Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Proverbs 1:8-7

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

As part of my D-Group's study of Proverbs using the Knowing the Bible study series for this book, I continue with an examination of Proverbs, moving to week 3, which focuses on Proverbs 1:8-7.  Today, I covered the final two questions of the study, looking at Proverbs 6 and 7.  Today's study also included a review of the commentary associated with Proverbs 1:8-7, and the commentary (is it always is) is broken down into: (a) Gospel Glimpses (how wisdom, and ultimately salvation is a gift from God; how we should look at discipline from God as His way of sharpening us and purifying us for His glory; how we should pursue steadfast love and faithfulness to God and others-modeled after Jesus); (b) Whole Bible Connections (contrasting light from darkness; warnings about adultery and the seriousness of this sin; and how "double-mindedness" or lack of full devotion to God is to be avoided as any opening for Satan will be used for our peril; (c) Theological Soundings (how God may ultimately hand us over to our sin-and our destruction-if we persist in it and do not seek to repent, follow God and stay near to Him; a reminder that wisdom and salvation are both gifts from God-not from our own doing). 

It is the double-mindedness James writes about that I seek to avoid - in particular this morning as I am prone to be distracted.  I am prayerful that I can avoid the double-mindedness that may take me away from God's commandments. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and mercy.  My sin is great - including double-mindedness - 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.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Pages: 55-63

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

This morning, I continued with John Piper's Reading the Bible Supernaturally: Seeing and Savoring the Glory of God in Scripture, covering chapter two - Reading the Bible toward White-Hot Worship.

Here, Piper seeks to demonstrate the second of six implications that flow from the ultimate goal of reading the Bible (as listed in my previous post); this second implication is that "that the supremely authentic and intense worship of God's worth and beauty is the ultimate aim of all his work and word[.]"  Piper describes the six stages of redemptive history (predestination/Ephesians 1:5, 14, creation/Revelation 4:11, incarnation/Revelation 5:12, propitiation/Revelation 5:9, sanctification/Philippians 1:11, consummation/2 Thessalonians 1:10), demonstrating that, through scripture, worship is the goal of all God's acts. 

Piper then describes authentic and intense, or white-hot worship, writing that "there is a correlation between the measure of our intensity in worship and the degree to which we exhibit the value of the glory of God." We are encouraged to pursue not "lukewarm" relationships with Jesus, but instead ones that display "zeal" and "fervent" worship (Romans 12:11). Another dimension to this zeal and fervent worship is that it is authentic and undivided - there must be no competitors to God nor half-hearted affections. Piper points to the following scripture as evidence:

• Luke 10:27
• Deuteronomy 4:29, 10:12
• 1 Samuel 7:3
• Proverbs 3:5
• Zephaniah 3:14
• Psalms 9:1
  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who gives me inexpressible joy - thank You Jesus - in all things I see Your hand and Your ways and deeds are both perfect and full of love - for me and for all of Your children!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for all the love and blessings You pour out for me.  I 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.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Ezekiel 29, Daniel 4, 2 Kings 25:27-30, and Jeremiah 52:31-34

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Day 250 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* describes the final days of the ministries of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel.  Also described during the final days of Ezekiel's ministry is what my commentary* indicates as the apparent true belief of Nebuchadnezzar in the One True God. Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that Daniel interprets (Daniel 4) that the king will experience insanity and is told by Daniel to repent of his sins and submit to God.  After Nebuchadnezzar fails to repent and submit to God for a year, he does experience the insanity prophesied by Daniel.  God restores Nebuchadnezzar's sanity, and the king praises God, and submits to Him.

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

God wants

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

2 Kings 15-17, 1 Chronicles 5, and 2 Chronicles 27-28 

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40

  

Day 178 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* describes the early beginnings of Israel's captivity as Assyria invades the northern kingdom. Early captivity impacts the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh within Israel (map here).

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

A few highlights from the scriptures this morning:

They were brave warriors, famous men, and heads of their families. But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria), who took the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. 1 Chronicles 5:24-26

We may have positive earthly attributes as part of our character but none of it matters if we don't first and foremost love the Lord!  See my post yesterday!

In Judah, Ahaz assumes the throne and his worship does not portend good things for the southern kingdom:

Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord his God. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 2 Kings 16:2-3

Unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He followed the ways of the kings of Israel and also made idols for worshiping the Baals. He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and sacrificed his children in the fire, engaging in the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 2 Chronicles 28:1-3

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me like no person ever can - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love.  I worry and I have many 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. 

