The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Mark 12:28-34

The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:31

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:28-34.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv31-34):

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "We Are Commanded to Love Others Genuinely." 
• "How you respond to the first [command] (loving God) will determine how you respond to the second (loving your neighbor). When you obey the second, it shows that you have embraced the first."  
• "Jesus adds Leviticus 19:18 to complement Deuteronomy 6:4-5. Growing out of my love for God, I love those who have been created by God in His image. “Neighbor” is not used here in a restrictive sense. All of humanity, even my enemies, are in view (see Luke 10:25-29)."  
• We are referred to a Don Carson sermon where he looks at the Parable of the Good Samaritan and Leviticus 19 and how the text instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves, including commands from Leviticus 19: "care for the poor (19:10),  not steal (19:11),  not lie (19:11),  be fair in business dealings (19:14),  care for the deaf (19:14),  care for the blind (19:14),  deal justly with all (19:15),  avoid slander (19:16),  not “jeopardize” the life of your neighbor (19:16),  not “harbor hatred against your brother” (19:17),  rebuke your neighbor when necessary for his and your good (19:17), and not take revenge or bear a grudge against others (19:18)." 
• The commentary highlights v33 from the text for today and how Old Testament rituals "have no real meaning unless they are expressions of our love for Jesus and others."  We are referred to 1 Samuel 15:22, Proverbs 21:3, and Hosea 6:6.
• "Obeying rules and regulations will never get me into the kingdom because I can never measure up to God’s perfect standard. No, I need a new me. I need a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). I need the grace and mercy of my God who can make me a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). I need to draw near to Jesus, who has brought the kingdom of God near (Mark 1:15). One draws near and enters the kingdom not by religion but by a relationship with Jesus, a relationship that results in loving God supremely and others genuinely."  
• The commentary for today's text wraps by sharing 1 John 4:7-12. 

Comment and discuss this post.

 My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You loved me first and while I was still an enemy and hostile to You, I was snatched from the fire and saved.  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 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 Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:12-25

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.  Mark 11:22-24

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:12-25.  Excerpts from the commentary's third (of three) division (vv20-25):

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "Jesus Will Challenge Us to Believe in God, but He Understands Doubt."
• "Mark concludes the fig tree/temple story with lessons on faith, prayer, and forgiveness, the very things the people should have found through God’s temple. The fig tree event brackets and interprets the temple story. Jesus did not just cleanse the temple, He cursed it. It had failed in the divine assignment, and it would be destroyed. With no fruit, its use was at an end. God would remove it: in less than a generation (AD 70), the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. Jesus uses all of this as an opportunity to teach His disciples two more valuable spiritual truths." 
• "When they passed the fig tree the next day, it was dead (v. 20). Any sympathy for a soulless tree in our day is badly misplaced and says much about our sloppy, sentimental culture and its tragic perversion of real values. God had told Jonah to weep over lost people, not a plant (Jonah 4:10-11)! Jesus says to weep over a dead temple, not a dead tree."
• We are referred to John 15:1-10 where Jesus teaches the disciples to abide in Him, the True Vine and He warns them that if they do not they will be "thrown into the fire."  We are urged to take this warning very seriously!
• We are also encouraged to pray - and see prayer as a "commitment to God's will."  We are referred to Matthew 6:9-10; Mark 14:36; John 14:13-14; 15:7; 16:23-24; and 1 John 5:14-15. 
• "[W]hen we pray, we trust not only in His power to give us what we ask but also in His wisdom to give us what we need! I trust Him enough to have Him turn me down if that is what He chooses." 
• "[W]e are to be such a temple extending the same forgiveness that we have received from the God we now call Father."

