To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power[.]

 2 Thessalonians 1

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power[.] 2 Thessalonians 1:11

I pause my study of 1,2,3 John this morning to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today highlights how God works through our will and resolve to demonstrate His power.  John Piper warns believers that we should not be passive in our battle against sin and to obediently do good works. Piper shares: "The engagement of God’s power never takes the place of the engagement of our will! The power of God in sanctification never makes us passive! The power of God engages itself beneath or behind and within our will, not in place of our will....When you sit back to do nothing, you are not doing nothing. You are actively engaging your will in a decision to sit back."  Piper refers us to scripture as a means for us to more fully comprehend his message, including 1 Timothy 1:18, James 4:7, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 8:13.  We are encouraged to actively engage our will and our resolve and is only then that we see God working to give us what we need.  Piper goes on to share that "God will never appear with power in your will in any other way than through your exercise of that will; that is, through your good resolves — your good intentions and plans and purposes."  Piper concludes by referring us to Luke 13:24 where Jesus tells us to strive, and Philippians 2:13 yet another way of using our own will and resolve and how God then works through us in those efforts.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives me what I need - in all things.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide, guide, etc. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn 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 not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.

Isaiah 7

If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all. Isaiah 7:9

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  Today, I continue with Isaiah 7, looking more closely at the extent to which Ahaz truly was firm in his faith.  The study refers us once again to 2 Kings 16, where we see a more detailed account of Ahaz's response to the threat of Rezin (king of Syria) and Pekah (son of king of Israel). From an earlier reading of 2 Kings 16, we saw that Ahaz "did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God" (v2), so it should be no surprise that his faith was not firm at all. Ahaz instead hatched a plan of his own - and he initiated an alliance with Assyria and Assyria overtook Damascus, killing Rezin (v7-9).  Ahaz went as far as create a worship space modeled after that which he found in Damascus (v10-11) - idol worship! We all have our idols in life, that which we worship, including other people - the key question is the extent to which these idols are at or above the One True God. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed great and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - far too many blessings to even count or describe.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is daily and it is great.  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.  

I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

Nehemiah 1-3

I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Nehemiah 2:1-5

Day 280 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* turns to from the book Ezra to the book of Nehemiah where it is described "[w]hile Ezra is proceeding with the revitalization of the law in Israel, a man soon to be his closest associate is back in the Persian palace at Susa in the position of the king’s cupbearer....It has been some 14 years since Artaxerxes authorized Ezra to lead the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. In the interim, the further construction of the city and its wall has been hampered by a number of problems, apparently including sabotage by those who wish to see Israel remain weak....Now, in 445 B.C., a report of this delay comes to Nehemiah through one of his brothers who has just arrived from Palestine. The report so upsets Nehemiah that Artaxerxes notices his sadness and inquires as to its cause. When Nehemiah explains his concern, Artaxerxes agrees to appoint Nehemiah as temporary governor and commissions him to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. It takes little time to see that Nehemiah is a man of action. He immediately travels to Jerusalem, assesses the situation firsthand, devises an ingenious plan for working on the wall, sidesteps his opponents, and completes his primary mission within six months of receiving his commission from the king!"

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

Artaxerxes' question posed to Nehemiah reminds me of how God grants Solomon one wish and how Solomon requests wisdom (see 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1).  The Bible of course is clear how we are to go to God to seek wisdom:  

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

From a previous post: 

If we focus on renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) we can best understand God's will for our lives and direct ourselves using God as a lamp for our feet:

 

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me with decisions big and small as You have renewed my mind - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me for my worry and other sins.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me 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.

"Did I not tell the messengers you sent me,‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lord says’?

Numbers 22-24

"Did I not tell the messengers you sent me,‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lord says’? Numbers 24:12-13

Day 41 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 Israel's movement from the east of the Jordan River as they prepare to enter the promised land.  They encounter the Moabite people and their king - Balak - who fear the Israelites and seek assistance from Balaam (whom my commentary* refers to as "a spiritualist" who is "by no means a good man", and by John MacArthur as a "soothsayer, a diviner of sorts, a prophet").  Balak seeks a curse on the Israelites from Balaam but God speaks to Balaam (including through Balaam's donkey) and according to my commentary* "God has allowed Balaam to go for the sole purpose of teaching Balak how wrong it is to put God’s will to the test in hope of personal gain".  Balaam is certainly intrigued by the possibility of wealth (as offered by Balak in exchange for a curse on the Israelites) but God makes it crystal clear that His will shall be done (faithfulness of His promise to deliver Israel to the Promised Land). 

