

If you start reading the Word even when you don’t feel like it, and just give it 5 minutes, I know what will happen – God will honor your persistence and before long those fickle feelings will be long gone.

5. Pray about this.
Ask God to help you to cultivate an increasing desire for him and his Word. Ask God to give you the self-discipline to put this plan into action every day (remembering that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit – see Galatians 5:22-23).

Do you think that God wants to answer such a prayer?  Of course he does! And may he bless you greatly for spending quality time with him in the Word, and may your love for King Jesus increase as a result.

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4 Simple Steps to Better Bible Reading

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Wayne Davies

We are blessed to have a multitude of excellent resources to enhance our time in the Word. I’m always on the lookout for books, articles and sermons that communicate effective ways to read the Word.

As a result of spending quality time in the Word, I want to know God more deeply, love Him more sincerely, and obey Him more wholeheartedly.

And I believe you do, too. That’s why you’re reading this article.

I recently came across a blog post by Erik Raymond that does all the above. It’s entitled “A Tool for Reading the Bible Devotionally.” Don’t let the brevity of this article fool you. In a straightforward, easy-to-understand manner, he explains a 4-step method to read Scripture that I find wonderfully beneficial.

It also includes an example by showing you how to use these 4 steps when reading a specific passage (Ephesians 5:1-21).

It may only take you 10 or 15 minutes to read Erik’s post. You won’t regret it. And if take to heart this approach to Scripture and implement it faithfully, I know God will open the eyes of your heart and mind, so that you will see wonderful things about Him in His Word.

Here’s the link:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/a-tool-for-reading-the-bible-devotionally/

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