For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

 John 19:31-37

For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.”  And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” John 19:36-37

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 19:31-37, where Jesus is now dead but still hanging from the cross.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv33-34 describe how the soldiers broke the legs of the two crucified with Jesus but did not break Jesus' legs, and they also pierced Jesus' side.  Vv36-37 shares how "these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled," specifically in Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, Zechariah 12:10, and Psalm 34:20.  It's once again important to Jesus in all scripture, it points to Jesus, and how Jesus fulfills scripture.  I am led to John 1:1 where scripture says: "[i]n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  Our church is currently doing a sermon series on Exodus and I've been blessed how each time our pastor sermons on the text - he directly and explicitly connects Exodus to Jesus.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: It's quite interesting to see how the Jewish leadership knew Jesus was not guilty of any crime (and Pilate knew this also), yet He was murdered by them.  In v31 the Jewish leaders did want to leave the bodies on the cross on the Sabbath, as they were concerned about violating the law, yet they had no problem killing an innocent man in violation of the command to "not murder" (Exodus 20:13)....hypocrisy. 
• 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 hypocrisy as this undermines you not just personally, but if a believer, the entire church.  Claim the promise that the Word is God and that if you seek Him in the Word you fill find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).  Follow the example of Jesus who knew the law and knew the Father (as He was sent by the Father) - get to know God.  Seek Him with all of your heart, soul, and mind. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and You provide Your Word so that we can see You in the Word and come to know, understand, and please You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and give me Your Word, the church, and the Holy Spirit to equip me for the mission You give me.  I am not deserving of these 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.

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

1 John 3

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:11

I resume my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of 1 John 3:11-18. Here, John dives right into the second greatest commandment as given to us by Jesus - to love one another (see Matthew 22:34-40).  We are given the biblical negative example of Cain from Genesis 4, where Cain, driven by envy, killed his brother.  Then, in v13 we are told not to be surprised if the world hates us as believers - the world (those not children of God - children of God bear the image of God and follow/obey God) loves itself and created things first and not God first.  As such the world does not love as God loves and there is no Holy Spirit for the world - so of course the world will want to hate and persecute Christians.  But we as believers, per v14 we have life and this is marked by our love of God first then for others.  Hate - even in our heart - per v15 is murder itself and contrary to love and this is a marker of being of the world and a lover of the world vs God. A positive example of love is provided in v16 where we know love because of what Jesus did - he died for us! A negative example of love is provided in v17 where we see that we are not obeying God or abiding in Him if we see a brother or sister in Christ in need but we don't help them.  This commandment is carried over into v18 where John shares that we should not be seen as hypocrites by talking about love but not doing it - similar to a message in James 1. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I KNOW You laid down Your life for me and that You love me - and that You ask that we love You and love others.  Help me grow in my love for You and others - please help me with obedience to You.  I am grateful for the blessing of being a child of God but I need Your help - every day as my sin 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.     

Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it.

Isaiah 58-60

Your people shall all be righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I might be glorified. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I am the Lord; in its time I will hasten it. Isaiah 60:21-22

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 5 (of 5) of week 21, which looks at Isaiah 58-60.  Day 5 encourages us to review Isaiah 58-60, to deepen our understanding, and to extract final applications from these chapters as we prepare to move on to the end of Isaiah. 

Looking back at my posts for these chapters:

• Isaiah 58 focuses on fasting and how God seeks for us to do so wholeheartedly, not hypocritically, or as double-minded - see also Day 1 and 2 posts.
• Isaiah 59 focuses on how God promises a Redeemer for Israel, of course this is Jesus and through Jesus we have the Holy Spirit, who arms us to battle against sin - see Day 2 and 3 posts
• Isaiah 60 focuses on glory for Israel and the coming redeemer is a light in the darkness of the present age - see Day 4 post
  

This post from Chuck Swindoll helps illuminate a key application from Isaiah (including 58-60), and one that convicts me this morning - an excerpt: "In addition to its gospel message, the book of Isaiah clearly articulates the sins of God’s people—dealing with others unjustly which resulted in their offering hypocritical sacrifices to God. Do you see anything in your own life that might fall under Isaiah’s critique of injustice—treating family, colleagues, or even strangers with unkindness or even disdain? Isaiah’s message is also a call for believers to come back to purity in our love for God and for our neighbors (Luke 10:26–28)."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who pursued me and saved me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You saved me.  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.

