Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

 Numbers 12:1-16

Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 12:1-16 - we see Miriam and Aaron complain and oppose Moses, angering God.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The Lord is all knowing - this was true in the beginning from the garden where Adam and Eve sinned (The Fall) and attempted to hide from the Lord but could not.  The Lord heard it when Aaron and Moses spoke ill of Moses (v2).  See also this post and similar posts. The Lord does not like when we gossip or slander others - see the 9th commandment from Exodus 20:16.   In the text today, God is particularly angered (v9) because Moses is favored and pleased by God (vv7-8).  God is both merciful and just.  Miriam is punished as God gives her leprosy.  Aaron is not punished but God responds to Moses intercession that Miriam be healed and after seven days of exile from the camp she is restored.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We see a contrast between Miriam and Aaron who envy Moses and think more highly of themselves than they ought.  Moses on the other hand - v3 - is very humble.  For God to work through us, we must decrease and He must increase - humility.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid envy and arrogance.  Claim the promise that the last shall become first.  Follow Moses' humble example.  Surrender to God and allow Him to work through you. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You are both merciful and just and Your mercies are new every morning and never cease.  Thank You for my salvation and the mercies that continue to pour out daily.  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.

But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

 John 11:1-4

But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” John 11:4

I continue my study of John and today I focus on  John 11:1-4, where we see the beginning of the story of Lazarus, whom we know from the larger story arc is ill and dies, and that Jesus raises him from the dead.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In response to Mary and Martha seeking His help to heal - their brother - Lazarus who is ill (v3), Jesus shares that "[t]his illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (v4)[.]  Jesus is all knowing and His ways are perfect.  He knows that Lazarus will die but that He will raise Lazarus from the dead.  Since the Fall, when sin entered the world, as a result, we experience brokenness in many forms including sickness, pain, suffering, death, etc.  God is in control (Colossians 1:15-17) and this is all part of God's plan and He uses all of this for His purpose and glory (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).  God wants us to bring our cares and concerns to Him - to cast our worries and cares at His feet (1 Peter 5:7).              
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We learn in v2 that Mary loves Jesus because she anointed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment (see also Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8).  None of us want to experience sickness, pain, suffering, death, etc., nor do we want any of our loved ones to experience these things.  So of course Mary and Martha naturally seek the help of Jesus because they have seen Him heal others and now they seek His help for their brother.        
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that Jesus knows everything about us, loves us, heals us (now or for eternity), and saves us.  Also claim the promise that God is in control, perfect and that all that we experience serves to bring Him glory - even brokenness.  Follow Mary and Martha's initial example to lay our cares and concerns at Jesus' feet. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God, Creator of all, in all, perfect in all ways, and You love us and want to save as many as possible.  Thank You Jesus for listening to our cries and for saving us.  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.  

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.

 John 5:1-9

One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me. John 5:5-7

I continue my study of John, and today, I unpack John 5:1-9 using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus demonstrates that He has compassion and He is all knowing - omniscient.  He saw the man who had been lying near the pool who had been "invalid for thirty-eight years" (vv5-6).  Jesus sees the pain, the challenges, the suffering, etc. that we experience and He meets us in our of need.  He knows that the man "had already been there a long time." Jesus asks the man whether he wants to be healed and then gives the man two commands (1) to take his bed, and (2) to walk.  The command to take his bed is intentional to begin stirring up Jewish leadership - stay tuned on this. Jesus then heals the man.  At times Jesus' response to pain, challenges, and suffering is to take away these things, and other times it is to equip us to endure so that others can see Jesus working in us.  See also 2 Corinthians 12:9 where Paul shares how he asked God to remove the thorn in his side, but God's response challenged Paul to see how "[God's] grace is sufficient for [him], for [God's] power is made perfect in weakness."  Paul is reminded that the thorn in his side served to "keep [him] from becoming conceited."  God has a plan - sometimes we don't like the plan, but it is perfect.    
• What do we learn from the passage about people?:  The text first describes the man as an invalid (v5) then as sick (v7).  None of God's creation is invalid - all of His creation serves a role and His purpose. We also see others who may not see the least of these (Matthew 25:40) to help them or push their way in front of them (v7).  The man is no longer invalid but instead now he is sick and somehow worthy of healing vs being simply "invalid".  The man believes that stirred water in the pool will heal him yet finds out that Jesus healed him with his words.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not ever view someone as invalid - all are God's creation and perfect. Claim the promise that God sees all and responds to our cries.  Follow Paul's example to see how God's grace is sufficient.  Help those who need it - the least of these. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and knows all of my pain, challenges, suffering, etc. and You respond.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for working in my life.  I am not deserving of such love 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 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 when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

