True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 2:1-9

True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2:6-7

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book as my focus remains Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. Today my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Malachi 2:1-9.  With the focus being God's judgement upon the priesthood, the commentary outlines the following divisions:

1. God’s Curse against Israel’s Priests for Their Depraved and Apathetic Worship (2:1-3)
2. God Reminds Israel’s Priests of Their Covenantal Role Model, Levi (2:4-7)
3. Four Ways Israel’s Priests Failed to Follow the Covenant Role Model of Levi (2:8-9)
   

In particular, commentary for the 2nd division offers useful insights for us to see re: how Levi modeled attributes any leader (church, parent, etc.) should seek, including:

• Godly commitment towards the role God places people in
• Godly character, most prominently demonstrated through a reverent fear of God, including a "mixture of reverence, fear, pleasure, joy, and awe that should fill a worshiper’s heart when giving reverence to God."
• Godly communication; someone "who stands on the infallible, inerrant Word of God, preaches the entire counsel of God, and leaves the results to God."  This attribute is also demonstrates how you guard the Word by "giving it away" to others. 
  

It is sad to note how the priesthood in Malachi's time failed God and ultimately failed God's people and this led to separation from God and silence for 400 years until God sent Jesus as the incarnate Son of God to do away with the fallible nature of the Old Testament Levitical priesthood.  The good news is that Jesus is our great High Priest - see also Hebrews 4:14-16.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for being the Great High Priest who continues to intercede for me and my sin - and for my salvation.  I am not deserving for my salvation and for how You continue to interceded 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 continue to 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.

True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 2:1-9

True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2:6-7

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book as my focus remains Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. Today my focus is a review of Malachi 2:1-9, which continues from the past couple of days where God admonished the priesthood for its failure to point God's people to Himself with proper worship for the One True God.  God's message to the priesthood is pointed and it includes a promise (God does not make empty threats) to the priesthood should they not listen or take His message and command to heart (vv1-2a).  V2b shares how God has already cursed them because of their sin so far.  V3 describes God's very graphic punishment seems to imply that God sought to bring shame and guilt to the priesthood by spreading dung in their faces - the very dung from their imperfect offerings (see posts from past couple of days).  God's wrath will also reach down to the offspring of the priesthood - a very clear message that God does not trust the leadership to rise up and disciple Godly children to be the next generation of priests.  God's wrath also shares how the priesthood will be taken away - implying at the very least that they will be removed from their role, but likely much more harsh, perhaps exiled in some form.  V4, it appears, summarizes how God sought to deliver this message to the priesthood with an eye towards maintaining His covenant with the tribe of Levi - the traditional priesthood. God then shares this covenant with the tribe of Levi in vv5-6 and how the priesthood of Levi kept is promise to fear God and to be in awe of Him.  His instruction and speech was true...he lived peacefully and righteously and "turned many from" sin. V7 reminds us of the awesome responsibility of the priesthood to guard knowledge (from being polluted by false teaching), such that it can be used for the benefit of others who seek God's Word.  V8 then returns to God's view of the priesthood that they failed to do what He sought and "caused many to stumble by [their] instruction" and "corrupted the covenant of Levi."  The text for today concludes with v9 which shares how God makes the Levitical priesthood "despised and abased before all the people."  Such a punishment foreshadows how Jesus will ultimately become our great High Priest although he is from the tribe of Judah.  For believers this is certainly a wake up call and reminder for those in positions of responsibility, not just pastors, but also parents who are called to train and disciple their children in the Word and ways of God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You for my salvation and the blessings You continue to pour out every morning and that never cease.  Thank You for putting Godly leadership in my path to point me to You.  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  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 continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.

