I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

Nehemiah 1-3

I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Nehemiah 2:1-5

Day 280 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* turns to from the book Ezra to the book of Nehemiah where it is described "[w]hile Ezra is proceeding with the revitalization of the law in Israel, a man soon to be his closest associate is back in the Persian palace at Susa in the position of the king’s cupbearer....It has been some 14 years since Artaxerxes authorized Ezra to lead the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. In the interim, the further construction of the city and its wall has been hampered by a number of problems, apparently including sabotage by those who wish to see Israel remain weak....Now, in 445 B.C., a report of this delay comes to Nehemiah through one of his brothers who has just arrived from Palestine. The report so upsets Nehemiah that Artaxerxes notices his sadness and inquires as to its cause. When Nehemiah explains his concern, Artaxerxes agrees to appoint Nehemiah as temporary governor and commissions him to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. It takes little time to see that Nehemiah is a man of action. He immediately travels to Jerusalem, assesses the situation firsthand, devises an ingenious plan for working on the wall, sidesteps his opponents, and completes his primary mission within six months of receiving his commission from the king!"

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

Artaxerxes' question posed to Nehemiah reminds me of how God grants Solomon one wish and how Solomon requests wisdom (see 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chronicles 1).  The Bible of course is clear how we are to go to God to seek wisdom:  

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

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

From a previous post: 

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

 

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

“The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.”

Ezra 9-10

“The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.” Ezra 9:1-2

Day 279 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary returns to the book of Ezra where Ezra preaches to Israel, admonishing them for marriage to foreign wives. "Marriage to foreign wives was prohibited because of the danger that the women would influence their husbands and children to worship their strange gods and idols. And history had proved the wisdom of the rule. Disastrous results came when the rule was violated during the wilderness wanderings, and Solomon himself fell spiritually as a result of his many foreign wives. Therefore Ezra takes immediate and drastic steps to remedy the problem. The men who are guilty are called upon to put away their wives, which most of them do after special hearings are set up to decide individual cases. This move is probably representative of Ezra’s broader role in bringing back the teaching of the law and setting up courts of justice to enforce it."

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

The Bible makes it clear that while we are "in the world" but not to be "of the world" referring to how we should "not conform to the patterns of this world" (Romans 12:2), nor should we entangle ourselves with the ways of the world, including avoiding any influences that cause us to do so (relationships, etc.).  There are a number of verses that make this clear:

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated [Jesus] first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.  John 15:18-19

You are of this world; I [Jesus] am not of this world. John 8:23

Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James 4:4

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ[.] Philippians 3:20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and protects me from all things of this world - thank You Jesus!  I need Your protection and need You to save me - You have saved me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I continue to sin...including worry, etc.  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 love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer an 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 remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Malachi 1-4

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14

Day 278 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary moves to the book of Malachi where this prophet arrives on the scene to offer encouragement during a period when Israel is struggling to rekindle its spiritual life even after rebuilding the temple upon return from exile. My commentary describes the period where Israel is growing impatient, waiting for the prophesied Messiah: "[a]s discouragement and cynicism set in, the people’s spiritual commitment suffers: The temple service is being neglected for lack of tithes and offerings; the priests are offering blemished sacrifices and failing to give instruction in the law; the men are marrying wives who worship foreign gods; and divorce is rampant....Without a doubt his prophecies speak to the very issues of this period. Malachi’s message is powerful in its simplicity: Yes, God does still love his people; and, yes, all the grandeur of the ultimate restoration is still coming—in God’s own time. In the meantime, it is each person’s responsibility to lead the kind of life that will be fit for God’s holy kingdom."

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

Waiting for the Lord is a common theme in the Bible - many find it difficult to see God at work in their lives.  Yet God is always at work. He wants us to patiently endure.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You are always at work and You are faithful - all of Your promises come true - no word from God will ever fail.  I have seen this in my own life and I am grateful for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues - worry, etc.  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.  Please provide wisdom and strength for Lisa and myself.  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.

Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

Esther 5-10

Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants. Esther 9:26-28

Day 277 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary as I finish a review of the book of Esther. Both Mordecai and Esther acted with courage when it counted and my commentary* points out how "[a]lthough there is no mention of God or covenant or restoration, there is the clear message that God watches providentially over his people".

