Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.

Isaiah 31

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord. v31

I too often place my hope in things of this world - my mood is tied to my circumstances.  This I know is not God's desire and it is sinful.  I am to love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  I should focus on God is my constant and as my Rock.  On Him I should be building my house.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26-27

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:3-4

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is my Rock - while all the world around me swirls in sin and chaos You are there - never changing and always my Refuge.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God...I too often spurn You - please forgive me Jesus!  I thank You for welcoming me back to Your arms and for the many, many second chances.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.  For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! v18

Yes both Israel and Judah have turned from God and sinned, worshiping other Gods...just as we do when we look to the world to be filled and satisfied.  Yet we have a God who is full of mercy, compassion, grace, and patience.  We are to dispense grace to others just as God has for us:

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

My Prayer: Lord Jesus You are an awesome God who is SO full of grace, mercy, compassion, and patience for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends 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.

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

Isaiah 26

Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. v12

In the midst of God's anger - his perfect judgement - we see God's love and how He loves us and provides for us. We should be full of gratitude for all that God does for us as apart from Him we can do and have no good things:

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who provides for ALL of my needs and SO good to me - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. 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 oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it—one from the house of David—one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

Isaiah 16

The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land.  In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it—one from the house of David—one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness. v4-5

We all seek something of the world - that is our sinful nature.  The Israelites sought a king (1 Samuel 8) because God alone was not sufficient.  God ultimately gave us His Son Jesus Christ as the King of Kings...and He did so just as Isaiah 16:4-5 indicates.  He did so out of love.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

We don't need to ask for anything of this world, certainly not for a king.  God loves us and He will provide what we need and what we ask for given we ask in the name of God. 

And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:14

Jesus, give me a heart not after this world, but after You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me - this I know.  You gave me Your Son Jesus Christ!  Thank You!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

Isaiah 14

For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back? v27

God is in control (Colossians 1:16-17) and while we have free will - God's purpose will ultimately prevail.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You are SO full of patience and grace for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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.

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.

Isaiah 11

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. v3-4

We know that Isaiah gives us a vision and prophecy of the coming Messiah - Immanuel - and in chapter 11 we understand more of His character - a righteous God who judges the heart. 


But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Whatever God does is for His glory and our good.  God is not random, nor is He angry or full of wrath.  Instead, He is slow to anger and abounding in love, and His justice is perfect.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God whose justice is perfect, who knows everything about us yet loves us anyway, and who is slow to anger and abounding in love. You are all of this and more...thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends 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 as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.

Isaiah 6

But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land. v13

God disciplines those He loves and in the early chapters of Isaiah, a vision is described for how God will chasten the Israelites for their disobedience.  Yet in the discipline, just as in chapter 4, we must see the love of God, not only His wrath.  God promises that a remnant of the Jewish people will remain - out of love and because of His promises to Abraham, Jacob, David, etc.  In chapter 7, God tell us of a coming child - Immanuel who we know is Jesus.   

My God is not an angry God, but a God who is slow to anger and abounding in love.  

We all sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and we must see discipline AS love.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me at all times and who disciplines me because of Your love for me - thank You Jesus for all that You do to mold me and to make me more like You.  I love You.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please give her a clean scan today.  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 that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.

Isaiah 4

In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. v2

Isaiah 3 and 5 speak of how God brings judgement on Israel and Judah and how many will suffer. Yet in chapter 4 we see a glimpse of hope for those who have remained faithful.  The reference to
the vine and the branch calls to mind John 15.


Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has cleansed me, tended to me, encouraged me, healed me, disciplined me, molded me, and so much more - You are a great God and apart from You I can do no good things.  Thank You Jesus for being a lamp unto my feet.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.   Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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.

Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?

Isaiah 2

Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem? v22

Isaiah gives us a vision of the last days and he tells of how God is exalted above all as "[H]e rises to shake the earth" (v21).  We are reminded of how the things of this world will fade away, just as John describes it in Revelation.

Such a prophecy should also serve to warn us to put too much trust in anything of this world - including people, relationships we have, and even ourselves.  

We are to love God above all - this is the most important commandment.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has created the heavens and the earth and everything that inhabit them, and You create me in Your image to glorify You - You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You willingly died on the cross so that I could have life - thank you Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends 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.

