Therefore my loins are filled with anguish; pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman in labor; I am bowed down so that I cannot hear; I am dismayed so that I cannot see. My heart staggers; horror has appalled me; the twilight I longed for has been turned for me into trembling.

Isaiah 19-23

Therefore my loins are filled with anguish; pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman in labor; I am bowed down so that I cannot hear; I am dismayed so that I cannot see. My heart staggers; horror has appalled me; the twilight I longed for has been turned for me into trembling. Isaiah 21:3-4

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 8, Day 2, the focus is on Isaiah 21 where the study focuses on how God's people sought alliances and refuge from Babylon and its allies but unfortunately, Isaiah warns that these earthly kingdoms will fall and that faith in God is what He seeks (see also post yesterday). Of course there is a broader implication for believers of today that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but our provision and protection will not come from an earthly kingdom but from Jesus - the One True God. Another key takeaway is how Isaiah mourns for those who will suffer.

Similarly, Paul shares his anguish over unbelieving Jews in Romans 9:2-5 and I am reminded that such anguish should move us to snatch others from the fire (share the gospel per Jude 1:22-23).

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has saved me - softening my heart and making my one of Your elect.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing - I fail to share the Good News as You command me to...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.

Then they shall be dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and of Egypt their boast. And the inhabitants of this coastland will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?’”

Isaiah 19-23

Then they shall be dismayed and ashamed because of Cush their hope and of Egypt their boast. And the inhabitants of this coastland will say in that day, ‘Behold, this is what has happened to those in whom we hoped and to whom we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria! And we, how shall we escape?’” Isaiah 20:5-6

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 8, Day 2, the focus is on Isaiah 19-20 once again where this morning I focus on how God sought to dissuade other nations from relying on an alliance Egypt to protect themselves from Assyria's might. God certainly works mysteriously here - He humbles Isaiah by asking him to walk around naked for 3 years (v19:3-4) to SHOW others how EGYPT will be humbled...certainly an interesting and crazy method...but hey, it's God and who are we to question His ways (Isaiah 55:8). The lesson here is not just regarding the mysterious ways of God, but more importantly how He seeks for us to gain our strength upon Him, not from people.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and YOU are my rock!  Thank You God for the foundation You provide for me to build my life - I experience blessings because You are my rock.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  I do 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. 

In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the Lord because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them. And the Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them.

Isaiah 19-23

 In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. It will be a sign and a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry to the Lord because of oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and deliver them. And the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord in that day and worship with sacrifice and offering, and they will make vows to the Lord and perform them. And the Lord will strike Egypt, striking and healing, and they will return to the Lord, and he will listen to their pleas for mercy and heal them. Isaiah 19:19-22

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 8, Day 1, the focus is on Isaiah 19-20, we see a humbling of Egypt as God uses His judgement of this nation to bring Egypt to Him as Isaiah commentary (from the Christ-Centered Exposition Series) indicates a prophecy of the rise of the Coptic Christian church in Egypt (see Isaiah 19:19). While I posted about the fleeting nature of earthly kingdom's in God's eyes (and His plans), today I reflect on how God fulfilled on His promise to bring about the Coptic Christian church - He is faithful indeed!  

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus, You are great indeed and You are faithful!  I have seen Your hand in my life to fulfill many of the promises You make and today I see how You fulfilled prophecy in the Bible to establish Your church in Egypt - amazing.  You are amazing and You pour out SO MANY blessings on me - I am undeserving...I do 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.

The nations roar like the roaring of many waters, but he will rebuke them, and they will flee far away, chased like chaff on the mountains before the wind and whirling dust before the storm. At evening time, behold, terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us, and the lot of those who plunder us.

