[M]y steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54-57

[M]y steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

After a more than 3 month delay, where I focused on my study of Proverbs, I resume my  deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah begins with day 1 (of 5) of week 20, which looks at Isaiah 54-57.  Day 1 focuses on Isaiah 54 which, starting with chapter 49 through early chapter 56, based on my previous studies and other resources such as OverviewBible.com, points to Jesus as the promised Savior and Messiah for the Jews and all nations.  The words in chapter 54 provide great comfort and hope for the afflicted nation of Israel.  Of course, such a message is timeless and directed towards all believers, particularly those in need of hope and encouragement.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of compassion and love for me - thank You Jesus!  Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me - I am not deserving of such a God.  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.

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God[.]

 Ephesians 6

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God[.] Ephesians 6:16-17

There is a slight delay (excuse) in my plan to resume my study of Isaiah, so today I once again listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which today encourages us to take hold of the promises of of God in our fight against unbelief and sin.  Piper makes a profound statement to help us appreciate how it is unbelief that leads to anxiety which then leads to many other sins.  He says: "[u]nbelief in the promises of God is the root of anxiety, which, in turn, is the root of so many other sins."  In my own life, I can say with certainty that as I drew closer to God through more disciplined scripture reading, prayer, etc. I felt - and can now look back on progress - how God was renewing my mind (Romans 12:2) and sanctifying me through a transformed heart and life.  I am new creation - and I can feel the fruits of the Spirit - my hope is that others can as well.  

To help us, Piper provides not just Ephesians 6:16-17, but also the following verses as additional examples of God's promises:

• Isaiah 46:4
• Romans 14:7-9
• Philippians 1:6 
• Hebrews 7:25 
  

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an incredible God - One whose promises ALWAYS come true - I can trust, have faith in, and lean on You, the Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. to never leave or forsake me and be with me as I battle anxiety, unbelief, sin, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me in these ways.  My sin is great and it 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.

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

 Matthew 6

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6

While my plan is to resume my study of Isaiah tomorrow, for today I once again listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which today focuses on John Piper's response that Christian Hedonism puts the interests of man above God.  Of course, those who know John Piper, his teachings, and what he says about Christian Hedonism, all point to how the interests of God and man are aligned because Piper writes in today's devotion (and others) that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."  Today Piper uses Matthew 6:6 as the text to illustrate his response.  He writes that the joy attached to referenced reward in the text "is a reward he wants us to seek. He does not lure us with joy we shouldn’t have! But this reward — this joy — is the overflow of turning away from human praise, and going into our closet to seek God." Earlier in the devotion he states: "[w]hen we humble ourselves like little children and put on no airs of self-sufficiency, but run happily into the joy of our Father’s embrace, the glory of his grace is magnified and the longing of our soul is satisfied. Our interest and his glory become one." Amen - believers should run into the arms of our Father's embrace - daily and all day long!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who blesses me indescribably and innumerably - and I am stunned and amazed every day that You do this.  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of these blessings, nor my salvation - I know this.  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.

I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.

 Psalm 119

I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts. Psalm 119:45

While I anticipate going back to my study of Isaiah, for today I once again listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which today focuses on the freedom promised to believers - which John Piper describes negatively as the freedom from sin, shame, guilt, etc. and positively as the freedom for holiness - namely the good works God prepares for us beforehand (when we were created by Him - Ephesians 2:10).  Piper describes the text for today as a promise and he translates the beginning of the text "wide place" by using "freedom" to emphasize the power of the promise of freedom for believers. Piper first starts by defining freedom as "open spaces", confinement, and "smallness of mind."  He urges believers not to be confined the thoughts that might be planted by Satan but instead we should renew our minds (Romans 12:2).  He uses Psalm 18:19 and God's gift of wisdom to Solomon from 1 Kings 4:29 to help us more fully understand the openness God promises for those who seek His precepts (His Word). Piper then defines the freedom Jesus wants us to appreciate - using John 8:34 and 32. This freedom is more fully defined as Piper uses 1 Peter 1:4 where is shares how believers are "partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."  This is of course an incredible freedom - one that I aspire to more fully appreciate every single day - starting by seeking His Word.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your Word is lamp to my feet and a lamp to my path - and I am grateful for how I get to experience Your presence daily and for You to communicate with me and further sanctify and mold me into more of Your image.  Thank You Jesus!  Incredible blessings.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  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.

