And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Numbers 20:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” Numbers 20:12

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 20:1-13 - Miriam dies and is buried by the people in the wilderness, and Moses does not completely follow God instructions to bring water from the rock, and is subsequently punished harshly.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God provides and comforts the people during their time of need - in the face of not having any water, God gave instructions to Moses (vv7-8) to use the staff (see also Numbers 17), and to command the rock to yield water.  Indeed God was able to yield water from the rock, despite Moses not following His instructions completely.  God's plan will not be thwarted.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Alarmingly, we see the people grumbling, complaining, quarreling with, and rebelling against God - see vv2-5.  After all that God has done, including provide and cause both the earth to swallow up Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) and a plague that killed 14,700, the people fail to trust in the LORD to provide water.  Instead of going to Moses and Aaron to intercede, the people grumble, complain, quarrel, and rebel.  Unless we abide in Him, we will not bear any fruit (John 15:1-10).  Key to the text today is how Moses fails to completely follow God's instructions in v8 to "tell" or command the rock to yield water - instead Moses strikes the rock twice (v11).  V12 describes God's harsh punishment to Moses as he will not be able to enter the Promised Land.  Perhaps one can see such punishment as harsh, but we must also remember that church leaders are held to a higher standard.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do not grumble, complain, quarrel with, or rebel against church leadership as they are God's appointed leaders.  Church leaders should also be mindful how they are avoid not following God's commands - do not add to or subtract from His Word.  Claim the promise that God is Lord over all of Creation, He is faithful, and we can trust in Him to provide.  Follow the example of Jesus who trusted the Father and willingly laid down His life.  Love and trust in Him. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You of  are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin 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.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.”

Numbers 17:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you may make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.” Numbers 17:10

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 17:1-13 - we see God's instructions to Moses to give to the people to settle the matter of Aaron's priesthood.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God clearly communicates through both symbols and actions His message.  In this case, He uses the symbol of staffs or rods which in the Old Testament represented authority and power.  V5 is where the LORD shares "the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout," and from that point forward the people will cease their grumbling against authority from Aaron.  Vv8 and 10 make it clear that because Aaron's staff sprouted, it will be preserved as a sign to end further rebellions.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Such a sign or any physical sign from God should cause one to be in reverent fear of God's power, as we should acknowledge that the entire universe is controlled by Him (Colossians 1:16-17), including all authorities.  Thus it is not surprising to see the people's reaction in vv12-13 of fear - yet it is unclear at this point that this causes repentant fear.  Repentant fear is what God seeks, and John Piper refers to this as "fear as preservative" such that we fear angering or disappointing God, so we avoid sin.   
• 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 rebellion against God's appointed leaders, including both church leaders and civil authorities. Claim the promise that God reigns over all details including authority He places above us.  Follow the example of Christ who rendered to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's (see also Romans 13:1-7).  Submit to God's appointed leaders. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that works in all things for good - including leaders in my church and civil authorities.  Thank You for how Your design is perfect.  I am not deserving of how You work and bless me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.

So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Numbers 3:40-51

So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. Numbers 3:49-51

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 3:40-51, where the Lord commands Moses to take a redemption price from among the firstborn (above and beyond the firstborn of the Levites).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God commands Moses to collect a redemption price for each firstborn from among the people of Israel above and beyond the count of the firstborn from among the Levites - see vv39, 43, 46-47. This price - 1,365 shekels (273*5) is then collected and provided to Aaron and his sons.  God holds with high regard the role of the priesthood in church and seeks for the priesthood to be supported by offerings and this is carried over from the Old Testament (see Leviticus 7, Numbers 18, and Deuteronomy 18) to the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 9:13-14).  Such support allows the priesthood focus on their God-given duties without minimal distraction.  This is emphasized in v41 and v45 where God says the "the Levites shall be mine," implying that God is reserving them from among all of Israel for a special purpose.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The designation of the priesthood as mediator between God and the people first started in Exodus 20:19 where fire, smoke, thunder, etc. at Mount Sinai terrified the people and they pleaded with Moses to intercede and speak to God directly on their behalf.  The New Covenant based on Jesus' shed blood did away with this as believers can now go Jesus directly without the need of any intervention.  The role of a lead pastor exists now for teaching and shepherding the church and should be viewed as such.  However, many church attendees overemphasize the role of the pastor in their own personal relationship with Jesus.  
• 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 overemphasizing your pastors' role in your personal relationship with Jesus.  Claim the promise that you can approach Jesus with confidence (directly).  Support your lead pastor and church leadership.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and I know I can approach You directly and with confidence.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out for me daily.  I know these never cease.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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 we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

