Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

John 11

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I start the story of "Lazarus: The Final Witness*".

*Title of lesson eight from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado describing a fictional account of a courtroom trial where Lazarus is a final witness to determine whether Jesus could serve as the guardian for the reader of the account (or anyone for that matter). John is Jesus' attorney and asks Lazarus to tell his story which is in John 11. We are to note a few things about this story - one is that Jesus did not come to Lazarus' aide for at least four days as Lazarus was already dead and buried by the time He arrived (John 11:17).  Lucado also wants us to understand that "we don't always know why God delays in answering our request, but we can trust his timing". In this case, we learn from John 11 that Jesus arrived later because He wanted it to give them cause to believe in Jesus' power.

So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. John 11:14-15

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41-42

Lucado also encourages us to understand the power of prayer (in God's Name - John 11:21-22) and to share our personal testimony with others as I am sure Lazarus did with others.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who hears our cries answers all of them.  We don't know Your timing but we know that You have a plan for our good and Your glory and we can wait and trust in the Lord.  Thank You Jesus for Your faithfulness and that You always hear and reply to our cries.  I am not deserving of all the blessings You pour out for 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.  

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.

Matthew 26

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. Isaiah 45:23

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This afternoon, I continue with the story of "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado highlighting how it was not just Judas who betrayed Jesus on the night Jesus was arrested but all the disciples, including Matthew, and even all believers. Lucado wants us to recognize that all of us at one point or another in our lives have betrayed Jesus.  We are all guilty.  Yet Jesus restored the believers and He restores us.  He rose again, provides us with the Holy Spirit and promises never to leave or forsake us.  What an incredible promise - all this for a broken and sinful group of people who often fall down in trust of God. We should recognize God's grace in light of how we betray Jesus.  He loves us, in spite of our sin.  God loves us in ways that no other can.  We also need to recognize WHO IS IT THAT LOVES US - the God of the Universe.  The Lord of Lords...this should cause all to fall to their knees in worship. 

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. Isaiah 45:23

It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” Romans 14:23

 

...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth[.] Philippians 2:10

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You are the God of the Universe who knows everything about me, including my sin and betrayal of You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues, 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.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 8

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado pointing to Matthew's account of Jesus calming the storm (from the boat) in Matthew 8:23-27. Lucado wants us to look at the Greek word used by Matthew to describe the storm - he used seismos which in modern day language refers to an earthquake and such Greek language is used again in the Bible to describe Jesus' death on the cross in Mathew 27, Jesus' resurrection in Matthew 28. We are encouraged to examine how Jesus could sleep through the turbulence at sea, how the disciples felt great fear, and to contrast the two.  During turbulent times, we often fail to see Jesus working in our lives but of course we should know that He is ALWAYS working in our lives. Lucado suggests that during turbulent times we often have spiritual "amnesia" where we fail to remember what God has done in our lives and to lean on what we know God is capable of doing.  Lucado provides the following scriptures to encourage us:

• Deuteronomy 7:21
• Joshua 1:9
• Psalms 56:3-4
• Proverbs 29:25
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• 1 John 4:18

It is through our daily time, particularly during the good times, with the Lord, where we praise and worship Him, spend time with Him, study His Word, and we build a relationship with Him so that when the storm comes we hopefully can continue to stand firm in our faith.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has been with me during all times - good and bad - and You have blessed me always, every day.  I am not deserving of how You pour out Your love for me.  I worry, and 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, apply and be obedient to Your message for me today and every day.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado highlighting how Matthew was not content to simply meet then follow Jesus; he immediately wanted to know more about Jesus so invited Him to spend more time with him at his house. Lucado also points us to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 where we see another tax collector, shorter in stature so desperate to see and meet Jesus that he climbs a tree to see Him and gives half his belongings to the poor.  Jesus recognizes that Zachhaeus is willing to "lose his life" to have Jesus in his.