 Haggai 1:14-15

And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, on the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king.  Haggai 1:14-15

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Haggai 1:14-15, which the commentary outlines these verses as both the the third and final subdivision of 1:13-15.  The commentary title for this subdivision: The Lord Stirs the Spirits of the Leaders and the People to Encourage Them and Equip Them to Obey.  Here we get a glimpse of how God works as he "stirred up the spirit" of the governor, the high priest, and the remnant of the people.  If we surrender to God, God is not only with us (v13), but He is in us and directing our thoughts and ways.  Romans 12:2 is instructive here for how we are called to "be transformed by the renewing of our mind" and how we "may discern what is the will of God." It is then God who brings about our obedience to Him - see also Romans 1:5. Excerpts from the commentary for this subdivision:

• Here the commentary focuses on leadership - the governor and the high priest - and how the influence of leadership works among the people.  God equips, enables and works through leadership - even though all leadership is prone to sin as we all are.  God places earthly authorities in our lives - see also Romans 13:1. Leaders should recognize their role and surrender their own hearts to God...and the people will follow - see also 1 Corinthians 11:1. 
  
• Heart condition is key and it is the Lord that works in our hearts. Leadership should recognize that heart condition is what drives change and action. 
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has placed Godly leaders in my life to direct me to You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of You stirred up the spirits and hearts of people who lead me who in turn lead me to You. Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of these blessings nor my salvation or any other blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to 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.

This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare[.]

1 Timothy 1:18-20

This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare[.] 1 Timothy 1:18-20

I continue with my study of 1 and 2 Timothy using DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book video series - picking up with 1 Timothy 1:18-20 - Part 1, with the video entitled Wage War by Faith and a Good Conscience. 

Excerpts from the video:

• V18 is the focus of the video
• John Piper describes how Paul's charge here aligns with previous efforts; refer to 1 Timothy 1:3-6; do not let false doctrine take hold in the church; set yourself as a good steward in God's house to implement God's plan - build faith
• Previous prophecies are less known although referred to vaguely in 1 Timothy 4:14
• These prophecies will be used to wage the good warfare; also having faith and a good conscience enable a good warfare
• We don't know what these prophecies are but faith and a good conscience enable them
• Looking back at 1 Timothy 1:3-6, God's household plan in faith is love that issues from faith and good conscience; see also 2 Timothy 4:6-7 on keeping the faith and keeping the good warfare; the charge to Timothy is to establish God's household plan by faith, to establish a community full of love that exalts Christ.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that never leaves or forsakes me - giving me power to accomplish things I am unable to do on my own and enabling me to keep the faith.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how good You are to me and how You save me.  Thank You Jesus.  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.

Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

 3 John 1

Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 3 John 1:8

I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, my study consists of an unassisted review of 3 John 1, primarily looking vv9-10 which per the commentary is the second division for 3 John 1.  Here, in contrast to my reading on Gaius yesterday, where we are encouraged to walk like Gaius and support fellow workers for the truth, vv9-10 describe Diotrephes, who is opposing the work of the church and the Truth.  Diotrephes is described as someone "who likes to put himself first" (v9). Humility is an attribute of Jesus and absolutely something we as believers should emulate. Diotrephes also does "not acknowledge [the] authority" of John and the other church leaders (v9).  Believers are called to submit to church leadership and authority.   Diotrephes also lacks hospitality and does not support and encourage other believers - he is disruptive to the church.  We must be more like Gaius and not like Diotrephes. Diotrephes' sin should be confronted and dealt with according - see also Matthew 18:15-17.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life and You are SO good to me - I seek to respond in white hot worship to who You are and how You love me so much - because I am undeserving of such blessings and grace.  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.

[Jesus Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2

[Jesus Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:14

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 2 unassisted by any commentary. Here, in v1 and in the remaining verses of chapter 2, Paul pivots from a discussion of qualifications for elders in chapter 1 (and who is not qualified) to how Titus must serve the church in Crete, and how he must watch over his flock, including providing instruction that is both affirmative (encourage) and negative (admonish/rebuke).

• v1 teach what accords with sound doctrine
• v2 older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love and in steadfastness
• vv3-5 older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine; they must also teach what is good and train young women to love their husbands and children; to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be reviled
• vv6 younger men must be self-controlled
• vv7-8 Titus himself in all respects should be a model of good works, and in his teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame having nothing evil to say about the church
• v9-10 bondservants (by implication all working people) are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior

Paul then concludes - in vv11-15 with how Titus and the church are equipped for this instruction - it is through the grace of God, how it trains us, and a final emphasis on how Titus must do all these things, including exhortation on what is good and rebuking what is not.  Paul ends with how Titus has authority - so use it and let no one disregard you.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You provide all I need and equip me to love and serve You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation and the blessed hope 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 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.

