All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1

All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. Ecclesiastes 1:8

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 1:3-11, which per the commentary, is the first division of the first chapter of the commentary. The commentary shares the following in its introduction to commentary that unpacks Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 and 12:8-14: "[w]e are stuck in a monotonous prison where nothing we do really changes anything, and the only way to live a meaningful life in this meaningless existence is to find satisfaction and contentment in what God has given us."  The book of 1 Kings captures the story of Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, as he asks God for wisdom, is then granted wisdom, as well as great wealth and power.  Ultimately, this evolved into a life of sin and ungodly pursuits.  The commentary shares how Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes are just as relevant today as when first written: "[p]eople think to themselves all the time, If I could just have more money, more pleasure, or more success, then I would really be happy. Solomon had everything and tried everything, and in Ecclesiastes, perhaps at the end of his life, he tells us, 'No! All of that is meaningless.'" See also my post yesterday, where I am encouraged to read Ecclesiastes in the context of the Fall and with understanding and knowledge of the Gospel where believers know that we exist to glorify God and this purpose should drive all that we do. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You bless me - my cup overflows...again I am not deserving.  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 heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1

All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. Ecclesiastes 1:8

I start a new study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 1:3-11, which per the commentary, is the first division of the first chapter of the commentary.  Solomon, referred to as the son of King David, authors this chapter of Ecclesiastes, where he writes about the emptiness of life, and how humanity, left to its own natural inclinations, falls prone to sin and sinful pursuits - separated from God.  This is certainly true since the Fall in Genesis 3 where sin entered the world and has followed ever since.  John 15 comes to mind where Jesus shares how He is the Vine and we are the branches.  In v5, Jesus shares how "apart from me you can do nothing."  We are encouraged to abide in Him.  We must remember that we exist to glorify God, and this broadly directs our lives as we seek to more specifically identify and develop our spiritual gifts and use them for His glory.

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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 me...giving Your children spiritual gifts to develop and use for Your glory.  These gifts are then distributed among the church such that we can work in unity...again for Your glory.  Thank You for Your church and the community it provides, including prayer, encouragement, teaching, spiritual growth, etc.  What incredible blessings...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me 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.

But all things should be done decently and in order.

 1 Corinthians 14

But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

I resume my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an assisted review of 1 Corinthians 14 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book.  From the commentary for this text:

Main idea: "The gift of tongues comes with a reminder that the most important thing about all spiritual gifts is not the experience of a gift but the effectiveness of the gift." 

Key excerpts from the introduction: 

• "No biblical subject, in fact, has caused more consternation, fueled more debates, ignited more arguments, or divided more churches, perhaps, than the subject that is likely properly termed glossolalia. The difficulty is immediately signaled when one realizes that, unlike in the case of any other spiritual gift, one entire chapter of the New Testament is devoted to discussing it."
• "...[B]elievers should not be opposed to enthusiasm and excitement in worship. Certainly it would be great for all of our churches if people were more participative in worship and not less. Sadly, some of what may be seen as excesses in worship are perhaps a reaction to the dead formalism we have in many churches today." 
• ...[T]he exercise of any spiritual gift should always be for the glorification of God, the edification of the church, and (ultimately) the evangelization of the lost." 
  

Divisions from the commentary:

1. Determine the Meaning of the Gift (14:1-25):"If spiritual gifts are not clothed in love, those exercising them are in effect naked and should be ashamed....[the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues] always refers to a foreign language, an earthly language that is spoken by some group or nation on this earth....speaking in tongues [is] a gift of speaking in a foreign language that is totally unknown to the one who is speaking and to some who may be hearing. This is what we find in the very first occurrence of the gift in the book of Acts....When the gift of tongues stands alone without interpretation, it is unintelligible and only benefits the speaker, but prophecy builds up the church[.]...235). It should be noted immediately that there is something unique about tongues: it is the only gift that needs a corollary spiritual gift to complete its function as a gift. Tongues can neither edify the church, glorify God in the greatest sense, nor evangelize the lost unless there is understanding....Simply but strongly put, when believers come together for both personal and corporate worship, understanding and intelligibility should rule the day. The ultimate goal, after all, is the edification of the church....Whether for the benefit of believers or unbelievers, prophecy should always be first in line over tongues. Any spiritual gift that puts a barrier between unbelievers and God rather than a bridge is simply out of place....It cannot be stated strongly enough, in fact, that the most important aspect of any spiritual gift is not the personal experience of the gift but the spiritual effect of the gift. Any gift falls short of its God-intended function if it does not edify the believer and help evangelize the unbeliever. One cannot deny the plain teaching in this passage that prophecy—speaking plain truth from God—is a powerful tool for evangelism, but tongues, if uninterpretable, is a hindrance to making the gospel clear[.]"   
   
