So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison[.]

Leviticus 13-15

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison[.] 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - completing chapter thirteen - Unclean! - covering Leviticus 13-15, looking specifically at the fifth and final theme for the chapter - Followers of Jesus Have a Future with No Sickness.  Here, the commentary focuses on how Jesus provides the greatest hope and source of strength believers have.  Leviticus 13-14 describe uncleanness from skin disease, and over the past several days my posts have discussed the commentary's perspectives on how skin disease, although not a sin, represents a consequence of our fallen and sinful state based on the original sin. This morning, the entry from the commentary more specifically looks at our fallen and sinful state, and how, for believers, although our earthly bodies face decay (including sickness and infirmities and the associated discomfort, pain, and suffering), when we enter Heaven, we will be made new again, and all of the earthly aspects of our bodies and the associated experience goes away.  The commentary refers to the following additional scriptures to emphasize this (and arguably most) important point:

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.  For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:51-55

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - thank You!  Thank You and praise God for the hope, peace of mind, strength, and encouragement You provide by promising eternal life!  I know in Heaven I will see a renewed Dustin with no Down Syndrome and I will see my mom there as well - among the many brothers and sisters in Christ I will see - how glorious!  I am not deserving of these blessings and the amazing grace You pour out for me.  My sins of gossip, worry, etc. continue.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me 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.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Daniel 7-8

His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Daniel 7:14

Day 263 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as go back to Daniel, where my commentary* indicates in exile and "[n]ow in his later years, Daniel has served a succession of Babylonian leaders....During the first and third years of Belshazzar’s rule, Daniel has two of the most amazing prophetic dreams since Ezekiel’s vision of the great battle against Gog and the hordes of evil....Various themes are evident. Throughout the universe, just as between warring nations, there is an ongoing battle between the forces of good and evil, between God and Satan, between justice and injustice, between morality and immorality. And the same battle is waged within every individual. While evil brings about its own destruction even now, there will come a time when the great destruction of evil and its champions will take place. It will be a final destruction, giving way to a permanent state of peace and righteousness in the eternal kingdom of God."

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

At the end of my scripture reading today (after Daniel 8), my commentary indicates: "Daniel himself did not know exactly what to make of all that he had seen, and any difficult questions which the visions may raise should not obscure the more obvious message of hope which the visions clearly bring."

While God's thoughts and His ways are not our own (Isaiah 55:8), and much of scripture remains a mystery, we certainly know that we can place our hope in Jesus who forgives sin, gives us life to the full now on earth, and eternity in Heaven with Him.  Jesus has dominion over all, including evil, sin, and death not just for us, but for all human kind and for all eternity (evil, sin and death will ultimately be defeated permanently).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has defeated evil, sin, and death...so that I and others can have life...to the full.  Thank You Jesus...for going to the cross for me and suffering on behalf of me.  I am not deserving of such a gift of grace.  My sins of gossip, worry, pride, etc. continue.  Forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You 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 am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession.

Ezekiel 44

I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. v28

As God describes for Ezekiel the restoration of the temple, He lays out rules for the priests serving in the temple.  

Similar to the Levitical priest (v15 onward) who must only have God as his possession, I too must count on God and not trust in earthly possessions or to trust in my own ability above Him.  God is with me and He wants me to lean not on myself but on Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

 

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You love me and that You died for me - that You provide Your Holy Spirit, the church, Your Word, etc. so that I know I am not alone - thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of all the rich blessings You provide.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my worry and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love.  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.

Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143

Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. v8

There is no doubt that without God, I would be lost - God is why I exist and for whom I exist.  He is also a lamp unto my feet.  However, I too often trust in my own abilities and that is why I worry.  

I should trust in God fully, have my confidence in Him, and rest.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has transformed my heart and my life and made me more like You...more pure hearted and I am deeply grateful.  Thank You Jesus.  But I continue to be broken and I sin.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. v2

As a follow up to my post from a few days ago here, we are to trust in God first and foremost, over ourselves and others. 

This morning's reading also emphasizes God as creator and how He reigns.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

Underlying all the words of this chapter is a theme that God loves us, that He is always looking out for us, and that He is tirelessly working for our good and His glory.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and I know that You love me.  Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love.  I am broken. I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. v10

Both David and Solomon understand that God is the source of all of our abilities - including what we can do with our minds. With my worry, I often am concerned whether I am doing enough or whether I am doing the right thing - overthinking matters.  Instead of letting my mind wander - I should anchor myself to the Lord and His Word and let the Holy Spirit fill me.  I must FULLY submit to Him, including my thoughts.

Lord Jesus, please fill my head with fear and thoughts of You - for You are a great God who loves me.  

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:17-19

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great indeed and I know that You love me, despite my sin and brokenness. Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love because I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.

Psalm 106

Save us, Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. v47

This morning's reading is a splash of cold water on face - an awakening to who I have been. I've been like the Israelites who grumbled and complained as described in this Psalm and who could not wait on the Lord.

