He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.

Psalm 147

He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He gives snow like wool; he scatters frost like ashes. He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold? He sends out his word, and melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow. Psalm 147:15-18

I continue a short pause on my study of Isaiah to listen to John Piper's devotional for today that focuses on how God creates dangerous environments in our life - for example, freezing cold weather - to remind us that these environments, and more broadly God Himself, are not to be "toyed" with.  In other words we must prepare ourselves. Piper writes: "[i]t is one more way God says, “Whether hot or cold, high or deep, sharp or blunt, loud or quiet, bright or dark . . . don’t toy with me. I am God. I made all these things. They speak of me, just like the warm summer breezes do, and the gentle rains, and the soft moonlit nights, and the lapping of the lakeside, and lilies of the field and the birds of the air.” I made a statement during a Bible study yesterday morning that might have offended a few people - that we must be very careful to seek God through Bible study and prayer daily and to not do so approaches arrogance because by implication you are saying "I don't need God today."  My view is this dangerous indeed and John Piper reinforces my position on this.   Piper, in another post, provides "ten reasons to read the Bible every day."  We must not toy with God - instead we must live in reverent fear of God that pushes us into His arms to seek His counsel through His Word. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God whose Word provides all that we need - thank You Jesus for Your Word and the blessings that flow from Your Word.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.