2. Describe the Ministry of the Gift (14:7-9,12,14-15,19,22): "Every verbal spiritual gift—whether it is prophecy, teaching, exhortation, or speaking in tongues—should communicate truth that correlates with the Word of God....The gift of speaking in tongues is not so much to communicate to God but to communicate for God....speaking in tongues is primarily a missionary gift. It was a gift that God gave and that God can still give so that people around the world can hear the gospel in their own languages. With current technology a gift like this is less necessary than it once was, but it can still be useful in certain parts of the world....It cannot be overemphasized that spiritual gifts are not gifts primarily for our enjoyment but for God’s employment. They are a means to an end: teaching biblical truth to believers and reaching unbelievers with the gospel."
   
3. Direct the Management of the Gift (14:26-40): "Whatever you believe about [speaking in tongues], it is a legitimate biblical spiritual gift. Though we should not denounce the use of the gift, we must direct the management of it....Speaking in tongues and interpretation are joined at the hip, and in a public assembly they are never to be used apart from one another. A speaker should not exercise the gift unless there is someone to interpret the tongues; sometimes the one speaking in tongues can interpret.
   

"Every gift must be exercised in a way that is fitting and orderly, ultimately meeting all three criteria of glorying God, edifying the church, and evangelizing the lost. The goal for all the gifts is to strengthen and build up the church."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gives all believers spiritual gifts and allocates them in such a way that we are knit together to form a unified body working together and supporting one another.  Thank You Jesus for my brothers and sisters in Christ who support me.  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.

But all things should be done decently and in order.

 1 Corinthians 14

But all things should be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 14. Here, building on guidance provided in the previous two chapters on spiritual gifts, Paul provides guidance about how to exercise the spiritual gift of prophecy vs that of speaking in tongues.  My review of the text:

• V1: Love - as Paul expounds on in the last chapter - is most important to demonstrate with spiritual gifts.
• Vv1-2: Paul acknowledges the gift of speaking in tongues, but seeks for believers to be understood which is a concern for those speaking in tongues. 
• Vv3-5: On the other hand, offering prophecy is typically done to encourage, console, and to build up the church. Writings of the major prophets in the Old Testament often serve to warn but also to encourage Israel of God's faithfulness and of the coming Messiah. 
• Vv6-32: Paul poses a series of rhetorical questions exploring the value of prophecy vs speaking in tongues - coming down on the side prophecy and building up the church. 
• Vv33-35: Paul offers guidance on women's role in speaking in church.
• Vv36-40: Paul concludes the chapter by challenging those who challenge him by stating that he acknowledges he has the gift of prophecy and at the same time he knows this gift comes from God so anyone with this gift should recognize this and similarly recognized that they should not challenge Paul.  Paul's final words express a desire for the church to do things "decently and in order."  Paul's repeated use of "build" or "building" up (5x - v3,4,12, and 26) the church is key and expands on how Paul defines "decently."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion. I am not deserving of such grace and love.  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.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to a unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 13. Paul builds on his discussion of spiritual gifts in chapter 12 by zeroing in on the importance of love as a motive to exercise these gifts.  We know from Matthew 22:34-40 that the greatest commands God gives us are to love Him and then to love others as "[o]n these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." 