...[W]hat is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church[.]

 Ephesians 1

...[W]hat is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church[.] Ephesians 1:19-22

Given I am complete with my study of Proverbs, I will return to my study of Isaiah, but for today, I pause to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which today focuses on God's omnipotence and how this helps us in our daily battle with sin. The devotion's core message is that we live confidently in light of knowing God's omnipotence. Paul is actually praying for this (v16).  Piper writes: '[t]he omnipotence of God means refuge for the people of God. And when you really believe that your refuge is the omnipotence of God Almighty, there is a joy and a freedom and a power that spills over in a life of radical obedience to Jesus Christ." In this sermon, Piper further explores these verses and shares how these verses enable us to live confidently in our daily battles with sin. I yearn to - with the help of the Holy Spirit - as fully as possible, appreciate God's omnipotence, such that I can live confidently in my battle with sin, and be radically obedient. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - Jesus - You are an awesome God and You provide believers with power through the Holy Spirit - for radical obedience, and to defeat sin - thank You Jesus for this gift and how You never leave or forsake us.  I am not deserving of such blessings, including my faith and salvation.  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.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Proverbs 31:10-31

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

I wrap my study of Proverbs with week 11 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.  My focus for today includes a review and reflection of the entire text and of the commentary in the workbook.  The commentary offers the following themes for the text:

• while Proverbs 31:10-31 focuses on Godly women, the teaching of the entire book is intended for all God's people (see also Galatians 3:28)
• Living in fear of the Lord results in blessings, one of which is confidence in the Lord's care (Proverbs 31:25, 1 Peter 1:3-5, Revelation 21:4)
• Adornment in fine linen has a deep connection in scripture, where David, Mordecai, and are all adorned in fine linen as part of a broader blessing (Proverbs 31:22b, 1 Chronicles 15:25-27, Esther 8:15, Ezekiel 16:8-11, Revelation 19:8)
• Family is valued by God and scripture (Proverbs 31:28, Genesis 1:28, 15:1-6, John 19:26-27, Ephesians 5:22-6:4, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Peter 3:1-7)
• The overall picture of Proverbs is that those who fear of the Lord are blessed and become a blessing to others and the result is that God is glorified; the pinnacle of wisdom is to hold God's glory as the theme of one's life and the joy of one's heart (2 Corinthians 3:18)
• God prearranges marriages (Proverbs 19:14, Genesis 24, Ruth 3-4)

In particular, I seek the pinnacle of wisdom as described by bullet #5 above. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who blesses me - of course well beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of how You 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.  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.

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11

I continue my study of Proverbs with week 11 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.  My focus for today includes questions #5-7 in the workbook, which describe how (1) a Godly woman's confidence is sourced from God (Proverbs 31:21, 25); (2) a primary attribute of a Godly woman is how she nurtures others (Proverbs 31:15, 20, 26-27); and (3) not just Proverbs 31 but the entire book reinforces teaching on Godly wealth and financial stewardship. Ligonier.com provides this post that highlights how believers are called to be good stewards of the gifts God gives us, including the talents He gives us and the fruits of these talents. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and provides for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  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.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

I continue my study of Proverbs with week 11 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.  My focus for today includes questions #3-4 in the workbook, which describe (1) the contrast between how a Godly woman occupies her time and works (as depicted in Proverbs 31:16) vs the prevailing attitude of women today; and (2) what is intended when Godly women dress themselves with strength (Proverbs 31:17).  On question (1) my view is that it is clear that the woman depicted in Proverbs 31:16 is Godly as it states this explicitly in 31:30.  It is through this fear of God that the woman in Proverbs 31 seeks to honor and glorify God first, and in so doing follows other scripture laid out for women as discussed in text highlighted by John Piper and others - (see John Piper using 1 Peter 3:1-6 in this video and post, see this post from a woman writer on DesiringGod.com how women should ground their identity in Jesus vs their work, and this post from the founder of Heritage Girls (an alternative to Girl Scouts)). The core difference between a Godly woman and the prevailing secular attitude of women today is that a Godly woman fears God and finds her identity first in God and this flows through to all of her life. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who blesses innumerably and indescribably - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of all the ways You bless me.  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.

