And the LORD heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction. So the name of the place was called Hormah.

Numbers 21:1-3

And the LORD heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction. So the name of the place was called Hormah. Numbers 21:1-3

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 21:1-3 - Israel encounters a challenge in the king of Arad who sought to fight against Israel, Israel reaches out to God, and God responds.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Believers must understand the tension between how God is sovereign over all matters (Colossians 1:15-17, see also John Piper book Providence), yet we also have free will.  John Piper argues that Christians are not then robots and our free will then causes God to respond - here in the text today, God responds to a vow (form of prayer with an obligation - see also Hannah's vow to God) from Israel by "heed[ing] the voice of Israel," and giving the Canaanites over to them.  When we encounter challenges, God seeks for us to go to Him and ask for help to overcome.  We don't know how God will respond but we can be assured that He will respond, either by helping us endure or by removing the obstacle or challenge. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Israel is likely frustrated that they encounter challenges such as when the king of Edom refuses to let them pass through or today in the text.  They were given the Promised Land, yet why is getting there so hard?  We must understand how God is at work in His plan and His timing.  With Israel, we have to see how God punished Israel for its rebelliousness and how God sought to refine and purify Israel of such sin.  When we make such a vow, we cannot assume that God will always respond the way we seek - here God did, but again this very often will not be the case.  Regardless, God wants us to see Him at work always, that He reigns, and that we must depend on Him to endure and overcome challenges and obstacles.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not try and overcome or endure challenges under your own strength and power.  Claim the promise that He will help us overcome (John 16:33). Follow the example of Israel to go to God when You encounter challenges or obstacles.  Trust that God is always at work for good. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that is in control, always at work for good and You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, save and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck down the people with a very great plague.

 Numbers 11:31-35

While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD struck down the people with a very great plague. Numbers 11:33

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 11:31-35 - we see God fulfilling His promise to punish the people who complained about their provisions of food and craved meat.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: On the backs of their grumbling and complaining -  see post from two days ago and yesterday - God fulfills His promise to provide meat (quail) - in a gluttonous amount - to the people who craved such meat.  While God did not specifically promise a plague and for them to die, God did express anger and promised consequences.  This leads one to believe that perhaps God was giving the people an opportunity to repent and seek mercy for their sin of complaining before He delivered on the promise of consequences.  Regardless of how one interprets the text, it is hard to deny that God was faithful - He was angry and promised consequences and these consequences came to pass.  Every promise of God finds their yes in Jesus - 2 Corinthians 1:20. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people suffered due to God's wrath and there is no record in the text that they repented.  You would expect that after such suffering that they would - those who remained and moved on to Hazeroth (v35).  Often we see only what we want to see and not see what God wants us to see.  God wants us to see His glory and how He saves.  He rescued Israel from bondage and led them through the wilderness and provided for them - yet they complained, focusing on their own expectations and not God's plans.  He was building a nation, and ultimately a church.  We should seek God and pray that He renews our mind (Romans 12:2) such that we can His will. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid missing what God is doing and focusing on how your circumstances don't meet expectations and then complaining or expressing frustration.  Claim the promise that God is always at work for good (Romans 8:28).  Follow the example of Paul who gave thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  Seek God and how He renews minds to align our thoughts and desires to be more like His.     

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You are SO faithful and always at work for good.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save and are so faithful.  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.  

I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me.