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you[.]

Titus 1

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you[.] Titus 1:5

I maintain my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning, on week 4-day 1, the focus is Titus 1 and an unassisted review of this text. Paul has left Titus, another of his young proteges like Timothy, in Crete to establish Godly order and structure in the church there.

Paul's salutation, in vv1-4 is chalk full of doctrine:

• knowledge of the truth accords with Godliness v1
• God, who never lies, promised salvation and eternal life before the ages began v2
• the Word is God v3

Then in vv5-9, Paul lays out qualifications for church elders, including:

• above reproach, one wife, children are believers, not open to debauchery or insubordination
• God's steward
• not arrogant, quick tempered, drunkard, violent, or greedy for gain
• hospitable, lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined
• hold firm to Word as trustworthy
• able to give instruction in sound doctrine
• able to rebuke those who contradict sound doctrine

Paul then moves in vv10-16 to ensure Titus and the church he leads in Crete be aware of "insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party" (v10).  The church must rebuke such people (v13) and avoid falling into the trap of "Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth" (v14).  Paul's words about such people are harsh and his warning about them stern.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus for giving our church such great and Godly leadership.  I learn from such leaders as examples - thank You!  I am not deserving of such love and 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. 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age[.]

Titus 2

 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age[.] Titus 2:11-12

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Today, my focus is Titus 2:11-12 - the memory verse for the 1st two weeks of our study.  As a backdrop, because I have never done a study specifically of Titus, other than a reading as part of a plan to read through the entire Bible, I take a step back and read an overview of Titus, and reviewed  additional background here and here. Titus is similar to Timothy in that Paul has taken both under his wing to grow them into church leaders.  Paul has left Titus in Crete to establish Godly order and practices in the churches - see Titus 1:5.  Titus 2:11-12 gives us two passive imperatives that result from the grace of God - while also reminding us how this same grace - most importantly - saves all people:

The grace of God has appeared...

...Bringing salvation for all people...

...Training us to:

1. renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and...
2. to live self-controlled, upright, and Godly lives in the present age.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion, giving me power to accomplish Your will and to battle against sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  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 the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

1 Corinthians 9

 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 9:1-18. Main idea of the text from the commentary*: "To advance the gospel, we joyfully and readily give up our rights."  The introduction* then describes how - quoting J.D. Greear - Paul shared from 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 how the Good News of Jesus Christ, or the gospel "was of first importance," explicitly implying for Paul and for all believers that "[t]he salvation of others mattered above all other issues. The gospel above all was the decisive factor in all his decision making. Setting aside personal rights and preferences mattered nothing to him if it meant Christ could use him to save just one more person."  The commentary* then unpacks the text in two divisions:

1. There Is a Right to Compensation for the Minister of the Gospel (9:1-14): Paul connects 1 Corinthians 8 to 9 by sharing that he "will not do anything to cause a brother or sister to stumble in the faith, even if he has the liberty and right to do that thing. That includes eating food sacrificed to a lifeless idol (ch. 8) and receiving compensation for preaching the gospel (ch. 9). Chapter 9 is a personal example that drives home the point Paul is trying to make in chapter 8. He builds a compelling argument for the right of financial compensation for anyone who preaches the gospel and ministers to the church. His argument is filled with rhetorical questions (fifteen altogether) and illustrations."
   
2. There Is a Compulsion to Preach the Message of the Gospel (9:15-18): The commentary* then describes how even though issues such as abortion, the sanctity of traditional marriage, care for the poor, are important - taking the gospel into the world is a "necessity" for those called to preach.  When God lays both a gift and a calling on someone, the call must be answered in the affirmative!  It is then described how Paul "sets aside a claim to compensation "to preach the gospel free of charge....[with the pleasure of doing so as] his reward (vv. 17-18)."
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good to me - giving me the gospel and providing a church home, church leadership, brothers and sisters in Christ from the church, etc. to disciple me in understanding Your Word for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  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 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.  Help me support my church and church leadership.

