Our Great Preparer

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.   (Vv. 5-6 [NIV 1984 ed.])

What do we do when we know that guests are about to show up at our home? We sweep the floor, we try to straighten things up, we wipe the dinner table or dust the coffee table, put some toys away, and we may even try to get the dishes washed. Why? We want to be good hosts and we want our guests to feel comfortable. [I know we sometimes clean up so we won’t be embarrassed at how messy our house is–but we’ll save that issue for another devotion.] The bottom line is we want to show hospitality. And sometimes to the chagrin of our spouses, we do not give enough time to properly prepare!

The shepherd of Psalm 23 is also a divine host. For his sheep he wins the victory over sin and death and invites you to dine with him at his banquet table. He anoints you with the oil of gladness as you come in. He provides all you need and more. And to conclude, the psalmist finds comfort in God’s assurance of an eternal home with Him.

But how does this work in the present? What does this mean for me today? Here are two answers. The Apostle Paul wrote, “In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12b-13). And the night before he died, Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-3). That is eternal hospitality!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, the Good Shepherd, thank you for laying down your life for your sheep, for knowing your own and allowing us to know you, and for offering abundant life that begins today and lasts forever.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Our Great Protector

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,

for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  (V. 4 [NIV 1984 ed.])

The Lord our shepherd is not only a provider, but is also a protector. The valley of the shadow of death could also be translated “the valley of deep darkness.” I think this gets at both the sense of the nearness of physical death and also the darkness of feeling distant from God or deeply despondent in life, such as we find in Psalm 88. David’s fears were calmed as he meditated on the shepherd’s tools of the trade in the hands of the divine Shepherd. David himself had protected his father’s sheep from bears and lions with the rod. And with his staff he had directed them to places of food, drink, and rest. How much more is the Lord able and willing to protect and lead those under his care! Many times we see that our shepherd has quite literally protected us from physical death. Other times he protects us from despair in the face of death.

Facing his own imminent death for sinners, Jesus kneeled in the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed three times, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will (see Matthew 26:36-46). Our Shepherd truly understands his sheep. He knows. In fact, our Good Shepherd is also our Great High Priest: Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Let us do so, even now.

PRAYER: Dear Lord our Shepherd, thank you for being the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort we have received first from you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Our Great Provider (part 2)

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

     he leads me beside quiet waters,

     he restores my soul

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

(V. 1-3 [NIV 1984 ed.])

He restores my soul. For the sheep, the image here is of the physical renewal the needy animal experiences once he gets the needed food, water, and rest mentioned in the previous verse.[1] We too need to partake of the physical and material provisions God provides for our well-being. But for human beings, for believers, this provision includes the spiritual aspect of our lives. We need that spiritual refreshment that only the Holy Spirit provides. Elsewhere, King David describes God’s word as reviving the soul, making wise the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eyes, and sweeter than honey (see Psalm 19). This is one reason we pause at work to read and meditate even now.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. For those of us who went to Vacation Bible School back in the day we remember learning in our pledge to the Bible: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you Psalms 119:105 & 11). The shepherd again provides. May God’s word lead us today as we serve our families or colleagues and encourage and point one another down the right paths as well.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for being a Shepherd who provides for sheep like us. Each of us wakes up today with spiritual needs. Please meet those needs and help us to look out for the spiritual and emotional needs of one another. Please do this for our good and for your glory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[1] Reformation Study Bible, 855.

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Our Great Provider

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

     he leads me beside quiet waters.

(V. 1-2 [NIV 1984 ed.])

Sheep are well-known to be needy animals. They are totally dependent upon their shepherd for their food and water. Without their shepherd the sheep would starve or perish from thirst.

The image of God as shepherd is inexhaustibly rich.[1] We humans, however, known for our self-sufficiency, do not always appreciate being compared to sheep. But we really should relish this metaphor and cling to the truth it illustrates. Green pastures represent the daily necessities of life. Quiet waters literally mean “waters of resting places.” It is a picture not only of hydration, but of refreshment and rest.

