But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle....Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses.

 Numbers 1:47-54

But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle....Thus did the people of Israel; they did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 1:44-46

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 1:47-54, we see God speaking to Moses, sharing with him how the Levites are not part of the census and how they have a special role with regard to the tabernacle.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The Levites were given three commands with regards to the tabernacle (and all of its furnishings and all that belongs to it per v50) (1) to carry it, (2) to take care of it, and (3) to camp around the tabernacle.  The role of the Levites is expanded with commands to setup and take down the tabernacle and to protect Israel from coming too close to the tabernacle lest they suffer the wrath of God.  Outsiders are not allowed near the tabernacle lest they are put to death.  This passage broadly speaks of restrictions God placed on Israel about how the people were to worship Him - see also this sermon on Exodus 19 for similar text. Here in Numbers 1, God places the Levites between Himself and the people of Israel.  Ultimately, as my pastor's sermon lays out, Jesus removes these restrictions for anyone to go to Jesus directly.  See also Hebrews 4:16.     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people of Israel were obedient and they did all that the Lord commanded Moses - v54.  Believers, those who love God (per most important commandment), as a natural response to their love for Him, do not see obedience to Him as a burden (see also 1 John 5:3).    
• 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 placing anything in front of or above God - go to Him first and above anything else - God is our number one priority.  Claim the promise that we can approach Him directly with confidence. Follow the example of those who understand that "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."  See obedience as not burdensome. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and there are no restrictions on how and when I can approach You...thank You Jesus that I can approach You in confidence. I am not deserving of how You save and how I can come to You.  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 will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;and I will cut off from this place...those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.”

Zephaniah 1:4-6

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;and I will cut off from this place...those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.” Zephaniah 1:4,6

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, I move on and do an unassisted review of vv4-6. My first two posts on Zephaniah, covering vv1-3, describe how God is angry at Judah and His wrath and judgement is forthcoming.  In vv4-6, we understand why.  Judah has pursued idol worship, have turned their back on the Lord and no longer seek Him.  This is a message for all of humanity, for believers and non-believers alike.  For non-believers, You are urged to turn to God, to repent of Your sin and be saved to experience the joy and grace Jesus Christ.  For believers, we are urged to go to God daily for his mercies that are new every morning and never cease (see Lamentations 3:22-23).  We must not only be saved but we must continue to abide in Him that saves and develop a daily, lifelong personal relationship with Jesus.  If we don't, we must look long and hard at how we are spending our time, perhaps pursuing earthly comforts and activities and not God. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You for being my personal Lord and Savior.  I am not deserving of such amazing grace that is new every morning and never ceases.  My sin continue...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.

In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

John 16

In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. John 16:26-27

This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on what Piper sees as an encouragement for us to "go to God directly" or to not see Jesus as "more of a mediator than He is." We have access to Jesus directly and we are exhorted to see this as astonishing. This should give any believer "confidence" to approach God (Hebrews 4:16). Today's verses are indeed an encouragement for us to develop a deep and permanent relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  He indeed loves and He wants to spend time with us...He also wants us to approach Him anytime.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God that we can approach with confidence anytime - You desire a deep and personal relationship with us and seek us daily - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a Savior.  My sin is great and it is daily - worry, selfishness, 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.

...[L]et us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10

...[L]et us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on Piper's (and God's) call for all believers to draw near to God.  Piper refers us to Psalm 16:11 where we see a great promise that results from our nearness to God:

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

There are many promises in scripture that discuss the blessings of nearness to God - examples include:

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

 

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:27-28

 

Piper wraps the devotion for today by stating: "[God] does not need us. If we stay away, he is not impoverished. He does not need us in order to be happy in the fellowship of the Trinity. But he magnifies his mercy by giving us free access through his Son, in spite of our sin, to the one Reality that can satisfy our souls completely and forever, namely, himself."

 

Comment and discuss this post here.