Prayer is a demonstration of our utter dependence on God.  Help me Father with the unbelief in my life so that I can live more of a life of prayer.  I desperately need You.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God the loves, saves, and intercedes on my behalf.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  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. 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

I pause on my studies of both Isaiah and of Proverbs to listen to today's Solid Joys daily devotion on DesiringGod.com.  John Piper's devotion today examines how we are to view our own state of being forgiven of our sins by God, and how this should drive believers to love and forgive others.  John 13:34 writes how Jesus commands us "to love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." And here we have Ephesians 4:32 where Jesus commands us to forgive others as God forgave us.  Piper writes how we cannot love and forgive others as Jesus does for us if we simply view our salvation and His forgiveness of our sins as being "off the hook." Piper explains it by stating "[i]t means savoring the truth that a forgiving God is the most precious reality in the universe. Saving faith cherishes being forgiven by God, and from there rises to cherishing the God who forgives — and all that he is for us in Jesus. This experience has a tremendous effect on our becoming forgiving people."

God, please help me see You, the forgiving God, as the most precious reality in the universe.

Comment and discuss this post.

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

Do not repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord”....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12-13

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord”....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-19, 21

 

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which covers Romans 12:17-13:14.  My focus today is v12:17-21, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Leave Vengeance to God." As I posted yesterday, once again, the focus today is for believers to be "counter-cultural." God wants us to act in such a way that others see Him in us.  This of course requires us to submit to Him - through daily scripture reading, prayer, worship, service, etc. - and allow Him to work through us. It is certainly not natural for us to avoid vengeance or even for us to avoid the thought of vengeance; it then goes beyond natural human custom for us to treat someone who harms us with hospitality (v12:20). This requires the Holy Spirit to move within us to cause obedience. I am often reminded of true stories and examples of how God moves in us to draw others to Him through forgiveness - check this out - a classic for sure and a great example of God at work!

Scripture is clear - love and forgive others as God has done for us - see John 13:34 and Ephesians 4:32. 

 

My commentary points to Paul's use of both Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 25:21 as divine inspiration for Paul in verse v12:17.  We are reminded that God's wrath exists, is real, and He can just as easily exercise His wrath on us (as all are deserving of such wrath - Romans 6:23) - so should be clear that we are to leave wrath and retaliation/vengeance to Him.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of mercy, compassion and forgiveness for me - thank You Jesus!  Of course I am completely undeserving of such mercy, compassion and forgiveness as I have sinned greatly and I continue to sin - worry, anger, harsh words, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

John 7-8

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:11

Day 306 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 move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on Jesus' celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles during the 2nd year of His ministry. My commentary* notes: "[w]hen Jesus finally arrives in Jerusalem he will spend his time teaching and confronting the religious leaders who have assembled. It is a time of mixed feelings among the Jews. Some are busy trying to have Jesus arrested, while others are convinced by his teaching and miraculous works that he is the Messiah." My commentary* also notes how even some among Jesus' brothers do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. Most of the scripture reading this afternoon covers opposition from the Pharisees and Jewish leaders, yet at the end, within scripture not all versions include, is a portrait of Jesus' mercy and compassion.  He encounters an adulterous woman the Jewish leaders seek to stone to death yet Jesus remarks: “[l]et any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her[,]” and those seeking to stone the woman back down and leave. While even Jesus' brothers remain uncertain that Jesus is the Messiah, it is clear, however, that Jesus is full of compassion and mercy - and Jesus seeks for to forgive others as He forgives.  This is a tall task indeed but with help from the Holy Spirit we can love others as Jesus loves and forgives us.

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

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:12-13

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and forgives me for my sins...which are many, including grave sins...I am grateful.  I am also undeserving.  My sin continues...including putting early comfort ahead of You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He will not turn his face from you if you return to him....May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.

2 Chronicles 29-31

He will not turn his face from you if you return to him....May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary. 2 Chronicles 30:9, 18-19

Day 184 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 this morning with details about how King Hezekiah of Judah led a spiritual revival in his kingdom.  My commentary* highlights scripture that describes how he ordered the temple cleansed (2 Chronicles 29), led worship for two weeks straight during both Passover (2 Chronicles 30) and one additional week due to the zeal of the Lord and of those in attendance for worship.  He destroyed all idols and high places associated with foreign gods, led the people in tithing, and assigned roles and tasks (all in 2 Chronicles 31).

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

This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
2 Chronicles 31:20-21

For me, what is most striking is how Hezekiah reaches out to the northern kingdom of Israel (2 Chronicles 30) to join in the worship, despite how Israel went to war with Judah and took Judah captive.  Just as God demonstrates grace and compassion with all people, Hezekiah demonstrates grace and compassion with Israel.