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

Of importance as well with this story is how God providential protection is recorded for the Jewish nation to remember, as the festival of Purim is to be celebrated annually marking God's work during this period.  Worship is core to our faith and a critical spiritual discipline.  We must remember that God is in control, how all blessings come from Him, and without Him we would be lost and suffer the consequences of our sin - damnation.

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

Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Esther 1-4

Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. Esther 3:6

Day 276 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary moves to the book of Esther. Unlike Daniel and his friends (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) who openly acknowledged their faith under threat of persecution (see Daniel 3 and 6), Mordecai and Esther did not, and there appears to be some speculation as to why this was, including from the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase).  

Regardless, the Bible is clear that we are to be a light, as God desires us to allow Him to work through believers so that others are drawn to Him.  I know there are many occasions when I fail to allow God to work through me, but I nonetheless hope that more often than not I do and when I don't I repent and grow closer to God and become more like Him in the process. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love You and I seek to become more like You and to glorify You - You are worthy of my love and sacrifice.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve. Thank You Jesus.  But, again, I am not deserving.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me for my worry and other sins.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9-14

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

Day 275 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I go back to Zechariah to focus on his last prophecies. My commentary* notes: "[t]he prophecies, in the form of two oracles, are once again highly figurative. They are undoubtedly messianic and give some of the clearest details about the life and death of the Messiah. For example, in contrast to the present kings and their chariots of war, this spiritual King will come gently in peace, riding on a donkey. He will be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, and he will be pierced at the time of his death. Zechariah addresses a number of themes—past, present, and future—which lead to an apocalyptic view of the great battle between good and evil, the destruction of the wicked, and the salvation of the righteous."

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

Zechariah's prophecies, estimated by my commentary* to be written no later than 460 B.C., foretold of Jesus, arriving with great humility (see also post yesterday).  We must not conform to the patterns of this world but instead be transformed by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).  The patterns of this world do not emphasize or put faith in gentleness or humility but as believers we must deny ourselves and allow Jesus to be seen in us as we exist not to glorify ourselves but to glorify God. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed worthy of glory and worthy of my worship and sacrifice - a living sacrifice. I seek to make much of Your name.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve as I don't deserve anything.  My sin is great but You cleanse me. Thank You Jesus!  But I am not deserving.  I continue to worry, etc. 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.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him....The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground....Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him....For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Psalm 126, 128, 129, 132, 147, and 149

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him....The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground....Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him....For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Psalm 128:1, 147:6, 10-11, 149:4

Day 274 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 the 11 psalms my commentary* describes as "praise to God for hearing the people’s prayers in captivity and for being faithful in his promises of restoration". Today, I review Psalm 126, 128, 129, 132, 147, and 149.

Among the praise in today's reading are attributes God seeks in His children. He wants us to be humble - to find strength in Him, and to fear Him as this "preserves" us against a sinful life.  Humbleness and humility are important themes in the Bible as these words appear more than 100 times in the Bible and countless stories and characters honored in the Bible demonstrate these qualities - of course including Jesus Himself.

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

 My Prayer: Lord Jesus, it is You who is all powerful and it is You who has created everything in the heavens and it is You I am to worship and fear.  You have provided during both good and bad times and have never left or forsaken me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love.  My sin continues and it will every day until You bring me home. 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.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 107, 116, 118, and 125

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31

Day 273 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 the 11 psalms my commentary* describes as "praise to God for hearing the people’s prayers in captivity and for being faithful in his promises of restoration". Today, I review Psalm 107, 116, 118, and 125. 

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

The highlighted verse in Psalm 107 sticks out of course because it is repeated four times - worth focus today.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your love indeed never fails and Your deeds are indeed wonderful - I have seen them in my own life and in the lives of others.  I am humbled that You would love me as You do and provide for me as You do.  Thank You Jesus. I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day

Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath.

Psalm 78

Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. Psalm 78:38

Day 272 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* uses 11 psalms (over several days) to describe "praise to God for hearing the people’s prayers in captivity and for being faithful in his promises of restoration".

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

Psalm 78 describes how Israel and Judah got itself into trouble by failing to truly worship God and remember all that He has done and who God is. Verse 38 nicely summarizes God mercies not just for the Jewish nation, but for all of us as believers.

