Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Hebrews 12:3-6

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?  “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12:3-6

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 12:3-6 - the author builds on the previous two verses expanding on the example of Jesus and how He endured to the cross - giving us two ways for us to endure.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus endured all the way to the cross, shedding His blood as He looked past His suffering and death to the eternal establishment of His Kingdom. VV3-4: He is a good example for us as He endured God's wrath for all of humanity's sin on our behalf - therefore our suffering pales in comparison to what Christ endured as He suffered and died for us.  Vv5-6: God disciplines those whom He loves - so we should see our suffering as both training and as love from Him. See also Romans 8:28.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People often cannot endure difficulties and suffering, but with Christ we can. He is in us and He gives us the same power that raised Him from the dead. See also Romans 8:11 and Ephesians 1:19-20.  If we see Jesus as our example and as someone who is in our hearts and lives, we can endure - reason #1.  We can also endure by seeing suffering as training from God to perfect our faith.  The author of Hebrews uses Proverbs 3:11-12 to remind us how God trains us through suffering and discipline - if we keep this in mind we have reason #2.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid shrinking back (see Hebrews 10:39) when difficulty arrives. Claim the promise that we God is saving a place for us in Heaven - the New Jerusalem.  Follow the example of Jesus who endured, and gives us the same power that raised Him from the dead.  Focus on Jesus - treasure and love Him more than anything. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who gives me what I need to endure to the end.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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.

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.

Daniel 12

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days. Daniel 12:13

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 12:5-13 as I lean on my commentary for this text.  The commentary starts by sharing how in v5, Daniel's vision pivots to describe how "two other angels join Gabriel on the bank of the Tigris" (see also Daniel 10:4). It then shares how Jesus is described starting in v6 as the "man in linen" (see also Daniel 10:5-6).  "Someone," presumably one of the angels who joined Gabriel, asks of Jesus in v6 "how long shall it be till the end of these wonders?"  Jesus responds but in a way that is incomplete; in v7 Jesus responds that the end of these wonders would be "for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished."  The commentary refers to this period as "[w]hen evil has done its worst and the hopes of the people of God seem shattered, then God will act." Daniel is still confused - as should be all believers - in v8.  In v9, Jesus continues to respond to Daniel by sharing that the fullness of Daniel's vision and a more complete understanding of what will occur at the end will remain a mystery and be "sealed." The commentary shares: "[t]he word is protected, and it will be preserved. Everything will happen as God intends at the right time. Be faithful. Trust him. Be patient...there are things we know and things we don’t know and can’t know because God has chosen not to reveal them to us. However, one thing we can know with certainty is how we are to live in light of the Son of Man’s coming at the time of the end." In v10-13 there is a call for believers to endure and persevere the suffering and persecution that will occur as we will be refined as the commentary shares "our Lord promises to bless those who endure and persevere through these difficult and troubling times of opposition and persecution...God says, but I still have work for you to do. When it is time for you to retire from my work, then I will bring you home. Then “you will rest” because you will be with me. Then, as promised in verse 2, you will “stand to receive your allotted inheritance” (v. 13; ESV, “allotted place”), your destiny, your reward. This will happen “at the end of the days.” So do your duty, make disciples, proclaim my Word, and endure. Something wonderful is on the horizon at the end." Persevere and endure!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and I am grateful for how You reveal Yourself through Your Word and the Holy Spirit - thank You Jesus for providing great words of comfort and assurance so that I can endure and persevere.  I am not deserving of how You reveal Yourself to me nor for 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 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.