• Vv1-3: none of the gifts described in chapter twelve have any value if not used in love of God or others.
• Vv4-7: Paul describes attributes of love so we know it when we see it.
• Vv8-10, 12: An attribute of love that is emphasized with its own three lines of scripture is how it is forever vs the spiritual gifts that are temporary during believers' lives in this life (vs in Heaven)
• V11 seems a bit out of place as a description of how we are called to spiritual maturity
• V13 underscores the importance of love in our relationship with Jesus and others - above faith and hope - as we don't have faith and hope in something we don't love.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who I know loves me and never stops loving me and will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus for how You love me and while I was hostile to You.  I am not deserving of such love and 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.

[T]here may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

 1 Corinthians 12:8-31

[T]here may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to an assisted review of 1 Corinthians 12:8-31 using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary volume for this book.  From the commentary for this text:

Main idea: "Different gifts are given to different believers, and all gifts are for the glory of God and the good of the church."

Key excerpts from the introduction: 

• Every believer has a primary spiritual gift
• Everyone typically has more than one spiritual gift
• Teaching, exhortation, service, mercy, prophecy, leadership provide a list while not exhaustive, that capture "most areas of service and ministry"
• "every gift is to be used for the glory of God and the good of the church."
  

Divisions per the commentary:

1. The Gifts of Wisdom (12:8,10): "God supernaturally imparts insight about the Scriptures or reveals how the Word of God may be applied to certain situations, how the will of God may be preserved, and how the work of God may be continued....Wisdom is supernatural in origin (James 1:5). You can get knowledge from a book and education in a school, but true wisdom comes only from God....It is the ability to see things as God sees them....Now there is some debate among scholars as to whether or not there is to be a distinction made between wisdom and knowledge....there must be some distinction or it would not be distinguished as a separate gift in Paul’s delineation....A word of knowledge, then, is perhaps when God reveals something to someone that he or she would not know or could not know about a particular situation unless it was revealed supernaturally. It is a special message of insight into a particular situation that may reveal a hidden motive or even a future action."  Possible examples identified by the commentary include Acts 5 and 27 when respectively "Peter uncovered the fact that Ananias had kept back some of the money he claimed to have given to the church," and when Paul "warned the entire crew of the ship they had to stay together or else they would all perish....Both wisdom and knowledge reflect the God-given ability to bring spiritual insight beyond human understanding to bear in a situation....The work of distinguishing between spirits refers to the ability to see through false teaching, false prophets, and false doctrine. I like to think of it as spiritual x-ray vision.  In the spirit of what’s said in 1 John 4:1-3, I believe the gift is also the ability to discern not just by what is being said but sometimes by the person who is saying it. I have found by personal experience that some of the finest, most eloquent speakers can also be the best at deception. More than ever before, the exercise of this gift is desperately needed both in the church and in the academy." 
   
2. The Gifts of Worship (12:9-10): "I place two gifts, faith and prophecy, under this category because I believe these two are linked very closely. Most worship will involve some prophecy because God always speaks in and through worship, but no worship can take place apart from faith because “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). The work of God is expanded through faith. The Word of God is expounded through prophecy." The gift of faith is described is no ordinary faith but that which 'moves mountains.' "There are just certain people who have the ability not only to see what no one else can see, go where no one else will go, risk what no one else will risk, but do it with a quiet confidence and unshakable assurance that God is going to come through. Theirs is in effect an unshakable faith in God’s unequaled faithfulness that is far more abundant than all that we ask or think." The gift of the word of prophecy is defined as "[t]he spiritual ability to proclaim God’s truth in such an authoritative and powerful fashion that lives are changed, the lost are saved, and believers are motivated for greater service and maturity."    
   
3. The Gifts of Wonders (12:9-10): "These gifts, though normative to Paul, are nevertheless exceptional. In the Bible, they are neither more prominent nor more prominently displayed than other gifts. In fact, church history would suggest they are rarely used except in special situations. With that caveat, I accept all these gifts as legitimate for today....First, there are different kinds of healings.  Surely a doctor can be used by God to bring physical healing, a counselor may be used to bring about emotional healing, and a pastor may be used to bring about spiritual healing....[T]here is no one gift of healing. There are “gifts” of healings. That is, at certain times, in certain situations, and through certain people God brings healing to those who are sick....[A]ll healing is divine....Of all the gifts, this one most consistently proves itself a topical land mine. Unfortunately, the gift of tongues has become one of the most controversial and divisive issues among God’s people....[T]he gift of tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in a foreign language previously unknown by the speaker so that the gospel and biblical truth might be communicated to people that need to hear it....[T]he gift of tongues is a missionary gift. Indeed, there are reports it has been heard on mission fields before." 
   
