Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion covers Question and Answer 1 of The Westminister Confession of Faith Shorter Catechism which is found at the Daily Confession web site – Click here: Daily Confession  

 

Today’s devotion covers Mark 7:31-38 which is the story of Jesus healing the man who was deaf and spoke with difficulty.  We will focus on verse 37. 

 

^“37  They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well;  He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”  Mark 7:37.

 

 

What if Jesus said:  “I don’t have time to bother with lesser miracles like making the mute to speak.  I only specialize in making the deaf to hear.  It is sufficient to show My position, authority, and power as the Messiah, the Son of God, the Savior of the World to only heal the deaf.”???  Could we really blame Him?  Aren’t such excuses and “specializations” common to man? 

 

In contrast to these tendencies in man, Jesus took the time to heal both problems of this man.   “They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well;  He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”  Mark 7:37. 

 

We are called not only to be followers of Christ, but also to be imitators of Christ.  “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;”  Ephesians 5:1  See also 1 Corinthians 11:1 and 1 Thessalonians 1:6. 

 

But, we are not just called to be imitators of Christ as if God waits with His arms folded to see if we can achieve such status through our own will, wisdom, and strength.  God conforms us to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.  Romans 8:29.

 

We also receive power.  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  Philippians 4:13  (Emphasis added.)

 

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48

 

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
         And in His law he meditates day and night. 
 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
         Which yields its fruit in its season
         And its leaf does not wither;
         And in whatever he does, he prospers.”  Psalm 1:2-3.  (Emphasis added.)

 

We know that we have different gifts and different strengths.  Certain things are more difficult for us to do well.  But, that fact does not provide an excuse for us to not do those difficult certain things or to do those difficult certain things poorly.  We may need to read the Bible more for encouragement and pray more and spend more time and more effort in order to do those certain things well which are more difficult for us. 

 

In fact, we may show Christ in us better to others when they see that, despite our weaknesses, we do those things well through God’s grace.  “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness ”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9. 

 

In conclusion,  “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.  …  Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”  Colossians 3:17, 23-24.  

Today’s devotion covers Mark 7:24-30 which is the story of the Gentile woman, of the Syrophoenician race, who kept asking Jesus to cast the demon out of her daughter.  We will focus on verses 27 though 30. 

                                                

^“27  And He (Jesus) was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

 ²⁸  But she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table feed on the children’s crumbs.”

 ²⁹  And He said to her, “Because of this answer go; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”

 ³⁰  And going back to her home, she found the child lying on the bed, the demon having left.”  Mark 7:27-30.  (Emphasis and parenthetical comment added.)

Because Jesus attributes the reason why He cast out the demon of the Gentile woman’s daughter to the answer of the Gentile woman, we would do well to consider her answer.  What do we see in her answer?  I see three things upon which I want to comment, but you may find more. 

First, I see humility.  Instead of bristling with anger at being called a dog, the Gentile woman was humble.  She begins her answer with “Yes, Lord“.  I am reminded of James 4:6:  “But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  

Second, I see persistence.  Instead of giving up to Jesus’ statement that indicated that He was not likely to grant her request to cast the demon out of her daughter, the Gentile woman was persistent.  She adds the “but” and persists:   “Yes, Lord, but …”.  I am reminded of yesterday’s morning sermon by my Pastor Bob Burridge which emphasized and was titled “Persisting in Prayer”.  The sermon’s Scripture was Luke 11:5-13.

Third, I see knowledge and insight (wisdom).  Instead of giving up hope that the facts of this case precluded Jesus from helping, the Gentile woman found a “loophole”.  She had knowledge and insight that even dogs get crumbs, and thus, there may be hope that although her case was the exception, her daughter might get help as the exception, as the dog that gets the crumbs.  I would like to expand on this point.

We first should give credit to God for giving us that knowledge and insight (wisdom).  1 Corinthians 2:12-13 states:  “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.”  

But, second, we also seek to meditate on God’s Word that we might gain such knowledge and insight (wisdom).  Colossians 3:16 exhorts us:  “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”  Proverbs is full of teachings about the importance of wisdom.  In fact, the whole Bible emphasizes the importance of wisdom.  BibleGateway web site shows there are 211 verses with the word “wisdom” in it – Click here: BibleGateway.com – Keyword Search: wisdom  Here is one of example.  Proverbs 2:2 states:  “Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;”

Finally, we should also consider the warning of what the lack of knowledge and insight (wisdom) can do.  “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest.  Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”  Hosea 4:6 

Today’s devotion focuses on Mark 7:14-23.  We will focus on verses 18 to 23.  