Numbers 10:11-35 and 11:1-15

I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. Numbers 10:10

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, where we first see Israel be led by God to leave Sinai in Numbers 10:11-35, and 11:1-15, we see Moses' struggle in dealing with Israel's weeping and complaining.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does not like complaints - He sees this as directed towards Him and as a result, He is angered - see v11:1.  Who are we, that we complain that what God has done is not perfect?  He does not make mistakes.  We should not view ourselves as somehow deserving - of anything.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  If anything we all deserve death (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Romans 6:23). God is patient and He does give second (and third - but His patience is not unlimited) chances.  In the text today, Israel does get Moses to intercede and pray to God on their behalf and God responds favorably by showing mercy - v11:2.  Yet it did not take long for the people to once again start complaining - v11:10.  And once again, God was angered.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Not only does God does not like it when we complain but other people don't like to hear complaints from others - it becomes whining.  See Yet even adults whine and complain as we see in the text today.  Moses' reaction in vv11:11-15.  For believers, we should understand that such complaining is a reflection of our heart towards God and how He has not provided (when in the text today he has with manna).  See also Exodus 16:7-8 and Philippians 2:14.  If we have struggles we know that we can go to God as Moses did and we should pray that God help us see how He is at work in our lives, so that others can see us as a light and not as whiners. See also 1 Thessalonians 5:18.    
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid grumbling and complaining.  Claim the promise that God is at work in all details of our lives - Romans 8:28. Follow the example of Moses to go to God when we feel our burden is too much to carry - see also Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22.  Be thankful in all circumstances. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus for Your patience and mercy!  I know Your mercies never cease and are new every morning.  I am not deserving.  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.

Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

 John 21:1-14

Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. John 21:12b

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 21:1-14, where we see Jesus appear to the disciples after the resurrection - this time by the Sea of Tiberias.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is in all the details of our lives.  Here the text does not say disciples were desperate or particularly hungry - it is an ordinary moment in their lives.  Jesus wants to remind us that He is always with us - always at work.  He provides - including strength for the net so that it does not break, and a fire with bread.  We should never worry about how He provides.  He shares hospitality with the disciples - a theme God reinforces throughout scripture that takes an ordinary moment and is used to bring glory to Him through Godly fellowship among believers and among believers seeking to share the Good News with others.  Jesus has now appeared to the disciples three times after the resurrection - He wants them to be certain that He has defeated sin and death.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples were together - seven of them.   Believers should be in each others' lives - this is how God designed us - for fellowship so that we can support and encourage one another and act with unity.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  Avoid missing Jesus and doubting that He is there (no one should dare ask who are You?) - He is always with us and He is always at work.  Claim the promise that we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of Jesus who spent time with other believers and encouraged fellowship and hospitality.  Love, encourage and support one another as believers.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and my personal Lord and Savior.  I have no doubt who You are as You loved while I was still an enemy and hostile to You.  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 thier 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 overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

Mark 5:21-43

 But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” Mark 5:36

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus continues to be a commentary-assisted review of Mark 5:21-43, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's third (of three) division (vv35-43): 

• The commentary's title for the third division is "Jesus Has Authority over the Power of Death."
• Noting the mocking Jesus endured by those who laughed at Him (v40), the commentary shares: "[h]ard-core realists who breathe the air of skepticism will always be with us. They will mock our faith in a crucified Jew and ridicule our trust in a God we cannot see. They will laugh at your love for the Savior who has cleansed you of sin’s defilement and given you spiritual life by His atoning work on the cross. Nevertheless, believe. Have faith—not faith in faith, which is spiritual nonsense, but faith in the omnipotent, sovereign Lord Jesus whose authority and power are absolute and know no rival." 
•  Jesus touches the dead girl - taboo according to Old Testament law. 
•  The commentary then asks and responds to five questions similar to the Sword Bible Study Method.  
• "What does this text teach me about God? God honors the faith of all who come to Him through Jesus. Social status, gender, or any other distinction does not matter. God cares for the demon possessed, the man of distinction, the outcast woman, and the little girl who is powerless."
• "What does this text teach me about sinful humanity? Disease and death are realities we must face in our fallen and sinful world."
• "What does this text teach me about Jesus Christ? Jesus cares for the hurting. Jesus does His work on His timetable. When Jesus touches the unclean, they become clean as He takes on their uncleanness. Jesus gives healing and life to those who trust Him as He takes on our diseases and dies our death (Isaiah 53)."
• "What does God want me to know? We can come to Jesus with our request no matter who we are or what we have done. We must come to Jesus in faith, believing and not fearing[.]" 
• "What does God want me to do? God wants you to come to Him with any and every request. God wants you to trust Him regardless of the circumstances or situation."