4. Unity in Diversity (12:11-31): "No person should be jealous of another person’s spiritual gifts or God-given abilities. Rather, as we come to understand the whole dynamic of spiritual gifts, we celebrate the differences and the point that we are all unique. But we are also to be dependent on one another (vv. 14-17). It takes every part of the body working together to have a healthy, properly functioning church body. Each part of the body is dependent on other parts of the body to do its work....every member of the body is equally needed, but every member of the body is equally important. We all have different gifts, different passions, and different interests. Yet every gift should be unwrapped and put into the service of the body. Everybody is somebody in Christ’s body.  Then, we are to be devoted to one another (vv. 23-26). No matter what functions, gifts, or ministries other people have, we each honor and respect all others, and we empathize with one another."  
   

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gave me a church body that supports me when I am weak and a role to play to give me significance - thank You Jesus for these blessings.  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.

For the body does not consist of one member but of many....As it is, there are many parts, yet one body....But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

1 Corinthians 12:8-31

For the body does not consist of one member but of many....As it is, there are many parts, yet one body....But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 1 Corinthians 12:14, 20, 24b-25

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to a unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 12:8-31. Here Paul builds on Vv1-11 and how the Holy Spirit moves in the distribution and allocation of spiritual gifts to all believers as he describes in more detail the various spiritual gifts believers may possess - see v8-10, and v28.  Paul also uses the analogy of the body and its various parts and how they work together - see v12-27.  Core to use of this analogy:

• One part of the body cannot say to another that is of less importance to the body than another - vv15-17.
  
• God designed the body - perfectly with no weaknesses or lesser parts - v18
  
• One part of the body cannot say to another I don't need you - vv21-24
• The body parts work together - in unity, caring for one another, suffering together, and rejoicing together - v25-26 
  

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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 me - thank You Jesus.  Thank You for giving me others in the body that support me when I need it.  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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 are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:5-6

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians, moving on to a unassisted review of 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. Here, Paul helps us understand how God and the Holy Spirit distribute and move in believers' lives with spiritual gifts. 

• Vv 1-3: Paul seeks for us to be "informed" about spiritual gifts; some in the Corinthian church were led astray about this topic - perhaps on the topic of teaching or prophesying.  He reinforces how God alone and the Holy Spirit distribute and work in believers' hearts and lives to both give and direct spiritual gifts.  
  
• Vv4-6: Paul is explicit and states emphatically that all spiritual gifts are from God who "empowers them all in everyone."
• V7: In constructing his case, Paul starts with foundational doctrine - that the Holy Spirit is present in the lives of all believers ("to each is given...") who call Christ their Lord and Savior.  Galatians 5:22-23 help us understand how we see "fruits of the Spirit."  This is given for the "common good" which is for the healthy functioning of the church and its members working together as a body.
  
• Vv8-10: Examples of spiritual gifts are described, including "wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc."
• V11: The Holy Spirit both "apportions to each one" and "empowers" each one to use these gifts.

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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 me - giving me spiritual gifts and equipping me so that I can work for the common good both inside the church and in the world. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving how You work in my heart and life.  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.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace[.]

1 Peter 4

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace[.] 1 Peter 4:10

I continue my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul.  Today, I move to chapter eleven - Rigorous in Reasoning, Transparent in Feeling.  Here, John Pipers shares his love for Paul based on Paul's combination of strengths to both reason (and articulate his reason both in written and spoken mediums), and to be in firm grasp of his own emotions which he is able to harness to empathize with others and win their hearts. Piper first starts by describing how others viewed Paul's intellect, first by pointing to Roman Governor Festus (Acts 26:24), then to Peter (2 Peter 3:16). Piper then shares scripture where Paul encourages all believers to think for themselves (1 Corinthians 10:15, 14:20, 2 Timothy 2:7).  He continues by moving to Paul's emotional maturity, describing both his own emotions and challenges as well as his profound sense of care for others (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Philippians 1:8, 4:1, Philemon 1:12, 2 Corinthians 6:11-13).  While this is a rare combination of strengths for anyone to possess, we are encouraged to develop these capabilities as God gives them to us, and use them in His service.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You have blessed me through others - through Paul's writings, and the love and care of others working in Your service.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, care, and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me 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.

