Biblical Discussions in Faith for Everyday Christian Life

Author: ChristianShepherd

  • From the Pit to the Prison: Joseph’s Journey – Part One

    From the Pit to the Prison: Joseph’s Journey – Part One

    Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37, a tale woven with favor, jealousy, betrayal, and divine purpose. It is a journey that echoes through time, reminding us that even in the midst of trials, God is always working behind the scenes.

    A Dreamer’s Destiny: Favor and Jealousy

    Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob, favored above his brothers and gifted a coat of many colors, a symbol of distinction and love. This favor, however, bred jealousy among his brothers. When Joseph shared his dreams of future leadership, their resentment only deepened. The weight of divine destiny rested on his shoulders, but his brothers saw it as arrogance.

    “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Genesis 37:3-4, KJV)

    Their envy festered, leading them down a path of betrayal.

    Sold into Slavery: A Dark Turn in God’s Plan

    One day, as Joseph approached them in the fields, his brothers saw an opportunity to rid themselves of him. They conspired against him, plotting to kill him. But instead of murder, they cast him into a pit and later sold him into slavery for twenty pieces of silver. To cover their tracks, they dipped his coat in the blood of a goat and presented it to their father, leading Jacob to believe his beloved son was dead.

    “And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood… And Jacob rent his clothes, and mourned for his son many days.” (Genesis 37:31-34, KJV)

    Joseph was betrayed by those closest to him, much like another biblical figure—Jesus Christ. Just as Joseph was sold for silver, Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by Judas.

    “Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.” (Luke 22:3-4, KJV)

    Echoes of Betrayal: Patterns in Scripture

    The story of Joseph is not the only example of betrayal leading to redemption in the Bible. Consider the story of David and King Saul. Saul, once a mentor and protector to David, became envious of him and sought to take his life. Yet, through all of Saul’s attempts, David trusted in God’s plan, never seeking revenge.

    “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, KJV)

    Similarly, the story of Job speaks of suffering without reason, yet Job remained faithful, and in the end, God restored what was lost. Joseph’s story follows this same arc—betrayal, suffering, endurance, and ultimately, redemption.

    From Servant to Prisoner: A Test of Integrity

    Joseph was taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Though a slave, Joseph prospered because the Lord was with him. Potiphar saw that everything Joseph touched was blessed, and he placed him in charge of his household.

    “And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.” (Genesis 39:3, KJV)

    However, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of wrongdoing after he resisted her advances. Her lies led to Joseph’s imprisonment, yet even in prison, God’s hand remained on him.

    “But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.” (Genesis 39:21, KJV)

    Just as before, what seemed like a setback was part of God’s greater plan.

    Lessons from the Pit and the Prison

    Life often places us in situations where we feel betrayed, abandoned, or forgotten. But just as Joseph’s betrayal was part of a greater divine plan, our struggles can be used for a greater purpose.

    “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV)

    Joseph’s journey from the pit to the prison reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God’s hand is at work. When facing trials, we must trust in His plan, forgive those who wrong us, and remain steadfast in faith.

    A Call to Trust, Forgiveness, and God’s Sovereignty

    Joseph’s life is a testimony of resilience and divine intervention. Like him, we may face betrayal, but God’s purpose will always prevail. If you are struggling with forgiveness or trust, take heart—God is working behind the scenes, shaping your story for His glory.

    Reflection Questions:

    1. Have you ever faced betrayal? How did you respond?
    2. How does Joseph’s story encourage you to trust in God’s plan?
    3. In what ways does this story point to Jesus?

    Final Encouragement:

    No matter what trials you face, remember: God is in control. Just as He turned Joseph’s pain into purpose, He is working in your life, even when you cannot see it.

    Let’s Pray:

    • Lord, help us trust in Your plan, even in difficult times.
    • Give us the strength to forgive those who have wronged us.
    • Let Your will be done in our lives, just as it was in Joseph’s.

    May Joseph’s journey be a beacon of hope, reminding us that every pit we find ourselves in is just a step toward the promise. God is writing your story—trust Him to finish it.

