March 15

Immediately after calming the storm in Mark 4, Jesus arrived at the region of the Gerasenes (also called the Gadarenes or the Gergesenes). Sadly, about a thousand years ago, someone decided to put a chapter break in the text between these events, because if you’re reading one chapter at a time, you might miss the fact that Mark presents the story of Jesus and His disciples calming one physical storm and immediately arriving at another one.

Upon arrival, they encounter a demonized man living in the tombs who was so tormented by an unclean spirit that he could not be controlled by those around him. (5:2) They tried to restrain him with chains, but the chains were too weak and broke. He constantly cried out and cut himself with stones. (v. 5) When Jesus asked for the demon’s name, the response was, “My name is Legion for we are many.” Now, consider that, at this time (the first century A.D.), a Roman legion consisted of some 5,000-6,000 men as heavy infantry, plus 120 cavalry. This poor man then was tormented not by one unclean spirit but thousands!

Note: I use the term demonized, rather than demon-possessed or demon-oppressed, because that is the proper rendering of the Greek word δαιμονίζομαι, which appears in verse 15 and numerous other places throughout the Gospels. Oftentimes, well-meaning Christians use the terms “possessed” and “oppressed” to distinguish between demonic affliction in an unbeliever versus a believer. The former term, they argue, only applies to unbelievers since believers cannot ever be totally controlled by demons since the Holy Spirit resides within them.

That is certainly true. But, the argument is frequently taken one step further, alleging that Christians can never be inhabited by demons because they could not possibly dwell in the same body as the Holy Spirit. The Bible, however, makes no such a statement. That is an argument from silence and big “no-no” in theology.

Still confusing is the fact that the word “possessed” implies ownership and total control. Now, while that might be the case in a number of demonic encounters recorded in the Gospels, it’s certainly not the case in all of them, and the boy who had a mute and deaf spirit and the bent-over woman with a disabling spirit are two quick examples. (Mark 9:25; Luke 13:11)

Complicating things further is the fact that the word “oppressed” implies that the demonization of the individual is an external affliction, rather than internal one. The trouble here is that ALL demonization in Scripture is internal. Every time the verb δαιμονίζομαι is used a demon is in someone—not outside of them, around them, etc. AND, demons are always “cast out” out of people—never “cast off.” No exceptions.

See how quickly the waters get muddied when we deviate from God’s word choices? His word δαιμονίζομαι (“demonize”), by the way, simply means “to have a demon.” So, let’s keep it simple and use His word, instead of splitting hairs and complicating the matter.

Returning to the demonized man now, one thing we must not miss is that he was so incredibly strong he broke chains and shackles and cut himself with stones. You may know someone or may have heard of someone involved in self-harm, which can be related to deeply-rooted anger, depression, self-esteem, and body dysphoria. However, self-harm (along with overwhelming strength) can be strong signs of demonization. If you know anyone exhibiting these behaviors, it may be due to demonization. If so, they need specialized help by someone experienced in dealing with these issues.

Legion asked to be cast into a herd of some two thousand pigs nearby, and Jesus obliged them. After this large herd of demonized pigs rushed into the sea, and the local people begged Jesus to leave the region. It seems that they were more concerned with their financial stability than with Jesus’ influence and this poor man’s condition.

Finally, the demonized man begged to accompany Jesus and His disciples. Jesus told the man, however, “Go home to your own people, and report to them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” (v. 19) The man then went and proclaimed what Jesus had done for him across ten towns (the Decapolos). Wow, what a testimony and influence this man must have had!

Application

All this talk of demons might have raised the question in your mind, “So, can Satan just go and torment someone whenever he wants?” The answer: no.