Isaiah 14-18

The nations roar like the roaring of many waters, but he will rebuke them, and they will flee far away, chased like chaff on the mountains before the wind and whirling dust before the storm. At evening time, behold, terror! Before morning, they are no more! This is the portion of those who loot us, and the lot of those who plunder us. Isaiah 17:13-14 

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 7, Day 5 (final day), the focus is on Isaiah 17-18 where I reflect not just on these two chapters but on the lesson overall when looking back on the entirety of Isaiah 14-18.  A key theme that stands out is how nations and kingdoms of the world rise and fall at God's direction - God is in control (Colossians 1:15-17). My Isaiah commentary (from the Christ-Centered Exposition Series) warns believers that: "[t]he nations are restless, full of rage, completely unable to find peace in their wandering rebellion against God. We must not live like that. We must find rest in God alone, trusting in him to give joy and peace, even while we suffer at the hands of such restless empire builders. We must not be faithlessly anxious over the restless churning of current events on earth."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE in control and I am grateful that Your hand is in control of my life and I am sealed for eternity by You!  Thank You!  I am not deserving of how You save and protect me.  I sin daily - 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.

He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.”

Revelation 8:2-11:19

He had a little scroll open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, and called out with a loud voice, like a lion roaring. When he called out, the seven thunders sounded. And when the seven thunders had sounded, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said, and do not write it down.” Revelation 10:2-4

I continued with my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  For this week, the study looks at Revelation 8:2-11:19, and with the help of the study's commentary, today I reflect on the entirety of this week's study.  Revelation 10:2-4 provides a portrait of the mystery of God. Often times I want to know why something is going on, but many times I don't have answers...I must have peace with this knowing that at least once I reach Heaven, perhaps sooner, I will have answers as God will ultimately reveal what is unknown to be known. In the meantime, I can take great comfort in knowing that God is in control, He is good, faithful, He answers prayers, and He is always at work. I also know His ways are not my ways.

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

 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You love me, You are faithful, and You will never leave or forsake me - among the many promises You make.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love, salvation, and promises, nor Your faithfulness - all 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.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone.

Revelation 8:2-11:19

Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. Revelation 9:3-5

I continued with my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  For this week, the study looks at Revelation 8:2-11:19, and for today my focus is on Satan and how, although he has much power and influence, he is under God and cannot do anything that God does not allow. God reigns and has providence over all, including Satan.  In Revelation 9:3-5, after the fifth trumpet is blown, we see locusts arise from the abyss.  God gave them power to torment non-believers only and they only had power to torment, not to kill. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for protection from Satan and sin - I know that You have already defeated sin and death and You give me the power to protect myself from temptation and sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great - worry, etc. - and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 8:2-11:19

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. Revelation 6:20-21

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  While this week, the study looks at Revelation 8:2-11:19, for today my focus is the prayers of the saints (8:2-5), the role of the seven trumpets throughout these chapters, and how God is full of grace and how this is often not viewed as a opportunity to repent and be saved.  This latter focus is where my key takeaway is today.  

Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind. The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number. And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.

The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts. Revelation 6:13-21

While a third of mankind is struck down, it is utterly stunning that the rest of mankind - two-thirds of mankind - did not repent and turn to God.  They certainly had an opportunity because the text is written in such a way that repentance is offered but not taken.  Unfortunately, this is the case with many non-believers, they experience tremendous grace in their lives, yet they fail to see the hand of God with this grace.  You see we don't get what we deserve (death - see Romans 6:23) but we do get what we don't deserve (grace - 1 Corinthians 15:10).

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You grace is amazing indeed - and it is imprinted throughout my life....every day.  Thank You Jesus!  I am clearly not deserving of such grace...my sin is great and it is daily.  Worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and 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 grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose YOU as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense.

Isaiah 14-18

In that day man will look to his Maker, and his eyes will look on the Holy One of Israel. He will not look to the altars, the work of his hands, and he will not look on what his own fingers have made, either the Asherim or the altars of incense. Isaiah 17:7-8

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 7, Day 4 and 5, the focus is on Isaiah 17-18, where we see an oracle concerning Damascus and the land beyond Cush (Ethiopia). Once again, we see prophecies of God's wrath poured out on Israel's neighbors.  We also see God's disappointment with Israel (Isaiah 17:4-6, 10).  Within these prophecies, we see God's intent for Israel, that they should not seek alliances (as described in Isaiah 7:3-9, 2 Kings 16:1-6, 9) with neighboring lands for protection and not seek foreign gods and the altars of these foreign Gods, but instead look to the One True God - the Holy One of Israel.  With all that is going on in the world today, man is not where we should seek our refuge and assistance. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of love for me, who never leaves or forsakes me, and is my rock and refuge.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings - my sins continue - complaints, 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.  

