And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire.

Zephaniah 1:8-11

And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice—“I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire. Zephaniah 1:8

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is an unassisted review of the third division per my commentary: 1:8-11.  The day of the Lord will be scary for those who per v6 have "turned back from following the LORD,who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him."  In vv8-11, Zephaniah further defines those who will be punished, as he first mentions government leaders who lead the people astray.  Believers should pray for those in government leadership, that they will be led by the Lord.  These officials are in positions of great influence as many others watch and follow their lead.  For example, regardless of political party, many officials feel it is appropriate to slander others when it is not - not in public nor in private.  This is sinful and it is one of the more egregious examples of sinful behavior by public officials.  Wrongly referencing scripture is another - as we are told not to add to or take away from what scripture commands (see also Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32). We should pray for our leaders and support efforts such as the National Prayer Breakfast and Capitol Ministries. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Your Word as lamp unto my feet so that I can make Godly choices in my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You guide and direct.  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.

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an commentary assisted review of Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9, which covers the third division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus - the third division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Politics is Meaningless.  Here, the commentary reinforces my post from yesterday, and provides insights by sharing: "politics in this fallen world is meaningless....You cannot end oppression altogether....Certainly we should work for justice. We should engage in mercy ministry. This is near God’s heart and talked about repeatedly throughout the Bible, especially in the wisdom literature. But without Christ, it will not be completely changed....There is no lasting change in the political realm....Cronyism is the inevitable result of politics. If you scratch my back, I will scratch yours....There is injustice in the world, so people are given authority to restrain evil and uphold good. The problem is that power corrupts, so those in authority often use their power for their own good and not the good of the citizens. As a result, we now completely distrust and reject authority. The way Christian people talk about the president and politicians on Facebook is absolutely sickening. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders—believe me, you do not want to be in their position making the calls they have to make—but instead we tear them down. There is a definite tension here because absolute power corrupts, but we need authority for our own good."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who cares about us and gives us earthly authority that does much good for us - thank You Jesus! I am undeserving of such love and care...and certainly undeserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9

If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. Ecclesiastes 5:8

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 4:1-3, 13-16, and 5:8-9, which covers the third division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus. In today's text, Solomon reflects on the futility of faith in politics and government - where competing factions constantly seek advantage over the others to gain power and influence outcomes in their favor, sometimes for personal gain.  The futility of this faith is that government is comprised of people and we know that all of humanity sins and falls short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) so any institution comprised by people is by definition marred by sin.  Believers should submit to authorities placed over us by God (as He is in control), but we should of course not make idols of such authorities above faith in God. Solomon points out how this futility often plays out as one corrupt official is often being monitored by another corrupt official, etc. Place your faith in the King of Kings Jesus Christ!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You reign and are King of Kings - thank You for how You rule with perfect justice and mercy for those who submit to You.  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 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.

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

Isaiah 30-32

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:18

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I continued Lesson 12, moving to Day 4 and part of Day 5, with a focus on Isaiah 32. My commentary notes three main themes:

1. God's Purpose: Noble rules instead of wicked ones (v32:1-8)
2. God's Purging: Judgement clearing the building site (v32:9-14)
3. God's Power: The outpoured Spirit producing a harvest of righteousness (v32:15-20)
   

The commentary goes on to discuss how "rich harvest and peaceful security can be realized on earth to the degree that leaders as well as citizens are filled with Christ's Spirit. They will find final consummation in the new heaven and new earth."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs, never leaves or forsakes me, and who is saving a place in Heaven for me.  You and Your Word are a lamp for my feet - I am lost with You.  Thank You Jesus for these and all the blessings You pour out for me.  I am not deserving. 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.

Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, or he is God's servant for your good.

Romans 12-13

Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. Romans 13:3-4

 

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which covers Romans 12:17-13:14.  My focus today is v13:1-7, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Look at the State Rightly." In these verses, Paul pivots from chapter 12 (see post yesterday), where he implores us to not retaliate against those who persecute us and cause us harm. He ends with a command to "overcome evil with good." In 13:1-7 the focus is on doing good in the context of governing authorities (v13:1). We are to recognize that governing authorities are authorities placed in our lives by God - v13:1-2 (see also Colossians 1:17).  We should not fear authorities in our mission to do good (v13:3-4) but we should fear authorities when we sin - and we should fear God as well on this count (v13:4-5). Paul uses an example of this how we are to pay taxes to government, to pay respect, and to honor authorities (v13:6-7).