God IS at work in our lives every single day and every moment of our lives - He is in control and He love us.

That is why yesterday's post is so important as I must daily be thankful and remember what God has done...for me.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You created the Heavens and Earth and everything that inhabit them, and You created me, knowing everything about me even before I was born...and yet You still came to rescue me, dying on the cross.  You have transformed Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love and blessing.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus 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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.”

2 Chronicles 31

“Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.” v10

Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Chronicles 29) and led all the people back to God, promising God's grace and compassion for those who turn back to God (2 Chronicles 30). Hezekiah then led the people to contribute to worship (2 Chronicles 31).

In verses 5-10 we see people giving generously which implies a great amount of obedience and trust - trust that God will provide.  This trust is often difficult for me as I often worry about my ability to provide.  

God please help me trust in You that You can and will provide for all of my needs.

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. Psalm 16:5

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You DO provide for all of my needs and I have never been in want.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love as I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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 Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow. v26-27

2 Kings 5

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow. v26-27

Once again we see parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

With Naaman, we have a "highly regarded" commander who through him God brings a great victory (v1). Naaman also has leprosy. Elisha initially provides indirect instructions (through a messenger v10) to wash in the Jordan River seven times.  Naaman initially scoffs at such instructions but ultimately follows the instructions and is healed.

In Matthew 8:5-8, Jesus encounters a centurion of great faith whose servant is quite ill.  The centurion has such great faith that he says that a direct in person healing is not necessary and that Jesus need only assure the centurion that his servant will be healed.  Of course the servant is healed that very moment.

When we ask for God's assistance and He responds - we often do not like His response or we may not be aware that He even responded because we are looking for a specific type of response.  God ALWAYS hear our prayers and when we cry out - He will respond....in His timing and method.

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

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens[.] Ecclesiastes 3:1

In 2 Kings 5 we also see parallels between Gehazi and the servant from the Parable of the Gold Coins (or Talents). Gehazi and the lazy servant seek selfish gain instead of using earthly wealth to glorify Him.  Notice in 2 Kings 5:24 how Gehazi "put [his gain] away in the house".

We should understand that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17) and that we are be good stewards of how He blesses us with time, treasure, and talents.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are!  You bless me abundantly with Your Son, Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, my family, job, health, home, etc.  My cup certainly overflows.  I am not deserving.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and 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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth.

1 Kings 13

This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth. v34

Although there was an accord between Israel and Judah (see 1 Kings 12:24), Jeroboam fortified his cities and built idols for Israel to worship.  Jeroboam failed to trust in God alone - hence he worried about his ability to maintain his rule:

Jeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” 1 Kings 12: 26-27 

The events that followed in 1 Kings 13:1-10, including Jeroboam's actions, extend this theme of worry.  When we worry, we are saying that we fail to trust in the Lord, and then our actions fall out of this worry - we devise our own plan - which by its very nature is fraught with sin.

We may believe that worry is a harmless sin but it is not.  We must be careful not to worry because it is a slippery slope into sin that may be difficult to halt.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15

 My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God, full of love and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worth such love.  I worry, and I am harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me for my sin and 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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri.

2 Samuel 20

So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bikri. v2

The circumstances here mirror what has been going on here in the United States - for nearly 20 years people in the U.S. have felt strongly that their elected leaders don't represent them and we are increasingly a polarized nation.  My own view is that God is in control - that He places our leaders above us and that unless these leaders ask us to rebel against God, we should submit to these leaders. 

The Israelites here don't want to follow David, who has returned to Jerusalem.

We may not like what is going on in the world - yet we must remember that it is God who is in control.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is in control over the heavens and the earth and You are slow to anger and abounding in love.  You love me, despite my sin.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry and am impatient.  Please forgive me Jesus. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies, for the Amalekites and the Canaanites will face you there. Because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.”

Numbers 14

But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the Lord’s command? This will not succeed! Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies, for the Amalekites and the Canaanites will face you there. Because you have turned away from the Lord, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.” v41-43

It is important to not only obey God but also those appointed to positions of authority above us - in this case Moses and Aaron.  However, the Israelites did not but instead not only grumbled against Moses and Aaron (v2) devised their own plan (v40).

If we ever find ourselves afflicted and wandering, we may want to question how we have failed to submit to our leaders...

See also here.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17

 

Both Caleb and Joshua, follow both God and Moses/Aaron (v6, 24, 30).

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of love and compassion for me - even when I grumble and complain.  Thank You Jesus for Your patience and compassion.  I am not worth such love.  Please forgive me for grumbling and complaining against my leaders and You.  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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?

Exodus 16

How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? v28

  
As the grumbling and complaining continued, the Lord became impatient.  The Israelites were rescued from Egypt and God had been providing for their needs, yet the Israelites lacked faith - they would not follow His instructions because they did not believe or trust Him fully (which is the most important commandment - see Matthew 22:37).  God is indeed a patient God but His patience is not unlimited. 

