Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Romans 7

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter nine Wretched Man, Wonderful Messiah, which covers Romans 7.  My focus today is Romans 7:7-25, which my commentary refers to under the heading Thankful for Christ, Longing for Deliverance.  Building on v1-7 (see post yesterday) where Paul describes how unbelievers (v5) and believers (v6-7) are dead to sin but then after accepting Jesus are then alive to Christ, Paul seeks to respond to those who might then refer to the law as sinful as the law on its own - without Christ - leads to death and condemnation. Paul writes how the law helps us better understand our sin (v7-8). He then describes the internal battle with sin as without Christ we are helpless against sin as we are captive to it (v15-23). Paul caps this chapter acknowledging our helplessness - but he is thankful for God who rescues us and protects us against sin (progressively through sanctification).

My commentary crystallizes the key takeaways from 7:7-25 with (1) the law shows sin in its true colors, (2) the law reveals the human proclivity to sin, (3) the law exposes our need for spiritual life, (4) the law shows the nature of the Lawgiver - "[t]he problem is not with the law but without our sinful human condition."  The commentary also corrects my view (from above) and argues that Paul is not writing about himself (although he uses "I") nor about Christians who have this battle with sin but a "pre-Christian" struggle. The commentary refers to v13-25 as "total defeat". This total defeat in Romans 7 is contrasted with the Christian experience described in Romans 6 and 8. "[Paul] is speaking as an unbeliever trying to obey God's law and finding it impossible. Only through Christ can we be set free from the law of sin and death (7:24, 8:1-2)."   We are also reminded by the commentary that the law is good as it is from God and holy. The commentary ends by providing a key perspective - "this does not mean the passage only has relevance for non believers....[the] passage should on either reading, make us thankful that wretched people have a wonderful Messiah."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed an amazing God and one who saves me from my sin gives me life - to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  I am easily entangled to and with the world - please forgive me Jesus!  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.

...[W]hat is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church[.]

 Ephesians 1

...[W]hat is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church[.] Ephesians 1:19-22

Given I am complete with my study of Proverbs, I will return to my study of Isaiah, but for today, I pause to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which today focuses on God's omnipotence and how this helps us in our daily battle with sin. The devotion's core message is that we live confidently in light of knowing God's omnipotence. Paul is actually praying for this (v16).  Piper writes: '[t]he omnipotence of God means refuge for the people of God. And when you really believe that your refuge is the omnipotence of God Almighty, there is a joy and a freedom and a power that spills over in a life of radical obedience to Jesus Christ." In this sermon, Piper further explores these verses and shares how these verses enable us to live confidently in our daily battles with sin. I yearn to - with the help of the Holy Spirit - as fully as possible, appreciate God's omnipotence, such that I can live confidently in my battle with sin, and be radically obedient. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - Jesus - You are an awesome God and You provide believers with power through the Holy Spirit - for radical obedience, and to defeat sin - thank You Jesus for this gift and how You never leave or forsake us.  I am not deserving of such blessings, including my faith and 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 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 sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

Leviticus 4

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:8-10

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter four - How God Deals with Sin - covering Leviticus 4:1-35, looking specifically at the theme Sin Forms Everywhere.  Here, God provides instructions to Moses for the "sin offering", and addresses how the sin offering is to be presented based on several scenarios of unintentional sin, including whether an individual Israelite, an anointed priest, the whole congregation of Israel, an Israelite leader (, or a "common" person commits such an unintentional sin.  While the ESV, NKJV, and NIV versions all refer to the offering in Leviticus 4 as a "sin" offering, my commentary writes that "possibly it's best to refer to this sacrifice as the purification offering," as other places in the Bible refer to this offering where there is nothing to do with sin (i.e. childbirth, healing of skin disease, etc.). My commentary emphasizes how God "singles" out leaders in His treatment of sin as God sees these people of influence as key to helping the congregation as a whole avoid sin.  We are also urged not to take sin lightly as it is a devastating, not just eternally, but also now. The commentary writes how only four chapters of the Bible have no sin - the first two chapters of Genesis (before sin existed) and the last two chapters of Revelation (when sin is defeated finally).  Otherwise, the story of sin is the story of all humanity's history - not just in the Bible but as long as humankind exists on earth.  We are urged to see sin as active - always at work and always as something we must battle. Sin also not just separates us from God it impacts our relationships with other people - it is indeed devastating. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me the ability to battle sin in my life - thank You Jesus!  I know the victory is Yours!  Yet I know I am not deserving of how You bless me as my sin does continue - worry, stress, anger, etc. - please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

Psalm 122, 124, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 138 

You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138:7

Day 122 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 my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I continue today with the group: "Psalms of Joy and Praise".