[Mak]e the best use of the time, because the days are evil....mak[e] the best use of the time.

Proverbs 31:10-31

[Mak]e the best use of the time, because the days are evil....mak[e] the best use of the time. Ephesians 5:16, Colossians 4:5

I continue my study of Proverbs with week 11 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.  My focus for today includes questions #1-2 in the workbook, which describe (1) how a wife can be trusted (Proverbs 31:11), and (2) how a wife works long hard days (Proverbs 31:15, 18, Ephesians 5:15-15, Colossians 4:5). These questions, of course, have relevance for not just wives and women, but for all believers. Of these two questions, this morning I am challenged (also from a message this morning from Pastor Jared during men's wake up call) to make the "best use of my time" so that I can build up spiritual disciplines.  I am encouraged to more closely examine how I use my time so that I make the best use of my time. 

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know You are always at work in my life - thank You Jesus!  I am blessed by how You orchestrate the details of my life.  I am undeserving of how You do this - I know You love me and You saved me - there is nothing I did or can ever do to deserve this.  You are so full of grace.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:10-31

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26

I continue my study of Proverbs with week 11 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.  My focus for today includes the introduction to this weeks lesson from the workbook, which points how the text describes "an alphabet of womanly excellence," and that "the woman's marital status is not the primary emphasis[,]" but instead that the woman in this chapter "is a portrait of feminine wisdom.  She embodies in all areas of life the full character of wisdom commended in Proverbs."  We are encouraged as well to see the "the big picture" from my workbook, which states that "true wisdom is not just for men but for all God's people." As I have struggled with anger and harsh words for much of my life, I am blessed to have a wife Lisa who, like the woman from the extent is the epitome of wisdom and kindness. Thank You God for the blessing of Lisa!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blessed me with a wife who loves the Lord, and is full of wisdom and kindness.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  I am often angry and harsh - 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 lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

I paused once again this morning from my studies of Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional - which today focuses on encouraging us to avoid "[d]evoting a life to material comforts and security and thrills," but instead pursuing what John Piper calls Christian Hedonism. Piper introduces us to Christian hedonism as "the truth that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."  Piper further unpacks it a series of resources on DesiringGod.com, including this article. He points out that believers delight in God is not at odds with our joy - they are not opposed to each other.  Instead Piper writes that "obeying God is the only route to final and lasting happiness." We are encouraged to not be satisfied "too easily."  Piper concludes this article on how he wants believers to be Christian Hedonists by writing that "we [should] bend all our effort, by the Holy Spirit, to persuade people [of course including ourselves]

• that they can be happier in giving than receiving (Acts 20:35);
• that they should count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus their Lord (Philippians 3:8);
• that the aim of all of Jesus’s commandments is that their joy be full (John 15:11);
• that if they delight themselves in the Lord he will give them the desire of their heart (Psalm 37:4);
• that there is great gain in godliness with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6);
• and that the joy of the Lord is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are worthy of glory and my ceaseless pursuit that my life demonstrate Your glory.  I am beyond grateful this morning of how You have saved me and blessed my life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  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. 

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM."

Exodus 3

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." Exodus 3:14

I pause this morning from my studies of Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional - which today focuses on believers' "unspeakable privilege of knowing Yahweh as our Father - I AM WHO I AM[.] The words from God in Exodus are pulled from God's conversation with Moses where God is speaking to Moses in the burning bush and telling Moses to go rescue the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Moses, feeling quite uneasy and reticent about such a task, asks God what is he to say when those in Egypt ask who sent him. The devotion refers us also to John 8:56-58 and Psalm 9:10 for us to see how Jesus, when responding to the Jews who were questioning Him, refers to Abraham when He tells the Jews “[t]ruly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." In making this connection, Piper wants us to see that we have the "unspeakable privilege" of knowing - in Jesus - the One True God:

• who exists
• whose personality and power is owing solely to himself
• who never changes
• from whom all power and energy in the universe flows
• and to whom all creation should conform its life.
  

