“Accept these from them, that they may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give them to the Levites, to each man according to his service.”

Numbers 7:1-11

“Accept these from them, that they may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give them to the Levites, to each man according to his service.” Numbers 7:5

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 7:1-11, we see the chiefs of Israel give offerings of wagons and oxen (and other offerings) in service of the tabernacle.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Building on my post yesterday on the Aaronic Blessing at the end of Numbers 6, we see offerings of wagons and oxen (v3, and other offerings in v10) made by the chiefs of Israel, and there are all indications that these were free will offerings as we don't see instructions from the Lord to make these offerings.  God seeks our heart, not actions where we go through the motions - see also Hosea 6:6 and 1 Samuel 15:22.  We must remember that every good and perfect gift is from above - James 1:17 - and this should move us to believe that whatever resources we have belong to him, and to be cheerful givers - see also 2 Corinthians 9:7.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Looking ahead through v88, the chiefs of Israel, those who led each of the twelve tribes, set the example of giving freely. This sermon also highlights how no tribe nor any gift they gave was any better in the eyes of the Lord.  We should not feel any less important, nor any less used than another tribe. Everyone's (the exact same gift) gift matters as it is recorded here - repetitively.  
• 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 comparing yourself, your ministry, and your congregation to another - you all matter in the eyes of the Lord.  Claim the promise of 1 Corinthians 12 where we are all one body and we cannot say how one part is lesser than another. Follow the example of the tribe chiefs who each gave freely. Give with a cheerful heart. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and You are the source of all provision.  Thank You for how You provide, bless, and save.  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 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.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”

Numbers 6:22-27

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:24-27

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 6:22-27, we see the Lord give Moses instructions to pass on to Aaron and his sons to bless Israel - the Aaronic Blessing.  With assistance from RC Sproul/Ligonier Ministries, here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God wants to remind us that He alone is the source of all good things - hence His Name is mentioned three times in four verses - each time He is the subject of the verse as one should read these verses as a statement just as much as one would a prayer and blessing over people. The Lord: blesses and keeps us, He makes His face shine upon us and be gracious to us, lifts up His countenance upon us and gives us peace.  The Lord does and shall do ALL of these things.  His name is also upon the people of Israel and He will (promise) bless them.  See also James 1:17 where the text reminds us of how God gives us every good and perfect gift.  Deuteronomy 28:1-14 lists in details specifically many of the blessings He pours out for us if we obey His Words.  God is SO good - all the time!  The blessing includes an incredible and hopeful wish that one day, all of us will see His face and it will "shine upon you and be gracious to you."
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People often see their efforts as the fruit of their own labor and believers specifically should be very careful not to do this - God alone saves and provides ALL.  
• 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 seeing any blessings you experience as the fruit of your own labor.  Claim the promise that You will one day see God's face and that He will shine upon you.  Follow the example of Jesus who looked beyond the cross to Heaven.  Be humble and know that every good and perfect gift is from above. 

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My Prayer: Father God,You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You bless daily and beyond what I deserve.  Thank You!  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.

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”

Mark 9:1-13

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” Mark 9:7

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:1-13.  Excerpts from the second (of three) division (vv5-8):

• For the second division, the title is: "Listen to the Voice of God the Father."
• "In these verses only two persons speak: Peter and God the Father. Jesus does not say a word. He doesn’t need to! Peter’s words we can set aside and even excuse in light of his fear (v. 6) and his being suddenly awakened from a nap (Luke 9:32). We must hear the Father’s words and heed them. Our spiritual lives depend on it."  
• The cloud overshadowing them here in the Transfiguration (v7) is similar to how God "enveloped" the tabernacle as Moses and the priests led worship during Israel's time in the wilderness (Exodus 40:35, 1 Kings 8:10-11).  The commentary also emphasizes how despite Peter suggested how tents should be constructed for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, no such tents are necessary in the presence of God. 
• Of course God's words and exhortation to listen to Jesus echo His words during Jesus' baptism (Mark 1:11).  We are also referred to Deuteronomy 18:15 where God shares a prophecy of a coming Messiah.
• "When the cloud disappears, Elijah and Moses vanish, and “Jesus alone” remains. Moses and Elijah were great revealers of truth along with all the other prophets, but the voice of God commands us to listen to His Son, Jesus. Give Him your ears."

