Devotional writing, poetry, photographs by Susie Hale and Susan Slade - Check out our website and make donations at www.preciousjewelsministries.org and follow our Bible studies at www.biblestudy-pjm.blogspot.com and https://bible-discussion-with-susie-and-susan.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 30, 2018
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
PSALM 119:18 - OPEN MY EYES
Open My Eyes
Lord, through your Spirit open my
eyes.
Help me to learn from
God the All-wise.
Let me gaze with wonder at your perfect
plan
Spelled out in your word, the
redemption of man.
Deep in my soul, Lord, stoke the
fire
To make your Word my
burning desire.
Purify me and remove all the dross
So I can stand firm when it seems
all is lost.
It is by your grace that I live and
obey,
Your law is my
delight, for it shows me the way.
I will keep your statutes by your power
in me,
As you open my eyes and help me to
see.
Do you ask God to open
your eyes? Before you begin reading
scripture, ask God to help you understand what you read. Ask him to help you obey what he shows
you. Ask him to help you apply the principles
you find. Ask him to fill you with a
longing to know more of him. All of
these are things God wants for you, so I feel confident that he will answer
your honest prayer about them. Satan
bombards us with excuses for not spending time in the word. It is only by the power of the risen Lord
within us that we can overcome that temptation to do other things rather than
spend time in God’s word. God assures us
in I Corinthians 10:13 that he will provide us a way to escape temptation. When you feel tempted to put other things
ahead of spending time with the Lord, pray and ask him to help you escape. When you have been blessed by a great time in
the Word, remember to thank the Lord and to delight in his blessing. When he opens your eyes to see wonderful
things in his word, share those with others.
Encourage them to allow God to open their eyes as well.
Monday, April 23, 2018
LUKE 9:35 - An Encounter with the Glorious Majesty
An Encounter with the Glorious Majesty
From Peter’s point of view
By Nicole Foster, Susan Slade, and Susie Hale
Jesus
took James, John, and me on a high mountain. We seemed to be Jesus’ inner
circle of followers. His appearance changed right before our very eyes. His
face was shining as the sun, and His clothes became white as the brightest
light there is! Suddenly, Moses and Elijah were standing there talking with
Jesus. How did we know who they were? I have no earthly idea; we just did.
I blurted out, “Teacher, it’s a great
thing that we’re here. We should build three shelters here: one for You, one
for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Jesus didn’t reply to my idea.
At that point, a shining cloud
surrounded us, and we were interrupted by a voice from heaven. The bold voice
came from the majestic Glory saying, “This is My beloved Son, I take delight in
Him!”
We all fell face down on the ground
from overwhelming fright! Jesus touched us and told us not to be afraid. We
realized Moses and Elijah were no longer present.
Then Jesus commanded us to make an
unusual promise. We had just gotten back from a preaching journey, sharing
about Jesus everywhere we went. But now, He asked us to keep this whole
experience on the mountain a secret! I wondered why, but we obeyed Him and did
not tell a single soul until after His death and resurrection.
What a day! We witnessed this—we
ourselves heard this voice from heaven—when we were with Jesus on that holy
mountain. This is why I can confidently teach that Jesus is indeed the Son of
God, the Messiah, the Lord of lords.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
PSALM 119:11 TREASURED WORDS - BON APPETITE!
Treasured Words
Thy word is a
treasure, riches stored there for me;
And hidden in my heart
so I’ll not sin against thee.
Lord, teach me thy
ways, put thy laws on my lips.
Keep my way pure, let
me stand and not trip.
When I meditate on thy
word, thou givest light
And leadeth down the
path of my heart’s delight.
O Lord, let me never
thy word neglect.
Fill me with truth
till thy light I reflect.
Bon Appetite!
I love dessert! Whether it’s a chocolate fudge brownie and a
dip of vanilla ice cream smothered with hot fudge and caramel sauces or my
favorite cheesecake buried beneath fresh sweet strawberries, I look forward to
a good dessert. I try to resist indulging in them because my figure already
advertises the fact that I love dessert.
However, as tasty as they may be, dessert items are not the healthiest
choice on the restaurant menu.
