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.

So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.

Numbers 21:4-9

So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. Numbers 21:9

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 21:4-9, the people once again grumble and complain against the LORD, yet God is abounding in love, relents from His punishment and provides a way out.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God sees grumbling and complaining as a sin, so Israel is punished - v6.  Yet God is merciful and He responds to prayer as the people confess and seek for Moses to intercede - v8.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people are not yet in the Promised Land, and of course one can imagine the people (as we would) seeking the quickest way possible to get to their destination.  Impatience can be seen as a childish behavior (are we there yet?), but it afflicts adults just as well.  The pattern of Israel's grumbling and complaining, and of God showing mercy, is staggering - God not only provides second chances, but third, fourth, etc.  Yes, many are harshly punished, but we have to acknowledge that we ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). So we don't deserve God's mercy - yet He provides a way out.  Jesus is this way out - if we confess, like Israel does here in v7 and we have someone like Moses who intercedes on our behalf (we do in Jesus), we can be assured of forgiveness and of salvation (Romans 10:9-10).  Yet we cannot prevent punishment as this is for God alone to determine and we must see punishment as love from the Father for good.  Israel should have seen this in how they remained in the wilderness.   
• 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 grumble and complain.  Claim the promises that God disciplines those He loves, and God forgives and saves.  Follow the example of Israel who confessed - and the example of those acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Be thankful in all circumstances. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my 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.

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

1 Timothy 5

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. v17

I have previously posted about church leadership here.  It is sinful to grumble and complain about anything and Paul admonishes us here with the implication that is it even worse to grumble and complain about church leadership.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have led Lisa and myself to great churches where I have grown tremendously in You and You in me...places where we have developed powerful relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ...those who have supported us, loved us and encouraged us greatly.  What a blessing.  I am not worth such love and blessing Jesus.  Yet You not only blessed me in the past You continue to be an active loving God blessing me now.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I continue to grumble and complain.  Please forgive Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You Jesus.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me avoid grumbling and complaining about anything, particularly church leadership.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa comfort, strength, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

I continue my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul.  Today, I move to chapter five - Unshakable Contentment Whether Abased or Abounding.  Here, John Piper describes how Paul endures and perseveres through immense sufferings, remaining content with his circumstances and refusing to grumble and complain. Piper first starts with how Paul was at one point almost brought to death, but recognized that his suffering had purpose and it was God's purpose.  We are referred to 1 Corinthians 1:8-10 for the text where this is described.  Piper then makes this statement about the "truth Paul believed about his suffering— no   matter how severe— was that it came ultimately with God’s purpose, and the purpose was that Paul would trust himself less and trust God more, every moment of his life, especially as death approached.*"  Piper continues on this topic by moving to the key to how Paul avoided grumbling and complaining about his suffering - we are referred to Romans 5:3-5 where Paul sees how God is - according to Piper - "producing endurance and God-saturated hope.*" Even when Paul sensed his suffering could lead to death Piper describes how Paul shared how this did not move him to grumble or complain - we are referred to 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 where Paul tells us that he focused on what was awaiting him in Heaven...an "eternal weight of glory." As Piper wraps up the chapter, he sums up - by pointing to Philippians 4:11-13 - how Paul had found the secret to contentment.  Additional scripture references are provided, including Philippians 3:8 (all satisfying presence and worth of Christ) and Philippians 1:12 and Romans 8:28 (God works all things for his good).

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and there are times when I have experienced suffering and You saw me through it and I know there will be more suffering before my life ends and I know You will never leave or forsake me and work in me to produce hope....thank You Jesus for how You bless me.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.

Exodus 15:33-18

You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord. Exodus 16:8

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 the Israelites departure from the parting of the Red Sea - the traveled for three months, fought against the Amelekites, and spent much of their time grumbling against the Lord for what they believe they should have and what they believe the Lord is not providing.

God does not want us to grumble or complain. We should be thankful for where we are today as we should know that God loves us, He never leaves or forsakes us, that He provides for all of our needs, and that most importantly He gives us victory over sin and death.

We are not deserving of any of these gifts - it is only through God's great mercy and compassion that He does this for us.

Paul reminds us that we are not to grumble - it did not end well for many in Israel's history.