The application shared in the last bullet from the commentary excerpts is key - all details of our lives are in God's hands - big and small.  He seeks for us to be utterly dependent on Him for all of our needs and we should not take for granted how He provides for all of our needs.  Often our circumstances may tempt us to question whether God is at work or not, but rest assured God is in all things and working all things for good for those who love Him (Colossians 1:15-17, Ephesians 4:6, Romans 8:28). Our fear and anxiety is driven by our lack of faith.  During times of fear and anxiety turn towards Jesus. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves and who knows our circumstances, empathizes with all of our concerns, hears our cries and responds to our cries.  You are good and You love and saved me.  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.

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.

Mark 4:35-41

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. Mark 4:35-37

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 4:35-41, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers six divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to the text (vv35-41) and the first (of six) division (vv35-37): 

• Main idea for vv35-41: "Jesus’ authority over the wind and the sea demonstrate His identity as God and as the One we can trust."
• We are referred to Psalm 107:23-32 for text elsewhere that highlights how God should be the source of our peace and refuge during the storms of life. 
• The commentary reminds us here in vv35-41 and elsewhere in Mark how Jesus not only has providence or dominion over nature but also demons (5:1-20), sickness (5:25-34), and even death (5:21-34, 35-43).  
• "God orchestrates an event in the lives of the apostles to increase their faith in the One they should already trust. Few stories have been more poorly applied than this one. It is not about Jesus’ getting you through the storms of life. He does that, of course, but this account is about the One who is the sovereign and all-powerful Lord. Demons rightly recognize Him as God (5:7), and we should fully trust Him." 
• The commentary's subtitle for this division: "God Is Working in the Circumstances of Our Lives."  
• "There is a crucial detail: it was Jesus who led them into the storm! This was not accidental. This did not catch God off guard. We should not be alarmed by surprises in our lives. They are divinely ordained moments whereby God is working in the everyday circumstances of our lives to reveal who He is, who we are, and who we need! Trials and tribulations, difficulties and desperate moments are when God does His greatest work in our lives. When He brings us to the end of ourselves, we are driven to Him and Him alone as Savior and Rescuer." 

Scripture is replete with trials and tribulations of various kinds - and they are of course all too familiar for all of us.  It is important for us to recognize what God is doing in these trials as these are by design from God for His will.  Romans 8:28 is key to remind us how God is always at work for good, how His ways and thoughts are a mystery (Isaiah 55:8), and how with God we will overcome whatever trial we experience - even death (John 16:33).   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that will never leave or forsake me, You are always at work for good, and with You I will overcome the world.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings and my salvation.  I am not deserving of such blessings and my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 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 he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

Mark 4:21-34

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I continue a focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 4:21-34, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) divisions of the text (vv26-29): 

• "This is Mark’s only unique parable. Jesus crafts a second parable about sowing seeds. In the parable of the soils, the focus was on the necessity of sowing and the receptivity of the soils (vv3-8). Here the emphasis falls on the innate power of the seed. The Word of God has within it the power of its own success and triumph. Let the Word loose and watch it work. This parable is instructive concerning the nature of the kingdom in a comprehensive sense. It notes the kingdom’s sowing (v26), growing (vv27-28), and harvesting (v29). From beginning to end, the sovereignty of Christ and the power of the Word stand forth in absolute authority." 
• "The man is not important; the seed is the focus. The man is passive because the power for the seed to sprout and grow is not in him. The coming of the kingdom of God is not contingent or dependent on human activity. The seed of the gospel prospers and grows of itself. Once it is sown, a process is set in motion that cannot and will not be stopped, even though its growth is a total mystery to us. See also James 1:21."
• RE: the harvest, "[w]ho would have imagined that starting with only a group of 12 men, Christianity would grow to where it is today? But it won’t stop there. It will continue to grow until every people group on the planet is found in the kingdom. God will ensure this growth."  

Many may feel, myself included at times, that the seeds of God are not growing at all, whether this is our own faith or journey with God, or how God may not be responding to long-standing prayers such as for salvation for loved ones. Yet God is always at work, and as this commentary emphasizes, while God's plans and designs remain a mystery (see also Isaiah 55:8), we can rest in God's promises - of which there are many (see 2 Corinthians 1:20).  Among the many promises of God where we can rest is Romans 8:28 which shares that "for those who love God all things work together for good." This is a great promise indeed!  This post from DesiringGod.com looks at how farming is used in scripture (among other analogies) and how we are encouraged to have a "long view" on our own sanctification.    

