Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”

 John 11:17-27

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” John 11:21-22

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 11:17-27, where we continue 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?: God has a plan for everything and his design and plan is perfect.  Jesus knew that and allowed/planned for Lazarus to die (see vv4, 14), and that He would use Lazarus' resurrection from the dead as a means for others to believe in Him and to strengthen their believe in Him.  In v23, Jesus repeats - authoritatively - once more, that Lazarus will rise again. In vv25-26, Jesus shares that through Him there is resurrection and life (see also John 10:10).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Martha is seen as being frustrated with Jesus - v21 as she sees others who have come to console here (v18) but sees Jesus as being too late to heal Lazarus as he has died and was in the tomb already for four days (v17).  People are often frustrated with Jesus' timing after Martha and Mary had sent their request (not a prayer explicitly) for Jesus to intercede on their behalf to heal Lazarus.  Martha very quickly, however, in vv22, 24, and 27 pivots to a posture of trust and faith in Jesus.  When we have faith in God, He blesses us - we don't know how He will bless us but He does - see Matthew 5:6.  We must understand that God's thoughts and ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8) and that God works all things for good and for His purpose (Romans 8:28).   We exist to glorify God.  
• 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 should avoid frustration in God's timing as this is a form of a complaint.  We should claim the promise that Jesus gives us life now (abundantly or to the full) and for eternity - He saves.  We should follow the example of Martha who sees the err of her ways and quickly turns to Jesus - this can be seen as true repentance.  We should believe.   

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You work all things for good and for Your purpose.  Thank You Jesus for Your love and for revealing Yourself to me.  I am not deserving of how You love, bless, and save.  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 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 God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

I maintain a pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I continue using DesiringGod.com's Advent devotions where I pick up on Day 16.  Here, John Piper uses Philippians 2:9-11 to describe God's Most Successful Setback. He starts by stating that "Christmas marked the beginning of God’s most successful setback. He has always delighted to show his power through apparent defeat. He makes tactical retreats in order to win strategic victories."  Piper uses Joseph as the example for the devotion in how Joseph first became a slave then a prisoner.  However, God meant it for good - Genesis 50:20.  We don't understand how God works (Isaiah 55:8), but He is always at work on behalf of those who love God (Romans 8:28). Piper of course uses Jesus in the devotion as he writes: "[Jesus] emptied himself and took the form of a slave. Worse than a slave — a prisoner — and was executed. But like Joseph, he kept his integrity."  This is where Philippians 2:9-11 comes into the devotion as Piper shares that Jesus' way "is God’s way for us too. We are promised glory — if we will suffer with him as it says in Romans 8:17. The way up is down. The way forward is backward. The way to success is through divinely appointed setbacks. They will always look and feel like failure."  Instead of despair in the face of struggle and setback, we should look to Jesus' work on the cross and other examples such as Joseph for how God means it for good for those who love God. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and who has never left or forsaken me and You have seen me through difficult periods - many times.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

Psalm 121

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

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

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

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

Comment and discuss this post.

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

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter eleven Future Glory, Present Help, which covers Romans 8:18-30.  My focus today is Romans 8:26-30, which my commentary refers to under the heading Help for Weak Saints. Here, Paul describes how the Holy Spirit, which indwells in believers, helps us "in our weakness" (v26). He knows both our pain and our thoughts and "intercedes" on our behalf even when we are unable to muster the words in prayer (v26-27). Paul also tells us that whatever suffering we do have (see post yesterday), "all things work together for good" (v28). We are also told that we are "predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" (v29) and we can surmise that we are to suffer as Christ did.  Yet again we have this hope (again see post yesterday) because we are justified (v30) and as a result progressively glorified now (sanctification) until the day when we meet Jesus face-to-face (glorification complete) - v30.  The challenge for my reading today is v29b where Paul explains a result of being conformed to "the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."  John Piper writes that Paul includes this so that we recognize that "Christ died and rose from the dead as the firstborn of many siblings so that he would be seen and enjoyed by them and by others as preeminent, superior, gloriously great."

