Tag: Paula Kirkpatrick

In Conclusion…

Ecclesiastes 11-12

Psalm 106

1 John 5

-By Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)

Picture a beautiful sunny day in the countryside.  Fluffy white clouds move across the blue sky as a gentle wind blows.  A young shepherd boy named David, tending his father’s flock of sheep, is enjoying the beauty of God’s creation surrounding him.  He attentively cares for the sheep, assuring water and green pastures are available to them, keeping a watchful eye out for dangerous animals that could threaten them. 

As David did his work each day, he often composed songs of praise to God, singing and playing his harp.  His whole life was attuned to his heavenly Father, honoring and following Him.

It’s not hard to see why David, the shepherd boy, was chosen to be the next king of Israel to replace Saul.  His seven older brothers passed by the prophet Samuel, but none of them were God’s choice.  It was young David, out in the field, tending the sheep, communing with His Creator, who was eventually anointed as the next king of Israel.  Why? 

“God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  (I Samuel 16:7b)

David did not live an easy life.  After Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel, he would not take the throne for 15 years.  During that time, he experienced astounding victories and merciless defeats.  He killed the detestable giant Goliath, yet fled for his life from jealous King Saul.  He was praised by throngs of people for his mighty triumphs in battle, yet committed moral failure with Bathsheba, even having her husband killed in battle. 

Yet throughout David’s life, the Lord was by his side.  From the young shepherd boy to the ailing, aged king, he sought and served God; repentant when he sinned, faithful until the end of his life. 

Ecclesiastes 12:1a proclaims, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.”    David did that, lived that.  His strong, steadfast relationship with his Lord enabled him to withstand life’s trials and challenges. 

In Psalm 37:25, aged David declares, “I have been young, and now I am old; I have not seen the righteous forsaken.”

Whatever age we may be, God will not abandon us. 

BUT, IF YOU ARE YOUNG, I say this with heartfelt conviction.  NOW, is the time to serve the Lord.  DON’T WAIT!

He is always there to listen. 

“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (I John 5:14)

He is always there to help you with your problems. 

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (I John 5:4)

He is always there to love you. 

”We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (I John 4:16)

Let God’s overwhelming love envelop you.  Respond with gratitude and resolve to serve Him faithfully.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” (I John 5:3)

As the writer of Ecclesiastes concludes his discourse, he offers the same guidance. 

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”  (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Reflection Questions

  1.  Why is it important to “remember” and serve God when we are young? 
  2.  In I John 5:3 and Ecclesiastes 12:13, how does the love of God and fearing God      compare, in keeping His commandments?  

Prayer

Dear God of Heaven & Earth – I praise You for Your always superior wisdom, love and righteousness. Thank You for Your amazing creation and the miraculous gift of life and Your presence. May I faithfully serve You, fear You, love You all my days. Help me to speak truth and the good news, always guiding others in knowing You, keeping Your commands and preparing for Your Son’s incredible and coming return. In his name I pray, amen.

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Preparing…to be a Fool?

Ecclesiastes 9-10

Psalm 105

1 John 4

-Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)

With any activity, there can often be a hidden risk involved.  It’s simply a fact of life and the fallibility of the human race.  The writer of Ecclesiastes, chapter 10, points this out in verses 8-10.

Dig a pit – you might fall into it.

Break through a wall – a serpent might be on the other side and bite you.

Quarrying stones could result in injury.

Splitting logs could be dangerous.

The Preacher elaborates on the log splitting with a simple explanation. 

“If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength.”

Simple logic, what we might call a “no brainer.”  But as the writer has been sharing throughout Ecclesiastes, foolish people lack good sense.

“Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 10:3)

One of my husband’s favorite television programs is “Forged in Fire,” found on the History Channel.  Four bladesmiths compete in three rounds of elimination, forging various kinds of knives or other bladed weapons, out of diverse kinds of steel.  Besides the drama of completing their blades during a three-hour period, the competitors must also get them hardened and sharpened for rigorous testing. 

