Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that none shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again march over them, for now I see with my own eyes.

Zechariah 9:1-8

Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that none shall march to and fro; no oppressor shall again march over them, for now I see with my own eyes. Zechariah 9:8

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 9:1-8, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 9:1-9:17 (9:1-8, 9-13, 14-17). Here, as the heading of the text describes - God pronounces judgement on the enemies of His people, and specifically mentioned are cities in the north what is now known as Lebanon and cities in what is now known as the West Bank.  Chapter 8 shares how Israel, now returned from exile and captivity, are to experience peace and prosperity, living in fellowship with God. Chapter 9 speaks directly to Israel's enemies and how, although they once oppressed God's people, will no longer as God declares in v8, supported by vv1-7.  Influences of non-believers have always been a challenge in redemptive history and until end times will continue to be.  These influences often lead us away from God into sin, and sometimes lead us into harsh times.  In the face of these influences we can be comforted by a God that desires to protect us and He is jealous for us.  Of course we must have a repentant heart and seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13).  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God that lives in my heart and in my life and I know I can call on You and You will answer - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such a God...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.

But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts. “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate.”

Zechariah 7:11-14

But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts. “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate.” Zechariah 7:11-14

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 7:11-14, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of five divisions for the text 7:1-8:23 (7:1-3/8:18-23, 7:4-7, 7:8-10, 7:11-14, 8:1-17). Here, the commentary emphasizes how God is sharing how His people turned their back on Him and stopped listening to Him and this led their exile and the destruction of the temple.  It shares: "[n]ow, decades later, God reminded the current generation of Jews that the reason they were having to rebuild the destroyed temple and the ruined city of Jerusalem was simply because their forefathers had not listened to Him. God’s judgment in Israel’s history stands as a warning to people who are more intent on obeying their own desires rather than obeying God’s voice."  The commentary then speculates what it would be like if God did indeed stop talking to His people - and even if He were talking, are we as believers listening to Him?  Jeremiah's words to God's people offer great encouragement: "[y]ou will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father, I know You are there - You offer great comfort in all circumstances.  You save.  And I know I can never be separated from Your love.  What incredible blessings!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and 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 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.

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Zechariah 5:1-4

Again I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a flying scroll! And he said to me, “What do you see?” I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits, and its width ten cubits.”Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole land. For everyone who steals shall be cleaned out according to what is on one side, and everyone who swears falsely shall be cleaned out according to what is on the other side. I will send it out, declares the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.” Zechariah 5:1-4

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 5:1-4, which the commentary outlines as the first of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15).  Here Zechariah's visions continue as he delivers a message from the Lord about a "curse that goes out over the face of the whole land."  This curse is directed towards those who steal and swear falsely by God's name.  We don't know why only these sins are the scope of God's judgement and we also don't know the details of the curse.  We do know that a specific form of blasphemy (of God's name) is treated very harshly in scripture.  Believers are exhorted to not "mess with fire" here as not being forgiven lends itself to condemnation...eternally.  In general, the broader question at hand is whether we should deliberately, willfully, and consistently commit sin.  Of course we should not.  We are in a daily battle for our souls (see 1 Peter 5:8) and we should remain in Him through daily exercise of spiritual disciplines such as reading and study of God's word, prayer, etc. Such efforts and reverent fear of God serve as a preservative against sin.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects from the dark forces of this world - thank You Jesus and for Your Advocate - the Holy Spirit.  I am not deserving of protection nor 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 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.     

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 1:3

I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:1-6, which the commentary explores with a chapter entitled Go Home! and three divisions (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  Darius is mentioned in v1 and we can recall him also playing a role in Haggai and his God-directed decree (see also this background and Ezra 1) to support Judah's return to Jerusalem from exile to rebuild the temple. The broader message of vv1-6 emphasize a common and very important theme in scripture - repentance and to remain near to God.  God is gracious (amazingly so!) and scripture is replete with examples of this grace with the Old Testament in its near entirety standing out as an example of this grace.  Zechariah delivers a message to Judah to not be like so many of its ancestors who wicked and turned away from God, and as a result they went into captivity and exile.  Judah is called to repent and turn to God, and course to stay close to God.  V6 indicates "they repented." I am immediately drawn to James 4:8a where it says: "[d]raw near to God, and he will draw near to you."  The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 also emphasizes the theme of coming home to God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is always full of grace and compassion, pouring out such grace daily and ceaselessly - thank You Jesus.  Of course I am undeserving of my salvation and for the grace You pour out for me.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

...[L]et us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10

...[L]et us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on Piper's (and God's) call for all believers to draw near to God.  Piper refers us to Psalm 16:11 where we see a great promise that results from our nearness to God:

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

There are many promises in scripture that discuss the blessings of nearness to God - examples include:

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

 

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:27-28

 

Piper wraps the devotion for today by stating: "[God] does not need us. If we stay away, he is not impoverished. He does not need us in order to be happy in the fellowship of the Trinity. But he magnifies his mercy by giving us free access through his Son, in spite of our sin, to the one Reality that can satisfy our souls completely and forever, namely, himself."