Sometimes I find myself treating God’s
word like dessert. It’s that extra,
added benefit at the end of an otherwise average day like dessert is the sweet
treat at the end of a meal. After all,
doesn’t Psalm 34:8 tell us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good?” I love to taste God’s word. I can taste God’s word by reading the
scripture verse at the end of an entertaining, one page devotional. That’s like eating dessert. Dessert is often thought of as “comfort food”
used to soothe the rough edges off a bad day.
I can draw comfort from familiar verses and passages of God’s word.
However, just as I cannot live a healthy
life physically by eating only sweets, I cannot live a healthy life spiritually
by just occasionally reading the parts of God’s word that give me a warm
feeling. Sometimes, like eating an
appetizer, I’ll read an excerpt from the Word that should whet my appetite for
more; but I have a tendency to stop after the mozzarella sticks and not go on
to the main course. God’s word is compared to bread (Matt. 4:4) which was a
staple food of the Jewish culture. The
Word should be my mainstay and not just an afterthought or a starter.
God’s word cannot be merely dessert
added as an afterthought or an occasional pleasant flavor. Yes, I enjoy tasting God’s word, but a
dessert portion of it will not sustain my spiritual energy during times of
temptation and trial. I must move to the
place where I can say as Job did, “I have esteemed and treasured up the words
of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12 Amplified Version,
italics mine). I must eat a balanced
diet of all the food groups in order to be physically healthy, and I must eat a
balanced diet of God’s word in order to be spiritually healthy. I challenge you to do the same. Dine on the meat of God’s word while still
enjoying an interesting appetizer or a delicious dessert. I’m hoping this will be your appetizer to a
scrumptious Scripture meal. Bon appetite!
Monday, April 16, 2018
LUKE 9:23-24 FOLLOW JESUS: The Way is Narrow and Hard, but the Burden is Light
FOLLOW
JESUS
The
Way is Narrow and Hard
But
the Burden is Light
By
Susie Hale
When I was a child, I remember
singing “Jesus Loves Me” and “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, but I also grew
up with songs like “Follow Me” by Ira Stanphill. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN8UW_C_sgA. The
following is the second verse:
“I
work so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say,
“I’ve
sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way,
I gave
up fame and fortune; I’m worth a lot to thee,”
And
then I heard Him gently say to me,
“I
left the throne of glory and counted it but loss,
My
hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross,
But
now we’ll make the journey
with your
hand safe in mine,
So
lift your cross and follow close to me.”
Today, I hear mostly music
about all Jesus can do for us and preaching about the prosperity and health He
wants us to have. Yes, following Jesus brings tremendous blessings; but it is
not the easy road. In fact, the path we are to travel with Jesus is narrow,
difficult, and sometimes exhausting:
Matthew
7:13-14 (CJB) Go in through the narrow gate; for the gate that leads to
destruction is wide and the road broad, and many travel it; but it is a narrow
gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Jesus calls us to a life of “a
peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding” (Philippians 4:7
Voice). However, it is also a life of completely submitting my will to that of
God the Father. Blessing is found in obedience. True fulfillment is found in
knowing and applying the word of God found in the Bible:
Psalm
119:14 (CJB) I rejoice in the way of your instruction more than in any kind of
wealth.
Surrender your life
afresh and anew to the Lord’s will today. Take up your cross and follow Him
with confidence in His promise found at Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy and
my burden is light.” How can the way be hard and light at the same time? Jesus
is on the other side of the yoke carrying the bulk of the burden.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
PSALM 119:1-3 WALK THIS WAY
Walking
According to the Law of the Lord
Lord, teach me what it means to walk
according to your law
That
my way may be found blameless and my life be blessed.
Help me to seek you daily with all of
my heart
Remaining
steadfast and passing every test.
The things that I learn from your
word may I obey;
May
I praise you from an obedient heart and in your presence rest.
“Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
They do nothing wrong; they walk in his
ways.
You have laid down precepts that are to be
fully obeyed.
Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying
your decrees!
Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
I will obey your decrees; do not utterly
forsake me.”