It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Hebrews 2

It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:3b-4

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 2:3b-4, the second of three divisions in Hebrews 2:1-9, and the commentary builds on yesterday's warning to "spiritually hear" the messages of the gospel, and to "anchor" ourselves to the Word, lest we drift away towards eternal damnation. The commentary shares that if Jesus is more superior than angels, "[h]ow much more guilty, then, are those who reject the “great salvation” declared by the incarnate Lord himself? This new stage in redemptive history brings great privileges, but also great responsibilities."  The commentary then pivots to describe how Christ's message - the New Covenant brought about by His blood - is superior to angels' messages in four ways:

• Spoken to us by the Lord - v3b
  
• "Confirmed to us by those who heard [Him]" - v3b
• God himself testified the veracity of gospel "by signs and wonders and various miracles" - v4
• Through the showering and distribution spiritual gifts throughout the church - v4

On this last point, the commentary emphasizes that "the author of Hebrews helps us strip away our misconceptions about why spiritual gifts exist. Spiritual gifts are not an end to themselves to be used for our personal, private enjoyment. Spiritual gifts edify the church (see also 1 Corinthians 14:3-5; Ephesians 4:11-12) and testify that Jesus Christ is Lord."

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are a great God who not only gave me ears to spiritually hear Your message, but You also gave me salvation and so much more - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and help me turn from my sin towards You.  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 understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 10-16

The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied. Proverbs 13:4

Today, I return to my study of Proverbs - moving to chapters 10-16.  Here, the first four questions for this week (week 6) from my study workbook focus on the relationship between wisdom and wealth (see Proverbs 10:1-5 and 11:28), lying and hatred (see Proverbs 10:18 and 26:28), the pitfalls of the pursuit of individual or corporate autonomy (from the Lord) (see Proverbs 12:15), and how our diligence in work (using our God-given skills/gifts) supports the work of the gospel (see Proverbs 13:4). In particular, I am working hard to ensure my 19-year old son Zach understands this last one...

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gifts You give me, including my ability to work - what a blessing.  It is my prayer and hope that I use these to forward the gospel by supporting my church and global/local ministries that take the Word into the world as You command it in the Great Commission.  I know I can do better by being a better worker and a better steward of what You give me to use for Your glory.  Thank You for the blessings but I am not deserving - my sin continues.  Please forgive me for my daily sin and for missing out on those opportunities to be who You intend for me.  Help me turn from my sin and overcome 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.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:10-11

I pause today from my studies of both Isaiah and of Proverbs to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion.  Here, John Piper refers to how our spiritual gifts, as varied as they are, are poured out as "future grace" in that "[a]s you serve, serve in the power of the ongoing supply of God’s grace to do what you need to do....God goes on, day-by-day, moment-by-moment, supplying the “strength” in which we minister. He does this because the ongoing, inexhaustible supplier of power gets the glory." Let us not just acknowledge our spiritual gifts, but also be encouraged to use them and leverage the supplies of strength God gives us for His glory. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I have seen the miracle of Your grace poured out in my life and in the lives of others through the use of spiritual gifts.  You are amazing and I am grateful that even though You don't need me, You love me, saved me, and You continue to work in and through me for both my good and Your glory. 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.

“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban. It shall be on Aaron's forehead[.]

