Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?

Isaiah 2

Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he? Isaiah 2:22

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  On day 5 of my study, the key takeaway comes from Isaiah 2:22, where God seeks for us to focus on Him first and foremost (vs man). Of course, man can be defined in terms of ourselves as well as others. Selfishness is a key sin as is the desire to be approved by others.  We should seek to please, honor and glorify God - for that is why we exist. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of my focus and my energy - You are good!  Your blessings and mercies are new every morning and You provide for all of my needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues - including focus on self vs God.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.

Acts 19

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. v17

As Paul continues his mission in Ephesus, he baptized believers in the name of Jesus (vs John), placed hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (v1-4).  Perhaps envious of how God was using Paul (v11-12), some sought glory for themselves but this backfired (v13-17).  This is a powerful example of how we must seek God's glory first, and respect His name vs using it for worldly gain. John Piper also instructs us how fear and respect for God should be used as a preservative for our faith - that we not run away from God as His power may be used for our destruction. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always with me...watching over me and protecting me - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of Your love and protection. 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 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.

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.

Matthew 6

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. v1

Although my focus of recent has been on heart condition, our external behavior DOES matter.  This morning the focus is on external behavior that serves to bring glory to ourselves which is NOT what God wants.  Verse 1 is further applied in v2-4, 5-6, 16-18.  We exist to bring to glory to God not the other way around.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and amazing God who loves me even though I am broken and sinful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus of my harsh words of others and help me 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.  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.