We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

1 Corinthians 4

We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 1 Corinthians 4:13

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:6-13. As a starting point, the commentary* provides as it main idea for the text: "[b]ecause Christians have received every good thing from God, they should avoid superiority, expect opposition, and live humbly."  It* then, in the introduction, further outlines Paul's intent for the text: "[t]he Corinthians had both a pride and an unbelief problem. They were taking pride in particular spiritual leaders and were arrogant in terms of who they thought they were and what they had achieved. Paul knew how deadly these twin sins can be in the body of Christ, the local church. So he confronts them."

The commentary* then outlines and provides details for the following divisions:

1. Be Careful about Being Prideful about Whom You Follow (4:6-7): Paul first warns the church of Corinth, and by extension all believers, about misunderstanding the "nature" of the gospel, the "role of the Christian minister," and the "attitude of the Christian minister." He starts by sharing how the church leaders live life humbly so that they serve as a model for the church - he builds on text going back to 1 Corinthians 1:10 with analogies referring to the leaders as servants, co-workers, and managers/craftsmen sent and gifted by God. The leaders are mere vessels to advance God's kingdom and unworthy of worship - it is Jesus alone worthy of our worship.  The commentary* writes about the "cult of personality," arrogance/pride, etc. that consumed the church in Corinth: "[Paul] does not want the church to be arrogant, prideful, or puffed up, choosing favorites like worldly political parties do. We need to hear the same warning. Don’t be seduced by the ways of the world when it comes to your leaders."  Additionally, the message on boasting is reinforced as Paul reminds us that all we have is by grace not through our own efforts as "[e]very good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17). As a result we are no better than anyone else.
   
2. Be Careful about Being Arrogant about Who You Are (4:8-13): Paul then moves, using sarcasm and self-effacing language about himself and the other church leaders, to admonish the church about their arrogance and focus on "cult of personality."  He provides a contrasting portrait of the church leaders (spectacle of shame, fools, weak, dishonored, hungry/thirsty, poorly clothed/homeless, roughly treated, mere manual laborers, reviled, persecuted, slandered, scum, and garbage) vs the church body in Corinth and how they felt about themselves (arrogant and prideful). We are referred to Lamentations 3:45 as scriptural support for Paul's reference to the faithful as scum and garbage. Focus on Christ for Your identity - not the world!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God who humbled himself so that I could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life - simply incredible.  Thank You Jesus!  I am OF COURSE not deserving.  My sin persists...daily.  Please forgive me for my sins of both commission and omission.  Help me turn from such sin, overcome 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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!

1 Corinthians 4

Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! 1 Corinthians 4:8

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - unaided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:6-13. Here, Paul turns back to warning the church in Corinth about boasting in anything but Jesus - including self and ministry leaders (Paul, Cephas/Peter, and Apollos).  Paul first starts by sharing how all of the ministry leaders live humbly and focus on Jesus as a model so that those shepherded by these leaders may "learn" from them and also live humbly without boasting (v6).  He then points out how there is no basis for boasting anyway because all gifts/skills/blessings one may have are not through one's own efforts and instead "received" as a gift from God alone (v7).  Continuing, Paul describes how through Christ the church in Corinth is rich and having all things - to the point of lavish riches one might expect with royalty...indeed there is so much "received" that the ministry leaders "share" with the church members (v8).  Coming back to the ministry leaders, Paul then describes how the apostles are not worthy of worship (cult of personality - see posts from past several days) but are "last of all," "sentenced to death," "spectacles," "fools," "weak," "in disrepute," hungry and thirsty, "poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless," "reviled," "persecuted," "slandered," "like the scum of the world," and "the refuse of all things." Paul's colorful self-effacing language in v9-13 is used to illustrate how ministry leaders are servants and lowly existing to glorify God and not for self-glorification.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has lavishly poured out blessings and riches of abundance, including mercies that are new EVERY morning!  Thank You Jesus - I am undeserving.  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.