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them.

Joshua 6-8

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them. Joshua 8:34-35

Day 68 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the Israelites first victory in Canaan, Jericho, and the days that followed, including an initial attack on Ai which failed due to sin by Achan.  Achan coveted devoted things from Jericho (see Joshua 7:20-21), instead of placing them in the treasury as directed by Joshua (see Joshua 7:18-19) - and he was put to death.

The Old Testament is full of examples of harsh punishment in the face of disobedience to God.  I am reminded of Lot's wife, who looked back to see the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and was turned into a pillar of salt (see Genesis 19:23-26).  In the New Testament, I am reminded of Ananias and Sapphira, who willfully held back giving to the church and lied about it to Peter and the apostles (see Acts 5). 

YES - God does offer forgiveness for sin.  He also hates sin - ALL of it - willful and unwillful. 

God SEES all of our sin and is intimately involved in all of the details of our lives - He is in control (see free will).  He seeks complete obedience to Him (not a burden) and the details matter - we cannot claim that one small sin is too insignificant to Him - that is for Him to judge not us.  We don't get to decide what our punishment is.

As such, fear of the Lord should serve as a preservative and cause us to run from sin - ALL of it.  We need to draw closer and closer to God such that MORE of our heart and life become like Him.   Just as Joshua read ALL of the words of the law - we must strive daily for 100% devotion to Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has transformed my heart and life to be more like You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  I continue to sin and I know there is more race to run and work to do...please forgive me for my harshness towards others.  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 asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless.

Matthew 22

 He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. v12

I did not fully understand the parable told here (The Parable of the Wedding Banquet) in v1-14.  I understand how many people spurn the gospel message yet the MacArthur commentary helps by pointing out how although the man without the wedding clothes accepted the invitation to the banquet he did not fully submit to the king's wishes by accepting a free offer to adorn wedding clothes - an indictment according to MacArthur on how many people externally behave as a follower of Jesus might but internally lack the heart condition and commitment to truly follow Jesus.  This is similar to recent posts on hypocrisy.

Jesus wants 100% of our life - not part of our lives and not part of the time (i.e. Sunday).  We must acknowledge our need for a savior and Jesus is that Savior and we are to love Him and others, and in the process deny our selves and live for Him.

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

If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.

Malachi 1

If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty. v6

Malachi is the last of Minor Prophets and his message from God is a word of warning for those who have ambivalent towards God, unbelieving that God will be what He says He is and do what He says He will do.

God wants all of our heart and 100% of our lives and devotion - He does not want us to hold back.

In response to questioning from the Jewish leaders regarding what the most important commandment is, Jesus responds love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind.

There is danger to holding back - including being held accountable for our actions on Judgement Day.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gave everything for me - that I could have life and have it with abundance - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I get angry too quickly.  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.  Please 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.  Please 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 I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

Hosea 6

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. v6.

Yesterday, Pastor Marty gave a great sermon on chapter 6 - helping us focus on how we can avoid placing other Gods above Jesus - the one true God who is before all things and in control (Colossians 1:16-17).  

Key for me is to avoid a fake or inauthentic faith - one that has an outward appearance of faith but is weak or non-existent as a matter of the heart.  Just as God looked at David's heart vs his external appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), we should focus on our heart condition and not do what God is admonishing here in Hosea 6 - don't offer sacrifice or anything else to God as a superficial gesture.

God wants our full attention and life.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that love me - even with all of my flaws and sins - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God as I often place other gods above You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.

Daniel 3

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way. v29

This chapter is, of course, one which most believers are familiar with; yet on closer inspection certain details are worth greater review and consideration.  Verse 29 is one of these verses I believe.   In the 1st two chapters of Daniel we see Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being a light for others, and in chapter 3 we see this as well.  However, while Nebuchadnezzar is drawn to God, it appears that he is not FULLY drawn to God to the extent that He recognize that God is God over all.  He decrees that people should not SAY anything against God but does not issue a decree about DOING anything to anger God - such as creating an image before or above God (which Nebuchadnezzar does in verse 1).  There is no mention that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the idol he created.

God wants ALL of our heart, attention and love - not part of it.  See also posts with the following tags

100% devotion to Jesus, all of your heart, and mind, consequence of partial devotion, partial devotion.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is worthy of 100% of our devotion, love and attention.  You bless me beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love - I 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.

