[B]y grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2

[B]y grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how the New Testament bounds faith and grace together so that we understand God's grace is solely the fruit of faith. We also must understand that faith is not the fruit of our own efforts, thereby we have no basis to boast about what we have done as it is God alone is His sovereignty over all things that acts to give us faith and His grace. To further amplify his exhortation that we not boast about what God has done, John Piper points us to 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 where Paul seeks for the church in Corinth to remain humble and boast only in the Lord.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have done great things, including giving me faith, continuing a sanctifying work in me, and giving me blessings abundant, including brothers and sisters in Christ that point me to You and encourage me in my faith.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues.  Help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days.

Daniel 12

But go your way till the end. And you shall rest and shall stand in your allotted place at the end of the days. Daniel 12:13

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 12:5-13 as I lean on my commentary for this text.  The commentary starts by sharing how in v5, Daniel's vision pivots to describe how "two other angels join Gabriel on the bank of the Tigris" (see also Daniel 10:4). It then shares how Jesus is described starting in v6 as the "man in linen" (see also Daniel 10:5-6).  "Someone," presumably one of the angels who joined Gabriel, asks of Jesus in v6 "how long shall it be till the end of these wonders?"  Jesus responds but in a way that is incomplete; in v7 Jesus responds that the end of these wonders would be "for a time, times, and half a time, and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end all these things would be finished."  The commentary refers to this period as "[w]hen evil has done its worst and the hopes of the people of God seem shattered, then God will act." Daniel is still confused - as should be all believers - in v8.  In v9, Jesus continues to respond to Daniel by sharing that the fullness of Daniel's vision and a more complete understanding of what will occur at the end will remain a mystery and be "sealed." The commentary shares: "[t]he word is protected, and it will be preserved. Everything will happen as God intends at the right time. Be faithful. Trust him. Be patient...there are things we know and things we don’t know and can’t know because God has chosen not to reveal them to us. However, one thing we can know with certainty is how we are to live in light of the Son of Man’s coming at the time of the end." In v10-13 there is a call for believers to endure and persevere the suffering and persecution that will occur as we will be refined as the commentary shares "our Lord promises to bless those who endure and persevere through these difficult and troubling times of opposition and persecution...God says, but I still have work for you to do. When it is time for you to retire from my work, then I will bring you home. Then “you will rest” because you will be with me. Then, as promised in verse 2, you will “stand to receive your allotted inheritance” (v. 13; ESV, “allotted place”), your destiny, your reward. This will happen “at the end of the days.” So do your duty, make disciples, proclaim my Word, and endure. Something wonderful is on the horizon at the end." Persevere and endure!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and I am grateful for how You reveal Yourself through Your Word and the Holy Spirit - thank You Jesus for providing great words of comfort and assurance so that I can endure and persevere.  I am not deserving of how You reveal Yourself to me nor for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  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.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:9-20, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the third division "The Hope Behind the Curtain," which refers to Hebrews 6:19-20.  Here, the commentary highlights how, in the midst of the ups and downs of life, we all need "an anchor for the soul...The promises of God are firm and secure enough to hold us steady in a storm."  The commentary then highlights (and wraps on this note) how Jesus's death on the cross "accomplish[ed] all that God’s justice required [for our sin]....As our great high priest, Jesus has purchased our salvation and assured us of the promises of God."  This assurance provides a supernatural confidence, hope, and peace that only Jesus offers - believe!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for this assurance, and the supernatural confidence, hope and peace that it provides.  I am not deserving of such assurance.  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.

Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

Hebrews 3

Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Hebrews 3:5-6

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 3:5-6, and how my commentary describes this text - with the heading "The Hope of God's House" - as the second of two divisions in Hebrews 3:1-6. The commentary starts by describing how Moses, although he is referred to as a servant, should be translated from the original Greek text therapo, which is used for those in "a position of nobility under the authority of the one who appointed him....[V]erse 5 highlights Moses’s place of rank and honor."  It then moves to look at how Moses pointed to Christ: "Moses faithfully discharged his service in the household of God by pointing to one greater than himself, Jesus Christ. Christ fulfilled all that Moses said in ways beyond Moses’s own understanding. Christ then is superior to Moses, just as Moses himself would affirm."  Next, as Jesus is compared to Moses, the commentary shares that "Moses was a servant. He was a faithful servant, but still just a servant. Jesus, however, is the Son. Jesus is not just a servant in the household; he is the One who inherits the house and functions as its Lord."  Finally, the commentary for this division examines v6 and how and it may trouble some "because it seems to suggest that our salvation is conditional."  This commentary addresses this by saying that our salvation is not conditional on works - Jesus did away with this: "[o]ur works neither save us nor keep us saved. Only Christ can save us. We must hold on to our “confidence” and retain our “boast” in the gospel and in the Lord." Persevere!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are a great God...You sent Your Son and gave me my salvation, the Holy Spirit, Your Word, my family, my church, etc....all as a means to persevere in my faith!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these 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 Your Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.

Romans 8

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33

Today I pause in my study of Isaiah to look at John Pipers Solid Joys (www.desiringgod.com > Features > Solid Joys), where the post for today unpacks the implications of God's justification of us.  In the Exalting Jesus in Romans commentary, Tony Merida states that in Romans 8:31-39 Paul's focus is for us to celebrate the security of God's love for us.  When we are saved, it is God who does the saving (Ephesians 2:8) as He welcomes us into His family as one His elect. In Romans 8:33, Piper, in his devotion, encourages us to see that first, it is GOD who has elected us - not any earthly power and not any divine power but the God of the Universe and the King of Kings!  There is no higher power!  Piper then wants us to see that such a declaration of our election and of how God sees us as justified in His eyes, then no one can take this away or overturn such a decision that God has made.  We are justified in God's eyes - end of story.  Piper writes: "[i]f God is the one who acquits you — declares you righteous in his sight — no one can appeal; no one can claim a technicality; no one can call for a mistrial; no one can look for other counts against you. God’s sentence is final and total."  The implication (and application) Piper wants us to see is "unshakable security" in the face of suffering or whatever the world throws at us.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have made me one of Your family, one of Your elect and I am justified in Your eyes and with this I gain great peace, security, confidence, etc. - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings - my sin of worry, anger, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God[.]

Isaiah 1

 But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God[.] 2 Chronicles 26:16

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  For me, on day 2 of my study, the key takeaway was based on a close look at King Uzziah who reigned (790-739 B.C.) during the period of Isaiah's vision as referenced in Isaiah 1:1. 2 Kings 14-15 and 2 Chronicles 26-27 both discuss how Uzziah "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord," but failed in other important ways with regard to loving and serving God.  He did not remove the high places used for idol worship (2 Kings 15:4).  God did move in Uzziah's reign and prospered him (2 Chronicles 26:7).  However, Uzziah grew proud and sinfully entered the temple to burn incense (2 Chronicles 26:16) and scripture writes how pride led Uzziah's destruction and unfaithfulness to the Lord.  Pride causes us to move in dangerous ways, including for us to think that we don't need God, or that we can accomplish things in our own power and based on our own understanding. We all sin and need Savior - Romans 3:23 and 6:23.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is so full of grace and compassion for - even know my life has been full of pride and arrogance.  Yet You love me and saved me anyway...and helped me see the folly of my ways.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the faith You give me.  My sin of worry and other sins continue.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and 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 my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Conclusion: Pages 650-669

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

This morning, I completed John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) after reading the conclusion. Here Piper recaps the extent of providence: "God's eternal plan includes everything-from the most insignificant bird (Matt 10:29), to the movement of stars (Isaiah 40:26), to the murder of his Son (Acts 4:27-28).  It includes the moral acts of every soul-its preferences, choices, and deeds. Neither Satan at his hellish worst nor human beings at their redeemed best ever act in a way that causes a revision in God's all wise plan.  Whether God planned to permit something or planned to be more directly involved, nothing comes to pass but what God planned as part of the process pursuing his ultimate goal.  Therefore, the extent of this providence is total."

Piper also shares with us "ten examples of the effects that knowing and loving this providence will have," including how "seeing and savoring this providence: 

1. awakens awe and leads us into the depth of true God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated worship."
2. makes us marvel at our own salvation and humbles us because of our sin."
3. causes us to see everything as part of God's design-everything as from him and through him and to him, for his glory."
4. helps protect us from the trivializing effects of culture and from trifling with divine things."
5. helps us be patient and faithful amid the most inexplicable circumstances of life."
6. shows us that the "problem" of God's sovereignty in suffering is more than relieved by the sustaining purpose and power of his sovereignty through suffering."
   
