Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

Isaiah 28-29

Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ Isaiah 28:16

I continue 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 3, which looks more closely at Isaiah 28:16 and related references in scripture, including:

• Isaiah 8:13-15 > for Jews that did not see Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus became stone of offense, rock of stumbling
  
• Romans 9:33 > NT reference to Isaiah 8:13-15
• Psalm 118:22 >Jesus, the stone the builders rejected became the cornerstone
  
• 1 Peter 2:6-8 >Jesus as cornerstone, whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame
  
• Matthew 21:33-46 > NT reference to Psalm 118:22
  
• Acts 4:8-12 >Jesus as cornerstone, no other name under heaven by which can be saved
  
• Daniel 2:31-45 >kingdoms of this world are all from Christ but will will pass away, God's kingdom will overcome (and destroy earthly kingdoms) all other kingdoms and last forever
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and whose kingdom will last forever - and You are saving a place for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a blessing.  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.

Many are saying about me, “God won’t rescue him.” But, Lord, you are my shield, my wonderful God who gives me courage. I will pray to the Lord, and he will answer me from his holy mountain. I can lie down and go to sleep, and I will wake up again, because the Lord gives me strength. Thousands of troops may surround me, but I am not afraid.

Genesis 6-9

Many are saying about me, “God won’t rescue him.” But, Lord, you are my shield, my wonderful God who gives me courage. I will pray to the Lord, and he will answer me from his holy mountain. I can lie down and go to sleep, and I will wake up again, because the Lord gives me strength. Thousands of troops may surround me, but I am not afraid. Psalm 3:2-6 (NCV)

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). 

Today I want to focus on how God provides believers with security, refuge and hope and how He wants us to share with others this security, refuge and hope.  When God was to flood the earth, He instructed Noah to build an ark to serve as a means to preserve Noah and his family.  There are many places where people place their security, refuge, and hope: homes, money, jobs, people, government, etc. Yet these things come and go and do not provide spiritual security, refuge and hope; and they do not last, certainly not for eternity.  We all need to place our security, refuge and hope in Jesus Christ so that we can weather the storms and flood in this life, and to provide for our eternal life as we must all be ready for either our own passing or for when Jesus returns both of which we don't know the timing.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:36-39

For those of who have this security, refuge and hope we must give it away to others who need it.  God even helps us with the words to say - straight from scripture.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14:1-3 (NIV)

Now we hope for the blessings God has for his children. These blessings, which cannot be destroyed or be spoiled or lose their beauty, are kept in heaven for you. God’s power protects you through your faith until salvation is shown to you at the end of time. This makes you very happy, even though now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. 1 Peter 1:4-6 (NCV)

My highlighted verse for today comes from Psalms where David writes about how he feels refuge in God during a period of great fear when he fled from the persecution of his son Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18).

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You give me security, refuge, and hope - an ark - during times of great turbulence and distress.  You have seen me through periods of great pain.  I am grateful Jesus!  Yet I am not deserving.  I have grave sin in my life and it continues....worry, harshness of others, 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.

For no word from God will ever fail.

Job 38-42

For no word from God will ever fail. Luke 1:37

Day 260 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 Job as God takes His turn to address Job. Ultimately, Job responds, repents, as does his friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  Job prays to God and is not just simply restored, but God "blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part" (Job 42:12). 

While my commentary* acknowledges the mystery of of why Job suffers as he does, it aptly summarizes key takeaways for us: "[f]irst, although it is not always readily noticeable, the wicked will one day come to judgment. Second, the notion that suffering is always the result of sin is totally destroyed. And finally, man is in no position to justify his own situation by accusing God of injustice. As Job himself points out, these theological niceties are not likely to stop the tears of one who is languishing in captivity, or suffering persecution, or writhing in pain from a cruel disease. But they do challenge God’s people in exile to recognize with humility the sovereignty of God, and to trust that in his wisdom there truly is a time and purpose for all things, including adversity and suffering. Whether or not it is apparent, God is working in the life of each individual, as well as in the lives of nations, to bring his people into a closer relationship with him, and thereby into greater harmony within themselves and with each other."

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

Indeed, Isaiah similarly acknowledges that God's thoughts and ways are a mystery to us.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Yet in the midst of mystery, God is a God of promises, of certainty, as He is Our Rock and our firm foundation. John Piper offers this post on how we can know the Gospel is true.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is always with me, and One who is my firm foundation - my rock.  I know I can build my life and faith on You.  I am grateful for the faith You have provided.  I am not deserving.  My sin continues.  Harsh words, actions, pride, worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help my 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.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. v8

As Paul begins to wind down his final words to Timothy, he focuses once again on the final days (v3-4) and how Timothy (we) is (are) to "keep [our] head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of [our] ministry." (v5)

Our circumstances and the world around us will continue to change and often be very difficult, but God does not change, He is always with us and our focus should not change which is to glorify God and do so until we meet Him in Heaven.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is my rock, will never leave me and is SO full of grace, compassion, etc.  I cannot exist without You - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such a God.  I am harsh with my words and thoughts.  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 know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. v12-13

My sense is that v13 is more often quoted than v12, yet v12 I believe is equally important because it clarifies and qualifies the basis for the strength found in v13.  Strength is found regardless of circumstances - changing circumstances (health, wealth, etc.) do not result in strength.  Strength is a constant as it comes from God - who does not change and who is always with us.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Matthew 24

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. v35

As part of a broader warning about the end of times and false prophets, Jesus warns us of the temporal nature of the things of this world.  Jesus even warns us that some of us will "turn away from the faith and hate [other believers]" (v10).   He also encourages us that if we "stand firm to the end" we will be saved (v13).  