From an earthly perspective, we may claim many physical needs for food, water, shelter, etc. but most importantly we need Jesus.  It is from Him where all provision comes and He saves providing our daily bread and the "living water" and if we drink of this water we will never thirst again (John 4:13-14).

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My Prayer: Father God, You are SO good providing for not just my physical needs but also for my emotional and spiritual needs as You save and You pour out mercies for me daily that overflow and never cease.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide 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. 

And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people.

Mark 8:1-26

And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people. Mark 8:7b-9

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 8:1-26.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction for the entirety of the text and for the first (of four) division (vv1-10):

• The title for this chapter of the commentary is "Sometimes We Just Don't Get It," and the main idea for the entirety of the text is "Jesus has the power to overcome our spiritual blindness and open our eyes that we may see."
• "Remembering what we have seen our Lord do in the past should help us trust Him in the present. Unfortunately, we are sometimes forgetful and even hard-hearted (8:17). In spite of seeing the Lord work in our past, we are not sure He can handle our present. We just don’t get it."
• For the first division, the title is: "Jesus Always Has a Plan, but We May Only See a Problem."
• "Once again Jesus involves His disciples in the problem. This is another teachable moment. So He calls them to Himself (v1), shares His heart (v2), and explains the situation (vv2-3). The Twelve respond with a question. It is not one of unbelief as much as it is of their bad location and lack of resources (v4). The implication is, “We can do nothing. What then will You do? Jesus, You are the only hope!” Good!"
• "Twice He has taught the people to thank God for their daily provision and to trust Him as their sole and sufficient resource to give them what they need."

The commentary also emphasizes how repetition is often needed to reinforce an important lesson. In Mark 6 we see Jesus feeding the five thousand, and here in chapter 8 Jesus feeds the four thousand.  The lesson of course is how all good and perfect gifts come from above (James 1:17) and how Jesus provides for all of our needs - apart from God we can do nothing (John 15:5).  We should always be thankful for how God provides, not take it for granted how God gives us the breath of life, etc. See also this post from a study in Leviticus. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who loves, saves, provides, etc.  Thank You for pulling me out of the pit of sin and saving me - while still an enemy and hostile to You.  Incredible!  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. 

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

 Malachi 3:10-12

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:10-12

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 my focus is an unassisted review of Malachi 3:10-12.  In these two verses, God makes a promise to Israel that He will bless the nation beyond the point where it will no longer have any needs that are not met - see v10 "until there is no more need."  A need is defined as "a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful...a condition requiring relief, [or as the] lack of the means of subsistence."  This promise is of course conditional on the people giving to God their tithe (see text that mentions tithe in the ESV Bible translation, including Leviticus 27:32 which specifically refers to 10%).  Another promise God makes is that Israel will be a land of delight.  For believers today who are under grace vs under the law, there is no longer a requirement for a tithe as believers give what is referred to instead as an offering - see this helpful resource.  We should give freely at least a tithe (10%) as an expression of our love for Christ who gave His life for us.  Believers should also understand that God is the source and provides for all of our needs and whatever we have it belongs to God - this includes our own body.  Everything we have - our lives and our belongings should be used in the service of the Lord, to fulfill His mission, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).  We should trust in how God provides.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who provides for all of my needs and never leaves or forsakes me - thank You!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You provide. 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.  

We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

1 Corinthians 4

We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 1 Corinthians 4:13

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:6-13. As a starting point, the commentary* provides as it main idea for the text: "[b]ecause Christians have received every good thing from God, they should avoid superiority, expect opposition, and live humbly."  It* then, in the introduction, further outlines Paul's intent for the text: "[t]he Corinthians had both a pride and an unbelief problem. They were taking pride in particular spiritual leaders and were arrogant in terms of who they thought they were and what they had achieved. Paul knew how deadly these twin sins can be in the body of Christ, the local church. So he confronts them."

