I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 10:7-18

I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:9-11

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 10:7-18, where Jesus patiently teaches those listening to Him as He refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd and those who follow Him - His sheep.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus once again reinforces His authority by sharing "[t]ruly, truly" in v7.  Those listening did not understand what Jesus was saying in vv1-6, so Jesus has to reinforce that despite how some may not understand, He is sharing Truth because He is Lord of All and all scripture is God-breathed and perfect (2 Timothy 3:16).  Building on what I posted a couple of days ago, no one is saved (and find pasture or provision, including rest) except through Jesus as He is the door to salvation (vv7, 9).   In contrast to Jewish leadership and Satan, Jesus comes to give life and to give it abundantly both now (freedom from sin) and for eternity in Heaven through salvation (v10). Jesus is Good at being our leader v11 because He sacrifices Himself for His people.  Those who follow the Good Shepherd know Him and He knows them just as the Father and the Son know each other (v15).  Vv17-18 shares how the Father loves the Son because He not only sacrifices His life for God's people but also is able to rise again (Easter).  Jesus does those of His own accord (ability) and authority because He has been granted authority by the Father.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: God's people in Israel are the sheep but the Jewish leadership who led have not led well and are referred to as thieves and robbers (v8), serving only themselves and not following God's instructions for how to lead.  In particular, the thief (Satan) is a false god and following him leads to eternal condemnation (v10).  There are many who claim to lead or claim be a or are seen as a deity, but there is only One True God and Good Shepherd (vv12-13). V16 shares how there are others in His fold but not in "this fold" (v16).  This refers to how the believing Jews are of this fold but soon Jesus will be sending out the disciples to the Gentiles and to all parts of the world as part of the Great Commission and these that are not of this fold will listen to Him.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd over all who believe and follow Him - one flock and one shepherd. 
• 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 following false gods and evil influences.  Claim the promise of abundant (and eternal life) through Jesus.  Follow the example of the sheep who know the Good Shepherd and His voice.  Follow and please Jesus as Your #1 priority.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You ARE the Good Shepherd!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of a God that cares and provides in such a way.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-8:59

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 8:31-8:59, where Jesus responds to the Jews who who had believed in Him and also to the Jewish leadership who did not - the latter interaction being quite an astonishing confrontation as Jesus sharply rebukes the Jewish leadership whose hardened hearts are revealed in their questioning as they seek to trap Jesus (vs learn).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Faith in Jesus gives us power to defeat sin in this life and for eternity as the victory over sin and death is already won (vv31-32, 34-36).  V33 reveals the hardened hearts of the Jewish leaders who do not believe in Jesus and seek to trip Him in sin so that they can arrest and kill Him. V37 shares how Jesus knows their intent, and in v38, Jesus refers to the Father as a proper noun - as part of the Triune God - as the Father of those who believe, and in contrast, He refers to to the father of those who do not believe with lower case "f" as Satan (v44). In v39, the Jewish leadership bases much of their claims about themselves on being children of Abraham but Jesus shares that Abraham sought to honor and please God and they do not. In v45, Jesus continues His sharp rebuke of the Jewish leadership who seek to arrest and kill Him as He shares that "[they] are not of God." After the Jewish leadership accuse Jesus of having a demon (vv48,52), Jesus then shares that they "dishonor" Him (v49) and that they are liars, and do not know God (v55).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The Jewish leadership claim to know God and to be children of Abraham but they have hardened hearts, and reveal themselves as liars and as people who dishonor Abraham and in contrast please Satan.  They attempt to kill Him but are unsuccessful
• 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 dishonoring God and following Satan. Claim the promise that if we abide in Jesus (including daily study of His Word and prayer), we will experience freedom from sin in this life and for eternity. Follow the example of those who believe by abiding in Him daily.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - 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 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.

