But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.”

1 Kings 20-22 and 2 Chronicles 18 

But Micaiah said, “As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what the Lord tells me.” 1 Kings 22:14

Day 155 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Ahab and Jezebel, whom my commentary* describe as "[t]wo of the most wicked people who ever lived".  Elijah, Jehoshaphat, and another prophet Micaiah also play roles in today's study.

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

Several themes stand out this morning, including how God works to get our attention (and how we should be aware of how God works in these ways), and how we must respond to God's calls as God wants us to submit to Him and demonstrate obedience.

God delivers Ben-Hadad's armies into Ahab's hands but Ahab (and his wife Jezebel) does not see God at work and he continues in his disobedience.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has taught me, encouraged me, protected me, etc.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus but again I am not deserving.  My sin 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.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

1 Kings 17-19 

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:5-8

Day 154 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Elijah.  According to my commentary* "[w]hen Israel is in a time of great crisis, it is predictable that God will raise up a spokesman to call out to his people and to perform special miracles to confirm his message. (It happened, for example, when Moses spoke God’s message of deliverance in both words and miracles.) Israel is clearly in another crisis of character and direction, and God’s man of the day is the prophet Elijah."  My commentary also indicates that Elijah's powers are so great that "there is great similarity between Elijah’s miracles and the miracles of the Messiah centuries later."

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

Praying to God, Elijah stretches a meal for two into a meal that did not run out (1 Kings 17:16), raises a young boy from the dead (1 Kings 17:22), rains down fire from Heaven upon wood drenched with water (1 Kings 18:38), and survives 40 days of evil influences in the wilderness (1 Kings 19:8).  God also speaks to Elijah multiple times and appears to Elijah in a wind and earthquake (1 Kings 19:11-12).

As powerful as Elijah's miracles are, we are reminded that Elijah is human and suffers self-doubt.  As Elijah does, we can seek comfort and encouragement from the Lord. See 1 Kings 19:5-8.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has comforted, encouraged, and strengthened me - thank You Jesus!  I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  My sin 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.

Then [Asa] assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. [Jehoshaphat's officials and certain Levites] taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people. The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.

1 Kings 14-16, 21-22 and 2 Chronicles 13-18:1, 20 

Then [Asa] assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. 2 Chronicles 15:9

[Jehoshaphat's officials and certain Levites] taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people. The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats. 2 Chronicles 17:9-11 

Day 153 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of of the divided kingdoms of Judah (and Benjamin) under Asa and Jehoshaphat, and of the remaining tribes of northern Israel under various evil kings, including Ahab.

Both Asa and Jehoshaphat "did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord" and of note this morning is how Judah's leadership under Asa and Jehoshaphat became a light for others to see, as those in Israel reacted to this light.  

Believers must be a light.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful.  But my sin 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.

[Abijah] committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong. For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.

1 Kings 13-15 and 2 Chronicles 11-14:1

[Abijah] committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong. For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite. 1 Kings 15:3-5

 
Day 152 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of of the divided kingdoms of Judah (and Benjamin) under Rehoboam and his son Abijah, and of the remaining tribes of northern Israel under Jeroboam.

God demonstrates his patience, is slow to anger and abounding in love and He is faithful as he seeks to fulfill the promise made to the House of David regarding how someone from David's line will always reign. 

Although Judah largely failed to follow the Lord, Judah is spared destruction from an attack by Egypt:

Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah. 2 Chronicles 12:12

In 2 Chronicles 13, God also spares Judah by leading them to route Jeroboam in battle.

The Israelites were subdued on that occasion, and the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors. 2 Chronicles 13:18

I am grateful for how God demonstrates compassion and mercy for me - I must demonstrate this for others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is slow to anger and abounding in love for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such compassion and mercy.  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.

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.