Jesus, [is] the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

Jesus, [is] the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 11:16

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 12:1-2 - the author builds on the previous chapter by encouraging believers to endure with faith until the end, just as Jesus did.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is seen as not just God but as a coach for those running the race of faith to the end.  This is not a sprint but an endurance race and we know we will experience tribulation as God tells us that we will (John 16:33) but he also tells us that we will overcome because He has overcome.  This encouragement comes on the heels of the encouragement from the previous chapter where the author of Hebrews shares that believers have a better promise - an eternal one - than the one from those mentioned in the "Hall of Faith."  We can endure because of the greater promise of Jesus and the inheritance we will share with Him. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Believers are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses" - v1 - implies that God wants the light of our faith and love of God to cut through the cloud so that people can clearly see who the light is and be drawn to the light - which is of course Jesus!  V1 also describes how we do this - by enduring whatever is thrown at us and by focusing on Jesus - His Word, the Holy Spirit, church, spiritual disciplines, etc.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid the weight of sin which clings so closely and weighs us down as we endure with faith.  Claim the promise that God is saving a place for us in Heaven. Follow the examples of the many explicitly and otherwise mentioned in the "Hall of Faith" from Hebrews 11 who labored for a promise they did not see and did so in faith that they would receive the promise.  Focus on Jesus by making Him the most important relationship in your life - He will help you endure to the end!

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves You, who provides a better promise that allows us to endure until the end where our reward will be that God is saving a place for us in Heaven!  How awesome - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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.

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

 Hebrews 10:19-39

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:39

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 10:19-39  - the author of Hebrews encourages believers to see how they have full assurance of faith as Jesus allows us to enter the most holy of places and share fellowship with God.  This encouragement also seeks to have us endure through suffering we will endure and to hold fast until the end so that we don't fall away.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is described as faithful to all of His promises. He is also described as a jealous God who will punish those who do not submit to Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Building on previous chapters where Jesus is described as offering a better covenant, vv19-21 emphasize how this new covenant with Jesus allows us to enter the most holy of places and interact directly with God. V22 then exhorts us to "draw near" to God with a full assurance of faith that He has given us victory over sin and death. Vv23-25: A full assurance of faith allows us to hold fast to the rich inheritances of Jesus lest we fall away.  Our brothers and sisters in Christ are key to how we are to hold fast - corporate worship, group bible studies, praying and fellowship together, etc. as we encourage one another.  Vv26-28 describe how one falls away and how a "fearful expectation of judgement" preserves us and allows us to hold fast and endure.  Vv29-31 describes how God's judgement is something we should all avoid. Vv32-35 provides another exhortation for us persevere through suffering and difficulties by focusing on how we have Jesus Christ as our most treasured possession. This gives us confidence to endure as God is faithful. Vv37-38 refers to Habakkuk 2:3-4 for Old Testament prophecies of judgement day and how the faithful will overcome.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid neglecting spiritual disciples that may cause us to fall away.  Claim the promise that eternal rewards await those who abide and hold fast to the end. Abide in Him, do not shrink bank. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who allows us to directly share fellowship with You through a better covenant.  Thank You Jesus!  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 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.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

1 Corinthians 10

¹² So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! ¹³ 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.  

Key for me is that "[Christ] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

We are to endure temptation.  James expands on this view:

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

James' view (and one that we should share) is that endure is not a word that we should fear or loathe.  Instead we are to welcome opportunities to perfect our faith.  Of course there is a fine line in that we should focus on doing good and glorifying God and through that process we are to be tested and refined.

The challenge then is in James' view as he goes on is to act out our faith:

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ 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. 

Bottom line for me is that I will not be tested in my faith unless I ACT out my faith.  God will deliver me from temptation as Paul writes but I must first act out my faith.

My prayer: Lord Jesus, You have refined and purified my faith and I feel strengthened yet I continue to be timid in my faith, acting in ways that display an immaturity in my faith.  I know this is NOT what You desire for me.  Please forgive me for not being bold and help me Lord Jesus so that I can be more bold in my faith as I do want to be tested and refined.  Transform my heart and my life Lord Jesus.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4-5

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I continued a pause of my studies of both Isaiah and Proverbs to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which focuses on how we endure the many trials in our lives which we inevitably will face (see also John 16:33), and how we endure the toll these many trials will take on us physically and emotionally. John Piper points to Paul's letter to the church in Corinth and how he looks to the things unseen (heaven) and how our faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) helps us endure.  Piper also shares with us how we rely on the same light that gave us ears to hear and eyes to see when God gave us our salvation (2 Corinthians 4:6).  We should be encouraged to endure.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me eyes to see, ears to hear, and my faith and salvation. Thank You Jesus for this light.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great - gossip, among them - 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.