Psalm 119:1-8
Walk This Way
How many times have
you seen it…the guide (hotel clerk, detective, etc.) says, “Walk this way,” and
the unsuspecting second character proceeds to imitate some idiotic walk. We always laugh because, of course, we knew
the guide meant “walk in this direction.”
When the Bible
tells us to walk in the way of the Lord or to walk in the Spirit, it means not
only in the same direction but also in imitation of. You may well ask, “How do we walk this
way?” Scripture tells us and the life of
Christ demonstrates how to walk.
Psalm 119 is the
chapter I call “God’s Word on God’s Word” because almost every verse contains a
synonym for Scripture. It begins by
saying that when we walk according to what we read in God’s word, we are
blessed, happy. Obedience to God’s
decrees brings happiness; disobedience brings separation from the Lord. Thus,
learning what God has instructed us to do and then doing it, is walking
according to the law of the Lord.
The New Testament
confirms this truth: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive
yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who
listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his
face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately
forgets what he looks like. But the man
who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do
this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in
what he does” (James 1:22-25). Studying
the life of Christ in the Gospels and the lives of the disciples in Acts gives
us a picture of how to walk.
As you study God’s
word be careful to do the things you learn.
Follow the instructions God gives you for living an upright life. Pray that the Holy Spirit will empower you to
obey and imitate the Lord. Remember to praise the Lord for the strength he
gives and to thank him for the presence of his Holy Spirit in your life.
Continually strive to “walk this way.”
Monday, April 9, 2018
LUKE 9:17 LEFTOVERS
LEFTOVERS
Everyone eats. Everyone is satisfied. Nobody goes away
hungry. In fact,
when the disciples recover the leftovers, they have 12
baskets full of broken pieces.
Luke 9:17 (VOICE)
Those of us who attend Baptist
churches are veterans of many potluck dinners. Sometimes the meat is furnished,
but many times it is a true potluck where everyone brings something and hopes
others bring something else. I’ve been at potlucks that would have been enjoyed
by vegetarians because there were absolutely no meat dishes. Other times, we
might as well have called it dessert deluxe because everyone likes to show off
their baking skills. On this particular day, the crowd did not even come
prepared for a potluck dinner. Apparently the only one who had anything to
share was a boy with five loaves of bread and two fish. I’ve been to a few
skimpy potlucks over the years, but most of the time there is plenty. What
these people and even Jesus’s closest twelve followers did not realize is that
the provisions are never scant when Jesus is in charge of the potluck. He
blessed those loaves and fish, and his disciples proceeded to distribute supper
to 5,000 men and their families! Not only did the boy’s meager contribution
stretch to feed the entire crowd, but there were twelve basketfuls left over.
It is probably no coincidence that each doubting disciple would be left holding
an entire basketful of food! The Bible does not tell us what was done with the
leftovers, but in the Jewish culture it was not acceptable to toss out good
food. Therefore, I am sure they ate the bread the next day or gave it away to
local people in need. Are you in need of miraculous provision physically,
spiritually, or emotionally? Jesus will never barely meet your need. He will
always exceed your expectations and entrust you with the responsibility of
using the leftovers wisely. Trust the Lord with the little you have and watch
Him multiply it to completely satisfy you with enough left over to share!
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
PSALM 119 - GOD'S WORD ON GOD'S WORD
God’s Word on God’s Word
Psalm 119
I am to walk according to the law of the
Lord,
Living in obedience to God’s holy word.
By following His commands, I keep my way
pure.
As I treasure His word, my faith will endure.
I meditate on God’s decrees. He opens my
eyes.
His statutes will counsel me and be my
delight.
When weary with sorrow, in His word I am
strong:
I run in the path of His commands all day
long.
I focus on Scripture instead of worthless
pursuits,
His precepts produce righteousness as fruit.
As I meditate on our Lord’s decrees,
I find that His precepts are the truth that
frees.
God’s decrees will be the theme of my song,
His promises preserve me all my life long.
The Lord is my portion, nothing more do I
need.
I live in His love and desire to know His
decrees.
God’s law is more precious than silver or
gold.
I will obey with all my heart, to Him I will
hold.
God made my mind, enabled me to learn.
When I am in need of comfort, to His word I
turn.