7. makes us alert and resistant to man-centered substitutes that pose as good news."
8. makes us confident that God has the right and the power to answer prayer that people's hearts and minds would be changed."
   
9. shows us that evangelism and missions are absolutely essential for people to be converted to Christ, because God makes them the means of his work in creating saving faith."
   
10. assures us that for all eternity God will be increasingly glorified in us as we are increasingly satisfied in him."

While all I have experience all of these effects to a certain extent, one in particular rings true this morning - #5 and #6. As a father of a special needs child (Dustin), I prayed that God would equip me to be the man, parent, and husband needed not just by Dustin, but by my other child Zach and by my wife Lisa. God's providence has seen to it this prayer has been answered and for the praise and glory of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior!  More often than not, when I encounter challenges and trials, I know God is in control and God loves me, that He will never leave or forsake me, and that His ways are good and perfect...and that I can rest.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your thoughts and ways are indeed unknown, but they are perfect and good.  I can rest in knowing this.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such rest and of all the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin continues...selfishness, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

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

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

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

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

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

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

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

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are always with me and You give me strength - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the many mercies and grace You pour out for me.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet my sin continues, harsh words and actions for other - discouraging words.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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.

 Genesis 25, 27, 30, and 32

 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 4:16

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

*Title of lesson three from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado discussing how Jacob wrestles with God and Lucado indicates that once Jacob recognizes that he has encountered God, He seeks God's blessing and that this is a bold ask.  We are encouraged to approach God boldly in our interactions - not in an arrogant manner, but in a manner where we know that God is all powerful and He is capable of doing anything - assuming it is His will.  Lucado points us to Ephesians 3:

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

Lucado then wants us to look at how God has left reminders (physical or otherwise) for us to remember the encounters we have with Him. 

Finally, as part of today's review of Jacob's story, we are encouraged by Lucado to see how Jacob's request to be blessed can be distilled down to a simple matter for God to settle: "God, do I matter to You?"

Lucado points us to the following verses:

• John 1:12 (NCV)
• Romans 8:15-16 (NIV)
• 1 John 3:1 (NLT)
• Ephesians 2:19 (NLV) 
• Galatians 4:7 (NIV) 
• Isaiah 49:16 (NIV) 
  

All of the above verses underscore how we DO matter to God, and how believers are part of God's family.

I am encouraged to be bold in my interactions with God.

Discuss and comment on this post here.

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

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

Matthew 3-4, Mark 1, Luke 3-4, and John 1

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” John 1:32-34

Day 293 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* moves further into the New Testament - focusing this morning on John the Baptist's ministry, including the baptism of Jesus. The commentary notes the intrigue regarding how "sophisticated city people would go out of their way [from Jerusalem] to be taught by a rough man of the wilderness whose preaching is unusually harsh and demanding." Those who come to John are referred to as "vipers" and called out for their sin and warned of damnation. Today's reading also focuses on Jesus' temptation in the wilderness and how Satan found Jesus at His most vulnerable - after 40 days and nights of fasting - and how Jesus stood on scripture to defend against temptation. 

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

While there are several aspects of this morning's reading where one can focus, I am struck by John's clarity regarding who Jesus is - John is unequivocal that Jesus is the Messiah.  His testimony to the Jewish leaders reflects his confidence in Jesus.