The commentary* then outlines and provides details for the following divisions:

1. Be Careful about Being Prideful about Whom You Follow (4:6-7): Paul first warns the church of Corinth, and by extension all believers, about misunderstanding the "nature" of the gospel, the "role of the Christian minister," and the "attitude of the Christian minister." He starts by sharing how the church leaders live life humbly so that they serve as a model for the church - he builds on text going back to 1 Corinthians 1:10 with analogies referring to the leaders as servants, co-workers, and managers/craftsmen sent and gifted by God. The leaders are mere vessels to advance God's kingdom and unworthy of worship - it is Jesus alone worthy of our worship.  The commentary* writes about the "cult of personality," arrogance/pride, etc. that consumed the church in Corinth: "[Paul] does not want the church to be arrogant, prideful, or puffed up, choosing favorites like worldly political parties do. We need to hear the same warning. Don’t be seduced by the ways of the world when it comes to your leaders."  Additionally, the message on boasting is reinforced as Paul reminds us that all we have is by grace not through our own efforts as "[e]very good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17). As a result we are no better than anyone else.
   
2. Be Careful about Being Arrogant about Who You Are (4:8-13): Paul then moves, using sarcasm and self-effacing language about himself and the other church leaders, to admonish the church about their arrogance and focus on "cult of personality."  He provides a contrasting portrait of the church leaders (spectacle of shame, fools, weak, dishonored, hungry/thirsty, poorly clothed/homeless, roughly treated, mere manual laborers, reviled, persecuted, slandered, scum, and garbage) vs the church body in Corinth and how they felt about themselves (arrogant and prideful). We are referred to Lamentations 3:45 as scriptural support for Paul's reference to the faithful as scum and garbage. Focus on Christ for Your identity - not the world!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God who humbled himself so that I could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life - simply incredible.  Thank You Jesus!  I am OF COURSE not deserving.  My sin persists...daily.  Please forgive me for my sins of both commission and omission.  Help me turn from such sin, overcome it and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

1 Corinthians 3

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 3:18-23. The commentary* provides the following main idea for the text: "[w]orldly wisdom fuels competition in the church and causes Christians to forget they have everything in Christ." It then goes on to unpack the text via following three divisions:

1. Do Not Deceive Yourself; Know What True Wisdom Is (3:18): Paul warns the church in Corinth to be "on guard against self deception." Their lack of spiritual maturity lead them to focus not on Christ but on leaders and a "cult of personality." The commentary* writes about worldly wisdom: "The world delights in power and might. God works in weakness and suffering. The wisdom of this world mocks the cross. The wisdom of God glories in the cross. In terms of ministry, God works through servants, not superstars. He works through the nobodies, rarely the somebodies[.]" This is in direct opposition to what the world expects. 
   
2. Remember, God Sees Every Action and Knows Every Thought (3:19-20): The commentary* describes how God  peers into the hearts of all men and thwarts all thoughts and actions that are contrary to His will.  It shares how impure thoughts and motives undermine the church: "[t]he plans of the wise of the world are foolish, empty, and ineffective....God sees every action and knows every thought of every person. If we desire to be wise in the eyes of God, we must believe, live, think, and act in ways that this world sees as foolish. Run the other way from worldly fads and ideologies. They will only let you down. In the end you will have played the fool." 
   