And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 1 Corinthians 10:10

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, never leaves or forsakes me, always provides for me, and gives me victory over sin and death.  I love You Lord - thank You for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving.  I sin...daily and often grumble and complain.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my 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 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.

So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood.

Numbers 18:1-7

So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear iniquity connected with your priesthood. Numbers 18:1

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 18:1-7 - we see God speak to Aaron, giving him and the Levites instructions in their role with the priesthood, reinforcing earlier instructions that serve to prevent future rebellion against Aaron and the Levites.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks for Aaron and the Levites to bear iniquity connected with the sanctuary and the priesthood and the current dictionary definition shares that this means to conduct oneself well relating to sin connected with the sanctuary and priesthood - for example Aaron's participation with the golden calf (Exodus 32) and his sons' use of unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-3). Duties given to Aaron and the Levites are further clarified here in the text today as God shares that they are to guard (word used 4x in the text today) the sanctuary, including its contents such as the altar.  Others are not allowed to come near (let alone into) the sanctuary (Tent of Meeting) for risk of death (v7).  Also mentioned in the text today is how the Levites are a gift to Aaron and given to the Lord to serve in the priesthood (vv6-7).  After Korah's rebellion that very likely shook both Moses and Aaron, God encourages Aaron and makes it clear that Aaron and the Levites have a God-given role to play.  God equips His servants with helpers (including the Holy Spirit) to serve.  They will also be held to a high standard of accountability. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: As I have posted yesterday and with previous posts, we must submit to authorities, specifically church leadership.  We should not grumble and complain about our church leadership but instead defer and pray for them.  Trust God that they will be held to account.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): If you are appointed to church leadership, avoid taking this lightly.  Claim the promise that God will equip and help His appointed servants.  Follow the example of Moses and Aaron who were faithful servants of God. Trust God and His appointed servants; submit and defer to their authority.   

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

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:7-25 

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:13-16

I complete my study of Hebrews with a reading of 13:7-25, where we see closing remarks by the author - these remarks include instructions to remember, obey and submit to leaders, to be on guard for false teachings, to seek eternal rewards vs earthly ones, to continually praise God, and to pray.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V8: Jesus Christ and God do not change - see also Malachi 3:6.  He is both eternal and unchanging. V12: Jesus is described as the spotless lamb and final sacrifice through which all of humanity has forgiveness of sin. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv7, 17: God places leaders above us and calls us to submit to their authority and to imitate their faith. These leaders are watching over us and it is of no benefit for us to grumble and complain about them.  V9: There are those who misuse and twist God's Word for their own agenda and benefit (vs that of God) - we need to not just read the Word but understand it - we do so aided by the Holy Spirit, our church, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Vv13-14: Believers are called to sacrifice and "bear the reproach [Jesus] endured," because just as He sought to reign from Heaven, we also seek Heaven as our home. Vv15-16: Instead of the animal sacrifices practiced in the Old Testament, God seeks for us to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God" (see also Romans 12:1), through worship of His name and love of others (vs focus on self and our own selfish desires).  V18: We are called to pray for leaders, including the author of Hebrews, such that they "act honorably in all things". 
• 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 falling prey to false teachings and grumbling and complaining about church leadership.  Claim the promise that our home is in Heaven and that God is saving place for us and it will be glorious.  Follow the example of Jesus and offer your body as a living sacrifice - living in such a way (loving Him and others) that brings glory to God and draws others to Him. Do good and share what you have. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  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.

“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land to which I bring you and when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall present a contribution to the LORD. Of the first of your dough you shall present a loaf as a contribution; like a contribution from the threshing floor, so shall you present it. Some of the first of your dough you shall give to the LORD as a contribution throughout your generations.