  • Finding Hope in the Midst of Loss

    Finding Hope in the Midst of Loss

    Loss is one of the heaviest burdens we bear in this life. It comes in many forms—the passing of a loved one, the end of a cherished relationship, the loss of a job, or even the fading of a dream we once held dear. No matter the source, loss leaves an undeniable ache in our hearts, a void that words often fail to fill.

    If you are walking through a season of loss, I want you to know that you are not alone. Even Jesus, the Son of God, experienced grief. In John 11:35, the shortest verse in the Bible simply says, “Jesus wept.” Those two words carry profound meaning. They remind us that God does not stand at a distance from our sorrow—He enters into it with us. He understands the weight of our pain, and He cares.

    God Is Near to the Brokenhearted

    The pain of loss can feel isolating, but the Bible assures us that God draws especially close in these moments. “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) This is not just a comforting thought—it is a promise. He is near to you right now, even when you don’t feel His presence.

    Loss often leaves us searching for answers. Why did this happen? Could I have done something differently? How do I move forward? While we may never fully understand why some things happen, we can be certain of one truth: God never wastes our pain. Even in our deepest sorrow, He is working something beautiful, even if we cannot see it yet.

    Grieving with Hope

    Grief is a natural response to loss, and we should never rush the process. The Bible does not tell us to ignore our pain, but rather to bring it to God. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) True healing begins when we surrender our brokenness to the One who loves us beyond measure.

    For those mourning the loss of a loved one, the Bible offers a powerful hope. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5) For believers in Christ, death is not the end. It is a doorway to eternity. We grieve, but we do not grieve as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). One day, there will be no more death, no more pain, and no more tears (Revelation 21:4).

    Moving Forward Without Forgetting

    Loss changes us, but it does not have to define us. There will come a time when the sharp sting of grief softens, when memories bring more comfort than pain. Moving forward does not mean forgetting—it means carrying the love, the lessons, and the impact of what was lost into the next chapter of life.

    If you are struggling with loss today, let me encourage you: God sees you. He knows your pain. He walks with you through every tear-filled night and will bring you into a new morning of hope. Trust in His goodness, even when life feels uncertain. He is faithful to restore, redeem, and bring beauty from even the deepest sorrow.

    You are not alone. You are loved. And there is still hope.

  • Jesus and the Children – Love and Humility

    Jesus and the Children – Love and Humility

    One of the most beautiful moments in Jesus’ ministry was when He welcomed the little children. It wasn’t a grand event or a theological debate—it was simple, real, and full of love. Picture the scene: parents bringing their children, hoping for a blessing, only to be turned away by the disciples. But Jesus saw what was happening and wasn’t happy about it. He called the children over, wrapped them in His arms, and blessed them.

    Jesus’ Open Arms

    Mark 10:13-16 captures this moment perfectly:

    “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16, KJV)

    Jesus didn’t just tolerate children; He welcomed them with open arms. He didn’t see them as a distraction or as less important. He saw their innocence, their trust, and their humility—and He pointed to them as an example for all of us.

    The Simplicity of a Child’s Faith

    Kids don’t overcomplicate things. They trust without hesitation. They believe wholeheartedly. That’s the kind of faith Jesus wants us to have—not skeptical, not jaded, but open and full of expectation. He calls us to let go of our pride, our doubts, and our need to be in control, and to simply trust Him like a child trusts a loving parent.

    True Humility

    Jesus also used children as an example of humility. In Matthew 18:3-4, He said:

    “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4, KJV)

    Children don’t seek status or power. They aren’t trying to prove their worth. They simply accept love and offer it back. Jesus tells us that this kind of humility is what makes someone truly great in God’s kingdom.

    Loving Those Who Are Often Overlooked

    Jesus’ love for children is a reminder for us to care for those who are often ignored or undervalued. Whether it’s children, the poor, the lonely, or the outcast—Jesus showed that everyone matters. He calls us to do the same: to reach out, to love unconditionally, and to embrace those the world might dismiss.