I am reminded how all believers must have confidence in who Jesus is, including who He is in each of our lives as personal Lord and Savior..  Both Peter and John stood with confidence before the Sanhedrin:

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE my personal Lord and Savior.  I know this and I have confidence in this.  I have personally witnessed the heart and life transformation in my own life and in the lives of those around me.  I am grateful Jesus!  Yet I am not deserving.  I know I have sin in my life, including worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Zechariah 1-6

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Day 270 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* moves focuses on the ministry of Zechariah, as he shares eight visions. According to the commentary*, the first vision is assurance that Israel is to prosper as she is restored. The second vision is that "Israel’s oppressors will indeed be punished". The third vision "is assurance that God will be among his returning people". The fourth vision is "assurance that the sins of the people will be removed by him who is called the Branch". The fifth vision is "assurance that God will complete his temple through his two anointed ones". The sixth vision is "assurance that wickedness will always be punished". The seventh vision "assurance that wicked nations will be brought to their knees". The eighth vision is "assurance that there is to be rest at last!" Finally, "Zechariah is...told to place a crown on the head of Joshua the high priest, an enactment which is symbolic of the Messiah, who will be both Priest and King over his people. As the office of high priest evolves in post-exilic Israel, it will take on king-like overtones. This change will prove to be significant when the Messiah comes to establish his own kingdom, for his “kingship” will threaten the priestly power structure and will lead ultimately to his death".

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

Most importantly, as John Piper puts it this podcast, believers should have assurance that "we are children of God" not just now, but also that we remain His forever.

This assurance is key to our faith.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a God that does not change and Your promises to us do not change as and they are true as You are faithful.  Thank You Jesus for the assurance that we are Yours and always will be.  I am not deserving for the assurance You provide.  My sin is great and it is daily, including worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

1 Samuel 16-17

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Day 88 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 David's anointing as king, his initial service to Saul to play the lyre to comfort Saul with his torment from evil spirits, and David's victory over Goliath (including Israel's subsequent victory over the Philistines in the battle that followed).

We know that as believers we will face trouble and difficulties - see John 16:33 - but even if the world throws the "kitchen sink" at us, we have the Lord.  We should pray that we have the peace of mind and confidence that David felt that day - that we know that we have a supernatural strength that comes when the Spirit of the Lord enters our life (see also 1 Samuel 16:13).  This is the 

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David.

Joshua 1-5

This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. Matthew 1:1-6

Day 67 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 Joshua's initial days as leader of the Israelites as they prepare to cross the Jordan River into the promised land.  Joshua must prepare the Israelites for battle and his spies encounter Rahab, a prostitute (see Joshua 2), who provides critical assistance against Jericho.  Rahab is also in the line of Jesus (see Matthew 1 for genealogy).  In the crossing of the Jordan, the Israelites experience a miracle parting of the waters (see Joshua 3) - just as they did with the parting of the Red Sea during their exodus from Egypt.

God's use of Rahab as an instrument of His plan is of course instructive.  I've previously posted on Rahab - nearly 10 years ago.

God's words of "be strong and courageous" echo this morning in this larger context of how He uses Rahab.  Rahab likely had no idea how she was to be used, and perhaps as a prostitute did not feel as if she was worthy of such use by God, but she demonstrated strength and courage in her belief in God vs strength and courage in her abilities absent God (or vs God).  Our strength and courage must rest in God.

When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. Joshua 2:11

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who gives us life, including strength and courage, particularly during these times of great crisis.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing as I sin and am often harsh to others.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”...Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well.

Exodus 1-6:27

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”...Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. Exodus 3:14, 4:14

Day 22 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 birth, rise and exile of Moses as prince in Egypt (from humble Hebrew beginnings), and God's call of Moses (and Aaron) to rescue the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.

Moses does not feel equipped to be God's selected deliverer of the Egyptians from bondage.  The conversation at the burning bush (Exodus 3-4) is one of the most prominent in all of the Bible.  The conversation climaxes with God's anger in Exodus 4:14 and it is at this point the Moses appears to relent in his resistance to God's call.  Of course the point is that it is true that WE cannot do what God calls us to do, but that HE can (and will/does).

This is the difference between confidence in self vs confidence in God.

In my own life, I KNOW the power of God - and I, like Peter and John before the Sanhedrin claim:

"As for [me] us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has worked miracles in my life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the many blessings You pour out for me.  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.

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

1 John 5

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. v18-20

As I wrap my study of 1 John, my attention is drawn once more towards commentary by John MacArthur, who highlights "Five Confidences of a True Christian" in his discussion of 1 John 5:13-21. MacArthur* indicates that the apostle John "accentuates their certainty [confidence] by using the word know seven times in this section".