3. Enjoy Every Blessing of God Because All Things Belong to You (3:21-23): The commentary* emphasizes "an amazing statement" in v22: "[w]hat an amazing statement of the blessings and wealth the believer has in Christ! God has made all unsinful things for our blessing, good, joy, and pleasure. For instance, God does not bless us with one teacher of the gospel but every teacher. He blesses us in life and death. He blesses us now and in the future. Everything is ours!" The commentary* then lists eight things from these verses that all believers should keep in mind: (a) Paul is ours (including the 13 letters he wrote in the Bible!).  (b) Apollos - noted as a gifted preacher, (c) Cephas (aka Peter) - upon which Christ built the church, (d) the entirety of creation, (e) life - and the abundance (not an earthly one) Christ promises, (f) death - the sting of death is overcome, (g) the present - sanctification, (h) the future - "[t]he future in Christ is not uncertain, scary, ominous, or nerve-racking. The one who holds my present also holds my future. We’ve read about the end, and we win! There is a rider who will arrive on a white horse." The commentary* for this division concludes by ensuring we understand all of these glorious realities belong to those who are in Christ.  We are referred to Matthew 3:17, John 1:1, Philippians 2:6, Colossians 1:15, and Hebrews 1:3.  
   

The commentary* wraps for the text by reinforcing how we are to avoid boasting in ourselves or relying on (in an ungodly manner) anything in the world.  "[B]oast only in Jesus."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me everything - thank You Jesus!  What an amazing promise and reality.  I am not deserving of how You provide - 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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  This morning my focus is a review and study - assisted by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, which the commentary unpacks via three (3) divisions:

1. God Builds His Church in a Specific Way (1:1-3).* > emphasis on how Paul is called by God and given apostolic authority "as an emissary of the Lord Jesus Christ." Sosthenes is also called out by the text and the commentary describes him as the same man mentioned in Acts 18:17 and it posits that he became a "missionary serving alongside Paul in Ephesus." The commentary then describes several attributes of the church in Corinth - which can be applied all churches: (a) the church as "positional[ly] sanctif[ied]" (vs "experiential[ly] sanctif[ied]") - where the church as a whole defined as "God's holy people in Christ;" (b-c-d) church members as saints - those who in faith call on Jesus Christ as Lord; God's people as saints are a global body - not "contained by borders or...walls"; (e) "the Lord builds his church and blesses his saints with two essential kindnesses: grace and peace" which the commentary further shares as "God's Riches At Christ's Expense (GRACE)
   
2. God Gives Gifts to His Church, with Nothing Missing (1:4-7).* Here the emphasis in the text, as shared by the commentary is how graciously God provides, in particular through the distribution of spiritual gifts. It shares that "Paul draws attention to the gifts of 'all speech and all knowledge, '" and how "all spiritual gifts generally fall under one of three categories: knowledge, speaking, or service....Indeed, in Christ we get all that we will ever need to be pleasing to God and effective for God....[n]othing is missing."  
   
3. God Provides Hope for His Church with Powerful Promises (1:7-9).* The church is encouraged to hold fast to the faith and to be in expectant hope based on the promises of Christ's return and eternal rewards. The commentary describes the hope and encouragement for the church in Corinth as shared in the text in v9 - despite the church's challenges: "[t]he church at Corinth may be fragmenting and headed toward a split, but God nevertheless has a hold of the believers there by his Son. He will not let his people go, no matter what. He may have to exercise some tough love, but they are his and will remain his forever. You can count on it." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good and You are so faithful! I know I can count on You and find a yes and all of Your promises!  Thank You for the hope and encouragement that only You can provide.  I am not deserving of the grace and 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 heal Lisa of her cancer and from the sie 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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 6). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you—so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:4-8

I push on with my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  This morning my focus is a review - unaided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 1:4-8.  Here, Paul, knowing he will ultimately focus much of this book to admonish the church in Corinth, starts the letter by reminding the church in Corinth who they are, as he encourages them to remain obedient and faithful.  This reminder serves all churches well - regardless of the health and vitality of the church.  Paul emphasizes how this letter greets not just the church in Corinth but "all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (v2).  We must remind ourselves how we (1) we're given grace, (2) were enriched by the teaching by Paul and others, (3) are not lacking anything. In light of this we are remain obedient and faithful. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know I am blessed, having been given grace, being enriched and sanctified by You, and having provided all things - thank You for these blessings Lord 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. 