During the last minutes of the first round, viewers often see the bladesmiths feverishly sharpening their blades on sanding belts, the sparks flying.  They want their blades as sharp as possible before they are tested. The goal?  To watch Judge Doug Marcaida test their blades, perhaps slicing through a row of apples or sacks filled with sand, and say these words.  “Your edge is razor sharp.  Your blade—Will Cut!”

A dull axe shows a lack of preparation.  A lack of preparation for log splitting can result in more work, and even possible injury.  The difference between the wise and the foolish could not be clearer.

Each day is a new beginning in our pursuit of a meaningful life.  If we don’t prepare properly for that day, we often miss out on opportunities to live a life of purpose. 

Don’t live the life of a fool—unfocused, and directionless. 

“The toil of a fool so wearies him that he does not even know how to go to a city.” (Ecclesiastes 10:15)

Seek the wisdom of God, assured that whatever the day brings, whatever activity or opportunity presents itself, you will be prepared to confidently meet it. 

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  (James 1:5-8)

Reflection Questions

  1. In the spirit of Ecclesiastes 10, what kind of example can you give of a fool?
  2. How do you prepare for each new day God gives you?   

Prayer

Dear Wise, Righteous and Loving God – help me learn from You and Your Word. Show me how to prepare and to live a life of wisdom, righteousness and love, making the most of every opportunity. Thank You for the gifts you give daily. May I use them to faithfully serve You.

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Working on a Good Name

Ecclesiastes 7-8

Psalm 105

1 John 3

-Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)

My Grandpa Burnett was a quiet, unassuming man.  When I was young, he was a hard-working farmer, milking cows and raising chickens and other livestock.   Even after he and my grandma moved off the farm to a house at the edge of town, he was always busy with chores and responsibilities.  I rarely saw him sit down and rest. 

Grandpa Burnett was always willing to lend a helping hand to a neighbor.  Sometimes, the neighbor might not even be aware of it.  I remember my mom saying this about her dad. 

“If your grandpa found a hole in his neighbor’s fence, he wouldn’t tell the neighbor.  Grandpa would just fix it himself.”

That story from my mom has stuck with me through the years and embodies who my grandpa was—a good man, a Christian man, a man with a good name, a good reputation. 

Ecclesiastes 7:1a says, “A good name is better than precious ointment.” (ESV) In Bible times, ointment was a perfumed oil used for anointing, healing, and beauty.  Ointments were made with olive oil and fragrant spices that were usually uncommon and expensive. 

Young King David was anointed with oil by the prophet Samuel; Jesus’ dear friend Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair.  These examples reflect the reverence and high regard of the individuals giving and receiving the oil or perfume, and they help us to better understand the intrinsic value of a good name. 

The rich sweet smell of the costly ointment will eventually fade away.  A good name, a solid reputation, will endure the test of time. 

The author of Ecclesiastes finished the verse with a stark contrasting statement.  “And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.”  What is he saying?

At the end of our lives, we can look back and see our journey with our Creator.  We can reflect on the winding paths, the mountains and valleys of life we encountered, exalted in, endured.  We can testify to God’s goodness and love, affirm his steadfast faithfulness every step of the way.

Let us endeavor each day to serve God fully, seeking His glory and not our own.  Let us strive to have “Good names” by the grace of God. 

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” 

Micah 6:8 (ESV)

Reflection Questions

  1.  Who do you know who has a “good name?” How did they get it?
  2. The writer of Ecclesiastes compared a good name to a precious ointment.  What item comes to mind, if you would make a similar comparison? 

Prayer

Dear God – I praise You. You have the perfect name forever and ever. Help me stay focused on You and what You want me to be and do. Give me the desire and energy to faithfully serve and give of myself with a good attitude. I want my light to bring others to You and Your Son and eternal life.

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Draw Near to Listen

Ecclesiastes 5-6

Psalm 104

1 John 2

-Devotion By Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 46:10. “Cease striving and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (NASB) This verse daily reminds me that all my planning and busywork, which often brings me stress, fades in the knowledge that God is sovereign in the world’s events and should be sovereign in my life as well.  “Striving” is a good word description of my often, feeble attempts to meaningfully serve Him.  And yet, I am drawn to the NIV version of the first part of this verse. 