Today's psalms focus on praise for Jerusalem, and the house of the Lord, for escape from enemies, for the joy of brothers living harmoniously, a call for temple servants to praise God, for the many things for which temple servants can give praise, a special poem of thanksgiving for all things, and praise for a faithful God.  A few days ago I posted on praise, and how it is a critical aspect of our relationship with God.  This morning my focus is on how we must recognize the daily battle we face against Satan and sin, and how God is our only weapon against this battle.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

We must no doubt praise God for how he has protected us, continues to protect us, but most importantly we must put on the "armor of God" daily so that He can protect us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who has protected me and continues to protect me.  You also arm me with Your armor, the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet and salvation, sword of the Spirit, and word of God - I am not deserving of how You love and protect me.  I sin...daily.  I am grateful for Your love, compassion, mercy, and protection but I need it daily!  Please forgive me for me sin 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 arm myself with what You provide to protect myself in this daily battle with sin and satan.  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.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 2-3

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. v19-22

Session #3 of  David Platt - Revelation: The Hope of Glory (requires login which I have though my church) focuses on Revelation 2-3. Jesus does not pamper His people but confronts, warns, challenges us - He gives us words because we are at war fighting a daily battle with sin, evil, and suffering temptation every day for our marriages, families, homes, hearts, etc - a raging battle exists for our souls and we must be prepared to rise to the challenge.  Jesus wants us to walk with purity, to  walk with the Gospel because something greater than life on earth here is at stake - life for eternity is at stake and we should not fall away - instead we must stand ready.  Jesus provides words that comfort and strengthen us in the battle so that we can stand and fight with deep conviction.

In chapters 2-3, Jesus writes letters to seven churches commending and rebuking them, warning and commanding them, but also encouraging them.

Platt also wants us to understand more broadly:

1. Jesus knows us truly - we cannot hide anything; Revelation 3:1
2. Jesus loves us deeply; even in the most stern and strong moments He still loves us and He disciplines us out of love
3. Jesus guards us zealously
4. Jesus uses us purposely; He wants to send us out to the front lines of the battle against Satan, sin, and evil so others would know his grace, etc. 

In his words to these we are encouraged to fight this battle all the way to the end.

Jesus commends us the seven churches for:

• faithful perseverance; in chapters 2-3 endurance and or perseverance is referenced 5 times in these chapters; for guarding the church internally (for example from false teachers in Ephesus see Revelation 2:6); for advancing church externally
• for faithful proclamation of the name of Christ in the midst of persecution religiously, economically, socially, and governmentally; be aware that today it is increasingly common in our culture for believers to be labeled dangerous and evil and we must not shirk back!  
• trusting God amidst testing (see Revelation 2:10); God allows or ordains suffering for testing of saints throughout the Bible (examples: Jesus in the wilderness, Paul's thorn in side, Joseph in Egypt); Satan is subordinate and although he intends suffering to sabotage us, God is sovereign and uses suffering to sanctify us
• for loving God among temptation and for walking in purity 

Jesus rebukes five of the seven churches for: 

• for compromise; tolerance for evil idolatry and immorality (Revelation 2:14, 2:20); tolerance of error false teaching and teachers; tolerance for sake of financial gain, social acceptance, and personal safety
• for complacency; lukewarm faith (Revelation 3:14-20); church in Laodicea marked itself for self-sufficiency and self-satisfaction; Sardis failed to complete works of God (Revelation 3:2)

Overall, the most dominant commendation is proclaiming Jesus in the face of persecution and the most dominant rebuke is shrinking back from proclaiming Jesus in the face of persecution (example is Ephesus, see Acts 19:10 and Revelation 2:4-5)

Jesus leaves us with two commands (1) to remember who we are (identity in Christ) and what Jesus says, (2) to repent and turn from sin and to trust in Jesus.

We are encouraged to receive and find treasure in Jesus, clothe our life in Jesus, and to fix our eyes on Jesus (see Revelation 2:5, 2:16, 2:22, 3:3, and 3:16).  We are warned from falling away (see also Hebrews 3:14-17) and when we waver, don't fall away. By grace through faith true followers will persevere and work to the end (see Matthew 24, Hebrews 10:36).  Those who fall away were not truly with us to begin with (see 1 John 2:19).

