Be Mindful of God

But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan!  You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." 

--Matthew 16:23  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 24, 2013 of Psalm 19; Matthew 16:13-17:13; Genesis 43:15-44.

I'm sure Peter felt these to be harsh words, directed to him personally by his beloved Master.  Hadn't Jesus just complimented him, praised him, calling him the rock upon whom His church would be built?  Now He was scolding him, calling him Satan?!?  But I feel Jesus was only indirectly speaking to Peter, but rather was rebuking Satan who was truly behind Peter's words that resulted in Jesus' stern response).  Satan filled Peter's mind only with thoughts of the world, replacing any thoughts Jesus had been trying to get across of heaven and God the Father.  Jesus kept trying to impress His disciple that all their actions should be intended for advancing the kingdom of God.  Satan tried to convince Peter that only the world mattered.  Jesus was shouting at Satan more than at Peter.  May we never hear Him scold us in that manner.  Amen.

Jesus Lord and Savior, please help us to always remember what is truly important in our walk through this life, and that being to worship God our Father and do all we can to advance His kingdom.  Thank You for making an example of Peter for our sake, even though it must have hurt him deeply.  We need Your help and guidance in all things.  In Your name, Lord Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

The Lord Lives!

The Lord lives!  Blessed by my Rock!  Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

--Psalm 18:46  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 23, 2013 of Psalm 18:41-50; Matthew 15:29-16:12; Genesis 42-43:14.

David frequently praised God, exalted Him, lifted Him on high with music and song, and not just in his psalms.  David is often depicted in the Old Testament as singing and dancing in the streets, playing musical instruments, and leading celebrations to God among his people.  He readily acknowledged God as his rock and the source of his salvation.  But notice the pointer to Jesus the Christ:  "The Lord lives!"  Jesus was crucified, died, and was laid in the grave.  He went to hell and preached to the souls there.  Then He rose from the dead, walked out of that grave, and appeared living and breathing and alive to hundreds of people before bodily rising to heaven, STILL ALIVE!  Jesus lives!  Praise God, our Savior lives!  Amen.

Wonderful Savior, You knew just how much it would mean to us to know that You still live even today.  That You conquered even death so that we would not have to die forever.  Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your great sacrifice.  Thank You, God, that our Lord lives!  In Jesus' beautiful name we pray.  Amen.

Great Is Your Faith

Then the Lord answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be to you as you desire."  And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

--Matthew 15:28  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 22, 2013 of Psalm 18:31-40; Matthew 15:1-28; Genesis 41.

The mother persisted, even answered a parable of sorts, and for her efforts Jesus healed her daughter.  Sometimes we ask God for something once and He gives it (or not, if it is in our best interest to not give it).  But sometimes He wants to ensure that our faith is strong and that we are certain of what we ask.  If our hearts are right with God and our faith in His everlasting faithfulness secure, then He will provide according to His will.  God will reward our faith, if not in this life then the next.  Faith, even when we don't see an immediate answer or get the answer we want, shows God we trust fully in Him and His goodness.  Amen.

Heavenly Father, sometimes we give up when it seems You are not answering our prayers.  Sometimes we turn our back on You, thinking You've forgotten us.  May we never forget that You are eternally faithful to us and will not forsake us as long as we believe in Your Son Jesus as our Savior.  May we be persistent in our prayers, seeking always that Your will be done.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Perfect!

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

--Psalm 18:30  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on January 21, 2013 of Psalm 18:21-30; Matthew 14:13-36; Genesis 39-40.

God's way is perfect and so is the path we should strive to follow.  Man's way is imperfect, for we are sinners.  Everything God does is righteous and holy.  Everything man does is tinged with his sin.  While man may not follow through and do all that he says, God has always been true to His word.  Every promise He has made, every covenant He has forged, He has kept.  His word is proven time after time after time.

God is ever faithful, even through man's unfaithfulness.  God has never broken a promise so we have no reason to believe He will start now.  We have every reason to trust in God, and no reason to doubt Him.  If we do but trust in Him, have faith in Him, He will shield us from the evil one, protect us from the second death, forgive us all our confessed sins, and hold and comfort us in His loving arms.  Amen.

Lord God, please forgive us when we have doubts, when we think You might have forgotten all about us.  We are too used to dealing with man and his imperfections, his unfaithfulness to others and even to You.  We are flawed, dear Father, for we chose pleasures of our senses over trusting in You and Your word.  Help us live more faithful lives, loving Father, that we might live with You forever.  In the beautiful name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.