Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

James 4:13-17

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:13-17

I continue a pause of my study of Ecclesiastes to study James 4:13-4:17.  My focus this morning is a commentary-assisted review of this text using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. As posted yesterday, the commentary where James 4:13-5:20 is outlined in its own chapter of the commentary with a title Faith Lasts.  The commentary then further breaks down the text into two primary divisions each with subdivisions - as follows:

Faith That Perseveres 

1. Humble before the sovereignty of God (4:13-16) 
2. Obedient to the will of God (4:17)
3. Confident in the justice of God (5:1-7) 
1. He is coming to judge the sinful. 
2. He is coming to deliver the faithful. 
4. Patient in suffering (5:7-11) 
5. Trustworthy in speech (5:12) 
6. Prayerful in sorrow (5:13-18)
7. Loving toward sinners (5:19-20)

Faith That Works 

1. Only possible by the gracious gospel of Christ 
2. Played out in the context of the body of Christ 
3. Ultimately aimed toward great glory to Christ

The main idea shared by the introduction for the commentary's chapter: "[f]aith that perseveres to the end is humble before the sovereignty of God, obedient to the will of God, confident in the justice of God, patient in suffering, trustworthy in speech, prayerful in sorrow, and loving toward sinners."  The commentary's chapter introduction also describes how James challenges us.

The commentary for the first division (4:13-16) challenges us as it describes how when James was originally authored "[b]usiness travel in the first century was actually fairly common, and verse 13 pictures a businessman confidently planning to make a profit in the future."  Contemporary life is of course no different and such thoughts are even more pervasive not just here in the United States but elsewhere.  The commentary shares: James calls talking about your business affairs as if they are certainties “boasting” or bragging, that is, doing things in your own strength without admitting dependence on God. James is warning us that we can become so consumed with the material realm, thinking about our plans, plots, and strategies to work and make money, that we become blind to spiritual realities. The problem is not the planning in and of itself but planning in such a way that God has no place in the plans." We are urged to see how God is sovereign over every aspect of our lives, birth, death, and everything in between.  As such we should act humbly and in reverent fear as God is in control - we should recognize that we exist to glorify God and that we don't want to disappoint Him. The commentary also shares that "the intent here is not to create a passive fatalism in our minds that says, “Well, God has determined everything, so I’m just going to sit back and do nothing and see what He decides to do.” No, remember that James gives plenty of commands to obey and actions to take. James is talking about activity throughout this book, but he’s talking about activity that is humbly dependent on the sovereign God of the universe....James describes a radically different way to live in this world, particularly in the busyness and the business of our lives. This world tells us to live like we’re going to be here forever, urging us to make our plans, acquire our possessions, and work to build our portfolio. But James tells us to submit to God. Don’t live like you’re going to be here forever. Instead, live and plan and work like your life is short and like you don’t want to waste it on worldly things. Live like you want to spend your life humbly before the sovereignty of God and ultimately for the glory of God."  

The commentary for the second division (4:17) describes obedience as being either a sin of commission or omission: "We normally think of sin in terms of sins of commission: doing what God has said not to do. God says, “Do not lie,” and so you do not lie. God says, “Do not covet,” and so you do not covet. This is how we often think of sin—as not doing bad things. But James reminds us that just as serious as lying or coveting or doing anything else that God has said not to do are sins of omission: disregarding what God has said to do. This involves hearing the command of God to do something—such as the command to admit dependence on God when you make your business plans—and then choosing not to do it....At the end of Matthew 25 [vv31-46], people are cast into hell, not because of what they did but because of what they didn’t do. They didn’t feed the hungry or clothe the naked. They failed to do what God has commanded His people to do all along—to care for those in need (Moo, James, 208)."  Challenging indeed - God please renew my mind and direct my steps, and help me live boldly for You!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that is SO full of mercies that never ever cease.  You save me and continue to pour out these mercies daily and so much more - my cup overflows.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...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.

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.