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments. Zechariah 3:3

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:3, which the commentary outlines as the third of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10). The commentary shares Satan Wants Us to Feel Innocent When We Are Guilty as the title for this single verse 3.  The commentary then shares two ways that Satan seeks to keep us from going to God for forgiveness when we sin.  The first way is to make us feel "hopeless," that God cannot and will not forgive us.  The second strategy God uses to keep us from going to Him for forgiveness is when we feel normal - that nothing is wrong with our sin - when we sin, so we continue in the sin.  This latter strategy is in play with v3.  The commentary then describes Joshua's condition in the Hebrew translation as being "filthy" in the strongest possible terms, including excrement.  The commentary shares that "Joshua is standing there, trying to serve the Lord, yet he is absolutely contaminated. The irony, though, is that Joshua seems to think he is acceptable. After all, he is “dressed,” showing that he considers himself to be prepared to serve and minister in the temple. He is standing before the Angel of the Lord, apparently believing that he is ready to do God’s work and to be in the Lord’s presence. He thinks he is fine. This is a portrait of how Satan will work when we are contaminated with sin. He will try to convince us that we are innocent, even when there is great guilt in our lives."  We are referred to 1 John 1:8 and 10 where John shares that we all sin and need a savior - all of humanity.  We are encouraged to practice the spiritual disciplines, particularly daily Bible study and prayer as a means for us to abide and remain in Him and Him in us. See also John 15:1-11. We need to stay close God for God to stay close to us.  The commentary wraps with "we open ourselves us to Satan’s deception. He wants us to feel innocent when we are guilty so that we deceive ourselves and continue in our sin."  Draw near to God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that helps me - by giving me faith, and by giving me mercies that are new every morning and never cease!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.   Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. Zechariah 3:1

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 3:1, which the commentary outlines as the first of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  For the entirety of 3:1-10, the commentary shares this historical context: "[t]he people of Judah have come back to Jerusalem after spending years in Babylonia in exile. They have been back in the land of Israel now for about 20 years. God’s people have started rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. But because they faced great opposition from the others who live in the area of Jerusalem, the people have stopped rebuilding the temple. Zechariah, who prophesied 520 years before the time of Christ, has been sent as God’s messenger, calling them to return to the Lord. With the guidance of an interpreting angel, God has shown Zechariah eight visions, of which this is the fourth." The commentary then (1) outlines three actors in this vision, Joshua, angel of the Lord, and Satan, and (2) provides "six principles regarding what Satan does and what God does concerning our guilt. These six principles are actually three pairs of principles. The first half of each pair shows how Satan deceives us in our guilt, while the second half shows how God tells us the truth."

The broad theme specifically for the first division - v1 - is that "[w]hen we are legitimately guilty [of sin] before God, Satan uses our guilt to make us feel hopeless so that we will stay far from God."  V1 depicts Satan standing with Joshua "pointing to his sin."  The commentary wants us to understand that Satan is real: "according to God’s Word, Satan is indeed real. He’s not merely a representation of evil or a fantasy character invented to frighten people. The Bible talks about Satan as a real spiritual personality. And just as he accused Joshua the high priest, Satan is our accuser. He opposes and attacks all of God’s people."  We are referred to Revelation 12:10 where Satan is described as accusing and opposing believers day and night before God. The commentary also points us to John 8:44 where Satan is described as a consummate liar.  We are warned about Satan as he seeks to separate us from God and the love and hope He provides. The commentary concludes by sharing: "[Satan] comes into the presence of God and tells the truth about us. We are sinners. We are sinful. We have done, said, and thought things that offend and displease our holy God. But Satan’s accusations against us are always accompanied by hopelessness. He not only accuses us of having sinned, which is true, but he also tells us that we are beyond God’s reach, which is a lie. Satan uses our guilt as his weapon to make us feel hopeless and to keep us from God."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives sinners like me hope - I know that You have already defeated sin and death, and that I can come to You for mercies every morning that never cease.  Thank you Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from and 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 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.

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.