We are promised incredible rewards if we fight and work to the end; secure protection from the horror of hell; shared participation in reign of Christ, permanent citizenship in the city of God which will never be shaken and enjoy perpetual feasting and celebration

• I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7
• The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death. Revelation 2:11
• To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17
• To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations... I will also give that one the morning star. Revelation 2:26, 28
• The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. Revelation 3:5
• The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Revelation 3:12
• To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You love me and Your words of warning, rebuke, and discipline are out of love - thank You Jesus!  I know You love me and You will never leave or forsake me.  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.” And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”

Zechariah 5:5-11

Then the angel who talked with me came forward and said to me, “Lift your eyes and see what this is that is going out.” And I said, “What is it?” He said, “This is the basket that is going out.” And he said, “This is their iniquity in all the land.” Zechariah 5:5-6

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 5:5-11, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).   The commentary provides historical context for sin and iniquity of the people at the time of this text: "They were cheating one another and being dishonest in business. Prior to the exile, Amos decried the same type of dishonesty[.]"  We are referred to Amos 8:4-7 for more details on the deceitfulness of the people. The commentary, consistent with the resource I used in my post yesterday shares more on Shinar, and how this represents Babylon, where wickedness "has a place of honor": "wickedness, which is so offensive in the promised land, has a home and a place of honor in Babylon. In Scripture Babylon is not just the place of Israel’s exile. It also represents sin, idolatry, rebellion, and wickedness....from the beginning to the end of Bible, Babylon signifies sin....The removal of idolatry prepares Israel for the second coming of Christ, the final conflict between God and all the nations of the earth with Babylon at the center, and Christ’s millennial reign, as portrayed in Revelation 19–20."  As I posted yesterday, we can be encouraged that in our daily battle with sin, God makes us aware of our sin and gives us the power to overcome sin - see Ephesians 6:10-20 for how we are to put on the whole armor of God in our battle.  The commentary concludes by emphasizing that God not only convicts us of our sin and cleanses us, He also does so for unbelievers, and He "continues to produce the fruit of God’s holiness in our lives and transforms us into the image of Jesus. By the Spirit, believers are able to “put to death the deeds of the body” and live holy lives - see also Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Corinthians 3:18, and Romans 8:13.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is full of amazing grace to reveal and convict our hearts of our sin, and soften our hearts so that we run into Your arms for forgiveness and salvation....thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please 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.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it....you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

2 Samuel 10-13:17, 21 and 1 Chronicles 18-20:1, 20:4-8, Psalm 60, and Psalm 51

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.....You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.  Psalm 51:10, 16-17

Day 98 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 a steady stream of battles fought by Israel and includes David's adulterous affair with Bathsheba and his resulting repentance.  My commentary* suggests that Israel's conflicts with its neighbors and David's own battles with lust represent "a warning that God’s people must be on guard against both external and internal enemies".

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

Once again, we must remind ourselves that God promises believers that life will be difficult and we will have challenges (Genesis 3:17-19, John 16:33).  I agree with my commentary that our challenges will be both external and internal - the battle over our souls and with sin is very real.  We must deal with sin out of humility - that alone we cannot deal with sin.  We must recognize that we all sin, need a savior, and that Jesus is that Savior!

David let his guard down and in a moment of pride/arrogance (see DesiringGod.com on this) took Bathsheba as his own (contrary to God's commandment not to covet your neighbor's wife).  I can't imagine for an instant that David did not know this was a sin!  His lust and pride blinded him!

We ALL have these moments where Satan/sin blinds us - and it is in the aftermath of these moments, as we are likely dealing with the destructive forces of sin and we must go to God as contrite as David and seek a pure heart.  From there we must continue to draw near to God and seek transformation and renewal of the mind as a means to preserve ourselves against the forces of Satan and sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an amazing God who loves me and who has welcomed me back into His arms when I have sinned and You continue to do so - thank You Jesus!  I KNOW I need You and I am grateful for Your patience, compassion, and mercy.  Yet I am undeserving.  My sin continues as it will the rest of my life - today included!  Please forgive me - for my combativeness, etc.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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 Your 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 was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief[.] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1

...I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief[.]  The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 13, 15-16