 3 John 1

Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. 3 John 1:8

I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, my study consists of an unassisted review of 3 John 1, primarily looking vv9-10 which per the commentary is the second division for 3 John 1.  Here, in contrast to my reading on Gaius yesterday, where we are encouraged to walk like Gaius and support fellow workers for the truth, vv9-10 describe Diotrephes, who is opposing the work of the church and the Truth.  Diotrephes is described as someone "who likes to put himself first" (v9). Humility is an attribute of Jesus and absolutely something we as believers should emulate. Diotrephes also does "not acknowledge [the] authority" of John and the other church leaders (v9).  Believers are called to submit to church leadership and authority.   Diotrephes also lacks hospitality and does not support and encourage other believers - he is disruptive to the church.  We must be more like Gaius and not like Diotrephes. Diotrephes' sin should be confronted and dealt with according - see also Matthew 18:15-17.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Way, the Truth and the Life and You are SO good to me - I seek to respond in white hot worship to who You are and how You love me so much - because I am undeserving of such blessings and grace.  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.

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

1 Corinthians 9

 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:14

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 9:1-18. Main idea of the text from the commentary*: "To advance the gospel, we joyfully and readily give up our rights."  The introduction* then describes how - quoting J.D. Greear - Paul shared from 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 how the Good News of Jesus Christ, or the gospel "was of first importance," explicitly implying for Paul and for all believers that "[t]he salvation of others mattered above all other issues. The gospel above all was the decisive factor in all his decision making. Setting aside personal rights and preferences mattered nothing to him if it meant Christ could use him to save just one more person."  The commentary* then unpacks the text in two divisions:

1. There Is a Right to Compensation for the Minister of the Gospel (9:1-14): Paul connects 1 Corinthians 8 to 9 by sharing that he "will not do anything to cause a brother or sister to stumble in the faith, even if he has the liberty and right to do that thing. That includes eating food sacrificed to a lifeless idol (ch. 8) and receiving compensation for preaching the gospel (ch. 9). Chapter 9 is a personal example that drives home the point Paul is trying to make in chapter 8. He builds a compelling argument for the right of financial compensation for anyone who preaches the gospel and ministers to the church. His argument is filled with rhetorical questions (fifteen altogether) and illustrations."
   
2. There Is a Compulsion to Preach the Message of the Gospel (9:15-18): The commentary* then describes how even though issues such as abortion, the sanctity of traditional marriage, care for the poor, are important - taking the gospel into the world is a "necessity" for those called to preach.  When God lays both a gift and a calling on someone, the call must be answered in the affirmative!  It is then described how Paul "sets aside a claim to compensation "to preach the gospel free of charge....[with the pleasure of doing so as] his reward (vv. 17-18)."
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good to me - giving me the gospel and providing a church home, church leadership, brothers and sisters in Christ from the church, etc. to disciple me in understanding Your Word for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  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 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.  Help me support my church and church leadership.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

I continue my study of Hebrews, and today my focus is Hebrews 13:7-14, and and I am assisted in my understanding by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series for Hebrews. The commentary outlines four divisions for this text:

I. Remember Your Leaders: Here, the commentary surmises that the use of "remember" vs "honor, respect or greet" is used likely due to how many leaders likely were martyred at the time Hebrews was written; it also emphasizes how discipleship is not just learning from the teaching of leaders but also from their practices in their daily living.

II. Remember Your Savior: We also encouraged to see - in v8 - how Jesus does not change.  We are referred to Malachi 3:6, one of many scripture references that make this point.  The commentary shares: "[w]e can rest in the absolute confidence that he will never change."