2 John 1

Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 2 John 1:8

I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, I continue exploring, with commentary assistance, 2 John 1:1-13, specifically focusing on a review of the entirety of the text, and the main idea, introduction, and third division per the commentary: We Must Look for the Truth (7-11)."John was confronted with the spiritual, mystical theology of his day, an early form of Gnosticism. Gnosticism—the term is based on the Greek word for “knowledge”—took many forms as it developed, but most forms usually held two main propositions in common: (1) salvation is by (mystical) knowledge, and (2) the material world is evil or inferior to the spiritual. As a result of their worldview, they attacked the reality of the incarnation....If you are wrong on who Christ is, you will be wrong everywhere. John therefore issued a strong warning to be on the lookout for anyone who challenged the full deity, true and perfect humanity, sinless life, and completed work of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father....Day in and day out, we must be on guard and resist destructive persons and philosophies that deny the truth about Jesus and that would take from us our full reward."  We are warned to avoid either adding or subtracting from the gospel.  We must also avoid supporting those who promote false teaching. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that gives me Truth, Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, my brothers and sisters in Christ and so much more that I can know and discern Truth and protect myself from false teachers and teachings...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 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.

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8b

I maintain a pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I continue using DesiringGod.com's Advent devotions where I pick up on Day 20.  Here, John Piper encourages believers to unite with unbelievers in what he refers to in the devotion title: Christmas Solidarity. The devotion starts with Piper describing how Satan goes about his business cranking out sin via an "assembly line" and then by distributing them via "huge cargo planes."  As this sin is "spread out before God...[Satan] laughs and laughs and laughs."  The devotion then shares that Satan's objective is to make God the laughingstock of Satan and to draw people away from "the light and beauty and purity and glory of God."  For Satan, "[n]othing pleases him more than when creatures distrust and disobey their Maker."  The devotion then pivots to its connection to Christmas and how the birth of the incarnate Son of God - Jesus Christ - offers hope and good news for sinners - believers and non-believers alike.  We are referred to 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 John 3:8 where Paul and John share that Christ came to save sinners and to defeat sin.  The devotion concludes with John Piper encouraging believers and non-believers to unite in solidarity, and to go "on strike" against Satan's "business" of sin.  Piper writes: "Christmas Solidarity will not give up until a complete shutdown has been achieved.  When sin has been destroyed, God’s name will be wholly exonerated. No one will be laughing anymore.  If you want to give a gift to God this Christmas, walk off the assembly line of sin and don’t go back. Take up your place in the picket line of love. Join Christmas Solidarity until the majestic name of God is cleared, and he stands glorious amid the accolades of the righteous." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for - giving me the full armor of God to protect me in my daily battle with sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving as my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.      

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

 2 Thessalonians 2

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church - today I start with week 2 which looks at 2 Thessalonians 2 and the memory verse remains Titus 2:11-12. Here, Paul builds on his discussion of the second coming of Christ to describe how Satan plays a role now and during the second coming.  Paul seeks to encourage the Thessalonians by sharing glimpses of end times so that they will know it when it does come and not be frightening - as it will be frightening indeed for those who have spurned Christ.  In vv1-2 Paul warns the church of false teachers who claim that the second coming has already arrived.  Paul then shares in vv3-9 in more details how God is restraining Satan now but during the second coming, Satan will no longer be restrained as Christ prepares for battle when Satan will be destroyed forever. Vv10-12 serves as a strong warning for those who do not repent of their sins and surrender to Christ as their Lord and Savior.  In vv13-16 Paul offers tremendous encouragement to believers to stand firm waiting for the second coming.  Believers take heart and be encouraged!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a good, good God who comforts and encourages me in this life by sharing Your plan for the ultimate defeat of sin-forever.  Thank You for Your Word for giving me confidence about what awaits and for power and protection now to battle against sin.  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such 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.