I continue my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul.  Today, I move to chapter twenty-seven - Admitting Imperfections and Turning Them for Love.  Here, John Piper loves and admires Paul for how he is "open about his imperfections, [and how] he actually turns them for the comfort and encouragement of others....Paul’s vulnerability here is for our hope, as we imperfectly pursue holiness*."  Piper starts by pointing out Paul is in elite company as an apostle, yet he freely admits that he is far from perfect and shares his weaknesses and battle against sin as a message of hope for others doing the same (all of us!).  Piper provides a number of scripture examples of how Paul does this:

• God brings people out of spiritual darkness (2 Corinthians 4:4-6)
• grants them to repent and believe (2 Timothy 2:25, Philippians 1:29)
• unites them to Jesus Christ (Romans 6:5)
• counts them as having the very righteousness and perfect obedience of Christ (Romans 5:19)
• gives them the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gift of eternal life (Romans 8:9, 6:23)
• begins the process of making them like Jesus, from one degree of glory to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Piper notes how Paul shares the details of his battle with sin by referring us to 1 Timothy 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 13:9-10, 12, and also in Romans 7:15,18,22-25.  Piper closes the chapter by pointing to Paul's own admission of his heinous sins of persecuting Christians in 1 Timothy 1:13, 15-16 where we see how Paul "believed that God saved him the way he did and when he did so that people who despaired that they were too sinful to be saved might have hope.*"

*John Piper. 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good and so full of mercy, providing Paul rich mercy and using him as a beacon of hope for believers everywhere - thank You Jesus for Your mercy for me...and for helping me in my daily battle with sin.  I am not deserving of how You bless.  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.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 1-3

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 3:19-22

Day 361 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I reach the final chapter of the NT and Bible - Revelation. Last year at this time, I started a more comprehensive study of Revelation from David Platt.  Check out posts from that study here. This time around it's more of a refresher and brief overview over the course of a few days as I wrap my chronological study of the Bible.

My commentary provides the following notes/overview on the book of Revelation: "[i]n his last years, perhaps around A.D. 95–96, the aging apostle is found exiled on the Greek island of Patmos during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. On a particular Lord’s day, as John relates the experience, he receives through an angel a revelation from the Spirit of God in which he is directed to write what he sees and to send it to seven churches in Asia. Those churches, as well as others at this time, are facing severe persecution and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The circumstances therefore warrant both admonition and encouragement....

....What John sees and records is a prophecy, both strange and moving, in which Christ as sovereign Lord engages in battle with the forces of evil and is clearly the Victor. The account is couched in figurative language, supernatural imagery, and verbal and numerical symbolism that is not easy to fully comprehend. Yet it stirs an excitement about the future for all Christians and gives hope that present sufferings will be lost in a victory so wonderful that the mind of man can only begin to grasp it.... 

....The Revelation is the consummation of God’s scheme of redemption for man, as presented systematically throughout the Bible. In the early Genesis account, God was declared to be the omnipotent Creator of the universe, worthy of praise for his majesty and power. The created universe was wholly good until penetrated by the power of Satan, who acquainted man with the evil of sin and its consequences. Because of man’s sin, man came to need redemption and reconciliation with God. Through his chosen nation of Israel, God provided for that redemption. The Old Testament records God’s power of judgment which was made known through Moses, the law, and the prophets. Then, as recorded in the Gospel accounts, came the good news that man’s Redeemer had come to earth in fulfillment of the law and prophecy. Jesus the Christ brought a new righteousness of faith, a faith having the power of salvation. In dying on the cross and in being resurrected from the grave, Jesus triumphed over Satan’s power of death. Based upon that demonstration of his lordship and power, the church was born and grew to swelling numbers and influence. When the church was met with opposition and persecution, the apostles and other inspired writers penned their various epistles to encourage their fellow Christians to persevere, in prospect of their final redemption in the life to come."

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

Both David Platt and the author of my current commentary emphasize the encouraging nature of Revelation.  Yes, battle and destruction is described, yet for those who believe and remain firm in their faith we should be encouraged because we know that Jesus is and has already won the victory we seek - victory over both sin and death.  The end of Revelation 3 offers these great encouraging words that describe the relationship Jesus wants with all of creation - an incredible invitation filled with mercy, compassion and love.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who offers a deep and loving relationship that is unsurpassed in how it sustains and fulfills like no other.  Thank You Jesus for adopting me into Your family!  I am not deserving of such love.  I gossip, am often harsh with others 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.

