And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.”

Numbers 17:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.” Numbers 17:10

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 17:1-13 - we see God's instructions to Moses to give to the people to settle the matter of Aaron's priesthood.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God clearly communicates through both symbols and actions His message.  In this case, He uses the symbol of staffs or rods which in the Old Testament represented authority and power.  V5 is where the LORD shares "the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout," and from that point forward the people will cease their grumbling against authority from Aaron.  Vv8 and 10 make it clear that because Aaron's staff sprouted, it will be preserved as a sign to end further rebellions.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Such a sign or any physical sign from God should cause one to be in reverent fear of God's power, as we should acknowledge that the entire universe is controlled by Him (Colossians 1:16-17), including all authorities.  Thus it is not surprising to see the people's reaction in vv12-13 of fear - yet it is unclear at this point that this causes repentant fear.  Repentant fear is what God seeks, and John Piper refers to this as "fear as preservative" such that we fear angering or disappointing God, so we avoid sin.   
• 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 rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including both church leaders and civil authorities. Claim the promise that God reigns over all details including authority He places above us.  Follow the example of Christ who rendered to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (see also Romans 13:1-7).  Submit to God's appointed leaders. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that works in all things for good - including leaders in my church and civil authorities.  Thank You for how Your design is perfect.  I am not deserving of how You work and bless me.  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.

The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die.”

Numbers 4:16-20

The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “Let not the tribe of the clans of the Kohathites be destroyed from among the Levites, but deal thus with them, that they may live and not die when they come near to the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint them each to his task and to his burden, but they shall not go in to look on the holy things even for a moment, lest they die.” Numbers 4:17-20

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 4:16-20, where the Lord gives Moses and Aaron instructions for Eleazar to be in charge of the tabernacle and all that is in it, and guidance for treatment of the Kohathites in their role.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Yes God is holy.  There should be no doubt about this.  The text today implies that there should be reverence for God - He is the Name Above Every Name and we should not take His name in vain (see also Exodus 20:7 from the 10 Commandments and this sermon) and we should certainly follow His instructions.  But once again, specifically and explicitly in the text today we are referring to ceremonial law and roles in this context.  The New Covenant based on Jesus' shed blood does away with the ceremonial law and while we should have reverent fear of God (see this post about fear as preservative), we should not fear approaching God is He is our personal Lord and Savior.  God loves us, wants to spend time with us, reveal Himself to us, etc.  He wants us to bring our cares and concerns to Him.  Hebrews 4:14-16 is key. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Each of us have a role to play in the mission He lays before us as individuals, the local church, and the global church.  Obedience to His mission is not burdensome as described in v19 - see also 1 John 5:3.
• 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 carelessly approaching God or misusing His name.  Claim the promise that we can approach God in confidence.  Follow the example of Jesus who did not see obedience to the Father as burdensome.  Fear God (as a preservative) because He is holy.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome Holy God that is approachable and accessible - You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  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. 

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 1:3

I resume 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 this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:1-3, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text vv1-6 (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  The introduction to this chapter of the commentary shares "[t]he hope of the gospel is that lost people can be found and that distant and wandering believers can come back to the Lord....Jesus calls us to return when we wander far from Him."  The commentary then shares how believers are not immune to straying from God and it points out how believers still struggle with divorce, pornography, racism, lack of tithing, etc.  Zechariah and his family are described in v1 - Berechiah - his father, and Iddo - his grandfather.  These names in Hebrew are defined with Zechariah's name meaning "the Lord Remembers," Berechiah's as "the Lord blesses," and Iddo's as "in time" with the combination of these names describing how the Lord remembers and blesses as His set time.  God gave Zechariah a message to encourage His people who had returned from Babylonian captivity and exile to continue in their efforts to rebuild the temple - yet due to various factors work stopped.  Haggai delivered a similar message. The commentary describes God's people as being complacent and discouraged in their fellowship with God - and God became very angry.  Zechariah exhorts God's people to a "renewed closeness of the Lord," and the commentary outlines three divisions, each of which provide a motivation to return to the Lord.  The first division or motivation provided by the commentary is God’s Righteous Wrath Calls Us to Return to Him.  In v2 Zechariah share how angry God was the people's ancestors and their lack of faithfulness and resulting sin.  We are referred to Psalm 78:10-11 that describes God's people and their spiritual state prior to Babylonian captivity and exile. Zechariah implores God's people to see the God they are spurning - the Lord of hosts - He who reigns over all, creator of Heaven and Earth and all of its inhabitants.  We are reminded that yes God is love, compassion, mercy, etc. but he is just, we are commanded to love Him (most important commandment), and scripture is clear that the "wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23).  As such, when we sin and especially when we spurn God we should be clear that God has every right to be angry.  He may be slow to anger (Nahum 1:3) but a righteous and just God does get angry with us when when we sin. The commentary shares: "[w]hen people deliberately take the path of sin and rebellion, when we determine to distance ourselves from Him, we experience God’s anger, His righteous wrath, just as the Jewish people did in their history. God is angry at sin in my life and in your life. And when we rebel against Him, we place ourselves into His anger zone."  We should be very careful straying from God and a reverent fear of God should drive us into His arms - John Piper refers to "fear as a preservative," helping us understand that God may love us but at the same time He is just and all powerful and can mete out His wrath and judgement just as easily as He can love. 

