Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Zechariah 5:1-4

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.” Zechariah 5:1-4

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 5:1-4, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  The commentary is brief for this text but shares that in Zechariah 5, "we see the sixth and seventh visions that the Lord showed His prophet. These visions go together. Some interpreters see them as one vision because they work together to provide one message. In the sixth vision, recorded in Zechariah 5:1-4, the prophet sees a flying scroll, which represents the power of the Spirit to reveal sin....The flying scroll filled with charges and judgments is a reminder that evil offends God. He looks, He knows, He cares, and He judges when God’s people cheat one another or steal or fail to tell the truth....The Lord promises swift and severe judgment for the sin of the people, banishing thieves from the land and bringing complete destruction to the house of those who swear falsely by His name."  Certainly, we should all be aware of our sin.  The hope is that God softens our hearts to repent of our sin and turn towards Him.  Believers and non-believers alike can then run into the arms of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins and salvation.

Comment and discuss this sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good - SO good.  You don't just reveal sin but You forgive sin and save - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the mercies that are new every morning and never cease.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such 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 continue to 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.

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord....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....I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Jeremiah 15-17

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord....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....I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:5, 7-8, 10 

Day 211 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Jeremiah. This morning, my reading focuses on the challenge of Jeremiah's mission - to chastise Judah of her wickedness and to warn her of impending captivity.  My commentary* discusses how Jeremiah feels the weight of his mission, particularly in light of how false prophets claim peace and prosperity will continue for Judah.  Jeremiah is mocked, many seek to kill him, and God seeks great sacrifice from Jeremiah, telling him not to marry, mourn at funerals, or to feast (Jeremiah 16:1-9). As Jeremiah complains, God seeks to both chastise and reassure Jeremiah in the mission.  One of God's key messages to Jeremiah and Judah is how "trust in man [is] futile" and how "God knows the heart".  God wants Jeremiah to glorify God through the mission - do what God says and in the process worship and seek to bring glory to God...and God will work through You to accomplish His will.

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

We must focus on our heart condition as we strive to love the Lord more each day.

God gives each believer a mission and we are encouraged not to focus on worldly definitions of mission success - but instead on worship and the glory of God.  John Piper provides great insights on this topic.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done MUCH in my heart and life - I love You Lord!  Thank You for the many blessings You have poured out in my life!  I am not deserving of such love and 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.

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Zechariah 5:1-4

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.” Zechariah 5:1-4

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 5:1-4, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  Here Zechariah's visions continue as he delivers a message from the Lord about a "curse that goes out over the face of the whole land."  This curse is directed towards those who steal and swear falsely by God's name.  We don't know why only these sins are the scope of God's judgement and we also don't know the details of the curse.  We do know that a specific form of blasphemy (of God's name) is treated very harshly in scripture.  Believers are exhorted to not "mess with fire" here as not being forgiven lends itself to condemnation...eternally.  In general, the broader question at hand is whether we should deliberately, willfully, and consistently commit sin.  Of course we should not.  We are in a daily battle for our souls (see 1 Peter 5:8) and we should remain in Him through daily exercise of spiritual disciplines such as reading and study of God's word, prayer, etc. Such efforts and reverent fear of God serve as a preservative against sin.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects from the dark forces of this world - thank You Jesus and for Your Advocate - the Holy Spirit.  I am not deserving of protection nor salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to 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.     

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter eleven Future Glory, Present Help, which covers Romans 8:18-30.  My focus today is Romans 8:26-30, which my commentary refers to under the heading Help for Weak Saints. Here, Paul describes how the Holy Spirit, which indwells in believers, helps us "in our weakness" (v26). He knows both our pain and our thoughts and "intercedes" on our behalf even when we are unable to muster the words in prayer (v26-27). Paul also tells us that whatever suffering we do have (see post yesterday), "all things work together for good" (v28). We are also told that we are "predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" (v29) and we can surmise that we are to suffer as Christ did.  Yet again we have this hope (again see post yesterday) because we are justified (v30) and as a result progressively glorified now (sanctification) until the day when we meet Jesus face-to-face (glorification complete) - v30.  The challenge for my reading today is v29b where Paul explains a result of being conformed to "the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."  John Piper writes that Paul includes this so that we recognize that "Christ died and rose from the dead as the firstborn of many siblings so that he would be seen and enjoyed by them and by others as preeminent, superior, gloriously great."

