And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 33-36:10

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isaiah 35:10

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I wrap Lesson 13 by moving to Day 5, which focuses on Isaiah 35. My commentary describes this chapter of Isaiah as one being of great hope and encouragement for the faithful as it portrays a messianic prophecy of "[t]he cursed universe restored to God's original purposes."  God created Adam and Eve and the garden, yet the introduction of sin with the Fall broke the unity humanity had with God, and ushered in brokenness in all of its forms, including disease, decay, corruption...the worst of course being death itself.  The commentary describes several divisions:

1. Creation transformed: from sterile desert to fruitful garden (35:1-2)
2. People transformed: from cursed wickedness to blessed strength (35:3-7)
3. The transforming event: "Your God is coming to save you" (35:4)
4. The journey of the transformed: a highway of holiness (35:8-10)
5. The destination of the transformed: glorious Zion (35:10)

This message brought joy to not just Isaiah's audience of the time but to believers today who are groaning as Paul wrote about in Romans 8:

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:20-25

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are a God of hope as You save and You save for eternity!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  Yet me sin is great and it 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. 

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 8

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33

Today I pause in my study of Isaiah to look at John Pipers Solid Joys (www.desiringgod.com > Features > Solid Joys), where the post for today unpacks the implications of God's justification of us.  In the Exalting Jesus in Romans commentary, Tony Merida states that in Romans 8:31-39 Paul's focus is for us to celebrate the security of God's love for us.  When we are saved, it is God who does the saving (Ephesians 2:8) as He welcomes us into His family as one His elect. In Romans 8:33, Piper, in his devotion, encourages us to see that first, it is GOD who has elected us - not any earthly power and not any divine power but the God of the Universe and the King of Kings!  There is no higher power!  Piper then wants us to see that such a declaration of our election and of how God sees us as justified in His eyes, then no one can take this away or overturn such a decision that God has made.  We are justified in God's eyes - end of story.  Piper writes: "[i]f God is the one who acquits you — declares you righteous in his sight — no one can appeal; no one can claim a technicality; no one can call for a mistrial; no one can look for other counts against you. God’s sentence is final and total."  The implication (and application) Piper wants us to see is "unshakable security" in the face of suffering or whatever the world throws at us.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have made me one of Your family, one of Your elect and I am justified in Your eyes and with this I gain great peace, security, confidence, etc. - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings - my sin of worry, anger, 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 understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Conclusion: Pages 650-669

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

This morning, I completed John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) after reading the conclusion. Here Piper recaps the extent of providence: "God's eternal plan includes everything-from the most insignificant bird (Matt 10:29), to the movement of stars (Isaiah 40:26), to the murder of his Son (Acts 4:27-28).  It includes the moral acts of every soul-its preferences, choices, and deeds. Neither Satan at his hellish worst nor human beings at their redeemed best ever act in a way that causes a revision in God's all wise plan.  Whether God planned to permit something or planned to be more directly involved, nothing comes to pass but what God planned as part of the process pursuing his ultimate goal.  Therefore, the extent of this providence is total."

Piper also shares with us "ten examples of the effects that knowing and loving this providence will have," including how "seeing and savoring this providence: 

1. awakens awe and leads us into the depth of true God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated worship."
2. makes us marvel at our own salvation and humbles us because of our sin."
3. causes us to see everything as part of God's design-everything as from him and through him and to him, for his glory."
4. helps protect us from the trivializing effects of culture and from trifling with divine things."
5. helps us be patient and faithful amid the most inexplicable circumstances of life."
6. shows us that the "problem" of God's sovereignty in suffering is more than relieved by the sustaining purpose and power of his sovereignty through suffering."
   
7. makes us alert and resistant to man-centered substitutes that pose as good news."
8. makes us confident that God has the right and the power to answer prayer that people's hearts and minds would be changed."
   
9. shows us that evangelism and missions are absolutely essential for people to be converted to Christ, because God makes them the means of his work in creating saving faith."
   
10. assures us that for all eternity God will be increasingly glorified in us as we are increasingly satisfied in him."