We are urged to not only see how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, and to trust in Him.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God - the One True God who created all things, is in all things, is before all things, and who holds all things - including my life - together.  You saved me while I was hostile to You, an enemy - thank You Jesus!  I am of course not deserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings that You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it is daily.  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. 

Every word of God proves true[.]...Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 30-31

Every word of God proves true[.]...Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5a-6

I continue my study of Proverbs with my final entry for week 10 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 30-31:9.  My focus for today is the commentary and a review of the text for this week.  The commentary provides six themes expressed in the text for this week, including:

• how God is our shield and refuge (Proverbs 30:5b)
• how scripture describes the ideal king, yet only Jesus meets this ideal (Proverbs 31:2-9)
• how, even though we may claim to be, none of us are clean (we all sin), and Jesus is the only one who can wash us clean (Proverbs 30:12)
• how barrenness in life ultimately leads to hope for those who believe (Proverbs 30:15-16)
• how God's Word is perfect and how we are not to add to or subtract from it (Proverbs 30:5a)
• how God works, often in contrast to how the world works, including how Jesus came as a conquering King but died on the cross (Proverbs 30:24-28)

The more I study the Word of God the more I see the truth in Proverbs 30:5a - how God's Word is perfect and how we are not to add to or subtract from it. The commentary also points us to Psalm 18:30 and Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32.  Through such text I am encouraged to further "incline my ear [to] hear the words of the wise, [and to]...apply [my[ heart to [God's] knowledge[.]" Indeed, I am experiencing the blessing of having God's Word "within me...and ready on [my] lips (Proverbs 22:17-18)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and You provide Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet and it is indeed pleasant to keep them within me and ready on my lips!  Thank You Jesus for Your Word!  I am not deserving of Your Word, nor any of the blessings You provide to help me understand Your Word - certainly the Holy Spirit, commentary, teachers, brothers and sisters in Christ who help sharpen my understanding, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these incredible blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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, obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces.

Proverbs 30-31

Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer; the rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs; the locusts have no king, yet all of them march in rank; the lizard you can take in your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces. Proverbs 30:24-28

I continue my study of Proverbs with week 10 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 30-31:9.  My focus for today is questions #7-9 from my workbook.  These three questions examine (1) paradoxes in scripture (Proverbs 30:24-28, 1 Samuel 16:6-13, Matthew 16:25, Luke 1:46-55, Acts 9:1-16, Philippians 2:5-11); (2) how "foreign" women (those not of faith) lure people of God away from Him towards other/lesser gods and idol worship (Proverbs 31:2-9, 1 Kings 11:1-8); and (3) how God created alcohol and strong drink but warns us about over indulgence (Proverbs 31:4-7, Ecclesiastes 3:9-13, 1 Timothy 4:1-5).

In particular, question #8 (second one for today) strikes a chord with respect to the paradoxes in the Bible and how God's ways are contrary to how the world often views things, including how God looks at our heart vs outward appearances and external behavior, how He uses ordinary and people of low stature to do remarkable and supernatural things, how God himself humbled himself (taking on human form) - denying Himself and how we are expected to do the same - to gain life, and how God previously used one of the believers biggest enemies (Saul) and transformed him into one of believers greatest servants (Paul).  

We should all be encouraged by how God works!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and how You work is amazing - that You do such remarkable things through ordinary and humble people is awesome - a huge encouragement!  Thank You Jesus for this encouragement.  I am not deserving of how You bless and encourage in these ways.  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.

The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”: Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough.”