1 Peter 4

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 1 Peter 4:14

As I continue to ponder what to study next, my Bible study this morning once again leans on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today examines the extent to which believers are ready for persecution.  There are believers in the United States facing persecution, but whatever persecution we may face here pales in the comparison of the persecution believers elsewhere experience - go to the Voice of the Martyrs ministry website to learn more about such persecution.  John Piper challenges us to avoid anger as a response to persecution and instead we are encouraged to see our time here as Peter did as he wrote in 1 Peter 2:11 that we should view ourselves as "sojourners and exiles," and not grow too comfortable with the world.  Our citizenship and home is in Heaven - see also Philippians 3:20.  In light of this, we should become more bold in proclaiming our faith and the gospel.  Then, if we are to experience fiery trials (see 1 Peter 4:12) either in the form of insults, injury, or death we can take comfort from what Peter describes as the "Spirit of glory and of God that rests upon [you]". 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace, and comfort - giving us peace and protection when we need it most.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...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.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 Genesis 25, 27, 30, and 32

 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Jacob: Wrestling with the Past*".

*Title of lesson three from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado discussing how Jacob wrestles with God and Lucado indicates that once Jacob recognizes that he has encountered God, He seeks God's blessing and that this is a bold ask.  We are encouraged to approach God boldly in our interactions - not in an arrogant manner, but in a manner where we know that God is all powerful and He is capable of doing anything - assuming it is His will.  Lucado points us to Ephesians 3:

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

Lucado then wants us to look at how God has left reminders (physical or otherwise) for us to remember the encounters we have with Him. 

Finally, as part of today's review of Jacob's story, we are encouraged by Lucado to see how Jacob's request to be blessed can be distilled down to a simple matter for God to settle: "God, do I matter to You?"

Lucado points us to the following verses:

• John 1:12 (NCV)
• Romans 8:15-16 (NIV)
• 1 John 3:1 (NLT)
• Ephesians 2:19 (NLV) 
• Galatians 4:7 (NIV) 
• Isaiah 49:16 (NIV) 
  

All of the above verses underscore how we DO matter to God, and how believers are part of God's family.

I am encouraged to be bold in my interactions with God.

Discuss and comment on this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and I know I matter to You...deeply.  I am part of Your family - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift...my sin continues, including worry, etc. 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 to me today and every day.

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen....All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts 6-8

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen....All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:8-9,15

Day 324 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on the martyrdom of Stephen, the first follower of Jesus to die in defense of his faith. My commentary* notes: "[t]his Stephen had been one of the seven men chosen to resolve the problems which arose with regard to distribution of assistance to the Greek widows. He is a man known for his faith and his ability to do great wonders through the Holy Spirit. But it is his boldness and wisdom that finally prompt his adversaries to bring him before the Sanhedrin on a charge of blasphemy. Stephen’s defense is a classic review of the history of God’s dealing with the Jewish people, and a reminder to the Sanhedrin that leaders such as themselves have always rejected and persecuted God’s prophets and teachers. When he accuses them of murdering the Son of God, they angrily condemn him to death by stoning. Stephen’s dying words echo down through time as the prayer of other martyrs and all believers as well."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

This morning, on the heels of my post yesterday where the Apostles prayed for boldness...we see God giving Stephen incredible boldness! I am reminded of how God uses ordinary people in extraordinary ways to bring glory to Him.  Check out this awesome post on DesiringGod.com, and I once again refer people to Tony Merida's book Ordinary that emphasizes how Christians can do ordinary things with God-sized intentions to allow God to accomplish extraordinary, supernatural results.  The post from DesiringGod.com highlights 1 Corinthians:

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who has done incredible things in and through my life - I am grateful for how You have given me boldness at times and I have seen the extraordinary results.  Thank You Jesus!  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  I don't ask for boldness enough and I don't submit to You enough.  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. 

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God....Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Acts 3-6

 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God....Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:24, 29-30

Day 323 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on rapid growth of the church, opposition from the Jewish leaders, the Apostles response to such opposition, and initial problems within the early church.  My commentary* notes: "[b]ut persecution from without is not the only challenge facing the early church. Problems arise even within the church itself. Luke records, for example, that on one occasion some rather drastic discipline befalls a husband and wife who lie about a contribution they are making to the church. But not even such weaknesses of individual believers can slow the pace of this revolutionary spiritual movement. Not less than a dozen times throughout the historical record, Luke carefully notes the incredible growth of the church. Acting without formal organization and prompted only by their commitment to Christ, these early Christians repeatedly multiply their number by sharing the good news of Christ with all who will listen."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Scripture indicates twice how Peter and others are "filled with the Holy Spirit" and "power" (Acts 4:8, 31, 33, 6:8). Just as my commentary* notes Luke's emphasis on rapid growth of the church, one must note how all believers have the "same power that raised Jesus from the dead". This power gives us an undeniable urge to share and serve Jesus - just as it did the early church.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:33