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

There are times in our life when, just as God spoke through Balaam's donkey and placed angels in Balaam's path (Numbers 22:21-35), God must do something drastic to make it very clear that our path is sinful.  We should all hope that God does this for all of us.  As I prepare for an interview this Friday for a new job, I am prayerful that God will make it clear regarding whatever path may open up for me - that I have clarity and wisdom to discern whether such new paths may be God's will or not.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped throughout my career and all areas of my life - You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and never failed to provide.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

Isaiah 46

I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ v10

Speaking to His children through Isaiah, God makes it clear that it is not our plans that will prevail - how foolish of us to think so.  Yet, I know for myself that I too often believe that it is my will and my plans that will prevail or that I can get away with something thinking it will not have an impact.   

See posts on futility of our own plans relative to plans made in concert with God's will.

See also how we are accountable for our actions.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is in control and who has blessed me so richly and restored me too often.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love as I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me 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.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Ecclesiastes 7

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. v14

As I sit here this morning waiting on news about a potential job offer, I must reflect on how God is in control and how He provides and that I should not worry.  I've done the best I could with the job interview process and I hope that I have glorified God through the process.  We should plan in concert with God's desires for our lives but we must acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things - including our lives.  

The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile. Psalm 94:11

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

 

If we focus on renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) we can best understand God's will for our lives and direct ourselves using God as a lamp for our feet:

 

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

 

And I should not worry (Matthew 6:25-34).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has blessed me beyond what I could have ever imagined for my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry and I am often 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 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.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. v21

As I look for a job, I constantly think about and often worry what I want - yet I should be focused on God's purpose for my life.

We exist to glorify God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has done many, many great things in my life and who loves me.  I should not worry about the great plans You have for me - because You do have great plans for me.  Yet often I do 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.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. v9

As I sit here desiring a new job and being to close to one in my estimation - I MUST remember this verse and the many others how I should desire what GOD desires for me.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters[.] Colossians 3:23

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I must also remember that God loves me and has great plans for me.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has done it ALL for me - not because I am deserving but because You love me.  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 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.

He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.

2 Samuel 18

He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day. v18

Absalom once again displays his arrogance by devising a plan to kill his father so he could reign over all of Israel and Judah.  He seeks the direction of both Ahithophel and Hushai but not of the Lord - unlike David.

See also the arrogance of those who built the Tower of Babel.

Unfortunately, this ends badly for Absalom as his armies are routed by David's men and Absalom is captured and killed by David's commander Joab.

We must understand that any plans devised outside the counsel of the Lord will fail - see posts here.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and guides me through dark valleys and difficult places.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not deserving of such love as I often fail to seek You in all times.  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 Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

1 Samuel 24

The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way. v6-7

Although he is not perfect, David is a man after God's heart.  He seeks God's will in his life, not his own - see 1 Samuel 23 verses 2, 4, and 10.  Here in this morning's verses David also demonstrates that it is not his role to stand in the way of God's plan - God anointed Saul King and far be it from him to strike Saul down.  This is for God to do - should it be His will.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and life and I know that I cannot come to God without accepting You as my Lord and Savior....and I do.  You came to save me and I need saving.  Thank You for saving me Jesus.  Yet I am not worth such efforts because 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 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.

Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!”

1 Samuel 20

Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!” v30-31

Saul's anger stems from his selfishness and greed to be in control and to have everything according to his will vs God's will.  Note Saul's statement where he implies he is control over who will reign as King.  Of course, we all know that God reigns supreme and if there is to be an earthly king it will someone that God anoints - just as God anointed Saul and David.

We should not be so arrogant that we place our will above God's nor should we be so arrogant that we can stop God's will.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

 

See also this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God, full of love and compassion for me...patient and forgiving.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am harsh with words and actions, including gossip.  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.  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.

Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Ruth 4

Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. v16-17

When Ruth agreed to travel with Naomi - Ruth had no idea what God had in store for her.  None of us do - all we know is that God has plan.


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 

Yet Ruth's family line includes not just David but Jesus.

Reminder that if we feel led, we should go and if we submit our hearts and minds to Him - He WILL do big things.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love You - I have seen how You have done big things in my life and in the lives around me.  Amazing!  Thank You Jesus for how You bless me.  I am not deserving.  I worry - far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn from it 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 her understand Your will for her life.  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. 

Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.”

Judges 13

Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “Pardon your servant, Lord. I beg you to let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.” v8

What a remarkable story of the birth of Samson - and how his parents experienced an angel of the Lord prophesizing Samson's birth.  Much like Mary with the angel Gabriel (see Luke 1), Samson's parents submit to this plan in humility and go one step further - asking the Lord to guide them as they raise Samson into who God intends him to be.

I have often prayed this same prayer and often neglect to say this prayer thinking I can be doing something absent any prayer - what arrogance and foolishness!  Also sinful...