 

Comment and discuss this post here.

 

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who blesses me as I draw near to You.  You and Your Word are a lamp to my feet - I am lost without You and I am blessed by Your direction.  Thank You Jesus for entering my heart and life.  I am not deserving of Your love, blessing, and salvation.  My sin of worry persists, as does other sin.  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.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

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 "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado highlighting how Matthew was not content to simply meet then follow Jesus; he immediately wanted to know more about Jesus so invited Him to spend more time with him at his house. Lucado also points us to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 where we see another tax collector, shorter in stature so desperate to see and meet Jesus that he climbs a tree to see Him and gives half his belongings to the poor.  Jesus recognizes that Zachhaeus is willing to "lose his life" to have Jesus in his.

...[God] rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Lucado then turns to the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. This man sought "a quick fix" or a "checklist" from Jesus vs a relationship with Him.  He wanted validation that he was doing all the right things - he wanted to be justified.  We must recognize that there is nothing we can do to deserve salvation. None of us deserve it - instead the "wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23). However, God freely provides salvation for those who truly seek it.  We must hunger and thirst for righteousness and be willing to deny ourselves and glorify God.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who freely gave me salvation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift and for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I continue to sin - 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.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Genesis 25, 27, 30, and 32

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

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 four starts with Max Lucado discussing how our past sins cause all of us to wrestle (just as Jacob did) with guilt, shame, and fear of consequences at some point in our lives.  Lucado asks us to look at the stories of Samson, David, Elijah (1 Kings 19), and Peter, all of who struggled with guilt and fear. Some, like Jacob run from their past, yet Lucado wants us to understand the true power of repentance and pursuing God.

Psalm 32 offers a number of verses on the power of repentance. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have shown me the power of repentance with a changed life - a life more oriented towards You...and You have blessed me in ways I cannot imagine.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin continues.  Worry, etc. Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high[.]

Job 15-17

Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high[.] Job 16:19

Day 255 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 with my study of Job as Eliphaz once again addresses Job to seek to comfort him, and to help him understand his suffering. The MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicates that "[Job] had no one to turn to in his sorrow, except God, who was silent and had not vindicated him".

As I posted a few days ago, suffering might suggest an absence of God in our life, but God is always at work. We must lean into God as He promises that if we

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

 

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that comes near to me as I come near to You - and I know that You will never leave or forsake me....and You saved me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin continues - harshness in my words and actions - many times directed towards Zach and others close to me.  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.

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Hebrews 3

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. v12-13

We don't want to turn away from God but instead away from sin and towards God.  Others in our sphere of influence (i.e. children) may be tempted so our role should be to encourage others and we can do so by modeling Jesus - the more others see (and hear about) Jesus in us, the more likely they will desire Jesus and turn towards Him.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, feeds me, and encourages me - I cannot exist without You and I know You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and such love.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and to turn to and draw near to You.  I desire to become more like You.  Please help 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 God does not show favoritism.

Romans 2

For God does not show favoritism. v11

In Romans 2, Paul addresses those of the Jewish faith who demonstrated hypocrisy, as many claimed to be righteous yet sinned equally in God eyes.  According to John Piper, "[God] sees through [external appearances] and goes to the heart of the matter and is not partial to appearance and circumstance. Nobody breaks the rules and gets away with it, no matter how powerful or clever or wealthy or networked. All are judged by the same measure."

Core to addressing hypocrisy - and our faith for that matter - is our heart condition.  We must focus on getting a "new" heart - one that is softened and transformed more into the likeness of God. God of course does this for us when we draw near to Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have given me a new heart and a new life - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful.  Yet I am undeserving.  I am selfish and I have much more sin.  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.   

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

Luke 22

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. v3

John Piper refers to the crucifixion as "history's most spectacular sin" and this commentary shows how Judas was damned to hell for his role in rejecting/murdering Jesus due to his love of money over God.  Yet Piper reminds us that "Satan does not take innocent people captive. There are no innocent people. Satan has power where sinful passions hold sway."

Indeed none of us are innocent and we all sin. We must be aware of the battle against sin we all face.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8

That is why we all need a Savior and Jesus is that Savior. 

God draws close to those who call on Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who suffered and died for me - thank You Jesus - the greatest gift of all time!  I am undeserving of such a gift.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.

Luke 8

Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. v47

Once again we have another event that is accounted for in all of the Synoptic Gospels.  While Luke's version does not include all details of her mindset, both Matthew and Mark include the following:

She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Matthew 9:21

She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed. Mark 5:26-28

I am reminded of scripture that talks about the power of even a little faith: 

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20  

See also Matthew 13:31-32.