[T]hey have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

Mark 4

[T]hey have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. Mark 4:17

As I continue to be in between studies, having wrapped up my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today looks at suffering that crushes faith.  Building on yesterday's post, and similar to my church's sermon from last week, Piper seeks for us to ultimately endure suffering "with firm faith in future grace."  Piper highlights the parable of the four soils where Piper refers to the text where "[s]ome people who hear the word receive it at first with gladness, but then suffering makes them fall away."  He then share how suffering "does not always make faith stronger. Sometimes it crushes faith."  Piper share from Mark 4:25 where Jesus effectively warns us against a weak faith that is crushed by suffering.  We are called to endure such that as Piper writes "our faith might grow stronger and not be proved vain" as written in 1 Corinthians 15:2. Piper then shares as he wraps the devotion that "[k]nowing God’s design in suffering is one of the main means of growing through suffering.  If you think your suffering is pointless, or that God is not in control, or that he is whimsical or cruel, then your suffering will drive you from God, instead of driving you from everything but God — as it should. So, it is crucial that faith in God’s grace includes the faith that he gives grace through suffering."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is in control of all details of our lives...even when things go bad we know You still love us, will never leave or forsake us, and are saving a place in Heaven for us!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and 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 spouse 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 we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Hebrews 10

 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:39

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 10:26-39, and and I am assisted in my understanding by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series for Hebrews. The commentary outlines three divisions for this text:

I. A Fearful Warning (10:26-27): Here the commentary shares how believers are warned against apostasy where "if you continue in sin and definitely refuse to repent, then you essentially reject the gospel and willingly walk the path that leads to destruction."  We are referred to Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower where Jesus described "gospel seed falling in shallow soil and showing immediate signs of life but dying out when persecution came. The initial sign of life does not describe regeneration, only spiritual interest. The regenerated life, by contrast, is transformed, bears new fruit, and has a lasting eternal impact."  We are also referred to 1 John 2:19 where we are warned to not love the world and to be "of the world" but instead to identify with Christ. The commentary also shares how this division is one of the most sobering warnings in all of scripture. 

II. The Judgment of God (10:28-31): The commentary continues in its warnings by referring to the Old Testament and the Mosaic Law.  It refers to the rejection of the Father (breaking the 1st commandment or the most important commandment), rejection of Jesus and His crucifixion and the role of His blood and our salvation, and rejection of the Holy Spirit. References to the Old Testament are important because as the commentary shares "[w]e must not fall into his hands the way Israel did....[and]...[w]e must not trifle with God."

III. The Faith of Those Who Endure (10:32-39): Finally, the commentary uses the remaining division and text to encourage believers to endure, seeking the better possession and focusing on the eternal.  It shares: "[w]e may lose possessions, friends, family, and the comforts of this life, but we have a better and abiding possession waiting for us in our heavenly city. As with the believers in the book of Hebrews, what we gain when we endure persecution can never be taken away from us....These warning passages keep the believer from spiritual complacency.