 

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who blesses me as I draw near to You.  You and Your Word are a lamp to my feet - I am lost without You and I am blessed by Your direction.  Thank You Jesus for entering my heart and life.  I am not deserving of Your love, blessing, and salvation.  My sin of worry persists, as does other sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[H]e made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

John 11

[H]e made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:7

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 "Lazarus: The Final Witness*".

*Title of lesson eight from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day four starts with Max Lucado discussing what I raised yesterday with my post - that Jesus wept over Lazarus even though He knew he would be raised.  He wept because He cared for Martha and Mary...and He cares for us.  He is able to empathize with us. 

We are able to have a personal relationship with God of the Universe - the Lord of Lords.  And we know that He cares about and for us. He understands pain, loss, etc. I also posted a couple of days ago how Jesus wants to help carry our burdens.  I think it is worthwhile for us to ponder on how we have can have this personal relationship with God, knowing that He understands us - not only does He know everything about us, but He was like us and experienced what we do - incredible!

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God - You know everything about me, and You know everything about what is it like to live as I do as You came to earth in human form. You then lived a perfect life but willingly surrendered Your life so that I could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life - now to the full and eternally in Heaven once we are called Home. These are all amazing gifts of which I am not deserving of any as my sin continues particularly harshness 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.

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 1-3

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 3:19-22

Day 361 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 reach the final chapter of the NT and Bible - Revelation. Last year at this time, I started a more comprehensive study of Revelation from David Platt.  Check out posts from that study here. This time around it's more of a refresher and brief overview over the course of a few days as I wrap my chronological study of the Bible.

My commentary provides the following notes/overview on the book of Revelation: "[i]n his last years, perhaps around A.D. 95–96, the aging apostle is found exiled on the Greek island of Patmos during the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian. On a particular Lord’s day, as John relates the experience, he receives through an angel a revelation from the Spirit of God in which he is directed to write what he sees and to send it to seven churches in Asia. Those churches, as well as others at this time, are facing severe persecution and suffering because of their faith in Christ. The circumstances therefore warrant both admonition and encouragement....

....What John sees and records is a prophecy, both strange and moving, in which Christ as sovereign Lord engages in battle with the forces of evil and is clearly the Victor. The account is couched in figurative language, supernatural imagery, and verbal and numerical symbolism that is not easy to fully comprehend. Yet it stirs an excitement about the future for all Christians and gives hope that present sufferings will be lost in a victory so wonderful that the mind of man can only begin to grasp it.... 

....The Revelation is the consummation of God’s scheme of redemption for man, as presented systematically throughout the Bible. In the early Genesis account, God was declared to be the omnipotent Creator of the universe, worthy of praise for his majesty and power. The created universe was wholly good until penetrated by the power of Satan, who acquainted man with the evil of sin and its consequences. Because of man’s sin, man came to need redemption and reconciliation with God. Through his chosen nation of Israel, God provided for that redemption. The Old Testament records God’s power of judgment which was made known through Moses, the law, and the prophets. Then, as recorded in the Gospel accounts, came the good news that man’s Redeemer had come to earth in fulfillment of the law and prophecy. Jesus the Christ brought a new righteousness of faith, a faith having the power of salvation. In dying on the cross and in being resurrected from the grave, Jesus triumphed over Satan’s power of death. Based upon that demonstration of his lordship and power, the church was born and grew to swelling numbers and influence. When the church was met with opposition and persecution, the apostles and other inspired writers penned their various epistles to encourage their fellow Christians to persevere, in prospect of their final redemption in the life to come."

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

Both David Platt and the author of my current commentary emphasize the encouraging nature of Revelation.  Yes, battle and destruction is described, yet for those who believe and remain firm in their faith we should be encouraged because we know that Jesus is and has already won the victory we seek - victory over both sin and death.  The end of Revelation 3 offers these great encouraging words that describe the relationship Jesus wants with all of creation - an incredible invitation filled with mercy, compassion and love.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who offers a deep and loving relationship that is unsurpassed in how it sustains and fulfills like no other.  Thank You Jesus for adopting me into Your family!  I am not deserving of such love.  I gossip, am often harsh with others 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 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.

Consider carefully what you hear[.]...Therefore consider carefully how you listen.

Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8, 13

Consider carefully what you hear[.]...Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18

Day 300 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 Jesus' use of parables which my commentary notes "[t]hese illustrations of a moral truth or principle are usually in the form of a simple comparison. As often as not, Jesus’ parables are comparisons with things either found in nature or known through human experience. Although Jesus says the parables will have the effect of concealing truth, he must have in mind those hearers whose hearts are closed to his teaching. Most of the lessons are fairly simple to understand and especially well-suited for the common man, to whom Jesus directs his teaching.  Many parables are recorded by the Gospel writers throughout Jesus’ ministry, but a particular series has been collected, principally by Matthew, which gives unique insight into Jesus’ use of these simple illustrations."

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

As Jesus uses these parables, He tells us (captured by both Mark and Luke) to be careful with how we receive His words.  Many parables of farming are used with the implication that farming requires effort, first to prepare the soil for seed, then to water and tend the soil, and to prevent weeds from choking out the harvest. DesiringGod.com has a great post that emphasizes these critical efforts.  We must cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me faith and blessed me abundantly...beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful.  But 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.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 Jeremiah 10-12

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Day 209 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 Jeremiah. Jeremiah persists in warning Judah about her wicked ways, this morning primarily focusing on idolatry. My commentary* describes God's message through Jeremiah as one where idols fashioned by man are no match for the One True God:

No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. Jeremiah 10:6-7

But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath. Jeremiah 10:10

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

My commentary* goes on to describe how Jeremiah warns Judah of Babylonian captivity and how God is both angry and saddened by Judah's wickedness and inability to keep its covenant made between Israel and God:

The Lord said to me, “Proclaim all these words in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem: ‘Listen to the terms of this covenant and follow them. From the time I brought your ancestors up from Egypt until today, I warned them again and again, saying, “Obey me.” But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts. So I brought on them all the curses of the covenant I had commanded them to follow but that they did not keep.’” Jeremiah 11:6-8

Jeremiah does what God asks, but this message falls on deaf ears as Judah plots against Jeremiah (Jeremiah 11:18-19).  Jeremiah himself becomes angry at God yet God meets Jeremiah right where he is - in his anger - and shares a glimpse of His plans for Judah - to restore her.

But after I uproot them, I will again have compassion and will bring each of them back to their own inheritance and their own country. And if they learn well the ways of my people and swear by my name, saying, ‘As surely as the Lord lives’—even as they once taught my people to swear by Baal—then they will be established among my people. Jeremiah 12:15-16

God wants a RELATIONSHIP with us. This means we spend time with Him...we question Him, we pour out our deepest concerns and worries with Him.  He wants us to DEPEND on Him.  He hears all of our cries, knows our circumstances, and He responds to us with love and compassion.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who wants a relationship with us - You know everything about us and You are always with us - we simply need to surrender our lives to You and come to You - to depend on You...the One True God.  Thank You Jesus for adopting me into Your family.  I am not deserving of Your love.  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.

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

Deuteronomy 32:48-34

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. Deuteronomy 34:10-12

Day 66 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 Moses final moments before He dies - He is allowed from on high to gaze over and view the Promised Land (but not allowed to enter), and he performs a blessing to the Israelites, offering words of great encouragement.  Moses then dies and we have this incredible epitaph capturing his life.

Contained within the epitaph are these wonderful words that "the Lord knew [Moses] face to face".  The Israelites feared God (we all should) and did not want to interact directly with God - instead they requested Moses do this on their behalf (see Exodus 20:18-19).  Yet while we should fear God, we should come to know God as personal, approachable and full of love, compassion and mercy for us - He loves us just as any father loves their children.  John Piper offers this great short interview on this question - he also offers this post - in this latter post Piper writes that "God is ten thousand times better than any good father".  As such, we should desire to develop a daily, lifelong, and personal relationship with Jesus whereby we read, study, and reflect on Him and we offer praise and prayer to Him.  He is our heavenly Father and High Priest.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my heavenly Father and I know I can approach You with confidence - Yes, I DO fear You, but more importantly I love You and I desire to grow in my relationship with You such that I can please and honor You with my life.  I am completely undeserving of Your love and grace.  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.