But now the Lord has spoken, saying, “In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all his great multitude, and those who remain will be very few and feeble.”

Isaiah 14-18

But now the Lord has spoken, saying, “In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all his great multitude, and those who remain will be very few and feeble.” Isaiah 16:14

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 7, Day 2 the focus is on Isaiah 15-16, where we see an oracle concerning Moab. Moab is destroyed and suffers, yet a remnant survives (Isaiah 16:2-4).  This is yet another example of how God created Israel as His chosen people to be a light among the nations, yet Israel repeatedly disappointed God.  From the very beginning God sought to save people from all nations, and Moab is one such example.  Ruth was a Moabite and we know from Jesus' genealogy (Matthew 1), that Boaz and Ruth's son Obed was the father of Jesse and Jesse was the father of king David and from there Jesus was born. God's call for Jonah to go to Nineveh is yet another example - Nineveh was of course not part of Israel but God sought for Nineveh to recognize Him as the one true God and to repent from their sin - they of course did based on Jonah's visit (see Jonah 3).  I don't know the full extent of how a remnant of Moab (Ruth came before Isaiah) or how any of those that repented in Nineveh became part of God's plan but God does want to save all nations and He redeems sinful and broken people that repent.  This redemption plays out in our own lives as believers - sin and everything - are redeemed and used as part of God's plan. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God whose plan is perfect and who is able to save and redeem all - including sinful, broken people such as myself.  You have elected me, justified me, saved me, and You sanctify me - thank You Jesus for all the blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sins of laziness, worry, etc. continue - 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 the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

"The Lord has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people find refuge."

Isaiah 14-18

"The Lord has founded Zion, and in her the afflicted of his people find refuge." Isaiah 14:32

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 7, Day 1, I examine Isaiah 14:28-32 where we see an oracle in the year "King Ahaz died." Here we see how an old nemesis of Israel - Philistia - falls prey to "smoke" from the north and the oracle indicates that "[God] will kill [Philistia's] root with famine, and your remnant it will slay." The oracle goes on to state: "[w]ail, O gate; cry out, O city; melt in fear, O Philistia, all of you!" My Isaiah commentary* indicates that "[i]n the end all tyrants must succumb to one simple reality: all existence comes from almighty God, for “in him we live and move” (Acts 17:28)." While Philistia suffers God's wrath, we see how God protects the needy and afflicted (Isaiah 14:30, 32). 

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My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, YOU are my refuge and strength - regardless of what the world throws at me, I know I have Your comforting arms and You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such protection and loving arms.  My sin is great and it is daily - 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.

*Davis, Andrew M.. Exalting Jesus in Isaiah (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 138). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near[.]..But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.

Revelation 4-8:1

Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near[.]..But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Zephaniah 1:7, Habakkuk 2:20

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  My focus this morning is the conclusion for this week's look at Revelation 4-8:1. One of the key takeaways and "personal implications" from this week is the importance of silence as a spiritual disciplines.  The study shares that: "[t]he silence in heaven at the opening of the seventh seal is sudden and shocking. Throughout Revelation 1–7, we have heard a joyous cacophony of sound reverberating throughout heaven (e.g., 1:10; 4:5, 8, 11; 5:9–10, 12–13). But now, suddenly, silence for half an hour. What’s the meaning of this unexpected silence? The Old Testament background helps us understand. In the book of Zephaniah, God announces his coming terrible, worldwide judgment (Zephaniah. 1:2) and Zephaniah 1:7 tells us the proper response: “Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near.” In the Old Testament—and in Revelation—silence is the horrified, awe-filled, stunned response to the sheer weight of God’s judgment (see Habakkuk. 2:20).*" 

This post from Renovare.org (which I have valued in my journey with Christ) defines the spiritual discipline of silence as "closing off our souls from ​“sounds,” whether noise, music, or words, so that we may better still the inner chatter and clatter of our noisy hearts and be increasingly attentive to God."  This definition convicts me because there are many times when I don't "close off my soul" from the outside world (people, noises, distractions, etc.) and this severely impacts the quality of my time spent with God.  God please help me with the spiritual discipline of silence!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love me - You have given me the gift of salvation and I have Your Word and the Holy Spirit to help me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sins of worry, etc. persist.  Please help me.  Please help me overcome these sins 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. 