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

1 Corinthians 10

The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

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 10:14-22. From the commentary*, the main idea for the text: "Avoid idolatry and practices that bring you near idols, knowing that demonic activity promotes them." The introduction* then expands on this main idea by first sharing thoughts on idolatry/demons/devils from C.S. Lewis in the introduction to the The Screwtape Letters: 

"There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight."

This warning is then compared to the idolatry practiced by the church in Corinth in AD 55.

The commentary* then unpacks the text in more detail in two divisions: 

1. Communion with the Lord Is Essential (10:14-17): Pointing to v13 from text previously discussed by the commentary*, Paul directly addresses idolatry by prefacing v14 with "so then." V13 shares how God provides a way out of temptation (Christ), so then we should "flee from idolatry (v14).  We should be on guard for sinful influences of all kinds.  Peter's words are useful - see 1 Peter 5:8. The commentary* then moves to vv16-17 where Paul draws our attention to the Lord's Supper and he contrasts it with idolatry.  Communion draws us closer to God (vs idols), moves us further from idols, and also provides for both fellowship and union with other believers. We are encouraged to participate in Communion.     
   
2. Association with Demons Is Evil (10:18-22): Here Paul draws on his knowledge of the Old Testament where the Israelites practiced idolatry throughout various periods in its history. The commentary* explores demons and describes them as most likely fallen angels, pointing to Revelation 12:4 where "possibly one-third of the angels fell with Satan."  Additional scriptural references* to demons include:    

• Some demons are free to roam now (Mark 1:21-34). 
• Some demons will be free to roam during the great tribulation (Revelation 9:13-19). 
• Some demons are confined now, never to roam the earth again (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). 
• Demons are powerful but not omnipotent (Mark 1:24). 
• Only God is omnipotent. Their activity may have increased during the time of Christ, and it may also increase again at the end of the age before Christ returns (see Revelation 6–19). 
• They are set up under Satan’s control (Ephesians 6:11-12), probably in rank, possibly in geography (Daniel 10:12-14).

Further thought on demons provided by the commentary*:

• They have authority and can promote disunity, false doctrine, and false worship, cause mental difficulties, and hinder Christian growth. 
• Demons can oppress but not possess believers. 
• Demons use idolatry to further false worship of false gods.
• Demons compromise our loyalty 
  

Bottom line - we should know that demons exist, be on guard, and flee from influences that lead us towards them.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and grace for me - providing a way out from temptation and my brothers and sisters in Christ to support and encourage me in this effort.  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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.

Isaiah 58-60

Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. Isaiah 59:14-16

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 3 (of 5) of week 21, which looks at Isaiah 58-60.  Day 3 builds on yesterday's post and focuses again on Isaiah 59, and how God promises a redeemer for Israel and a new covenant based on this redeemer - who is of course is Jesus. Of particular note is how this redeemer gives believers supernatural abilities, through the Holy Spirit, to battle against the forces of the present age and Satan. Isaiah 59:17 echoes Ephesians 6:10-17 and how Christ, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and prayer ready us for battle.

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My Prayer: Lords Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace for me.  You provide Your Word, the Holy Spirit, prayer, the church, etc. for me so that I am armed and ready to fight Satan.  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.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

As part of my D-Groups Proverbs study, we are reading C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters.  Christianbook.com describes the novel's summary through the lens of the two key characters: Wormwood and Screwtape. "Wormwood, a demon apprentice, must secure the damnation of a young man who's just become a Christian. He seeks the advice of an experienced devil, his uncle Screwtape."  The novel chronicles a series of letters from Screwtape to Wormwood.  In the Preface, Lewis writes that are "two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils.  One is to disbelieve in their existence.  The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them."  Peter, in 1 Peter 5:8, warns believers of the power of Satan and how he is seeking souls to devour. My own studies over the years here in this blog include posts on how to avoid the second mistake, of becoming a "friend of the world."  This particular post stands out this morning.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You arm me and protect me from Satan - thank You Jesus for arming me and for your protection.  I am not deserving of such protection - my sins are great and they 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 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 not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