James elaborates on the idea expressed here when he says, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17a ESV). All that we have comes from the Lord. The food on our tables, our health, our ability to work, and our families and friends–these are all ultimately gifts from a Good Shepherd who is caring for his sheep. Jesus even reminds us that it is our Father in heaven who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field. Will he not much more feed and clothe us (see Matt. 5:25-34)?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for being a Shepherd who provides for sheep like us. Fill us today with a spirit of gratitude to you and of generosity toward others made in your image.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[1] Reformation Study Bible, 854.

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The Fountain of Wisdom

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2, 3 CSB)

We need wisdom like never before! In the Bible wisdom refers to the basic skills we need—physical, mental, relational, vocational—for navigating life successfully in this world. Biblical wisdom also refers to one’s relationship with God. The Psalms and Proverbs tell us the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. A proper reverence and honor and desire for the glory of God are essential for a life of wisdom.

These ideas converge in the portrait the apostle, Paul, paints of Christ in his letters to the churches. Paul teaches us the in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Do you know Jesus? Have you trusted in Him alone? His is the one in whom salvation is found: Savior of sinners. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) He is the one in whom redemption is found: Redeemer of the lost. When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4, 5) He is the one in whom we find justification, a right-standing with God: Justifier of his people. The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:22-24)

Paul sums it up in his letter to the Christians at Corinth. He says, “It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption—in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:30, 31). It is only through the Wisdom of God, that is, Christ Jesus, that we as individuals, as families, as communities, and in all the areas of government will glorify God and will live wisely in the way God intends.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please send your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, to fill me, to renew the members of my family, and to save my community, my state, and our nation from the world, the flesh, and the devil. To God be the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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The Wonderful Witness of Scripture

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life ​— ​that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us ​— what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. — 1 John 1:1-4 (CSB)

How do we know about the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ? We know because of God’s special revelation, the Bible, his Word.

I am thankful for the Apostle John’s witness he bears for Christ in his Gospel, his letters, and the Revelation. He has told us about what he actually saw, heard, and experienced. He is a faithful witness of Jesus Christ. And he has told us about it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

We can be sure of what we believe about Jesus. And further, we have the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to bring salvation for sinners. Thank you for the apostles and prophets who bore witness to your great works of salvation that culminated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank you for the Bible, that tells us of the good news of the Gospel. Please write your Holy Word upon our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Right in My Eyes

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.  (Judges 17:6 (and 21:25) ESV)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Solomon told us, “there is nothing new under the sun” (see Eccl. 1). I just finished reading the book of Judges. The handoff from Moses, the man of God, to Joshua, the faithful servant of Moses, had gone well. The people professed that they would obey all the words of God’s law and would keep it before them. But later we realize some bad signs. One by one we read of the tribes not completing the conquest as they were commanded (see Judges 1). This profound act of disobedience opened the door to paganism and idolatry. It followed quickly. After Joshua’s death we learn: That whole generation was also gathered to their ancestors. After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works he had done for Israel. (Judges 2:10 CSB). The good news was not passed on to the next generation. A new generation grew up lacking the character and conviction to be God’s faithful people in the land of promise. The book of Judges recounts the foolishness, wickedness, and debauchery that follows a forgetful people.

Yes, it seems like we are living in the times of the Judges again. Everyone seems to be doing whatever seems right to him or to her. We see it in the interactions of parents, children, coaches, and officials at ballparks. We see places of learning—schools and libraries—being given over to the promotion of the sexual revolution. Children are being seduced into life-altering medical procedures. We observe a Department of Justice that us ordinary Americans now fear. One theologian and pastor after another departs the Biblical faith for the fleeting desire to be “liked” by the popular press. I wish to be faithful. Help me, Lord.