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

1 Corinthians 4

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:1-5.  The commentary's* introduction for the text shares as it's main idea: "Ministers are servants God will hold accountable for their good and bad service when Christ returns."  The introduction further describes this main idea by warning us against what it claims is "one of the poisonous sins for Christians: judgementalism." The commentary* refers to Don Carson's The Cross and Christian Ministry, Leadership Lessons from 1 Corinthians where the author writes: "one-upmanship was tearing the church apart" as the members within the church at Corinth used the "cult of personality" to drive division. Four divisions are then described*:

1. A Minister Is a Servant of God (4:1): Paul, Apollos, and Cephas (Peter) are described as having achieved "celebrity status" and Paul seeks to address this within the church at Corinth.  V1 seeks to us back to the true role of church leaders - as servants of God, not worthy of any celebrity status or worship. 
   
2. A Minister Is a Manager of the Mysteries of God (4:1-2): The commentary* builds on the first division by moving to v1b where leaders are described as "stewards of the mysteries of God". They are to "protect and proclaim the gospel"  and all that they do be found faithful to this end. Ultimately, they are held to a higher standard than members of the church as they are positions of trust and authority.
   
3. A Minister Will Ultimately Be Judged Only by God (4:3-5): Although "cult of personality" ran rampant within the church at Corinth, Paul rebuked the church at Corinth by pointing out that judgement belongs to God alone and that he is not worried about judgement by others. This is of course a warning for all of us as God's judgement of us should be something we fear much more so than any human judgement. We are referred to James 4:12.
   
4. A Minister Will Receive His Reward from God (4:5): The commentary* for this division describes how the final verse of the text is not critical but instead encouraging as it focuses on eternal rewards for leaders vs focus on judgement.
   

The commentary concludes by providing 10 thoughts to consider regarding being judgemental: 

1. Check your motives.
2. Examine your walk with the Lord first.
3. Seek out the wisdom of God’s Word and godly counsel before acting.
4. Practice the Golden Rule.
5. Be careful not to make a snap decision or quick judgment.
6. Pray for the one who appears to be caught in sin before correcting them.
7. Remember the example of Jesus and how he helped and ministered to sinners.
8. Speak the truth, but do it in love.
9. Remember that some things are right or wrong, but some things are just different.
10. Never forget that ultimately everyone must give an account to the Lord, not to you or anyone else.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible awesome God who is full of grace for me as You help me understand not only the Godly role of a church leader but also how these same commands apply to all believers, including myself.  Thank You for Your mercies and Your grace and Your sanctification.  I am not deserving of 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.  

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

I continue my study of Hebrews, and today my focus is Hebrews 13:7-14, and and I am assisted in my understanding by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series for Hebrews. The commentary outlines four divisions for this text:

I. Remember Your Leaders: Here, the commentary surmises that the use of "remember" vs "honor, respect or greet" is used likely due to how many leaders likely were martyred at the time Hebrews was written; it also emphasizes how discipleship is not just learning from the teaching of leaders but also from their practices in their daily living.

II. Remember Your Savior: We also encouraged to see - in v8 - how Jesus does not change.  We are referred to Malachi 3:6, one of many scripture references that make this point.  The commentary shares: "[w]e can rest in the absolute confidence that he will never change."

III. Do Not Be Led Astray: V8 provides a foundational truth for us to avoid being led astray by either clinging to Old Testament external practices (i.e. with foods) that no longer apply for readers of Hebrews, or to fashionable trends that seek to change our faith to suit the times. 

IV. Go Outside the Camp: Here, the commentary describes how the text uses the Old Testament practice of burning sacrificed food outside the camp, and how that directs us to follow Jesus as He was sacrificed outside Jerusalem.  It shares: "[f]ollowing Jesus means joining him outside the camp. The writer’s people were tempted to find their identity in Judaism and the old covenant."  The commentary wraps by pointing to the last verse of today's text - v14 - and how "we anticipate an everlasting city. Our hope is not in the fading city of man, it’s in the enduring city of God. We wait for an eschatological city, the heavenly Jerusalem."

Comment and discuss this this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are worthy of worship and imitation - You are spotless, and full of grace and compassion for how You offer the only path to forgiveness and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless as You do.  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.  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 here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Hebrews 13

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:14

I continue my study of Hebrews, and today my focus is Hebrews 13:7-14, and my unaided observations of the text. Here, the text offers a number of instructions from the author of Hebrews, including:

• Model the faithfulness of your leaders, those who have taught You from the scriptures (v7)
• Beware of false teachings, particularly those that seek to follow trends or how cultures change over time - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (v8-9a)

It is less clear the instructions with regards to food in v9b-13.