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me as You never stop working for me and You never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor how You bless in so many ways.  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. 

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

 Mark 1:29-34

That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Mark 1:32-34

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 1:29-34, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary.  Using ScriptureMARK (part of Blue Letter Bible), I highlighted: 

•  Vv29-30 describes how both Jesus and His new disciples acted with urgency, implying that Jesus' ministry was urgent - there are many who are lost, need the Good News of Jesus and healing, including both physical and spiritual healing.  To be clear, all of humanity needs spiritual healing and salvation because we all sin and are in need of a Savior. Jesus is this Savior.  V31 describes how Jesus took Simon's (Peter) mother-in-law by the hand and healed her.  
• Vv21-28 - covered by my previous three posts, shares how Jesus healed a man with an unclean spirit.  Vv29-34 builds on this healing, as not just Simon's mother is healed, but also as vv32-34 describes Jesus healed "many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons."
• As I posted yesterday, sin, evil, and brokenness (including disease and death) have existed since the Fall, and Jesus' death on the cross meant that people can have eternal life (John 3:16) once they confess (Romans 10:10) with their tongue that Jesus is their Savior.  Without salvation, there is no hope - because if you are not saved, you continue to be slave to sin and condemned for eternity.  Again, we all need salvation and Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) - lostness encompasses both physical and spiritual healing and both are described in Mark 1:29-34.
•  V34b, where it shares how Jesus did not "permit the demons to speak, because they knew Him," implies that Jesus did not want others to know His true identity (as the Messiah) just yet because His time to go to the cross had not yet arrived.  It seems that Jesus was OK for others to see that He had power and authority, yet it seems that He was not OK that many others (i.e beyond people such as John the Baptist) did not know the extent of His identity.  Timing is often a subject in scripture as Solomon, the wisest person who ever lived wrote that (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) "[f]or everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven[.]"  
• Timing is a topic in the New Testament as well as Matthew 24:36 shares that "concerning [the] day and hour [when Jesus returns] no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only[.]"  Believers are often frustrated waiting - for example, we pray often for loved ones to be healed or saved, and our frustration mounts when we don't see prayer answered.  Believers can take comfort that God has a plan and that plan is good - see Romans 8:28.  We must trust God.      

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that loves me, saved me, and who is constantly at work for me, providing mercies that never cease and that are new every morning, and whose plan is perfect and good.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save, how You provide mercies, and how Your plan is good and perfect.  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. 

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

Malachi 4:1-6

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2

I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I continue with Malachi 4:1-6, focusing on an unassisted review of 4:2, the commentary's second division for the text.  At any given time, all of us, including believers, have anxiety and stress.  Of course, sometimes, we have overwhelming anxiety and stress.  Here in Malachi, God's people were robbing God of both worship and of tithing - both commanded by God (although again the New Testament, while it no longer commands tithing, a lack of tithing reflects a heart condition where there is greater love of money and wealth over God and we are commanded to love God above all else). In light of rampant sin and wickedness that they saw as going unpunished by God, Israel saw worship and tithing as vain because they did not see God's justice - unnecessary worry!  Believers of today may feel this way also - that God is not there or not working - of course this can be worrying.  But God IS there and He is ALWAYS working in all things and for those who love and fear Him.  Malachi 4:2 is an awesome promise of peace that we can experience now and for eternity. Take time to know God (read and study the Bible as the Word is God - see John 1:1-3).  He is like no other and He saves!  See also this post from June 2023 where I leverage John Piper's Solid Joys devotion that highlights the faith of Abraham.  Of anyone who had a right to question whether God was there or working it was Abraham - yet Abraham, while of course not perfect, held firm to his faith and clung to the promise God made with Him. Cling to the promises of God!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is always working and always with us.  We can rest knowing this and that You keep all of Your promises.  Thank You!  I am not deserving of my salvation and for such peace.  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 these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.