My commentary also refers to John Piper and wants us to see how Paul's words in v26-27 are there because Paul wants us to see how during suffering we groan because we don't know God's will and purpose of our suffering - but of course God IS working and for GOOD! My commentary also wants to not miss what is referred to as the "golden chain of salvation or redemption" in v29-30. We are also encouraged to see the "communal emphasis" of v29 in that we are not to "view [our] brothers and sisters [in Christ] from a human perspective but from [a] divine perspective."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing God and I have seen You work in ALL things including my challenges, trials and difficulties - I know You are there, will never leave me and are always working for good. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me because my sin has been great and it continues to be great - worry, anger, etc. Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You and 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 reward everyone according to what they have done.

Psalm 62

You reward everyone according to what they have done. v12

This is indeed true - that God is our judge and He will reward everyone according to what we have done.  To be clear, there are at least four key points here: (1) we are to live according to what God has commanded of us, (2) God rewards us, (3) God knows our hearts and false motives won't fly with Him, (4) it is through grace alone that we are saved and blessed - nothing we do assures us of our salvation and God alone blesses us according to His will and plan.

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

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

 

Straightforward, yet difficult. ; )

 

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14

 

My Prayer:  Lord, You are great and You alone are God...able to judge what is in my heart and You are fair, full of mercy, compassion and patience.  I am not deserving of such a God but You came for me and adopted me anyway.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my continued worry.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me 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 and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

He will not turn his face from you if you return to him....May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.

2 Chronicles 29-31

He will not turn his face from you if you return to him....May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary. 2 Chronicles 30:9, 18-19

Day 184 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 this morning with details about how King Hezekiah of Judah led a spiritual revival in his kingdom.  My commentary* highlights scripture that describes how he ordered the temple cleansed (2 Chronicles 29), led worship for two weeks straight during both Passover (2 Chronicles 30) and one additional week due to the zeal of the Lord and of those in attendance for worship.  He destroyed all idols and high places associated with foreign gods, led the people in tithing, and assigned roles and tasks (all in 2 Chronicles 31).

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

This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
2 Chronicles 31:20-21

For me, what is most striking is how Hezekiah reaches out to the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Chronicles 30) to join in the worship, despite how Israel went to war with Judah and took Judah captive.  Just as God demonstrates grace and compassion with all people, Hezekiah demonstrates grace and compassion with Israel.

At the king’s command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials, which read:

“People of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your parents and your fellow Israelites, who were unfaithful to the Lord, the God of their ancestors, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” 2 Chronicles 30:6-9

Hezekiah (as led by God) even demonstrated grace to those who were unclean according to ceremonial law:

Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 2 Chronicles 30:18-20

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is SO full of grace and compassion for me and ALL people.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  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.

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.

1 John 5

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. v14-15

I suspect that these verses are used out of context quite frequently and perhaps not well understood.  For myself, I know I can use a more authoritative view on these verses so here is what John MacArthur says*:

To pray according to God’s will is to pray in accord with what He would want, not what we would desire or insist that He do for us (John 14:13-14). John already specified that answered prayer also depends on obedience to God’s commandments and avoidance of sin (3:21; Psalm 66:18; John 15:7; 1 Peter 3:7). Since genuine believers know God’s Word (i.e., His will) and practice those things that are pleasing to Him, they never insist on their own will, but supremely seek God’s desires (Matthew 27:39–42). He hears us. The word hear signifies that God always hears the prayers of His children (Psalms 34:15–17), but not always in the manner they are presented.

*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64220-64224). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

It is comforting that God hears our cries and responds to all prayers.  

Two takeaways: 
1. God's will is always what we should desire (as we exist to glorify Him) and so we should be motivated to better understand His will (see also Romans 12:2)
2. Sin separates us from God and "hinders" our prayers - so this should motivate us to avoid sin and draw us closer to Him.