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.

Isaiah 28-29

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right. Isaiah 29:19-21

I resumed my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to Lesson 11, Day 4, which focuses on Isaiah 29 and God's judgement of spiritual hypocrisy. My commentary uses a very helpful analogy to see how God cures such spiritual hypocrisy - surgery. "All surgeries involve cutting through healthy tissue to reach the unhealthy....In a similar way, the Great Physician of Souls must often hurt his people in order to heal them."  The commentary then goes on to state the "common themes" of heart issues that "arise in every generation":

• spiritual blindness (v29:9-12)
  
• cold-hearted worship (v29:13)
  
• worldly wisdom (v29:14-16)

We cannot fully understand God's thoughts or ways (Isaiah 55:8), but we should know that God is always at work, and that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).  In Isaiah 29, we should view God's judgement and punishment of Israel as an example of how harsh discipline is often needed for our own good, but that does not mean that God does not love His people and for those that return to Him, He will welcome them just as He does with the Prodigal Son.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - what a great God You are that You welcome us back, even as we sin.  You punish and discipline us out of love - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the second chances You provide - the amazing grace - particularly the salvation 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.

Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged.

Isaiah 1

Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Isaiah 1:4

Today, I started a deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series - which my wife Lisa has strongly recommended. In fact, we are studying this together - starting with each us doing our own daily study during the morning/day, and we convene together in the evening to share our thoughts on the study.  For me, today the key takeaway lies with the last question from the study for day 1, which asks what parallels do we see with current times - my response is that there are many who profess to believe in God today who are no less hypocritical or wicked then Judah was during Isaiah's time.  Isaiah 1 lists out the many sins of Judah, including:

• corruption (v4)
• forsaken the Lord (v4)
• empty spiritual disciplines (v11, 13)
• poor treatment of those in need (v17)
• murderers (v21)
• thieves (v23)

I often feel as if my spiritual disciplines are empty or I poorly treat others (everyone has some degree of need, including the need to hear and see the gospel).  I deserve judgement and condemnation just as much as Judah did in Isaiah's day.  God help me!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who is so good to me...even though I know I am sinful and my sin persists.  You are full of grace for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving.  Please forgive me for my sin...worry, etc. and help me 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.  Please provide wisdom and energy for myself and Lisa. 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 it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

 Romans 2:1-29

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:13

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I moved on to the next section Judgement and the Jew: Romans 2:1-29. As indicated yesterday, here Paul focuses on hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who in Paul's words by "passing judgement on another...condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things" (v1).  Paul also focuses on not (much like James does in James 1) just "hearing" the law but "doing" the law.  Paul warns hypocrites and the unrighteous of what awaits (wrath, fury, tribulation, distress v8-9) and encourages the righteous that glory and honor await them (v10, 12). 

My commentary reminds me that of course hypocrisy is not just a problem for the Jews in Paul's day but for everyone, including believers today. We must all acknowledge our sin, repent and seek holy living and obedience to Christ.  The commentary goes on to discuss eleven truths based on Paul's teaching in Romans 2:

1. God's judgement reflects the reality of the situation - there is only God's standard (v2)
2. God's judgement allows for no exceptions (v3)
3. God's judgement means you should not presume on his kindness but turn to him in repentance (v4)
   
4. God's judgement will result in God's just wrath on the unrepentant (v5); see also Matthew 7:23
   
5. God's judgement is based on what we have really been, sought, and done (v6); seeking God's glory vs self glory is contrasted
   