    A Simple but Powerful Truth

    At the heart of this story is something so simple yet so powerful: Jesus loves us. He calls us to trust Him completely, to walk in humility, and to love with pure hearts. Just like He welcomed the children, He welcomes us—no matter our past, our struggles, or our doubts.

    Let’s take His words to heart: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14, KJV).

    May we approach Him with childlike faith, knowing that His arms are always open.

  • Chaos to Order – Keeping the Garden of Life

    Chaos to Order – Keeping the Garden of Life

    God brings order from disorder and our responsibility to maintain the garden of our lives.

    1. Introduction – The God of Order

    • Genesis 1:1-2 – “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void (Tohu va Bohu); and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”
      • Key Point: “Tohu va Bohu” (Hebrew for “formless and void”) represents chaos and disorder. But God’s Spirit moved to bring order.
      • Application: Just as God brought order to creation, He desires to bring order to our lives.

    2. God’s Order and Man’s Role

    • Genesis 2:15 – “And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
      • Adam’s role was not just to enjoy the garden but to cultivate and guard it.
      • Application: God has given each of us a garden (our lives, families, faith, responsibilities). We are called to tend and protect them from chaos.

    3. The Fall – Disrupting God’s Order

    • Genesis 3:1-6 – The serpent deceives Eve, and Adam partakes in sin, leading to disorder.
      • Key Point: When Adam and Eve neglected their responsibility, sin entered, bringing separation from God and chaos into creation.
      • New Testament Connection:

    Romans 5:12 – “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”

    • Sin brings disorder, but God provides a way to restore order through Christ.

    4. Wisdom for Keeping Our Garden

    • Psalm 37:23 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”
      • When we follow God’s ways, our lives are in order.
    • Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
      • Application: Just as Adam had to guard Eden, we must guard our hearts against sin and distractions.

    5. Christ Restores Order

    • 1 Corinthians 14:33 – “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
      • Jesus restores what was lost in the Garden, bringing peace and order into our lives.
    • John 15:4-5 – Jesus as the Vine:
      • Staying connected to Christ ensures our garden (spiritual life) remains fruitful.
    • Romans 11:17-18 – “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.”
      • Key Point: Just as branches can be grafted into a tree, we, as Gentiles, have been brought into God’s divine order through Christ.
      • Application: We must remain in God’s design, rooted in His truth, and not take His grace for granted.

    Conclusion – Personal Reflection

    • What areas of your life feel like “Tohu va Bohu” (chaotic, out of order)?
    • How can you actively tend and guard the spiritual garden God has given you?
    • Are you staying connected to Christ, the One who brings divine order?
  • Over and Under

    Over and Under

    Over the mountain pass and under through the trees in the valley.

    There are many ways we can look at the various ways to approach bringing the gospel of Jesus over to those under the shade of some sticks.

    There is however some great wisdom in allowing some discretion in the approach to the mission.

    Quality over quantity
    It is not about the number that you reach, it is about the quality of the moment. We must remember that God absolutely did not like it when King David numbered those in Israel and there were consequences to the attempt to focus on the numbers. It is about the focus on the circumstances and the processes of how to be successful in any given situation more that the sheer number of those that were involved. Remember Gideon and his army of 300 men overcame an army of over 130,000 Midianites.

    Availability over Capability
    God is the winning side. If God is on your side, it does not matter the size of the force that is against you. If you place yourself in a position for God to utilize you, that is what matters. God does not need the best of the best of the best, no sir or ma’am. The way He operates is to use those that make themself available to be used.

    God will use us for His glory in great and mighty ways when we set our attention to utilizing our self to advance his mission and not our mission. Our mission should be His mission. We must attend to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ through repentance, baptism, and a renewed Spirit filled life with new purpose to those who need it.

  • The Musts in The Bible

    The Musts in The Bible

    The word Must in Websters Dictionary is defined as or meaning to express a compulsion, an obligation, a requirement, or necessity. The Greek work the scripture for must uses Dei or deon and both are used to illustrate something that is necessary and binding.