 

I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them.

Jeremiah 32

I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. v39

God wants all of our heart and mind to be directed towards Him - Jesus identifies this as the most important commandment.  Jesus then says to love others as He loves them (first as yourself, then in John 13:34 as He loves us).  In Jeremiah, God identifies this singleness of heart as critical "so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them".  One follows the other.  Jesus then reinforces this when He says in Matthew 22:40 "[a]ll the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments".

However, our hearts wander in many directions - that is why time with the Lord (in its many forms) is so important.  We cannot have this singleness of heart and action without God (Ephesians 2:8).  God can renew our hearts and mind.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful beyond what my words can express.  I am not worthy of such love and blessings.  I 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 do.  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. Please 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 spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense, declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 3

In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense, declares the Lord. v10

God wants all of our heart - not some of it.  In particular, see this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God worthy of my FULL devotion, energy, and love.  Yet I often full short - 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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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 said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.

2 Kings 10

The Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit. v30-31

Jehu was partially committed to the Lord.  Yet God wants all of our heart.  Jesus calls this the Greatest Commandment.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37

This command is also found five other times in Deuteronomy and once in Joshua.

We should be careful to avoid creating a wedge between us and God because this wedge will widen over time - see also this post as well as this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You reign - You created all things, are in all things and hold all things together.  You provide for all of my needs, especially my daily manna.  I am nothing without You.  Thank You Jesus for all that You do and for all that You are.  I am not worthy of a God who would willingly send His Son to die for me.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my selfishness.  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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places.

1 Kings 3

Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. v3

David intended Solomon to follow his charge completely - not partially. 

Similarly, when we fail to submit to God with all of our lives, we harbor and invite Satan into those parts of our lives where we deny God.  This of course is sinful in and of itself as we are commanded to love God with ALL of our heart, soul and mind (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:34-38).

As well, this opening creates a separation that is likely to widen over time.

Hebrews 10

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15

 

Jesus, please help me submit ALL of my heart, soul, and mind to You.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love.  I 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 do.  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.

Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.

1 Samuel 15

Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?  To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king. v22-23

Just as the Lord gave instructions to Saul to "attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camels and donkeys" (v3), God wants us to follow His instructions.  We should not attempt to justify sin (even by saying God will forgive us) nor do we get to hold back parts of our lives where we don't submit to God fully and completely. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love, patience, compassion, etc. for me.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love, patience, and compassion.  I worry - I must trust You with 100% faith in all areas of my life.  Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  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. 

After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed.

Judges 11

After the two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. v39

Jephthah the Gileadite makes a vow to the Lord that "[i]f you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.” (v30-31).

The Lord indeed gave the Ammonites into Jephthah's hands (v32) and so Jephthah is compelled to fulfill his vow to the Lord - however, upon his return home Jephthah finds that for him to fulfill his vow he must sacrifice his daughter (v35).  

Of note here is that not only is Jephthah willing (v35, 39) to submit to the Lord in fulfillment of the vow but so is his daughter (v36-39).

My takeaway here is that our relationship with the Lord is the most important relationship in our life - above our marriage, and all others in our immediate family.  Much like Abraham, we must be willing to put the Lord first.  Jesus submitted to His Father...

This is a tough pill to swallow but God must come first and if it is God's plan to take our children, spouse, etc. we cannot stop God's plan anyway.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has saved me and molded me into more of the man You desire for me - I have experienced Your grace, patience, compassion, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  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 and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith and put You first.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their 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.       

But Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth Shan or Taanach or Dor or Ibleam or Megiddo and their surrounding settlements, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that land.

Judges 1

But Manasseh did not drive out the people of Beth Shan or Taanach or Dor or Ibleam or Megiddo and their surrounding settlements, for the Canaanites were determined to live in that land. v27

God desires the Israelites to take all the land given to them and to drive out those inhabiting the land - yet Israel's obedience is partial.  God wants 100% obedience - yet since the Fall this is impossible so God sent Christ for us.  Although Christ knows we cannot be 100% obedient He does desire us to love the Lord with all of our heart, soul and mind (see Matthew 22:37-40)....not some of our heart, soul, and mind but ALL.

There are consequences in this world (Ananias and Sepphira, The Rich and Kingdom of God) and in Heaven for those who are partial in their devotion to Jesus.

Jesus, help me devote ALL of my life to You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gave everything to me (Your life!) so that I could be spared the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift.  I 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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.