Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "At One with God" for Thursday, 16 April 2015
Today’s Reflection:
BY PUTTING THE GIFT of yearning for God
into every human being’s heart,
God at the same time
draws all people made in God’s image
to God’s self
and into their own true selves.[Roberta Bondi, Alive Now, Jan/Feb 2015]
“From Alive Now, January/Febrary 2015. Copyright © 2014 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Look for ways to love your neighbor today.
Today’s Scripture:
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.[1 John 3:1, NRSV]
This Week: pray for siblings.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Finding God in the Ordinary" for Wednesday, 15 April 2015
Today’s Reflection:
IT IS HARD to keep our eyes open to the things of heaven while attending to the things of earth, and vice versa. How do we sort through these competing claims?
There are days I long to escape the mundane, days I want to flee from dealing with dishes, with laundry, with phone calls, with taxes, with errands, with paperwork, with institutions, with broken systems, with all that tries my patience and wears me out. Yet at the same time I recognize that even at their most maddening, these recurring activities help ground me, keep me from tilting off the planet, root me in this world where God lives. Where God hides. Where God waits for me to look for the holy not beyond my daily life but in the very midst and sometimes mess of it.
BLESSING
May you give your devotion
to the things of heaven.
May you give your attention
to the things of earth.
May they find a place of meeting
in you.[Jan Richardson, In the Sanctuary of Women]
From pages 202-203 of In the Sanctuary of Women: A Companion for Reflection and Prayer by Jan L. Richardson. Copyrig ht© 2010 by Jan L. Richardson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Look for God in the ordinary today.
Today’s Scripture:
There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!”[Psalms 4:6, NRSV]
This Week: pray for siblings.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Called to Live as Easter People" for Tuesday, 14 April 2015
Today’s Reflection:
THE LIVING ONE continues to call you and me to be Easter people in a Good Friday world. As he did with Mary [Magdalene], Jesus calls us to go to the dark places of our world, which are marked by the signs of crucifixion. He calls us to where our neighbors and friends live in the darkness of despair and loneliness. He calls us into those communities where poverty, homelessness, and crime block out the sunlight. He calls us to descend into those dark pits where people feel cut off and abandoned by God.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "God Always Meets Us in Prayer" for Monday, 13 April 2015
Today’s Reflection:
WE CAN TRUST that in prayer we always meet God, whether our experience of prayer is easy or difficult. We can also trust that God’s love and desire for us are greater than our ability to utter “good prayers” or even deeply felt prayers. We enter prayer as a response to God who already possesses us by love, not in an effort to reach One who is trying to elude us.[Adele J. Gonzalez, Deepening Our Prayer Participant’s Book, vol. 3 of Companions in Christ]
From page 29 of Deepening Our Prayer: The Heart of Christ, Participant’s Book by Adele J. Gonzalez, volume 3, Companions in Christ series. Copyright © 2006 by Upper Room Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling in his or her prayer life?
Today’s Scripture:
And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.[Acts 3:16, NRSV]
This Week: pray for siblings.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers, call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center web site.
Saints, Inc.:
This week we remember: Corrie Ten Boom (April 15).
Cornelia (Corrie) Ten Boom (1892-1983) grew up in a strong Christian home in the Netherlands. When her mother died, Corrie took over management of the family home, kept books for her father's watch shop, and became a licensed watchmaker herself. With her father and sister, Betsie, Corrie opened their home to needy children.
When the Nazis invaded their nation, the Ten Booms joined the underground movement and hid Jewish refugees in attic rooms of their home. In 1944 all three Ten Booms were arrested and taken to concentration camps where they led Bible studies and shared their faith. During her imprisonment, Corrie promised God that if she survived she would spread the message of God's love and forgiveness. Her father and sister died, but because of an administrative error, Corrie was released from Ravensbruck.
Ten Boom dedicated the rest of her life to preaching, writing, and speaking in more than sixty countries about God's love. Her book, The Hiding Place, tells her story. Corrie even faced one of the Ravensbruck guards and, fervently praying for God to work through her, was able to offer him forgiveness for what he had done.