Be encouraged, endure, and stay near to God as He is faithful to fulfill the promise He gives us with our salvation!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and Your Word is good as is the Holy Spirit which You give us as our Advocate and Helper as we know You are with us at all times.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are with me at all times...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 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 spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14:26-52

The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38b

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is per the commentary, the second division of the text from Mark 14:26-52 - vv32-42.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv32-42: (1) God in the text: Jesus prays (vv32, 35, 36, 39) and he encourages Peter to pray (v38); He is greatly distressed, troubled and sorrowful (vv33, 34) "even to death" and He fell on the ground as a result of his emotions that brought Him to a point of obvious significant turmoil; He admonishes the disciples for falling asleep and not watching as He instructed them - alluding to how we are to be alert and not fall into temptation (v38); (2) people in the text: disciples fail to heed Jesus' instructions to watch and pray; (vv37, 40, 41); (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: We should obey Jesus' words to watch and pray v38 as "[t]he spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division: 

• The title of the second division (vv32-42) per the commentary is "The King Would Agonize over His Passion Alone." 
• "This is the third and final time Mark records our Lord praying alone (cf. 1:35; 6:46). Each occasion was a time of significant importance, but none more than this one."  
• "In spite of the exceptional trauma of the moment and the certain future that lay ahead, He trusted in God as His loving Father and in His will. What’s more, the “cup” that He prayed might be removed was not the physical pain He would endure endure on the cross. Indeed many Christian martyrs have gone to their death with thanksgiving and joy with no evidence whatsoever that they wished to avoid the hour of their martyrdom. No, the cup that so distressed and troubled Him was the spiritual suffering He would endure as He would bear the sins of the world and drink to the last drop the fierce wrath of God as our substitute."  
• "Gethsemane was “hell” for Jesus, but [we should be] so thankful He went through it. You see, if there is no Gethsemane, there is no Calvary. It there is no Calvary, there can be no empty tomb. And if there is no empty tomb, there is only hell for us."

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that suffered in ways that are unimaginable to me, including dying on the cross...for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  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 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.

Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades".

Revelation 1

Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades". v17-18

Session #2 of  David Platt - Revelation: The Hope of Glory (requires login which I have though my church) focuses on Revelation 1:9-20.  Platt reminds us, as he did in the introductory video message, that we should avoid over analyzing the imagery of Revelation but instead grab hold of the over-arching messages Christ sought to convey to the 1st century church which was in the midst of great persecution.  Revelation is the "most majestic portrait of Jesus ever"; we have an indescribable Christ in all of His glory and an "unshakeable foundation for our lives" which should encourage us today, especially if we are weak, sorrowful, confused, afraid, weary, timid, etc.

Takeaways from session #2:

• We are a family of brothers and sisters in Christ that spans generations, locations, etc.; an army engaged in battle; John writes to seven churches during a period of intense persecution; and we share (companion) in sufferings (that we experience from obedience to God) - see v9; this suffering does not cease; we are not following a "health and wealth" savior; Christ is suffering savior and we are suffering saints; John for example is exiled on Patmos 
• Although there is a price to be paid for following Christ we should not stop proclaiming His Word (Revelation 6:9, 12:17, 20:4) as we participate in Christ's reign, experience victory over sin and death and lead others to Christ; John writes to us to endure (see also Romans 8:28-30  Romans 6, Philippians 1:12-14) we experience victory over sin and lead others to salvation we endure in power of christ - John writes to us to encourage patient endurance
• We can endure patiently by participating in Christ's reign and by fully appreciating the majestic portrait of Christ as written in v12-16; these attributes include
• Jesus as man
• Jesus as God
• Infinitely wise with knowledge of all things who searches our hearts and is aware of all we may like to hide
• Is the Alpha and Omega (see references)
• Holy with no error
• No equal
• Voice that resounds with authority over all things
• Declares eternal salvation 
• Decrees final judgement 
• Face radiates with light
• Has both the first and last word with creation (Colossians 1) - the sole force behind all of human history 
• Was dead for a time but alive for all time; 
• Death controlled by him (v18)
• No one or nothing compares to Him  
• Just as prophesied in Zechariah 4, He is in our midst, present among us just as with the seven churches and using churches as light to world  - He holds us, guards us, possesses us, protects and guides us, and has a purpose for us to be a light to the world.

We should feel compelled to fall down in worship; non Christians should have much fear; Christians should not have fear but should rise up as witnesses, compelling us to radically complete our mission given to us by Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE majestic and I know You ARE in my midst - thank You Jesus for standing with me.  I am not deserving of such a God.  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.