 Isaiah 36-39

Do not listen to Hezekiah. For thus says the king of Assyria: Make your peace with me and come out to me. Then each one of you will eat of his own vine, and each one of his own fig tree, and each one of you will drink the water of his own cistern, until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. Isaiah 36:16-17

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I continue with Lesson 14, looking at Day 2, which looks specifically at Isaiah 36.  Core to Isaiah 36 is how King Sennacherib of Assyria sends Rabshakeh to meet with representatives sent by King Hezekiah of Judah. Rabshakeh mocks both Judah and the Lord and it is the manner in which Rabshakeh does his mocking of Judah and the Lord that is instructive for believers.  My commentary offers great insights here.  Rabshakeh uses God's own words (v10) where it is true that Assyria was led by God to invade Judah (for its sin), and just as Satan does, tries to tempt and entice Judah into submission through a promise of prosperity.  This is how Satan works - by tempting us with empty promises. It is God-alone that gives us prosperity, peace, etc. and He can also take it away.  We should certainly not expect prosperity (we all sin and the wages of sin are death (Romans 3:23, 6:23) - in fact Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we are to expect trouble, and in the same message, Jesus offers us peace through Him that ultimately we will overcome these troubles because of eternal life in Heaven with Jesus.  I am reminded of how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness (Matthew 4) but does not fall for Satan's empty promises.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You offer what none other can - peace, patience, kindness, love, joy, etc. - all the fruits of the Spirit.  Most importantly, You offer eternal life - the greatest gift of all time - for all that repent and turn to You. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of any of these blessings or gifts. My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me and help me turn from these 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.

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

Revelation 12-14

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:9

I continue with my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  For this week, the study looks at Revelation 12-14, which according to my commentary looks at "the spiritual reality behind and beneath [the] conflict [arising both within and without the church].  For today, I look at the extent to which Satan is the great deceiver.  My commentary notes that "Satan attempts to deceive the world by imitating God," and points out several striking similarities between Satan and God in Revelation 12-14, including: 

• God exists as the Triune God or Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; in Revelation we see the dragon, the beast from the land and the beast from the sea
• the Lamb was killed and raised to life (Jesus); in Revelation 13 we see the beast from the sea "seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast."
• God seals His saints by writing His name on their foreheads; the beast from the land marks his servants (Revelation 13:16-17)
•  the church is clothed in white; world kingdoms in the Bible are represented with purple and scarlet
  

The commentary also points to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 for an additional scripture warning from Paul about how Satan imitates God:

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is full of love for me...giving me protection from Satan - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  My sin is great, it continues, and it is 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 an d Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone.

Revelation 8:2-11:19

Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were allowed to torment them for five months, but not to kill them, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings someone. Revelation 9:3-5

I continued with my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  For this week, the study looks at Revelation 8:2-11:19, and for today my focus is on Satan and how, although he has much power and influence, he is under God and cannot do anything that God does not allow. God reigns and has providence over all, including Satan.  In Revelation 9:3-5, after the fifth trumpet is blown, we see locusts arise from the abyss.  God gave them power to torment non-believers only and they only had power to torment, not to kill. 

Comment and discuss this power.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for protection from Satan and sin - I know that You have already defeated sin and death and You give me the power to protect myself from temptation and sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great - worry, etc. - and it is 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.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Chapter 18: Pages 241-261

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 3 "Providence Over Satan and Demons" - moving to chapter eighteen "Satan and Demons". 