My commentary also refers to John Piper and wants us to see how Paul's words in v26-27 are there because Paul wants us to see how during suffering we groan because we don't know God's will and purpose of our suffering - but of course God IS working and for GOOD! My commentary also wants to not miss what is referred to as the "golden chain of salvation or redemption" in v29-30. We are also encouraged to see the "communal emphasis" of v29 in that we are not to "view [our] brothers and sisters [in Christ] from a human perspective but from [a] divine perspective."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing God and I have seen You work in ALL things including my challenges, trials and difficulties - I know You are there, will never leave me and are always working for good. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me because my sin has been great and it continues to be great - worry, anger, etc. Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You 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.

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Chapter 30: Pages 424-435, 1 Samuel 2, and 2 Samuel 12

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great. Psalm 25:10-11

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 6 "Providence Over Sin" - moving to chapter thirty "Broken Families".

Here, Piper continues to explore God's providence over sin, and specifically in this chapter he looks a broken families and how God reigns decisively over sin in the lives of priests and kings AND how this is an encouragement for believers where we perhaps struggle with sin and tragedy in our families.  Piper starts by saying "while family-governing providence is sobering (as it all ultimate reality), nevertheless it gives far more hope than the thought of Satan, sinful man, or mindless fate having the upper hand."

Piper uses as his two key examples here the stories of Eli's wicked sons (Hophni and Phineas) from 1 Samuel 2:22-25 and Absalom's rebellion against his father from 2 Samuel 12:9-12 to demonstrate God's providence over sin in these two families.

• Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. 1 Samuel 22:25
• Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’ “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” 

Shimei's cursing of David (2 Samuel 16:11-12) is also used in the context of Absalom's rebellion to demonstrate God's providence over sin.

Finally, Piper wants us again to be encouraged by God's hand and providence over sin - even if this includes broken families or other challenges. Piper points to Psalm 25:10-11 as David sees God's providence as perfect and good.  Piper leaves with the thought that "even in the midst of God heavy and severe and painful providence that came to him and his family, David believed that God was loving and faithful to him[.]...[o]n this side of the cross of Christ, such confidence is also how Christians endure the unremitting hardships and sorrows of life."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am greatly encouraged that Your hand and providence is upon me versus that of Satan or of some blind fate - I know who I am in You, that You are always with me, that You will never leave or forsake me and that You are saving a place for me in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and salvation.  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 and for them to accept to 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 Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

Chapter 29: Pages 407-422, Exodus 4, 7-8, 10, and Romans 9

For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. Romans 9:17-18

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 6 "Providence Over Sin" - moving to chapter twenty-nine "Israel Hated, Pharaoh Hardened, God Exalted, Helpless Saved".

Here Piper explores Israel's exodus from Egypt and how Paul "elevate[s] this Old Testament event to supreme importance in our reflections on God's providence over sin." Piper decisively makes the case that it was God alone who hardened Pharaoh's heart and that God's actions were not in response to self-determination by Pharaoh. Piper uses the following scripture to make his case:

• The Lord said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Exodus 4:21
• But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, he will not listen to you. Exodus 7:3-4
• Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord.” Exodus 10:1-2 
• Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said. Exodus 7:13 
• But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said. Exodus 7:22
• But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said. Exodus 8:15 
• But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said. Exodus 8:19 

Piper emphatically states that "[n]othing in man, good or bad, past, present, or foreseen, determines who is hardened and who is shown mercy." Regarding, God's ultimate providence over sin, we are once again encouraged to avoid seeking answers on how God does this but THAT He does this.  Piper also points to how this in and of itself is encouraging, pointing to how God rules over "hateful circumstances in such a way that they regularly lead to a greater deliverance than otherwise possible", pointing to other stories such as the stories of Esther and Mordecai, Haman, as well as of course the preeminent story of God's rule of the crucifixion of Christ. Piper summarizes how this provides encouragement by pointing to Romans 8:28 where God works all things together for our good. "What sustains us, when surrounded by hatred, is not our ability to explain God's providence, but the unshakable fact of God's providence.... [N]othing-absolutely nothing-can happen to us but "by God's fatherly hand." 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who reigns over all things for my good - thank You Jesus!  I know You are both with me and You love me...always.  Yet I am undeserving of such mercy and love.  I worry, am lazy, and have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus!  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.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.