 

^“18  And He said to them, “Are you so lacking in understanding also?  Do you not understand that whatever goes into the man from outside cannot defile him, 

                                       

 ¹⁹  because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach, and is eliminated?” (Thus He declared all foods clean.)

                                       

We are missing a more important general point if we limit the teaching of this Scripture to the specific point that all foods are clean.

The more important general point is the condition of man’s heart and the only remedy.

The condition of man’s heart is shown clearly here.  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.”  Mark 7:21-22.

^“10  as it is written,
         “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;
    ¹¹  THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,
         THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;
    ¹²  ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;
         THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,
         THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
    ¹³  “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,
         WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,”
         “THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”;
    ¹⁴  “WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”;
    ¹⁵  “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,
    ¹⁶  DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,
    ¹⁷  AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.”
    ¹⁸  “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”  Romans 3:10-18.

This condition is described by “Total Depravity”, the “T” in “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism.

So, how do we deal with such a heart of man?

The Conscience may affect man’s own actions.  The Conscience may help him somewhat.  At times, man may follow his Conscience and sin less times and sin “less worse” (evil thoughts instead of evil deeds).  “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.”  Romans 2:14-16.  But, man should not depend solely on his Conscience.  His Conscience will not keep him pure nor justify him.  Moreover, the Conscience may be defiled.  Titus 1:15 states:  “To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.”

The Law will give man more knowledge (beyond just his Conscience) as to what is sinful and will hold man accountable.  “Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;”.  Romans 3:19.  ^“But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.”  1 Timothy 1:8-11.  But, man should not depend solely on the Law, “because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.  Romans 3:20.   

The Government will punish man.  “… But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  Romans 13:5.  But, man should not depend solely on the Government.  The Government may restrain man from committing some types of sins and may restrain man from committing as many sins as he may want to commit, but the Government will obviously not restrain all sins nor will it restrain any evil thoughts. 

At best, the Conscience, the Law, and the Government may make man be like one in a courtroom:  clean and groomed, well-dressed, and in perfect behavior.  But, for how long? 

At best, the Conscience, the Law, and the Government may help to sweep and put in order man’s heart, but it is only temporary, like what is described in Luke 11:24-26:  “When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’  “And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.  “Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”  (Emphasis added.)

The only remedy:

We need the permanent protection of the Holy Spirit to indwell us and to protect us and to produce the fruit of the Spirit within us.  “For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 8:3-4. 

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.”  Galatians 5:16-17.

^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”  Galatians 5:22-23. 

 

^“6  And He said to them, “Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
         ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,
         BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.
    ⁷  ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,
         TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’

 ⁸  “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”  Mark 7:6-8. 

We are missing a more important point if we limit the teaching of this Scripture to the specific point that we should not hold to obscure Jewish traditions and rituals such as the washing of hands which may lead us to neglect the commandments of God.

The more important general point is that people can worship God in vain if they teach or hold to false doctrines.  Despite society’s constant loud message that it does not matter what one believes, it does matter what one believes.  “Spirituality” is not enough.  Zeal is not enough.  Paul noted that the nation of Israel had a zeal for God, “but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.  Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works.”  Romans 9:31-32.

Paul continues:  “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.  For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.  For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness.”  Romans 10:1-5. 

John 4:24 states:  “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Paul makes it clear that it is not only those worshippers who adhere to another religion that are in trouble.  Paul calls those who “merely” distort the gospel of Christ as “accursed”.  He states:  “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;  which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.  But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!  As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”  Galatians 1:6-9. 

Calvin in his Commentary on these verses states:  “…  his greatest severity of language is directed, as we shall see, against the false apostles. He charges them with turning aside, not only from his gospel, but from Christ; for it was impossible for them to retain their attachment to Christ, without acknowledging that he has graciously delivered us from the bondage of the law.  But such a belief cannot be reconciled with those notions respecting the obligation of ceremonial observance which the false apostles inculcated.  They were removed from Christ; not that they entirely rejected Christianity, but that the corruption of their doctrines was such as to leave them nothing more than an imaginary Christ.