The core takeaway from Piper in this chapter is that, yes, Satan is powerful, yet God is sovereign over every aspect of Satan's role before Satan is ultimately defeated at the end times.  Piper's discussion, includes scriptural examples of how God is sovereign over earthly rulers (Romans 13:1, Proverbs 21:1, Psalm 2:2-4), over demons and evil spirits (James 2:19, Luke 7:21, Matthew 10:1, Daniel 10:13, Matthew 8:29-32, Mark 1:27), over persecution (1 Peter 3:17, 1 Peter 4:19, Luke 22:3, 31, 52-53, John 10:18, John 7:30), over Satan's life taking power (Deuteronomy 32:39, 1 Samuel 2:6, James 4:13-16), over Satan's hands in natural disasters (John 8:44, Job 1:16-19, 37:11-14), over Satan's sickness causing power (Acts 10:38), over Satan's use of animals and plants, over Satan's temptations to sin (Acts 1:16, 2:23, 1 Thessalonians 3:5), over Satan's mind blowing power (Revelation 20:10, Romans 1:16), and over Satan's spiritual bondage (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Piper wraps up the chapter with these words: [w]hen God permits Satan to act with that design, God's design in doing so is for his glory and the ultimate good of his people.  We have show before that all God's wise permissions have good designs. They are planned permissions, and all God's plans are good."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are sovereign over all, including all aspects of Satan's existence.  You have freed me from bondage and given me faith and help grow that faith - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of how You have given me faith and freed me from bondage to sin.  I worry 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.

You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

Psalm 122, 124, 133, 134, 135, 136, and 138 

You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138:7

Day 122 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 my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I continue today with the group: "Psalms of Joy and Praise".

Today's psalms focus on praise for Jerusalem, and the house of the Lord, for escape from enemies, for the joy of brothers living harmoniously, a call for temple servants to praise God, for the many things for which temple servants can give praise, a special poem of thanksgiving for all things, and praise for a faithful God.  A few days ago I posted on praise, and how it is a critical aspect of our relationship with God.  This morning my focus is on how we must recognize the daily battle we face against Satan and sin, and how God is our only weapon against this battle.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

We must no doubt praise God for how he has protected us, continues to protect us, but most importantly we must put on the "armor of God" daily so that He can protect us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who has protected me and continues to protect me.  You also arm me with Your armor, the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet and salvation, sword of the Spirit, and word of God - I am not deserving of how You love and protect me.  I sin...daily.  I am grateful for Your love, compassion, mercy, and protection but I need it daily!  Please forgive me for me sin 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 arm myself with what You provide to protect myself in this daily battle with sin and satan.  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.

Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.

Psalm 120, 121, 140, 143 and 144

Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path. Psalm 140:4-5

Day 113 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 my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I continue with "Psalms of the Troubled Soul".

Today's psalms focus on prayers for deliverance from lying Gentiles who press war, praise for the Lord who watches over his people, prayers for protection from violent persons, prayer for preservation of life and protection against trouble, and for God's power.

As motivation to draw near to God, so we can draw upon the strength of God's promises and protect ourselves with a heart of gratitude, we should recognize that there is a battle raging for our soul over sin.  Satan is all around us and on the prowl.  David gets it right - we all need a savior.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

 

 My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects me - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of Your love and protection.  I continue to sin...primarily in the workplace but everywhere in my life.  Please forgive me Lord.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa 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.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it....you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

2 Samuel 10-13:17, 21 and 1 Chronicles 18-20:1, 20:4-8, Psalm 60, and Psalm 51

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.....You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.  Psalm 51:10, 16-17

Day 98 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 a steady stream of battles fought by Israel and includes David's adulterous affair with Bathsheba and his resulting repentance.  My commentary* suggests that Israel's conflicts with its neighbors and David's own battles with lust represent "a warning that God’s people must be on guard against both external and internal enemies".

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

Once again, we must remind ourselves that God promises believers that life will be difficult and we will have challenges (Genesis 3:17-19, John 16:33).  I agree with my commentary that our challenges will be both external and internal - the battle over our souls and with sin is very real.  We must deal with sin out of humility - that alone we cannot deal with sin.  We must recognize that we all sin, need a savior, and that Jesus is that Savior!