*Witmer, Stephen. Revelation (Knowing the Bible) (p. 14). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Revelation 4-8:1

Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Revelation 6:15-17

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  My focus tonight is on the Lamb (Jesus) opening the scroll and seven seals (Revelation 6:1-8:1) first described in chapter 5:1.  The fifth seal reveals an earthquake, the sun becoming black, the moon becoming blood, the stars falling from the sky, and the islands and mountains disappearing - all part of the fate that awaits the rich and powerful, who hide and ask themselves "who can stand" against the power and wrath that has brought such scary physical manifestations of God's sovereignty. The answer is of course nobody can!  God reigns over all! During this period of the end times, God seeks for as many people as possible to submit to Him and surrender to Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Otherwise, unfortunately, for those that do not, eternal damnation awaits. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I am SO grateful that You saved me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such an incredible gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin - worry and other sins - 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 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 I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelation 4-8:1

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:13-14

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  My focus tonight is the memory verse for this week - Revelation 5:13-14.  In Revelation 4-5 John is given a vision of Heaven where God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all present and God is seated on the throne and Jesus is represented by the slain lamb who has the authority to open the scroll and seven seals that reveal God's plan for the end times. In 5:11 Jesus is worshiped and in 5:13-14 both God the Father and Jesus are worshiped using nearly identical words used in 5:11. John Piper, in a sermon where series where he explores hope, he ends the series by summarizing it, and in this summary he highlights three truths about hope: 

1. "First, the glory of God is very great.
2. Second, the glory of God is a sure hope in Jesus Christ.
3. Third, the hope of the glory of God fills the heart with joy and exultation."

 In looking at (1) specifically, Piper highlights ten ways the Bible (New Testament) gives us glimpses of the greatness of God's glory, including Revelation 5:11-14, where he uses these verses in Revelation to indicate: "[s]urely the purpose of giving us a glimpse into this heavenly worship is to make us feel the greatness of the Lord and the tremendous worth of his glory."

Finally, Piper wants us to, as Paul writes in Romans 5 to "rejoice in [the] hope of the glory of God."

Indeed - I am grateful for the blessing of Revelation to see God's glory and the greatness of God's glory, how it is a certainty, and how I get to share in the hope of the glory of God - and of course for this I am certainly joyful!  Thank You Jesus!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your glory is great indeed, as it sure, and I get to share in it and be joyful because of it - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues daily - 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.

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Revelation 4-8:1

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:13-14

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  My focus this morning is Revelation 4-8:1 where we see a vision of God in Heaven on the throne and Jesus opening the scroll and seven seals representing God's plan for the end times. The memory verse for this week highlights that Jesus is worthy to open the scroll described in 5:1-14.  Jesus is of course the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8) and described in Colossians 1 as  

"the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." Colossians 1:15-18

It is certainly important for John to see Jesus as sitting on the throne with God (as the slain lamb) and to hear one of the elders tell him not to weep because Jesus is worthy and able to open the scroll.  This is great news for many reasons because believers need to understand what is about to happen - how Jesus beats sin and death for the final time during the end times. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - worthy and able to open the scroll to reveal to us the end times so we can see how You finally defeat sin and death - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God and such a blessing - that You would save me!  Thank You!  I am not deserving.  My sin continues.  Worry, anger, 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 all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

2 Corinthians 1

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Tonight, I continue a pause on both of my studies in Isaiah and Revelation to listen to John Piper's daily devotion for today - Solid Joys.  Here Piper emphasizes how the word "amen" serves to confirm God's faithfulness when we end our prayers with this word. We pray confidently, knowing that God is faithful as we know He is as all of God's promises come to pass.  Piper writes: "[w]hen we pray, we say Amen to God through Christ, because God has said a decisive Amen to all his promises in Christ. Prayer is the confident plea for God to make good on his promises of future grace — for Christ’s sake. Prayer links our faith in future grace with the foundation of it all, Jesus Christ....Amen means, 'Yes, Lord, you can do it.” It means, “Yes, Lord, you are powerful. Yes, Lord, you are wise. Yes, Lord, you are merciful. Yes, Lord, all future grace comes from you and has been confirmed in Christ.'"

