The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt.

 Leviticus 5-6

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor or has found something lost and lied about it, swearing falsely—in any of all the things that people do and sin thereby—if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took by robbery or what he got by oppression or the deposit that was committed to him or the lost thing that he found or anything about which he has sworn falsely, he shall restore it in full and shall add a fifth to it, and give it to him to whom it belongs on the day he realizes his guilt. Leviticus 6:1-5

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter six - When We Are Guilty - covering Leviticus 5:14-6:7, looking specifically at the theme - We Are Guilty When We Cheat Other People. The commentary this morning focuses on v6:1-5 and how God describes the sin of deceiving and oppressing others - generally described as "cheating."  Often times, depending on the object at hand and the associated value, such sin is seen as innocent and perhaps unintentional - again, as discussed previously, it does not matter as it is all sin.   From time to time, all of us are guilty of such matters and the commentary uses the example of borrowing a book and neglecting to return it.  We cannot get around the truth that we all sin and are in need of Savior. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God as it amazing that despite how believers were enemies of You, and despite how we are unfaithful, You love us and save us anyways.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving, as my sin continues - worry, impatience, 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.

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

Genesis  29-33

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28

Day 13-14 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:

• Jacob's dealings with Laban - and the deception of both to each other
• Jacob's marriage to both Leah and Rachel and the many children born to Jacob (through both Leah and Rachel as well as through Zilpah, Leah's servant)
• Jacob's (with his wives, etc.) departure from Laban (including Rachel's theft of idols from her father) and their truce from dishonest dealings with each other (primarily driven by Laban)
• Jacob's journey back to Canaan, his reunion with Esau, and Jacob's encounter with man sent by God and Jacob's wrestling with this man  

A selfish entitlement mentality is a key theme that drives much of what transpires in these chapters, including Laban's initial deception of Jacob, Leah and Rachel's conflicts and jealousy over children born or not born unto them, and a general desire to "hold onto" what is felt to be rightfully "mine". 

Through all of this, one can grow weary and I would expect Jacob did and his anxiety peaked when he thought Esau would kill him when they reunited (Genesis 32:7).  Jacob went to God in prayer and soon after a man appeared from God and the two wrestled.  DesiringGod.com provides a good recap of this wrestling match and it includes a great encouragement for those who battle with unbelief.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has helped me battle through unbelief - thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of such love. 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 from 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.

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her.

Genesis 20-21

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Genesis 20:6

Day 8 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 Abraham's deception of Abimelek and the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael.

With his lie to Abimelek that Sarah is his sister, once again Abraham displays what my commentary* indicates as a "tendency toward deception" which represents the "same character flaw [that] will be seen again in his son and grandsons. It simply stands as a warning that even men and women of faith can lapse into great sin".

The commentary* goes on to state that "if there is any encouragement, however, it is in knowing that while there is bad in the best of mankind, there is also good in the worst. As a Canaanite, Abimelek is not a believer in the true God, and undoubtedly engages in common heathen practices. Yet he asserts in his defense to God that he has acted in good conscience, even if he is somehow still guilty in God’s eyes; then he responds to divine rebuke with repentance, generosity, and kindness".

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

We should take comfort in knowing how God uses ordinary people such as Abraham and ourselves, as He redeems our sin and uses it for His glory - doing amazing things in the process. 

I am also comforted by John Piper's post on God's providence and sovereignty by both restraining Satan and evil AND prompting good.  He is in control.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You ARE in control restraining evil and prompting good - You redeem my sin and have saved me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such love and blessings.  I worry and am often very difficult with others.  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 Your 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.

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.

Genesis 31

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. v53

In Genesis 29-31, we see deception and manipulation between Jacob and Laban - both parties are guilty of such deception and manipulation of each other.  We deceive and we manipulate when we lack trust in God that He can provide and resolve our concerns. We take matters into our own hands and we should not. 

Finally, in verse 53, Laban says what we should also say during difficult circumstances - that God reigns in all circumstances and that should rest and submit to Him and give thanks in all circumstances.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are in control and You are a great God for how You provide during all times.  We don't need to worry or manipulate anything - You are able!  Yet I often doubt or I do take matters into my own hands - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn 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.

Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.

Proverbs 13
Holy Spirit Relationship

Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. v15

We don't realize that we tell and live lies all the time...and one of the most deceitful lies we can tell is the rationalization of sin...we either think or say that it is OK.  It's not...we need to be "cut to the heart" as they were in Acts 2 when Peter spoke after the Holy Spirit appeared at Pentecost.  

Proverbs 13:1 is critical here in my view:  

"A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes."  

This verse underscores how important it is to heed the father's advice and for me it's about Jesus, my Heavenly Father.  I can only have good judgement when I heed and take to heart Jesus' teachings for me.  I must understand, apply and obey His teachings...only in this way can I live true as the devotional encourages us to do.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are that You provide Your Holy Spirit, Your Word, Lisa, my family, my church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, etc. all to help guide and teach me in Your Word.  What blessings!  Thank You Jesus.  I am lost without You and all of the help and support I get from You.  I need You in my life.  Forgive me for not being all of the man You intend for me as a husband, father, worker, son, etc.  Help me turn from my laziness towards You.  Help me be the man You intend for me in all roles.  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.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer.  Please heal her of the side effects of chemo and radiation...quickly!  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.