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (NIV)

Be still.  Not moving. Quiet.  Then, you can be aware of God’s presence.  Then you can be aware of His vibrant touch in the world that surrounds you. 

In Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, the writer encourages this same reverence as God’s people went to the house of God.

“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.  When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!  For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3, 7)

Guard your steps, draw near to listen, do not be hasty.  Why?  Because God is in heaven and we are on earth.  Let our words be few.  Be still! 

“The Communicator’s Commentary, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon” by David A. Hubbard, page 131, paragraph 2, explains more on this passage as it relates to the Israelite nation. 

“‘The sacrifice of fools’ was empty sacrifice, going through the ritual but missing its meaning.  What was the basic purpose of the offerings God required?  It was communion with God expressed by ‘listen’ which means virtually to obey, and ‘draw near’ which frequently describes the intimacy between God and those who go to Him for worship and fellowship.  The sacrifices dealt with the major human needs.  They brought forgiveness…they expressed thanksgiving…they fulfilled vows.  Listing them, was an essential requirement if the sacrifices were to have any meaning.”

As verse 7 says, in many words there is emptiness.  The last three words of the verse declare the remedy.  “Rather, fear God.”

God desires a relationship with us. Yet, in that bond, He deserves our reverence.

Open your mind and your ears to God’s message for you.  Come before Him in humble devotion.  He has much to share with you.  Just listen.  

Reflection Questions

  1.  How do you listen to God?
  2.  In what ways, do you show reverence to God? 

Prayer

Dear God in Heaven – Thank you for creating, loving, sustaining, guiding us on Earth. I want to praise You, revere You, fear You, love You, serve You, and follow You, Your Word and Your Son all the days that You give me. Help me to listen to You.

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Timing is Everything

Ecclesiastes 3-4 

Psalm 104

1 John 1

-Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)

“Timing is everything.”  How often have you heard someone say that?  It may be a familiar phrase, but those three words hold true in many areas of life.

Baking cookies?  Take them out of the oven too soon, they fall apart.  Take them out of the oven too late, they turn black and inedible. 

In the sports world, there are plenty of examples of timing.  The baseball player stealing a base, the wide receiver catching the quarterback’s pass, the long jumper planting his takeoff foot at the exact right moment. 

Every comedian definitely realizes his joke’s punchline depends on the perfect pause to deliver its greatest impact, and hopefully a room full of laughter as well. 

God has always known that “timing is everything.”  The six days that God created the earth highlight this fact.  During the first three days of Creation, God CHANGED a dark, wet environment into a world ready for living creatures.  Each day of creation built upon the previous one, so that living vegetation, then animals, and ultimately Adam and Eve, would be able to thrive. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is an appointed time for everything.“ Verses 2-8 then give us detailed examples.

“A time to give birth and a time to die;
 A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to kill and a time to heal;
 A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
 A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
 A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
 A time to keep and a time to throw away.
 A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
 A time to be silent and a time to speak.
 A time to love and a time to hate;
 A time for war and a time for peace.”

There is good, there is bad; there is productive, there is destructive; there is action, there is reaction.  There is life, in all its ups and downs, each day, each event unfolding as God appointed it.  In His time. 

“He has made everything appropriate in its time.”  (Ecclesiastes 3:11a)

These are the events God has given us to occupy our lives.  We live out these events with God’s love upon us.  His love is unwavering and constant, throughout each joy and trial.

What is OUR response to our Creator, our loving Father? 

“I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12,13)

Begin each new day rejoicing and striving to DO good, to SEE good in all that you do.  Our labor, our life, is a gift of God.

“I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities.” (Ecclesiastes 3:22a)

Timing is everything.  There is no better time to praise the Lord than today.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul.  Praise the Lord!  (Psalm 104:35b)

Reflection Questions

  1. Think of an event in your life when “timing was everything.”  How did it turn out? 
  2. Have you ever questioned God’s timing?  Who or what do you turn to when that happens? 

Prayer

Dear God – I praise You for being Creator, Sustainer and Sovereign. Thank You for Your perfect ways. Help me to trust You and Your timing and fully rely on You through all seasons. Whatever a day may hold, may I spend it rejoicing in You and Your faithfulness, doing good, and finding good in my labor and the gifts You have generously given.