Corrie Ten Boom died on April 15, 1983 in California.
If Corrie Ten Boom had taken the Spiritual Types Test, she probably would have been a Prophet. Corrie Ten Boom is remembered on April 15
BY PUTTING THE GIFT of yearning for Godinto every human being’s heart,
God at the same time
draws all people made in God’s image
to God’s self
and into their own true selves.[Roberta Bondi, Alive Now, Jan/Feb 2015]
“From Alive Now, January/Febrary 2015. Copyright © 2014 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Look for ways to love your neighbor today.
Today’s Scripture:
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.[1 John 3:1, NRSV]
This Week: pray for siblings.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Finding God in the Ordinary" for Wednesday, 15 April 2015Today’s Reflection:
IT IS HARD to keep our eyes open to the things of heaven while attending to the things of earth, and vice versa. How do we sort through these competing claims?
There are days I long to escape the mundane, days I want to flee from dealing with dishes, with laundry, with phone calls, with taxes, with errands, with paperwork, with institutions, with broken systems, with all that tries my patience and wears me out. Yet at the same time I recognize that even at their most maddening, these recurring activities help ground me, keep me from tilting off the planet, root me in this world where God lives. Where God hides. Where God waits for me to look for the holy not beyond my daily life but in the very midst and sometimes mess of it.
BLESSING
May you give your devotion
to the things of heaven.
May you give your attention
to the things of earth.
May they find a place of meeting
in you.[Jan Richardson, In the Sanctuary of Women]
From pages 202-203 of In the Sanctuary of Women: A Companion for Reflection and Prayer by Jan L. Richardson. Copyrig ht© 2010 by Jan L. Richardson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Look for God in the ordinary today.
Today’s Scripture:
There are many who say, “O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!”[Psalms 4:6, NRSV]
This Week: pray for siblings.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Called to Live as Easter People" for Tuesday, 14 April 2015Today’s Reflection:
THE LIVING ONE continues to call you and me to be Easter people in a Good Friday world. As he did with Mary [Magdalene], Jesus calls us to go to the dark places of our world, which are marked by the signs of crucifixion. He calls us to where our neighbors and friends live in the darkness of despair and loneliness. He calls us into those communities where poverty, homelessness, and crime block out the sunlight. He calls us to descend into those dark pits where people feel cut off and abandoned by God.
In all these dark places, his challenge remains the same. We must listen to the stories of those who suffer. Wipe away the tears. Share with others our personal experience of the Easter message.
How do we pass on this Easter message? Certainly not by trying to force others to believe exactly the same way we do. Nor by attempting to “fix” those around us with our solutions and prescriptions for their lives.
Mary teaches us that the best way to be a witness is by sharing our personal story; by telling others how the living Christ has shone the light in our darkness; by explaining the difference that letting go and letting God has made in our lives; by testifying how our lives have been touched by resurrection love; and to always do this with gentleness, respect, and courtesy.[- Trevor Hudson, Hope Beyond Your Tears]
From pages 95-96 of Hope Beyond Your Tears: Experiencing Christ’s Healing Love by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2012 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. An earlier edition of this work was originally published as Touched by Resurrection Love by Struik Inspirational Gifts, New Holland Publishing (South Africa). http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Where is Christ leading you to share the Easter story?
Today’s Scripture:
Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.[Psalms 4:1, NRSV]
This Week: pray for siblings.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "God Always Meets Us in Prayer" for Monday, 13 April 2015Today’s Reflection:
WE CAN TRUST that in prayer we always meet God, whether our experience of prayer is easy or difficult. We can also trust that God’s love and desire for us are greater than our ability to utter “good prayers” or even deeply felt prayers. We enter prayer as a response to God who already possesses us by love, not in an effort to reach One who is trying to elude us.[Adele J. Gonzalez, Deepening Our Prayer Participant’s Book, vol. 3 of Companions in Christ]From page 29 of Deepening Our Prayer: The Heart of Christ, Participant’s Book by Adele J. Gonzalez, volume 3, Companions in Christ series. Copyright © 2006 by Upper Room Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling in his or her prayer life?