John 2:23-25

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

I continue my study of John, and today, I further unpack John 2:23-25 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and I summarize my thoughts from both today and yesterday by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

Main point: Jesus is the Promised Messiah, is self-sufficient, and He wants a relationship with us.  

1. Jesus is the Son of God, and King of Kings - all knowing, all powerful and ever present from the beginning to the end (Alpha and Omega). 
2. God knows what is in the hearts and minds of all of humanity - He sees everything. 
3. Belief in Jesus must be based on an understanding of who He is and that He exists to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God is all knowing, all powerful and ever present from the beginning to the end (Alpha and Omega).  God knows what is in the hearts in men - nothing can be hidden from Him.  God will not commit Himself to nor save those whose faith is paper thin.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People try and hide their motives, beliefs and motives, yet Jesus sees it all.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  Avoid superficial faith - Know and love Him with all of your, heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:36).  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (Jeremiah 29:13, James 4:8). 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You 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.

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

 Malachi 3:16-18

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.  “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Malachi 3:16-17

I return to 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 start a focus on a commentary-assisted review of Malachi 3:13-18 - specifically this morning leaning on the commentary for the division covering the text 3:16-18 and for the conclusion for this chapter of the commentary that covers 3:13-18.  

After a rebuke from God (see vv6-13), those who truly loved and feared God spoke amongst themselves.  While it is not explicit what they discussed, God - of course being all knowing - heard them and of course saw how they feared the Lord.  Again, God does not want us to be afraid of Him, but He wants us to have reverent awe for who God is - the Creator and the King of Kings who is provident over all - holding all things together (see Colossians 1:15-19), including our lives.  We can approach Him with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), knowing that He wants us to lay our burdens on Him (1 Peter 5:7). God then adds those who fear Him to a book of remembrance.  All believers who love and fear God are in this book and sealed for eternity as God is saving a place in Heaven for them.  We are His and His treasured possession as in Malachi 3:17.  What awesome words from God!  Malachi 3:18 then turns to offer a warning for those who do not serve (or fear) God. Ultimately, those who do not fear or love God are thrown into Hell - see Revelation 20:15.  

Excerpts from the commentary:

• See also Proverbs 9:10 for text describing reverential fear of God
• "Malachi’s book of remembrance is quite different than those previously mentioned. Malachi’s book was not written before the foundation of the world and it isn’t a book that records the wicked acts of sinful individuals and God’s judgments against them. It is a book for the righteous acts, deeds, and motives of God’s chosen people. Scripture clearly speaks of the fact that God records everything. Kings during this time frequently recorded in books instances where people would perform favors for them with the hopes of returning the favor one day (e.g., Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-3). Malachi has this kind of book in mind."
• "Notice that all things, not just the good or the bad, are recorded for eternity. God is even recording every time you respond in righteousness. Every time a woman respects her body and rejects intimacy with another man before marriage, God sees and honors that decision. Every time a husband refuses to engage in immoral talk at work or to be seduced into looking at pornography, God recognizes it. Every time you avert gossip, every time you bear the burden of an injustice and refuse to lash out, God sees that. Every time a family opens their home to be a Christian witness to the world, God sees that. Every time you share the gospel with a lost family member or friend, God sees that, whether or not anyone else does. If we lived with this in mind, would it change the way that we act?"

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who knows everything about me, yet loves me anyway and of course saved me.  Thank You Father God Jesus!  I am not deserving.  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.