...[God] rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Lucado then turns to the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. This man sought "a quick fix" or a "checklist" from Jesus vs a relationship with Him.  He wanted validation that he was doing all the right things - he wanted to be justified.  We must recognize that there is nothing we can do to deserve salvation. None of us deserve it - instead the "wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23). However, God freely provides salvation for those who truly seek it.  We must hunger and thirst for righteousness and be willing to deny ourselves and glorify God.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who freely gave me salvation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift and for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I continue to sin - 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.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado warning believers to avoid hypocrisy and he uses several passages of scripture to point how the Pharisees demonstrated hypocrisy:

• Luke 5:27-32
• Matthew 15:3, 6-9
• Matthew 23:1-14
• Luke 14:1-4, 7
• Luke 18:10-14 
  

Instead we are encouraged to show humility and praise God for His grace and mercy.  We are not unlike Matthew in one key way: we all sin and need a Savior.

Finally, Lucado wants us to use the grace and mercy God has demonstrated for us to be gracious, merciful and compassionate for others.  We are to love and serve others as God loves and serves us. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves and forgives me, all while knowing everything about me and my sin.  You died for me...even though You led a sinless live.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such a gift....I worry and am 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.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5

 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado describing tax collectors during Jesus' day: "guys [who] ranked barely above plankton on the food chain...shunned". We've all felt shunned or insignificant in our lives at one point or another.  Lucado points to Luke 5:29-30 to show how the Jewish leaders felt about tax collectors.  He wants us to understand that it is our heart condition God is concerned about - He sees us as something the world does not.  See also how God saw David He says: 

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

We are to be encouraged that no matter what the world sees in us, God sees us as His creation and for believers as a new creation with God working in and through us, so we are not to measure ourselves against any yardsticks the world defines.

Lucado then turns to how Matthew must have felt leaving his old way of life behind, including his old friends.  We are warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 not to be yoked to unbelievers, but that does not mean we cannot still spend time with unbelievers, of course with the hope that we can be a light to them and give them cause to see (and hear) in you something that brings them to Jesus.  Jesus even participates in a celebration at Matthew's house with other tax collectors and sinners!

Finally, Lucado wants us to see how God offers "life to the full" and that we should not see following and being obedient to Jesus as a burden.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides life to the full...and so much more, including salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  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 from 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.

Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2

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

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Joseph: Shaky Limbs and Unanswered Questions*".

*Title of lesson six from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado describing the story of Simeon to whom the Holy Spirit revealed that "he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah" (Luke 2:26). Prompted to go to the temple, Simeon found the baby Jesus and he rejoiced.  Lucado describes how scripture does not indicate how long Simeon waited for this day and he "reminds us to 'wait forwardly'. Patiently vigilant. But not so patient that we lose our vigilance.  Nor so vigilant that we lose our patience." We are encouraged to both be patient and vigilant in our prayer.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:30-31

Lucado then moves to discuss what details scripture provides us about Jesus' upbringing.  He tells of Jesus' separation from his parents in Luke 2:41-52 and how Jesus was sinless so his teaching where His parents found Him in the temple was perfect as people were amazed at His words. Jesus sought the temple and we are urged to pursue God and the Word in the same way.  

Lucado wants us to understand how God can transform and renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and, just as He did with Joseph, use even common and regular people for supernatural purposes (for God's glory!).  Joseph had many questions but his faith enabled him to "lean not on [his] own understanding" but on God.  We all have doubts and questions but what IS known about God and how He loves us is clear and that His Word is flawless.

Discuss and comment on this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, believers can count on You - when You make a promise like You did to Simeon and to Joseph, we may still have questions but we can count on You.  You tell us that You will never leave or forsake us...and You have so many other great promises!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the many promises You make to me and how You 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. 

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Joseph: Shaky Limbs and Unanswered Questions*".

*Title of lesson six from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado speculating how Joseph must have felt with the impending birth of Jesus - confused about why God was doing what He was doing and of course about what He was doing.  Joseph had so many questions about God's plan.  Lucado wants us to appreciate how our understanding and full clarity of God's plan is not a prerequisite for our obedience.  If it is clear that we have a command to follow, it does not matter what we do and don't know about God's plan or about our circumstances, we are to obey.  We exist to glorify God so we must be obedient to His commands.