Through persecution and trials, I hope in His
word.
God’s promises are the most trustworthy
heard.
His faithfulness continues through all
generations.
God established the earth and all of its
nations.
I savor the scriptures; like honey they are
sweet.
They provide understand for each new path I
meet.
Knowledge of God’s word, changed my
direction,
I continue to be guided by daily reflection.
The wicked, the Lord will discard like dross;
But my hope is in His word and I will not be
lost.
I love God’s commands more than purest gold.
I hate every wrong path, the sin that’s so
bold.
Streams of tears flow, for God’s law is not
obeyed.
Redeem me from oppression of men, Lord, I
pray.
I meditate on Your promises in the middle of
the night,
And my hope is in You, Lord, before the
dawn’s light.
I am confident God preserves my life in His
love
Until the time that He calls me to join Him
above.
I have great peace and by Your grace, will
not stumble.
You know all about me. Therefore, I am
humble.
I will sing of God’s words which are my
delight.
I will praise the Lord forever, my Life and
my Light.
Monday, April 2, 2018
LUKE 8:43-44 HEALING IN HIS WINGS
HEALING
IN HIS WINGS
By the Roving Reporter
Galilee:
You
may have read the headlines about the daughter of Jairus being raised from the
dead. Many witnesses testified that the twelve-year-old girl had died while her
dad was out finding Jesus to come and heal her. However, after Jesus and three
of His faithful followers entered the house, the little girl miraculously came
back to life. This was an exciting turn of events—Jesus raised someone from the
dead! However, another miracle occurred while the Rabbi was on His way to
Jairus’s house, and I have the exclusive interview with the recipient of His
healing power.
Roving
Reporter: Tell me a little bit about the affliction that drove you to
seek out Jesus of Nazareth.
Woman:
This
is a little bit embarrassing, but if it brings glory to the Rabbi and helps
others to see the truth about Him, I will gladly share my story.
RR:
Why
embarrassing?
W:
My
infirmity made me unclean because I had an issue of blood. I had exhausted my
financial resources and suffered every kind of treatment at the hands of many
physicians. I was worn to a frazzle.
RR: How
long had this been going on?
W:
I
had been bleeding for twelve long years.
RR:
Amazing! Describe your encounter with the Healer.
W:
I
had heard many accounts of the healing power of Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore,
when I heard He was on the way to the house of Jairus, I seized the opportunity
to see Him. There was a sizable crowd preventing me from approaching Him.
Besides, if anyone recognized me, they would have told Him to stay away because
I was unclean.
RR:
How
did you overcome that obstacle?
W:
I
remembered that one of the Prophets foretold that the Messiah would have
“healing in his wings.”
RR:
His
wings?
W:
That
is a euphemism for the fringe at the hem of a man’s garment that reminds him of
the law. We Jews call it the “tzitzit.”
RR:
So,
what did you do next?
Woman:
I
crept up behind Jesus trying not to be observed. I believed Him to be the
Messiah, and I thought to myself, “If I can only touch His wings, I will be
healed.” I held my breath and reached up to touch the fringe.
RR:
Describe
what happened next.
W:
I
felt power surge through my body and knew in my heart that I was completely
healed! However, I had not escaped the Rabbi’s notice. He asked, “Who touched
me?” Even though His disciples pointed out
that everyone was touching Him, I
knew I had to confess. He said He had felt the power go out from Him.
RR:
Was
Jesus angry that you had touched His clothing while you were unclean?
W:
Not
at all! He turned to me and said, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath
made thee whole; go in peace.” The Master called me “daughter!” Rather than my
affliction contaminating Him, His power decontaminated me! Jesus definitely
does have healing in His wings!
RR:
Thank
you for granting this interview and sharing your story.
W:
I
plan to share the story of Jesus’s graciousness to me with everyone I meet for
the rest of my life!
RR:
There
you have it, readers. Jesus performed a miracle on His way to perform a
miracle! The stories surrounding this man just get more and more incredible!
But unto you that fear my name
shall the Sun of righteousness
arise
with healing in his wings;
and ye shall go forth and grow
up
as calves of the stall.
Malachi 4:2 (KJV)
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