Thus, in our own times, the Papists, choosing to have a divided and mangled Christ, have none, and are therefore “removed from Christ.”  They are full of superstitions, which are directly at variance with the nature of Christ.  Let it be carefully observed, that we are removed from Christ, when we fall into those views which are inconsistent with his mediatorial office; for light can have no fellowship with darkness.

On the same principle, he calls it another gospel, that is, a gospel different from the true one.  And yet the false apostles professed that they preached the gospel of Christ; but, mingling with it their own inventions, by which its principal efficacy was destroyed, they held a false, corrupt, and spurious gospel.  …  The gospel of Christ.  To know what are the leading points of the gospel, is a matter of unceasing importance. When these are attacked, the gospel is destroyed.  … 

Of what avail was it to profess respect for the gospel, and not to know what it meant?  With Papists, who hold themselves bound to render implicit faith, that might be perfectly sufficient; but with Christians, where there is no knowledge, there is no faith.  That the Galatians, who were otherwise disposed to obey the gospel, might not wander hither and thither, and “find no rest for the sole of their foot,” (Genesis 8:9,) Paul enjoins them to stand steadfastly by his doctrine. He demands such unhesitating belief of his preaching, that he pronounces a curse on all who dared to contradict it.  …

Or an angel from heaven.  In order to destroy more completely the pretensions of the false apostles, he rises so high as to speak of angels; and, on the supposition that they taught a different doctrine, he does not satisfy himself with saying that they were not entitled to be heard, but declares that they ought to be held accursed.  Some may think, that it was absurd to engage in a controversy with angels about his doctrine; but a just view of the whole matter will enable any one to perceive, that this part of the apostle’s proceedings was proper and necessary.  It is impossible, no doubt, for angels from heaven to teach anything else than the certain truth of God. But when the credit due to doctrines which God had revealed concerning the salvation of men was the subject of controversy, he did not reckon it enough to disclaim the judgment of men, without declining, at the same time, the authority of angels.  …

Accordingly he enjoins them to regard as devils those who shall dare to bring forward a gospel different from his, — meaning by another gospel, one to which the inventions of other men are added; for the doctrine of the false apostles was not entirely contrary, or even different, from that of Paul, but corrupted by false additions.  …”   (Emphasis added by bold font.)

Here is the link to his full Commentary on Galatians 1:6-9 – Click here: Commentary on Galatians and Ephesians | Christian Classics Ethereal Library

What I think is particularly noteworthy is the importance that Calvin puts on the doctrine of salvation which is the gospel.  Note Calvin’s conclusion that “another gospel” was “not entirely contrary, or even different, from that of Paul, but corrupted by false additions“. 

So, what could these false additions be?  Calvin states, as most directly taught by Galatians, that they could be “the obligation of ceremonial observance”.  But, Calvin also adds that they could be the Papists (followers of the Catholic Pope) who were “full of superstitions”.

Could the false addition be “our works” such as those who teach that we are saved by “faith and works”?

Could the false addition be “our free will” such as those who teach that we are saved through “our free will acceptance of Christ”? 

I am not going to answer these last two questions within the limited confines of this email.  I only want to emphasize the general importance of believing and teaching a true doctrine of salvation.  For more, I refer you to my article – Click here to learn how Calvinism is the true doctrine of salvation  

Happy New Year!   Today’s devotion focuses on The Canons of Dordt.  Many of you have taught The Canons of Dordt, but there are some of you who are not as familiar with this Reformed confession. 

 

What is particularly compelling about The Canons of Dordt is that it summarizes what is the most distinctive “signature” doctrine of Reformed Doctrine:  “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism.  It is easier to read and digest compared with the other Reformed confessions, because it is shorter in length and it deals with only one subject (the doctrine of salvation), compared to the other Reformed confessions which are more comprehensive and more lengthy. 

 

I copied and pasted the following Articles 1 and 2 from The Canons of Dordt from the Daily Confession web site – Click here: Daily Confession which contains daily Reformed confessions from one of the following:  The Belgic Confession, The Canons of Dordt, The Heidelberg Catechism, and The Westminister Confession of Faith.  You may consider “bookmarking” it as a Favorite Link. 

 

For those, who want to read The Belgic Confession, The Canons of Dordt, The Heidelberg Catechism, in their entirety, here is the link to these Reformed confessions provided by the Protestant Reformed Churches – Click here: Literature  This link is also very worthy of being bookmarked as a Favorite Link.    

 

Today’s devotion focuses on Mark 6:31-32.  