 Zechariah 1:18-21

And these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it. Zechariah 1:21

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 this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 1:18-21, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  The commentary first shares how horns in Jewish culture represented a "measure of [an] animal's power," and how this also represented political or military power.  We are referred to both Micah 4:13 and Daniel 7:24 for text elsewhere in scripture for use horns and descriptions of power.  It then shares how the horns here in Zechariah "clearly portray total domination of the people of Israel by the powers that attacked and conquered them."  The four craftsmen are described as "God’s instruments to bring justice to the nations that had abused God’s people."  The commentary suggests the use of craftsmen "is meant to evoke the idea that just as a craftsman does his work slowly, carefully, and skillfully, so God skillfully works His justice in His own time. Also, sometimes we can only understand the work of a craftsman once it is finished. In the same way, God’s ultimate justice will only be fully understood when time has drawn to a close and God’s purposes are complete."  The commentary then encourages us to view justice in our own lives similarly: "sometimes we look at our lives and, from our limited earthly human perspective, we cannot see the pattern or the plan. We cannot see God’s justice at work, and life looks incredibly messy and unfair. Life is not fair, but God is fair, God is just, and God is greater than this life."  Romans 8:28 offers encouragement how God is always at work for good. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE always at work, bringing justice to the world and working in all things for good - thank You Jesus for never resting and never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of these blessings....my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You....daily.  Please 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.

At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?”

Genesis 42-44

At this their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling to one another, saying, “What is this that God has done to us?” Genesis 42:28

I maintain a pause on my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. Based on the commentary's breakdown of the divisions and subdivisions of this text (see post from Monday, 24JUN), I move on to the third subdivision of of the first division, which explores Genesis 42:27-38.  In the text for today, we see Joseph's brothers (less Simeon who remains detained in Egypt and Benjamin who remains at home with his father Jacob) on their journey home to Canaan, and they pause for lodging on their way - v27.  When one of the brothers goes to feed his donkey - v27 - he finds that the money given to Joseph in exchange for grain has been returned, he and his brothers are fearful exclaiming - v28 - '[w]hat is this that God has done to us?' In vv29-35, upon return home, they recount to Jacob what has happened to them and that Benjamin must go to Egypt as proof that they are not spies.  Jacob is distraught as he now experiences the loss of not just Joseph, but also Simeon.  He refuses to let the brothers take Benjamin to Egypt - see vv36-38.  The commentary emphasizes how the brothers see God's hand in their circumstances - v28:  "[t]his is the first time they have acknowledged him with regard to their situation. Until this moment, they have looked at their challenges from a human perspective. But now they consider this one from God’s perspective. They consider whether his hand, his providence, might be at work behind things. This is a critical step for God’s people when they face adversity. Indeed, when presented with difficulty or hardship, we should consider whether God might be at work behind the situations we encounter (Romans 5:2-5). The brothers attempt to do this now." Chapter 42 ends with the family at a critical juncture as they are faced with a dire situation and a difficult decision.  Believers must see how God is at work in this text as He always has been and always will be as He is both the Alpha and the Omega.  It is during these times when faith in God is imperative as we lean into Him that He loves us and is always working for good in our lives. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is full of amazing grace and is always working for good in my life.  Thank You Jesus for Your mercies that are new every morning and never cease.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God[.]"