At the king’s command, couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and from his officials, which read:

“People of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you who are left, who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your parents and your fellow Israelites, who were unfaithful to the Lord, the God of their ancestors, so that he made them an object of horror, as you see. Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.” 2 Chronicles 30:6-9

Hezekiah (as led by God) even demonstrated grace to those who were unclean according to ceremonial law:

Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 2 Chronicles 30:18-20

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is SO full of grace and compassion for me and ALL people.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  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.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.

James 4

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. v11

With James being referred to as the "bossiest book of the Bible", it is not surprising that James packs his letter with many commands charging us with "do's" and "don'ts".  Here, we have James charging us to avoid slandering others.  Of course, we are to love and forgive others as God loves and forgives us, so this clearly includes judging and slandering others.

James is not the only one to charge us with avoiding judgement, slander, and gossip - check here for other books with a similar message.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and forgives me - and there is no one else who can do what You do for me - You alone are God and I am grateful for what You have done and continue to do for me. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  I slander and I gossip - 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.

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. v12-13

Our lives are filled by moments when we make judgements and our judgements precede our actions.  We must first be transformed by the renewing of our mind so that we can limit those judgements which prevent mercy.  Believers are all granted mercy and forgiveness by Christ and He tells us to love and forgive others as the Lord loves and forgives us (John 13:34, Colossians 3:13).  

James references "the law that gives freedom" and I am reminded of John Piper's awesome post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who forgives me...You are SO full of mercy and compassion for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love.  I too often judge without mercy.  Please forgive me Jesus!  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.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.

Titus 3

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. v1-5

As Paul closes his letter to Titus, he moves from what Titus shouldn't do (hypocrisy) to what Titus should do - which is think of God has done for you and let this serve as a reminder that we are to love and forgive others as God loves and forgives us. 

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

We will not be able to play the role God's intends for us in the Great Commission if we are not modeling Jesus to others - particularly in church leadership. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and forgives me - and You died for me...knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Thank You Jesus - I am not deserving of such a gift and such blessings.  I worry and I have other sin.  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.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” v34-35

As Jesus sits at the Last Supper with the disciples and predicts His betrayal and Peter's denial (v18-38), He gives them a new command to love one another....as He has loved them.  Our love of one another should glorify God and draw others to Jesus.  In the context of v18-38, one way that we should love one another is to see beyond each's sins and to forgive.  We may have been hurt by someone (either physically or emotionally) but God calls us to forgive and love - even our enemies. 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:12-13

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well....“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:38-40, 43-45 

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 

 

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

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. v36

This is often difficult for me as I can be arrogant, judgemental, and harsh. Yet I am thankful that over time, God has helped me be more patient and merciful with, and forgiving of others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You not only came to rescue me but You are ALWAYS with me and You hear and respond to my cries - thank You Jesus!  Thank You for molding me into someone more like You.  I am grateful!  Yet I am undeserving because I know that daily I miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Matthew 18

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. v22

Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him and Jesus' response reinforces that we are to love and forgive others as Jesus loves us.  

Jesus came to rescue us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

We are to love others as Jesus loves us (John 13:34). 

Forgive as Jesus forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

Jesus of course sets a high bar and one that we cannot reach but Jesus will transform our heart and mind as we draw near to him (Romans 12:2).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are an awesome God who loves me, came to rescue and save me - all while I was still a sinner.  You love me just as I am and You continue to do a work in my heart and life - thank You Jesus for the many blessings You pour out.  I am not worth such blessings.  I worry, among my many sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will never again defile my holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings at their death.

Ezekiel 43

This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will never again defile my holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings at their death. v7

Ezekiel has a vision of the temple's restoration in Jerusalem.  The temple is measured and described in the same detail that went into the temple's original construction. The physical restoration of the temple is matched by a spiritual restoration.

As I posted yesterday, we are intended to live in unity with God and the statement from God in v7 demonstrates God's intention to fulfill a promise he made to David.   God wants us to have freedom from the sting of sin and death so He provides a path of reconciliation through Jesus Christ - this is love and God is faithful because this is what He promised.