All of our plans must be directed by the Lord. 

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Psalm 16:9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me - You guide me through good times and bad and without Your light I would be lost.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God who loves me as You do (beyond comprehension).  I worry and I am full of arrogance.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my 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.

The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

Exodus 39

The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them. v42-43

As they constructed the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting, Moses and the Israelites did everything "just as the Lord commanded".  This phrase appears over 15 times in the books of Exodus and Numbers. 

These words offer both encouragement and a warning.

Encouragement in the sense that God blesses those who follow Him and His commandments.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Warning in the sense that we should avoid our own way of life but instead follow God alone.

"For if [Jesus' disciples] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

 

See more here and here.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me - thank You Jesus for giving me many second chances and for all the compassion and forgiveness You pour out for me.  Forgive me for my anger and impatience for others.  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 strength and wisdom.  Please 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

So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today.

Genesis 19

So both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. The older daughter had a son, and she named him Moab; he is the father of the Moabites of today. The younger daughter also had a son, and she named him Ben-Ammi; he is the father of the Ammonites of today. v37-39

Much like Abraham takes matters into his own hands (vs trusting God) - see Genesis 12 and 20, both of Lot's daughters would not trust in the Lord to provide a family of their own.   Although Abraham is noted as a righteous man, taking matters into our own hands vs resting in the Lord is a serious matter - see also Acts 5 where Ananias and Sepphira were struck down by the Lord for holding back in their giving to the church.

Where ever we lack trust of the Lord in our lives, God wants us to come to Him.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

 

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love and compassion for Your children.  You provide - all of the time and for all things.  Thank You Jesus.  I should not worry...but I do.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You instead.  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 strength and wisdom.  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.

But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Jonah 1

But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. v3

Running away from the Lord is never a good idea - it's not like You can hide from God.

You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you. Psalm 69:5

 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

 

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

 

Yet what Jonah does is far from uncommon.  We all have something we want to hide (at least from others) and there are times when we feel led to do something but at the same time resist God because we may feel that the task assigned to us by God is not something we want to do for whatever reason.

 

We may not feel equipped.  We may also feel that those to whom we are being sent do not deserve our time.  We may feel overqualified.  There are other reasons I am sure.  But we must obey God if for nothing else because He is sovereign and again it's not like He won't know we are disobeying Him and it's not like we're going to be able to stop Him from achieving His plan.

 

God will equip us...He loves us, He knows what is good for us and He has a plan.

 

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 

 

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

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  I know You love me, You equip me, encourage me...and so much more.  You rescued me and continue to save me from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love and blessings.  I continue to worry...too much.  Please forgive me 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 do.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and from the side effects from 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, the church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Proverbs 28

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. v26

I am confident of many things and often my confidence rests in myself and this leads to arrogance and hubris. Yet our confidence must rest in God alone for without Him we can do nothing:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love, compassion, mercies, etc. for me.  I recognize this morning that apart from You I can do nothing.  You created me and You call me to live for You and others.  Yet I often don't.  Thank You for how You bless me beyond what I deserve but I need Your mercies. Please forgive me for falling short of Your desire for me - I am lazy, impatient, arrogant, and worried about the world.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Give myself and Lisa wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me lead and serve my family, You, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs 27

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. v1

We all have dreams and goals for what we'd like to accomplish yet it is important to focus on them to the point of idolatry.  We exist to glorify God, so our core focus is to ensure that have a daily relationship with Jesus so that we can understand HIS will for our lives (see also Romans 12:2).


We must also live life with an eternal focus. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, my Teacher, My Counselor, My Healer, You are my everything and without You I can do no good thing.  Thank You for how You have blessed me abundantly.  I am not worth such blessing.  Please forgive me for my harshness and lack of patience for others.  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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.

Proverbs 21

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. v30

Having worked my entire career in technology, I see many around me that place their trust and faith in themselves.  While it is important to be thoughtful and desire wisdom, it is more important to seek God's wisdom and then align our lives with God's wisdom (Romans 12:2).

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 (see also Psalm 110:10, Proverbs 1:7).

Check out other posts on the futility of human plans or our own plans vs those of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, abounding in love, compassion, mercy, patience, etc.  I know You have blessed me with an abundance of second, third chances, etc. Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings!  I am lazy...a sluggard!  Please forgive me for my neglect of my time with You Jesus and help me turn towards You...daily and throughout the day!  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Proverbs 20

A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? v24

God is in control (Colossians 1:16-17) and it is futile and full of folly to pursue our own desires and plans.  We exist to glorify God, so our efforts should be on renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2) and understanding of God's will for our lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have brought me up to incredible highs and dreadful lows.  You never leave me and I know You are for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am lazy and I worry too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  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 and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.