III. Do Not Be Led Astray: V8 provides a foundational truth for us to avoid being led astray by either clinging to Old Testament external practices (i.e. with foods) that no longer apply for readers of Hebrews, or to fashionable trends that seek to change our faith to suit the times. 

IV. Go Outside the Camp: Here, the commentary describes how the text uses the Old Testament practice of burning sacrificed food outside the camp, and how that directs us to follow Jesus as He was sacrificed outside Jerusalem.  It shares: "[f]ollowing Jesus means joining him outside the camp. The writer’s people were tempted to find their identity in Judaism and the old covenant."  The commentary wraps by pointing to the last verse of today's text - v14 - and how "we anticipate an everlasting city. Our hope is not in the fading city of man, it’s in the enduring city of God. We wait for an eschatological city, the heavenly Jerusalem."

Comment and discuss this this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are worthy of worship and imitation - You are spotless, and full of grace and compassion for how You offer the only path to forgiveness and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless as You do.  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.  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 here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Hebrews 13

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:14

I continue my study of Hebrews, and today my focus is Hebrews 13:7-14, and my unaided observations of the text. Here, the text offers a number of instructions from the author of Hebrews, including:

• Model the faithfulness of your leaders, those who have taught You from the scriptures (v7)
• Beware of false teachings, particularly those that seek to follow trends or how cultures change over time - "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (v8-9a)

It is less clear the instructions with regards to food in v9b-13.

With regards to v14:

• Once again, the author of Hebrews reiterates a point previously raised that we owe an allegiance first not to an earthly kingdom or country, but to a Heavenly one.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me excellent leaders that have taught and modeled scripture and faith for me - thank You Jesus!  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.

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

Leviticus 6-7

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter seven - Serving God in God's Way - covering Leviticus 6:8-7:38, looking specifically at the theme - We Provide for Worship Leaders. Here, the commentary focuses on how throughout v6:8-7:38 - specifically 6:16-18, 6:29, 7:5-8, and 7:11 - God commands the Israelites to set aside portions of the various sacrifices for the priests.  The commentary then turns to believers who are to see how, even though the Old Testament sacrificial system was done away with Christ's sacrifice on the cross, God still seeks for us to support our worship leaders. During the period of the Old Testament when Leviticus was written, priests' only means of sustenance and provision was through their role in the tabernacle and temple.   The commentary points us to 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 where Paul "repeats" this call for worshipers to support worship leaders; similarly, Paul writes about how elders should be afforded the same support in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. We are urged to see how Paul uses Deuteronomy 25:4 and 24:14-15 as the scriptural basis for what he writes in 1 Corinthians 9 and 1 Timothy 5. 

The commentary closes by ensuring that we are clear that "God does not command us to support Him" as "nowhere does the Bible imply that God needs or lacks something...He commanded sacrificial offerings not because He needs anything from us, but because we need the sacrifice to take the penalty for our sin so we will be allowed to come into His presence to be reconciled to Him."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is so full of compassion and mercy for me - You have placed great pastors in my life who have encouraged and supported me - I am grateful!  Yet I am undeserving for how You have blessed me in this way and in all ways....I have been critical of pastors my criticism is sinful...please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me support my pastors.  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.

So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted all the Levites by their clans and families. All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting numbered 8,580. At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry.

Numbers 3-4

So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted all the Levites by their clans and families. All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting numbered 8,580. At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry. Numbers 4:46-49

Day 36 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the census of Levites and their priestly role with the tabernacle.

Church leadership becomes top of mind when one thinks of the tribe of Levi - OverviewBible.com indicates that not only Aaron and Moses are Levites but also John the Baptist and Barnabas.  Building on my post from a couple of days ago regarding spiritual gifts and everyone's role in the church, I have often posted on church leadership and grown in my thinking here that it is critical that we support those in church leadership as God has put these people in their roles and they are challenging roles indeed!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has put great church leadership in my life and I have been blessed!  Thank You Jesus, I am not deserving of how You have blessed me in this way.  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.

David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.”