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are faithful indeed and I have seen Your faithfulness every day in my life - thank You Jesus!  Your mercies ARE new every morning and I am grateful not just for Your mercies but also for Your faithfulness.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin of anger, worry, 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 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 this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14

Tonight, I continue a pause on both of my studies in Isaiah and Revelation to listen to John Piper's daily devotion for today - Solid Joys.  Here Piper emphasizes that what is stated here in Matthew 24:14 is one of God's promises - God states that "the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world"  before the end times.  The certainty of Jesus' statement is worth noting here, according to Piper, because believers can pray with great faith and invest with great confidence both those in the mission field (effort) and those supporting them. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promises!  There are many and because You are faithful - I know they will all come to pass.  I can pray in great faith and invest richly into the mission field because I know You will fulfill Your promise.  Thank You Jesus!  What a blessing!  I am not deserving of participating in such a blessing - my sin is great and it is daily....worry, anger, 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.  

And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”

Matthew 8

And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Matthew 8:29

Tonight, I pause on both of my studies in Isaiah and Revelation to listen to John Piper's daily devotion for today - Solid Joys.  Here, Piper wants us to see how God is not waiting for the end times (Revelation) to defeat Satan - instead He is fighting know to win souls for His kingdom now and believers play a role of course!  Piper describes how in Matthew, Satan's minions (demons) want to know why Jesus seeks to torment them before the appointed time (end times).  Piper writes that believers should be encouraged to take on Satan before the appointed time: "[t]he resulting wartime mentality is this: Since Satan’s doom is sure, and he knows it, we can always remind him of it when he tempts us to follow him. We can laugh and say, “You’re out of your mind. Who wants to join forces with a loser?!”  Piper wants to be certain that we are aware of who we (not just us but the church) are up against (2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:2), and that it is not safe work but thrilling and we are on the victorious side!  Piper wraps up the post with: "[i]t is not safe. But it is thrilling. Many lives are lost. Satan’s forces are ever on the lookout for our subversive activity. Christ has guaranteed resurrection for all who fight to the death. But he has not guaranteed comfort, or acceptance from the world, or prosperity in enemy territory."  Encouraging words indeed!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God - I know You love me and You help me defeat temptation and sin...thank You Jesus! I am grateful for being on the victorious side - thank You!  Yet I am not deserving.  My sin continues - worry and anger, 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.

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Revelation 1-3

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

I continue with my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  My focus this morning is my memory verse - Revelation 3:19. When speaking to the seven churches in Revelation - of course keeping in mind that the intent is all churches - there are both kind words and words of rebuke (or reprove).  God loves His children and when we experience difficulties, it is appropriate to see how God may be using challenges to refine us, prepare us for some coming work, or to discipline us.  Irregardless, we must see God at work in our lives - good or bad.  God is always at work (Romans 8:28) and He never leaves or forsakes us (Matthew 28:20). Also, one way or another - this life is not the end as one day will see Jesus face to face as He saves a seat for believers in Heaven. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love me - when I experience hardships - I know You are at work doing something for good. Thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues - worry, anger, 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.

I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Revelation 1-3

I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:9-10

I continue with my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  With a focus again on Revelation 1:9-3:22, at the prompting of my study I examine how Christ is addressing the church in Smyrna in Revelation 2:9-10; and the commentary looks at how Jesus wanted to avoid how the Jews focused on external manifestations of faith but instead on the internal - our heart condition. The world satisfies itself with "stuff" or earthly status.  Jesus instead wants us to focus on eternal rewards and how we should "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6), seeking to fill and satisfy ourselves with the "living water" (John 4:13-15).