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Matthew 6

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6:31-32

I pause my study of 1 Corinthians to study DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys Daily devotional, which today, looks at how God knows all of our needs, knows our heart, and desires to provide for all of our needs.  John Piper shares how he is a father himself, albeit of course an earthly father, and this does not compare with our heavenly Father.  With this comparison, Piper describes three ways his knowing does not compare to our heavenly Father:

1. He does not know where his children (grown) are in the present
   
2. He does not know what is in their heart at this current moment
3. He does not know their future 

On the other hand, Piper describes how our heavenly Father DOES know us: "He knows everything about us, where we are, now and tomorrow, inside and out. He sees every need.  Add to that, his huge eagerness to meet our needs. Remember the “much more” of Matthew 6:30, “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you?” Add to that his complete ability to do what he is eager to do (he feeds billions of birds hourly, around the world, Matthew 6:26)."  

We are urged to trust "the promise of Jesus to meet our needs."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You provide for all of my needs, physical, emotional, and spiritual, and I have no cause for worry.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, bless and provide 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 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.

[H]e reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter.

Daniel 2

[H]e reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.  To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, for you have made known to us the king's matter. Daniel 2:22-23

I continue my pause of my study of Hebrews to study Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 2:22-23 and scripture memorization of this text.  In Daniel 1, Daniel has been taken exile to Babylonia and put to work in King Nebuchadnezzar's court.  Daniel refuses to eat defiled food (likely animals sacrificed to foreign gods), but he and his companions - Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah - are able to convince their captors that they will fare well eating just vegetables and water.  God is with them as they are faithful, holding firm to God and His ways and worshiping only Him and no other gods.  God finds favor with Daniel and he is blessed with abilities - particularly the ability to interpret dreams - and he stands out among those in Nebuchadnezzar's court. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and Daniel seeks God's wisdom to interpret the dream - Daniel knows his abilities are from God. God responds and gives Daniel wisdom to interpret Nebuchadnezzar's dream - and he spares he and his companions, as well as all the wise men of Babylon - from Nebuchadnezzar's wrath.  In v22-23, Daniel continues (see full text of praise in v20-23) to praise God: (1) God is all knowing as He knows deep and hidden things (secrets, mysteries, etc.), revealing them to us through His light (2) He is also a light to others drawing others to Him, (3) He provides, (4) He responds and answers prayer.  Praise God indeed!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are worthy of my praise as You are the source of all knowledge and wisdom and You also know my sin - yet You reconcile me to Yourself so that I can have grace, forgiveness and everlasting life now and forever...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and life - my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jeuss 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.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Isaiah 28-29

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to Lesson 11, Day 5, which again focuses on Isaiah 29. As I review the symptoms of Israel's heart issues from my post yesterday - spiritual blindness (v29:9-12), cold-hearted worship (v29:13), and a desire for worldly wisdom (v29:14-16) - I am forced to examine how these symptoms manifest themselves in my own life. I am reminded of Psalm 139 where David writes about how God knows everything about us and He asks God to reveal his sin to him. 

Comment and discuss my post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me.  You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You are so patient and full of grace.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me and are full of grace for me.  My sin is great and it is 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 the thing David had done displeased the Lord.

2 Samuel 11

But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. 2 Samuel 11:27

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 "David: Giant Problems and Colossal Collapses*".

*Title of lesson five from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado drawing an analogy of being in high altitudes for how we often rise to wealth, power, status, etc. and we lose sight of how we got there.  We also lose sight of others and their needs and who they are - we only see them as below us and perhaps we like such a perspective - it might feed our ego.  When we fail to recognize our proper position (we exist to glorify God and not for ourselves), Satan notices this and we very prone to temptation.  David falls prey to lust and then covers up his sin with more sin.  Yet, while few know of David's sin, God knows and nothing is hidden.  