Proverbs 30-31

The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. Three things are never satisfied; four never say, “Enough”: Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough.” Proverbs 30:15-16

I continue my study of Proverbs - starting week 10 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 30-31:9.  My focus for today is questions #4-6 from my workbook.  These three questions examine (1) the insatiable desires of Satan and sin (Proverbs 30:15, Philippians 4:11-13, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Hebrews 13:5); (2) the role of our conscience plays in not just our journey with Christ but also in the journey of others (Proverbs 30:20, Romans 14:1-12, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, 10:23-30, 1 Timothy 1:18-20, Hebrews 10:19-22); and (3) how humility and a righteous life contrasts with that of a sinful, foolish life (Proverbs 30:21-23 and 24-28).

Certainly, we must be careful falling prey to any kind of sin as it feeds on itself towards ruin and destruction. 

Paul encourages us that God provides a "way out" from sin and that is of course Jesus Christ:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Another text from Proverbs reinforces how God is the way: 

For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord,but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death. Proverbs 8:35-36

 

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You ARE the way, and You protect me by giving me Your Son Jesus Christ so that I can protect myself from sin and the insatiable desires of sin that lead to destruction.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation.  I know this.  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.

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Proverbs 30-31

Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30:8-9

I continue my study of Proverbs - starting week 10 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 30-31:9.  My focus for today is questions #1-3 in my workbook and these questions look at: (1) humility and how we should view knowledge and wisdom as coming from God alone (Proverbs 30:2-4); (2) how insatiable earthly cravings drive sinful behavior (Proverbs 30:15-16); and (3) how we should be content with what we have (Proverbs 30:7-9).

Question #3 in particular strikes me this morning and how currently here in our country we are blessed beyond what anyone could imagine both relative to impoverished parts of the world and relative to our own country when compared to historical standards. In Proverbs 30:8-9, Agur prays that God provides what is needed, not riches nor poverty.  He wisely makes this prayer recognizing that too much may tempt us to deny God (thinking what we have is from our own doing), and too little would cause us to curse God.  This post from DesiringGod.com is instructive this morning.   The post provide this as a takeaway: recognize that "[w]e need Christ and his strength to live focused on heaven, to risk reputation and fortune, and to make it clear in a land full of abundance, that we seek a better country — a heavenly one."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and is so full of grace and compassion - You provide all of what I need, every day, and You provide what is most important - salvation!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  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.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

Proverbs 30-31

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

I return to my study of Proverbs - starting week 10 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 30-31:9.  My focus for today is an introduction to the entire text for the week. The opening from my workbook for this week describes the text as (1) "sayings of Agur, son of Jakeh..." and these words stress humility - Proverbs 30; and (2) words from King Lemuel "based on teaching he received from his mother about wise kingship" - Proverbs 31:1-9. The workbook encourages us to see the "big picture" as instruction from "two otherwise unknown sages...[that share] what it means to fear the Lord and to reflect his glory in one's calling."  The memory verse for this week is Proverbs 30:5-6.  

Reflecting on this week's memory verse, I also think of Paul's words for Timothy and of the memory verse from week 8 of my Proverbs study:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. Proverbs 22:17-18

I am reminded that God's Word is God Himself and we can take refuge in God through His Word. I am also reminded that we are to study God's Word and know it so that we can allow God to do His sanctifying work in our hearts and lives, and so that we can be equipped for every good work - we must understand that we exist for these good works and to glorify Him.

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My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Your Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. so that I can take comfort and refuge in You, and so that I can be equipped for work that ordain for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is daily and it continues.  Please forgive me for harshness with co-workers, and for other sin.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of Your heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Please provide Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  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 do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34

I continue my pause from my studies of both Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to Part 3 of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion on worry.  John Piper uses the Sermon on the Mount to unpack promises #5-7 that Jesus gives us in the text to encourage us in our battle against anxiety and stress. These promises are:

• #5: Matthew 6:31-32 > Piper states, using this text, that we should not feel as if "God is ignorant of [our] needs. He knows all of them. And he is “your heavenly Father.” He does not look on, indifferently, from a distance. He cares. He will act to supply your need when the time is best."
• #6: Matthew 6:33 > Piper states, using this text, that "All the food and drink and clothing — and everything else — that you need to do his will and glorify him. Which might mean his purpose is for you to die for him, but he will supply everything you need to do it for his glory."  Piper also uses both Romans 8:32 and 35-37 to encourage us that God provides for all our needs, that we are never alone as He (through the Holy Spirit) is always with us, and that He enables us to conquer all that we may face.
  