We must obey God rather than human beings! Acts 5:29

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:42

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

Of note this morning is how the disciples prayed for boldness.  This is a call to action for all believers - to pray for boldness.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has created the heavens and the earth and You have worked many miracles in my life - I am blessed beyond what I deserve!  Thank You Jesus!  But, again, I am not deserving.  My sin, including, worry, etc. continues.  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 be bold in prayer and action!  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”

2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 35-36, and Jeremiah 26 

Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.” Jeremiah 26:12-15

Day 214 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Jeremiah. My commentary* describes how Assyria falls, Babylonia emerges, and how Egypt allies with the remnant of forces from Assyria to address the emerging Babylonian threat. Egyptian forces must go through Judah and Israel and Josiah goes out to attack Egypt and is killed in battle (see map below from https://ibiblemaps.com/death-josiah) - (2 Kings 23 and 2 Chronicles 35-36).

Josiah is replaced by his son Jehoahaz who "does evil in the eyes of the Lord" and he is taken captive by Egypt and another of Josiah's sons Eliakim (renamed by Egypt to Jehoiakim) is installed as a puppet king and he also "does evil in the eyes of the Lord".

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Meanwhile, God instructs Jeremiah to deliver another warning to Jerusalem and is confronted, charged and threatened with death. Jeremiah stands firmly on the strength of God who is able to protect us.

As I posted a couple of days ago, believers are called to be bold and to make public stands for Jesus - even in the face of physical harm or other serious threats to our lives and livelihoods.

I pray that God gives me the strength to be bold.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is able to protect me from harm - thank You Jesus for how You HAVE protected me from harm.  I am undeserving of Your love and protection.  I know I am often NOT bold and this is a sin - I too often cower in my faith.  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.

Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”

Judges 4-5

Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” Judges 4:8

Day 75 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the story of Deborah the prophet as she urges Barak to attack Canaanite forces in the north central region of the promised land.  Another woman Jael also gains mention of her bravery killing Sisera, commander of Jabin's (local Canaanite king) army.

Barak is cautious and is not fully convinced that the Lord will give Israel's enemies into his hands as Deborah indicates in Judges 4:7.  Barak is not unlike Moses who in Exodus 3-4 expresses doubt to God about how God will help us through challenges.  Moses even asked the Lord to send someone else to confront Pharaoh and rescue the Israelites (Exodus 4:13).

Most of us have expressed doubt when we've felt led by God to serve - should I really do this? What about this concern or that concern?

John Piper tackles this concern head-on in this great post "How Do I Take Risks Without Being Unwise?".  Piper believes that "the burden of the New Testament is to infuse the faith and love that leans toward self-risk rather than toward self-protection."  His post provides six tests to help sort through this when the question arises.  Helpful counsel for sure.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what words can describe - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings - I am broken and my sin continues.  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.

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ[.]

Ephesians 3

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ[.] v8

In the latter part of Ephesians 2 Paul writes to the Ephesians how the Jews and Gentiles are reconciled through Christ and Paul continues on this theme in chapter 3.   Just as Peter brought the Good News of Jesus to the Jews, Paul does so to the Gentiles.  Striking in Paul's letter here in chapter 3 is his humility.  Paul is a church leader and he is well versed in scripture yet he remains strikingly humble.  Yet we also see a boldness and confidence - in Christ.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. v12

Paul is persecuted, beaten, and imprisoned for his missionary work, yet he continues to proceed with delivering the Good News because he knows Truth and that nothing can stop God's plan, which includes using Paul to deliver the Good News.

God takes the ordinary and the humble and He makes greatness.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has grow my confidence - in You...thank You Jesus!  I am grateful for this and also for helping me become less reliant on myself and the world.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  I often let things get in the way of my relationship with You Jesus...please forgive me!  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 everyday.

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 5

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. v42

I've been posting quite a bit about the Holy Spirit, and the power it gave not only Peter, the apostles, and the early church, but also what it gives all believers today.  In today's reading we see more of the Holy Spirit at work as many are healed and the church growth continued apace (v12-16).

The apostles are thrown in jail but an angel released them telling them to continue spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ (v17-20).  Even Gamaliel likely senses the Holy Spirit at work.