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When You Hate Life…

Ecclesiastes 1-2 

Psalm 103

2 Peter 3

-Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (MN)

It’s the end of a long hard day, and nothing went the way you planned when you awoke that morning.  The coffeemaker quit—you don’t have time to pick up coffee on the way to work because you are already late.  Overcast skies reflect your mood.  Entering the door of your office, someone has piled ten new files on your desk for you to tackle.  There is no time for lunch, so you grab a stale granola bar from your desk drawer.  On the way home during a rainy commute, your car gets a flat tire.  Starting to call for help, you realize you forgot to charge your phone last night, and it is out of battery power!  At the end of your rope, you exclaim, “I hate my life!” 

Would you believe that the wisest man that ever lived once stated the same thing?   

“So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind.”  (Ecclesiastes 2:17)

Reading that declaration, it’s hard to comprehend that King Solomon began his reign over the nation of Israel in humility and with a sincere heart to serve God. 

When Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar of Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and told him, “Ask what you wish me to give you” (I Kings 3:5a)

“Then Solomon said, ‘You have shown great lovingkindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great lovingkindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So, give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’” (I Kings 3:6-9)

God was pleased with Solomon’s reply, particularly that he had not asked for a long life, or riches, or revenge to his enemies.  Consequently, God granted Solomon’s request and so much more.

“Behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you. I have also given you what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there will not be any among the kings like you all your days. If you walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and commandments, as your father David walked, then I will prolong your days.” (I Kings 3:12-14)

What remarkable blessings for the start of Solomon’s reign—wisdom, honor, long life.  What more could he desire?  With these incredible gifts from God, his fame spread. 

“Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. Men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom.” (I Kings 4:30,34)

Ecclesiastes 2 shares a first-person summary of Solomon’s activities.  He experimented with wine and folly; built houses and planted vineyards; made gardens and parks and ponds; bought slaves and possessed larger and larger herds; collected silver and gold and treasures of others; enjoyed the pleasures of many concubines; and became greater than all who preceded him.

Yet, this all-wise, anointed king of Israel was not immune to sin.  His hundreds of wives and concubines allowed idol worship to creep into his kingdom.  Despite building the temple in accordance with God’s direction, despite writing thousands of proverbs, because of Solomon’s sin, Israel became a divided kingdom after his reign. 

Whatever Solomon desired he had obtained, as a reward for his labor.  Yet, he realized it all was meaningless.  The same fate awaited the wise and the fool. 

Solomon exclaimed, “So, I hated life!”  (Ecclesiastes 2:17a) 

Solomon went on to express his dismay that all his work and accomplishments could be diminished or destroyed by his successor.  So, what was the point?  He answered his own question.

“There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?”  (Ecclesiastes 2:24,25)

Only with God, only with our Creator, our loving Father, can we enjoy the fruits of our labor.  As Solomon expressed, “Who can have enjoyment without Him?”

Yes, we have bad days when we voice our anguish.  But God is on His throne.  He hears our concerns, He calms our fears, offers His comfort.  God and God alone is the reason we exist.  Living for God and God alone, is the only way to enjoy this life as we anticipate His coming kingdom. 

“But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless (II Peter 3:13,14)

Reflection Questions

  1.  What do you do to lift yourself up when you have a bad day?
  2.  If the Lord appeared to you in a dream, like he did Solomon, and said “Ask what you wish me to give you,” what would your answer be?

Prayer

Dear Father God, Thank You for the gifts of life and labor, food and drink, companionship along the way, and the sun that rises and sets every day. Mostly though, thank You for being You, the Great God who sees, hears, knows, provides, and cares. Without You, who can have enjoyment? Help me train my eyes, heart and mind to focus on Your greatness and Your goals for me when I am looking instead at the size of my trials, needs or moods. Show me what sin is and make me wise and strong to pursue righteousness instead so I am ready to live in Your new heavens and earth with You and Your Son.