Today’s Scripture:
And by faith in his name, his name itself has made this man strong, whom you see and know; and the faith that is through Jesus has given him this perfect health in the presence of all of you.[Acts 3:16, NRSV]
This Week: pray for siblings.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers, call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center web site.
Saints, Inc.:
This week we remember: Corrie Ten Boom (April 15).
Cornelia (Corrie) Ten Boom (1892-1983) grew up in a strong Christian home in the Netherlands. When her mother died, Corrie took over management of the family home, kept books for her father's watch shop, and became a licensed watchmaker herself. With her father and sister, Betsie, Corrie opened their home to needy children.When the Nazis invaded their nation, the Ten Booms joined the underground movement and hid Jewish refugees in attic rooms of their home. In 1944 all three Ten Booms were arrested and taken to concentration camps where they led Bible studies and shared their faith. During her imprisonment, Corrie promised God that if she survived she would spread the message of God's love and forgiveness. Her father and sister died, but because of an administrative error, Corrie was released from Ravensbruck.
Ten Boom dedicated the rest of her life to preaching, writing, and speaking in more than sixty countries about God's love. Her book, The Hiding Place, tells her story. Corrie even faced one of the Ravensbruck guards and, fervently praying for God to work through her, was able to offer him forgiveness for what he had done.
Corrie Ten Boom died on April 15, 1983 in California.
If Corrie Ten Boom had taken the Spiritual Types Test, she probably would have been a Prophet. Corrie Ten Boom is remembered on April 15
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 4
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48
Scripture Texts:
Acts 4:32 All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had. 33 With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard. 34 No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds 35 to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.
Psalm 4: (0) For the leader. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David:
2 (1) O God, my vindicator!
Answer me when I call!
When I was distressed, you set me free;
now have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
3 (2) Men of rank, how long will you shame my honor,
love what is vain, chase after lies? (Selah)
4 (3) Understand that Adonai sets apart
the godly person for himself;
Adonai will hear when I call to him.
5 (4) You can be angry, but do not sin!
Think about this as you lie in bed,
and calm down. (Selah)
6 (5) Offer sacrifices rightly,
and put your trust in Adonai.
7 (6) Many ask, “Who can show us some good?”
Adonai, lift the light of your face over us!
8 (7) You have filled my heart with more joy
than all their grain and new wine.
9 (8) I will lie down and sleep in peace;
for, Adonai, you alone make me live securely.
1 John 3:1 See what love the Father has lavished on us in letting us be called God’s children! For that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it has not known him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now; and it has not yet been made clear what we will become. We do know that when he appears, we will be like him; because we will see him as he really is.
3 And everyone who has this hope in him continues purifying himself, since God is pure. 4 Everyone who keeps sinning is violating Torah — indeed, sin is violation of Torah. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. 6 So no one who remains united with him continues sinning; everyone who does continue sinning has neither seen him nor known him.
7 Children, don’t let anyone deceive you — it is the person that keeps on doing what is right who is righteous, just as God is righteous.
Luke 24:36 They were still talking about it when — there he was, standing among them! 37 Startled and terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 But he said to them, “Why are you so upset? Why are these doubts welling up inside you? 39 Look at my hands and my feet — it is I, myself! Touch me and see — a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I do.” 40 As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 While they were still unable to believe it for joy and stood there dumbfounded, he said to them, “Have you something here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 which he took and ate in their presence.
44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 4
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48
Scripture Texts:
Acts 4:32 All the many believers were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed any of his possessions for himself, but everyone shared everything he had. 33 With great power the emissaries continued testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Yeshua, and they were all held in high regard. 34 No one among them was poor, since those who owned lands or houses sold them and turned over the proceeds 35 to the emissaries to distribute to each according to his need.
Psalm 4: (0) For the leader. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David:
2 (1) O God, my vindicator!
Answer me when I call!