• #7: Matthew 6:34 > Piper seeks to encourage us with this text by pointing out that (using 1 Corinthians 10:13, Deuteronomy 33:25, Lamentations 3:22-23, and 2 Corinthians 9:8) that "God will see to it that you are not tested in any given day more than you can bear," and that He will give you daily strength and mercies, and all the grace you need for any good deed.
  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God and You provide for all that I need, physically, emotionally, spiritually - thank You Jesus.  I need not worry - but I have and I am certain there will be times that I will - please forgive me for my worry.  Help me overcome and turn from it 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. 

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:27-30

I extend my pause this morning from my studies of both Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to Part 2 of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion on worry.  John Piper uses the Sermon on the Mount to unpack promises #3 and #4 Jesus gives us to encourage us in our battle against anxiety and stress. 

In promise #3, Piper uses Matthew 6:27 to encourage us to see the futility of worry.  In promise #4, God wants us to see how much more of a priority we, His children as believers, are relative to the flowers of the field or anything else in His creation.  Piper sums it up nicely here by stating: "[c]ompared to the flowers of the field you are a much higher priority for God, because you will live forever, and can thus bring him eternal praise as his loved children."

In particular, I am encouraged this morning to focus on what God does want me to do - to glorify Him with all of the fabric of my being.  Certainly worry is not God-glorifying...

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

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26

I pause this morning from my studies of both Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to Part 1 of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion on worry.  Here, across three days of the Solid Joys daily devotion, John Piper uses the Sermon on the Mount to unpack seven (7) promises Jesus gives us to encourage us in our battle against anxiety and stress.  Anxiety and stress is something which I battle, and more often than not, it relates to worry over Zach and Dustin.  This morning my focus is Part 1, which covers two of the promises Jesus offers on worry: 

#1: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25

Piper states: "[s]ince your body and your life are vastly more complex and difficult to provide than food and clothing are, and yet God has, in fact, created and provided you with both, then surely he will be able and willing to provide you with food and clothing.

Moreover, no matter what happens, God will raise your body someday and preserve your life and body for his eternal fellowship."

 #2: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

Piper states: "[i]f God is willing and able to feed such insignificant creatures as birds who cannot do anything to bring their food into being — as you can by farming — then he will certainly provide what you need, because you are worth a lot more than birds. You, unlike the birds, have the amazing capacity to glorify God by trusting, obeying, and thanking God."

Thank You God for how You encourage in all areas of my life.

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It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Proverbs 25-29

It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25:2

I wrap my study of Proverbs week 9 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 25-29.  My focus for today is the commentary provided at the end of the lesson to assist in the review and understanding of the entire text for the week (Proverbs 25-29).  The commentary provides seven (7) takeaways, using the following text (and other references) as basis for application:

• Proverbs 25:13 (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:1-3, Luke 1:76-79) points to a faithful messenger and other scripture clarifies how the OT pointed to Jesus as this faithful messenger.
• Proverbs 28:13 (1 John 1:6-9, Exodus 34:6, Hebrews 4:16) shows how God is full of mercy for those who repent and receive His forgiveness. 
• Proverbs 25:4 (Jeremiah 18:4, Romans 9:21, Hebrews 12:7-11) encourages us to see how God sanctifies His people through the refiner's fire.
  
• Proverbs 25:26 (Ezekiel 34:18-19, Revelation 3:15-16) warns believers against lukewarm faith.
• Proverbs 28:14 (Exodus 4:21, 7:3, 8:15, 9:12, 34, 10:20, Romans 9:1-18, Hebrews 3:7-12) encourages believers to guard against influences that may harden our hearts.
• Proverbs 25:2 (Deuteronomy 29:29, Romans 11:33) seeks for us to appreciate the mystery of God.
• Proverbs 29:25 (Jeremiah 17:5-10) describes how seeking the approval of men (over God) is a snare and idolatry.