While all I have experience all of these effects to a certain extent, one in particular rings true this morning - #5 and #6. As a father of a special needs child (Dustin), I prayed that God would equip me to be the man, parent, and husband needed not just by Dustin, but by my other child Zach and by my wife Lisa. God's providence has seen to it this prayer has been answered and for the praise and glory of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior!  More often than not, when I encounter challenges and trials, I know God is in control and God loves me, that He will never leave or forsake me, and that His ways are good and perfect...and that I can rest.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your thoughts and ways are indeed unknown, but they are perfect and good.  I can rest in knowing this.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such rest and of all the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin continues...selfishness, 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 today and every day.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 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 1-6:12

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 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 4:15-16

Day 357 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 I started reading the book of Hebrews. My commentary* notes about the authorship of the letter: "[o]ne indication that the writing may have occurred after Paul’s death is a reference to the release of Timothy. Neither in the historical record nor in any of Paul’s letters is there any indication that Timothy was ever imprisoned. It is quite possible that, if Timothy had traveled to Rome to be with Paul, as Paul had urged him to do, Timothy himself might have been imprisoned at that time or shortly thereafter....With Paul’s authorship left in doubt, it is not clear who the writer might have been. Some believe him to be Luke, while others believe the writer may have been Paul’s colleague Barnabas, or perhaps Apollos. Whoever it was, the letter reveals that the author is personally acquainted with those to whom he is writing and is familiar with the persecution which they are enduring.

Regarding the intent of the letter, my commentary* indicates "[o]bviously having that suffering in mind, and with an awareness that many of the Jewish Christians are being urged to return to Judaism, the writer sets forth a tremendous defense of the Christian faith, drawing forcefully from a Jewish context in urging continued faith in Jesus as the Christ. Moving logically and systematically from one argument to another, the writer shows the superiority of Christ over all that is held to be important to the Jewish religion—prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, the Levitical priesthood, the covenant, and the sacrifices. Midway through his letter the writer makes a particularly profound argument based upon the character of a high priest named Melchizedek, to whom Abraham had given an offering. Anticipating that some of his readers might miss the point of his argument concerning Christ’s superiority, the writer pauses parenthetically to tell his readers that they need to be more mature in their spiritual understanding. Finally, the writer lists a group of faithful people of God as examples of steadfastness and endurance. He exhorts his readers to imitate the faithful lives of these men and women."

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

Hebrews provides us with a number of great verses upon which we can all draw great power, peace, encouragement, etc. Christ is defined as our High Priest (a Great One) and someone who experienced what we experience and so much more...He can empathize with us and He defeated both sin and death for us...giving us life to the full now and eternally.

Discuss and comment on this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a the Great High Priest and You bless us in ways that are both great and unimaginable in terms of the bounds with which You love us.  I am undeserving of such love.  I sin daily, 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 for me today and every day.

He must become greater; I must become less.

John 1-4, Luke 3

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

Day 294 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 my commentary* moves further into the New Testament - focusing this morning on Jesus' early days of His ministry, including the calling of the first disciples - Andrew, Simon (Peter), Philip, and Nathanael - and the first of Jesus' miracles: turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, and the healing of the royal official's son in Capernaum.  The reading from this morning also includes Jesus driving the merchants from the temple, His teaching of Nicodemus, Jesus interaction with the woman at the well in Samaria, and it ends with my commentary* noting how John the Baptist is arrested.

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

Again, there are numerous aspects of scripture where one can focus but I am stuck by how John the Baptist acknowledges how he must be less as Jesus is greater. John the Baptist's position and status was growing and it took great humility for him to accept His mission - to tell others that the Messiah so many had been waiting for had arrived.  Humility is one of the most important character traits of a believer and John Piper discusses it in this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and all that I am and all that I possess is from You - without You I am and have nothing.  Thank You Jesus for blessing me - my cup runs over.  I am not deserving of such blessings and of Your love.  My sin is great and daily, 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 for me today and every day.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Zechariah 1-6

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Day 270 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 my commentary* moves focuses on the ministry of Zechariah, as he shares eight visions. According to the commentary*, the first vision is assurance that Israel is to prosper as she is restored. The second vision is that "Israel’s oppressors will indeed be punished". The third vision "is assurance that God will be among his returning people". The fourth vision is "assurance that the sins of the people will be removed by him who is called the Branch". The fifth vision is "assurance that God will complete his temple through his two anointed ones". The sixth vision is "assurance that wickedness will always be punished". The seventh vision "assurance that wicked nations will be brought to their knees". The eighth vision is "assurance that there is to be rest at last!" Finally, "Zechariah is...told to place a crown on the head of Joshua the high priest, an enactment which is symbolic of the Messiah, who will be both Priest and King over his people. As the office of high priest evolves in post-exilic Israel, it will take on king-like overtones. This change will prove to be significant when the Messiah comes to establish his own kingdom, for his “kingship” will threaten the priestly power structure and will lead ultimately to his death".