When I was distressed, you set me free;
now have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
3 (2) Men of rank, how long will you shame my honor,
love what is vain, chase after lies? (Selah)
4 (3) Understand that Adonai sets apart
the godly person for himself;
Adonai will hear when I call to him.
5 (4) You can be angry, but do not sin!
Think about this as you lie in bed,
and calm down. (Selah)
6 (5) Offer sacrifices rightly,
and put your trust in Adonai.
7 (6) Many ask, “Who can show us some good?”
Adonai, lift the light of your face over us!
8 (7) You have filled my heart with more joy
than all their grain and new wine.
9 (8) I will lie down and sleep in peace;
for, Adonai, you alone make me live securely.
1 John 3:1 See what love the Father has lavished on us in letting us be called God’s children! For that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it has not known him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now; and it has not yet been made clear what we will become. We do know that when he appears, we will be like him; because we will see him as he really is.
3 And everyone who has this hope in him continues purifying himself, since God is pure. 4 Everyone who keeps sinning is violating Torah — indeed, sin is violation of Torah. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. 6 So no one who remains united with him continues sinning; everyone who does continue sinning has neither seen him nor known him.
7 Children, don’t let anyone deceive you — it is the person that keeps on doing what is right who is righteous, just as God is righteous.
Luke 24:36 They were still talking about it when — there he was, standing among them! 37 Startled and terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 But he said to them, “Why are you so upset? Why are these doubts welling up inside you? 39 Look at my hands and my feet — it is I, myself! Touch me and see — a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I do.” 40 As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 While they were still unable to believe it for joy and stood there dumbfounded, he said to them, “Have you something here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 which he took and ate in their presence.
44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
John Wesley's Notes-commentary for
Acts 4:32-35
Verse 32
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And the multitude of them that believed — Every individual person were of one heart and one soul - Their love, their hopes, their passions joined: and not so much as one - In so great a multitude: this was a necessary consequence of that union of heart; said that aught of the things which he had was his own - It is impossible any one should, while all were of one soul. So long as that truly Christian love continued, they could not but have all things common.
Verse 33
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
And great grace — A large measure of the inward power of the Holy Ghost, was upon them all - Directing all their thoughts, words, and actions.
Verse 34
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
For neither was there any one among them that wanted — We may observe, this is added as the proof that great grace was upon them all. And it was the immediate, necessary consequence of it: yea, and must be to the end of the world. In all ages and nations, the same cause, the same degree of grace, could not but in like circumstances produce the same effect.
For whosoever were possessors of houses and lands sold them — Not that there was any particular command for this; but there was great grace and great love: of which this was the natural fruit.
Verse 35
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
And distribution was made — At first by the apostles themselves, afterward by them whom they appointed.
Psalm 4
Verse 1
[1] Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
O God — The witness and defender of my righteous cause.
Verse 2
[2] O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? /*Selah*/.
My glory — By his glory probably he means that honour which God had conferred upon him.
Vanity — Wickedness.
Lying — Those calumnies which they raised against him, to make him odious to all the people.
Verse 3
[3] But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
Godly — Me, whom, though you traduce as an hypocrite, God hath pronounced to he a man after his own heart, 1 Samuel 13:14.
For himself — In his stead, or to be his vicegerent, as all kings are, and especially the kings of God's own people.
Verse 4
[4] Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. /*Selah*/.
In awe — Be afraid, if not of me, yet of God, who hath engaged in my cause.
Sin not — By prosecuting your rebellion against God's authority.
On your bed — Calmly consider these things in the silent night, when you are at leisure from distracting business.
Be still — Compose your tumultuous minds.
Verse 5
[5] Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
Offer — Unto God, that he may be reconciled to you.
Righteousness — Righteous sacrifices; which requires that the persons offering them be righteous and do righteous things, and offer them with an honest mind, with faith and true repentance. Without which, he intimates, that all their sacrifices were of no esteem with God, and would be wholly unprofitable to them.
Verse 6
[6] There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Many — Of my followers, who are weary of waiting upon God.
Who — Who will put an end to our troubles, and give us tranquility.
Lift up — Upon me and my friends. Give us an assurance of thy love, and evidence it by thy powerful assistance.