6. God's judgement has eternal consequences (v7-8)
   
7. God's judgement is pronounced individually (v6-10)
   
8. God's judgement is without partiality (v11)
   
9. God's judgement is for everyone regardless of how they have received the law, either on tablets or on the heart (v12-15)
   
10. God's judgement reaches to the secrets of our hearts (v16)
    
11. God's judgement is in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ (v16)
    

My commentary goes on to describe the "shameful effects of hypocrisy", including dishonor of God. Circumcision of the heart vs physically is emphasized - our heart condition is what matters. V27 is highlighted to demonstrate that "obedient Gentiles will in judgement over the disobedient Jews."  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You provide Your Son, the Holy Spirit, and Your Word so that I can be saved and sanctified - thank You Jesus!  I know there is more and I am grateful for that as well!  Yet I am undeserving of ALL the blessings You pour out for me. I sin and my sin continues, including worry, etc.  Please 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.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day two starts with Max Lucado warning believers to avoid hypocrisy and he uses several passages of scripture to point how the Pharisees demonstrated hypocrisy:

• Luke 5:27-32
• Matthew 15:3, 6-9
• Matthew 23:1-14
• Luke 14:1-4, 7
• Luke 18:10-14 
  

Instead we are encouraged to show humility and praise God for His grace and mercy.  We are not unlike Matthew in one key way: we all sin and need a Savior.

Finally, Lucado wants us to use the grace and mercy God has demonstrated for us to be gracious, merciful and compassionate for others.  We are to love and serve others as God loves and serves us. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves and forgives me, all while knowing everything about me and my sin.  You died for me...even though You led a sinless live.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such a gift....I worry and am harsh with others.  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.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 11-13

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

Day 299 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 - focusing on primarily Jesus' teachings, particularly on hypocrisy as the Pharisees and Jewish leaders questioned Jesus on matters of the law while they failed to follow key aspects of the law.  On the question of hypocrisy, Jesus gives us the Parable of the Watchful Servants (Luke 12) which talks to those of us in positions of leadership and influence - and John Piper has a warning for us: "[t]he more knowledge you have of God’s will, the more you are accountable for doing it."

As someone in a position of influence - at least in my own household - I am driven into the arms of Jesus as God can only equip and assist me if I remain (abide) in Him.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me produce good fruit and I know it is only because of You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You have helped me produce good fruit - nor am I deserving of any of the blessings You pour out on me.  My sin continues...worry, distracted by the world, 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.

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

 Ezekiel 15-18

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18:30-32

Day 228 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 my study of Ezekiel. My commentary* describes today's scripture reading: "[u]sing three allegories, God foretells Judah’s imminent destruction. The first allegory shows Judah as a useless vine to be burned. The second is a vitriolic attack against Judah’s unfaithfulness, portraying Judah as an adulterous wife, worse than her two sisters, Israel and Edom, and less moral than a prostitute. The third allegory, using two eagles and a vine, calls specific attention to the personal ruin of King Zedekiah."

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

Several verses from this morning's reading convict me, including:

But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his. Ezekiel 16:15

Question for consideration: how have we taken what God has provided for us and used it for worldly gain and favor and not for God's glory?

 In all your detestable practices and your prostitution you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, kicking about in your blood. Ezekiel 16:22

Question for consideration: how have we forgotten what God has done for us?  We must remember that everything we have and all that we are is from Him alone and not of our own efforts. (See also Ezekiel 16:43)

Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen. Ezekiel 16:49-50

Question for consideration: where do I demonstrate hypocrisy - espousing love with my words but not with action (see also James 1:22-25).