I refer you to the book of Job, where Job was tormented by Satan himself. Here we read that Satan approached God requesting to torment Job. God first said he could touch anything belonging to Job, but could not lay one finger on the man himself. (Job 1) Satan then requested another round with job. This time God allowed Satan to bodily afflict Job but not take his life. (Job 2)

The point here is that Satan was/is not a free agent. Neither he nor his demons can do a single thing apart from the sovereign permission of God! (1 Kings 22:19-23 demonstrates that demons are limited in the same way as Satan.) Never in Scripture is there a question as to who has more authority between God and Satan, and never is there a question about who is always on the throne.

Do not fear Satan then. He can only do what God allows. And, remember when you are tempted that God always gives His people a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The post A Tale of Two Storms appeared first on Psalm 34:8.

In today’s Bible reading* (specifically Proverbs 26) King Solomon wisely tells his son to avoid three types of people: fools, gossips, and haters.

Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon warns about fools. Today, he says, “Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness or you’ll be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his foolishness or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.” Proverbs 26:4–5 (CSB)

In these two statements, Solomon warns his son to be careful how he deals with foolish people. He says, “Don’t be like them.” Instead, his son is to rebuke foolish people. I have often heard people say that we should be like Jesus who didn’t judge people. They often quote Matthew 7:1. I agree that ultimate judgment is reserved for God. But just a few verses later, Jesus warns His Disciples to be discerning about people.

You may remember my earlier comments about foolish people. They deny God’s existence and God’s sovereignty. (Psalm 53:1–3) Associating with these people can discourage you in your faith. Instead, we need people who will encourage us and spur us along in our faith. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Next, Solomon warns his son to avoid gossips. He says that their words can kindle hostilities (Proverbs 26:20-21) James echoes this sentiment when he says,

“Though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.“
James 3:5–8 (CSB)

Some time ago, I spoke about the power of our words. (Proverbs 18:21) A few years ago, I wrote more about this verse. What we say — and what others around us say — can have catastrophic effects on our emotional and spiritual well-being. What others around us say can be very divisive. How many churches have you heard of that divided fellowship over things people said or the way they said them?

Finally, Solomon warns his son about haters, those who are downright hateful from a dark heart. (Proverbs 26:24-26) He says that they are not only hateful, but they are deceptive, telling you what you want to hear, but really intend evil (Proverbs 26:26)

Application

You may have heard the expression, “Never Wrestle with a Pig. You Both Get Dirty and the Pig Likes It.” That expression sums up what Solomon is trying to convey to his son.

At an early age, I learned a very important lesson about being careful who you hang out with. Let me just say that we all had the “privilege” of talking with a police officer and a firefighter. To this day, except for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, I maintain my innocence, but the boys involved were very destructive. Even into her adult years, my sister was hesitant to light candles.

I have had some dealings with foolish people on social media. I have dealt with personal attacks and downright hateful attitudes. I was attacked for being a hateful preacher because of an innocent comment. I have decided to take Solomon’s advice and not answer these foolish people, lest I become like them in my tone and waste a great deal of time and emotional energy. I even “unfriended” a “Facebook Friend” because it became abundantly clear that this person wasn’t interested in hearing objective truth.

Examine who you associate with. Do they encourage you in your walk of faith? Or do they cast doubt in your walk? Be careful.

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
– 1 Kings 9
– 2 Chronicles 8
– Proverbs 25
– Proverbs 26

This devotional was originally published on June 9, 2021.

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The post Be Careful with Your Associations: Fools, Gossips, and Haters appeared first on Psalm 34:8.

Today’s Bible reading* has some important warnings about the words we say and how we say them.

Wise words satisfy like a good meal;
the right words bring satisfaction.
The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:20–21 (NLT)

Yesterday, I mentioned the use of our words and James 3. Let’s look at more of what Jesus’ half-brother says.

So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
James 3:5–12 (CSB)

Application

If you’ve ever drunk water from a natural spring, you know how refreshing the water can be. But if the spring has been polluted, it can be terribly dangerous. Taking into account what James says above, what Solomon says in Proverbs 4:23, and what Jesus says in Luke 6:45, we need to be very careful to guard our hearts and what we put into it.