See the story of Ananias and Sapphira - both held onto their money tightly, and God desires us to be a cheerful giver.

As well, we don't know when Jesus will return and we need to be ready.  In Revelations, God is angry with the church at Laodicea - that they are luke warm in their faith and clearly not "ready". 

Jesus, help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and run the race with endurance - being ready and not dropping my focus on You - on good days and bad.  I know You are with me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God!  Thank You for loving me and adopting my mom and for saving a place for her in Heaven where she is not enjoying everlasting life and peace.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I fail to be more bold in sharing You with others.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me be more bold.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”

Exodus 5

Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” v22-23

The Lord has a plan - yet often we don't know all of what God's plan is or we don't know what His timing may be.  We may hear from God and feel led to better understand God's plan but it requires patience on our part AND a willingness to engage with God for Him to give us patience and for Him to reveal more of His plan to us.

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

 Sometimes we must just have faith.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

 

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens[.] Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

This is what the Lord says:

“In the time of my favor I will answer you,
    and in the day of salvation I will help you[.] Isaiah 49:8

 

See also posts here.  

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has responded in prayer and delivered blessings beyond my imagination - You are always with me and hear my prayers.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I often do not do all that You desire for me.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. v20-21

Genesis 39

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. v20-21

This may not have been the escape Joseph sought when he ran from Potiphar's wife (see post yesterday) yet God has a plan for all of us and it is good (Jeremiah 29:11).  Plus, God's thoughts and ways are not our own - we may not know or understand what He is doing but we can trust in Him.

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

I've seen how God works (for my good and His glory) in my own life and am amazed.

We know from Genesis 41 that Joseph is put in charge of all of Egypt - God has a plan indeed for Joseph.

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God who has a plan - and it is great.  I don't know Your plan but I trust in You.  Thank You for how You have blessed and protected me.  I am not worth such love because I often don't have faith or trust....and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome such sin and turn from it towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.” Then Jacob prayed...

Genesis 32

In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. He thought, “If Esau comes and attacks one group, the group that is left may escape.”  Then Jacob prayed...v7-9

Jacob and his mother Rebekah tricked Issac into giving Jacob the eldest son's blessing - even though Jacob is the younger son  and Esau is the older. It would not be surprising for Esau to be angry should Jacob return home after fleeing.  Of course, Jacob is worried.  Yet he hedges his bets by devising his own plan to protect himself, while also praying.

God wants us to love and trust Him (Exodus 20, Matthew 22) and for us to come to Him with all of our concerns.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

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

See also Matthew 6:25:34.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God as You are faithful, even when I am not.  Thank You Jesus for Your unending faithfulness.  You are my God and I love You.  Yet I know I am undeserving of such a God.  I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.

Genesis 31

May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us. v53

In Genesis 29-31, we see deception and manipulation between Jacob and Laban - both parties are guilty of such deception and manipulation of each other.  We deceive and we manipulate when we lack trust in God that He can provide and resolve our concerns. We take matters into our own hands and we should not. 

Finally, in verse 53, Laban says what we should also say during difficult circumstances - that God reigns in all circumstances and that should rest and submit to Him and give thanks in all circumstances.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are in control and You are a great God for how You provide during all times.  We don't need to worry or manipulate anything - You are able!  Yet I often doubt or I do take matters into my own hands - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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 Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

Genesis 28

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” v20-22

Abraham first tithed in Genesis 14 and here we see tithing by Jacob.

Giving willingly back to the Lord acknowledges that whatever we have is because of God and it does not belong to us and we must give back to Him who is the source of all good and perfect gifts (James 1:17).

David appropriately said when he prayed to God to offer gifts needed to build the first temple:

But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.                                    1 Chronicles 29:14-16

A key reason for tithing is to demonstrate our trust in God that He will always provide:

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3

See also Matthew 6:25-34

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love - and that You have rescued me from the punishment I deserve.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I continue to sin - I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. v9

As I posted yesterday (and previously), God is in control, has ordained all of my days (Psalm 139) and does not plan to harm me but to prosper me (Jeremiah 29).  I know God loves me and I desire to honor him and to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him (Romans 12).  If I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me (James 4).  When I draw near to Him and focus on renewing of the mind, my hope and prayer is that I "may discern what is the will of God" (Romans 12).  

Lord, PLEASE direct my steps!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are!  I know I experience all good and perfect gifts because of You.  You bless me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus but please forgive me for my laziness and desire for comfort.   Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin..and lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me be the man You intend for me.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

Proverbs 11

Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. v28

This past Friday, I posted about how we should not place too much trust in others vs God.  The same thing is true about trust in our own abilities. This morning, I am warned about how trust in riches vs God leads to ruin. 

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Deuteronomy 14:22

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Ananias and Sapphira's tragic end is testament to the ruin described in Proverbs 11:28 

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God and You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - I am rich indeed!  You have blessed me in many ways, including good health, family that love and support me, friends, church, etc.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing - I continue to worry and stress far too much.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin.  Help me turn towards You instead. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.