Proverbs 25:2, in particular this morning, encourages me to continue to press into my Bible study.  This DesiringGod.com post indicates "[v]ery often, God is not interested in merely handing us the truth; he instead wants us to hunt for it[.]" Believers should relish the hunt!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and Your thoughts and ways are a mystery but You bless those who seek wisdom.  My search for wisdom continues and will will continue until I am home with You but You bless me as I search for truth.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is great and it 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.

For lack of wood the fire goes out,and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.

Proverbs 25-29

For lack of wood the fire goes out,and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases. As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. Proverbs 26:20-22

I continue my study of Proverbs week 9 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 25-29.  My focus for today is questions 9-12 from my workbook, which covers (1) the destructive effects of a sinful tongue, particularly gossip and lying (Proverbs 26:20,22, 24, 28, 18:8); (2) how boasting is folly (Proverbs 27:1-2, James 4:13-14); (3) how believers should flee from danger, particularly sexual immorality and idolatry (Proverbs 27:12, 22:3, 1 Corinthians 6:12-18, 10:1-14); and (4) how love of money leads to idolatry and takes one away from God towards destruction (Proverbs Proverbs 28:19-27, 1 Timothy 6:6-10).  For today, as we get closer to elections here in our country, I reflect on how gossip and lies tear communities apart - we definitely need more of Jesus!  I vote not for the donkey or elephant, but for the lamb! Believers should actually take this to heart because of more believers actually acted more like Jesus (including myself), we would definitely see God's kingdom grow and we would experience more love and unity.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and You are love - You are slow to anger and abounding in love - this is despite my sin.  You love me and saved me while I was still sinning and an enemy/hostile to You...thank You Jesus!  What grace!  I am not deserving of such grace and love...nor my salvation.  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.  Please provide wisdom and energy to Lisa and myself.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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.

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Proverbs 25-29

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11

I continue my study of Proverbs week 9 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 25-29.  My focus for today is questions 5-7 from my workbook, which cover (1) how the lack of self-control leads people into the hands of Satan (Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:16-24); (2) how believers can recognize and respond to a fool (Proverbs 25:28-26:12, 2 Peter 2:2); and (3) warnings about being a sluggard (Proverbs 26:13-16).  The themes and teachings of question (2) and (3) for today are particularly striking this morning for me as the workbook emphasizes how we are to learn and grow in our journey with Christ and how being "wise in own eyes" stymies learning and growth.  We must remain humble to avoid such traps and to grow and mature in our relationship with Christ. Key to this growth and maturity is to draw (and stay) near to God.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You provide Your Word, my brothers and sisters in Christ, the church, and the Holy Spirit, all as means to help me grow and mature in my journey with You...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide such blessings.  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.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger...A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it....Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city....but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Proverbs 25-29

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger...A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it....Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city....but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. Proverbs 15:1, 16:14,32, 1 Peter 3:15-16 

I continue my study of Proverbs week 9 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 25-29.  My focus for today is question 2-4 from my workbook.  These questions examine how (1) Proverbs offers guidance about how to resolve relational conflict and how Jesus builds on this teaching by offering more prescriptive guidance for those in the church, including an escalation model (Proverbs 25:9-10, Matthew 18:15-17); (2) Proverbs offers teaching on how to respond during times of disagreement (Proverbs 25:15, 15:1, 16:14, 32, 1 Peter 3:15-16); and (3) Proverbs teaches us that there is no "one size fits all" set of words for how to share the gospel in our daily lives - we are to tailor the words to the circumstances (Proverbs 25:20, Romans 12:15). In particular, I can use the teaching from (2) - to offer soft responses without harshness, anger or tension, and to be gentle and respectful in response.  God please help in this area of my life.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of gentleness and respect, and who is slow to anger - thank You Jesus for the softness with which You respond to me - even though I am deserving of Your wrath and anger...we all are due to our sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome 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.