Numbers 15:1-21

“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land to which I bring you and when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall present a contribution to the LORD. Of the first of your dough you shall present a loaf as a contribution; like a contribution from the threshing floor, so shall you present it. Some of the first of your dough you shall give to the LORD as a contribution throughout your generations. Numbers 15:18-21

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 15:1-21 - while Israel remains in the wilderness, God gives Moses and the people laws for sacrifices that they are to make upon entry to the Promised Land.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks a relationship with Him and one of complete dependence on Him, recognizing that all that we have is because of Him and not of our own effort - see James 1:16.  Read along with Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the text focuses on how the people are to remember, celebrate, and be thankful for how God rescued the people from bondage in Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land.  God heard Israel's cries, responded and delivered them.  Of course, we should daily be thankful for God, who He is, what He has done, how He provides, and how He saves!  God is good!  Our response should be joyful and we should give as the text directs the people to do - and we are to give freely as a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people up to this point have been grumbling and complaining and now God is turning their attention to a promise He made and how He is going to be faithful and bring them into the Promised Land.  We need constant reminders of God's goodness and faithfulness - otherwise, we are prone to wander, grumble and complain as Israel did.  God gives us His Word as His Daily Bread and we are to consume it!
• 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 delivers us and He is saving a place for us in Heaven - whatever we are experiencing is temporary and God is good....all the time.  Follow the example of those who responded joyfully upon entering the Promised Land and gave cheerfully.  Consume God's Daily Bread!   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  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 Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.

 Mark 1:12-13

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Mark 1:12-13

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  This morning, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 1:12-13 - the second division of Mark 1:9-13 per my commentary. The commentary shares how this text describes Satan's temptation of Christ (see also Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13) was a "declaration of war."  Excerpts from the commentary:

•  "Jesus’ temptation was no accidental encounter, no chance meeting. It was a divine appointment scheduled by the Father and implemented by the Spirit."
• "Thankfully, Jesus yields to the Spirit and embraces this test. The Servant King has a job to do, and the Spirit immediately compels Him. Rather than shrinking back, as Israel was so prone to do, our King, our Commander in Chief, the true Israel goes out to fight in the trenches with us and for us. In so doing He turns back the enemy and provides hope and a pattern for us to do the same."
• "This was the deep wilderness. This was no vacation spot. The conditions were grueling, and Jesus was undoubtedly tired and weak. To grumble, complain, or give in would have been easy."
• Jesus' response in the wilderness contrasts with that of Israel who constantly grumbled and complained.  This wilderness is also similar to that of Moses' 40 days on Mt Sinai and Elijah's 40 days on Mt Horeb - see Exodus 34:28, 1 Kings 19:8. 
• Believers should be encouraged as Christ knows the battles we are fighting and we can take comfort in knowing that Satan does not win this battle nor the war which ends in Revelation.   

Just as the angels were ministering to Jesus in the wilderness, so too does Jesus aid us in our time of temptation and need - when we may feel tempted to grumble, complain (about God no less!), and lose faith.  See Ephesians 6:10-18 for how we are provided with the whole armor of God.  Know and love God by reading and studying scripture - all of it - and experience how the whole armor of God protects us against Satan's schemes.  

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that provides us with the whole armor of God to protect us from Satan's schemes.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You protect.  My sin is still 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 the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Numbers 20:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” Numbers 20:12

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 20:1-13 - Miriam dies and is buried by the people in the wilderness, and Moses does not completely follow God instructions to bring water from the rock, and is subsequently punished harshly.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God provides and comforts the people during their time of need - in the face of not having any water, God gave instructions to Moses (vv7-8) to use the staff (see also Numbers 17), and to command the rock to yield water.  Indeed God was able to yield water from the rock, despite Moses not following His instructions completely.  God's plan will not be thwarted.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Alarmingly, we see the people grumbling, complaining, quarreling with, and rebelling against God - see vv2-5.  After all that God has done, including provide and cause both the earth to swallow up Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) and a plague that killed 14,700, the people fail to trust in the LORD to provide water.  Instead of going to Moses and Aaron to intercede, the people grumble, complain, quarrel, and rebel.  Unless we abide in Him, we will not bear any fruit (John 15:1-10).  Key to the text today is how Moses fails to completely follow God's instructions in v8 to "tell" or command the rock to yield water - instead Moses strikes the rock twice (v11).  V12 describes God's harsh punishment to Moses as he will not be able to enter the Promised Land.  Perhaps one can see such punishment as harsh, but we must also remember that church leaders are held to a higher standard.   
• 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 grumble, complain, quarrel with, or rebel against church leadership as they are God's appointed leaders.  Church leaders should also be mindful how they are avoid not following God's commands - do not add to or subtract from His Word.  Claim the promise that God is Lord over all of Creation, He is faithful, and we can trust in Him to provide.  Follow the example of Jesus who trusted the Father and willingly laid down His life.  Love and trust in Him. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You of  are an awesome God who loves and saves.  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 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 heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