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My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has graced me with faith and never left or forsaken me - thank You Jesus!  Thank You also for the sanctifying process - I am grateful.  I am not deserving for these blessings and so much more that I cannot describe with words.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin continues - worry, anger, 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 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 the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Revelation 1-3

As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20

I return to my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  With a focus on Revelation 1:9-3:22, a key takeaway is how the commentary shares how the number 7 in the Bible represents fullness and completion so the implication is that while Christ reveals to John a message to the seven churches in these chapters of Revelation, the intended audience are all churches - not just during John's time but for all times, including churches of today. Christ offers encouragement for some and rebukes for some - the encouragement highlights how Christ is pleased in how some churches endure through suffering and trials while at the same time rebuking churches for lukewarm faith, for a waning faith, following false prophets, and for allowing love of the world to dilute faith in Christ.  These are appropriate warnings for us all!

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My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You provide Your church to encourage, to pray for one anothers, and to support our faith - thank You Jesus!  I have been blessed by great churches!  Thank You!  I am not deserving of how You love and bless me.  My sin is great and it is 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.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and everyday.

...My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose[.]

Isaiah 46

...My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose[.] Isaiah 46:10

Tonight, after a long day of driving, I long for time with God and find rest in DesiringGod.com's daily devotion - authored by John Piper, which is aptly titled Two Infinitely Strong and Tender Truths.  First, Piper declares God's sovereignty or providence over all aspects of the universe - now and always. He is in control, including all matters big and small in my life and in all who have and will forevermore inhabit the universe. Piper then declares this is a good thing because God promises throughout scripture, and Piper provides several examples, that those who trust in Him will find favor and blessing in His hand in our life. First, He is able and second He promises good for us - and we can rest in the 2nd because of the 1st.  Thank You Jesus!

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

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Isaiah 13-14

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 6, Day 5 (self-study of commentary day), the focus looks back on Lesson 6 (Isaiah 13-14), and it once again remains on the role and fate of Babylon, not just during Isaiah's time, but also during end times as portrayed in the book of Revelation. A brief review of the rise and fall of Babylon indicates that "[a]lthough the fall of Babylon marked the end of political rule of Babylonian rulers, much of the Babylonian culture, its pagan religions, and its ideology were continued in the kingdoms which followed."  Building on my post yesterday, most would agree that Babylon represents Satan and sin in a fallen world, so we see Babylon also playing a role in end times where Babylon is referred to in Revelation and Christ defeats Satan for eternity.  Clearly, whether it is during ancient times or current times, Babylon represents the pervasiveness of sin and a challenge for believers: how can we remain faithful when the world around us is so deeply sinful - it can be discouraging for sure! This post from DesiringGod.com helps I believe by framing the question around how and where do I draw the line when I get pushed to exalt man or the world above God?  

Key of course is daily study and prayer with God where we allow the sanctification process to work - we are transformed by "renewal of the mind."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and I am grateful for how You give me victory of sin and death as sin is pervasive and I know the sanctification process works in my life - thank You Jesus!  Yet I know there is more work in me to do - please keep going and help me submit!  I am not deserving that You made me one of Your elect, justified me, etc.  My sin continues...anger, 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.

So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more[.]

Isaiah 14

So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more[.] Revelation 18:21

After an extended pause, I've come back to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  Today, I continue with Isaiah 14, where the focus is on Babylon and how not just here in Isaiah it represents sin and a fallen world, but also elsewhere in scripture where Babylon plays this role - including in the book of Revelation.  My study indicates that Babylon appears almost 300 times in the Bible, so its worth looking at how it is represented in the Bible, as God clearly wants us to see the relevance of this ancient once powerful kingdom plays in our lives both now and in the future. The first mention of Babel (Babylon) occurred in Genesis 10:10 and 11:9 where Babel becomes one of the first cities in Nimrod's kingdom and then the tower of Babel is constructed (an abomination to God who then disperses the people and confuses their language).  Babylon is also mentioned in 2 Kings 17 (during Isaiah's time).  Finally, and most importantly, Babylon is Revelation 14, 16-18 where we see how God wants us to have a vivid picture of how the once ancient and sinful city still exists yet its people are dispersed throughout the world just as sin exists everywhere in world today.  However, the great news is that in Revelation we see sin (and Babylon as its representative) defeated one last time and for eternity - we know the outcome!  Jesus wins!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I gain great peace in knowing that You have already defeated sin and death - for me and anyone else that calls on Your name as Lord and Savior.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am not deserving of such an act of salvation.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Anger, 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] bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.