1. Confident of eternal life in Christ (5:13) - I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
2. Confident of answered prayer (5:14-17) -  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
3. Confident of victory over sin (5:18) - We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.
4. Confident of belonging to God (5:19) - We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
5. Confident of Christ being the one, true God (5:20) -  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 64207-64209). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

I believe this discussion on confidence holds AT LEAST three key applications: (1) that we can have a confident faith that is strong based on the firm, unshakeable nature of God - this is particularly important in the face of persecution; (2) that we can be confident people knowing we are part of God's family, He loves us, is with us always, we can rely on Him, and count on the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the grave; (3) that confidence is first and foremost based on humility and the need for a Savior, and that this humility serves to refrain from arrogance.

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

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

James 1

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. v9

Humility is a topic discussed frequently in scripture, emphasizing that others cannot see Jesus in us unless we remain humble.  Humility does not imply lack of confidence - on the contrary, believers have confidence.  Their confidence, however, rests in Christ as we have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  This is similar to what John Piper sees as "The Happy Paradoxes of Christian Freedom and Slavery".

On the subject of paradoxes, it becomes interesting to look at the topic of mystery vs understanding - and Piper once again has a great post on this topic.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are that You love me and give me BOTH wisdom and mystery - causing me to draw near to You to depend on You for all things. I love You.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing that comes from You.  I worry...far too much.  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.

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ[.]

Ephesians 3

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ[.] v8

In the latter part of Ephesians 2 Paul writes to the Ephesians how the Jews and Gentiles are reconciled through Christ and Paul continues on this theme in chapter 3.   Just as Peter brought the Good News of Jesus to the Jews, Paul does so to the Gentiles.  Striking in Paul's letter here in chapter 3 is his humility.  Paul is a church leader and he is well versed in scripture yet he remains strikingly humble.  Yet we also see a boldness and confidence - in Christ.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. v12

Paul is persecuted, beaten, and imprisoned for his missionary work, yet he continues to proceed with delivering the Good News because he knows Truth and that nothing can stop God's plan, which includes using Paul to deliver the Good News.

God takes the ordinary and the humble and He makes greatness.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has grow my confidence - in You...thank You Jesus!  I am grateful for this and also for helping me become less reliant on myself and the world.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  I often let things get in the way of my relationship with You Jesus...please forgive me!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and everyday.

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

2 Corinthians 3

Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. v4-5

Arrogance is dangerous and it often leads people to deny God or knowingly commit sin with the belief that no consequence will be too great - dangerous indeed! Fear of God should drive us into His arms and towards obedience.  On the other hand, humility is rightly knowing that we all need a Savior and it is He who works in us in all things. Yes, we should have confidence - but it should rest in God alone.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me life and all things - abundantly - thank You Jesus.  Is am not deserving of the many blessings You pour out for me.  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. 

Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you.

Luke 7

Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. v6-7

This passage about the faith of the centurion is well known, yet the focus is often on confident faith.  What is striking here is that the centurion is also a man a great humility - how can this be?  Confidence and humility - together?  Yes - check out the short but good blog post by JD Greear, a local pastor here in Raleigh.

See also posts from DesiringGod.com and I am Iron on this topic. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who willingly laid down His life to rescue me from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a sacrifice - I daily miss the mark - I am often harsh with my words.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such 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 said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Mark 11

Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” v33 

The chief priests, the teachers of the law and the Jewish elders challenged Jesus and could not with confidence claim that Jesus was not the Messiah, the Promised One.  The world and all of its evil influences challenge our belief in Jesus daily. We can stand on the Bible but I believe we should also stand on what Jesus has done for us personally - we all have a story.

At one point in my life, I believed I had it all and I could do anything, yet God challenged my arrogance and got me to see how He was the source of everything and that I had belonged to Him and came from Him.  God got me to see how everyone needs a Savior and Christ is that Savior.  It has taken many years for me to surrender more of my life to Him and I am still a work in progress - yet I stand today confident that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  He is real and what He has done in my life is real.  I am less arrogant, more at peace, more patient, etc.  

I may be challenged by the world - but with God's help I will remain steadfast and I will not relent in my faith.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  1 Peter 3:15 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing and You are my personal Lord and Savior.  You came to save me and indeed You did more than save me, You gave me life...and blessed me far more than I could ever imagine.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am week and 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 understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.