Genesis 42-44

On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God[.]" Genesis 42:18

I maintain a pause on my study of Ecclesiastes to focus on Joseph, in particular Genesis 42-44, and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Series volume for this book. Based on the commentary's breakdown of the divisions and subdivisions of this text (see post yesterday), I move on to the second subdivision of of the first division, which explores Genesis 42:5-26.  Here, the text describes how Joseph's brothers, with the exception of the youngest Benjamin, arrived in Egypt to purchase grain and return home to Canaan where Jacob and Benjamin awaited their return. V6 describes how Joseph's brothers bowed down before him just as he interpreted in his dream in Genesis 37:5-8.  This scenario is highlighted in the commentary as it shares: "This idea of the oppressors of God’s faith-filled people bowing before those chosen by God does not end with the Joseph narrative. The prophet Isaiah highlights this pattern as well. He writes, 'The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet. They will call you the City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel' (Isaiah 60:14)." Ultimately, all will bow down to God's chosen Messiah - Jesus Christ - see also Philippians 2:9-11.  The commentary share that its been almost twenty years since they last saw each other, and although Joseph recognizes his brothers, they fail to recognize him.  He falsely accuses them of being spies and demands that although they can purchase grain and return to Canaan, they must return with Benjamin as Joseph detains all of the brothers except one who will return to Canaan to retrieve Benjamin and then come back to Egypt. The commentary emphasizes v18 where Joseph reiterates his demands to his brothers while sharing in spite of all the challenges he has faced in captivity he never wavered in his faith and he shares "I fear God."  The implication is that Joseph sees God's hand in all things and His plan is always at work in our lives - good and bad - and while we may not like our circumstances we should try and see how God is working in all things (Romans 8:28).  We should not fear others but instead should fear God and this should animate our lives.  The commentary also shares in v18 how Joseph's test of his brothers includes reassurance that if they comply with his demands they will live, echoing Luke 10:25-28. Vv21-23 describes the shame and guilt of Joseph's brothers as they see their current predicament being due to the sin of selling Joseph into slavery. The commentary shares: "At this point in the story, Reuben brings up the fact he told the group “not to harm” Joseph. Then he adds, “Now we must account for his blood!” (v. 22). Which suggests he suspects Joseph died long ago thanks to what was done to him. It is possible Reuben’s stated conclusion has something to do with either God’s words to Cain following Abel’s murder or God’s promise to Noah, recorded in Genesis 9:5-6. There the Lord says, 'I will require a penalty for your lifeblood; I will require it from any animal and from any human; if someone murders a fellow human, I will require that person’s life. Whoever sheds human blood, by humans his blood will be shed, for God made humans in his image.' Reuben recognizes this reality. Joseph, presented as a prophet in Genesis, will be avenged by God (Luke 11:49-51)." This showdown in the text between Joseph and his brothers concludes in vv24-25 with Simeon being detained as the remaining brothers are sent home with grain, as well as with the money given to Joseph for the grain returned to them along with other provisions and supplies for their long journey home to Canaan.  The commentary for the text shares: "despite all his obvious displays of hostility toward them, [Joseph] begins their journey with a blessing."  Recognize that God is always at work!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and compassion - always working in my life for good - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor the good with which I am blessed. 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.

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 50

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20

This morning, as I am in between studies - just ended study of Jude and my next study is TBD - I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today uses the life of Joseph to illustrate how faith helps produce patience.  For those familiar with Joseph's story, you know that Joseph (starting in Genesis 37) endured several hardships where he was solid into slavery and ultimately wrongly accused of a crime and imprisoned in Egypt.  However, Joseph did not resort to anger (which might lead to seeking revenge) towards those who wronged him.  Instead, he turned to God, who calls us, regardless of our circumstances, to trust Him.  In Potiphar's household, it says that the Lord was with him (Genesis 39:2-6).  While imprisoned, Joseph rightly shares that his gift of interpreting dreams is from God (Genesis 40:8 and 41:16).  When Joseph comes face to face with his brothers that originated his suffering, Joseph once again shares how God worked through this suffering for good...in his life and in the lives of his brothers (Genesis 45:5-7 and 50:20). The devotion emphasizes the key for Joseph (and for us all) and poses a challenge to us: "[w]hat would have been the key to patience for Joseph during all those long years of exile and abuse? The answer is: faith in God’s sovereign, future grace — the sovereign grace of God to turn the unplanned place and the unplanned pace into the happiest ending imaginable. That’s the key to our patience as well. Do we believe that God is working for us in the strangest and most painful turns of our lives?"

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are always at work - thank You Jesus for this and for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of such blessings...my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue 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. 

“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’?