Chapter 2: Pages 41-46

 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:5-7

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and read chapter two, where Piper explores God's self-exaltation and glorification.  Piper writes how an earthly mind is likely to detest a self-exalting and self-glorifying God as perhaps conceited, self-centered, or arrogant. Although we might liken God to a powerful action hero, we don't like it when such arrogance tends to lead to selfishness or elitism - all of this again occurs in an earthly mind and compares God to human-kind, which of course we should not be doing.  On the other hand, Piper leans on Jonathan Edwards writings to see God as self-exalting and self-glorifying for the "everlasting enjoyment of [H]is redeemed people". Piper also sees ALL of God's glory "working in perfect harmony", with once again "the goal of God's providence...[to] exist to the praise of the glory of [H]is wisdom, power, justice, goodness and mercy.  Not just one of these excellencies.  All of them."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God because You are FOR me - of course You came to save me, You love me, and I know that You fight for me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are for me. I worry...too much.  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.

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.

Exodus 1-3

There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. Exodus 3:2

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 start the story of "Moses: A Glimpse of God's Glory*".

*Title of lesson four from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado describing a modern day story that resembled Moses' story - it is a story of riches to rags (or one of dashed dreams) similar to Moses' story.  Tragedy strikes everyone in some form or another and Lucado wants us to connect with Moses by seeing how a modern-day version of Moses' story could be anyone.  As Lucado moves from Hank to Moses, we are left with a few questions, including how can God use us when we are so deeply sinful and when we run from God? Moses was also already 80 years old (similar to Abraham and Sarah) - at what point are too old to be used by God?

Lucado points out that there were good reasons why God chose Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt - He knew the people, he had known leadership qualities, wisdom, he knew the land, and he knew who the Israelites would be up against - he once lived in the palace.  Moses also married well - Zipporah was a woman of faith and we learn later in Exodus how Zipporah saved Moses from God's wrath.

Lucado wants us to understand how God uses everything in our lives to equip and prepare us for roles He designs specifically for us.  Even Moses' time in the wilderness leading sheep was used by God as Moses leads the Israelites through the wilderness.  It's also not just actual wildernesses but emotional and spiritual wildernesses that are used. 

Yet even though Moses recognizes God as the one who speaks to him through the burning bush, Moses resists.

We are encouraged to yield to God's will even when it feels scary or beyond or comfort zone - God will equip us as He does Moses.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has restored me MANY times and used all of the good and bad in my life for Your glory and my good.  You have also equipped me for how I serve - thank You Jesus for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving of all the ways You bless me and certainly not deserving for the gift of salvation.  My sin continues...including placing my own comfort over priority to serve You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Genesis 25, 27, 30, 32, 33-41, 41-47, and 48-50 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

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 evening, I continue with the story of "Jacob: Wrestling with the Past*".

*Title of lesson three from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado discussing how although Jacob wrestled with God and grew closer to God from the experience, Jacob nonetheless continued to sin (as we all do) and separate himself from God due to bad and ungodly decisions. He highlights how Jacob married one woman (Leah) that he did not love so he could marry the one he did love (Rachel).  Rachel initially could not bare children so Jacob bore children via Leah and a host of handmaidens and concubines.  Rachel ultimately bore Jacob a son and Jacob favored this son - Joseph and this favoritism only increased what was already an dysfunctional family.  Jacob's favoritism was compounded by his obliviousness and it led to Joseph being sold by his brothers to slave traders.  Lucado encourages us to avoid separation from God and to make Godly decisions through a daily, close relationship with Jesus Christ.