One day we will see God face to face and have the clarity we so deeply desire but until then we must simply obey.

Lucado uses the following verses to help us more fully understand the importance of obedience.

• Luke 6:47-49
• John 14:21
  
• James 1:22-25

Comment and discuss this post here. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and whose Word is a lamp for my feet - even when I don't know what the plan is, I can trust in You to provide, to guide, to protect, to heal, etc. You will never leave or forsake me and You always love me - this I know with certainty.  I am deserving of how You love me.  I often fail to be obedient, 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.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Joseph: Shaky Limbs and Unanswered Questions*".

*Title of lesson six from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado describing the "lowly manger" scene in Bethlehem where the baby Jesus was born and how OT prophecies (see Micah 5:2 as one example) pointed to this time.  Despite the many prophecies of the coming Messiah, many overlooked the baby Jesus because they were expecting a conquering king, one who would use the "weapons of the world" (in reference to 2 Corinthians 10:4 how believers rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word) to force submission to his kingdom.  Lucado wants us to be more aware of how God works and to use scripture to help us be more aware - he points to the Parable of the Ten Virgins awaiting the bridegroom in Matthew 25:1-13, and how some of the virgins failed to take oil for their lamps to help them stay awake while waiting.  Jesus sums up the parable to "keep watch". We do want to keep watch and be more aware.  At the same time, we should not be waiting without developing our relationship with Jesus. In Romans 12:2, we are urged to "be transformed by the renewing of the mind...so that [we]will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  This is supported by what I posted a couple of days ago in a post emphasizing spiritual growth and maturity as a call for all believers. 

Lucado also wants us to to look closely at Joseph's role and how he is not discussed much in the Bible yet his role is key as a "supporting actor" with Mary perhaps being more primary.  God often uses the ordinary and regular for supernatural purposes and He wants those He is using to see how they are part of a bigger plan. 

Discuss and comment on this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has a plan and I am part of the plan - I am humbled that You would love me as You do and would use me.  Thank You for the grace, mercy and patience You have for me.  I am not deserving of such 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 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 whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Joseph: Shaky Limbs and Unanswered Questions*".

*Title of lesson six from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado sharing how Joseph led a just life (Matthew 1:19) and how if he was faithful to the law, he should have followed Deuteronomy 22:13-21 if there was a dispute regarding Mary's faithfulness.  Lucado speculates how Joseph must have struggled with how to preserve his reputation vs follow God.  We know that God reassures Joseph (see my post yesterday).  Joseph did as the Lord commanded and was willing to submit to Him.  Lucado points to how Joseph saw the circumstances as a "good and perfect gift" (James 1:17). Lucado then turns to Joseph's humility and how he did not even speak in the Bible yet God used him in supernatural ways as the earthly father to our Lord and Savior - Lucado points to Matthew 16:25 as encouragement for those willing to submit to God. We are then encouraged to read scripture where it is likely people doubted Jesus' authority and power based on his origins and humble upbringing as the son of a lowly carpenter. See Matthew 13:53-56, Mark 6:1-3, Luke 4:16-22, and John 6:41-21.  God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary and supernatural.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:8-9

Discuss and comment on this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing in all ways - I have seen how You have used the ordinary to do extraordinary things - in my life and in the lives of others.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve. Thank You Jesus.  Yet I am not deserving - I am often harsh with others 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 Your 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 Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I start the story of "Joseph: Shaky Limbs and Unanswered Questions*".