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

Philippians 4

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at Philippians 4 and how Paul's God-divined words help us battle unbelief which we are likely to experience when we focus on love of money or other earthly matters that are not eternal.  Looking specifically at verses 11-12, Piper kicks off today's devotion by sharing that "God’s provision of day-by-day future grace enables Paul to be filled or to be hungry, to prosper or suffer, to have abundance or go wanting."  He then points to verse 13 where Paul describes how "[he] can do all things through him who strengthens [him]."  Piper writes that when Paul says that he can do all things - this includes not just easy things, but difficult ones also.  He then points to verse 19 and describes the promise made there as "stunning" as he shares how Paul claims that "God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  This is emphasized as the power of future grace - that faith in God's promises enables future grace as the power behind both good times and challenging ones. As a corollary, Piper then points us to Hebrews 13:5 where the author encourages us to avoid the love of money - as such covetousness is emblematic of unbelief.  Seek God, understand and appreciate how much God loves us, and how as Hebrews 13:5 also says how God will never leave or forsake us - also an incredible promise - which will also press us into God knowing that He is faithful.

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My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are SO good as You DO supply for every need - in all times good and bad!  Thank You Jesus - I also know You will never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings and love.  My sin is great and it continues...please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[T]hey shall be servants to him, that they may know my service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.

2 Chronicles 12

[T]hey shall be servants to him, that they may know my service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. 2 Chronicles 12:8

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at text in the Old Testament where God shows Solomon's son Rehoboam mercy in bringing a prophet Shemaiah to him to warn him of punishment God was about to deliver for abandoning Him for foreign gods (2 Chronicles 12:1-5). In response to Shemaiah's message, Rehoboam humbled himself and repented of his sins (v6). In turn, God delivered Rehoboam from the hand of his attackers (v7). However, Rehoboam was placed in the service of his attackers (Egypt and its King Shishak - v8), and Piper uses this text to illustrate how God wants us to see how service to Him is not burdensome but joyful and we do it not because God needs anything (He doesn't), but because it is life giving.  Piper shares that [t]he point is plain: serving the enemy and serving God are very different. How so? Serving God is a receiving and a blessing and a joy and a benefit. Serving Shishak is exhausting and depleting and sorrowful. God is a giver. Shishak is a taker." To bolster his point, Piper refers us to Acts 17:25 where Paul is speaking and he is explicit in describing how God does not need anything. Piper also provides Psalm 100:2 where it is written that we are to "[s]erve the Lord with gladness." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and You provide for all of my needs and Your mercies are new every morning.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  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!

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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.

At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me.

Daniel 4

 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Daniel 4:36

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 4 and my unaided observations of this chapter. Here, once again (v1-3) we see what appears as sincere praise of God by Nebuchadnezzar who witnessed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be rescued by God from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).  We also see Nebuchadnezzar's second dream (4-18), and Daniel's interpretation of this dream (v19-26). Interpreting the dream troubled Daniel, as he knows it foretells harsh punishment for Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel, as a possible means to avoid such harsh punishment, warns Nebuchadnezzar to practice righteousness and to show mercy to the oppressed (v27).  Yet, at least in scripture, we don't see Nebuchadnezzar responding to Daniel's warning.  Instead, we see an arrogant response (v30), and the dream comes to fruition with a "voice from heaven" declaring it will come to pass - v31-33. While Nebuchadnezzar is restored and again praises God (v34-35, 37), he arrogantly attributes how his reason is returned to him, "for the glory of [his] kingdom" (v36).  We must acknowledge how all comes from God!

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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 - You provide for all of my needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual - everything, every day.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  My sin is great and it continues.  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 as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind.