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Final Reminders

Job 16-17

Psalm 97

Hebrews 13

-Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (originally posted for SeekGrowLove on Oct 27, 2021)

When children finish high school, and they go off to college or to live on their own for the first time, those frenzied final weeks before leaving are usually a flurry of activities.  To-do lists are checked off and then added to, last minute shopping trips become a daily occurrence, and packing everything needed seems an impossible task.  Finally, the day arrives, and the slightly panicked parents are often confronted with this stark realization:  did I prepare them sufficiently for the challenges they will face in life?  And so ensues final reminders, gentle warnings, and many sentences starting with “Don’t forget,” or “Remember.”  The parents want the best experience for their children at college and in life.

The writer of Hebrews also desires the best outcome for his dear readers, his spiritual children, as he finishes his letter.  Of course, that best outcome is eternal life in the Kingdom of God.  Thus, Hebrews 13 concludes with straightforward instruction to reach this prize.

Consider the direct instructions found in verses 1-7, and the reasons WHY these instructions are important.  

  • “Keep on loving each other as brothers”
  • “Do not neglect hospitality to strangers—(WHY?)—”for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
  • “Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are badly treated—(WHY?) – since you yourselves also are in the body.”
  •  “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; – (WHY?) – for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.”
  • “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; – (WHY?) – for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you.”
  • “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; – (WHY?) – considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.”

Verse 17 goes hand in hand with verse 7.  “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, – (WHY?) – because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

Hebrews 13:8 can be a stand-alone statement and beloved promise, easy to memorize (and it should be) and underlined in your Bible.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

What an assurance to us that Jesus has not changed and will not change—he is our Savior and coming King.  Perhaps the writer felt a plain statement of our basic hope was warranted after his beginning list of directives. 

Building on that simple reassurance, verse 9 warns the early Christians and us today, not to “be carried away by varied and strange teachings,” just as parents might advise their departing children—stay true to your foundation, the principles of your upbringing.  It is firm, it is solid, it will keep you grounded. 

Now, remember our reading from Hebrews 10 a few days ago. 

“But He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God,waiting from that time onward until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Heb. 10:12-14)

Continuing in Hebrews 13, verses 15-16 should be OUR response for this sacrifice. 

 “Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name.  And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Our Salvation Gift from God:

Jesus—ONE SACRIFICE for all time

Our Response:

CONTINUAL SACRIFICE of

  • Praise
  • Doing good
  • Sharing

As the end of verse 16 says, “for with such SACRIFICES God is pleased.”

The writer concludes with a benediction or ending prayer in verses 20 and 21 that sums up his thoughts in this chapter. 

“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

This prayer serves as the perfect final reminder for young adults off to college, and for each one of us. 

Reflection Questions

  1. What reminders would you pass on to your children (biological, adopted and spiritual children)? What spiritual instruction do you want them to hear one more time?
  2. What did you need to hear again (or for the first time) from Hebrews 13?
  3. What do you love about Jesus’ once for all sacrifice? What will your continual sacrifice look like today?

Prayer

“Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

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Take Heed! Be on the Alert!

Mark 13

Gone are the days when the majority of households across the United States and Canada left their homes unlocked day and night.  The idyllic scene of a squeaky screen door being pushed open and banging closed, has faded even in small town America.

The first home security system was invented in 1966 and patented in 1969 by Marie Van Brittan Brown.  Marie’s husband often traveled for work, and she didn’t feel secure answering the door in his absence. The system she created consisted of two peepholes, a TV monitor, a two-way microphone and a sliding camera.  Marie could see who was at her door and interact with them from inside the safety of her home.

From that time to the present, home security has been revolutionized.  Wireless technology, video surveillance, integration with smart devices, AI, and cloud -based systems seamlessly work together to provide protection and peace of mind for countless households. 

But what about when you step out your door?  One of the tenets of personal safety, away from your home, is to be aware of your surroundings.  Pay attention when you’re walking down the street, loading packages into your car in the Mall parking lot, or even sitting in a restaurant.  Don’t have your face riveted to your phone.  Look up!  Pay attention!  TAKE HEED! 

The last two-word warning, “TAKE HEED,” was used by Jesus four times in Mark 13, KJV.  Other translations, such as the NIV or the NASB, translate the phrase “watch out,” “see to it,” and “be on guard.”