 

^“31  And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 

                                            

 ³²  They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.”  Mark 6:31-32.

                                             

                                                     

Today’s devotion is Mark 6:1-6.

 

“¹  Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him. 

                                   

 ²  When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?

                                         

Today’s devotion is Mark 5:25-34.

 

“²⁵  A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years,

                                                    

 ²⁶  and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse–

                                    

 ²⁸  For she thought, “If I just touch His garments, I will get well.” 

                                                 

 ²⁹  Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.

                                                

 

 

^“6  But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down),

 ⁷  or ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).”

 ⁸  But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”–that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,

 ⁹  that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

 ¹⁰  for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

 ¹¹  For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.”

 ¹²  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

 ¹³  for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

 ¹⁴  How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard?   And how will they hear without a preacher?

 ¹⁵  How will they preach unless they are sent?  Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!”

 ¹⁶  However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?”

 ¹⁷  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”  Romans 10:6-17.

In conclusion, we touch Christ, not by somehow ascending up to heaven or down to the abyss, to physically find Christ and physically touch Him.  We touch Christ by finding and listening to true and faithful preachers who deliver to us the word of Christ.  We touch Christ by reading the Bible.  We have faith by hearing the word of Christ.  By our hearts, we believe.  With our mouths, we confess our faith.  Romans 10:10 summarizes it:  “ for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

Today’s devotion is Mark 5:21-23.

 

^“21  When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore.

                                                 

When I read Scripture each day in its order, it amazes me how it logically follows the preceding Scripture.  It amazes me how it uses and builds upon my prior devotions.  It amazes me how it is just what I need for that day.  It is like God wrote it fresh that day just for me.  The Scriptures are like fresh bread.  Yesterday, I walked through the bakery section of Publix grocery store, and they were baking fresh bread at the time, and the aroma smelled so very, very good.  The Word of God “smells” like freshly baked bread.  Break open the Word of God each day.  Read it and Write about it each day, so that you and others can smell it.

 

As I continue to think about the parents and families of Blake and Josh, those two very good friends of my son who died this past Monday, this Scripture helps me to pray for them.  I noticed five points that are just in time to use.

 

First, Jarius fell at the feet of Jesus.  There are times when I want something so much that I feel the need to likewise prostrate myself before God in prayer by laying down face to the carpet.  I did so this morning praying for the comfort and peace of the parents.

 

Second, “implore” means to call out or pray earnestly.  It comes from “Latin implorare, from in- + plorare to cry out”.  Click here: implore – Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary  From the same dictionary, “earnest” means “a serious and intent mental state”.  This is how we should pray.  Often in Scripture, you will see “cry out”.  When I did a keyword search of that phrase, it amazed me that there were 68 entries!  One example is Psalm 34:17:  “The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.”

 

Third, Jarius is very specific about his need (“My little daughter is at the point of death.”) and about his request (“come and lay Your hands on her”).  Too often, we are too general and too verbose about our prayers.  Remember the “KISS” principle.  “Keep it simple, stupid.”     “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”  Matthew 6:7

                                              

Fourth, the use of “please” in prayers is always appropriate.  Enough said.

 

Fifth, have faith!  Jarius showed his faith by his statement that if Jesus comes and lays His hands on her, then “she will get well and live”. 

 

Remember we also just read about Jesus “calming and stilling” the seas?!  Just like Jesus can “calm and still” the seas, Jesus can “calm and still” our grieving hearts. That gives us faith that Jesus can also “calm and still” even the hearts of parents who lost their son. 

                                           

We will later read in Mark Chapter 5 that Jesus raised the dead daughter of Jarius to life.  That gives us faith that Jesus can and did raise the two sons, Blake and Josh, to eternal life in heaven.  

 

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 

 

It is not logical, nor even possible to our human minds that Jesus can “calm or still” the seas, but Jesus did it.  It is not logical, nor even possible to our human minds that Jesus can “calm or still” the hearts of grieving family and friends, but Jesus did it as a result of your prayers for at least my son John.  The peace of God truly “passeth all understanding” in the sense that it is not logical, nor even possible to our human minds that God can give peace and comfort to parents who have lost their son, but God can do so.   

 

So, we will continue to pray for the parents, family, and friends of Blake and Josh like Jarius’ example:  prostrate, earnestly, specifically, “pleasingly”, and “faithfully”.  Thank you.