2 Chronicles 10-11 and 1 Kings 12-13

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. 1 Kings 12:8

 
Day 151 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) moves from Solomon's reign to that of divided kingdoms of Judah (and Benjamin) under Solomon's son Rehoboam, and of the remaining tribes of northern Israel under Jeroboam, who returns after being forced to flee to Egypt following a conspiracy against Solomon.

I've previously posted on Rehoboam's rejection of advice from the elders that served his father and how it is important to remain humble and accept the wise counsel of others - in particular that of our brothers and sisters in Christ who exist to help encourage us and to help us hold each other to account.

Of particular note here as well is how quickly things can go off the rails once we turn from God - a cautionary tale indeed.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has placed men and women of God who have encouraged and helped me grow immensely in my journey with Christ.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings - yet I am undeserving.  I sin...I am easily distracted by the world.  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.

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: 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 - Various, 1 Kings 11:41-43, and 2 Chronicles 9:29-31 

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: 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 12:13-14

Day 150 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) wraps up my study of Ecclesiastes. This morning my focus is on life's true meaning (purpose and balance in life, advice to young people, and where life finds its meaning) and a review of the end of Solomon's reign and his death.

Solomon's parting words in Ecclesiastes, which are the "conclusion" of his search for the meaning of life, are in my view the most important of the whole book.  We all sin and need a Savior, and Jesus Christ is our Savior; let us submit to and live for Him based on His forgiveness of our sin and salvation. God will call of us and all of our deeds into judgement - in light of that we must live in fear of Him.  This should serve as a preservative against temptation and sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me better protect myself from sin - thank You Jesus.  I know there is more work to do, but I am grateful for how You bless me.  I am not deserving.  I worry and have other sin.  Please forgive me for my sin 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 Your 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 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 - Various 

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 7:8-9

Day 149 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Ecclesiastes; much like my study of the Psalms and Proverbs, my commentary presents the chapters of Ecclesiastes according to topic areas and this morning my focus is on the value of wisdom (wisdom comes from sorrow, danger of extremism, few choose wisdom, and enriching nature of wisdom).

Highlights from my reading this morning:

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 7:8-9

Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20

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 7:21-22

Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say. Ecclesiastes 10:20

It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5

Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself? Ecclesiastes 7:16

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me by transforming my heart, mind and life.  Thank You Jesus for helping me see and heed the wisdom from Your Word.  I know there is much work to do but I am grateful for what You have done so far.  Please forgive me Jesus for my sin - I am easily distracted by the world and by own comfort.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.

Ecclesiastes - Various 

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Ecclesiastes 7:14

Day 148 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Ecclesiastes; much like my study of the Psalms and Proverbs, my commentary presents the chapters of Ecclesiastes according to topic areas and this morning my focus is Solomon's writings on the emptiness of human wisdom, pleasure, achievement, labor, accumulation, unshared lives, politics, false worship, wealth, materialism, prosperity, defiance, wickedness, injustice, and strength - all are meaningless pursuits outside of God.

A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor[.]...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9,12

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Ecclesiastes 7:14

Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow. Ecclesiastes 8:12-13

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has done so much for me - You have blessed me through good times and bad times - You have never left me. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love.  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept Jesus 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 I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.

Ecclesiastes - Various 

When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

Day 147 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Ecclesiastes; much like my study of the Psalms and Proverbs, my commentary presents the chapters of Ecclesiastes according to topic areas and this morning my focus includes Ecclesiastes search for meaning, and the importance of finding meaning.

My commentary* describes the premise of Solomon's wisdom: [o]nly the Creator of the universe can know the true needs of his creatures and provide for their ultimate fulfillment", and that "[h]uman insight cannot give a clue as to what is meaningful; only 'the wisdom that comes from heaven' can imbue one’s life with lasting purpose."  My commentary also describes Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as "[a] message...aimed directly at the young people for whom much of the wisdom literature is intended."