God is merciful indeed - not giving us what we deserve (Romans 6:23) but giving us what we don't deserve. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are merciful and compassionate - full of patience and mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such mercy and compassion.  My sin continues - I often lack patience for others 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 love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

Zechariah 7-8 and Ezra 6

 And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:8-10

Day 271 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* describes in both Zechariah and Ezra how, upon return from exile, God works to encourage completion of the temple and a strengthening of spiritual life.  My commentary describes the roles of both Haggai and Zechariah: "Haggai’s mission was to construct the temple of God in Jerusalem, Zechariah’s mission is to establish the spiritual house of Israel. It is Zechariah’s role to interpret the significance of their work and to give them reason to persevere. The temple is still not completed. The city walls have not even begun to be rebuilt. The outlying towns and lands are still in rubble and disarray. And, worst of all, the religious life of the people is slow in developing after the years in exile, during which religious exercise had naturally waned. Therefore God presents Zechariah with an opportunity to bring encouragement to his people, to explain the essence of true religion and thus to breathe meaning into the noble enterprise in which they are engaged. The opportunity comes two years after Zechariah’s eight visions, when the people of Bethel ask Zechariah about observing certain religious days. God’s message through Zechariah is like that brought by the prophet Amos: true religion finds its expression in moral lives and social justice."

With Ezra 6, my commentary also describes the completion of the temple: "[w]ith the encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, the work on the temple goes forward to completion in the year 516 B.C. Just as 70 years elapsed from the first deportation to the return of the first settlers, it has been 70 years since the temple of Solomon was destroyed, in 586 B.C. The precision with which God works in the affairs of nations stands as a wonderful witness to his power in the lives of individuals as well. This exact fulfillment of God’s promise ought to encourage people everywhere to know that he truly is God—the faithful God who keeps his promises."

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

God is certainly faithful. 

He also implores us to be His hands and feet - to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to serve as He did.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed faithful as all of Your promises are true - we can count and rely on You as our firm foundation.  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving for how faithful You are to me and to all believers. My sin continues...daily...worry, gossip, harsh words and actions, lack of patience.  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 faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Zechariah 1-6

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Day 270 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* moves focuses on the ministry of Zechariah, as he shares eight visions. According to the commentary*, the first vision is assurance that Israel is to prosper as she is restored. The second vision is that "Israel’s oppressors will indeed be punished". The third vision "is assurance that God will be among his returning people". The fourth vision is "assurance that the sins of the people will be removed by him who is called the Branch". The fifth vision is "assurance that God will complete his temple through his two anointed ones". The sixth vision is "assurance that wickedness will always be punished". The seventh vision "assurance that wicked nations will be brought to their knees". The eighth vision is "assurance that there is to be rest at last!" Finally, "Zechariah is...told to place a crown on the head of Joshua the high priest, an enactment which is symbolic of the Messiah, who will be both Priest and King over his people. As the office of high priest evolves in post-exilic Israel, it will take on king-like overtones. This change will prove to be significant when the Messiah comes to establish his own kingdom, for his “kingship” will threaten the priestly power structure and will lead ultimately to his death".

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

Most importantly, as John Piper puts it this podcast, believers should have assurance that "we are children of God" not just now, but also that we remain His forever.

This assurance is key to our faith.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a God that does not change and Your promises to us do not change as and they are true as You are faithful.  Thank You Jesus for the assurance that we are Yours and always will be.  I am not deserving for the assurance You provide.  My sin is great and it is daily, including worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house.

Haggai 1-2, Zechariah 1

“You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. Haggai 1:9

Day 269 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* moves to the ministry of Haggai and Zechariah, as they are described as "prophets of God.  Little is known about Haggai, but it is surmised that he is one of the exiles who remembers the former temple before its destruction. If so, he is probably at least 75 years old. His very young associate, Zechariah, was evidently born in Babylonia into the priestly family of Iddo, his grandfather. It was Haggai and Zechariah, of course, who had initiated the renewal of the work which led to Tattenai’s letter and Darius’ decree. Now, over a four-month period, they will continue to encourage the construction effort. Through Haggai, God tells the people why they have been facing such economic problems. It is because they have set their own selfish interests as the highest priority rather than totally committing themselves to construction of the temple."

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

God makes it clear that He must come first - yet by nature, we are selfish and self-centered, focusing on ourselves more so than God (and certainly not others). 

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who came to serve, ...me, and all of humanity.  You laid down Your life for me - incredible!  I am not deserving of such an act.  My sin continues...selfishness, gossip, worry, etc.  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. 