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Isaiah 1

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. v18

The vision that Isaiah saw is fulfilled in Jesus Christ - if we only we admit that we all sin and need a savior and that Jesus Christ is that Savior.  God is so patient with us as He was with the Israelites.  God wants us to have freedom from the sin that enslaves us - for us to be free to live as God intends us - unlike the cycle of sin, shame, guilt, etc. experienced by Adam and Eve during The Fall. 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Thank You Jesus!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has set us free - free from being slave to sin and You provide eternity in Heaven with You.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such a gift.  I worry and am harsh with my words and actions. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

Song of Songs 4

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. v7

In Genesis 2 God says "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. (v18)”.  God provided to me my wife Lisa and God has helped me see no flaw in her just as she hopefully sees no flaw in me.  I love You Lisa.

We are called to bear with each other (see post from a couple of days ago) and Lisa has done this in spades for me.  This morning I am grateful for Lisa as I should be every day.

As of April 3rd, we've been married 20 years.  Thank you God for finding me a perfect helper.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has provided me with a perfect helper - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and such a blessing.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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.

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. v13-14

As Solomon concludes the book of Ecclesiastes, he leaves his son with two very important takeaways - to love and follow God, and to recognize that God will hold ALL of us to account for our lives.  We must admit that we all sin and need a Savior, and that Jesus Christ is that Savior.  We must also cultivate a personal and daily relationship with Jesus.  As we cultivate this relationship with Jesus, we are transformed by the renewing of the mind as Christ molds our hearts and lives to be His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5).  

We must live in reverent fear of God as well for He reigns and we will all face Jesus and be held to account.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has created knowledge and wisdom which has been used to serve others in so many positive ways - and Your Word and the study of Your Word has encouraged me and given me life...to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing...I stress and worry far too much.  Please forgive me.  Help shed me of such sin and help me turn from it and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Ecclesiastes 7

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. v21-22

We should extend grace to others as God has done for us - scripture is clear on this.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

See also posts here.

Bottom line, we all sin and are in need of a Savior - Jesus Christ.  Jesus extends grace and forgiveness to us and wants to use His children to demonstrate Jesus to others as a means to bring others to Him.  If we are vengeful and spiteful we fail to follow Jesus in this regard.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is SO full of grace for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and compassion.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards others.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Ecclesiastes 7

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. v14

As I sit here this morning waiting on news about a potential job offer, I must reflect on how God is in control and how He provides and that I should not worry.  I've done the best I could with the job interview process and I hope that I have glorified God through the process.  We should plan in concert with God's desires for our lives but we must acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things - including our lives.  

The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile. Psalm 94:11

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

 

If we focus on renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) we can best understand God's will for our lives and direct ourselves using God as a lamp for our feet:

 

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

 

And I should not worry (Matthew 6:25-34).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has blessed me beyond what I could have ever imagined for my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry and I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.  Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. v8-9

I need patience in my life - several different types of patience:
- patience and grace for others
- patience for God to reveal to me His desires for me

In the absence of patience, I often get frustrated and/or angry.  I need God's help to become more patient.  

Paul's words to Timothy are instructive in that I can look to God's patience for me as means to allow others to see patience in me.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16

Jesus I know You are patient - help me see Your patience for me so that I can be more patient myself.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is full of grace and patience for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and patience.  I am broken.  I worry and I am not often patient with others. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. 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.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens[.]

Ecclesiastes 3

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens[.] v1

God is in control and He has a plan for all of us.  See my post yesterday and posts here.

Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 1 Corinthians 9:25

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who gives me life...to the full...thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and such a gift.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 1

I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. v14

Solomon refers to earthly existence as empty and devoid of meaning - this is true apart from God.

God is in everything and apart from Him we have no good things.

 

 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

 

My Prayer:  Heavenly Father - You are a great God who has made the Heavens and the Earth and You made me in Your image, and You provided for all of my needs and You are always with me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends 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.

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Proverbs 30

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. v8

There are those days in my life where I feel beaten down and attacked by Satan and my only desire in these moments is to feel the presence of God.  These past couple of days have been like this.  I don't want to worry.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

 

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

 

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

 

I know You love me Jesus - thank You.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has sustained me through dark valleys and difficult times - thank You Jesus.  I know You are always with me and You provide in all circumstances.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I often have too much stress.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Proverbs 30

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. v5-6

It is important for us to understand God - it draws us closer to Him, and we can better understand His will for our lives (see also Romans 12:2) and we are transformed into more of His likeness.  We must understand what God has to say to us from both a head understanding (absolute) and a heart (personal) understanding - this post is a good start on this topic.