Leviticus 8

“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the Lord.’ And you shall fasten it on the turban by a cord of blue. It shall be on the front of the turban. It shall be on Aaron's forehead[.] Exodus 28:36-38

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter eight - Are You Ready to Serve - covering Leviticus 8:1-8:36, looking specifically at the theme - Commit to a Position of Service. The commentary focuses on the description of the priestly garments Aaron and his sons wore in support of their role.  We are pointed to not just Leviticus 8:5-9, but also Exodus 28:36-38, where more detail is provided. Everything about the details is important and plays a role, including the colors of the garments, which the commentary points out match the colors of the tabernacle to remind us that the priest "goes with" the tabernacle; the twelve gemstones (see Exodus 28:21) that symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel; and the bells around the hem of the garment allow the Israelite congregation to hear the priests as they move about their duties in the tabernacle. The commentary not only emphasizes how Aaron and his sons are dedicated to serve, but it also encourages all believers to serve the Kingdom of God - to use our God-given abilities to glorify Him.  We are referred to 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul discusses how "every member of the body is necessary and important...[and] [e]ach has a role to play in the church." 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me through my service in the church!  Thank You Jesus!  You have blessed me and equipped me to serve - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of how You bless me because my sin continues - unintentional sin, arrogance, quick to talk, slow to listen, 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.

[T]hus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel[.]

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Romans 15:17-21

As I wrapped my study of Romans, one particular verse (v15:20) from Romans sticks with me and my commentary that I used referred to Paul's ambition as a "holy ambition."  We are all urged to have a holy ambition like Paul's, and so I now move on to John Piper's book Holy Ambition.  This afternoon, my focus is on the Introduction - pages 11-19. 

Piper states that the holy ambition from Romans 15:20 have three direct implications for our lives (as believers):

1. that we all have a holy ambition
2. that we see an immeasurable need (for the gospel)
   
3. that we (corporately and/or individually) have a global strategy to meet the immeasurable need 

Piper goes on to state that each of us should have a holy ambition but that not everyone should have Paul's holy ambition as each has its own gifting. He writes that our holy ambition "comes from a personal encounter with the living Christ (not necessarily as dramatic as the Damascus road), shaped and informed and empowered by the written word of God."

If we don't feel like we have a holy ambition, Piper suggests that we "saturate" ourselves "with the word of God and ask him for it."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has grown in my heart and life and I feel filled!  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving of how You bless me in so many ways.  I have sin of anger, worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today an every day.

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

John 12 and Luke 10

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. John 12:9-11

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I finish the story of "Lazarus: The Final Witness*".

*Title of lesson eight from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado describing a party for Lazarus now that he has been raised.  Lucado quickly moves on to describe the roles Martha and Mary play in contrast to the role Lazarus plays. Martha serves tirelessly and selflessly (although at least once she grumbled and complained that her sister did not help).  Mary sits at Jesus' feet, pours out expensive perfume on Jesus and worships Him.  Lazarus, of course had his testimony - and what a powerful testimony it was.  John shares that the Jews and chief priests not only sought to kill Jesus but Lazarus also because of the power of his testimony.  Lucado wants us to appreciate how all of us have different roles to play and all of us a have a testimony - a story to tell about how we came to believe in Him and what He has done for us. We are encouraged to serve based on our gifting and to share our story.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and You have done SO MUCH in my heart and life - thank You for the work You have done in and through me.  I am blessed!  Yet I am undeserving - worry and other sins persist in my life.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.

  2 Kings 2, 4, 6, 8 

As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you. 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6

Day 157 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 a study of Elisha the prophet as Elijah goes up into Heaven. 

A couple of things strike me today:

(a) we need others who will encourage and call us to be who God intends us to be - Elijah took Elisha under his wing and Elisha became Elijah's protege.  The two became inseparable - in 2 Kings 2 Elisha refuses to leave Elijah's side and on three occasions remarks "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you". Elijah is being called to Jericho and other places prior to calling him home to Heaven, but Elisha will not leave Elijah's side. This relationship leaves a mark and prior to Elijah being called home to Heaven, Elisha asks Elijah to "inherit a double portion of [Elijah's] spirit". Elijah responds to Elisha that this can happen based on certain conditions that ultimately do come to pass.  Elisha goes on to perform miracles described in my commentary* that are "similar in nature... [not just to Elijah but also to] those performed by the Messiah to come".

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

(b) a review of Elijah's life based on this post from DesiringGod.com indicates that Elijah had an "effective prayer life" and God used him during a period of great spiritual crisis among the Jewish people to rise him up from obscurity to confront apostasy.  The post refers to Elijah as a mega-prophet but encourages us to have confidence that we can live with faith as Elijah does - he is just as ordinary as we are.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has placed men in my life that have called me up and encouraged me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  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.