 Isaiah 45

“Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? Isaiah 45:9

Today, I pause once again my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today first ensures we know that God is sovereign over everything in the universe and all of its inhabitants (see also post yesterday) - John Piper wants us to see how once we acknowledge this - our natural response is to submit to Him and recognize that we are totally dependent on Him.  Piper uses Isaiah 45:9 and Psalm 100:3 as scriptural reference points for us on these matters.  He goes further by sharing that we are not just totally dependent on Him, but that He is for us! See Isaiah 33:21, 64:4 and Romans 8:31.  Piper concludes the devotion with an awe inspiring and encouraging word by sharing a rhetorical questions that "[c]an you think of anything (I mean anything) that is more comforting and assuring and delighting than that the Lord in his majesty is for you?"  I can't - of course not.  Who can have anything greater than God - nobody!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - always working for me while I am totally dependent on You - the Creator and Sustainer of All.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and compassion and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me 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 eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

 Deuteronomy 33

 The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

I pause my study of 1,2,3 John this morning to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today explore how God is working in what we may feel are desperate circumstances which John Piper describes as "a sense of nothingness or helplessness." Piper encourages those who may be feeling this way, or might be in the future, by sharing that God sees everything we experience and He care and loves for us.  Piper writes to those who may be feeling as if they have hit rock bottom: "[H]e is at the bottom waiting to catch you....Yes, he sees you trembling and slipping. He could (and often did) grab you before you hit bottom. But this time he has some new lessons to teach."  We must try and understand how God is at work during these times and this is where we will gain our encouragement...by KNOWING that God is ALWAYS at work, that His design is PERFECT, and whether we see it in this life or when we are in Heaven for eternity, we WILL someday know with full knowledge why God has us in these circumstances - and it is good.  Piper points us to Psalm 119:71 and I lean on Isaiah 64:4, Lamentations 3:25, Romans 8:28 as additional scripture examples that support this message.  As Piper winds down the devotion for today, he shares: "[d]o not think that your wound has come to you apart from God’s gracious design." Piper refers us to Deuteronomy 32:29 as he closes, sharing that God heals and restores.   

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always at work...and Your designs and plans are perfect.  I have seen this first hand - thank You Jesus for how You have worked in my life and how You continue to work in my life.  I am not deserving of Your hand of grace where my life rests. 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. 

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.

2 Thessalonians 1

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7

I continue my pause on my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Today, I my focus is 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12, assisted by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series volume for 1-2 Thessalonians unpack the text. 

For this text, the commentary's: 

• Title: When God Balances the Books 
  
• Main idea:  "When Jesus is revealed from heaven, He will bring relief to those who love Him and retribution to those who reject Him."
• Introduction (excerpts): God's people [almost certainly true of Thessalonians] often struggle to understand "the pain, affliction, and suffering that is often associated with following Christ. God’s people have always desired to know “how long” until God would bring an end to such injustice, to right all wrongs, and to judge those who harm His followers."  We are referred to Habakkuk 1:2-3 and Psalm 13:1-4 for scriptural examples where God's people demonstrate this struggle.  Luke 12:2-8 is also provided as it shares how "God is not offended by such questions. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that He told us to ask them."
  

Divisions provided by the commentary:

1. The Hopeful Future of Those Who Are Faithful (1:6-7, 10-12): "One of the most difficult things to do when walking through painful times is to keep the proper perspective. A loss of perspective is almost always followed by a loss of purpose. When our mind becomes fixed on what we don’t like about our circumstances, we will invariably fail to consider what God may be doing in our circumstances."  Believers are encouraged to draw near to God and remain near to God through spiritual disciplines and faith - we are referred to Isaiah 46:9-10 as the commentary provides this text for us to maintain a Godly perspective on our circumstances - to look towards the eternal for hope, rest, and rewards. Paul is seeking to do this for the Thessalonians as they face persecutions and affliction.  The commentary also points to the text and how it seeks for us to maintain a Godly perspective in our prayer lives.  God knows all of our needs and He provides - such prayers for temporal circumstances are "not sinful." However, "Jesus expects that our prayers will be focused on much more significant matters like glorifying His Name, expanding His kingdom, and accomplishing His will (Matthew 6:9-13, 32-33). We must learn to view the temporary things through the lenses of God’s eternal plans." The commentary also shares how Paul pivots from an encouragement that comes from having a Godly eternal perspective on our daily lives to a reminder in v11 that as we wait for Christ's second coming, there is more work to do, and that we focus on God's glory in all that we do.
   