*Title of lesson six from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado speculating how the angel Gabriel might have felt when he learned of the task to deliver a message to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus.  Lucado then pivots to how her fiance Joseph must have felt. Scripture tell us that when Joseph learned of Mary's pregnancy, he quietly thought of divorcing her (Matthew 1:19), but an angel also appeared to Joseph to deliver a similar message to the one delivered to Mary.  As so many Biblical heroes have done, Joseph then "did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him" (Matthew 1:24) and he took Mary home as his wife and named the coming baby Jesus.  Lucado highlights Joseph's ordinary, stable and comfortable life and how God uses regular and ordinary people - He calls them out of their comfort zones and we are encouraged to do so as well.  I am reminded that God calls us to grow in our relationship with Him - it is to be an evolving relationship where we grow closer to Him and more like Him.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and how has both given me faith and helped grow in my faith and blessed me throughout my journey with You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You have equipped me and blessed me over these many years.  I am often 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 sposues 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. 

Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.”

2 Samuel 12

Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have shown utter contempt for the Lord, the son born to you will die.” 1 Samuel 12:13-14

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "David: Giant Problems and Colossal Collapses*".

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado highlighting how David's sins seemed to appear throughout various periods in his life, and his most glaring sin of sleeping with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah killed seemed to be a well-kept secret.  Yet as I posted yesterday, God knew.  God then sent Nathan to confront David and to be sure David knew that God was not pleased with David's actions.  God also knew that God would forgive David - although Nathan's story of a stolen sheep elicits strong condemnation (death!) of the rich man in the story, God does not condemn David to such a sentence (1 Samuel 12:13) but instead forgives.  We do see however, that David is still punished harshly and the chapters to follow include further punishment. 

In the meantime, Lucado wants us to examine David's life as a whole and to see the good and the bad and how God identifies David as "a man after [God's] heart" (Acts 13:22). Yes David is sinful and broken but that is our story.  We should see David in ourselves and how David tackled giants in his life by looking backwards in appreciation - how focusing on God allows us to slay giants where focusing on giants makes us stumble.  David stumbled because he lost appreciation for what God did for him.  Remember and praise God for what He has done and keep this front in center for those periods when we need God to tackle future giants...hence the important of a daily personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Discuss and comment on this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has forgiven me many times over and You have been full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for Your grace and compassion - I know You died on the cross for me...for MY sin!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin continues - this morning I placed my own earthly comfort and desires over my relationship with You - please forgive me.  Help me worship You and make You the #1 priority in my life.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.

2 Samuel 11

But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. 2 Samuel 11:27

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "David: Giant Problems and Colossal Collapses*".

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado drawing an analogy of being in high altitudes for how we often rise to wealth, power, status, etc. and we lose sight of how we got there.  We also lose sight of others and their needs and who they are - we only see them as below us and perhaps we like such a perspective - it might feed our ego.  When we fail to recognize our proper position (we exist to glorify God and not for ourselves), Satan notices this and we very prone to temptation.  David falls prey to lust and then covers up his sin with more sin.  Yet, while few know of David's sin, God knows and nothing is hidden.  

Lucado provides us with a number of verses to help us with temptation:

• ...[D]o not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27
• “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
• Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
• Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
•  When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:13-14
•  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
• You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4  

As a means to fight temptation, Lucado wants us to acknowledge our Maker, without whom we would be and have nothing.  As well, we must recognize our sinful nature and brokenness. Our humility should drive us into His arms and a daily, lifelong, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, You created me, You sustain me and You came to save me - suffering and dying on the cross for me.  I am in awe that You would do all this for me - knowing everything about me, including my sin, which by the way continues.  I am not deserving of such blessings - not by a long shot.  I am often harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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.  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 king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, “You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.” They thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David.

2 Samuel 1-5

The king and his men marched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who lived there. The Jebusites said to David, “You will not get in here; even the blind and the lame can ward you off.” They thought, “David cannot get in here.” Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David. 2 Samuel 5:6-7

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This afternoon, I continue with the story of "David: Giant Problems and Colossal Collapses*".