My commentary describes how God placed authorities in our lives to "carry out judgement in the present age."  It is also described as not popular among many as starting with Adam and Eve we are rebellious. In the United States, dissent is a form of expression of freedom of speech. We are reminded that Paul wrote this during Nero's reign in Rome and his intent was to avoid fighting or ignoring Roman rule in light of Christ's Heavenly rule.  Yes, Jesus reigns, but He also places rulers above us.  We are however to submit/obey only to the extent that these rulers do not push us to sin as we are to "obey God rather than people" (Acts 5:29). Regardless of whether earthly rule is pleasant or painful it is by God's design and He has "His purposes."  Praying for our leaders is encouraged. Even in the face of challenging political times (i.e. persecution), there are no fewer needs to serve - do good.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is good to me - all the time!  I am blessed to live in the USA where it is not oppressive as it is elsewhere - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this blessing as my sin continues...daily.  Worry, lack of leadership, 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.

Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.

Chapter 20: Pages 271-279, Daniel 4-5

Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. Daniel 4:25

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 4 "Providence Over Kings and Nations" - moving to chapter twenty "Israel's Divine King is King of the Nations". 

Here, Piper introduces the topic of God's providence in kingships and nations.  He describes the Old Testament as using Abraham and Israel to demonstrate providence through a single man and nation - Israel - yet God's intent even then was for Abraham to be "father of many nations (Romans 4:13-17)" implying that eventually, through the line of Abraham, all nations (Jews and Gentiles) would compose the church and this church would no longer focus on a single ethnic, political, or geographic nation. Therefore we are to see God's providence as connecting the Old and New Testaments. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so full of love, compassion, mercy for me - I am undeserving.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet my sin, worry, etc. 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.

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 13

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. v6

We should be viewing our circumstances as being controlled (either directed or allowed - see also posts on free will) by God and using Romans 13:1-6 as an example, we need to view governing authorities as being servants of God and worthy of our respect because if we don't our disrespect is not just of the governing authorities but also of God.  The same can be said of grumbling or complaining about your circumstances as this is also seen as doing so against God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs and never ever leaves or forsakes me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I worry...and my sin is great.  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.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

1 Peter 2

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. v13-14

I often grumble about my work situation and God does not want us to grumble. How can glorify God when we are complaining.  Peter helps explain this:

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

 

Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. v15-21

Paul also wants us to obey our earthly masters - see here in Ephesians 6. 

Another nugget of Truth from this morning is how we are "not [to] use your freedom as a cover-up for evil", meaning that we have free will - but is this no excuse for sin!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, how great You are!  You came to earth to live among us and were tempted in every way but lived a pure, holy and blameless life.  You then suffered and died for us so that we could be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life with You in heaven - a love that knows no bounds - awesome!  Thank Your Jesus!  I am not worth such a love as I often neglect to bring You the first fruits of my time daily - please forgive me and help me turn from such 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.  Help me obey authority on earth, not grumble, glorify You, and not use freedom as a cover up for sin.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Please provide Linda with relief for her home situation - protect her and her son.  Please also provide ML with a new job that is more than she desires for herself - provide peace and encouragement to both Linda and ML.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

Hebrews 13

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. v17

I know God has place leaders in my life, church leads, work leaders, etc. that are for my benefit.  Scripture elsewhere commands me to obey leadership:

• Romans 13
• 1 Timothy 6

"[I]t is of no benefit to to [me]" if I disobey leadership and there work is a burden.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You have placed leadership in my life for my good and You do SO much for me - I know You love me in ways that I cannot describe or imagine. Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love Jesus.  I am broken and sinful.  I need You desperately in my life.  I am selfish, stubborn, harsh, impatient, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from such sin.  Help me turn towards You instead.  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.  Help me submit to ALL of my leaders...help me support them.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort and freedom from pain. Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Titus 3

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. v1-2

Being gentle requires me to be pure (not harsh) of heart and in actions.  I must have patience, compassion, etc. and also to be quick to listen and slow to anger.  I often struggle with these things.  I often struggle with rulers and authorities in my life - work as an example.  I need help in all of these areas.

See also James 1, 1 Timothy 2, Romans 13, Hebrews 13, 1 Timothy 6.

My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God full of patience and gentleness for me, even though many times I am not worth such patience or gentleness. You pour out Your mercy on me even though I am not deserving - thank You Jesus.  I need You desperately in my life as I am broken and sinful.  Very often I am not gentle nor patient.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn 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.  Help me invite more of You into my heart and all areas of my life.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

1 Timothy 2

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. v1-2

God places authority figures over us via government and law enforcement officials, church leaders, school leaders, and managers at work.  God appointed all of these officials and we are to submit to their authority...as long as they don't ask us to do anything contradictory to God's commands.  I have previously posted on the subject of earthly authority here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who knows everything about us, including our sin, yet came to suffer and die for us, choosing us, and leaving the side of God in heaven in the process.  You only desire good for us as long as fear, trust, love and obey You.  Yet I often don't.  Thank You for Your mercies and patience but I am not deserving of all of Your love Jesus.  Please forgive me for my disobedience.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me submit to all of the authorities in my life and be thankful and pray for them. Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer Jesus.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.