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My Prayer: Lord God You are an awesome God who loves and save - thank You Jesus for Your amazing grace.  I am not deserving of such incredible love.  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.

For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Mark 9:30-50

For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:49-50

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 9:30-50.  Excerpts from the fourth (of four) division (vv42-50):

• For the fourth division, the title is: "Fear of Hell."
• "Our Lord had the strongest possible view of judgment and hell: it is real and it lasts forever. In this context it serves as a warning and a motivation to follow Jesus in devotion and discipleship."  
• "Jesus launches three powerful hyperboles to warn us of sin’s danger to others as well as to ourselves. We know they are hyperboles—not to be taken literally—because the Bible forbids bodily mutilation (Deuteronomy 14:1; 23:1; 1 Kings 18:28; Zechariah 13:6). However, in no way does this diminish or negate the importance of what Jesus is saying. “Things we value supremely, like eyes, hands, and feet—should not stand in the way of eternal life” (Edwards, Mark, 294). Eyes, hands, and feet are all inclusive of what we see, what we do, and where we go. As important as they are, better to lose them than to let them prevent you from entering eternal life and God’s kingdom."  
• Be mindful of sinful influences! "[w]hat our Lord was advocating, therefore, [to quote John Stott], was not a literal physical self-maiming, but a ruthless moral self-denial. Not mutilation but mortification is the path of holiness he taught” (Storms, “Be Killing Sin”)." 
• "Jesus said more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. “Hell” is the New Testament word used for the place of eschatological punishment (Matthew 5:29-30; 10:28; Mark 9:43,45,47; Luke 12:5)."  
• "Picking up on the word “fire” in v. 48, Jesus affirms that “everyone will be salted with fire.” “Salt” is a preservative. Thus all will be “salted with fire” in a manner consistent with their relationship to Christ. For unbelievers it will be the perpetual fires of final judgment in hell. For the disciple it will be the preserving and refining fires of trials and suffering that mark the road to true greatness. This saying is found only in Mark’s Gospel. It must have held special significance for him and Peter." 
• "Salt is good as long as it can serve its purposes. But if it loses its purifying and preserving value then it is worthless."  
• "Be humble, and avoid stumbling or causing others to stumble. Don’t fuss and fight over positions and status. Be a reflection of the God-given peace you have received from Jesus (Romans 5:1). Pull for your brothers and sisters in Christ, not against them. After all, though we may play different positions, all who follow Jesus as Lord are on the same team."

John Piper refers to fear of God as a preservative against sin.  As long as we stay close to God, we experience His provision and protection.  John 15:1-11 is also instructive.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves.  You also protect and provide refuge.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation and how You pour out blessings for me on a daily basis.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Philippians 2:12-18 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 2:12-18 where Paul exhorts us to follow Christ's example to be humble. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V13: God works in the hearts and lives of believers to "will and to work for his good pleasure."  Will is defined as a transitive verb where action is ordered, decreed or ordained. As such the text shares that in the hearts and minds of believers, God renews our mind (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:23), and it is implied that this is how God wills and works through our spiritual disciplines (prayer, corporate worship, fellowship with other believers, daily study of His Word, etc.) and the Holy Spirit.  This raises a key question whether free will exists or not, and on this topic I would encourage you to explore this interview with John Piper on DesiringGod.com.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Given how Christ has ascended to sit at the right hand of God and reigns over all (vv9-11), Paul exhorts us (v12) to "work out" our salvation "with fear and trembling."  Such a pursuit implies reverent fear of fear of God that drives us into His arms and to abide in Him lest we fall away or not please Him for being lukewarm (Revelation 3:16). See this interview with John Piper on DesiringGod.com for how fear of God acts as a preservative against sin. Since the Fall (Genesis 3), people are prone to seek their own selfish desires and it is only through the process of sanctification where God aligns our desires with His.  As such we are prone to grumble and complain - and Paul shares in v14 that we should not.  If we pursue Him, His ways and desires, then we should not grumble and complain that He wills and works in our hearts to do things that please Him.  Paul's hope is that v15 we act in such a way that we are a light to others (in a dark world) that we draw them closer to Christ.  V16a: He shares how "holding fast to the word of life" - scripture - equips us to be a light.  v16b-18: pursuit is not run in vain but is done with a glad heart where we rejoice in the pursuit.       
• 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 grumbling and complaining.  Claim the promise that God works in our hearts and lives to align our thoughts and ways with Him, allowing us to be seen as righteous in His eyes and to rejoice and be glad living for Him. Follow the example of Paul who allowed himself to be poured out as a living sacrifice for Him.  Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, hold fast to the word of life, and be a light to others. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for working in my heart and life, and for the mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  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 a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”