Lucado provides us with a number of verses to help us with temptation:

• ...[D]o not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27
• “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
• Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
• Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
•  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. James 1:13-14
•  Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
• You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4  

As a means to fight temptation, Lucado wants us to acknowledge our Maker, without whom we would be and have nothing.  As well, we must recognize our sinful nature and brokenness. Our humility should drive us into His arms and a daily, lifelong, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, You created me, You sustain me and You came to save me - suffering and dying on the cross for me.  I am in awe that You would do all this for me - knowing everything about me, including my sin, which by the way continues.  I am not deserving of such blessings - not by a long shot.  I am often harsh with my words and actions.  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.  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 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Genesis 25, 27, 30, and 32

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

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 afternoon, I start with the story of "Jacob: Wrestling with the Past*".

*Title of lesson three from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado pointing to how Jacob was a "conniver" and had on three occasions, deceived others to get what he wanted:

• Esau (Genesis 25:27-34)
• Issac (Genesis 27:14-29)
• Laban (Genesis 30:29-43) 
  

Yet Jacob had to start dealing with his past deeds upon a reunion with Esau where he thought Esau would be vengeful.  Previously Jacob would run from his past but this time he could not. Although I will focus in more detail how Jacob wrestles with God and deals with his past, today's reading encourages me to see how God sees everything and He orchestrates ways for us to come to grips with our past sins - all of this to see how much God loves us.  God knows everything about us - yet He still pursues us and loves us.  He wants a relationship with us despite our sin - amazing!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God indeed - You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You still pursued me, died for me, and You STILL love me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I worry, and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus 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 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Psalm 139, 145, 148, and 150 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Day 123 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 my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I continue today with the group: "Psalms of Joy and Praise".

Today's psalms focus on praise over the wonder of God's total familiarity with each life, praise to a faithful, loving and righteous God, that all creatures praise the God of creation, and a call for all things to praise the Lord.

The core of today's reading encourages us to fully appreciate how God knows everything about us, the ugliness of our sin over the entirety of our lives, and how despite this knowledge, exercises grace and compassion - despite what we deserve. Psalm 139 more than anything from today's reading, captures God omniscience:

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain....For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16

We know that the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), and this is what we deserve because we all sin.  Yet Jesus saves....and He does so despite knowing everything about us including our sin - nothing is hidden.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You indeed know everything about me and You hold not just my life but all life and the entire universe rests in Your hands - You are in control.  Despite knowing everything about me and being in co.ntrol - You love me anyway...and You came to earth as a baby to die on the cross so that I could have life here on earth and forever with You in Heaven!  Unbelievable.  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  I sin...gossip, worry, etc. daily.  Thank You for Your grace and compassion but I need this also 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 is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day..... He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.

Psalm 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11

God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day..... He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.  Psalm 7:11, 11:4

Day 107 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context.  My study groups 112 of David's psalms into five major topical areas, starting today with "Psalms of the Troubled Soul".

I have often seen evil and injustice in the world and from time to time it frustrates me that I don't see justice or punishment for the purveyors of evil or perpetrators of injustice.  Yet as I posted a few days ago, nothing is hidden from God and all will be held to account at the final judgement and

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

2 Samuel 21, 2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21-22, and Psalm 30

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Day 104 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on famine (2 Samuel 21) brought about by Saul's attempt to annihilate the Gibeonites (despite an earlier agreement of protection by Joshua), David's sinful attempt to perform a census of Israel (2 Samuel 24, 1 Chronicles 21) and God's reaction, which led to a plague of death with greater destruction halted only by God's great mercy and David's cries for forgiveness and his intercession. David then makes preparations to build the temple (1 Chronicles 22) and Psalm 30 dedicates the temple in advance of its construction by Solomon.

With regard to the famine that God brought upon Israel many years after a sin was committed by Saul, my commentary* indicates this incident "teaches something about...the significance in God’s eyes of sins long forgotten by man".

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

God does not forget about our sin and nothing is hidden from God and upon final judgement (see John Piper on this) as we stand before the throne we are held to account based on what is recorded in the Book of Life and the Book of Deeds.