My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God who loves me and who hears and responds to my prayers - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of a God who loves me so - my sin weighs me down and hinders me.  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 sLisa 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.

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Leviticus 12

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping up chapter twelve - God Rules from Our Birth - covering Leviticus 12:1-8, looking specifically at the final theme - God Offers Salvation to All.  The commentary this morning provides an explicit and direct connection to Jesus from the text in Leviticus 12. V8 describes the offering commanded by God following a new mother's purification (where even the poor have a path to God): "if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering."  The commentary then emphasizes how Jesus offers salvation to all, including the poor - "[f]inancial condition never excludes someone from atonement God provides.  God offers it to every person free of charge."  Key this morning is how the commentary highlights Luke's (Luke 2:22-24) description of how Mary, after the birth of Jesus, offers this same offering as commanded by God in Leviticus 12:8. The commentary also encourages us to know that Jesus Himself became poor so that we can become rich - rich from the grace and inheritance of Jesus!

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God worthy of my white-hot worship and You offer salvation to everyone, and You gave it to me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing - the greatest gift of all time.  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.

...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us....that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 3:16-19

...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us....that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Romans 5:8, Ephesians 3:16-19

In support of preparing to lead worship at the Gardens and The Lodge on Sunday 30MAR, I pause on my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume.  The theme for worship on this occasion is to prepare hearts for Holy Week (starting Palm Sunday 13APR and culminating on Easter 20APR) - which DesiringGod.com refers to as "the most important week in the history of the world."  For those of us who are students of history (my undergraduate degree and an ongoing interest), and more importantly, for those of us who are believers, such a statement should move us to more closely examine if this is true, and if so, to both understand what implications this might have for us, and how we should respond.  As a starting point, my focus this morning is an initial review and reflection on the post that makes this statement.  In support of the statement that Holy Week is the most important week in the history of the world, the post shares how all four of the gospel accounts dedicate much of its writings to Holy Week, including Matthew 21-28, Mark 11-16, Luke 19-24 and John 12-21.  The post then shares:  "it could even be said that all the Old Testament anticipates this week, and the rest of the New Testament reflects it in theology and practical living."  Indeed, as snapshots of Holy Week, Christ's death and resurrection alone comprise the very essence of the gospel and as believers we should do more than simply celebrate Easter as a single day but reflect on the implications of Easter on our faith.  Two such implications are recorded by Paul: (1) Romans 5:8, and (2) Ephesians 3:16-19.  Romans 5:8 shares that Christ died for us while still sinners, of course emphasizing how we as believers are not deserving of the salvation He freely gives us and how this salvation is only attained first through Christ's gruesome death on the cross, which He submits to willingly.  Ephesians 3:16-19 is jam packed with doctrine but what jumps out at me initially is how Paul seeks for us to have strength to comprehend the dimensions (which cannot be measured) of God love and to be filled with the fullness of God.  I believe that both of these texts (1) and (2) work together as a starting point to further prepare for Holy Week and Easter.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an incredible God You are in how You sent Your Son Jesus to die for me and then You raised Him from the dead so that He could be seated next to You in Heaven.  You defeated sin and death and You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You! I am not deserving of such blessings and my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to 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.          

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Romans

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6

Today, I started a new study based on what my Friday morning men's group will be starting - a study on the book of Romans.  As a companion to this study, based on recommendations from others I respect, I am using a commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook).  This commentary, authored by Tony Merida and edited as well by Merida, David Platt, and Daniel Akin, is part of the Christ-Centered Exposition series available from Christianbook.com. I am careful as I approach this study as John Piper has referred to this book (in terms of his ability to offer a sermon series on the book) as both the "greatest letter ever written" and "daunting" with the daunting aspect being a key reason for the care and caution as I proceed. 

The commentary emphasizes three key themes as background for Romans:

1. it is a "Gospel-saturated letter"
2. it is a "community-building letter"
3. it is a "missional-letter"

On (1) the commentary states that "the gospel frames the letter" and Paul uses Romans to defend "the substance of the gospel, and he also describes how the gospel should shape Christian living and fuel Christian mission." The commentary goes on to state that "[i]n today's pluralistic, relativistic, skeptical world, there is great confusion regarding the nature of God, sin, and salvation. There is also a great need for professing Christians to grow in theological discernment."