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

Most importantly, as John Piper puts it this podcast, believers should have assurance that "we are children of God" not just now, but also that we remain His forever.

This assurance is key to our faith.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a God that does not change and Your promises to us do not change as and they are true as You are faithful.  Thank You Jesus for the assurance that we are Yours and always will be.  I am not deserving for the assurance You provide.  My sin is great and it is daily, 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 for me today and every day.

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

1 Samuel 16-17

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Day 88 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 David's anointing as king, his initial service to Saul to play the lyre to comfort Saul with his torment from evil spirits, and David's victory over Goliath (including Israel's subsequent victory over the Philistines in the battle that followed).

We know that as believers we will face trouble and difficulties - see John 16:33 - but even if the world throws the "kitchen sink" at us, we have the Lord.  We should pray that we have the peace of mind and confidence that David felt that day - that we know that we have a supernatural strength that comes when the Spirit of the Lord enters our life (see also 1 Samuel 16:13).  This is the 

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

1 John 5

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. v18-20

As I wrap my study of 1 John, my attention is drawn once more towards commentary by John MacArthur, who highlights "Five Confidences of a True Christian" in his discussion of 1 John 5:13-21. MacArthur* indicates that the apostle John "accentuates their certainty [confidence] by using the word know seven times in this section".

1. Confident of eternal life in Christ (5:13) - I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
2. Confident of answered prayer (5:14-17) -  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
3. Confident of victory over sin (5:18) - We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.
4. Confident of belonging to God (5:19) - We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
5. Confident of Christ being the one, true God (5:20) -  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64207-64209). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

I believe this discussion on confidence holds AT LEAST three key applications: (1) that we can have a confident faith that is strong based on the firm, unshakeable nature of God - this is particularly important in the face of persecution; (2) that we can be confident people knowing we are part of God's family, He loves us, is with us always, we can rely on Him, and count on the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the grave; (3) that confidence is first and foremost based on humility and the need for a Savior, and that this humility serves to refrain from arrogance.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me confidence - on many levels!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God and such love. I continue to 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.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

James 1

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. v9

Humility is a topic discussed frequently in scripture, emphasizing that others cannot see Jesus in us unless we remain humble.  Humility does not imply lack of confidence - on the contrary, believers have confidence.  Their confidence, however, rests in Christ as we have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  This is similar to what John Piper sees as "The Happy Paradoxes of Christian Freedom and Slavery".

On the subject of paradoxes, it becomes interesting to look at the topic of mystery vs understanding - and Piper once again has a great post on this topic.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are that You love me and give me BOTH wisdom and mystery - causing me to draw near to You to depend on You for all things. I love You.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing that comes from You.  I worry...far too much.  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.

Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you.

Luke 7

Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. v6-7

This passage about the faith of the centurion is well known, yet the focus is often on confident faith.  What is striking here is that the centurion is also a man a great humility - how can this be?  Confidence and humility - together?  Yes - check out the short but good blog post by JD Greear, a local pastor here in Raleigh.

See also posts from DesiringGod.com and I am Iron on this topic. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who willingly laid down His life to rescue me from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a sacrifice - I daily miss the mark - I am often harsh with my words.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such 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.

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Matthew 8

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” v8-9

No matter how much confidence we have, our confidence must rest in God alone because He is the One who distributes gifts and skills we have (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-5) and He is in control of all things (Colossians 1:16-17).  The centurion in today's verses possesses confidence, yet remains humble, recognizing that Jesus is Lord.

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, gives me spiritual gifts and skills and provides for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and provision.  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 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.

Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors, the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be devastated—as Shalman devastated Beth Arbel on the day of battle, when mothers were dashed to the ground with their children.

Hosea 10

Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors, the roar of battle will rise against your people, so that all your fortresses will be devastated—as Shalman devastated Beth Arbel on the day of battle, when mothers were dashed to the ground with their children. v13-14

Depending on one's own strength is a sign of arrogance - that you don't need God.  This is true for most of the world and for a significant part of my life - even after I became a believer, it was true for me as well.  However, I am grateful that God has shown me that without exception we all need a savior - all of the time.

Our confidence must rest in God.

Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.  But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:5-8

My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God who loves me and because You love me, You humbled me and show me great mercies and compassion - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  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.

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.

Jeremiah 26

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. v14

Do I have confidence in God's justice, protection, etc.?  Jeremiah does - although just like us he has not always had such confidence in God.  

God describes this confidence earlier in Jeremiah:

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

 

Peter and John spoke of this confidence as they faced the Sanhedrin:

 

 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

 

Jesus also spoke of this confidence:

 

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and I know You laid down Your life for me, drinking from the cup of wrath for me...and for all of mankind.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such an act and of such love.  I worry.  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 do.  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.

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. v7-8

God contrasts the fate of those in Judah who turned from Him with those who stood firm in their faith.

Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord. That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes. They will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. v5-6

All of us from time to time have trusted in ourselves or others more than we have trusted in God - we all sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) - indicating the need for all of us to have a Savior.  Of course Jesus is that Savior.

What an amazing promise by God (and God keeps His promises) here for those who remain faithful.

Our confidence must rest in God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me - I have seen the fruit in my life - that is from You alone.  Thank You Jesus for the many, many blessings.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I miss the mark and too often trust in myself or others.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  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.  Please 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.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Isaiah 55

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. v6

John Piper calls this chapter The Great Invitation. This invitation must be treated with urgency as God's patience is not unlimited.  A few days ago, my reading and post reminded me how we live as foreigners in this world, and how we should focus on the eternity of God and His promises for us.

As I posted yesterday, we all need a Savior and Christ is that Savior.

I think about this quite often with respect to my teenage son who has yet to accept Jesus Christ as His Savior.  I believe I may have set the bar high for him to invite Jesus into his life.  Yet God makes it easy - all are welcome - just as they are as God knows all about us anyway so we don't come to Him with shame but with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

We should not study God as an intellectual exercise - we should study God to experience Him.

"God is not a thing to be studied. He is a person to be experienced." John Piper

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God worthy of my study and I desire to experience You - to know You.  I need You...desperately...I too often focus on this world and I don't want to be entangled by sin.  I worry.  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 do.  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.

Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143

Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. v8

There is no doubt that without God, I would be lost - God is why I exist and for whom I exist.  He is also a lamp unto my feet.  However, I too often trust in my own abilities and that is why I worry.  

I should trust in God fully, have my confidence in Him, and rest.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has transformed my heart and my life and made me more like You...more pure hearted and I am deeply grateful.  Thank You Jesus.  But I continue to be broken and I sin.  I worry.  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 do.  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.

“The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”

Nehemiah 2

“The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.” v20

Nehemiah prays to God for wisdom about how to approach Artaxerxes regarding rebuilding Jerusalem.  God gives Nehemiah courage and wisdom in his dealings with Artaxerxes and so the rebuilding process began.  Immediately, Nehemiah is "mocked and ridiculed". 

As believers, we face such mocking or scorn whether personally or culturally.  

John spoke of this on several occasions.

We must feel God's strength and our confidence must rest in Him, not on earthly approval.  This is a particularly difficult lesson for our younger generation that is maturing and finding their way in the world.

As we guide our younger generation, which include my sons, we must reinforce that we are aliens or strangers in this world and the world will sometimes hate us, what we do, and our God.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

 

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always with me.  Thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not worth such love.  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 do.  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.  

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

Judges 6

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” v15-16

The story of Gideon is one with several messages including the message that God is with all of us, including the least of us and even those who commit grave sins (i.e. Moses, Paul, etc.).

God has a plan for all of us, and we can draw encouragement from how He uses all of us for His purpose.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have seen the work of Your Hands in my life and I am amazed at what You have done...and grateful.  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Please forgive me for me worry.  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 do.  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. 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.

Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31

Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” v7-8

While these words are spoken to Joshua, they are intended for all of us (Moses says them in front of all of the Israelites - v7).  There will be times in our lives, many times, when we believe tasks ahead of us are difficult.  When we feel called by God - we should be strong and courageous as Moses wanted Joshua to be as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

These words are not only spoken to Joshua, but also by David to Solomon - see here. 

Understanding God's will for our lives is something all of us must do - we are created to glorify God - how is God's plan for us.

Jesus, please help me understand Your will for my life.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, and I have seen with my own eyes what You have done - in my life and in the life of others.  Thank You Jesus for all that You have done for me and that You love me - even though I am broken.  I am not worth such love.  I get angry too quickly.  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 do.  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.  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.