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8b

I maintain a pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I continue using DesiringGod.com's Advent devotions where I pick up on Day 20.  Here, John Piper encourages believers to unite with unbelievers in what he refers to in the devotion title: Christmas Solidarity. The devotion starts with Piper describing how Satan goes about his business cranking out sin via an "assembly line" and then by distributing them via "huge cargo planes."  As this sin is "spread out before God...[Satan] laughs and laughs and laughs."  The devotion then shares that Satan's objective is to make God the laughingstock of Satan and to draw people away from "the light and beauty and purity and glory of God."  For Satan, "[n]othing pleases him more than when creatures distrust and disobey their Maker."  The devotion then pivots to its connection to Christmas and how the birth of the incarnate Son of God - Jesus Christ - offers hope and good news for sinners - believers and non-believers alike.  We are referred to 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 John 3:8 where Paul and John share that Christ came to save sinners and to defeat sin.  The devotion concludes with John Piper encouraging believers and non-believers to unite in solidarity, and to go "on strike" against Satan's "business" of sin.  Piper writes: "Christmas Solidarity will not give up until a complete shutdown has been achieved.  When sin has been destroyed, God’s name will be wholly exonerated. No one will be laughing anymore.  If you want to give a gift to God this Christmas, walk off the assembly line of sin and don’t go back. Take up your place in the picket line of love. Join Christmas Solidarity until the majestic name of God is cleared, and he stands glorious amid the accolades of the righteous." 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for - giving me the full armor of God to protect me in my daily battle with sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving as my sin 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.      

For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

Romans 7

For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Romans 7:19

I pause my study of 1,2,3 John (using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books) to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which focuses on the apostle Paul's struggle with sin and his Godly posture and response to this struggle.  Romans 7 captures this struggle, Paul's posture and his response, starting with v14 and running through v25. Paul shares the daily struggle all believers face with sin - regardless of where we are in the sanctification spectrum.  I DESIRE to do good and please God, but I often falter and sin anyway.  We all sin and need a Savior.  Until we meet Jesus face-to-face in Heaven, all believers continue to sin, despite our desires to please God and how God is in us (Holy Spirit). Paul shares how just as God is in Him, so is sin (v20).  Paul's personal battle and struggle with sin is shared in more detail in v19, and vv21-23.  In the Solid Joys daily devotion for today, John Piper uses Paul's model as he lays out the antidote for when we falter: "[w]e should say": 

• "I love the law of God. (verse 22)
• I hate what I just did. (verse 15)
• Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? (verse 24) 
• Thanks be to God! The victory will come through Jesus Christ my Lord. (verse 25)"

We are encouraged to follow Paul's model and avoid "hypocrisy, posing, boasted perfectionism, [and] churchy pasted smiles or chipper superficiality."  We must also be self aware enough to avoid "blindness to our own failures" and avoid judging others.  We must focus on our own faults vs those of others.  We are urged to embrace "honesty, candor, and humility" as Paul did.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is so full of grace and compassion and I know I can run back into Your arms when I sin and You will never stop loving me and offering the same mercies that are new every morning and never cease.....thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace!  Of course I am not deserving of such a gift...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.  

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

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 10:1-13. The main idea from the commentary*: "avoid sin by remembering God’s work in the past among the Hebrews and by depending on God’s faithfulness."  The introduction* describes this main idea by emphasizing v11 where Paul shares that Israel's failings to remain obedient to God - primarily (but not limited to) to love God above all others - described in the Old Testament are given to believers "for our instruction" to be prepared for when Jesus returns. The following divisions* are provided to unpack the text for today:   

1. Spiritual Blessings Do Not Guarantee Us God’s Pleasure (10:1-5): Paul seeks to "draw parallels between Israel (our ancestors) and the church." Similar (a foretaste compared to the new covenant with Christ) to how Israel and Moses experienced rescue and blessings during the exodus, believers in Christ share salvation, "blessings and privileges from our God." One such blessing shared by both Israel and believer is how God was with Israel as the cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13:20-21). To describe how God delivered Israel - another blessing - "Paul draws an analogy between Moses (a type of Christ) leading the people to pass through the waters of the Red Sea and Christian baptism (Romans 6:1-14)." Paul then describes how Israel and believers in the church both ate "the same spiritual food" - all coming from God. Paul then moves from blessings to warning as just as God was not pleased with most of Israel in the wilderness (as many were either struck down or otherwise perished in the wilderness), God is not pleased with believers such as those practicing sexual immorality in Corinth.  Be on guard for sin creeping into your life. "This gets to the heart of Paul’s concern for the Corinthians and Paul’s concern for us. To begin well is no guarantee one will finish well."     
   