In a world that swirls with chaos, suffering, sin, etc., we must trust and have faith in a God that never changes as He is our rock and firm foundation.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and love NEVER changes - I can trust in You as my rock and firm foundation.  I love You.  Yet I am undeserving of Your 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 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.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven....Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

Matthew 7

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven....Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. v21, 24

As Jesus proclaims in 7:15-23, there are both false prophets and false disciples.  The broader point I see is the superficial nature of our faith.  Verse 24 reinforces this point by stating that faith is built upon a strong foundation of practicing spiritual disciplines, such as Bible study, prayer time, fellowship with other believers, service, corporate worship, etc.  We must not have paper thin faith.

This is demonstrated further in the Parable of the Sower which stresses the need for "good soil".

I know the dangers of building a house on sand - I've done it myself.  

Jesus, please help me build my faith on a strong foundation.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has given me faith, and helped strengthen my faith.  You have transformed my heart and life and I experience life to the full - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I daily miss the mark.  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.

Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless—now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria.

Hosea 7

Ephraim is like a dove, easily deceived and senseless—now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria. v11

Unless we have God as our anchor and firm foundation, we will waver and be blown and tossed about from idol to idol.  We want to avoid being just like Ephraim (Israel) and and Judah in the days of Hosea.  

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19

With God, we will not waver.  See also the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awe some God who loves me and who provides with a firm foundation upon which I cannot waver - thank You Jesus!  What an amazing God You are!  I am not worth such love and 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 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.  Please 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 for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.

Jeremiah 26

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. v14

Do I have confidence in God's justice, protection, etc.?  Jeremiah does - although just like us he has not always had such confidence in God.  

God describes this confidence earlier in Jeremiah:

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

 

Peter and John spoke of this confidence as they faced the Sanhedrin:

 

 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

 

Jesus also spoke of this confidence:

 

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and I know You laid down Your life for me, drinking from the cup of wrath for me...and for all of mankind.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such an act and of 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.

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord.

Isaiah 31

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord. v31

I too often place my hope in things of this world - my mood is tied to my circumstances.  This I know is not God's desire and it is sinful.  I am to love the Lord my God with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  I should focus on God is my constant and as my Rock.  On Him I should be building my house.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:26-27

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:3-4

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is my Rock - while all the world around me swirls in sin and chaos You are there - never changing and always my Refuge.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God...I too often spurn You - please forgive me Jesus!  I thank You for welcoming me back to Your arms and for the many, many second chances.  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.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Psalm 119

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. v105

It is not definitively agreed upon who the author of this psalm is nor when it was written or the circumstances of the psalm. Yet as with all scripture, it has eternal value as it is God breathed and living.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness[.] 1 Timothy 3:16

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

This morning, I feel desperate for God and His light.  I don't know what the future holds and many days I have concerns about how I can provide for my family - these are of course unfounded as God provides.  Once again I should hold on to what is true and let go of what is going on my mind as many thoughts are directed by Satan who wants to separate me from God.

See also this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who will always be with me - I am 100% certain!  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.

Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

Esther 10

Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. v3

Mordecai persuaded Esther (Esther 4) to request relief from Haman's edict to have all the Jews killed.  Mordecai is honored for uncovering a plot to kill the king (Esther 6), and Haman suffers the fate (he is impaled) intended for Mordecai (Esther 7).  

There are several lessons here for us.  One is that in the face of danger, we should be strong and courageous - to fight for what we know is right in the eyes of the Lord. God is with us.  Some of us may face physical harm - others emotional harm - regardless, we can rest on Jesus Christ who is the cornerstone, our rock.  Another lesson for us is that we are to serve one another - to work "for the good of [our] people" in ministry.  Acts 2:45 paints a picture of how the early church did this.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You give us "one anothers" who we are blessed to serve and who serve us.  You created the church so that we can strengthen and grow together.  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.

The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.

Esther 3

The couriers went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered. v15

This bible overview commentary indicates that Xerxes (also referred to as Ahasuerus) is someone perceived as weak - easily manipulated one can say.  Haman manipulates the king into issuing an edict that the Jews be killed - this chapter chronicles the background for this edict and the king's erratic (MacArthur indicates that even the people of Susa expressed bewilderment in the king's edict - perhaps as having no basis or cause) and weak behavior.  This stands in direct contrast to that of Mordecai who is seen as strong and principled - he would not kneel for Haman. MacArthur questions whether Mordecai's faith motivated him not to kneel, but over time it is evident that both Mordecai and Esther would emerge as strong and principled in their faith - courageous as well.