"The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”

2 Samuel 7

"The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’” v11-16

Wow...what a mind-blowing promise God makes to David! My wife pointed out that this is the Davidic Covenant.  Of course, God is talking about Jesus as the One whose house and kingdom and throne will endure and be established forever.  

Yet where I focus is not just God's promise to David but also God's promise to all of His children:

And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. v10-11. 

We should read the above verses from a heavenly perspective - because we have Jesus and as believers we have the gift of eternal life, freedom from the sting of sin and death, and the power of the Holy Spirit.  Since we have all of this, we can overcome the world, including how the world may disturb and oppress us.

John Piper provides this excellent commentary on why the Davidic Covenant should mean something to "us gentiles".  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God - worthy of my full attention, praise and worship.  My cup overflows.  Thank You for how You bless me.  I am unworthy.  I continue to gossip and sin in other ways.  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.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.

Malachi 2:17-3:5

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Malachi 3:1-3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book as my focus remains Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. Today my focus is an unassisted review of Malachi 2:17-3:5.  Here God continues to deliver words of admonishment to His people who have offered imperfect sacrifices (priesthood), who treat each other poorly and who is faithless in marriages. Now in 2:1-2 God speaks rhetorically to His people who are questioning why He is angry with them - as Israel demonstrates a remarkable lack of self-awareness of their sin, which for any reasonable observer would be clear about such sin.  Then God in vv1-5 shares how He is returning, including a reference to how God will send His Son Jesus as a messenger, and how ultimately Jesus will be coming again in the final days and this will be a difficult time for those who do not believe to endure His wrath.  God refers to how He is a refiner's fire and how He molds us into His image, often through trials and suffering.  As we become more like Him, our lives will be pleasing to Him. Believers lives should reflect love and reverent fear of God and also reflect Jesus in our love of others - otherwise we will be tossed aside and into the fire of judgement during the final days.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who molds me into more of Your image, demonstrating incredible grace and patience.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your grace and certainly not 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 an love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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 to me today and every day.

Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.

Jeremiah 15

Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. v19

Jeremiah is weary of warning the Israelites of impending harsh punishment and has moments of doubt.  Yet God wants us to trust in Him and endure.  When we don't trust in Him fully - this is contrary to God's command (Exodus 20, Mathew 22:37-40).  God wants Jeremiah - and all of us - to turn away from our doubt and place our trust in Him.  We must endure and keep running the race.  God is with us.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

 

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Acts 4:12-13

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love for me and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends 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 the LORD heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction. So the name of the place was called Hormah.

Numbers 21:1-3

And the LORD heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction. So the name of the place was called Hormah. Numbers 21:1-3

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 21:1-3 - Israel encounters a challenge in the king of Arad who sought to fight against Israel, Israel reaches out to God, and God responds.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Believers must understand the tension between how God is sovereign over all matters (Colossians 1:15-17, see also John Piper book Providence), yet we also have free will.  John Piper argues that Christians are not then robots and our free will then causes God to respond - here in the text today, God responds to a vow (form of prayer with an obligation - see also Hannah's vow to God) from Israel by "heed[ing] the voice of Israel," and giving the Canaanites over to them.  When we encounter challenges, God seeks for us to go to Him and ask for help to overcome.  We don't know how God will respond but we can be assured that He will respond, either by helping us endure or by removing the obstacle or challenge. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Israel is likely frustrated that they encounter challenges such as when the king of Edom refuses to let them pass through or today in the text.  They were given the Promised Land, yet why is getting there so hard?  We must understand how God is at work in His plan and His timing.  With Israel, we have to see how God punished Israel for its rebelliousness and how God sought to refine and purify Israel of such sin.  When we make such a vow, we cannot assume that God will always respond the way we seek - here God did, but again this very often will not be the case.  Regardless, God wants us to see Him at work always, that He reigns, and that we must depend on Him to endure and overcome challenges and obstacles.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not try and overcome or endure challenges under your own strength and power.  Claim the promise that He will help us overcome (John 16:33). Follow the example of Israel to go to God when You encounter challenges or obstacles.  Trust that God is always at work for good. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is in control, always at work for good and You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, save and 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 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.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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 9:19-27. The main idea offered by the commentary*: "All preferences and rights are worth giving up to bring others to Jesus."  The introduction* then further develops this main idea by describing "soul winning" and a "simple gospel presentation" called the "Romans Road." It then shares that for Paul, "[s]oul winning was a priority for the apostle, and it should be a priority for every follower of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Paul allows us to examine the heart of a soul winner."  The following two divisions provided by the commentary* unpack the text in more detail:

1. I Deny Myself to Win Souls for Christ (9:19-23): "Paul gladly flexes and bends to win others to Christ." He is not disobedient to God but he denies himself personally (slave to Christ - do anything to follow His call to bring Him glory), religiously (i.e. respecting, adapting to (but not necessarily practicing when no longer in place such as ceremonial law/sacrificial system), and not arrogantly looking down upon Jewish practices), socially (interacting with the Gentiles), and completely (referring to how Paul will also work humbly to save "the weak" or those who are seeking or new believers but have previously followed paganism or idolatry) for the sake of saving others. 
   
2. I Discipline Myself to Win the Crown (9:24-27): Paul uses the analogy of athletics and winning a competition to describe believers efforts to run a race, endure, and to win eternal rewards. As they endure, believers must exercise both self-control (avoid sin and sinful influences) and self-discipline (practice spiritual disciplines).  We should not act aimlessly but with intention and endure based on God's direction and commands for us.
   

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace - delivering me from my sin and saving me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace.  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.

...[D]o not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit....But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Mark 13:1-23

...[D]o not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit....But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Mark 13:11, 13b

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 13:1-23.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv9-13):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Persecution Can Be Expected, but Do Not Be Anxious." 
• "Not only will there be trouble on a global level; there will also be trials and persecutions on a personal level. Jesus again challenges His disciples to “be on your guard” (the same word as in verse 5). This is also a present imperative, a word of command. Why does He issue a second challenge to watchfulness? Difficult times are to be expected for faithful followers of King Jesus." 
• "All the ethne, all the people groups of the world, must hear this gospel before the end comes. So do not get discouraged." See v10.   
• Vv11 and 13 bring comfort as Jesus shares that we not be anxious as the Holy Spirit will be with us to help us and if we remain steadfast in our faith and endure to the end.  
• "Opposition from governmental and legal authorities will be harsh. Rejection by family and friends will be heartbreaking, but it will happen, so get ready. “Then brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against parents and put them to death.” The word “death” occurs twice, emphasizing the extent of the betrayal and persecution some will face. We will be arrested, beaten, betrayed, put to death, and even “hated,” all for the sake of King Jesus. While this may sound surreal and unfathomable in America, it is the experience of millions of brothers and sisters around the world today and throughout church history."  
• "Perseverance is the proof that our profession is real. It may be tough, but our Lord will be faithful to keep us by His power."

We are to "endure to the end."  Enduring starts with remaining in Him and He in us as described in John 15:1-10. Enduring also includes a posture of humility and prayer.  Believers also function as part of a church body with each part playing its role, and as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, "God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose."  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saved me and who pours out mercies every day that never cease...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these mercies nor how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.  Help me endure to the end, abiding in You daily, remaining humble and prayerful, and by performing my function in the church.  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 the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