Mark 9:1-13

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Mark 9:7

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 9:1-13, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus is patient with Peter, James, and John, even dealing with their peculiarities (v6) as they - as do all the disciples - struggle to comprehend who Jesus is.  Jesus here - via special revelation - reveals more about Himself to three of the disciples.  Each have a special place in the Bible and church history and God seeks to build them up as leaders of His church by equipping them with what they need to know about Him and giving them confidence and encouragement to perform their roles. Peter will be the foundation of the church (as well as Paul).  Click here and here for how God selected James and John (together with Peter) and for how He equipped them.  The Transfiguration highlights one of Jesus' attributes as Holy and perfect - v3.
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: Our experiences of Jesus often terrify us (v6) - by witnessing His awesome power.  We should live in reverent fear of who God is, and this should drive us into Jesus' arms.  See this post from John Piper who refers to this reverent fear as a "preservative" that keeps us close to Him and prevents us from falling away. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must listen to Jesus - see v7. We must also suffer as Jesus shares He will (and does) - vv12-13.  Paul comforts us by sharing that to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). We are to become Holy because He is holy (see also text here).   

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your Word, creation, etc.  I am not deserving of how You save and reveal Yourself to me - softening my heart to be saved. Thank You Jesus. But I am not deserving of how You save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 21-22, and John 12

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God. John 12:42-43

Day 315 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 focusing Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday of Jesus final week of His ministry before His death on the cross. My commentary* devotes a decent amount of effort to posit that the Last Supper takes place on Weds evening, using the Jewish definition of sunset as the beginning of the day as a key element of the argument.  Regardless of where one falls with the timing of the Last Supper we see also Judas Iscariot's betrayal scheme fall into place as well with today's scripture reading.

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

My commentary* also notes once again how most do not fully grasp who Jesus is and what is about to unfold.  We also see how some believed and some did not (John 12) and how scripture (John 12) references Isaiah 6:10) prophecies such disbelief.  In this context it is unremarkable how of the Jewish leaders believed in Jesus but failed to place their faith Him, fearing backlash.

Praise of others is a powerful and potentially intoxicating force - on its face it is not bad but it can be an idol as we see here how fear of man is greater than fear of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and worth of not just my praise, but also my fear - and I know that fear of You serves to help preserve me and keep me from sinning.  I need this preservative.  I am grateful for how You protect me but I am both undeserving and sinful anyway.  Please forgive me for my worry and other sins.  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.

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.

And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”

Isaiah 6

And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” Isaiah 6:5 

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  On day 11 of my study, I start an examination of Isaiah 6. Today, the takeaway comes from Isaiah 6:5 where Isaiah has a vision of God on the throne in Heaven during end times and of course it is both awe inspiring and frightening, even for the faithful.  Isaiah reacts, appropriately, with trembling, or reverent fear. God seeks for us to have an appropriate vision of God because this of course inspires to run into His arms both out of fear and for protection.  John Piper refers to this as fear as preservative. Piper writes about how an appropriate vision of God inspires faith in this post. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who is all powerful and who is in complete control - You hold the entire universe and my life in Your hand - even though I have been hostile and an enemy of You - You embrace me and chose me as one of Your elect.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving.  My sins continue.  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.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:18-4:1

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 3:18-4:1, where Paul pivots to commands for Christian households, including wives, husbands, children, bondservants, and masters.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: All commands in the text today are rooted in the Lord, including v18, v20 (pleases the Lord), v22 (fearing the Lord), v23 (for the Lord), v24 (serving the Lord Christ). and 4:1 (Master in Heaven).  All Biblical commands from are the divine words of God as recorded by Paul.  All the roles we assume in our earthly life are given to us by God for His purpose and glory - vv23-24 makes this clear.  V25: We are reminded that God will hold all accountable for what they have done - good and bad. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv18-23 and v:1 give us commands for wives, husbands, children, fathers, employees and employers.  In all of these roles we serving and working on behalf of the Lord (vv23-24).  V24: We have an eternal inheritance as our reward - for more on this inheritance see this podcast.  V25: We should fear God lest we not please Him and suffer punishment - fear should act as a preservative.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  As a father, I must not provoke my children, and as an employee not be a "people pleaser" - serving for appearances only. All believers should claim their eternal inheritance. Follow the example of Paul who tirelessly served the Lord as did many throughout scripture and redemptive history.  Work heartily for the Lord.  