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado discussing how David hears of the death of both Jonathan, a dear friend, like a brother, and Saul, someone who had been seeking David's death.  Yet David mourns over both, including Saul who is God's anointed.  David could have easily killed Saul at least once but he knew that Saul's was God's anointed.  David is not perfect but in his mercy and compassion for Saul, he is a man after God's heart. Lucado points to David's mourning as a season for David - temporary - and he uses Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 to remind us how there are seasons in our life, including times to mourn, but again these periods are temporary and God helps us heal and move on in our lives.  David does and he ultimately finds his strength in the Lord and he takes Jerusalem and unifies the northern and southern kingdoms under his reign.  He defeats multiple parties and Lucado encourages us to find our strength in the Lord to defeat strongholds we see in our lives.  Lucado points to how God helps us fight "against the odds" and find the "nevertheless" moments where God enables us to rise up against and defeat our foes.

I am reminded of the highlighted verse in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 from a post couple of days ago.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me through seasons of mourning and difficulty and ultimately strengthened me to defeat foes in my life - including difficult fights with temptation and sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me and how You bless me.  I am harsh with others and often put my relationship with You below my earthly desires.  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. 

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Samuel 18-22

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "David: Giant Problems and Colossal Collapses*".

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado discussing how after slaying Goliath and the Philistines, David finds himself favored by both Saul and all of Israel, the latter of whom see David as their new hero.  Saul is increasingly envious and jealous and begins to plot against David.  Yet David, instead of relying on God on first instinct as he did when facing Goliath, David relies on his own strength, and his own fears lead to sinful deception of others and he ultimately goes into hiding. Lucado wants us to see how:

• "After a victory, our enemy will go on the attack and try to bring us to a low place where we doubt the love and provision of God."
• "It is when we find ourselves cut off and in a lonely place that we will be tempted to seek refuge in things other God."
• "When we experience a setback and things are not going as planned, we need to regroup, rediscover our courage, and refocus ourselves on God."
  

Desperation often leads us to seek ungodly refuge.  Yet God wants us to be desperate for Him.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and I have felt Your strength during times of difficulty - You protect me and I am grateful!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You never leave or forsake me.  I love You.  Yet I am undeserving of Your love for me and how You saved me.  I am harsh with words and actions.  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 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 though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Psalm 121, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, and 1 Samuel 17:38-51

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I start the story of "David: Giant Problems and Colossal Collapses*".

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado discussing how David faced Goliath, how we all face giants in our lives, and how David did not pause in his approach to Goliath.  "Saturated" in God, David "rushed" Goliath cloaked in the confidence that God is able to tackle any foe - and He has - believers know that God has already defeated Satan.  We are encouraged to arm ourselves with supernatural defenses - we are to, as David does, "take captive captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ". 

Lucado also points out how "[i]t is when we are out of options that we are most ready for God's surprises". David's brothers and the Israelites seemed to surely be out of options but they failed to recognize how they did not go to God for strength and power.  I am prone to worry and I remark frequently how this is a powerful sin in my life yet I know how God has given me strength to rely on Him more and more each day to the point where worry and anxiety does not have the power it once had.  It is through a commitment to a growing relationship with Jesus Christ that I am better able to face Satan and what Satan throws at me.  I know Jesus is not yet done with me and I will continue to stumble....but God gives me the strength to get up and continue the fight.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are always with me and You give me strength - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the many mercies and grace You pour out for me.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet my sin continues, harsh words and actions for other - discouraging words.  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 Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Moses

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".

*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado pointing us to how, in the face of a stiff-necked group of Israelites, Moses needed reassurance that God was with him.  In Exodus 33:18, Moses asks God to "show [him] [God's] glory".  Lucado then encourages us to at how we from time to time seek reassurances from God. God then gave Moses a glimpse of Him - not his face but his back.  Moses' face was then radiant when he descended down the mountain and met with Aaron and the Israelites (with the two tablets of the Ten Commandments in hand). As Lucado wraps up a look at Moses, we are encouraged to look at the long arc of Moses' life and how Moses' upbringing revealed a desire in his heart for fairness and justice and how God flamed these desires as attributes of his leadership.  God continues to work in us for our entire lives as He did for Moses well beyond when he was already 80 years old.  Lucado ends by pointing us to Philippians 1:6 then to John 1:14: 

...that [H]e who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus".