My Prayer: Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You came to die for us.  I am overwhelmed by Your love. Thank You!  I am not worthy of such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me for my worry 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 church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Therefore I will teach them—this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord.

Jeremiah 16

“Therefore I will teach them—this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord. v21

Jeremiah passes on a difficult message to the Israelites that God will punish them.  However, once again God keeps His promises that a savior will rise from among Judah. All of us, whether at our day of judgement or at the end of times, will know Jesus as the King of Kings.

[T]that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11

Yet we must also recognize of course that not all will recognize Jesus as their Lord and Savior and many will come to Jesus at different times in their life - God knows all of this.   Just as Jesus demonstrates grace to Israelites time and time again, I must demonstrate grace.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

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

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Ecclesiastes 7

Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others. v21-22

We should extend grace to others as God has done for us - scripture is clear on this.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

See also posts here.

Bottom line, we all sin and are in need of a Savior - Jesus Christ.  Jesus extends grace and forgiveness to us and wants to use His children to demonstrate Jesus to others as a means to bring others to Him.  If we are vengeful and spiteful we fail to follow Jesus in this regard.

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

But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence.

2 Kings 13

But the Lord was gracious to them and had compassion and showed concern for them because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. To this day he has been unwilling to destroy them or banish them from his presence. v23

Jehoahaz (as well as Jehoash v11) did evil in the eyes of the Lord and he led the people of Israel to sin as well (v2), yet God was full of grace and compassion for the people of Israel.

Once again we see God as faithful, keeping his promises, and as full of grace and compassion.  

We all need God because we are all broken (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and in need of forgiveness and salvation.

However, we should be careful not to "shame" others into seeking God.  We should love and forgive others as God does for us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You are faithful and keep all of Your promises.  You are also so full of grace and compassion - I cannot fully comprehend the depth and breadth of Your love.  Thank You for Your love.  Yet I am not worth such love.  Please forgive me for my worry and selfishness.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  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.

David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.”

2 Samuel 10

David thought, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” v2

Here we have David expressing what I will call transactional kindness - this is in contrast to my previous post where David not only expresses kindness to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, but also to Saul's servant Ziba and Ziba's family - despite Saul's sinful behavior to David.  

Nahash (per Mcarthur Commentary) was an enemy of Saul and thus he and David shared an implied alliance.  Yet we are not only to provide kindness to our friends but also to our enemies.  Again, per my post yesterday, we are not in a position to judge as ALL are deserving of God's love.

If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Luke 6:29

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

...and the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).

It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. Psalm 75:7

 My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has shown kindness to me - despite my sin.  I am often deserving of Your kindness yet You continue to love me and show kindness to me.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my gossip and worry.  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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

Genesis 45

So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. v8

Joseph confronts his brothers as they come to Egypt for grain and he is at first harsh and unforgiving.  However, he ultimately relents and forgives - he recognizes that it was God's plan that brought him to Egypt.

He also seeks to comfort his brothers because they know Joseph is in a position of great power and they are subject to harsh retaliation and punishment.  Yet Joseph knows that those who sin are to be forgiven because we all sin and we should dispense grace as we have received it.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God, full of love, compassion and mercy for me - even though I am quite undeserving.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for failing to dispense mercy on others.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love (and forgive) others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land.

Genesis 34

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. v30

Shechem defiled Jacob's daughter Dinah and is easily understood that Simeon and Levi would be angry.  Yet revenge is for the Lord.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Colossians 3:12-13 

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20

God wants us to forgive others as He forgave us.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truly an awesome God who has forgiven me - overwhelmingly for my sins.  You are SO full of grace and compassion.  Thank You Jesus.  Please forgive me for my worry.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.

Genesis 33

For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably. v10

Much like in the story of the Prodigal Son, Esau is gracious to his brother Jacob and runs out to meet Jacob (v4).  Joseph is also gracious with his brothers, who sold him into slavery.

We are all created in God's image.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

...and we are to be a light to others allowing others to see Jesus in us so that we draw others to Him.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16  

See also posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and full of grace beyond description.  You have given me second chances well beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such grace and love.  I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.