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “eating your words”. Today’s proverbs address just that. We need to be very careful what words we say and how we say them, because those words may just come back to bite us.

But we need to watch, not only the words we say to others. We need to be careful what words we say to ourselves and about ourselves to others. Those words can be just as damning to us as they can be to others. How we talk to and about ourselves can have devastating effects on our self-image and can develop into mental illness issues.

Oftentimes, we tell ourselves lies and part of that may result from spiritual warfare. (2 Corinthians 10:3–6) Wield the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to demolish those lying arguments that you tell yourself.

Listen to the Word of Truth as you spend time in your Bible. Ask God to reveal Himself and His thoughts about you.

Speak healing words to others … and yourself.

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
– Proverbs 17
– Proverbs 18
– Proverbs 19
– Proverbs 20

This devotional was originally published on June 2, 2021.

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The post Be Careful When Eating Your Words appeared first on Psalm 34:8.

In today’s Bible reading* we see a stark contrast to yesterday’s reading about an 85-year-old Caleb choosing the Hill Country because he wanted the challenge of slaying the giants in the land. Today we read the descendants of Joseph complain that the Hill Country isn’t large enough for them. It appears that they don’t want to clear the forest to establish cities for themselves. It involves work. Besides, the Canaanites are strong and have iron chariots. Whereas Caleb courageously wanted the challenge of conquering the giants, Joseph’s descendants wanted to avoid the conflict.

But what did Joshua do? He encouraged Joseph’s descendants to rise to the occasion. He assured them that God would be with them, and they would conquer the strong Canaanites with their iron chariots.

Application

Sometimes, we need a little encouragement. We feel discouraged. We need courage. We feel disheartened.

Did you notice that? I just used four words with the word heart to describe our condition and our needs. The Latin root cor means heart. So to restate the first sentence of this paragraph, we need a little heart put into us.

When we need a little heart put into you, reach out to a friend, someone who knows you and can speak life into yours. Also, you can always reach out to God, who can make you courageous, like Caleb. Spend some time reading back through the story of Caleb. (Joshua 14) Pray about it.

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
– Joshua 15
– Joshua 16
– Joshua 17
– Joshua 18

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Remember Caleb? Other than Joshua, Caleb is the only person left who fled from Egypt. He and Joshua spied out the land and told the people that with God’s blessings, they could be victorious. In today’s Bible reading*, rather than ask for an easy life at eighty-five years old, Caleb asks for the Hill Country where the giants lived. He claims that with God’s blessing, he will be able to defeat the giants. Caleb is as strong now as he was when he spied out the land forty-five years earlier.

It would have been easy for Caleb to ask for land that had already been captured. No one would have blamed this elderly man for asking for an easy retired life. After all, he had faithfully worked to ensure victory over their enemies.

But instead, he sees new challenges. And he wants the challenges of fighting the giants in the land. Did I mention he was eighty-five?

Application

We in the Twenty-First Century Western Culture have a thing called “retirement”. Retirement is a time to kick back and take it easy. It’s a time to enjoy the fruits of our labors. As a financial planner says on our local radio station, retirement should let you relive adolescence without adult supervision.

But did you know that the Bible doesn’t know the concept of retirement? The Bible’s expectation is for us to live productive lives as long as we are able. One man in our church has taken retirement twice. And he just went back to work in his mid-eighties because he feels he still has more productive years left. Way to go!

Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with taking retirement, spending the remainder of your life spending time with kids and grandkids, and traveling. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labors. Retirement can be a time to do things that work never afforded you the time to do. There are lots of organizations — including your church — where your time, talents, and treasures can have a new lease on life to build the Kingdom of God.

If you have prepared for retirement and can afford to, enjoy your retirement! But know that as long as you have breath, you have a purpose.

So get out there and slay some giants while you still can!

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
– Joshua 11
– Joshua 12
– Joshua 13
– Joshua 14

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