On (2) the commentary describes division in Rome among Jewish and Gentile Christians and this "gave Paul an occasion to create a glorious, multi-ethic vision for the people of God." My commentary also states that this division and Paul's occasion to address it should encourage us to "pray for the Lord to help us love our (diverse) brothers and sisters better."

Finally, on (3) the commentary describes how Paul uses Romans to seek "support for his mission to Spain." See also Romans 15:24-29. The commentary indicates that Paul hopes to "unify the Christians in Rome so that they may be a home base for his mission to Spain."

Tomorrow I will being to unpack Romans - starting with Romans 1:1-7.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God indeed and You are worthy of my full attention - indeed aggressive attentiveness!  I have tasted and seen Your glory and it is amazing indeed and You have transformed my heart and life as a result!  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving of these and all of the blessings You pour out for me.  I worry, and I am easily distracted by the world.  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.

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.

1 John 5

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. v14-15

If we are close to God we must know His "good, pleasing and perfect will" and Paul shows us how in his letter to Romans:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

We must yearn to be close to God, in prayer, in reflection, in study, etc.  By drawing closer to God and knowing His will for our lives, we have confidence in knowing that God hears and answers ALL prayer - according to His will.  The implication is that our prayers should consist of either praying for what we KNOW God wants for us or for us to fully submit to His will - whatever that might be.

My Prayer: Lord You are a Great God and I know that Your designs, plans, etc. for me are perfect, glorify You and are GOOD for me.  Yet I often want to satisfy my OWN desires and this is sinful and wrong Jesus - please forgive me and help me turn from such sinful behavior and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength and help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me desire what You desire.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of this cancer. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

1 Corinthians 3

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 3:5-17.  The introduction of the commentary* for today's text shares the following main point: "God uses his servants to build the church and will judge the quality of each person’s work, but he is responsible for the church’s growth." It continues to describe how the text seeks to ensure all believers are properly focused on loving and serving God in preparation for Judgement Day.

The commentary* then outlines how the text includes "three pictures to describe the church of God" and how the text uses each in three divisions:

1. The Church Is God’s Field (3:5-9): Paul seeks to address the politics and conflict within the church at Corinth by explaining that neither himself, Apollos or Cephas (see also 1 Corinthians 3:22) are to be exalted as they are merely servants of Christ doing what God called them to do. The workers are not rivals but teammates working towards the same goal - glory to God.  The commentary* also explains that "how we serve matters. What we do and why we do it matter."  It makes a point to ensure we don't miss v8b and how Paul reminds us that "each will receive his wages according to his labor." Using the farming analogy, Paul then moves to share how even though God's workers - whoever they may be - plant and water the field, it is God alone that gives the growth. We are referred to John 4:34-38 where God is the Lord of the harvest. The commentary* for this division concludes with an admonishment: "[e]xalting a person to divine status is idolatry and robs God of the glory that rightly belongs only to him. Thank him for the service of his servants, but praise him for the growth in his field that only he can give." 
2. The Church Is God’s Building (3:9-15): The commentary* highlights how the text moves from a farming analogy to an architectural one where "[t]he church of the Lord Jesus is his field in which he sends his servants and coworkers to plant, water, cultivate, and reap a harvest. It is also his “building” (v9) where he sends his “skilled master builder” (v10) and other laborers and workers to build with materials of excellence that will withstand the purifying fires of revelation on “the day” of judgment (v13)[.]" We are reminded that Christ is the foundation and the members of the church are to work together to build upon that foundation.  The commentary writes: "[w]e work with good motives, methods, and goals. How we work in and for the church matters. Why we work in and for the church matters."  We cannot forget that Christ is the foundation of the church. The commentary* digs deeper into how Paul encourages Corinth to build on Christ's foundation carefully, using quality materials and methods.   It warns us against efforts that produce little value, particularly in light of how our efforts - all of us - will be judged according to our labor and the quality of our work.  The commentary* provides several key points about this judgement, including (a) this is a judgement of service, not salvation, (b) this judgement involves the quality of our work, not its quantity, (c) this judgement will evaluate both actions and motives. 
   