2. Spiritual Blessings Do Not Insulate Us from Divine Judgment (10:6-10): The commentary describes another "history lesson" from Paul as the text points us to Numbers 11:18-34 where Israel got "too cozy" with sin.  Paul specifically warns us of idolatry (v7) and sexual immorality (v8) problems for both Israel (Numbers 25:1-9) and Corinth.  Paul continues as he compares how both Israel and Corinth tested God (v9) and how both grumbled against God (v10). God's anger burned against Israel and if believers are not on guard His anger will burn against us.  
   
3. Spiritual Blessings Do Not Protect Us from Personal Temptations (10:11-13): Paul concludes the text for today by warning us against temptation while at the same time reminding us that Christ is the "way of escape" as He provides all we need to battle against sin.
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who equips me with everything that I need to battle sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin 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 word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which asserts - rightly so for believers - that "[t]he word of God is our only hope."  The devotion then states that "[t]he good news of God’s promises and the warnings of his judgment are sharp enough and living enough and active enough to penetrate to the bottom of my heart and show me that the lies of sin are indeed lies. Abortion will not create a wonderful future for me. Neither will cheating, or dressing provocatively, or throwing away my sexual purity, or keeping quiet about dishonesty at work, or divorce, or vengeance. And what rescues me from this deception is the word of God....Be of good cheer in your battle to believe. Because the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, it will penetrate deeper than any deception of sin has ever gone and reveal what is truly valuable and what is truly worth trusting and loving." Indeed, earlier this week, I posted how, during our time in this life, believers are in a battle for our soul against sin, Satan, and the forces of darkness. Yet this victory is already won (John 19:30) and we have the full armor of God to fight this battle.  Believers should be encouraged and seek God with a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who gives me the Word and the Holy Spirit and so much more so that I can know You, love You, and become more like You in my battle with sin. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

Genesis  29-33

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

Day 13-14 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on:

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

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

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has helped me battle through unbelief - thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of such love. I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa from her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. v13

Paul uses his encouragement for self discipline (see post yesterday) to then discuss temptation and how we can resist and fight temptation as a means to endure in our race. We have the Holy Spirit, God's grace, and the power of redemption to spur us on, even when we stumble.  There is a battle for our soul but with God on our side - we will defeat sin and be free from the sting of sin and death.

Read more about John Piper's thoughts on this here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is with me in my battle with sin and for my soul - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful that You have saved me. I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle.

Zechariah 14:1-3

For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. Zechariah 14:2-3

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 14:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the second of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the text shares how Jerusalem will be sacked, with v1 describing how spoil taken from the city will be divided "in your midst" referring to possessions of God's people who are the audience of the prophecy from Zechariah.  Yet this is not referring to the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD where God delivers his wrath against his people for accumulated sin as He uses Rome to put down a Jewish rebellion (see also thoughts here re: Ezekiel 4:9-17).  Instead all (v2) nations are fighting against Jerusalem in a scene more reflective of end times and the Battle of Armageddon, consistent with the preceding text in Zechariah.  Looking forward to v4, we also see reference to "on that day," which again is consistent with preceding text as it refers to the Battle of Armageddon. This depicts a violent and scary time where a remnant - half - is exiled (suggesting protection), while invasion and violence awaits the other half.  Yet v3 once again should provide confidence and comfort knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won!  God fights for us - and we know He wins and He creates a New Creation (Revelation 21) and saves a place for us (John 14:1-4).  Be confident and comforted!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and love for me.  You intercede and fight for me and I know You have already sealed victory over sin and death - and You are saving a place for me in Heaven. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and gifts.  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. 