May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence.

Ezra 4-6

May God, who has caused his Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to change this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem. I Darius have decreed it. Let it be carried out with diligence. Ezra 6:12

Day 268 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* goes back to Ezra where it is described how work on the temple in Jerusalem is halted temporarily but under Darius work resumes: "[o]nce again God works through a Persian ruler to implement the promised restoration."

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

God is in control of all matters - including either causing or allowing circumstances to come to pass.

As the election nears here in the U.S., I am mindful of how God is at work.  Too many have faith in an elected leader to solve challenges we have.  As my pastor at Bay Leaf says, I am not loyal to the donkey or to the elephant, but to the lamb - referencing loyalty to Jesus Christ of course.  The challenges we face, either now, or at any point in our future, can only be solved through heart change, we all submit and allow Jesus Christ to make us more like Him.  As we become more like Him, we begin to love Him and others as God intends.  I am praying for our country to love Him, and others.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40

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

“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

Daniel 10-12

“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” Daniel 12:13

Day 267 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary moves back to the book of Daniel where my commentary* describes "Daniel's last vision" from God. The vision includes battles among Israel's neighboring countries and kings who's power comes and goes over the next four centuries.  Daniel's vision closes with a promise made to Daniel that "after his death he will rise again to receive his reward".

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

Daniel's vision emphasizes how we should not place our hope in man or on any aspect of our earthly reality.  All of our earthly reality will come and go and should not serve as our firm foundation of faith. Daniel's own hope and faith rested in God...even to the point of death where God saved him in the lion's den.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my firm foundation and in You I place my hope and faith.  All comes from You and You provide and will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin continues - worry, harsh words or actions, etc.  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 many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.

Ezra 1-4

But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. Ezra 3:12

Day 266 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary moves to the book of Ezra where the Bible chronicles the initial period of restoration (Ca. 535-425 B.C.) as the first exiles return to Jerusalem. My commentary* describes how although there were many "who took Jeremiah’s advice [to] buy or build homes, begin businesses, and learn a new language and way of life [in Babylonia]....and how [t]here is also a whole new generation of Jews, as they are now called, who have never even set foot in Palestine. Despite the [circumstances], over 42,000 decide to return under the leadership of Sheshbazzar, who is appointed governor."

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

Efforts to rebuild the temple commence as the temple articles are returned.  Yet Ezra records how there were some who could not find it in themselves to celebrate such a joyous occasion.  Grumbling and complaining about circumstances is a frequent theme in the Bible and God calls it as He sees it - the grumbles and complaints are really directed towards Him.

The reality is that God gives us what we don't deserve (grace) and not what we do deserve (death). 

One of the verses raised yesterday in my post rings true today just as it did yesterday.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You provide during ALL times - regardless of what I may think are thick or thin times - good or bad, You never stop loving me and You never stop providing for me.  I am grateful for the many mercies You give me - I am not deserving. My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6

Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

Day 265 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 look back at Daniel during his time in exile in Babylonia - this morning we review the well known story of "Daniel in the Lions' Den". Much like the story of Joseph (see story starting in Genesis 37) where Joseph serves humbly for Pharaoh during his captivity in Egypt, Daniel makes much of his time in exile in Babylonia - focusing not on the challenges of his circumstances but instead on the opportunities of his circumstances.  

In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul provides instructions on Christian living, writing:   

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

The Old Testament contains many examples of how Israel and Judah failed to remember all God has done for them and how the prophets sought to remind Israel of God's many blessings - see example post. Worship and maintaining a heart of gratitude are therefore critical as part of our walk and journey with God. We can only glorify God if we attribute all that we are to Him and be thankful for what He has done and see our lives through the lens that God is blessing us in both good and difficult times as both (or all times) present opportunities to glorify God - perhaps more so during the latter.  

I am convicted this morning to be less prideful about circumstances at work where I believe I am deserving of more than I am currently experiencing.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blesses me EVERY single day - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving for the blessings You pour out daily.  My sin is great...and daily, pride, worry, harsh words and actions, etc.  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.

We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

Daniel 5, 9

We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Daniel 9:18

Day 264 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 look back at Daniel during his time in exile in Babylonia.  The readings and commentary* from this morning include (1) Daniel's interpretation of writing that mysteriously appeared on the wall during a banquet of Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar's son), and (2) the angel Gabriel's response to Daniel's prayer of contrition following his reading of Jeremiah's prophesied 70 year exile (of which 7 more years remain).  