    It is a word that illustrates an action that can be done to seal the deal. If we are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, we are also baptized into the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    2 Timothy 3:16-17
    All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

    Isaiah 28:10-11
    For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept;
    line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

    Genesis 17:1-14
    And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

    Colossians 2:9-15
    For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
    In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

    Jesus taught Baptism.

    John 3:1-8
    There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

    Matthew 28:18-20
    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    2 Corinthians 5:17-19
    Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

    Mark 13:10
    And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

    Luke 24:44-49
    And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

    Acts 2:1-41
    And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
    But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

    1 Corinthians 15:53-57
    For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Jesus and Sinners Eating Together

    Jesus and Sinners Eating Together

    One thought I had today about Jesus is that you do not find in any account a recollection of his actions in any situation as questionable to sin. Jesus was yet without sin as the writer of the book of Hebrews 4:15 states,

    “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

    Any time someone had a concern about the superiority of Jesus to us as sinners it is due to the motive to catch him in a fault by the Sadducees and Pharisees. Let’s take for example a moment recorded in three of the four gospels of Jesus found in Mark 2:15-17,

    “And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eats and drinks with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

    We can see that Jesus has an explanation and justification for why it is what is happening is in effect. He is the righteous judge, and a righteous judge will always have a justification for a right action. In this instance Jesus is in the role of a doctor, He is going into this situation as a means of repairing and mending something that was broken in times past.

    Who is to say what these publicans and sinners had need of to be fixed? Definitely not me.

    However, it can be assumed that maybe they had emotional damage from some altercation that they once had from a pharisee of the time. Or maybe another was hurting severely from loosing a loved one over something that seemed so untimely. What can be known for sure, is that we all have moments where we are broken, hurting, and in need of a physician.

    Opposed to what the ‘righteous’ members of the church thought He should be doing… Jesus always shows up right when you need Him to be the physician to heal your brokenness.

    Paul once wrote to the Galatian church saying,
    “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. But if you be led of the Spirit, you are not under the law.”
    Galatians 5:16-18

    Jesus was not walking among sinners and publicans in order to eat their dainty meats to fulfil His need to sustain His earthly body, no instead Jesus was walking in the Spirit to fulfil the need of the Spirit.

    What does this mean? It is okay to go out and be around others that do not look, act, or think like you. Just remember to keep your priorities in order when you enter into these situations. If you have the need to fulfil what the Spirit needs, the opportunity will present itself right before you.

    Always reserve the right to speak with faith into someone else’s situation. If you end up at dinner like Peter in Acts 10 eating a big pig with spam on the side, there is probably a purpose to the peculiar predicament and there is always method and meaning in the seemingly mundane. If you are willing to look at the situation from the point of view that Jesus was when He sat with the publicans and sinners, then you will probably be staring someone who needs a word of encouragement right in the face.

    To end this devotion let’s focus on 1 Timothy 4:10-16 which says,
    “For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

  • Psalm 37:23-24

    Psalm 37:23-24

    Welcome! This is meant to encourage and enrich you in your walk of faith in our LORD Jesus Christ.

    Today the focus is Psalm 37:23-24 and it says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

    This passage encourages those who follow after goodness are being led by the LORD. It also shows us that even though the LORD is leading us along the way, that does not mean the journey will be easy, and there will be times when we slip and fall down. There are many things in this world that will make us stumble and fall while we are walking along the path of life towards our eternal destination. It can be a rock of offence from someone else that causes us to stumble. It could be a thorny bush that we pass by we try to avoid yet it still reaches out and scrapes our skin. It also can be a root of bitterness from a tree that has eroded out of the soil that catches our foot and makes us fall down. The LORD is aware of all these things because He went before us down that path, but He also knows where the path is leading us to. So be encouraged (delight in the way) that when you fall down, allow the outstretched arm of mercy and grace lift you back up and keep pressing forward.

    “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4

    Because the eternal destination a good man is headed towards is heaven. Be joyful and enjoy the journey The Good Shepherd is leading us through.