God is full of grace for Judah just as He is with us as He promises a new covenant based on the blood of Christ:

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant with you. So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Ezekiel 16:59-63 (see also Ezekiel 17:22-24)

Finally, just as God does not allow Judah to exonerate itself claiming God is not just because Judah is being punished for sins of those who came before them, God rightly states that each person is accountable for all of his/her own sin and we ALL sin (Ezekiel 18 and Romans 3:23).

Yet we have a God who, through the shedding of His own blood, atones for our sins and gives us freedom from the sting of sin and death.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who sent His Son to the cross so that I would have life - to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. I am not deserving because I know my sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my 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. 

He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.

Isaiah 57-59

He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. Isaiah 59:16-17

Day 199 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 my study of Isaiah as God seeks to comfort Israel in exile. This morning God's word through Isaiah includes warnings for the wicked (including those who claim to be righteous yet are full of hypocrisy) as they will not be restored - yet those who confess and who are contrite will be "revived":

“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. I will not accuse them forever, nor will I always be angry, for then they would faint away because of me—the very people I have created. Isaiah 57:15-16

God points to the need for a savior - for justice.

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2

God then uses Isaiah once again to point to the coming Messiah.  We all sin and need a savior. Jesus Christ is that Savior.  

“As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord. Isaiah 59:21

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You sent Your One and only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that I could be reconciled to You, so that I could have the Spirit in and with me always, and so that I could have eternal life with You - and more!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of all these blessings - not by a long shot!  I continue to sin...harsh with my words, 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.

“Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel, and because I will do this to you, Israel, prepare to meet your God.” He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name.

Amos 1-4 

“Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel, and because I will do this to you, Israel, prepare to meet your God.” He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the Lord God Almighty is his name. Amos 4:12-13

  

Day 170 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) transitions to a study of Amos, who - according to my commentary* -is a "lowly shepherd" called by God "to prophesy against several nations, but principally against Israel".  Amos "does not attack idolatry as such (as does his contemporary, Hosea). He concentrates instead on rebuking both Israel and Judah for the meaninglessness of their worship, whatever its form. He calls for consistency in one’s religious exercises and daily ethical conduct, and cries out against a people who honor deity with their many sacrifices yet refuse justice and mercy to the oppressed and needy".

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

In chapters 1-2 Amos calls out the sins of Syria, Philistia, Phoencia, Edom, Ammon, Moab, as well as both Judah and Israel.  However, Amos delivers from the Lord a pointed message of judgement specifically against Israel:

"[Israel] sell[s] the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed. Father and son use the same girl and so profane my holy name. They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. In the house of their god they drink wine taken as fines. Amos 2:6-8

Amos continues into chapter 3 and 4 with God's plans for Israel's punishment and ends with a call to prepare.

Believers must not just talk the talk but we must walk the walk - hypocrisy severely undermines the church.  This article references some of the challenges confronting the church in the face of the current pandemic and in the context of an existing trend among young people to see Christians as "unchristian".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me grow in my faith and with my spiritual disciplines.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I know there is more work to do and I have hypocrisy in my life.  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, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance....Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 2

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance....Do not let anyone despise you. v2, 15

Building on my post from a couple of days ago regarding hypocrisy and how we are to be a light to others, Paul encourages Titus to encourage those in his church to live lives worthy of respect and emulation by those who see them.  Paul addresses multiple roles, including older men (of which of course I am at this point), older women, younger women, and younger men.  Paul also addresses and slaves, yet this is a topic onto itself, including a discussion regarding Biblical views on slavery (sin) and joy in work (see also this post) - on the latter MacArthur believes the use of the term slaves in the Bible should be applied to "all employees".   

In v15, Paul reinforces my post from a couple of days ago by charging Titus to live in such a way that you cannot be accused of hypocrisy as this is believed to cause great harm within the church. ng

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who lived a spotless life - yet You willingly surrendered Your life for me - thank You Jesus!  This is the greatest gift of all time.  Of course I am undeserving of such a gift as 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.

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it....They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.