Daniel 2

 But as for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because of any wisdom that I have more than all the living, but in order that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your mind. Daniel 2:30

I pause in 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 as I lean on a commentary for its observations for v1-30. The commentary for this text highlights a few key themes, including how prayer is not just important but "essential" as it refers to Amos 3:7 and how Daniel and his companions prayed for God to intercede, not just for themselves but for all of the wise men of Babylon (v18).  The commentary also points to how it is implied in the text that Daniel must have had such peace about laying his concerns (including his life and that of his companions and all the wise men of Babylon) at God's feet that he was able to go to sleep (v19).  Daniel's response in song of praise (v20-23) is also highlighted, including key attributes of God: "eternality (v. 20); his omniscience and omnipotence (v. 20); his sovereignty over the nations (v. 21); his gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (v. 21); his revelation and knowledge (v. 22); his faithfulness to his people (v. 23); and for answering Daniel’s prayer (v. 23)." The commentary wraps by highlighting how Daniel gives all the credit to God for the gift Daniel has in interpreting dreams - building on my post yesterday.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and You hear and answer all of my prayers - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You intercede and 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.

The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”

Daniel 2

 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” Daniel 2:47

I pause in 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 and my unaided observations of this chapter.  Here, this text describes how Nebuchadnezzar has dreams that trouble him and prevent him from sleeping well (v1-2).  Then Nebuchadnezzar asked the "magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans" to interpret his dreams, and he indicates that they are to do this (and be rewarded) or they will be killed (v3-6).  They ultimately tell the king that his request is not possible and the king was very angry - he then sent out a decree that all the wise man of Babylon be destroyed (v10-12). Daniel was able to persuade the captain of the guards that he could interpret the king's dreams (v14-16).  Before he went in to see the king, Daniel sought out his companions (Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah), and told them to pray for mercy (v17-18).  The mystery of the king's dreams were then revealed to Daniel, and Daniel praised God (v20-23).  Daniel then appeared before the king and made it clear that God alone interpreted the dreams and it is his wisdom that reigns and Daniel is only used as a messenger (v28, 30). Daniel then interprets the dreams (v36-45), including how God will set up a kingdom that will last forever (v44) - a clear reference to Christ's reign.  Daniel is then rewarded (v46-49) for his ability to interpret the king's dreams and the king even acknowledges how God reigns (v47). 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and You provide for all my needs, physical, emotional, and spiritual - and You are the source of all gifts and wisdom - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  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. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26

I pause this morning from my studies of both Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to Part 1 of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion on worry.  Here, across three days of the Solid Joys daily devotion, John Piper uses the Sermon on the Mount to unpack seven (7) promises Jesus gives us to encourage us in our battle against anxiety and stress.  Anxiety and stress is something which I battle, and more often than not, it relates to worry over Zach and Dustin.  This morning my focus is Part 1, which covers two of the promises Jesus offers on worry: 

#1: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25

Piper states: "[s]ince your body and your life are vastly more complex and difficult to provide than food and clothing are, and yet God has, in fact, created and provided you with both, then surely he will be able and willing to provide you with food and clothing.

Moreover, no matter what happens, God will raise your body someday and preserve your life and body for his eternal fellowship."

 #2: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

Piper states: "[i]f God is willing and able to feed such insignificant creatures as birds who cannot do anything to bring their food into being — as you can by farming — then he will certainly provide what you need, because you are worth a lot more than birds. You, unlike the birds, have the amazing capacity to glorify God by trusting, obeying, and thanking God."

Thank You God for how You encourage in all areas of my life.

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Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant[.]

Psalm 86

Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant[.] Psalm 86:16

Because I did not wake early enough to give God my first fruits of undistracted time this morning - I am coming back during my day to commune with my God and to (1) seek my forgiveness, (2) gain strength and daily sustenance. Listening to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, I reflect on John Piper's words and on the words of the psalmist who in Piper's words "give us a beautiful model of daily dependence on future grace for every exigency."  Piper lays out several examples of the psalmists dependence on future grace:

• They cry out for grace when they need help: “Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!” (Psalm 30:10).
• When they are weak: “Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant” (Psalm 86:16)
• When they need healing: “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord” (Psalm 6:2).
• When they are afflicted by enemies: “Be gracious to me, O Lord! See my affliction from those who hate me” (Psalm 9:13).
• When they are lonely: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted” (Psalm 25:16).
• When they are grieving: “Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief” (Psalm 31:9).
• When they have sinned: “O Lord, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against you!” (Psalm 41:4).
• When they long for God’s name to be exalted among the nations: “God be gracious to us and bless us . . . that your way may be known on earth” (Psalm 67:1–2).