2. The Fateful Future of Those Who Do Evil (1:6, 8-9): Here of course, we are reminded of the harsh punishment that awaits those who deny God and who are the source of persecution and affliction.  Believers should not worry about justice - God's justice is perfect.
   

Comment and discuss this post.

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

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

Romans 4

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at "faith for the impossible."  In this devotion John Piper refers us to Paul's text in Romans 4 where Paul highlights Abraham as the model for our faith.  Abraham believed in the promises offered by God in the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12), "in spite of all human evidences to the contrary."  God promised to make Abraham the father of many nations, even though Abraham was about a hundred years old and his wife Sarah was barren.  Piper describes how Romans 4:20-21 highlights Abraham's faith as it "glorified God [and]...called attention to all the omnipotent, supernatural resources of God that would be required to fulfill it." As I posted yesterday, Hebrews 11 examines faith and how this well known text (aka Hall of Faith), defines faith (Hebrews 11:1) as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  Related to faith is worry - something God wants us to avoid.  Worry makes us anxious, and causes us to be impatient or frustrated if things don't go as expected. We all have hopes, concerns, trials, etc. but we can rest (as Abraham) in knowing that God loves us, is faithful and good, always at work in our lives, and able to do what He promises.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You are good and able and I can rest in Your faithfulness and power.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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 would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death.

1 Samuel 2

But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. 1 Samuel 2:25b

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how God sometimes goes against His will, and in this case His will is "to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10). In today's devotion, John Piper uses the story of Eli's worthless sons from 1 Samuel 2 to illustrate his takeaway. He starts by describing from the story that "[t]he sons of Eli the priest would not obey their father when he rebuked them for their sin."  He then unpacks how there are three points we should see from the text.

1. It is possible to sin so long and so grievously that the Lord will not grant repentance. See also 2 Timothy 2:25, Hebrews 12:17, and Luke 23:43.
2. Sometimes God does not permit a sinning person to do what is right.
3. Sometimes our prayers for God’s revealed will to be done will not be done because God has decreed something different for holy and wise purposes.
   

Piper wraps the devotion by offering words of encouragement when we cry out to God for God to save someone, as I have my son Zach.  We are urged to see how God does love us and that we can trust in Him that He is working and while I may not see what He is doing - He is working and He DOES love us. Today's devotion goes hand in hand with yesterday's post and its focus on patience. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy me - and I know You are always at work for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You work in my life.  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.

...God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors....you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Genesis 45 and 50

...God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors....you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 45:7, 50:20

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 (at the same time my church is looking at these very chapters).  Here in the devotion, John Piper seeks for us to model Joseph and grow in our patience through "faith in the sovereign, future grace of God."  Most believers are likely to know the story of Joseph well, yet all of us have needs to stretch and grow in some areas as I do in patience.  Piper wants us to see how God is always at work, and working in the "unplanned places" and "unplanned paces" of our lives - including those that are painful to endure. He sees these as "key to our patience."  God please help me take this to heart!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion and You are always working!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You work.  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.

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Psalm 121:1-3

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how God is constantly working for believers. We need to see this is as supernatural encouragement - as only God can provide. John Piper writes that "God is a tireless worker. He never wearies. Think of God as a worker in your life. Yes, it is amazing. We are prone to think of ourselves as workers in God’s life. But the Bible wants us first to be amazed that God is a worker in our lives[.]"  Piper refers to the following verses as means to substantiate his claims:

• Isaiah 64:4: From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.
  
• 2 Chronicles 16:9: The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.
  
• Mark 10:45: The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.

Life is a very long race for most - one that requires perseverance, endurance, encouragement, etc.  We should seek to go the One True God who created all things and provides all things as our source of provision for what we need to run and finish the race.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who never sleeps or stops working for believers, including me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family,  my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.