2 Timothy 1-4

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:3-5

Day 352 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 move further into the New Testament - this morning I read Paul's second letter to Timothy. My commentary indicates: "[a]lthough there is no direct biblical record which sheds light on the matter, it appears that Paul may have been rearrested in either Nicopolis or Troas and returned to Rome under a sentence of death. This seems likely, because in a second letter to Timothy, written perhaps A.D. 64–67, Paul once again refers to himself as a prisoner and also mentions having made what was apparently a legal defense. The tone of Paul’s last known letter indicates that Paul knows his time is short. Several of his supporters have deserted him in the face of persecution, and Paul wants Timothy to come to him as soon as possible....Paul warns Timothy about the coming of opposition and encourages him to be strong in defense of the faith. There is a sense of urgency in his exhortations, as if Timothy is Paul’s last link with future generations of those to whom the gospel will be entrusted....No records indicate whether Timothy was ever able to be with Paul before Paul died. Although the exact date and circumstances of Paul’s death are unknown, early historical consensus establishes that Paul died a martyr’s death. In any event, the second letter to Timothy apparently was Paul’s last."

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

Paul's primary focus for Timothy is to exhort and encourage him in his preaching and ministry. Paul often alludes to his present condition - apparently imprisoned per both this commentary* as well per the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase). MacArthur postulates that Paul's rearrest and imprisonment this time is due "apparently...as part of Nero's persecution of Christians".  Paul also refers to Godless times and a time when "people will not put up with sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3). While I am not referring to end times, I do see great Godless-ness in our country.  Now, more than ever, the need is great to endure.

I am encouraged by some of Paul's last words:

But God’s word is not chained. 2 Timothy 4:9

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me the Holy Spirit, the church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, and Your Word, all of which are manifestations of You and Your Power.  I am blessed by all of these and by so much more - all of which comes from You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving however.  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.

"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

"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.” v5-6

Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, it is instructive to understand what God is saying to us and what He is doing FOR us because as Solomon above writes in Proverbs (as quoted above by the author of Hebrews) whatever hardship we may be experiencing should be viewed as discipline and training from the Lord.

It continues in Hebrews:

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. v7-11

My Prayer: Lord You are a great God worthy of my worship and my full attention and focus on You.  You created the heavens and the earth and You created me and came to earth to suffer and die for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and such gifts - I am broken, selfish, arrogant, prideful, etc.  Please forgive me for my sin and help me overcome and turn from such towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help grow in my faith.  Help me endure hardship as discipline.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her 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.

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy[.]

Jude

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy[.] Jude 24

Today, I come back to conclude my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a commentary-assisted review of Jude 24-25, the final verses of Jude, typically used as a doxology - my focus is v24 as the commentary shares two divisions from this one verse:

Excerpts from the introduction to the commentary emphasize how Jude 24-25 should greatly encourage us and give us peace as we read how God keeps us from stumbling and how He presents us as blameless before Him.  This gives us security in knowing that He will keep us sealed for Him to the end when we shall meet Jesus face to face. The commentary shares the doctrine of eternal security: "[a]ll true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end.  Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, whereby they grieve the Spirit, impair their graces and comforts, and bring reproach on the cause of Christ and temporal judgments on themselves; yet they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation." We are referred to John 10:27-30 and Romans 8:38-39.  Additional references on this doctrine include: Ephesians 1:13-14, Hebrews 7:25, 13:5, 1 John 2:19, and 5:13.

1. Believers Are Secure in the Power of God: As our Great Shepherd (Jehovah Rohi) and Protector, Jesus is able to protect and seal us for eternity.  He is the Creator and holds all things in His hands. See Colossians 1:17 and Hebrews 12:5-13 (God disciplines us to help us endure and persevere).
   
2. Believers Are Secure in the Promise of God: The commentary shares: "[w]e will not simply stand faultless; we will stand faultless before the presence of the glory of God. Because of his promise to bring our salvation to completion, we will see his glory. We will know his glory. We will enjoy his glory forever. This will be our joy. Jude says in his presence, as we see and experience his glory, there will be great, exceeding joy. There will be a celebration with rejoicing and exulting."
   

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for securing my salvation for eternity...I have great peace knowing how no one or nothing can take me away from You.  Thank You.  I am not deserving of such a blessing. 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.