Mark 13 is known as the Olivet Discourse, (also found in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.)  Jesus begins teaching his disciples after they mention the temple’s majestic buildings, and he answers that these magnificent structures will be destroyed.  Peter, James, John and Andrew ask Jesus when this is going to happen, and what needs to happen first. 

Jesus’ response includes a discourse detailing persecution, and current, continuing and end-time prophecies.  And throughout this dialogue, he warns, “TAKE HEED!” 

“And Jesus began to say to them, ‘TAKE HEED that no one misleads you.’” (Mark 13:5)  Many individuals will claim to be Christ.  Various wars and natural disasters will happen.  This is just the starting point.

In verse 9, Jesus warns the disciples to look out for their personal safety.  “TAKE HEED, for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.”  He reassures the disciples not to be anxious when they are arrested, for the Holy Spirit will speak through them. 

Jesus continues in the succeeding verses, sharing details of a terrible time of trouble and suffering, ending with “TAKE HEED” in verse 23.  “But TAKE HEED; behold, I have told you everything in advance.”

Finally, after unparalleled occurrences in the skies—darkened sun, falling stars and more—Jesus tells his disciples he will return with great power and glory.  No one but God knows when that will happen.  Not the angels, not even Jesus.

“TAKE HEED, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.”  (Mark 13:33)

Jesus expands on this warning by giving an example of a man on a journey, away from his house, who instructed the doorkeeper to stay alert.  The doorkeeper did not know when the man might return.  Perhaps he would be found asleep, not ready for his master’s return. 

Jesus ends his teaching with authority.  “Be on the alert!”  (Mark 13:37b)

Unlike the doorkeeper in Jesus’ example, (verses 34-36), who might not be ready, Marie Van Brittan Brown, the inventor of the first home security system, wanted to be prepared if someone knocked on her door.  She wanted to know who was on the other side. 

You can know who is waiting patiently to enter the door of your heart.  Just listen. 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”  (Revelation 3:20,21)

Luke 21:28, (also the Olivet Discourse) says, “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Let’s face each day with a head lifted up in praise of our Creator, and a heart prepared and anticipating the return of our Savior.  Come Lord Jesus! 

Reflection Questions

  1. Jesus said the Holy Spirit would speak for the disciples after they were arrested.  How has God’s Spirit spoken through you in times of trial?
  2. Think of a time when you were “on alert” in your life.  How did God help you?
  3. How are you preparing each day for Jesus’ return? 
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All In

Matthew 23 & Luke 20-21

When my husband’s younger brother was a preschooler, so the story goes, he had a particularly busy day, playing and being active.  Near bedtime, he declared to his family, “I’m all ‘shampooed’ out”.  Following the ensuing laughter, his parents agreed he was indeed tuckered out; he was “all in.”

The phrase, “I’m all in” can mean a person is exhausted.  But another understanding of that expression is a person’s declaration that he/she is completely devoted, totally committed, to a cause or endeavor.  “I’m all in to lose the weight.”  “I’m all in to win the championship.”  “I’m all in to elect this candidate.”

If you’re all in, you are going to give it your best effort, give it as much time and resources as possible, give it your all.  You are all in! 

A beautiful example of this idea is found in Luke 21:1-4, the familiar account of the widow’s offering.  Jesus had been teaching in the temple.  The scribes, chief priests, and Sadducees had been questioning him, trying to entrap Jesus when he answered, so they could deliver him to the authority of the governor. 

Finally, they realized their trick questions were not going to work. 

“Some of the scribes answered and said, ‘You have spoken well.’ For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything.” (Luke 20:39,40)

In response, as all the people listened, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”  (Luke 20: 46,47)

Among the prideful things that the scribes were doing, was robbing widows of their homes and resources.  The New American Standard and New International Bible versions use the word “devour” to describe the scribes’ actions. 

Devour–“eat up greedily”–“prey upon.”  Not a pleasant picture.