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

Most people seek to live a life of purpose and meaning and often find life unsatisfying.  As for me, I know that I exist both because of God and for God - to glorify Him.  As we seek to glorify Him, we must find how God gifts us in terms of skills, abilities and passions (spiritual gifts) - we are to use our time, treasure and talents to further God's Kingdom.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me and help me find ways to serve and glorify You.  I am grateful for all that You do and I am blessed by serving and glorifying You.   I am undeserving of all the ways You bless me.  I sin...daily, including 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 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.

As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.

1 Kings 11 

As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. 1 Kings 11:4

Day 146 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Solomon's life; only now we see how Solomon's glory fades as he falls prey to worldly influences (vs Heavenly or Godly ones).  My commentary* describes how Solomon ignores "the history of earlier Israelites", and that "Solomon’s fall stands as a powerful reminder of how easy it is to turn from adoration to idolatry."

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

We must develop a daily, lifelong, personal relationship with Jesus through the spiritual disciplines of Bible study, prayer, meditation, etc.

daily bread, Daily prayer, daily time with God in study and prayer

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:10-18

We must also be wary of the influences around us and surround ourselves with Godly influences.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has strengthened and protected me from great harm - thank You Jesus!  I am blessed beyond what I deserve!  I know I continue to sin.  Thank You for Your incredible mercy and compassion.  I need it today and every day.  Please forgive me for my worry and other sins.  Please 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 altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.

Song of Songs 1-8

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Song of Songs 4:7

Day 145 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Solomon's contributions to scripture as I move into the Song of Solomon or the Song of Songs.  My commentary* indicates "[u]nlike most of the preceding literature, the “Song of Songs” deals more with love than with wisdom, prayer, or praise" and that "it is a beautiful and striking statement about human love. It suggests that all life, including human sexuality, is holy because God has created it."

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

Building on my posts from Wednesday and Thursday of this week, I once again find myself treasuring Lisa as my wife, friend and partner for 22 years.  Thank You God for the blessing of Lisa.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me with Lisa and I am deeply grateful.  I am undeserving not just of Lisa but also all the ways You bless me.  I continue in my 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 love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Psalm 127

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Day 144 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Solomon's contributions to scripture.  Solomon authored both Psalm 72 and Psalm 127 and this latter psalm is my focus today.  With this psalm, the focus is praise for God as the Giver of all things.  John Piper provides this great video and encourages parents to rest in God as the Builder, Watchman, and Protector of our family, and he further point us to Matthew 11:28-30 as parents often need the rest that only He can provide.

I am grateful for Psalm 127 and for John Piper's encouragement based on this psalm - I needed this today.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for how You build, watch over and protect me as a father and husband.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for the blessings of marriage and fatherhood You provide.  I often fall down in these roles.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins in these areas.  Help me overcome and turn from my sins 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. 

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

Various Proverbs

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. Proverbs 31:10-11

Day 143 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that cover various observations (joy and grief, good news, and curiosity), and sayings of Agur and King Lemuel.

This morning my focus once again is on Lisa.  I am blessed to have a wife who truly is worth far more than rubies - I lack nothing of value.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who blesses me with Lisa, Zach and Dustin and so much more.  My cup overflows.  I am not deserving for how You bless me.  I sin...daily and often, including my sin of discouraging words that I use to tear others down.  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. 

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones....Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Various Proverbs

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones....Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 12:4, 13:20

Day 142 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that cover persons and attributes (parents and children, the elderly, women and wives, kings and rulers, messengers, and companions), and various concerns (caution, reputation, courage, and hope).

My focus today is on my wife Lisa (of 22 years).  Lisa without a doubt is a blessing from God for me and for Zach and Dustin.  She is also of noble character.  She is also wise and has helped me become more level headed - less rash.  She is wise in ways that have blessed me enormously.  As you can tell from posts from the past few days, I've struggled in this area.  Thank You God for the blessing of Lisa in my life.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - particularly with Lisa!  I am undeserving of such blessings.  I continue to place my own comfort above that of my relationship with You Jesus - sinful indeed - 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.

