Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:13-17

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:15

This morning and over the next week, I pause my study of Ecclesiastes to study James 4:13-4:17 in preparation for my Sunday school class where I am leading our discussion on this text.  Before I jump specifically into this text, I think it is important and relevant to set some context for the book of James.  For this aspect, I lean on the John MacArthur Bible Commentary.  The commentary provides this useful context:

• "The recipients of this book were Jewish believers who had been dispersed (1: 1), possibly as a result of Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7, c. A.D. 31– 34), but more likely due to the persecution under Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12, c. A.D. 44)."
• "The author refers to his audience as “brethren” fifteen times (1:2, 16, 19; 2:1, 5, 14; 3:1, 10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19), which was a common epithet among the first-century Jews. Not surprisingly then, James is Jewish in its content."
• "James, with its devotion to direct, pungent statements on wise living, is reminiscent of the Book of Proverbs. It has a practical emphasis, not emphasizing theoretical knowledge, but godly behavior. James wrote with a passionate desire for his readers to be uncompromisingly obedient to the Word of God."

The commentary outlines James as follows, sharing first:"[d]ue to its complexity, there are a number of ways to outline the book in order to grasp the arrangement of its content. One way is to order it around a series of tests by which the genuineness of a person’s faith may be measured."

1. The Test of Perseverance in Suffering (1:2–12) 
2. The Test of Blame in Temptation (1:13–18)
3. The Test of Response to the Word (1:19–27)
4. The Test of Impartial Love (2:1–13)
5. The Test of Righteous Works (2:14–26)
6. The Test of the Tongue (3:1–12)
7. The Test of Humble Wisdom (3:13–18)
8. The Test of Worldly Indulgence (4:1–12)
9. The Test of Dependence (4:13–17)
10. The Test of Patient Endurance (5:1–11)
11. The Test of Truthfulness (5:12) 
12. The Test of Prayerfulness (5:13–18)
13. The Test of True Faith (5:19, 20)

The Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book, outlines James as follows: 

1. Faith Perseveres (1:1-18)
2. Faith Obeys (1:19-25)
3. Faith Loves (1:26-2:13)
4. Faith Acts (2:14-19)
5. Faith Sacrifices (2:20-24)
6. Faith Risks (2:25-26)
7. Faith Speaks (3:1-12)
8. Faith Submits (3:13-4:12)
9. Faith Lasts (4:13-5:20)

Despite the differences in how the commentaries outline James, both generally see James as a book where the author looks closely at how faith is measured, particularly with respect to the relationship between faith and works.  Both also see James as a book offering practical guidance for living as God intends - challenging us to be bold in our faith in how it shows up for others to see. The Christ-Centered Exposition commentary shares this: "[f]aith moves Christians to take steps of radical obedience to make the gospel known all around the world."

Now....onto an unassisted review of James 4:13-17.  Vv13-14 should be viewed as an admonishment for those who fail to both see and heed God in their future plans.  James shares that we do not know for sure what each day will bring - the implication here is while we do not know what tomorrow will bring but God does as He is in control.  He certainly has a plan for our lives and it is our role to understand what this is.  Romans 12:2 is instructive here.  We should be thanking God for each day He gives us and seeking transformation and renewal of our minds to more like God - to think like God so that He can guide our thoughts and steps - we become slaves to God (2 Corinthians 10:5) as His Word is a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).  Similar to Ecclesiastes where Solomon shares how life is meaningless and futile without God, v14 also shares our lives are a mist that comes and goes.  We should view our lives as a part of something bigger - as part of God's plan. V15 turns to a positive statement (vs don't do) where James urges us to seek God's will vs our own. V16-17 then turns back to negative where James admonishes those who do not seek God's will but arrogantly and sinfully follow their own desires.  Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (lean into God and study of His Word) and you are better able to know God's will for your life.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are indeed King of Kings and sovereign over all including all the details of my life.  Thank You for the breath of life today and of course my salvation.  I am not deserving of such blessings as my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  Help me lean into You and be transformed by the renewing of my mind so that I can better know Your will for my life.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  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. 

In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.

Exodus 40

In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels. v36-38

We need God to provide direction for us - we need to be in prayer and in the word so God can reveal His plans for us.

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

We may not know all of what lies ahead but we know that God will be with us and that He will be a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You provide - for all things.  I am grateful.  Thank You Jesus.  I am undeserving of Your love and care.  I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure 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.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.

Psalm 127

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. v1

It is natural for people to have selfish desires.  While we were made in God's image, we are not Him and we easily fall prey to temptation.  It is only through God that we can defeat temptation and sin.  

Today's scripture is a reminder that it is a sin to build a life based on our own desires - for we are told to "[l]ove the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37), and to "deny [our]selves and take up [our] cross daily and follow [Jesus]" (Luke 9:23).  

We must build our lives on Jesus - He is The Cornerstone. 