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. v6-7

Paul warns Timothy about how "terrible" the last days will be like.  He describes what non-believers will be like in those days, indicating they will have a "form of godliness".  In v7 Paul indicates that these non believers will "always [be] learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth".  I know some who have an interest in Jesus and faith - but perhaps more from an intellectual or quasi-new age spiritual perspective.  

It's not enough to be curious about God or to have this type of intellectual or quasi-new age spiritual interest in Jesus, we must seek Him to the extent that we understand that we are all fallen, all need a Savior, and Jesus is Savior and Lord of All.  We must then surrender our lives to Him and earnestly seek Him in a daily, life-long and personal relationship with Jesus.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who IS my Lord and Savior.  I DO desire to surrender all of my life to You as I have seen what You have done in my heart and life.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My words are harsh.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such 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.

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”

John 4

 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” v48

In v43-54 we see Jesus healing an official's son in Cana (see also John 2 where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding).  Jesus' response (v48) to the royal official's request (v47) reveals perhaps an untoward motive on the part of the official.  Many people view the basis of a relationship with Jesus Christ as transactional - Jesus exists to affirmatively respond to our prayers; that He exists for us.  MacArthur writes that the official's motivation "apparently centered in Jesus' reputation as a miracle worker rather than as Messiah.

Check out this video and this post which echo my sentiment that God is NOT a vending machine!

Instead, we MUST recognize Jesus as Messiah and that we exist to glorify God not the other way around.  

In a step of faith, the official did take Jesus at His word that his son will live (v49-50).  The official's son did live and "he and his whole household believed" (v51-53).

Contrast the official in this story with that of the centurion in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 where the centurion referred to Jesus as Lord.

God wants a personal relationship with us where we spend time with Him, we get to know Him through study of His Word, we share our praise and prayers with Him, and we worship Him (including corporate worship at church).

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and You are always there - I know this - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such a God.  I sin - all of the time!  Please forgive me for how I missed the mark yesterday - it happens every day!  Help me overcome my sin 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.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Matthew 27

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. v51

Upon Jesus' death on the cross, the "curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom".  This was significant because as John Piper writes: "When Jesus died—when his flesh was torn—God tore (from top to bottom) the curtain separating ordinary people from himself. The death of Jesus opened the way for the world into intimate, holy, personal, forgiven, joyful fellowship with God. No human mediator is needed any longer. Jesus split open the way for direct access to God." 

While we celebrate the meaning of Christmas we cannot help but also appreciate the birth of Christ apart from His crucifixion for that is WHY He came - to save us and give us direct access to God - for all of us ordinary people.

The greatest gift of all time! 

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who came for me - an ordinary and sinful person...and You suffered and died for me - thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such an act of pain and suffering...and grace.  I am lustful, I worry, I am selfish, etc. among my many sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

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

Matthew 9

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

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

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

But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Matthew 8

But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” v22

We all have earthly matters that we must attend to - family, work, health, etc. In the midst of life, we often claim that we don't have time for God, who ironically, has provided all the many things we claim get in the way of our relationship with God.  In my experience, it's not that we don't have time for God - we do - it's that we don't value the time we do spend with God. All of us must find our own path to God and a path to a deeper relationship with God.  For me it's been my blogging here where I have found God talking to me.  It's taken years of plugging away - but year over year my desire for Jesus has grown as I've gotten to know more about Him and seen Him transform my heart and life.

Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

Ezekiel 33

Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. v32

God continues to reinforce Ezekiel's role as watchman - to deliver God's message to the people to repent...so that we may have life.

In the New Testament, the role of prophets and the high priest changes as we have a direct line to Jesus and all of us can have a personal relationship with Jesus vs intercession through the prophet or high priest (Old Testament).  James warns us of reading or hearing the Word of God and not putting it into practice.

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. James 1:22-24

 

See also posts on action and being in action.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love. I worry...and far 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.