With regards to v14:

• Once again, the author of Hebrews reiterates a point previously raised that we owe an allegiance first not to an earthly kingdom or country, but to a Heavenly one.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me excellent leaders that have taught and modeled scripture and faith for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of 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.

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.

Isaiah 61-63

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth.  Isaiah 62:6-7

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 3 (of 5) of week 22, which looks at Isaiah 61-63.  Day 3 focuses on initial observations of Isaiah 62.  This chapter looks forward to end times when Jesus will come again and how the church must be prepared - saving as many as possible.  This commentary assists with observations and applications, including:

• to pursue with relentless passion the work of the church; this forces believers to be holy ourselves (1 Peter 1:15) as we are "challenge[d] to be just as zealous for the holiness of other Christians, to be energetic in the work of the church"; the challenge here is "to love the Bridegroom with undivided love, to put away all idols and worldly affections."
• leaders are challenged to "oversee the doctrinal and practical lives of the flock" and to practice "relentless intercession" on behalf of the church and others; leaders should not grow weary
• we are encouraged to see the "missionary thrust" of this chapter as the church is called to build a path for the world to approach God as its Savior (v10)

This morning's reading has convicted me greatly as I know there is work ahead of me to ceaselessly support the work of the church.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who never leaves or forsakes me - You give me the Holy Spirit so that I have strength to carry on with Your mission - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great - pursuit of idle comfort vs Your mission - 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.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Leviticus 21-22

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:22-27

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter nineteen - Holiness and Leadership - covering Leviticus 21-22, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - God Calls Us to Represent His Design in Our Marriages.  Here, the commentary calls out Leviticus 21:7-9 and 13-15 as the basis to encourage us to demonstrate holiness within our marriages. While the intent of Leviticus was directed towards the Old Testament priesthood, believers in Christ should see how, in the New Testament, we are called to "represent His design in marriage."  The commentary calls out three scripture examples for us to see this at work:

• 2 Corinthians 6:14: we are to marry those with whom we are "equally yoked"
  
• Ephesians 5:22-25: husbands are to love their wives and wives are to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ
  
• 1 Timothy 3:2, 12: leadership in the church must have exemplary marriage

The commentary wraps by stating that "[i]n the old covenant, God held a high standard for the marriages of priests.  In the new covenant, God continues to hold a high standard for the marriages of all followers of Jesus."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blessed me with a wonderful wife, marriage and family.  I am undeserving.  My sin continues as I often fall down in my role as a both a husband and father - 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.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Leviticus 21-22

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. James 3:1

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter eighteen - Holiness and Leadership - covering Leviticus 21-22, looking specifically at the introduction and first theme for the chapter - God Calls Spiritual Leaders to a Higher Standard.  Here, the commentary pivots from how God seeks holiness from His people (as I have posted about recently), to how He seeks a higher standard of holiness for spiritual leaders. The commentary first points to Leviticus 21:16-23 where God requires the priests to be free of blemish, including physical infirmities such as a crippled hand, skin disease, paralysis, or blindness.  The commentary emphasizes that it is not the physical infirmities that precluded an Old Testament priest from serving, but the symbolism of the infirmities.  "The tabernacle, everything that happened in the tabernacle, and everybody who served in the tabernacle symbolized the presence of God. God is holy; He is without blemish.  To represent the fact of God's perfection, only what was unblemished could be part of the worship of God."  The commentary also makes it crystal clear that those with physical infirmities are of no less value to Him (and to us). 

The New Testament does away with these requirements for spiritual leaders as Jesus becomes our High Priest and He is perfect and without blemish, representing the presence of God. Nonetheless, the New Testament does still have a higher standard for spiritual leaders (see James 3:1), and the commentary points us to "two New Testament truths concerning spiritual leadership in the church[:]"

• God says all Christians are spiritual leaders in the world; see 1 Peter 2:9 and 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 where believers and the church are called a royal priesthood and how all believers are given a role in the ministry of reconciliation and the Great Commission. 
• God gives spiritual leaders to the church; see Ephesians 4:11-12, Acts 20, 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5 where scripture provides attributes of Godly character required to serve in leadership positions in the church.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has provided and continues to provide Godly men in churches I have attended and in the church I now attend - huge blessings to me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sins of worry and harshness towards others continues.  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.