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has great patience, mercy, and compassion for me as I strive to finish my race - I know You are not done with me. Thank You for how You have refined me and how You remain with and in me.  I am not deserving for how You bless me and how You never leave me. I am often disobedient with harsh words and actions, and other sins.  Please forgive me.  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 Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.

Moses

But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out, to kill them in the mountains and to wipe them off the face of the earth’? Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people. Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Israel, to whom you swore by your own self: ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and I will give your descendants all this land I promised them, and it will be their inheritance forever.’” Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened. Exodus 32:11-14

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This afternoon, I continue with the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".

*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado pointing us to how God met with Moses on the top of Mount Sinai to give him the Ten Commandments (Exodus 31) but then God directed Moses back down the mountain to stop the Israelites from further sin as they had become impatient that Moses had not come down from meeting with God and had fashioned a golden-calf (with Aaron's blessing!) in place of God.  We've all doubted God's hand in our lives but God wants us to come to Him with out doubts and fears - we are to avoid turning to idols as the Israelites did.  

Lucado also points to how Moses' interceded on the Israelites behalf, pleading with God to not destroy the Israelites - we are encouraged to see how prayer is powerful and effective. Lucado provides us with additional verses that underscore the power of prayer: 

[I]f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Luke 11:9

 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  John 15:7

Comment and discuss this post here.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who hears and responds to my cries - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You interceded on my behalf to die on the cross - the greatest gift of all time. Not deserving at all...my sin - worry, laziness, etc. - 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.

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?

Moses

Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived? Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? Deuteronomy 4:32-34

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".

*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado with Aaron confronting Pharaoh to "let my people go (Exodus 5)". Although not without resistance - Pharaoh ultimately let's the Israelites leave Egypt.  His heart hardens once again as he sends his army into the wilderness to capture the fleeing Israelites.  God of course parts the Red Sea, closes it up once Israel passes through to dry ground, and then swallows up the Egyptian army (Exodus 14).  Throughout this whole process, God demonstrates His power - plagues and miracles.  His miracles and love fail to relent as Israel soon forgets how God did all this for them and they grumble about a lack of food - God provided for their needs in ways unimaginable for them so once again they could be clear about the source of their provision (Exodus 16).  Some however, failed to trust God.  

Lucado points how God designed a daily collection process (of manna) and this daily dependence on God is His intent.  We are to daily go to God for first and foremost spiritual provision and of course provision for all things. He created us, sustain us, and God wants us to embrace this through a daily, lifelong relationship with Him.

Our daily "collection process" with God must include an element of gratitude and worship - similar to Moses' words for what God for Israel. 

Once again, John Piper provides this great post on worship and why it is important - Piper points out that we cannot be merciful to others without being "worshipful" - otherwise our actions simply become another "social agenda" to do good. 100% agree!  Worship serves many purposes - of course to direct our hearts towards God and from there God directs our hearts towards others.  Our worship must be daily and a key focus must include gratitude for what He has provided - and the list should be long for all of us!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God indeed not only for what You have done for me personally but for what You have done for so many people I know - what a great God You are!  Thank You for the daily provision You provide and SO much more - I am not deserving for all that You do for me.  I worry and I have many other sins 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 he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Exodus 1-3

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".

*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado pointing out Moses' resistance to God's call that Moses confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses did not feel up to the task and he did not see how God's power would reign in and through him in the task given him.  Of course with such a tall task, this is understandable.  We are encouraged to compare and contrast Moses' initial reaction with that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago from the Book of Daniel and how they were to be thrown into the furnace unless they renounced their faith in God (they were instead ordered to worship King Nebuchadnezzar) - they did not and God saved them from the fiery ordeal. God eventually demonstrates His power to Moses by turning Moses' walking stick into a snake then back into a walking stick - this same rod is the same one used by God to both confront Pharaoh and part the Red Sea. Lucado wants us to see how we are not to focus on our strength or abilities - but instead on God and His power.  I am reminded of Paul's words.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has strengthened me in my weakest moments and You continue to strengthen me and equip me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues - 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.