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Various Proverbs 

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 24:30-34

Day 141 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that cover economic well-being (wealth and poverty, benevolence and generosity, oppression of the poor, industriousness, conservation, and surety for another).

My parents owned a small-business and I experienced first hand their hard work and work ethic - which they passed down to me.  I am grateful that they did.  Now that I am a father, I am trying to pass on the same lessons to my own kids.

Proverbs 24:30-34 helps me stay focused on this lesson.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has blessed me beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus!  I know that I am not deserving...primarily because I sin...daily, including my neglect of my most important relationship - You!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.

Various Proverbs 

In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines. Proverbs 15:4

Day 140 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that highlight disharmony and strife (solicitation to evil, violence, murderers, causing others harm, revenge, and dissension and strife), honesty (truthfulness, accurate weights, boundary stones, wrongfully obtained gains, and bribery), and justice (false witnesses, open-mindedness, and judicial justice).

Of the many proverbs in my study this morning, Proverbs 18:17 is the one that hits home the most. My commentary* highlights the focus of this proverb as a proverb of open-mindedness.

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

I believer that when you peel back the onion, arrogance, pride, lack of confidence (insecurities), also play a role in how we are quick to speak - or quick (or rash) to react to anything for that matter.  This is very similar to the topic of my post a couple of days ago.

We must be quick to listen and slow to speak.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is slow to anger and abounding in love - thank You Jesus.  I know I have done many things worthy of Your wrath and I am grateful for Your mercies.  I am also undeserving.  I continue to sin.  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 soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

Various Proverbs 

The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Day 139 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that highlight control of the tongue (wise and foolish talk, righteous and wicked talk, appropriate speech, maintaining silence, controlled speech, flattery, slander and gossip, hurtful talk, quarreling, lying, and the power of the tongue).

I have previously posted on my challenges with being critical, harsh and hurtful with my words.

I can feel God and the Holy Spirit at work within me in this area - I am grateful for God's mercy and guidance as He molds me into more of His image.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and my life to be more like You.  I am grateful but I know there is much work to do...I continue to be harsh 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 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.

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end....Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Various Proverbs 

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end....Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. Proverbs 29:11, 16:32

Day 138 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that discuss control of self (self-control, rashness, temper and patience, drunkenness and gluttony, adultery, and prostitution).

Like my post yesterday where there were multiple important topics worthy of greater consideration, today as well I zero in on one of the many topics covered by today's proverbs.  From a biblical perspective, self-control is a bit of an oxymoron given we are (generally speaking) either slave to sin or a slave to God and that none of us truly experience free will. Against this backdrop, I am proof of the harm done due to rashness (Proverbs 29:11), and the joy of God-control.  I say God-control because I don't want self-control - I am a sinful person and left to my own devices and self-control of course I will sin.  Who would want this?  Instead I seek to draw closer and closer to the one true God who can transform my heart and life into more of His image.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who HAS transformed my heart and life into more of Your image and I am grateful...very grateful.  Of course there is more work to do but I am very grateful for Your mercy and compassion.  I am also undeserving of Your mercy and compassion.  I continue to 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.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord....The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart....A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

Various Proverbs 

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord....The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart....A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 16:2, 17:3, 21:2

Day 137 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that examine sincere motivation (motive and the heart, false worship, and duplicity), concern for others (love and faithfulness, love, hatred, and compassion, kindness and mercy, and overstaying a welcome), and concern for self (pride and humility, selfishness, jealousy, envy, and greed). 

All of today's themes are important and it is of course challenging to find one for close examination but today I am going to zero in on the importance of one's heart condition.  Regardless of your faith or not, everyone generally wants to be a "good" person and with today's current political climate there is emphasis on tolerance, love, etc. Yet my view (coming from scripture), is that we are all sinful and we have been since The Fall.  The only way for us to truly transform ourselves into someone who loves and is genuinely good (or better) is through heart transformation and this is only achieved through Jesus Christ. 