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, and for giving me Your Word to understand how I am to serve You in my various roles as husband, father, employee, employer, etc.  Thank You also for my eternal inheritance.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  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.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

Luke 12

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. v4-5

Jesus continues to warn us about our focus on "external cleanliness"; and His warnings extend to our behavior which we may falsely believe is "hidden" for "[t]here is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known" (v2).  

We are to fear God - yet at the same time, we are comforted if we do - this double edge sword is explained further by John Piper. He writes that we should "[f]ear the prospect of becoming proud, and arrogant, and self-sufficient, and drifting away from the living God in a kind of hard-heartedness. So fear functions as a preservative. We don’t want to run away from God. Don’t be presumptuous. So there is that aspect of fearing God."  In His commentary, Piper goes on to end with: "Jesus died for us to provide a place where we could enjoy the majesty of God with a kind of fear and trembling and reverence and awe, but not a cowering fear."

God and His refuge is with us always - and we have the Holy Spirit, The Word, the Church, our brothers and sisters in Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who provides refuge from the troubles of this world - we just need faith in Him and to draw and stay near to Him.  Thank You Jesus for providing us refuge!  I am undeserving of such blessings and refuge - I daily miss the mark and often stray from You.  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.

“Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

Exodus 19-24

“Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Exodus 20:20

Day 27 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 God's covenant with Israel and the laws and regulations under which God will rule Israel, including the Ten Commandments.  Moses speaks with God on Mount Sinai and as well the elders experience God's glory.

God's presence at Mount Sinai must have been quite the site - with the thunder and lightning and smoke (v18).  I can imagine the fear - I would have been in fear myself!

This is of course by design.  We should fear God - He both knows everything AND is all powerful.

As I posted a couple of days ago, fear should serve as a preservative and here it is - Moses making the case in so many words.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects me from sin...and gives me victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...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 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 Israelites said to Moses, “We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to die?”

Numbers 16-18

 The Israelites said to Moses, “We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to die?” Numbers 17:12-13

Day 39 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 an insurrection from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and 250 men from among the Israelite community leaders (council).  The grumbling and complaining extends to a large pocket of the Israelites (14,700 of them).  God pours out His wrath on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (including all of the 250 associated men), as well as on the 14,700 Israelites.

Yes, God is slow to anger and abounding in love, but we should not put the Lord Your God to the test (Deuteronomy 6:16) by constantly grumbling and complaining, and by questioning who is put above us in positions of leadership.  God is in control and we need to view our circumstances through His eyes and fear Him.  We should also be aware that God's patience is not unlimited. The Israelites react in fear after seeing God's wrath and this is a good thing because such fear acts as preservative drawing us near to Him and keeping us from sinning.

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

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

Exodus 13:17-15:21

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31

Day 26 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 God's parting of the Red Sea as the Egyptians pursued the Israelites.

Of note here is the how the Israelites fear of destruction by the hand of the Egyptians (Exodus 14:10-12) transitioned to fear of the Lord - this led them to trust in God - although we know this trust wavers time and time again throughout the Old Testament.

I think of how John Piper wrote about fear of God as a preservative.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and worthy of my worship, fear, love, full attention, etc.  You deserve my life - as a living sacrifice.  Help me God You are worthy and I am not...not deserving of the richness You pour out on me.  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.

Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Isaiah 1-6, 2 Kings 15, and 2 Chronicles 26-27 

Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:5

  

Day 174 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 study of Isaiah, as Isaiah describes God's anger and impending harsh punishment for Judah, who has "rejected the law of the Lord Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel" (Isaiah 5:24). Isaiah's warning is clear that it is directed towards those who "forsake the Lord" (Isaiah 1:18-20, 28 and 4:2-6).  He implores (Isaiah 2) Judah to stop clinging to idols and to stop trusting in "mere humans" that cannot save as only God can.  There are ample references to the end times and the conflict and destruction that will occur (Isaiah 1-3).  Of course during the end times God for the final time overcomes sin and death: "[t]hough [our] sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool (Isaiah 1:18-20)". Isaiah describes spiritual restoration for those who believe - salvation.