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.

Exodus 1-3

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. Exodus 3:2

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I start the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".

*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado describing a modern day story that resembled Moses' story - it is a story of riches to rags (or one of dashed dreams) similar to Moses' story.  Tragedy strikes everyone in some form or another and Lucado wants us to connect with Moses by seeing how a modern-day version of Moses' story could be anyone.  As Lucado moves from Hank to Moses, we are left with a few questions, including how can God use us when we are so deeply sinful and when we run from God? Moses was also already 80 years old (similar to Abraham and Sarah) - at what point are too old to be used by God?

Lucado points out that there were good reasons why God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt - He knew the people, he had known leadership qualities, wisdom, he knew the land, and he knew who the Israelites would be up against - he once lived in the palace.  Moses also married well - Zipporah was a woman of faith and we learn later in Exodus how Zipporah saved Moses from God's wrath.

Lucado wants us to understand how God uses everything in our lives to equip and prepare us for roles He designs specifically for us.  Even Moses' time in the wilderness leading sheep was used by God as Moses leads the Israelites through the wilderness.  It's also not just actual wildernesses but emotional and spiritual wildernesses that are used. 

Yet even though Moses recognizes God as the one who speaks to him through the burning bush, Moses resists.

We are encouraged to yield to God's will even when it feels scary or beyond or comfort zone - God will equip us as He does Moses.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has restored me MANY times and used all of the good and bad in my life for Your glory and my good.  You have also equipped me for how I serve - thank You Jesus for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving of all the ways You bless me and certainly not deserving for the gift of salvation.  My sin continues...including placing my own comfort over priority to serve 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.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Genesis 25, 27, 30, 32, 33-41, 41-47, and 48-50 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This evening, I continue with the story of "Jacob: Wrestling with the Past*".

*Title of lesson three from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado discussing how although Jacob wrestled with God and grew closer to God from the experience, Jacob nonetheless continued to sin (as we all do) and separate himself from God due to bad and ungodly decisions. He highlights how Jacob married one woman (Leah) that he did not love so he could marry the one he did love (Rachel).  Rachel initially could not bare children so Jacob bore children via Leah and a host of handmaidens and concubines.  Rachel ultimately bore Jacob a son and Jacob favored this son - Joseph and this favoritism only increased what was already an dysfunctional family.  Jacob's favoritism was compounded by his obliviousness and it led to Joseph being sold by his brothers to slave traders.  Lucado encourages us to avoid separation from God and to make Godly decisions through a daily, close relationship with Jesus Christ.

We then see how Joseph's story indicates God orchestrated good out of Joseph's trials (Genesis 45), and how orchestrates reunion of Jacob with Joseph and restoration of Jacob. Lucado wants us have three takeaways:

1. Always listen to God's instruction and avoid falling into patterns of sin where we repeat mistakes of our past
2. Restoration matters to God and He will shake things up to bring that healing to our lives
3. No matter what evil others intend for us, God can always use our situation to accomplish His good purposes.
   

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blessed and restored me despite my past sin - You drew me near to You and restored me beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful but again I am undeserving.  I worry, and I put my own earthly comfort ahead of my relationship with 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.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Genesis 25, 27, 30, and 32

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Jacob: Wrestling with the Past*".

*Title of lesson three from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado discussing how our past sins cause all of us to wrestle (just as Jacob did) with guilt, shame, and fear of consequences at some point in our lives.  Lucado asks us to look at the stories of Samson, David, Elijah (1 Kings 19), and Peter, all of who struggled with guilt and fear. Some, like Jacob run from their past, yet Lucado wants us to understand the true power of repentance and pursuing God.

Psalm 32 offers a number of verses on the power of repentance. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have shown me the power of repentance with a changed life - a life more oriented towards You...and You have blessed me in ways I cannot imagine.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin continues.  Worry, etc. Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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.