God knows our heart and with His help (as we draw near to Him) He transforms our heart and life. 

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Proverbs 16:2 

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3 

A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2

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

The hope is that as we are transformed into more of God's image, then we will demonstrate "fruits of the Spirit" that can help us truly be better people and hopefully achieve the unity and harmony so desperately needed.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22-23

I am of the opinion that what we face today is a "Jesus" problem in the sense that we don't have enough faith in Him to do what ONLY He can do.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has SO generously attended to my heart and transformed my heart and life and I am grateful for the many resulting blessings.  I also know I am undeserving - my sin continues.  Please forgive me for my sin 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.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Various Proverbs

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Day 136 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that provide advice and rebuke, describe the value of advisers, discipline, lawkeeping, and repentance, contrast a life of righteousness vs wickedness, contrast integrity vs perversion, and describe appropriate consequences for righteousness vs wickedness.

I have often posted about the value and power of unity and togetherness. I am co-leading a study from AuthenticManhood.com called "33 The Series: A Man and His Design" (available through RightNowMedia.org) and straight away we encounter a strong recommendation to team up with other Godly men.  We will not lead the life God intends for us without the company of other believers who will encourage, challenge, and at times rebuke us.  John Piper of course has thoughts on this topic - I thought this morning he would ; )

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has provided other great men in my life to strengthen and protect me in my walk with You.  I am grateful for such love but undeserving.  My sin continues...please forgive me Jesus and 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 love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Various Proverbs

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. Proverbs 3:7
 

Day 135 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that demonstrate value of wise sayings, the purpose of Proverbs, the preeminence of God (fear of the Lord, trust in God or self, divine providence), and insight vs ignorance (wisdom vs folly, dealing with fools, discernment and understanding, and knowledge). 

 

Fear of God and trust in God vs self or others stick out as key themes this morning.

 

Arrogance and pride have long been sins of mine and God has given me thorns in my side much like Paul and agree with this DesiringGod.com post which posits that "[thorns in our side] almost always humble us in embarrassing rather than noble ways. They not only seem to impede our effectiveness and fruitfulness, but they also are more likely to detract from rather than enhance our reputations."  I have had very humbling experiences and while they are painful to experience, I alwlays look back on how God has refined me into more of His image - of course I am grateful for this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has gracefully given me thorns in my side that have refined me and I am amazed that You love me enough to do this as a tool of Fatherly discipline.  I am grateful...thank You.  Yet I am undeserving of Your love.  I am still full of arrogance and pride - and I am controlling.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord brought me [wisdom] forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be....For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 8-9, 1-4

The Lord brought me [wisdom] forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be....For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 8:22-23, 2:6

Day 134 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. My commentary* indicates that "[t]he proverbs are short poems, usually in the form of couplets, which set high ethical standards and give practical advice for daily living through the use of comparative, or perhaps antithetical, imagery....[they] place high value on wisdom and sharply contrast good and evil, righteousness and wickedness, justice and injustice."  My commentary* also indicates that although other cultures may have influenced each other with regards to how similar writings/poetry appear during this time in history when Proverbs was written, "...the Hebrew proverbs are distinct in that all wisdom is seen as flowing from the true God, rather than being a mere accumulation of human observation and experience."  

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

Similar to my study of the Psalms, individual Proverbs are categorized into topic areas and this morning my focus includes an introduction to wisdom, the benefits of wisdom, the dangers of rejecting wisdom, and Solomon's personal plea to his sons to seek wisdom.

Similar to my post yesterday, I am highlighting how wisdom comes from God alone.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You alone produce wisdom - worthy of my study and reflection, and my obedience.  Your wisdom has indeed produced blessings in my life and I am not deserving of such blessings.  I worry, and I have other sins.  I am grateful for Your forgiveness and mercy and I need it once again today...this morning.  Please forgive me for my sin 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.