1 Chronicles 21

David said to God, “Was it not I who ordered the fighting men to be counted? I, the shepherd, have sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Lord my God, let your hand fall on me and my family, but do not let this plague remain on your people.” v17

For his sin (v1-8), David repents and goes to the Lord to intercede on behalf of Israel and Judah.  We should recognize that just as David was a great king and a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), all of the pastors and leaders of our churches are human and fallible.  David sought to shepherd the Israelites and our pastors/leaders choose to do the same thing.  

We should make every effort to pray for and support our church pastors and leaders given their great responsibilities to shepherd the flock.

See also posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and give us church leaders that support our growth in You - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God - I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly spouses and friends 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.   

This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered.

1 Kings 12

This is what the Lord says: Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Go home, every one of you, for this is my doing.’” So they obeyed the word of the Lord and went home again, as the Lord had ordered. v24

Rehoboam, Solomon's son, does not appear to have the wisdom that his father had.  He chooses to follow the advice of his friends - his peers, and those with whom he has grown up - versus the advice of the elders (v6-11).  This results in an Israelite rebellion and Jeroboam is made king in Israel while Rehoboam maintains reign over Judah.  

Although it is clear from the text that God orchestrated these results (see v24), we can learn that it is not wise to discount wise counsel - particularly those whom God has put in authority over us - earthly authorities (government, etc.) and church authorities (pastors, elders, etc.).  

See also my post from a couple of days ago.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has led me and provided for all of my needs. I have never been in want - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 Peter 5

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. v5-6

Peter reminds us to be humble within the church.  We must submit to our church elders and among fellow members of the church.  We must allow Jesus to work through us and we must not grumble and complain.

I have previously posted about this here in 1 Timothy 5.

Similar teachings are also found in Hebrews 13, Romans 13, and 1 Timothy 6. 

Too often I want to make things about me, and not about Him.  Lord Jesus, help me remain humble not just within my church, but also in my roles as a father, husband, and employee.

My Prayer: You are a great God creator of all things and able of anything.  You don't need me but You suffered and died for me, choosing me as Your adopted son.  Thank You Jesus for coming to rescue me.  I am not worth such love because of my arrogance and other sins.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure."

Psalm 122

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure." v6

Peace within the church is important.  It starts with your own heart with regards to feelings about the church - and in this regard, I have often found myself in need of forgiveness in light of sinful criticism of the church.  Feedback is often valuable but I have complained...in this of course is complaining about God Himself.  Strength in the church relies on church discipline, peace and love...we will and can have sin, conflict, and disagreements in the church, but it must be dealt with in a peaceful and loving manner.  We must submit to church leadership.  God places these leaders in our lives. On a related note, this is true of other earthly leaders in our lives, whether that be in the workplace, teachers, in our government, etc.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have placed great men of faith in my life that have encouraged me greatly and pushed me to grow closer to You and to be more like You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I have complained and grumbled far too often - forgive me Jesus and help me turn from 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.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

1 Peter 5

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.” v5

I often grumble or feel envy of others in church leadership because I think I know better...this is total arrogance...God has placed these people in church leadership and I am to submit to them...to be humble and to serve them.

See also Numbers 16, Hebrews 13, 1 Timothy 5.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and "[e]very good and perfect gift is from above".  I know You have blessed me gifts, spiritual, material, physical, emotional, etc.  You have placed others in my life for Your glory and my good and I often scoff at others such as church leadership.  Thank You for how You have blessed me, including church leadership, and please forgive me for such sin!  Help me turn from this 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.  Help me remain humble and submit to the authority of church leadership and serve them.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  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.

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.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

1 Thessalonians 5

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. v12-13

I have often (see post here) grumbled about my church leaders.  This is sinful not only because we are to avoid grumbling but also because we are specifically called to respect and follow church leadership - see here.

My Prayer: Lord You are an awesome God and You have created church for me and for Lisa and we have seen the miracles and good works that have resulted from our membership in the churches we have attended.  We have been blessed beyond what we deserve.  Specifically for myself, I am not worth such blessings as I continue to be quick to anger, slow to listen and harsh with my thoughts, words, and actions.  Thank You for Your blessings and love but please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome my sin and 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 respect, follow, and serve my church leadership.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  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.