We then see how Joseph's story indicates God orchestrated good out of Joseph's trials (Genesis 45), and how orchestrates reunion of Jacob with Joseph and restoration of Jacob. Lucado wants us have three takeaways:

1. Always listen to God's instruction and avoid falling into patterns of sin where we repeat mistakes of our past
2. Restoration matters to God and He will shake things up to bring that healing to our lives
3. No matter what evil others intend for us, God can always use our situation to accomplish His good purposes.
   

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blessed and restored me despite my past sin - You drew me near to You and restored me beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful but again I am undeserving.  I worry, and I put my own earthly comfort ahead of my relationship with You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Acts 8-9

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21

Day 325 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on early persecution of the church and its followers, and how one of its persecutors - Paul - is confronted by Jesus Himself, and converted into a follower of Jesus.  My commentary* notes: "[i]t is no surprise that the growing church encounters opposition. Some people are annoyed by the efforts being made to teach them; others are enraged when presented with the truth of Christ. Many are apparently jealous of the joyous fellowship which can be seen among the disciples. There are also rulers and religious leaders who fear loss of power or influence as so many people turn to follow the teaching of the Man from Nazareth. So it is not surprising that the apostles have been put into prison so often, or that Stephen has now been killed."

"Yet the early Christians are probably caught by surprise when a more widespread, organized persecution arises. Reacting swiftly, these new converts leave Jerusalem and flee to cities throughout Judea and Samaria. Yet despite the personal tragedies involved, their persecution actually becomes a blessing. Because of their zeal in sharing the gospel with others, the church thereby expands its boundaries far beyond Jerusalem."

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

The scripture reading this morning also includes, as an example of how persecution scattered the church and in a way became a blessing, Philip's baptism of the Ethopian in Samaria.  The primary example, however for how such persecution became a blessing (and part of God's plan) to the church, is Saul's (who then becomes Paul) conversion.  My commentary indicates: "[b]ut Saul is destined to become a special apostle for the Lord, and that necessitates his ability to testify to the resurrection of Jesus. Therefore Saul’s conversion involves a personal appearance by Jesus himself."

This can be as difficult a learning for a believer as one might face, but we must see how challenging and difficult circumstances are part of God's plans and how God is using such challenges and circumstances for His glory and either our good or the good of the church.  I am reminded of Joseph's story.  His brothers threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery but Joseph became powerful and blessed many people as a result.  Joseph does not seek revenge when he confronts his brothers many years later.  Of course, we also have Jesus' death on the cross.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me even when I could not see it, including through many challenges and difficult circumstances - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sins, including gossip, worry, harsh words and actions towards others, etc.  continue.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

John 11

Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. So from that day on they plotted to take his life. John 11:49:-53

Day 310 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on how Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead and the opposition this act raises from the Jewish leaders. My commentary notes: "[t]his, of course, is such a dramatic and conclusive demonstration of Jesus’ power that his opponents call a hasty conference and immediately plot to kill him."

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

What is remarkable about the scripture this morning is how God spoke through Caiaphas to deliver substitution of Jesus (His death on the cross as atonement for all sins for all humanity) - which John Piper refers to as "the heart of the Christian faith". God works and is sovereign over all, including death and those who oppose Him. As we experience Advent and then Christmas, we must also reflect on what God has done for us as the greatest gift of all time.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You sent Your Son to die for me...personally....knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this gift.  My sin is great and it continues, including worry, gossip, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept Jesus 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 do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

Daniel 5, 9

We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Daniel 9:18

Day 264 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a look back at Daniel during his time in exile in Babylonia.  The readings and commentary* from this morning include (1) Daniel's interpretation of writing that mysteriously appeared on the wall during a banquet of Belshazzar (Nebuchadnezzar's son), and (2) the angel Gabriel's response to Daniel's prayer of contrition following his reading of Jeremiah's prophesied 70 year exile (of which 7 more years remain).  

Arrogance once again appears as a theme as Daniel 5 describes how Belshazzar's arrogance and idol worship led to his downfall:

“But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. “This is the inscription that was written:

mene, mene, tekel, parsin

“Here is what these words mean:

Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.

Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.

Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” Daniel 5:22-28

The second part of the reading from this morning, which focuses on the angel Gabriel's response to Daniel's prayer of contrition following his reading of Jeremiah's prophesied 70 year exile (of which 7 more years remain), as described in my commentary*,  indicates how there is "much discussion" about the interpretation/meaning of Gabriel's message while at the same time settling on the certainty that God is always at work.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God who is always at work and I know that I am work in progress - thank You for Your great patience and mercy for me.  I am not deserving of any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues - gossip, harsh words and actions, worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Job 4-7

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Day 252 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as continue my study of Job. This morning, I point back to my commentary* for assistance to digest Job chapters 4-7 where my commentary indicates that in an effort to help explain why Job is suffering, "[Job's friends] try to convince him that the answer lies in a simple syllogism: God always punishes sin; suffering is the result of sin; therefore Job is more of a sinner than he is willing to admit. Throughout it all, Job maintains his innocence and demands to know God’s rationale."

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

Suffering might suggest an absence of God in our life, yet as I posted yesterday, God is always at work. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always working in my life - providing for me, protecting me, encouraging me, etc.  I know You also saved me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such gifts!  I continue to sin with worry being the chief among my sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome 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.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis  47:29-50

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

Day 21 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 the final days and death of both Jacob (Israel) and Joseph.

Of course the story of both is remarkable, and in particular Joseph's story is one of seeing God in all circumstances and in glorifying God in whatever we do.  These are very important takeaways.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

 

See also my post from roughly 2.5 years ago.

 

God wants us to see what we are currently experiencing through His eyes - we don't know what or how God is working but we do know that He is at work.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is ALWAYS at work in my life, You never stop loving me, and You never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I often am caught up in 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.  

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”

Genesis  34-35

Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me obnoxious to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people living in this land. We are few in number, and if they join forces against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.” Genesis 34:30

Day 15 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 the rape of Dinah (daughter of Leah) and the angry revengeful response by two of her brothers (Simeon and Levi); despite all of this God renews His promise to Jacob.

As I posted last week, God works through pain and with family dysfunction and redeems it all.

Once again, we don't know why things happen (particularly bad things) or how God will use our circumstances/pain, or how God will keep a promise, but we know that God is working in everything, He is Good, He has a plan and He is faithful.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and how has worked IN the pain, and with the pain for Your glory and my good...I have experienced this with my own life.  Thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking me.  I love You.  I am undeserving of such a God.  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.

To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.

Exodus 24

To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. v17

God IS a consuming fire - these words "consuming fire" appear ten times in the Bible, including this reference in Hebrews:

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire".  Hebrews 12:28-29

The question is, do we submit to God to the extent that we allow God to be at the center of our lives - for this is what God desires for us.  See Matthew 22:37 where Jesus says the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind". 

We must recognize this and submit to Him...

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

...so that we can allow Him to work through us.

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE a consuming fire and I know You are work in me working for Your glory and my good - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an effort - I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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.

It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.

Psalm 74

It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters. v13

In the midst of difficulty we must pause and reflect on God's role. He is in control.  We must also recognize that God is good and that everything He does is for His glory and our good.

In spite of the circumstances, the author* reminds himself of God's sovereignty and His goodness.

It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
    and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
It was you who opened up springs and streams;
    you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
The day is yours, and yours also the night;
    you established the sun and moon.
It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
    you made both summer and winter. v14-17

We must seek God in everything and be mindful that God works in mysterious ways (Isaiah 55:8) and in all things for our good and His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Today did not start off on a particularly easy note...Thank You Jesus for providing light.

*MacArthur, John (2005-05-10). The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Kindle Locations 21931-21932). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - able to do all things and totally in control.  I know You love me...and You chose me, knowing everything about me.  You also suffered and died for me - without a shadow of doubt the greatest gift of all time!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and such a gift.  I get angry far too quickly and I continue to be harsh with my words.  Forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin....and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.