Arrogance once again appears as a theme as Daniel 5 describes how Belshazzar's arrogance and idol worship led to his downfall:

“But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. “This is the inscription that was written:

mene, mene, tekel, parsin

“Here is what these words mean:

Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.

Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.

Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” Daniel 5:22-28

The second part of the reading from this morning, which focuses on the angel Gabriel's response to Daniel's prayer of contrition following his reading of Jeremiah's prophesied 70 year exile (of which 7 more years remain), as described in my commentary*,  indicates how there is "much discussion" about the interpretation/meaning of Gabriel's message while at the same time settling on the certainty that God is always at work.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God who is always at work and I know that I am work in progress - thank You for Your great patience and mercy for me.  I am not deserving of any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues - gossip, harsh words and actions, worry, etc.  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.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Daniel 7-8

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14

Day 263 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as go back to Daniel, where my commentary* indicates in exile and "[n]ow in his later years, Daniel has served a succession of Babylonian leaders....During the first and third years of Belshazzar’s rule, Daniel has two of the most amazing prophetic dreams since Ezekiel’s vision of the great battle against Gog and the hordes of evil....Various themes are evident. Throughout the universe, just as between warring nations, there is an ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil, between God and Satan, between justice and injustice, between morality and immorality. And the same battle is waged within every individual. While evil brings about its own destruction even now, there will come a time when the great destruction of evil and its champions will take place. It will be a final destruction, giving way to a permanent state of peace and righteousness in the eternal kingdom of God."

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

At the end of my scripture reading today (after Daniel 8), my commentary indicates: "Daniel himself did not know exactly what to make of all that he had seen, and any difficult questions which the visions may raise should not obscure the more obvious message of hope which the visions clearly bring."

While God's thoughts and His ways are not our own (Isaiah 55:8), and much of scripture remains a mystery, we certainly know that we can place our hope in Jesus who forgives sin, gives us life to the full now on earth, and eternity in Heaven with Him.  Jesus has dominion over all, including evil, sin, and death not just for us, but for all human kind and for all eternity (evil, sin and death will ultimately be defeated permanently).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has defeated evil, sin, and death...so that I and others can have life...to the full.  Thank You Jesus...for going to the cross for me and suffering on behalf of me.  I am not deserving of such a gift of grace.  My sins of gossip, worry, pride, etc. continue.  Forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold....They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea....They did not destroy the peoples as the Lord had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them.

Psalm 102, 106, 123, 137

But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold....They exchanged their glorious God for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt, miracles in the land of Ham and awesome deeds by the Red Sea....They did not destroy the peoples as the Lord had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations  and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. Psalm 106:13, 20-22, 34-36

Day 262 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I complete a quick review of the Psalms my commentary describes as prayers for those in exile who "[l]ike Job...have fallen from prosperity into shame".  Yesterday, I covered six of these prayers, and today I cover the remaining four. 

In the midst of these prayers we find sources of God's anger, the sin which aroused God's anger. While not exhaustive, the Psalm 106 contains a few key highlights. 

God wants us to love others as He loves us (John 13:34), and this includes being patient - yet Israel fails to remain patient.  We too often assume that God is not at work in our suffering, yet He is always at work. When we lose our patience, we fall prey to snares and sin creeps into our lives. 

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 deserving of Your patience and the many blessings You pour out for me.  I too 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 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 put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.

Psalm 44, 74, 79, 8, 85, 89

I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. Psalm 44:6-8

Day 261 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move to a study of the Psalms about those my commentary indicates as those in exile who "[l]ike Job...have fallen from prosperity into shame".  As they face "ridicule and even death[,] [t]heir prayers in the midst of captivity and exile reveal a people reflecting seriously upon their predicament and the sins which brought it about. Confession is a central theme, and hope for deliverance is their prayer. The...ten psalms [six from today's reading] expose the agonizing loneliness of not only these captives but anyone who has ever awakened to the harsh realization that he or she is in spiritual exile."

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

Psalm 44, in particular, focuses on a heart of gratitude with regards to humility and acknowledging where our victories come from and the source of our strength. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my strength and it is only through You that I have experienced victory.  You are my defender and my refuge...my All in All. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love nor am I deserving of being adopted into Your family.  My sin is daily - gossip, worry, harsh words and actions, etc.  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.