My commentary* goes back to Israel for a brief focus (2 Kings 15) on the "political upheaval" there as the throne of Menahem comes to an end and succeeding kings continue to do "evil in the eyes of the Lord". 

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

My study* this morning concludes with a return to Judah (2 Kings 15 and 2 Chronicles 26-27) as Uzziah dies of leprosy and his son Jotham assumes the throne. Jotham "did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the LORD. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices". Isaiah also has a vivid vision of the Lord from the end times (Isaiah 6:1-13).  An interesting aspect of my study's conclusion is how my commentary* notes how Jotham rebuilt and repaired the temple but earlier it is stated that Jotham "did not enter the temple of the Lord".  The final words of my study* this morning are how "Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the LORD his God".

While Jotham did walk steadfastly before the Lord, he also allowed sin to creep into his own life and into the lives his citizens.  I am reminded how we must use fear of the Lord as a preservative against sin and drive us into His arms.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me beyond question and doubt - You came to save me from sin and death and You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God and such love.  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 messages for me today and every day. 

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.

Hebrews 10

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 10:26-39, and my unaided observations of the text. With my last post on Hebrews 10:19-25, the text this morning picks up where I left off, where we are encouraged to "stir up one another to love and good works," particularly because we never know when Judgement Day will be here (v24-25).  The text picks up by warning us that in light of what the author just shared in v24-25, we should avoid going back to old ways of sin. We should fear God as the author warns (v27) and follow John Piper's guidance to stay near to God and to use fear of Him as a preservative - saving us from "going bad."  We should detest sin, like God does.  V34 offers a great encouragement as it reminds us that we should not fear others plundering our earthly property as we have a "better possession."  The text continues by encouraging believers to not "shrink back."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who preserves me from old ways of sin - thank You Jesus for saving me and for saving a place in Heaven for me.  I am not deserving of how You save.  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 this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.

Acts 19

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

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

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

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.]

Zechariah 12

The oracle of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him[.] Zechariah 12:1

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 12:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, God gives Zechariah a message to deliver about Israel's future.  But before Zechariah is to give this message in detail, God wants to ensure Israel is aware of who He is so that there is no mistake about that He reigns and is provident of all.  This has both negative and positive implications.  For those who reject God, they are literally playing with fire as their ultimate destination is eternity in Hell. For those who believe, we must understand that just because God is full of grace and He forgives, we must not go on sinning (see the end of Romans 5 and 6:1 in particular).  Instead we must have reverent fear of God and this fear should be seen as a preservative to keep us from sin. At the same time, Zechariah 12:1 should be see as an all powerful God able to do anything and if He intercedes (Romans 8:34) for us and fights for us (Exodus 14:14), He is all that we need.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who reigns, advocates, forgives, and fights for me. Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of the grace You pour out for me and 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 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 You message for me today and every day.  

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them.

Joshua 6-8

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them. Joshua 8:34-35

Day 68 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 the Israelites first victory in Canaan, Jericho, and the days that followed, including an initial attack on Ai which failed due to sin by Achan.  Achan coveted devoted things from Jericho (see Joshua 7:20-21), instead of placing them in the treasury as directed by Joshua (see Joshua 7:18-19) - and he was put to death.

The Old Testament is full of examples of harsh punishment in the face of disobedience to God.  I am reminded of Lot's wife, who looked back to see the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and was turned into a pillar of salt (see Genesis 19:23-26).  In the New Testament, I am reminded of Ananias and Sapphira, who willfully held back giving to the church and lied about it to Peter and the apostles (see Acts 5). 

YES - God does offer forgiveness for sin.  He also hates sin - ALL of it - willful and unwillful. 

God SEES all of our sin and is intimately involved in all of the details of our lives - He is in control (see free will).  He seeks complete obedience to Him (not a burden) and the details matter - we cannot claim that one small sin is too insignificant to Him - that is for Him to judge not us.  We don't get to decide what our punishment is.

As such, fear of the Lord should serve as a preservative and cause us to run from sin - ALL of it.  We need to draw closer and closer to God such that MORE of our heart and life become like Him.   Just as Joshua read ALL of the words of the law - we must strive daily for 100% devotion to Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has transformed my heart and life to be more like You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  I continue to sin and I know there is more race to run and work to do...please forgive me for my harshness towards others.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

Zechariah 5:1-4

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

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

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects from the dark forces of this world - thank You Jesus and for Your Advocate - the Holy Spirit.  I am not deserving of protection nor salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.