Titus 1

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it....They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. v9,16

Both the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase), and Overviewbible.com indicate that Paul's purpose in writing this pastoral epistle to Titus is to encourage Titus in his leadership in the church in Crete to prepare, organize, and equip the church there for effective evangelization among the pagans living in Crete.  Paul writes about attributes for elders and focuses on avoiding hypocrisy - we must not believe and say one thing and do another.

We are ALL guilty of hypocrisy to some degree but we must push ourselves to grow and mature in relationship with Christ so that we don't deter others from faith because of the hypocritical lives we lead.

We must be a light to others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who led a perfect life - yet willingly surrendered Your life for me so that I could have life - to the full in this life and in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and such gifts.  I often sin and fall down, and am guilty of hypocrisy.  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.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.

Philippians 4

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. v9

Paul wants us to imitate him as he imitated Christ.  We must not be just hearing the Word.  We must be DOERS of the Word as James says: 

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

This is important because people are watching us and we lack an ability to influence others for Christ if we are not demonstrating Christ in our own lives - plain and simple.

See also this post from DesiringGod.com and another from a sermon I found online.

My Prayers: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and life - I am blessed beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus!  I know I am undeserving because my sin continues and Your work in me is not complete.  Forgive me Lord for my sin, which is daily, and help me 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 from her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you".

Romans 2

As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you". v24

Paul is blasting the Jewish leaders for their hypocrisy and as I read this I reflect on how I strive to be like God yet I acted very poorly and rudely with someone this afternoon from work.  I want to be more like God yet today I missed the mark...badly.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who is full of grace and love...and I know You love me.  Yet I am undeserving.  I am harsh with my words and actions and particularly today with a co-worker.  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.  Help me be a doer of the Word.  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.

With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 5

With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. v2

Acts 4:32-5:11 gives us two examples - one positive (Barnabas) and one negative (Ananias and Sapphira) - of how we are to approach our faith in terms of walking the walk.  Barnabas gave cheerfully and humbly while Ananias and Sapphira gave to gain status and recognition for themselves - John Piper posts about their hypocrisy here and warns believers about phony Christians:

"The reason [Ananias and Sapphira] drop dead is to give a stunning warning to the whole church that phony Christians will all end up this way, sooner or later." 

We must be as James writes doers of the Word..

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  James 1:22

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and treats us with amazing grace - I am grateful for such grace and more - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and blessings.  I 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 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 that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.

Matthew 21

Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed. v43-44

Much like my post yesterday, in v33-45 Jesus is warning us of inaction and hypocrisy.  He tells the
chief priests and the Pharisees of another parable that paints a portrait of them as entrusted with the many blessings as God's chosen people and told to be holy, set apart, and to care for others, among the many things God asks of us.  Yet time and time again the Jewish nation rejects God and His messengers....with Jesus this is no different.  

God gives us time, treasure, and talent - and we are not to waste it.  We must use it.  

We must also be in action and not be hypocrites - reading the Word but not "doing the Word".l

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who as blessed me in many, many ways - too many ways for my words to describe.  You came for me and died on the cross for me so that I could have life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am weak and miss the mark 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.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."

Matthew 21

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him." v31-32

We are told to be do-ers of the Word - see James 1:22.  The Pharisees and Sadducees were exposed as hypocrites and Jesus warns us to avoid the "yeast" of such hypocrites and to avoid becoming modern-day Pharisees. 


Be in action.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are ALWAYS at work and ALWAYS at work for me...You died for me and continue to be with me...always.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love and sacrifice.  I often fail to be in action...failing to "do" the Word.  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.

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.

Titus 1

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. v16

James also speaks of the danger of hypocrisy:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:22-25

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion. You know that I often do not do what the Word says, yet You forgive me when I request it and You love me no less than the day I was born.  You are a truly a great God full of love and compassion for me even though I am not deserving.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my hypocrisy, for my lust, my selfishness, etc.  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 do what the Word says.  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.