For us, we should understand that life is turbulent - see also John 16:33.  But we have Jesus as our rock and our faith in Him should rest on His firm foundation.  With Him we can remain strong.

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Deuteronomy 32:3-4

 

"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

  But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God whose love is greater than I will ever comprehend and imagine - You are certainly slow to anger and abounding in love.  You are my strength and my rock.  Thank You Jesus for how You helped me through dark valleys - I am grateful!  Yet I am not worth such love.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus 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.  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.

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes...Our God will fight for us!

Nehemiah 4

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes...Our God will fight for us! v14, 20

Nehemiah 4 serves as a metaphor for our lives as we attempt to build a life based on Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.  Just as Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod worked to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the Pharisees and Sadducees, among others, all rejected Jesus.

As I posted yesterday, our role in the church is very important because our fellowship with other believers serves to strengthen us as we fight the forces of this world in our faith.  

Most importantly, we have a God that will fight for us - just as Nehemiah states in v14 and 20.

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You can beat the dark forces of this world because You have beaten death and sin - You have overcome!  Thank You Jesus for helping me gain victories over sin - I continue to need Your strength.  I am not worth such love. I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus 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.  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 you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. v9

Believers are chosen to be firm in their faith in Jesus so that we can "offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to him" (Romans 12:1).  As Peter puts it, and as Paul encourages us, we are not to cause others to stumble or fall, but instead we are to draw others to Him by being a light unto others.

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15

 

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16 

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God worthy of my full attention and passion.  There is no God like You.  Only You can save me from sins and give me eternal life.  Only You can provide the Holy Spirit - the same power that helped You rise from the grave.  Apart from You I can do no good things.  Thank You for blessing me richly - I am undeserving.  I worry and I know You don't want me to - 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 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. 

I the Lord do not change.

Malachi 3

I the Lord do not change. v6

God is perfect in all ways, He loves, and He always keeps His promises.  When we see change (some good, some bad) all around us, we should be comforted by knowing that we have a God who is the First and the Last, will always love us and is faithful.  This cannot be said of people. Nor can this be said of things. 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:8-9

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17-19

 
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

Our faith and trust should rest in the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed my firm foundation and I know that You will never change and I can rest on You.  Thank You Jesus!  What a great God You are!  I am not worth such a God.  I worry...too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and 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 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. 

I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will live securely,” declares the Lord.

Zechariah 10

I will strengthen them in the Lord and in his name they will live securely,” declares the Lord. v12

We all seek strength and security in our lives and often times we place our hope in money, jobs, relationships, etc; Yet God wants us to rest securely on Him - for He is the cornerstone.

From Judah will come the cornerstone[.] Zechariah 10:4

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic. Isaiah 28:16

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone[.] Psalm 118:22

Jesus also warns us to avoid building our lives, hope, security on anything but Him.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God and I want You to be the foundation for my life - because I know that You are always with me, will never leave or forsake me, will provide for me and will help me through any difficulty.  Yet I know that worry and I place security elsewhere - please forgive me and help me overcome such sin!  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, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Micah 7

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. v7

There will be times of turmoil in our lives when we have personal tragedies, challenges, etc. or when we are surrounded by those in the world whose sin and influence gives us great fear.  My hope is that I don't give in to my fear but instead rest in the Lord.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19

You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 199:114

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.  I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. Psalm 3:5-6

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Proverbs 19:23

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who will never leave or forsake me even during times of trouble.  You are faithful and You are my refuge, strength, shield and rock.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I continue in my sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and 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 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 understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations.

Psalm 135

Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations.v13

That the Lord endures forever provides great comfort to me because I know that He will be with me always and that He is faithful.  He is my rock.  When all of the world crumbles around me, and sometimes it has and will feel this way, God will hold me up and I will not be shaken - see also Habakkuk 3, Psalm 37, Psalm 125, and Hebrews 12. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  You were there at the beginning and You will be there at the end of times.  You created all things, are in all things, and hold all things together.  You are full of love and compassion for me even though I am not deserving.  Thank You Jesus.  But I need Your forgiveness - for my worry.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. 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.

Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.

Psalm 119

Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. v90

In this world, the earthly realm, people and things come and go - we should not place our faith and trust in them.  Yet we do, we idolize people, ourselves, things, etc. However, God has no equal in terms of His power, his knowledge, and His love.  He loves us and He is faithful and trustworthy like no other.  

Lord, you are my God;

I will exalt you and praise your name,

for in perfect faithfulness

you have done wonderful things,

things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

 My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God - incomparable in power, knowledge, and love...and my words are insufficient for how great You are. I need You desperately Jesus.  Thank You for the many blessings You pour out for me - I am not worthy.  Please forgive me for my worry and my laziness.  Help me overcome my 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 Lisa 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.