3. The Church Is God’s Temple (3:16-17): Paul's final division for the text extends the use of a building as a metaphor by referring to the church as God's temple. The commentary* shares four observations made by Paul about the church: (a) we (the church) are His sanctuary, (b) we have His spirit, (c) we are special, and (d) we are sacred.  The commentary* writes about how we are His sanctuary: "[w]hat an amazing statement of their identity in Christ and their status before God."  It writes about how we have His Spirit: "[t]he sovereign God of the universe now dwells in a small, insignificant people called the church." Regarding how the church is special, the commentary* writes how Paul warns the church (v17) to treat God's temple with respect and to avoid the many things that reflect poorly on the church: "[a] focus on entertainment, false conversions, preaching a watered-down gospel, spending resources on fancy programs or impressive buildings, weak preaching, acceptance of gossip and materialism, lack of prayer, loss of missions and evangelistic passion, and much more will drain a local church of its life." The warning here to not destroy the church is a grave one - we are referred to Galatians 1:8-9. Paul's words in this division conclude as described by the commentary* by emphasizing how the church is holy and set apart and this includes both privileges and responsibilities...and God will hold the church accountable for how we do.
   

 The commentary* concludes for the text today by quoting Andy Davis' book The Glory Now Revealed: What We'll Discover About God in Heaven and how it lists ten kinds of good works we should pursue:

1. Anything done for the glory of God (even simple daily tasks; 1 Cor 10:31) 
2. Humble servant-hood (Matthew 20:26-28) 
3. Sacrificial giving (2 Samuel 24:24; Luke 21:3; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7) 
4. Suffering for the kingdom (Matthew 5:11-12) 
5. Advancing the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:19) 
6. Giving to the poor (Luke 14:12-14) 
7. Secret acts of piety—fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:6,18) 
8. Anything done to help those advancing the gospel (Matthew 10:42) 
9. Anything done to help other Christians in any way (Hebrews 6:10) 
10. An honorable life of hard work (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace for me in SO many ways - thank You for the love and grace You pour out for me.  I am undeserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done."

Matthew 16

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." v27

As I sit here thinking about how I can have a more interesting job, I SHOULD be thinking about how I can be more pleasing to the Lord with what I do with my time here on earth.

As I have learned in BSF, Jesus demands that He is our #1 priority.  In fact in Matthew 22, it says:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

 

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. Matthew 22:34-38

In addition, we are to DO not just believe as it states in James:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

It also says in Luke to be a lamp on a stand versus a lamp under a table:

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.  Luke 8:16

 It must be clear that I am both a believer and a do-er.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God full of love for me and You act out of love for me every day - You are an active and living God that is always at work for me and for all of Your children.  I am not deserving of such rich blessing and love.  I am lazy and not in action for You Jesus.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me and help me turn from such sin.  Help me be the man You intend for me Jesus. Help me both believe and act in Your name 

I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.

Jeremiah 17

“I the Lord search the heart

and examine the mind,

to reward each person according to their conduct,

according to what their deeds deserve.” v10

This is something I struggle with often - if my outward conduct and deeds is enough to please God.  I know I can do more.

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-17  

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God full of patience, compassion and mercy towards me.  I am weak, impatient, and angry - often.  I know You love me anyway - thank You Lord Jesus.  Please forgive me for my lack of patience and anger.  Rid me and purify me of this Lord Jesus. 

Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.