James 5:7-11

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:8

I pause my study of Ecclesiastes to prepare to lead Sunday school for the next two Sundays - with this upcoming Sunday looking at James 5:7-11, and Sunday 25AUG looking at James 5:12-20.  This morning, I focus on an unassisted review of James 5:7-11.  The heading for the text in the ESV translation refers to this text as Patience in Suffering.  V7a starts with a call to all brothers and sisters in Christ to "be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord."  Before we proceed to v7b, we must look at why we must be patient because the text that we should be patient...therefore - referring to previous text.  James 4 provides warnings against worldliness and arrogance/pride.  James 5:1-6 provides a warning to those who have lived lavishly, luxuriously, and self-indulgently, trusting in their riches and treating poorly the laborers who have worked their fields.  Similar to Egypt where God heard the cries of the suffering Israelites (see Exodus 2:23-25), "the cries of the harvesters [working the fields of the rich] have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts" (4:4).  James 4:5b-6 describe how the rich have "fattened [their] hearts in a day of slaughter....[and] condemned and murdered the righteous person.  [The righteous person] does not resist [the rich who condemned and murdered]."  James 4:6 describes suffering on the part on the righteous person.  Jesus of course should be described as righteous and holy as He lived a sinless and perfect life.  He did not resist going to the cross - suffering on behalf of believers who also suffer but receive eternal life.  James 4:7 references the righteous person condemned and murdered in v6.  We want justice for the condemned and murdered person, but we must wait for the Lord to deliver this justice and this will come but we don't know when so we must be patient.  Patience is described in more detail as waiting for the "early and late rains" as a farmer does before the harvest.  We are also urged not just to be patient but to not grumble and complain against "one another" (v8), to avoid God's judgement.  In a further description of the patience we should have, we are urged to demonstrate the same patience as others who suffered yet remained patient and steadfast, including Job (vv10-11).  The book of Job chronicles incredible suffering of the book's namesake and yet Job never cursed God.  At the end of the book of Job (chapter 42), Job is restored, as God blesses him for his patience and steadfastness.  Believers will also be rewarded in Heaven for their faith, patience, steadfastness, and perseverance.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who went to the cross so that I could have life now to the full and for eternity with You.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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 my servant Caleb [and Joshua vv30, 38], because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.

Numbers 14:20-38

But my servant Caleb [and Joshua vv30, 38], because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it. Numbers 14:24 [30, 38]

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 14:20-38 - the Lord responds to Moses' prayer of intercession on behalf of the people - He is full of righteous anger as He describes the punishment for those who do not trust in Him and instead grumble and complain.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Based on Moses' prayer in vv13-19, God relents from the punishment described in v12 to disinherit the people.  Yet God still plans punishment for those who did not trust and instead grumbled and complained - including those among the spies that shared a bad report from the promised land.  They (and their children will suffer until their parents die) will not be able to enter the promised land and will die in the wilderness (vv22-23, 29-30, 32-35).    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Unlike the spies and the people who did not trust God to fulfill His promise to give the people the promised land (by giving Israel victory over the existing inhabitants), Caleb and Joshua were men of a different spirit as they followed God fully.  This description in scripture reminds me of similar descriptions from scripture for not just David, but other men such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Job, and Daniel, among others (see Genesis 5:24, 6:9, 6:22, James 2:23, Job 1:1, Daniel 10:19, 1 Samuel 13:14).  While none of these men are perfect - no one is (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) - we do see for each of these men a portrait of Godliness where there is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).  See also this post on Job.  For Caleb and Joshua, it was trust in God.  For believers, we know that Jesus is faithful and that we can trust in Him - 2 Corinthians 1:20.
• 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 fear. Claim the promise that God is faithful.  Follow the example of Caleb, Joshua, Moses, David, Daniel, Enoch, Job, Abraham, Noah, etc. Trust God. He is with us always. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is always with us and with You who can stand against us?  No one or no thing!  Thank You Jesus that You have already defeated sin and death and removed their sting.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.