My Prayer: Lord, You are Lord of All, THE Cornerstone - without You my life would be based on nothing and it would fall apart.  Thank You Jesus for being a lamp unto my path and for keeping my feet on Your path.  I know that apart from You I can do no good thing.  I continue to create far too many of my own plans - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jude

I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.  For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.  Jude 3-4

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a commentary-assisted review of Jude 3-4 which is covered by the second chapter of my commentary.  Per the commentary:

Main idea: "Because of the constant threat of false teachers and enemies of the gospel, Christians must continually defend and obey the Christ-centered, Christ-exalting faith that has been passed on through the true Church."

Excerpts from the introduction:

• "Jude writes his epistle to warn the church about spiritual terrorists [apostates], spiritual subversives who stealthily crept inside the church with WSDs (Weapons of Spiritual Destruction)."
• These apostates are those who have "corporately, theologically and spiritually they have left and followed after false and destructive teaching. [They have] received the truth, rejected the truth, ridicule the truth, and eventually will attempt to replace the truth." See also Adrian Rogers Snakes in the Garden.
• "Sadly, this strategy of infiltration by the devil’s deceivers is even in full swing within the camp of evangelicalism."
• "There is today a great need for evangelicals to heed the words of Jude and “to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all” (v. 3). There is a fight for the faith, a struggle to preserve and pass on what has been delivered to us, and it is time to step up."
  

Divisions:

1. Know What You Believe (3): The word contend from v3 is derived from the Greek word when translated to "fight or struggle with intense effort."  It is not intended to be easy. "He understood clearly the rebellious nature of the human heart and the moral havoc that reigns from a rejection of Christ’s lordship. Because of the tendency of the human heart to wander, Jude knew that the faith would need to be explained and defended continually. This is not a time for cowards or the weak hearted. This is not a time for the timid or thin-skinned. This is not a time for retreat, compromise, or surrender. The faith must be earnestly defended." We are reminded that the gospel is complete and nothing needs to be added or subtracted - it is perfect.  It is dangerous to believe that it needs to "evolve".   The commentary lists 12 "non-negotiable" re: scripture: (a) The inerrancy and infallibility of Holy Scripture, (b) The full and eternal deity of Christ, (c) The miraculous virgin birth and sinless life of Jesus the Messiah (d) The historical creation of man and woman made in God’s image, (e) The sanctity of all life from conception to natural death, (f) The sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman, (g) The sinfulness of all human persons, (h) The substitutionary death of Christ for sinners, (i) The bodily resurrection of Christ from the grave Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, (j) The exclusivity of the gospel of Jesus Christ for sinners, and (k) The return of Christ and the assignment of all people either to eternal blessedness in heaven or eternal condemnation in hell."
   
2. Know How to Live (4): We are cautioned to beware of those who deceive the church, distort God's grace, and those who deny Jesus. In the closing words of the commentary for the text today we are referred to 2 Timothy 2:23-26 which the commentary describes as "contend[ing] for the faith without being contentious about the faith."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, thank You for my faith and for giving me the full armor of God, and for scripture in particular which serves as a "lamp unto my feet" as You enter my heart, transforming me into more of Your image, helping direct me and avoid sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord 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.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. v3

I have often posted about the folly of our own plans, which put ourselves first - contradicting what God commands us to do (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40).  

Gamaliel, according to this commentary was Paul's teacher, made this statement about the folly of human (vs those of God) plans:

"For if [Jesus' disciples] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

See also this post.

As I posted a couple of days ago, humility (Matthew 5:3) is core to our journey with Christ.

When we focus on renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) we can better understand God's will for our lives.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You are wisdom, truth and light in a world that is full of lies and darkness.  Apart from You I can do no good things and You are a lamp unto my feet!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of Your compassion and mercy!  Please forgive me for my sloth and laziness.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...help me lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.

 3 John 1

Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. 3 John 1:11a

I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, my study consists of a commentary-assisted review of 3 John 1, focusing on the third division - vv11-12 and the associated commentary (Demetrius: A Man with a Good Testimony). While v11 shares that we are to imitate good, presumably by watching godly examples such as Gaius and Demetrius, we are reminded that we should most importantly be more like Jesus Christ - we are referred to 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Hebrews 12:2-3.  This said, godly examples such as these men prove helpful and God provides us these men in our lives as "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17).  The commentary also points out how Godly brothers and sisters in Christ serve as examples not just for us in our own journey but also for the next generation.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who serves as the example for all to follow, and You give me Godly men and women in my life to sharpen me and to give me examples to follow.  You also give me the Holy Spirit and Your Word to guide me as a lamp unto my feet.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

 Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. My focus today is an unassisted review of the the third division of the text Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14, which is explored in the commentary chapter entitled Aging Is Meaningless without Jesus.  The commentary describes the third division as 12:8-14 with this division entitled Trust in Jesus as Your Savior and Sage.  V8 repeats a familiar refrain from Ecclesiastes - that all is vanity and meaningless.  Yet with everything (including wisdom) being meaningless, Solomon still takes the time to pass on wisdom - see vv9-10.  In v11, wisdom is described as being given by one Shepherd, implying divine origins of scripture.  In v12, Solomon encourages his son to avoid focus (beware) on earthly wisdom over wisdom from the "one Shepherd."  In vv13-14, Solomon concludes his investigation and search for meaning by concluding another familiar refrain (in terms of it coming up in my study previously) that fear of God and keeping of His commandments "is the whole duty of man."  We are also encouraged to be holy and please God because God will ultimately judge all of our deeds as He knows everything about the what we have done.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion.  Thank You for Your Word as it is a lamp unto my feet and You direct my steps.  I am not deserving of how You speak to me and offer salvation and grace.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me over come 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 on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire.