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him (Judges 21:25 CSB). They were living in times of both political and spiritual anarchy. Public life was total chaos. Religious life was one of mixing with the cult practices of the day. It was ultimately apostasy, a turning away from the true faith. Moses had led them faithfully. Joshua had followed, directing their lives by God’s word to them. They forgot about Joshua, Moses, and their God. What about for us today? We and our children have the same word they did. We must keep it before us and pass it on. Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you. How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word. (Psalm 119:106, 11, 9)

PRAYER: Dear Lord, open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction (Psalm 119:18). In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Godly Grief or Worldly Grief

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10 CSB)

The church in Corinth had fallen into sin. Paul offered a pastoral rebuke of them through his “severe letter” (see verses 8, 9). The Corinthians were grieved for a time as their consciences were pricked and their spirits welled up with conviction. Theirs was a godly grief that led to repentance.

The New Testament provides an illustration of these two kinds of grief in the lives of two apostles, Peter and Judas. Matthew tells us that following his three denials of Jesus, Peter remembered Jesus’ foretelling and so he went out and wept bitterly (Matt. 26:75b). John later records Peter’s restoration to fellowship with Jesus and to his mission as an apostle (Jn. 21:15-19). Peter loved Jesus.

Matthew also records Judas’ response to his own betrayal of Jesus: Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What’s that to us?” they said. “See to it yourself!”  So he threw the silver into the temple and departed. Then he went and hanged himself. It is a tragic end. Judas’ remorse was not repentance. Judas appears to have just been mad at himself for his foolish decision. Repentance does not mean self-punishment, distress, or depression. It means a decisive change of heart and a turning away from sin unto a new obedience.

There is a severe difference between godly grief and worldly grief. Do you care the most about getting caught—about the embarrassment or shame of realizing the sin you have committed? Do you hate the conflict you have brought into relationships? Do you fear being disliked? Paul is clear: realizing I am wrong should lead me to sorrow and deep grief. But if Christ died for my sins on the cross and if his blood washes me clean, then I take my sin to his cross, face the earthly consequences, and seek to walk in newness of life toward God and any whom I have offended.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you, Jesus, for coming into the world to save sinners like me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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A Mobile Home

Posted on September 13, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

The angel of the Lord encamps

around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! (Psalm 34:7, 8)

Solomon told us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10a). We need more fear of the Lord and wisdom in our day. Solomon’s father, David, said that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him. J. A. Motyer explains: “David’s testimony can be anyone’s testimony because the Angel encamps (lives in a mobile home so as to move with the people of God in their earthly pilgrimage) with all who fear him.”[i] What a remarkable benefit of wise living! Therefore, we all can receive David’s invitation to taste and see, to take refuge (v. 8), and to find all our needs (spiritual, relational, emotional, and material) met in him!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help me to receive this invitation by faith. I desire to come to you and find rest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[i] New Bible Commentary (1994), p. 507.

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God Does Not Make Suggestions

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, … according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27 ESV)

In my study last week that led to the devotional concerning the obedience of faith, as Paul called it, I was struck anew by God’s call upon the creatures he has made. Note that Paul closes his magnum opus just as he began: according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith. To put it simply, God does not invite, he commands. John the Baptist preached: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). And Jesus likewise: After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14, 15 CSB) Believers need to get this fact deep within our souls and keep it on our minds. Repent and believe the gospel. We live in a culture that has left such nonsense—a God who commands—well behind.

The Apostle gives this to us with razor-sharp focus in his exhortation/lecture/sermon to the Athenians at the Areopagus. Having preached a few words about the doctrine of God and creation, Paul continues, “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has set a day when he is going to judge the world in righteousness by the man he has appointed. He has provided proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30, 31). Note the grace: having overlooked the times of ignorance. If you are alive and reading this then time has not run out—you can even now, repent and believe the good news that Jesus came to save sinners like you and me. You can still respond with the obedience of faith. The time is short, however. Life is but a vapor. The Lord has fixed a day when Jesus will judge the living and the dead. It is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

However, in the meantime—just like the thief on the cross next to Jesus, you can believe—This Jesus…there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved (Acts 4:11, 12). Repent and believe the good news.

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