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

1 John 5

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18

I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of 1 John 5:13-21, focusing specifically on a review of the main idea for the entirety of the text, the commentary's introduction/overview for this text, and the second division - which is "We Can Know Victory over Sin (5:18)." Broadly, in this letter, John seeks to reassure us of our new birth, that we are a new creation and the commentary lists "no less than 13 evidences of the new birth in this letter."  Specifically in this verse - v18 - John provides "affirmations" or our victory over sin.  If we are a new creation, (1) we are no longer slaves to sin - it is not a "pattern" of our lives, (2) Jesus protects us in our daily battle with sin - see also John 17:12, 1 Peter 1:5, and Jude 24; and (3) Satan is not able to "seize" our souls. "Satan may grab at us and tempt us through doubt, friends who fall away, idols, fleshly enticements, and worldly allurements, but because of the power of Christ he cannot get us." We are reminded of earlier text in 1 John 3:8 where John shares how Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God because You give me victory over sin - sin is no longer a pattern in my life, and You protect me and prevent Satan from seizing my soul.  My salvation is sealed and cannot be taken from me.  Thank You Jesus!  What incredible blessings!  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.

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Matthew 26 and Hebrews 12

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18

I extended a pause on my studies of both Isaiah and of Proverbs to listen to today's Solid Joys daily devotion on DesiringGod.com.  John Piper's devotion today examines how Jesus battled depression (using the night before He went to the cross as the example) and Piper urges us to avoid unbelief and not putting up a spiritual battle.  Using Matthew 26:37-39 and Hebrews 12:2, he points to six ways that we can use to put up a spiritual battle:

1. He chose some close friends to be with him. “Taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee” (Matthew 26:37).
2. He opened his soul to them. He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38).
3. He asked for their intercession and partnership in the battle. “Remain here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).
4. He poured out his heart to his Father in prayer. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39).
5. He rested his soul in the sovereign wisdom of God. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).
6. He fixed his eye on the glorious future grace that awaited him on the other side of the cross. “For the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). 

Note how three of the six related to other people and the other three, of course, relate to God.  God should be first.  God will then point to and connect us to others who will help us in the battle.  Saturate yourself with God and surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ who will help you in the battle.  

From the very beginning - Genesis 2 - we hear from God how "it is not good that man should be alone." I have fought the battle of depression and I know this for sure.  Take Piper's words to heart.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who has given me Your Son, the Holy Spirit, Your Word, and brothers and sisters in Christ who arm me in the battle against this world and depression - 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.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin....My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear....For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

Psalm 4, 12, 20, 25, 32, and 38

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin....My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear....For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Psalms 32:3-5, 38:4, 17-18

Day 124 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 my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and today I start a new grouping "Psalms Expressing a Variety of Sentiments".

Today's psalms focus on how God's mercy demands obedience, how the wicked misuse the gift of speech, prayer for others' welfare and expression of trust, for expression of trust in God and his instruction, the blessedness of confession and forgiveness of sins, and the agony of confession of sin.

The importance of confession strikes me this morning.  David, while certainly a biblical hero, experienced the pain of sin in his life and the Psalms chronicle such pain - in particular Psalm 32 and 38.  John Piper writes that although Christ died "once for all" for our sins (Hebrews 7, 9, 10), we must continue to confess sin - otherwise "we deceive ourselves" (1 John 1:8) - as a demonstration of how we make war on sin in our lives as Paul directs us to in Colossians 3:5.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has died once and for all for my sins and help me fight the daily battle against sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love and protection - my sin continues.  I do thank You for the incredible grace and compassion You pour out for me but I continue to need it daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and ehlp 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.

It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet—when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

Psalm 76, 82, 84, 90, 92, 112, and 115 

It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet—when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. Psalm 76:7-10

Day 116 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 my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I start a new group: "Psalms About Righteousness and Wickedness" where David cries out to the Lord regarding the apparent inequity of the wicked who seem to escape judgment and punishment while the righteous suffer.

Today's psalms focus on how God's wrath against evil is to be feared, a warning to those wicked who claim to be gods yet will nevertheless die, the superiority of the house of God over dwellings of the wicked, the importance of remembering life's brevity, how only the righteous will truly flourish, how benefits accrue to a righteous person, and how idolaters have no source of trust as do believers.

Fear of the Lord strikes me this morning as the key theme of today's psalms.  I have previously posted John Piper's view on how fear of the Lord should serve as a preservative in my battle with temptation and sin - essentially that fear over God's wrath and anger over my sin should stop me in my tracks over sin. While this may be a sobering thought to many we should view it as a measure of God's love as well - God only disciplines those He loves.

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12

In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:4-6

My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God who I KNOW loves me.  I know You despise sin and sin separates me from You, and their are eternal consequences to sin.  I am undeserving of Your forgiveness, grace, compassion, and most importantly for Your gift of salvation.  My sin of gossip, worry, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.