These are all circumstances I have faced.  I also need my "bread" daily - see Matthew 6:9-13.  I cannot exist without Christ as He provides for all of my needs, saves me and gives life now (abundantly) and for eternity.  

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are a great God that pours out blessings to me daily and I desperately need them.  Thank You Jesus for how You provide for all of my needs and for how You save and sanctify.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and daily - including failing to give You my first fruits.  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 the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song.

Isaiah 51-53

For the Lord comforts Zion; he comforts all her waste places and makes her wilderness like Eden, her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song. Isaiah 51:3

I continued my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series - on Day 2 of Lesson 19, I once again focus - more deeply this time - on Isaiah 51. My commentary shares the following divisions for this chapter:

1. Listen to Me! The God of Abraham will again create righteousness from nothing (v1-6)
2. Listen to Me! The God of the Exodus will again make a way for His people (v7-11)
3. How dare you fear man more than Me? Through you I will establish eternity (v12-16)
4. Wake Up! The time has come for your tormentors to fall (v17-23)

The commentary then notes the following applications:

1. Listen to the Word of the Lord and feed our hearts on His past achievements in scripture so that we may be filled with a powerful hope, no matter how bleak the circumstances.
2. We should learn to fear God and obey Him more than we fear human beings, no matter how threatening or powerful they appear.
3. We should fully embrace the future this chapter clearly unfolds: for the present universe, total destruction; for the believers, a new heaven and new earth in which they will worship God eternally in joy; for the wicked tormentors, a cup of wrath.  These themes should strongly color the way we live every day-pursuing righteousness in the fear of the Lord and seeking to deliver the prisoners held by chains of sin.

In particular, I am struck by application #1 and #2 and rest in Isiah 51:3 where God reminds us of how He comforts us and turns our wilderness circumstances into Eden - and we can find joy and gladness in Him, no matter our circumstances.  

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

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Pausing once again from my deep-dive study of Isaiah, today I listened to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which focuses on the extent to which God is dependable - not just through the miracles of the "biggest things" which were promised and fulfilled, such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also through the miracles of the mundane such as the "practical provision of our daily bread and financial support." Piper encourages us to see the message in Matthew 6 (v25-34 focuses on anxiety/worry) where Jesus seeks for us to avoid being anxious.  We are encouraged because God is dependable in the "mundane" details of our life through our faith.  Piper states that "[l]ives of faith are the great mirror of the dependability of God."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is dependable in all the details of my life - large and small...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and form 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 one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Leviticus 25

"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the second theme for the chapter - God Tells His People to Worship Only Him, So We Do Not Worship Possessions.  Here, the commentary theme for today emphasizes v2, v17, v36, v38, v43, and v55 where God commands us how to relate to Him by observing a Sabbath for the land, by fearing Him, and by remembering what God has done and who He is.  The commentary emphasizes these verses and states that these verses are important because "[God] was telling them how to relate to Him.  The importance of relating to God properly is crucial if we are going to understand Leviticus 25 and most of Old Testament history.  Ultimately, the way we think about things and the way we spend money are not about dollars and centers; they are about who is our God.  God's people were anticipating leaving the Sinai wilderness and entering the land of milk and honey....They were moving from slavery to prosperity.  God was preparing them for that change by telling them to remember that He is God.  The land is God; don't worship the harvest.  The rain is not God; the real God gives the rain, the harvest, and the land.  Worship Him."  The commentary stresses these points because during this time in the Bible, the Israelites were to enter Canaan, and the Canaanites worshiped prosperity and many idol gods they thought who brought about prosperity.  The commentary then pivots to how believers of today can easily get suckered into worshiping prosperity in the same way, yet God tells us clearly we cannot serve two masters - we are referred to Matthew 6:24 to see Jesus speaking on this question.  The commentary wraps by exhorting us to fear and worship God alone and not our possessions. 

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of love and compassion for me.  You provide for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such 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.