If we incorrectly interpret the Bible according to our own worldview of understanding then we run afoul of what Solomon warns us about in terms of adding to His words. Therefore we must ask God to help us understand His Word, and God will help us do so, providing others for example (Proverbs 27:17) who can "sharpen" our understanding. 

Once we have a head understanding, we should meditate and reflect on what God has said to us and how His Words have meaning in our lives and circumstances.

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

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.

Proverbs 28

Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. v26

As I posted a few days ago, I have struggled with arrogance - arrogance is not only a sin but in my view one the most significant stumbling blocks in our faith.  Humility is the starting point for our faith.  We must acknowledge that we are nothing without God and that we all need a savior.

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and patience for me - thank You!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am hurtful with my words.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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.

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. v19

We are all made in God's image but it is sanctification process for God to mold our hearts and lives into what He designs for us.  We must be willing participants of this process.

Both Noah and Moses submitted to God's will.  Saul (Paul) ultimately submitted to God's will for His life.

Everyone has their own path to God - their own story but we must become as David does - men after God's heart.

We should ask God for a greater desire for him - a hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Such a prayer will be answered by God because our faith is both from Him and through Him. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has developed a greater desire for You and a stronger faith - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such a gift.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my faith towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. v17

I have benefitted greatly from the fellowship of others, including other believers and specifically other men in the church.  God designed us to live together with others - from the very beginning.  

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

See also posts here.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

 

He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You formed the heavens and the earth and everything that inhabits them - You speak things into existence.  You created me and while I am broken You still love me and You chose to die for me.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worthy of such a gift.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

Proverbs 26

Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them. v12

Arrogance is dangerous - I know as I possess this sin in spades.  God has helped me a great deal in this area but I know its danger.  See also posts here and here.

I must have humility and serve God.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Romans 12:3

 

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends 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.

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

Proverbs 24

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. v11

We are called to be a light to others and to draw others to the light within us - which is Jesus.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16 

 

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23

 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  Matthew 28:19-20 

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus what an amazing God You are - You are Light, Truth, and You are my God and I am Your son!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such a God who loves me so much.  I worry.  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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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 wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.

Proverbs 23

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.  Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. v4-5

As I continue to interview with another company, I must remind myself not to chase something that does not have eternal value, that does not glorify God.  I must also remind myself that I did not produce any success to date and I should be a good steward of what God entrusted to me.

See also posts here. 

May [the Lord] give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me, even with all of my sin and brokenness.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 everyday.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. v6

As a father, I am reassured of my efforts to point Zach and Dustin to Jesus.  But there is more I can do, to demonstrate love of Jesus and a desire to glorify Him.  

Help me Jesus, determine what more I can do, and give me the strength and confidence to obey Your will for my life.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has molded me into a better man, a better father, and a better husband.  Thank You Jesus.  I know You are not done with me.  There is sin You need to remove and more work for me to do.  Please forgive me for my worry and my sloth.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. v21

As I look for a job, I constantly think about and often worry what I want - yet I should be focused on God's purpose for my life.

We exist to glorify God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has done many, many great things in my life and who loves me.  I should not worry about the great plans You have for me - because You do have great plans for me.  Yet often I do worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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.

To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.

Proverbs 18

To answer before listening—that is folly and shame. v13

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I am reminded of how we should be quick to listen and slow to talk and be angry.  In many instances, what we don't communicate says much!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You are so patient and You listen to ALL of my prayers and respond as well - it is not always the response I expect or initially desire but I know You love me and have great plans for me - not for harm but to prosper me and for a future.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I often fail to listen.  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.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them 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 one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 17

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. v27

I have often used words to criticize others - including those in my own family.  

James is instructive here as well: 

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

I need God to give me restraint.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is SO patient with me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love. I often lack patience with others. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. v9

As I sit here desiring a new job and being to close to one in my estimation - I MUST remember this verse and the many others how I should desire what GOD desires for me.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters[.] Colossians 3:23

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I must also remember that God loves me and has great plans for me.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has done it ALL for me - not because I am deserving but because You love me.  Thank You Jesus!    I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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.