Verse 7
[7] Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Thou hast — Whatsoever thou shalt do with me for the future, I have at present unspeakable satisfaction in the testimonies of thy love to my soul; more than worldly persons have in the time of a plentiful harvest.
Verse 8
[8] I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
In peace — In tranquility of mind, resting securely upon God's promises.
1 John 3:1-7
Verse 1
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
That we should be called — That is, should be, the children of God. Therefore the world knoweth us not - They know not what to make of us. We are a mystery to them.
Verse 2
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
It doth not yet appear — Even to ourselves.
What we shall be — It is something ineffable, which will raise the children of God to be, in a manner, as God himself. But we know, in general, that when he, the Son of God, shall appear, we shall be like him - The glory of God penetrating our inmost substance.
For we shall see him as he is — Manifestly, without a veil. And that sight will transform us into the same likeness.
Verse 3
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
And every one that hath this hope in him — In God.
Verse 4
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Whosoever committeth sin — Thereby transgresseth the holy, just, and good law of God, and so sets his authority at nought; for this is implied in the very nature of sin.
Verse 5
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
And ye know that he — Christ.
Was manifested — That he came into the world for this very purpose.
To take away our sins — To destroy them all, root and branch, and leave none remaining.
And in him is no sin — So that he could not suffer on his own account, but to make us as himself.
Verse 6
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Whosoever abideth in communion with him, by loving faith, sinneth not - While he so abideth. Whosoever sinneth certainly seeth him not - The loving eye of his soul is not then fixed upon God; neither doth he then experimentally know him - Whatever he did in time past.
Verse 7
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Let no one deceive you — Let none persuade you that any man is righteous but he that uniformly practises righteousness; he alone is righteous, after the example of his Lord.
Luke 24:36b-48
Acts 4:32-35
Verse 32
[32] And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And the multitude of them that believed — Every individual person were of one heart and one soul - Their love, their hopes, their passions joined: and not so much as one - In so great a multitude: this was a necessary consequence of that union of heart; said that aught of the things which he had was his own - It is impossible any one should, while all were of one soul. So long as that truly Christian love continued, they could not but have all things common.
Verse 33
[33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
And great grace — A large measure of the inward power of the Holy Ghost, was upon them all - Directing all their thoughts, words, and actions.
Verse 34
[34] Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
For neither was there any one among them that wanted — We may observe, this is added as the proof that great grace was upon them all. And it was the immediate, necessary consequence of it: yea, and must be to the end of the world. In all ages and nations, the same cause, the same degree of grace, could not but in like circumstances produce the same effect.
For whosoever were possessors of houses and lands sold them — Not that there was any particular command for this; but there was great grace and great love: of which this was the natural fruit.
Verse 35
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
And distribution was made — At first by the apostles themselves, afterward by them whom they appointed.
Psalm 4
Verse 1
[1] Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
O God — The witness and defender of my righteous cause.
Verse 2
[2] O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? /*Selah*/.
My glory — By his glory probably he means that honour which God had conferred upon him.
Vanity — Wickedness.
Lying — Those calumnies which they raised against him, to make him odious to all the people.
Verse 3
[3] But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
Godly — Me, whom, though you traduce as an hypocrite, God hath pronounced to he a man after his own heart, 1 Samuel 13:14.
For himself — In his stead, or to be his vicegerent, as all kings are, and especially the kings of God's own people.
Verse 4
[4] Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. /*Selah*/.
In awe — Be afraid, if not of me, yet of God, who hath engaged in my cause.
Sin not — By prosecuting your rebellion against God's authority.
On your bed — Calmly consider these things in the silent night, when you are at leisure from distracting business.
Be still — Compose your tumultuous minds.
Verse 5
[5] Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
Offer — Unto God, that he may be reconciled to you.
Righteousness — Righteous sacrifices; which requires that the persons offering them be righteous and do righteous things, and offer them with an honest mind, with faith and true repentance. Without which, he intimates, that all their sacrifices were of no esteem with God, and would be wholly unprofitable to them.