The Living Bible vividly describes it this way. “But even while they are praying long prayers with great outward piety, they are planning schemes to cheat widows out of their property.  Therefore, God’s heaviest sentence awaits these men.” (Luke 20: 46,47) 

 Immediately after Jesus’ condemnation of the scribes, he looks up to see rich men depositing large amounts of money into the offering receptacles.  And then Jesus spots the poor widow. Carefully, she placed two copper coins, the smallest class of currency, into the offering box.  Jesus’ reaction?

“Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their SURPLUS put into the offering; but she out of her POVERTY put in ALL that she had to live on.” 

Jesus saw the widow’s humble gift—two coins that equaled a penny.  How miniscule in man’s eyes. How sacrificial in Jesus’ eyes.  The rich still had their fortunes; the widow had nothing left in worldly goods.  Her pure heart and strong faith would sustain her.  God would provide for her needs. 

The poor widow was “all in.”  

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”  (Matt. 6:33,34a)

God desires our time, talents, service—to put Him first in everything we do.  The reward will be great. 

As Paul stated at the end of his ministry, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  (II Tim. 4:7,8)

But to those who CLAIM allegiance to God, with a half-hearted commitment, Jesus has sharp words.

 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17)

The pretentious piety of the rich was false—in Jesus’ eyes they were poor and wretched–understandably lukewarm.  The poor widow’s offering, two copper coins, was all she had in the world.  She gave it willingly, trustfully, faithfully. 

She was ALL IN!

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it take to truly see the needs of others?
  2. Reflect on the widow’s offering, and then put yourself in her place.  Would you have given the two coins? 
  3. What can you change in your life to be “all in” for the Lord? 
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GOAT

Matthew 22 & Mark 12

Devotion by Paula Kirkpatrick (Minnesota)

When you hear the term GOAT, what do you think of?  A furry four-legged animal with horns that has been known to butt humans or “faint?”  Or a term that has become familiar in the 21st century sports world—GOAT—Greatest of All Time. 

When I was a school librarian a few years ago, I added four “GOAT” books to the library.  They were all part of the “Sports Illustrated Kids: GOATS” series.  The students could check out “Olympic GOATS” and read about gymnast Simone Biles or swimmer Michael Phelps; “Football GOATS” and read about Tom Brady and Allan Page; “Basketball GOATS” and study the skills of Michael Jordan and LeBron James; or “Baseball GOATS” and read about famous players Sandy Koufax and Ted Williams.

We can speculate about the greatest sports figures, or the greatest actors in Hollywood, or the greatest leaders in world history.  But one cannot dispute the greatest commandment in the Bible.

“But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered themselves together. One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?’ And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’”  (Matt. 22:34-40)

We can see an expansion of Jesus’ words in our corresponding reading from Mark 12: 28-32 when Jesus says in verse 29, “Hear O Israel!  The Lord our God is one Lord,” before his declaration of the two greatest commandments.  In Mark 12:31b, Jesus says, “There is no other commandment greater than these.” 

These two commandments are the “GOATS” of the Bible. 

Jesus’ answer to the lawyer, who was trying to test him, was quoted directly from the Law.  Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” and Leviticus 19:18 says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  

In our Matthew passage, verse 40, Jesus adds this statement.  “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

What does Jesus mean by that? 

The entirety of the Law and the prophecies found throughout Scripture, were given to humanity to encourage us to love and exalt our Creator and to love His creation, particularly mankind.  This should be our ultimate purpose in life.

Jesus shared a similar directive in the Sermon on the Mount when he said, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt. 7:12)

The Law regulated every facet of life in a Jewish family and Jewish hierarchy.  The voice of God’s prophets had instructed and corrected His people.  Yet the entirety of the Law and the Prophets meant essentially nothing if not established on these two simple commands, two greatest commands. Love God entirely.  Love others as you love yourself. 

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. We love, because He first loved us.”  (I John 4:7,11,19)

The GOATS of the world eventually change over time.  New athletes break sports records, Hollywood stars replace revered ones, and new world leaders accomplish historic milestones.

But the GOATS of the Scripture have never changed, will never change into eternity. 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection Questions

  1. Who do you think are some GOATS in sports or movies?
  2. How much of what you do and believe is based on these two commandments?
  3. What can you change or improve in your life this week to better follow these commandments?
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