David let his guard down and in a moment of pride/arrogance (see DesiringGod.com on this) took Bathsheba as his own (contrary to God's commandment not to covet your neighbor's wife).  I can't imagine for an instant that David did not know this was a sin!  His lust and pride blinded him!

We ALL have these moments where Satan/sin blinds us - and it is in the aftermath of these moments, as we are likely dealing with the destructive forces of sin and we must go to God as contrite as David and seek a pure heart.  From there we must continue to draw near to God and seek transformation and renewal of the mind as a means to preserve ourselves against the forces of Satan and sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an amazing God who loves me and who has welcomed me back into His arms when I have sinned and You continue to do so - thank You Jesus!  I KNOW I need You and I am grateful for Your patience, compassion, and mercy.  Yet I am undeserving.  My sin continues as it will the rest of my life - today included!  Please forgive me - for my combativeness, etc.  Help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose Your 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.

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

Revelation 20

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. v6

Session #11 of David Platt - Revelation: The Hope of Glory (requires login which I have though my church) focuses on Revelation 20.  The title of the session is What Ultimately Matters Regarding the Millennium.

This chapter is widely disputed and is possibly THE most widely disputed in this book. There are many aspects of this the chapter where meaning and interpretation are difficult to discern - yet once again we should not miss the broader theme or core messages of this book.

Where we need to start today:  it is sanctifying to disagree about the millennium. Greats have all disagreed about these things and we should approach this chapter with humility.  It is sin to divide over the millennium.

Uncertainties about this chapter (additional perspectives by John Piper) and the millennium:

• are these passages arranged chronologically or cyclically?
• is the millennium before Christ's return or after; is it now/in the present or in the future?
• is the millennium 1000 years?
• will the millennium involve a spiritual resurrection of Christians to reign on earth or Heaven during the millennium?

For certain:

• Christ has come once and Satan has been bound/restrained; saints - you are not defeated! Satan could not stop Christ and cannot stop Christians (Revelation 12)
• We are IN the millennium; Christians who are alive now reign with Christ on earth; Satan cannot keep the church from proclaiming the gospel, and he cannot keep the nations from believing the gospel.
•  Christians who have died now reign with Christ in Heaven; they are worshiping God as priests while they rule with Christ as judge.
• Christ will come again, and Satan will be obliterated - Revelation 20; after the final period of revolt, there will be a final point of Satanic defeat.
• The return of Christ will usher in full and final judgment, once and for all.

What is absolutely clear in God's word forever:

• God is sovereign
• Satan is subordinate; he limited and bound, and doomed to be defeated
• Gospel will advance through the church
• Jesus will return for the church
• Every single will one of us will be judged by God - Revelation 12:12; two questions will be prevalent - (Book of Deeds and Book of Life ) (1) did we put our faith in Christ's work? (2) was their evidence (fruit) of faith in our work?  Were we faithful in our worship, witness? Did we fight against sin? Did we trust amidst suffering?  Two destinations await = either eternal torment OR everlasting joy with Him forever.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You reign - in the beginning, in the past, now, in the future and forevermore!  You died for me and all of humanity - after living a perfect sinless life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving.  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.

[Satan] will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.

2 Thessalonians 2

[Satan] will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. v9-10

Paul seeks to point the Thessalonians to Jesus, as they have been led astray by false teachers claiming that Christ has already returned (rapture).  This is what Satan does - he leads people astray!  Believers must be sober and alert!

Non-believers must repent and believe for the remainder of v10-12 contains a stark warning for those who do not believe.

They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. v10-12

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God because You came to save me and others who believe!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  I often put myself first above God and above others.  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.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Ephesians 6

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. v18

Paul wants us to avoid falling prey to "the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (v12).  He encourages us to put on the "full armor of God", including God's Word and the Holy Spirit.  We must also be on alert and "keep praying for all of the Lord's people".  

Peter also warns us about evil influences and like Paul urges us to "stand firm":

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and protects me - You are my shelter, refuge, and rock.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love and protection.   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.