When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.

Ecclesiastes - Various 

When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

Day 147 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 a study of Ecclesiastes; much like my study of the Psalms and Proverbs, my commentary presents the chapters of Ecclesiastes according to topic areas and this morning my focus includes Ecclesiastes search for meaning, and the importance of finding meaning.

My commentary* describes the premise of Solomon's wisdom: [o]nly the Creator of the universe can know the true needs of his creatures and provide for their ultimate fulfillment", and that "[h]uman insight cannot give a clue as to what is meaningful; only 'the wisdom that comes from heaven' can imbue one’s life with lasting purpose."  My commentary also describes Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as "[a] message...aimed directly at the young people for whom much of the wisdom literature is intended."

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

Most people seek to live a life of purpose and meaning and often find life unsatisfying.  As for me, I know that I exist both because of God and for God - to glorify Him.  As we seek to glorify Him, we must find how God gifts us in terms of skills, abilities and passions (spiritual gifts) - we are to use our time, treasure and talents to further God's Kingdom.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me and help me find ways to serve and glorify You.  I am grateful for all that You do and I am blessed by serving and glorifying You.   I am undeserving of all the ways You bless me.  I sin...daily, including 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.

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Various Proverbs 

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 24:30-34

Day 141 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 a study of the Proverbs - primarily of Solomon, but including the Proverbs of other authors as well. This morning my focus includes proverbs that cover economic well-being (wealth and poverty, benevolence and generosity, oppression of the poor, industriousness, conservation, and surety for another).

My parents owned a small-business and I experienced first hand their hard work and work ethic - which they passed down to me.  I am grateful that they did.  Now that I am a father, I am trying to pass on the same lessons to my own kids.

Proverbs 24:30-34 helps me stay focused on this lesson.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has blessed me beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus!  I know that I am not deserving...primarily because I sin...daily, including my neglect of my most important relationship - You!  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.

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory.

1 Kings 4, 7, 9-10; 2 Chronicles 1, 7-9, and Psalm 72 

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Psalm 72:18-19

Day 133 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 the construction of Solomon's palace, a palace for Solomon's wife, and with the construction of cities within Solomon's kingdom.  God appears to Solomon, reassures him that his family will remain on the throne forever, that He will hear Israel's cries for help in their time of need, yet also warns Solomon that Israel must be obedient otherwise they will face destruction (1 Kings 9:1-9).

My reading this morning also describes the extent of Solomon's wisdom and wealth:

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom. 1 Kings 4:29-34 

King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 1 Kings 10:23

The extent of Solomon's wisdom and wealth not only brought prosperity and peace to Israel, but it attracted others.

The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. 1 Kings 10:24

The queen of Sheba sought an audience with Solomon and traveled over a 1000 miles to see Solomon (1 Kings 10:1).

She was duly impressed and even praised God:

"Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.” 1 Kings 10:9

Solomon understands the source of his wisdom and wealth AND its purpose - by God and for God.

Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Psalm 72:18-19

My Prayer: Lord Your wisdom is great and You provide both abundantly and for all of my needs - I am not deserving of such blessings. I sin daily.  I worry and I have other sins. I am grateful for Your many mercies and compassion and of course for Your death on the cross as it provides forgiveness of sin and everlasting life...again both of which I am not deserving.  Yet I am thankful.  Please do forgive my for my sins of worry, etc.  Help me overome 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.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Chronicles 23-26:11 

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Day 105 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 David's passing of the kingship to Solomon, and David's initial efforts to organize the Israelites - starting with the Levites - for duties in the temple of the Lord yet to be built.

I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 12 regarding how all believers have a role to play in the church.  Urging us to be mindful of how the end is near, Peter echoes Paul's words:

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - Jesus - You are an awesome God who has blessed me and given me gifts and I am prayerful that I have been and am a good steward of these gifts.  I've been blessed by others through the exercise of their gifts.  Thank You Jesus for the church and the role it's played to build up and strengthen my faith.  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  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.