The Holy Spirit gives Peter and the other apostles great power to continue preaching - DESPITE suffering and grave threats of physical harm.  THIS is the Holy Spirit at work.  It is something that cannot be stopped by any early power nor can Satan stop it.

As I posted a couple of days ago, we should ask for boldness to continue on with what we are led to do by Jesus as the Holy Spirit WILL be us, equipping us, providing for us, and protecting us - eternally.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who is worthy of my worship and my full devotion.  I know You are with me - always.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of all the blessings You pour out for me.  I worry and I have much more 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.

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Acts 4

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. v31

After Peter and John defended themselves in front of the Sanhedrin (see last post) they were freed because "[the Sanhedrin] could not decide how to punish them" (v21).  In v23-31, Peter and John returned to their fellow believers and prayed asking for boldness:

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” v29-30

God has given all of us a great task - the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). We should ALL be asking that God enable us to be bold.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who has given us Your Son, the church, the Holy Spirit, Your Word, and so much more - thank You Jesus!  I am no deserving of such blessings!  I worry and I am harsh with my words and actions.  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.

Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Luke 18

Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” v39

We must be like the blind beggar for whom Jesus restores his sight.  The beggar is unabashed about his faith that Jesus can restore his sight and likely that Jesus can do anything.  We must have such bold faith - unafraid of what others think and bold in our believe that Jesus can do anything for those that have faith.  We must be prepared to accept Jesus' response - there is no guarantee that Jesus will respond in the way(s) that we hope but we must remain unabashed and bold.

 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who is able to do anything and has already created the Heavens and the Universe and died for my sin so that I could have freedom from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such love and blessings.  I daily miss the mark.  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 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.

It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.

Mark 15

It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. v42-43

Jesus is brought before Pilate, beaten, mocked, and crucified.  He is then buried.  The Saturday before Easter is a critical day - and the folks at desiringGod.com give me new insight into the faith of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.  This same day is chronicled in Matthew 27, Luke 23, and John 19.  It's important to reference all versions to capture critical details.

While all versions indicate Joseph provided the tomb where Jesus was buried and assisted in the burial, it is only in John where we learn that Nicodemus "brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds" as burial spices.  This is the same Nicodemus - a Pharisee - who visited Jesus in the night to learn from Him.

This commentary from desiringGod.com illuminates for us the bold obedience of Joseph and Nicodemus as courageous, cheerless, and costly, and we are to see such obedience as "not wasted".  I suspect both were focused on eternal rewards not so much on earthly gain.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has carried me through many periods of darkness and discouragement...I seek to be obedient to You but I need You desperately to strengthen my faith.  Apart from You I cannot have faith and can do and have no good things.  Thank You Jesus for the rich blessings You pour out for me.  I am not worthy.  I worry...far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome such sin and turn from it 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. 

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat? He asked him only to test his faith, for he already had in his mind what he was going to do."

Loaves and Fishes
John 6

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat? He asked him only to test his faith, for he already had in his mind what he was going to do."  v5

Jesus challenges us to be bold and to know that He is with us - that we should not feel as if we are doing things in our own strength or using earthly strength alone.

When God called Moses to rescue the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, Moses resisted, claiming he did not feel equipped...God response:

Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. Exodus 4:14-15

Like Moses, I also need a reminder that God is with me and that He will equip me for the work He intends for me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have the strength and power to do anything and You are with Your children always, providing for their every need, protecting them, and equipping them to perform Your plans.  You are all I need.  Thank You for being my God.  Yet I often act as if I don't recognize that You are all I need...please forgive me, for my worry!  Help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Please do help me recognize that You are all I need...help me recognize this all the time!  Help me be bold in my service to You. 

“And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

Inwardly Certain
1 John 5

^“And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” v15 

I desire this confidence...to be inwardly certain.  The devotion references David and Peter, both of whom stood on the solid rock foundation of Christ Jesus as they rushed into earthly danger. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You created the Heavens, the earth, and everything in between, including all inhabitants.  Yet You came to earth in human form to suffer and die for me...personally.  To be so powerful yet so full of love and compassion.  There is no other God except You Jesus.  I am no deserving of such a God.  Thank You for how You have blessed me but please forgive me for my worry.  Help me overcome and turn from such sin...help me turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me be inwardly certain. I love You Jesus.