Isaiah 42

[A] bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. Isaiah 42:3

This morning, I focus on John Piper's Solid Joys devotional, where Piper seeks for us to be encouraged during periods when we feel our faith is a mere "spark" vs a "flame." Piper starts by stating that "[t]he Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of encouragement...he will not snuff out your spark."  He then provides just a few of the many scriptural examples, besides Isaiah 42:3, where we can gain encouragement during periods of weak faith:

• Luke 4:18
• Malachi 4:2
• Matthew 11:29
• Psalm 27:14
  

This morning, I need more encouragement than usual - thank You Jesus for fanning the flame of my faith!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and and who has given me faith - thank You Jesus!  You also provide the Holy Spirit, the Word, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ all to strengthen and build me up in my faith.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of all this!  My sin is great and and it is 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.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

This morning, I focus on John Piper's Solid Joys devotional, where Piper seeks for us to experience an "outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our church and ourselves that fills us with indomitable joy and frees us, and empowers us, to love those around us in ways so authentic that they are won to Christ[.]" Piper writes how God's Word (authored by the Holy Spirit) and the promises contained in them are to be claimed and captured in our hearts as the basis for this joy and hope. We know that God is with us...until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).  We also know that although in this life we will experience challenges, we can take heart because God overcame the world (John 16:33), and our experience in this life is not the end because God give us eternal life (John 3:16).  These are, of course, just a few of the many, many promises God gives in Scriptures so "we might have hope." One more that I have claimed and keep in my heart is how believers are "filled" through a "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6).

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has filled me with hope, joy, and encouragement.   I am blessed indeed with how You have given me Scriptures that are the basis for my hope - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin of worry and other sins are great - 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 eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Deuteronomy 33

The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

This morning, I focus on John Piper's Solid Joys devotional, where Piper seeks for us to see how when we struggle, we should consider how God is using our struggle for service to Him. God has us in His everlasting arms and wants to use everything about our experience for His glory and good (see Romans 8:28)- and it is certainly good to help others. Piper writes: "[t]he psalmist said in Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” He does not say it was easy or fun or pleasant. In retrospect, he simply says, “It was good for me.”' 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are at all times good and Your design for my experience in this life is good, even when the times are a struggle, I see Your goodness.  Thank You Jesus for Your goodness.  I am not deserving of Your everlasting love and arms.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. [T]hey...love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.

Matthew 23

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. [T]hey...love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. Matthew 23:5-7

This morning, I focus on John Piper's Solid Joys devotional, where Piper seeks for us to first see the irony of the scribes and the Pharisees as described by Matthew as the proud gain their sufficiency from others or self. Believers should know of course how such pursuits in sufficiency outside of God only result in emptiness.  Piper writes about how "[w]e are in the image of God. And what makes us “like” God is not our self-sufficiency. We are shadows and echoes. So, there will always be an emptiness in the soul that struggles to be satisfied with the resources of self [or from others]."  He refers us to John 5:44 and John 4:14 where Jesus contrasts the emptiness of glory from others with the satisfying fullness of Himself. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and You satisfy with a fullness that only exists in You - and You freely give of Yourself for those willing to deny oneself and surrender to You as Lord and Savior.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings of fullness.  My sin is great and it is 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.

 

I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them....I will rejoice in doing them good[.]

Jeremiah 32

I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them....I will rejoice in doing them good[.] Jeremiah 32:40-41

This morning, I focus on John Piper's Solid Joys devotional, where Piper seeks for us to claim a great promise God communicates through Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon.  Those in exile, the remnant, will return to the promised land and God "will not turn away from doing good to them."  This is of course a promise just as much for us as it was for those in exile.  Piper not only wants us to see how this is a promise for us but also how this promise works, even during periods of difficulty.  He refers us to Romans 4:18, where Abraham is said to "[i]n hope he believed against hope", and Piper writes that "[i]n other words, you look your hopeless situation in the face and say, “You are not as strong as God! He can do the impossible. And I know he loves to do it for those who trust him. So, hopelessness, you will not have the last say. I trust God!" A great promise indeed!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and Your promises are great and You are faithful - I know that all of Your promises come to pass!  I can rest and have hope in You and Your promises.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it is 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.