 John 6:41-51

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. John 6:44

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 6:41-51 - where we see the Jews (Jewish elders/leadership) grumble about Jesus after He shares that He is the Bread of Life. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  God does not want us to grumble about Him - v43.  We also see this in the OT in Exodus 16:2-26 where the Israelites in the wilderness grumble about their circumstances and Moses responds to them that he knows that the grumbling is not about Aaron and himself but about God.  Jesus repeats that He is sent by God and that He alone saves - v44. Another promise is that everyone who believes will have eternal life and that they (and their children will all be taught by God) - as Jesus quotes Isaiah 54:13. Jesus then prophecies His own death by offering of Himself as the Sacrificial Lamb of God (v51b). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jews grumble about Jesus and share how they know Jesus as the son of Mary and Joseph - they can't believe that Jesus is sent by God and from Heaven.  
• 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 grumble or complain about Your circumstances as this is a complaint directed towards God.  Claim the promise of eternal life through Jesus and how He teaches. Trust in God and believe. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You alone save.  My sin is great (including grumbling!) and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me for my sin....including lack of patience also...Help me turn from such sin towards You and overcome my sin.  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.

Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah.

Numbers 12-14

    Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah. Numbers 14:44-45

Day 38 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 gossip between leaders, and grumbling and complaining of the Israelites who feel powerless to overtake those who live in the Promised Land.  God burns in anger against those who gossip and against those who grumble and complain. 

Moses marries a Cushite woman and although the exact reason why is not stated, Miriam disapproves and slanders Moses (albeit indirectly) behind his back to Aaron (Numbers 12:1-2).  God is not pleased and He punishes her with a skin disease.  God is also angry with the spies He sends out to examine the Promised Land they are about to enter.  Nearly all of the spies return indicating that although the land is good they feel powerless to overcome those who inhabit the land.  Only Caleb and Joshua believe in God and trust that He will help them overtake those in the land. God punishes the Israelites for their failure to believe in Him - He forces the Israelites to wander in the desert for another 40 years.

If we truly believe in God, we must have confidence in Him to accomplish His will.  When God makes a promise, He is faithful and nothing can stop His plan.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You are faithful.  I have seen Your faithfulness in my life time and time again - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and faithfulness.  I sin...every single day.  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.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

Proverbs 22:17-24:34

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25

I continue with my study of Proverbs, specifically in week 8 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 22:17-24:34.  The two questions for this morning focus on how "a bad attitude toward life and people is contagious and deadly (Proverbs 22:25)," and how we are to be skillful in our labors - to exercise to the fullest our spiritual gifts (Proverbs 22:29).  On the former question, as I reflect, I've often grumbled and complained about my circumstances - demonstrating lack of trust in God.  This is certainly a contagious, dangerous and deadly character type to possess as a believer - to grumble and complain. God wants us to see how ALL circumstances are for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).  My study points to Numbers 13:1-14:4 for an example of how grumbling and complaining was contagious among the Israelites and led to lack of trust in the Lord in leading them to possess the promised land. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are working in all circumstances in my life - good and bad - and You never leave or forsake me, and You give me the Holy Spirit to overcome the dark forces of this world and other obstacles - so that I can accomplish Your will in my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.” Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!— the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.”

Numbers 21:10-20

And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.” Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!— the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.” Numbers 21:16-18

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 21:10-20 - God provides water and the people sing joyfully in response.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is with us, He directs our steps (with Israel He guides as a cloud by day and a fire by night (Exodus 13:21), and He provides.  The wilderness is a desolate and difficult place - yet Israel find themselves in a place in v16 called Beer, which in Hebrews translates simply to a "well."  God provides water here.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people respond in song, in essence, worshiping God.  This is a wholly appropriate response to God, who He is and how He provides.  Note also how God seeks for Moses to "[g]ather the people together[.]"  God seeks for His people to worship together. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): When we are in a spiritual wilderness, we should not worry, grumble and complain as Israel has been doing (see text from post yesterday).  We should claim the promise that God provides for all of our needs.  Follow the example of Christ who trusts in the Father to provide for all things (Matthew 6:25-34). Praise God for how He is with us, directs our steps, and provides - even in the wilderness. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves, is with us, guiding our steps, and providing for all of our needs.  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 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.