Verse 6
[6] There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
Many — Of my followers, who are weary of waiting upon God.
Who — Who will put an end to our troubles, and give us tranquility.
Lift up — Upon me and my friends. Give us an assurance of thy love, and evidence it by thy powerful assistance.
Verse 7
[7] Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
Thou hast — Whatsoever thou shalt do with me for the future, I have at present unspeakable satisfaction in the testimonies of thy love to my soul; more than worldly persons have in the time of a plentiful harvest.
Verse 8
[8] I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
In peace — In tranquility of mind, resting securely upon God's promises.
1 John 3:1-7
Verse 1
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
That we should be called — That is, should be, the children of God. Therefore the world knoweth us not - They know not what to make of us. We are a mystery to them.
Verse 2
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
It doth not yet appear — Even to ourselves.
What we shall be — It is something ineffable, which will raise the children of God to be, in a manner, as God himself. But we know, in general, that when he, the Son of God, shall appear, we shall be like him - The glory of God penetrating our inmost substance.
For we shall see him as he is — Manifestly, without a veil. And that sight will transform us into the same likeness.
Verse 3
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
And every one that hath this hope in him — In God.
Verse 4
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Whosoever committeth sin — Thereby transgresseth the holy, just, and good law of God, and so sets his authority at nought; for this is implied in the very nature of sin.
Verse 5
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
And ye know that he — Christ.
Was manifested — That he came into the world for this very purpose.
To take away our sins — To destroy them all, root and branch, and leave none remaining.
And in him is no sin — So that he could not suffer on his own account, but to make us as himself.
Verse 6
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Whosoever abideth in communion with him, by loving faith, sinneth not - While he so abideth. Whosoever sinneth certainly seeth him not - The loving eye of his soul is not then fixed upon God; neither doth he then experimentally know him - Whatever he did in time past.
Verse 7
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Let no one deceive you — Let none persuade you that any man is righteous but he that uniformly practises righteousness; he alone is righteous, after the example of his Lord.
Luke 24:36b-48
Verse 36
[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Jesus stood in the midst of them — It was just as easy to his Divine power to open a door undiscernibly, as it was to come in at a door opened by some other hand. Mark 16:14,19; John 20:19.
Verse 40
[40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
He showed them his hands and his feet — That they might either see or feel the prints of the nails.
Verse 41
[41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
While they believed not for joy — They did in some sense believe: otherwise they would not have rejoiced. But their excess of joy prevented a clear, rational belief.
Verse 43
[43] And he took it, and did eat before them.
He took it and ate before them — Not that he had any need of food; but to give them still farther evidence.
Verse 44
[44] 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.
And he said — On the day of his ascension.
In the law, and the prophets, and the psalms — The prophecies as well as types, relating to the Messiah, are contained either in the books of Moses (usually called the law) in the Psalms, or in the writings of the prophets; little being said directly concerning him in the historical books.
Verse 45
[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Then opened he their understanding, to understand the Scriptures — He had explained them before to the two as they went to Emmaus. But still they Understood them not, till he took off the veil from their hearts, by the illumination of his Spirit.
Verse 47
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Beginning at Jerusalem — This was appointed most graciously and wisely: graciously, as it encouraged the, greatest sinners to repent, when they saw that even the murderers of Christ were not excepted from mercy: and wisely, as hereby Christianity was more abundantly attested; the facts being published first on the very spot where they happened.
[36] And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Jesus stood in the midst of them — It was just as easy to his Divine power to open a door undiscernibly, as it was to come in at a door opened by some other hand. Mark 16:14,19; John 20:19.
Verse 40
[40] And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
He showed them his hands and his feet — That they might either see or feel the prints of the nails.
Verse 41
[41] And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
While they believed not for joy — They did in some sense believe: otherwise they would not have rejoiced. But their excess of joy prevented a clear, rational belief.
Verse 43
[43] And he took it, and did eat before them.
He took it and ate before them — Not that he had any need of food; but to give them still farther evidence.
Verse 44
[44] 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.
And he said — On the day of his ascension.