We should be grateful, therefore, for God's compassion and mercy - as the wages of sin are death, but God sent His one and only Son to die for all of us so that we might be redeemed.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has gone to the cross so that I could life - thank You Jesus!  The greatest gift of all time!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me over come 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.  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 he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”

Genesis 18-19

But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.” Genesis 18:15

Day 7 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on angels who visit Abraham and Sarah and deliver once again the message of their coming child and as well the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (including Lot's escape).

Today was admittedly a difficult day of my own doing and so I am going to keep this post short given my inability to focus.

When Sarah laughs after hearing the angel's message (Genesis 18:10-12), she denies it (Genesis 18:15) - yet Sarah's heart condition is known because "this heavenly Visitor has correctly perceived her disbelief".

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

God knows everything about us, including what we think and all of our sin.  Yet He loves us - that is grace, grace indeed.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace - I am NOT deserving!  I rage with anger and impatience and so 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.

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.

2 Thessalonians 1

God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.  v6-7 

The MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicates that the timing of this letter "was surely a few months after the first epistle" citing Acts 18:11 indication that the 18 month period when Paul was in Corinth was "ample" time for both epistles to be authored.  Per this overview, The church in Thessalonica needed encouragement, instruction on how to discern false teachers, and to focus on their faith, service to God and to one another, and to remain unified.  

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to remain strong in the face of perspecution.  He tells them that "God is just" - indeed.  See also posts here on this topic.  In particular this post is useful.   

We often grow weary when we face persecution.  Yet we can take comfort that God sees it all and the wicked will not go unpunished and the faithful will be rewarded.

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8:17

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

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

John 3

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. v17

Typically, v16 gets most of the attention in John 3 but it is worthwhile to understand v16 in a broader context by unpacking what else John is saying.  In doing so, I am encouraged by the verses that follow.  I am encouraged by knowing that God knows everything about me yet still loves me anyway. Jesus then and most importantly, willingly chose to lay down His life so that my sin, and the sin of all humanity, would be permanently redeemed, and so that humanity would be free from the sting of sin and death.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

See also post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who knows everything about me yet loves me anyway...and You came to save me and give me life...abundantly now and in Heaven!  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such love...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 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 Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

John 2

But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. v24-25

Jesus had a large following as He performed miracles and healed people (see also here and v23).  Many of those who followed Jesus then and I suspect many who follow Him now are drawn to Him for WHAT He does but not for WHO He is.   What is important to note is that we cannot fake our way through faith - as Jesus knows what is in our heart and nothing is hidden from Him.  Faith requires us to recognize our own limitations - that we all sin - and to believe that Jesus died and rose for our sins. 

From there, our faith only grows in Him when we take time to get to know Him through daily study and prayer.

I know for myself that faith in what Jesus does (without truly knowing who He is) is not really faith at all and John Piper gets to this question here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so full of patience and grace - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such grace and patience.  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 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.

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?"

Matthew 9

 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?" v4

Jesus knows our thoughts...and of course, everything flows from our hearts (Proverbs 4:23).  Therefore we should focus on our heart condition and stop faking our way through a relationship with Jesus - He knows everything and nothing is hidden.  Be forewarned...we should not have a superficial or lukewarm relationship with Jesus. 

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

Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Jeremiah 2

Although you wash yourself with soap and use an abundance of cleansing powder, the stain of your guilt is still before me, declares the Sovereign Lord. v22

The Lord is angry with Israel for turning its back on Him.  We may believe that our sins are forgiven but they are not forgotten, nor are they hidden.  We are held accountable, either in this life or at Judgement Day, as God knows everything we have done - good or bad.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that knows everything about me - good and bad - yet You came to save me anyway.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as 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.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’

Isaiah 47

You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ v10

Addressing Babylonians who held Israelites in bondage, God warns those who have not seen God's hand in Israel's plight to know that their OWN sins have not gone unnoticed and will not go unpunished.  God is in control and knows everything - we must live in reverent fear of God.  At the same time we must understand and know that God loves us even though we sin, and as a demonstration of this He disciplines us out of love - see posts from last several days.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who knows everything about me, including my sin - yet You still love me and died for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  I am harsh with my words and actions. 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.