We must move from wanting to believe to believing, and then acting on that belief to take the time to grow closer to God.  If we draw close to God, He will draw close to us. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond my imagination - my cup overflows!  Thank You Jesus - I am undeserving of such blessing.  I daily miss the mark and I am often distracted by worry and cares of this world.  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.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. v18

We often feel that God is not there or that God is elusive or far away.  Yet we should know that God never leaves or forsakes us (Matthew 28:20), and He gives us the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) and His Word (John 1:1).  

We can also see God in the church and in other believers.

God is real.  He has done great things in my life and He blesses me well beyond what I deserve.  Yet I often fall down, I sin...with worry, anger, etc.  Today's scripture is for me.  I must be daily, more often even, reminded of God's love and His presence.  I am reminded of my dear brother and sister in Christ Terry and Dave Monaghan from Newtonville, MA and how they shared the words of Brother Lawrence.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

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

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. v27-28

God wants us to be in relationship with Him - and this means we must worship, be in prayer with Him, and serve Him - daily.  When we sin, we must confess our sins and repent. When we do so, we are reconciled back to God.  Otherwise, as Psalm 73 states, we remain far from God.  We do not want to remain far from God as once sin catches hold we risk being "dragged away" by our own evil desires.

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

  
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loved me and died for me, knowing everything about my sin.  You always welcome me back with open arms when I confess and repent of my sin.  What a God of love and grace You are.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I neglect my role as father too often.  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 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.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalms 1

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. v1-2

Over the past 10 years, I have indeed felt the blessings of God as my desire for God, for His Word, and for a deeper relationship with Him have all grown.  For sure there is more work to do, but I am certain that we can count on God's promises for how he will bless us as we draw close to Him.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.  For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:33-35

See also post here.

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25

  
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed faithful - all of Your promises come true and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love or blessings.  I worry and I am selfish.  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.

The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died.

2 Kings 7

The officer had said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” The man of God had replied, “You will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat any of it!” And that is exactly what happened to him, for the people trampled him in the gateway, and he died. v19-20

In 2 Kings 6-7 Elisha performs several miracles, including floating an ax head, producing protection around himself via hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (v17), and blinding the Aramean army.

Yet even with God's power on display not all are convinced that God reigns, is all powerful, all knowing, all seeing, and in control (Colossians 1:16-17).  

Elisha prophecies about the end of a siege and famine:

Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord says: About this time tomorrow, a seah of the finest flour will sell for a shekel and two seahs of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.”

The officer on whose arm the king was leaning said to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord should open the floodgates of the heavens, could this happen?” 2 Kings 7:1-2

It is not clear whether the officer witnessed all or part of God's power yet it would be hard to imagine, given his position close to the king, that he has not seen God's power at some point.  The MacArthur Bible Commentary refers to this officer as the King's chief adviser.

Ultimately, this officer dies, just as Elisha prophesied.  

The questions become - for those of us who believe, do we doubt God's power?  Do we have faith?

We can only have faith by building our relationship with Him and by drawing near to God.

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.  For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. Proverbs 8:33-35

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

See here an interesting commentary on whether faith is a choice or a gift from God.  Regardless of how we achieve faith, we must have it as it drives us closer to Him and His promises for us await.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are - all seeing, all knowing, all powerful - yet You left God's side to die for me so that I may have life...to the full.  Thank You Jesus for the greatest gift of all time.  I am not worth such a gift.  I am selfish.  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.

And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.

2 Samuel 5

And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him. v10

We must remember that we are not powerful because of our own efforts - it is because God is with us and we lean on His strength and power.  Paul writes of this power:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  Ephesians 1:18-21

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

The question then might be - how can I have such faith?  It is only by cultivating and maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who provides life...and to the full!  You are amazing and my cup overflows.  Thank You Jesus for the many blessings that You pour out to me.  I am undeserving.  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.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  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.

Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.

Proverbs 2

Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. v20

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I received this great promise from God.  Because I exist to glorify God, I must have a desire to "walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous".  When I have a desire such as this, I will seek out and hunger for God. 

God please help deepen my desire for You.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of knowledge and wisdom that I cannot attain - I know Your thoughts are not my thoughts and I know my ways are not Your ways - You are God and You don't need me, nor do You need my worship or my offerings.  Yet You came to save me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and stress.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Psalm 145

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. v18

We all need God (Romans 3:23) and we should all develop a desire to be close to Him, under His care and protection.  God provides for all of our needs (Hebrews 1:3) and He has a plan for us, not to harm us but to prosper us, for hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  We just need to call on Him - to be our Savior, to forgive our sins, to answer our prayers and shoulder our burdens...for everything.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  That You are near to me when I call - I know this!  Thank You Jesus.  I need You desperately because I am broken without You.  I worry, I am full of anger, selfishness, etc.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin 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 me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.