Leviticus 10

Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace. Leviticus 10:3

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter ten - Our Response to God's Holiness - covering Leviticus 10:1-20, looking specifically at the theme - God's People Accept Responsibility to Represent Him.  Here, the commentary looks closely at the role of the priests in both the Old and New Testament.  In the Old Testament, the Levites served as priests, mediating between God and the Israelites - specifically here in Leviticus 10, Aaron and his sons served as priests.  The commentary discusses how the priests were held to a higher standard and had a "special level of responsibility [(]to lead worship according to God's directions and to represent God accurately[)] relative to the Israelite congregation at large.  In the New Testament, all believers in Christ now share that "special responsibility" as "ambassadors" of Christ.  My post from a few days ago looks at how Christ offers a covenant that He "mediates is better" than that of the first covenant (from the Old Testament). The commentary unpacks v10:2 where it says "Aaron held his peace," to highlight how Aaron restrained his sorrow for his sons Nadab and Abihu and how difficult this must have been. According to the commentary, "[t]his was a defining moment.  The refusal to mourn would make the point that nothing, not even a cherished child, is as important as God Himself or as important as treating Him as holy.  If Aaron and the other priests had mourned the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, it could have appeared that they did not accept God's judgement or that they had greater sympathy for the sinners than they had for God's holiness.  People were watching them, and their loyalty to God was a bigger issue than loyalty to family."  For another scriptural example of how God seeks loyalty to Him above anybody else, the commentary refers us to the wickedness of Eli's sons and God's judgement on both Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 2:22-36, and 1 Samuel 4:17-20. 

Another key takeaway from the the commentary this morning is that the "death of Nadab and Abihu is a warning not to trifle with the commands of God or misrepresent the glory of God.  When God speaks, there is no room for innovation; we must not corrupt God's Word by what we say or what we do."  Just as people watched the Levites, including Aaron and sons, in the Old Testament, people are watching believers in Christ and we must be holy as we represent God as ambassadors.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed Holy and worthy of my obedience to Your commands.  Thank You for sending Your Son to live in my heart and life to bring about obedience as I am unable to do this in my own power.  Yet I am undeserving of such a blessing.  I worry and I have other sins.  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.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 3, specifically vv4-7, assisted by a sermon message on this text from John MacArthur's Grace to You website. Here, John MacArthur digs deeply into vv4-7 where Paul writes about how God "saved us" and what that means for believers.  First, MacArthur looks at v3 where Paul emphasizes to Titus and the church at Crete that all believers were - before they were saved "foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another."  MacArthur refers us to text elsewhere that highlight this pre-salvation state - slave to sin and condemned to eternal damnation - see also Romans 1:21-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11a, and Ephesians 2:1-3 just for a few examples. Of course, such a state leads to death as a deserving punishment - Romans 6:23.  MacArthur then highlights a "seven-fold" salvation in the text:

1. We are saved by His kindness; " It means that He has a concern in His heart toward people in misery. God is basically good. He is inherently good. He is inherently kind."
2. We are saved by His love; based on the Greek word philanthropia - "It literally means pity, compassion, eagerness to deliver from pain or distress because of strong affection. It has the idea of a strong affection. It doesn't have some kind of self-serving component in it. It's not pity for the wrong reason. It's pity out of strong affection. God is kind. He is kind toward the ungrateful and evil men, as Jesus said, and His kindness causes Him to have a strong affection out of which He wants to act in pity and compassion."
3. We are saved by His mercy; "It's different than grace. Grace relates to guilt. Mercy relates to misery. Grace relates to the state of the sinner before God the judge. Mercy relates to the condition of the sinner in his sin. Grace is a judicial concept that forgives the crime. Mercy is a compassionate concept that helps the criminal recover. Mercy looks at misery, grace looks at guilt."
4. We are saved by His regeneration; "Obviously we can't cleanse ourselves, we can't give life to ourselves. That's all the work of God."
5. We are saved by His Spirit; "There's nothing you can do to get the Holy Spirit. There's nothing you can do to gain or earn the renewal work of the Holy Spirit. That's something God pours out and it tells us in verse 6 He poured out the Spirit upon us richly."
6. We are saved by His Son.
7. We are saved by His grace; "He paid the price and therefore our sins are removed, justice is fully satisfied, kindness, love, mercy and grace can act freely. Justified by His grace. Grace is giving us what we don't deserve. We don't deserve to be forgiven. We don't deserve to have our sin removed. We don't deserve to be imputed the righteousness of God. We don't deserve that. We don't deserve to be just before God. We don't deserve to come into His presence. We don't deserve heaven. But grace gives it to us because God's justice is satisfied in Christ and He declares us justified...justified."        

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good in how You saved me and You intercede for me eternally, praying for me and never leaving or forsaking me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.