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

Leviticus 6-7

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter seven - Serving God in God's Way - covering Leviticus 6:8-7:38, looking specifically at the theme - We Provide for Worship Leaders. Here, the commentary focuses on how throughout v6:8-7:38 - specifically 6:16-18, 6:29, 7:5-8, and 7:11 - God commands the Israelites to set aside portions of the various sacrifices for the priests.  The commentary then turns to believers who are to see how, even though the Old Testament sacrificial system was done away with Christ's sacrifice on the cross, God still seeks for us to support our worship leaders. During the period of the Old Testament when Leviticus was written, priests' only means of sustenance and provision was through their role in the tabernacle and temple.   The commentary points us to 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 where Paul "repeats" this call for worshipers to support worship leaders; similarly, Paul writes about how elders should be afforded the same support in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. We are urged to see how Paul uses Deuteronomy 25:4 and 24:14-15 as the scriptural basis for what he writes in 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5. 

The commentary closes by ensuring that we are clear that "God does not command us to support Him" as "nowhere does the Bible imply that God needs or lacks something...He commanded sacrificial offerings not because He needs anything from us, but because we need the sacrifice to take the penalty for our sin so we will be allowed to come into His presence to be reconciled to Him."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is so full of compassion and mercy for me - You have placed great pastors in my life who have encouraged and supported me - I am grateful!  Yet I am undeserving for how You have blessed me in this way and in all ways....I have been critical of pastors my criticism is sinful...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 support my pastors.  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.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.

Ezekiel 33-36

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. Ezekiel 34:10

Day 241 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I return to Ezekiel as my commentary* indicates how Ezekiel gets his voice back (see Ezekiel 3:26 and Ezekiel 24:27) as a sign that Jerusalem has fallen: "With this dramatic confirmation of his earlier predictions regarding Jerusalem, Ezekiel sets about once again to take God’s word to the people. He reminds them that the desolation has not yet ended, but assures them that it will end soon, and that the promised restoration will begin. The time for healing will come quickly, and so Ezekiel changes his focus to comfort a scattered and defeated people."

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

God helps Ezekiel understand the judgement that has befallen Israel/Judah and Jerusalem, describing the hypocrisy of God's people: 

As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:30-32

In particular, God calls out Israel/Judah's spiritual leaders: 

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. “‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. Ezekiel 34:1-10

Ezekiel's message is also one of encouragement, including prophesies of the coming Messiah and a New Covenant, for those in exile:

For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness.  Ezekiel 36:24-29

For me this morning, as the spiritual leader of my household, I am particularly convicted to carry out the role God has carved out for me to lead those in my house.

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

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

 Jeremiah 3-5

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Day 206 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 study of Jeremiah.  While yesterday my focus on how God equips those He calls to serve, this morning my focus is God's message to Judah through Jeremiah. According to the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase), Judah's "spiritual condition...was one of flagrant idol worship....as [r]eligious insincerity, dishonesty, adultery, injustice, tyranny against the helpless, and slander prevailed as the norm, not the exception". While my commentary* details Judah's sin, the sin of Judah's religious leaders and false prophets stands out as the people of Judah were led to sin...highlighting how people let us down. 

[Jeremiah] thought, “These are only the poor; they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the Lord, the requirements of their God. So I will go to the leaders and speak to them; surely they know the way of the Lord, the requirements of their God.” But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds. Jeremiah 5:4-5

[Judah's false prophets] have lied about the Lord; they said, “He will do nothing! No harm will come to us; we will never see sword or famine. The prophets are but wind and the word is not in them; so let what they say be done to them.” Jeremiah 5:12-13

We must have discernment about who leads us in our communities, churches, etc. We must also understand the limits of people. Only Jesus can serve as our King and High Priest!  He is the leader we all need.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who came to us as a lowly child, lived a perfect life, yet willingly laid down Your life so that we could reconciliation with God, and freedom from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  The greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I sin daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.