For no word from God will ever fail.

Job 38-42

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

Day 260 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 Job as God takes His turn to address Job. Ultimately, Job responds, repents, as does his friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  Job prays to God and is not just simply restored, but God "blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part" (Job 42:12). 

While my commentary* acknowledges the mystery of of why Job suffers as he does, it aptly summarizes key takeaways for us: "[f]irst, although it is not always readily noticeable, the wicked will one day come to judgment. Second, the notion that suffering is always the result of sin is totally destroyed. And finally, man is in no position to justify his own situation by accusing God of injustice. As Job himself points out, these theological niceties are not likely to stop the tears of one who is languishing in captivity, or suffering persecution, or writhing in pain from a cruel disease. But they do challenge God’s people in exile to recognize with humility the sovereignty of God, and to trust that in his wisdom there truly is a time and purpose for all things, including adversity and suffering. Whether or not it is apparent, God is working in the life of each individual, as well as in the lives of nations, to bring his people into a closer relationship with him, and thereby into greater harmony within themselves and with each other."

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

Indeed, Isaiah similarly acknowledges that God's thoughts and ways are a mystery to us.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Yet in the midst of mystery, God is a God of promises, of certainty, as He is Our Rock and our firm foundation. John Piper offers this post on how we can know the Gospel is true.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is always with me, and One who is my firm foundation - my rock.  I know I can build my life and faith on You.  I am grateful for the faith You have provided.  I am not deserving.  My sin continues.  Harsh words, actions, pride, worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help my 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.

He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice....The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?

Job 32-37

He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice....The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart? Job 34:11-12, 37:23-24

Day 259 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 Job as Elihu, who's been observing the interactions between Job and his friends, steps in to address Job in his prideful state (suffering as well):

But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused. Job 32:2-5

Elihu, like others who are young in age relatively speaking, respectively lets Job's older friends speak but then offers these nuggets which serve to encourage younger believers about how it is the Spirit who speaks and works through us and God works through people of all ages.

“I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’ But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right. Job 32:6-9

Other nuggets, include:

For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it. Job 33:14 [in response to those who don't see God at work or are unable to feel God talking to them]

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are perfect in all of Your ways, including Your perfect justice - I never have to lose hope that I do not have rewards in Heaven nor do I ever have to feel that all are not accountable for their lives - we will all face You and be accountable....and I know Your ways are perfect.  Thank You for the peace You provide in being perfect and in being with me always.  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily, including pride and other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

Job 25-31

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

Day 258 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 Job as Bildad once again addresses Job to seek to comfort him, and to help him understand his suffering. Job responds and again asserts his righteousness.  Job may have led a largely righteous life but we all sin:

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

 

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Romans 3:20

 

It is our acknowledgement of this fact that should drive us into the arms of our Creator and Savior - Jesus Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who, despite knowing everything about me, including my sin, came to save me anyway, giving me life to the full on earth and for eternity in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and gifts.  I continue to sin...pride, arrogance, worry, etc.  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 Lia 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.

God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me.

Job 22-24

God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. Job 23:16

Day 257 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 Job as Eliphaz once again addresses Job to seek to comfort him, and to help him understand his suffering. In his response to his friend, Job describes his fear of God - all in the context of the suffering he experiences and the lack of control he feels in the face of an Almighty God.  This is not an altogether inappropriate fear of God - John Piper describes an appropriate fear of God one where it serves to "preserve" us or to help us refrain from sin as we fear the consequences of God.  Piper quotes several verses in both the Old and New Testament to show how we are to appropriately fear God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who helps protect me from sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love and protection.  I often fail to serve and glorify You in the workplace and 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.

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Job 18-21

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27

Day 256 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 Job as both Bildad and Zophar for a second time address Job to seek to comfort him, and to help him understand his suffering.

John MacArthur refers to Job's hope in vindication after death.  "[H]e would enjoy perfect fellowship with the Redeemer.  That Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of whom Job spoke is the clear message of the gospel." All believers have this hope in redemption.  

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who saved and redeemed me - thank You Jesus!  You paid the price for my sins - and freed me from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  I yearn to be with You with every day and I know I will someday see You with my own eyes.  I am not deserving of a God that does this for me.  I sin...pride, arrogance, worry, etc....every day!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.