In the law, and the prophets, and the psalms — The prophecies as well as types, relating to the Messiah, are contained either in the books of Moses (usually called the law) in the Psalms, or in the writings of the prophets; little being said directly concerning him in the historical books.
Verse 45
[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Then opened he their understanding, to understand the Scriptures — He had explained them before to the two as they went to Emmaus. But still they Understood them not, till he took off the veil from their hearts, by the illumination of his Spirit.
Verse 47
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Beginning at Jerusalem — This was appointed most graciously and wisely: graciously, as it encouraged the, greatest sinners to repent, when they saw that even the murderers of Christ were not excepted from mercy: and wisely, as hereby Christianity was more abundantly attested; the facts being published first on the very spot where they happened.
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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "Seeing the Resurrected Jesus" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 12 April 2015 with Scripture: Luke 24:36 They were still talking about it when — there he was, standing among them! 37 Startled and terrified, they thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 But he said to them, “Why are you so upset? Why are these doubts welling up inside you? 39 Look at my hands and my feet — it is I, myself! Touch me and see — a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I do.” 40 As he said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 While they were still unable to believe it for joy and stood there dumbfounded, he said to them, “Have you something here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 which he took and ate in their presence.
44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
The two men who came back from Emmaus after Jesus revealed who the stranger was that walked and talked with them then broke bread with them were telling their story, Jesus appeared to them again behind locked doors and windows. Jesus again said to them Peace be with you. Jesus again shared that tehy should look at His hands, feet, and side to see the hole made by the nails and sword yet they still doubted. Even when Jesus stated that a ghost does not have flesh and blood as He has. Then, Jesus asked if there was anything to eat that He may eat the food to show another sign that He is truly raised from the dead because dead people or angels do not eat food. They were still astonished at the Presence of Jesus alive and well even after seeing Him tortured and killed on the stake or cross until there was no breathe or even blood remaining in Him. They surely bean to believe in what He taught and is and the Mission He has given to them to go into the whole world that the Jews and the Non-Jews could be saved through their beleif and living Holy Lives as Jesus did Himself. We come to realize that Jesus truly is The Messiah of the Whole World startin with the Jews first and ending with the Jews as we come singin the Hymn to receive the Holy Eucharist as we eat His body and drinks His Blood in remembering all He has done and is doing for us singin "There is a Redeemer, Jesus God's own Son" by Melody Green
44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
The two men who came back from Emmaus after Jesus revealed who the stranger was that walked and talked with them then broke bread with them were telling their story, Jesus appeared to them again behind locked doors and windows. Jesus again said to them Peace be with you. Jesus again shared that tehy should look at His hands, feet, and side to see the hole made by the nails and sword yet they still doubted. Even when Jesus stated that a ghost does not have flesh and blood as He has. Then, Jesus asked if there was anything to eat that He may eat the food to show another sign that He is truly raised from the dead because dead people or angels do not eat food. They were still astonished at the Presence of Jesus alive and well even after seeing Him tortured and killed on the stake or cross until there was no breathe or even blood remaining in Him. They surely bean to believe in what He taught and is and the Mission He has given to them to go into the whole world that the Jews and the Non-Jews could be saved through their beleif and living Holy Lives as Jesus did Himself. We come to realize that Jesus truly is The Messiah of the Whole World startin with the Jews first and ending with the Jews as we come singin the Hymn to receive the Holy Eucharist as we eat His body and drinks His Blood in remembering all He has done and is doing for us singin "There is a Redeemer, Jesus God's own Son" by Melody Green
There is a redeemer,
Jesus, God's own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Holy One,
Jesus my redeemer,
Name above all names,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Oh, for sinners slain.
Thank you oh my father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit,
'Til the work on Earth is done.
When I stand in Glory,
I will see His face,
And there I'll serve my King forever,
In that Holy Place.
Thank you oh my father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit,
'Til the work on Earth is done.
There is a redeemer,
Jesus, God's own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Holy One,
Thank you oh my father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit,
'Til the work on Earth is done.
And leaving Your Spirit,
'Till the work on Earth is done.
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Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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