Zephaniah 1:8-11

And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire. Zephaniah 1:8

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is an unassisted review of the third division per my commentary: 1:8-11.  The day of the Lord will be scary for those who per v6 have "turned back from following the LORD,who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."  In vv8-11, Zephaniah further defines those who will be punished, as he first mentions government leaders who lead the people astray.  Believers should pray for those in government leadership, that they will be led by the Lord.  These officials are in positions of great influence as many others watch and follow their lead.  For example, regardless of political party, many officials feel it is appropriate to slander others when it is not - not in public nor in private.  This is sinful and it is one of the more egregious examples of sinful behavior by public officials.  Wrongly referencing scripture is another - as we are told not to add to or take away from what scripture commands (see also Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32). We should pray for our leaders and support efforts such as the National Prayer Breakfast and Capitol Ministries. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Your Word as lamp unto my feet so that I can make Godly choices in my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You guide and direct.  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 am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

Psalm 119

I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. v125

I know that " [e]very good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17), including faith, and wisdom.  Yet we cannot access this wisdom without taking the time to read/study God's Word and to be in prayer...and we must do both of these spiritual disciplines daily. 

 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

 

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

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an incredible God You are that give me wisdom in difficult circumstances...every day, all day.  Without You I would be lost - You are truly a "lamp unto my feet" and "apart from You I would have no good thing"!  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not worth these blessings as I separate myself from You with my sin - worry, stress, distraction, etc.  Please forgive me for these sins and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

1 John 1:5-10

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 1 John 1:5-6

In preparation for leading Sunday school 15SEP, this entire week my focus is on our course of study which is 1 John.  This Sunday, in particular, using DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book video series for 1 John, we explore 1 John 1:5-10 which is covered in two parts.  Excerpts from Part 1, entitled Fake Christians Walk in Darkness:   

• This video explores vv5-6
• V5 describes how God is light, in Him there is no darkness at all; if you have fellowship with God you are in light and cannot have darkness
• V6 describes how if say we have fellowship with God while walking in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth
  
• See also 1 John 4:7-8 which describes a similar message, and Piper shares how we can exchange light for love because God is both attributes; people are originally darkened, then upon election and justification, they have fellowship with God and walk in light see also 1 John 1:1-4, John 8:12 
• See John 12:36, John 1:14, and 1 John 2:8-11; Piper uses these texts to describe how this light produces light and life and it is given in connection with Jesus; you see and become, then shine this light; Piper describes how you can exchange Word for light, and glory for light when you see the light.
  
• God is light - He sends Christ as the light of life, then as we have light, we shine with light and love others; when you come into relationship with Christ, You are given life and light that shines and this is love.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good - Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and You enable me to walk in obedience to You.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I know I continue to stumble as my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards Your.  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.

Every word of God proves true[.]...Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 30-31

Every word of God proves true[.]...Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5a-6

I continue my study of Proverbs with my final entry for week 10 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 30-31:9.  My focus for today is the commentary and a review of the text for this week.  The commentary provides six themes expressed in the text for this week, including:

• how God is our shield and refuge (Proverbs 30:5b)
• how scripture describes the ideal king, yet only Jesus meets this ideal (Proverbs 31:2-9)
• how, even though we may claim to be, none of us are clean (we all sin), and Jesus is the only one who can wash us clean (Proverbs 30:12)
• how barrenness in life ultimately leads to hope for those who believe (Proverbs 30:15-16)
• how God's Word is perfect and how we are not to add to or subtract from it (Proverbs 30:5a)
• how God works, often in contrast to how the world works, including how Jesus came as a conquering King but died on the cross (Proverbs 30:24-28)

The more I study the Word of God the more I see the truth in Proverbs 30:5a - how God's Word is perfect and how we are not to add to or subtract from it. The commentary also points us to Psalm 18:30 and Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32.  Through such text I am encouraged to further "incline my ear [to] hear the words of the wise, [and to]...apply [my[ heart to [God's] knowledge[.]" Indeed, I am experiencing the blessing of having God's Word "within me...and ready on [my] lips (Proverbs 22:17-18)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and You provide Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet and it is indeed pleasant to keep them within me and ready on my lips!  Thank You Jesus for Your Word!  I am not deserving of Your Word, nor any of the blessings You provide to help me understand Your Word - certainly the Holy Spirit, commentary, teachers, brothers and sisters in Christ who help sharpen my understanding, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these incredible blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  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, obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.