But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.

Genesis 4-5

But the Lord said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 4:15

Day 2 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith).

This morning's study focuses on the first family of creation with the birth of Cain and Abel (later on with Seth).  The study continues through the birth of 10 successive generations through Noah and his sons.  The study highlights the story of Cain and Able and their offerings to God where Abel's offering is pleasing to the Lord (4:4) yet Cain's is not (4:5).  Cain is punished but like Adam and Eve they are spared their lives and Cain is protected by the mark God places on him (4:15).  The study focuses on God's mercy indicating*:

"Although God punishes Cain for his wrongdoing, the text gives some interesting insight into the character of God by indicating that, despite Cain’s great sin, God nevertheless shows mercy to him. This is not to be a unique act of grace. God’s mercy will be seen time and again. Unfortunately, Cain apparently does not respond favorably to God’s mercy, at least if his descendants are any reflection of Cain’s continued character."

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

Questions worth reflection include (1) to what extent have we experienced God's mercy - I am only on day two of my year-long study and I have already encountered two great instances of God's mercy! (2) to what extent am I grateful and do I respond appropriately in worship of God's mercy?

Think about what could have been the result of Cain's life should he repented of his sin and turned towards God - there are ample examples of repentance and how God used sinners (all of us) to bring others to Him.  Think Moses and Paul (both murderers!).  Another great example is Chuck Colson - from Watergate to Prison Fellowship - what a turn!

This is the nature of God's mercy - we don't deserve it, but God time and time again pours out it for us, including through death on the cross of His Son Jesus!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving - I grumble and complain and often gossip - 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 and 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.

Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

Numbers 26

Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. Numbers 26:64-65

Day 43 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 command to take a another census as a means to allot portions of the promised land according to each tribe's numbers.  We also see a promise kept by God (see Numbers 14:21-24) as He does not allow any of those who grumbled, complained, and rebelled against Moses to enter the promised land as all of these save Caleb and Joshua did not enter the land.

Here we have yet another reminder of how God keeps His promises - both positive and negative.  He is faithful and we can rely on what He says. Another reminder as well that we are not to grumble and complain as God wants us to view our circumstances through His eyes as He is in control and we are to be thankful.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is faithful and will never leave or forsake me, and always provides - thank You Jesus!  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.

And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

1 Corinthians 10

 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. v10

Last night at BSF, we were talking about how the Israelites constantly grumbled and complained, regardless of how the Lord rescued them from bondage, parted the Red Sea for them, and repeatedly provided for them as the set out for the Promised Land.  We all grumble and complain, often times multiple times during the day.  God is in control and our complaints reflect a displeasure and complaint against God and so Paul instructs to avoid grumbling and complaining.

Philippians 2:14-15 NIV

[14] Do everything without grumbling or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

...instead we are to:

...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

My Prayer: Lord, I know You have great plans for me...plans not for harm but to prosper me (and Lisa).  You never break Your promises. Yet I have many questions and doubt at this time...please forgive me Jesus!  I thank You that You know everything about me, including my doubt and worry, yet You love me anyway.  Forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me truly love and trust You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today.  Give me strength.

But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies, for the Amalekites and the Canaanites will face you there. Because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.”

Numbers 14

But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies, for the Amalekites and the Canaanites will face you there. Because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.” v41-43

It is important to not only obey God but also those appointed to positions of authority above us - in this case Moses and Aaron.  However, the Israelites did not but instead not only grumbled against Moses and Aaron (v2) devised their own plan (v40).

If we ever find ourselves afflicted and wandering, we may want to question how we have failed to submit to our leaders...

See also here.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17

 

Both Caleb and Joshua, follow both God and Moses/Aaron (v6, 24, 30).

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me - even when I grumble and complain.  Thank You Jesus for Your patience and compassion.  I am not worth such love.  Please forgive me for grumbling and complaining against my leaders and You.  Help me overcome and turn from such 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 strength and wisdom.  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.