And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

 Mark 12:41-44

And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 12:41-44.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of two) division (vv43-44) as I continue a focus on what scripture says on money, extending my study on this topic for another day of my reading and study:

• The title of the second division per the commentary is "Jesus Knows Why We Give." 
• The second and third truths from the commentary that shares scripture on money: Grace Giving Is to Be Guided by Proper Principles, and Grace Giving Is to Be Guided by Proper Practice. 
• Expanding these core truths: Giving is to be viewed as investing with God (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38); if you cannot handle money, you will not be able to handle spiritual riches either (Luke 16:11); [g]iving is to be sacrificial (Mark 12:42-44; 2 Corinthians 8:1-3); [g]iving is not just a matter of what we have (Luke 16:10); [e]ach individual determines the amount to give (Luke 19:8); [g]iving can be in response to a need (spontaneous and special; Acts 2:42-47; 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Philippians 4:14-20); [g]iving should demonstrate love, not law (2 Corinthians 8:8); [g]iving should demonstrate love, not law (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:6-7); [g]iving is to be generous (2 Corinthians 8:2-3; Phil 4:14-20);[g] iving is to be joyful (2 Cor 9:7); [g]iving is to be complete (2 Corinthians 8:5); [g]iving biblically always results in God’s blessings (Acts 20:35; 2 Cor 9:6-11; Phil 4:19).      
• "In light of God’s indescribable gift of His Son Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15), it is hard to imagine doing anything less. God gave His all. He gave His best. So should we." 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who provides for all my needs - You also save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, provide, and save.  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. 

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

 Malachi 3:10-12

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:10-12

I return to my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Malachi 3:10-12. 

Excerpts from the commentary for the following two divisions and for the conclusion to the commentary's chapter covering Malachi 3:6-12:

• God’s Challenge for Israel to Test His Immeasurable Generosity (Malachi 3:10-11): The text includes "the only time in the Bible where God actually permits one to test Him in the area of finances....The temple’s storehouse was made up of numerous rooms that contained grain, oil, and various other supplies for the well being of the priests. It was the requirement of God that the people give money and supplies for the preservation of the Levites. God, who knows intimately the hearts of men, anticipated His people saying, “We can’t give ten percent.” So God said, 'Test Me.' They thought, 'We can’t afford to give.' God corrects them, 'No, you can’t afford not to give. Test Me.'...God appears to be saying, 'No matter what happens to you, when you are financially faithful to Me, I will provide for you. I will protect you.'"  
  
• God’s Blessing upon Israel Will Result in a Good Reputation among the Nations (Malachi 3:12):  God promises to make Israel (and His people) a great nation.
  
• Conclusion: Two lessons: (1) "if we obey the mandates of God in humble and faithful service, we can expect reward. This does not mean that reward is immediate, or even that we will ever receive it on this side of heaven. But we are guaranteed to experience God’s blessing, either here or in the coming kingdom"; (2) "what defines us is not what we have or what we think we have earned. Rather, it is what we do with the resources God has provided....God is always faithful to His covenant, even when the people are not. Israel would fail again, but in Christ we see the One who gave generously of Himself, even unto death, out of obedience to His Father. And in His sacrifice He also became the generous outpouring of heavenly blessing that God bestowed on all people."

I recommend a listen to this session of Ask Pastor John on DesiringGod.com where John Piper nets it out for believers seeking an answer to whether believers - based on the New Testament - are commanded to tithe. The answer is no but at the same time, those who truly love God as their highest treasure should think to themselves "why would we give anything less than a tithe (10 percent)?"

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me...blessing me beyond what I ever imagined You could provide...and Your fountain of grace never stops flowing.  I am not deserving of course.  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.

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

 Malachi 3:10-12

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:10-12

I return to my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning my focus is an unassisted review of Malachi 3:10-12.  In these two verses, God makes a promise to Israel that He will bless the nation beyond the point where it will no longer have any needs that are not met - see v10 "until there is no more need."  A need is defined as "a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful...a condition requiring relief, [or as the] lack of the means of subsistence."  This promise is of course conditional on the people giving to God their tithe (see text that mentions tithe in the ESV Bible translation, including Leviticus 27:32 which specifically refers to 10%).  Another promise God makes is that Israel will be a land of delight.  For believers today who are under grace vs under the law, there is no longer a requirement for a tithe as believers give what is referred to instead as an offering - see this helpful resource.  We should give freely at least a tithe (10%) as an expression of our love for Christ who gave His life for us.  Believers should also understand that God is the source and provides for all of our needs and whatever we have it belongs to God - this includes our own body.  Everything we have - our lives and our belongings should be used in the service of the Lord, to fulfill His mission, including the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).  We should trust in how God provides.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who provides for all of my needs and never leaves or forsakes me - thank You!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You provide. 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.  

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 and 5:10-6:12

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Ecclesiastes 5:10-17, which covers the first division of the commentary chapter titled Money Is Meaningless without Jesus - this first division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Pursuing Satisfaction in Money Is Meaningless. The commentary shares more broadly Solomon's focus with the book of Ecclesiastes: "Solomon has made the point all along in Ecclesiastes that if this cursed world is all there is, then everything is meaningless. It does not matter how much pleasure, success, or stuff you have, you come away empty. Solomon’s purpose is to expose the foolishness of life without God and to show us, through the Spirit, that everything is meaningless without Messiah Jesus."  Looking specifically at v11, the commentary highlights how wealth can attract those that seek to take from you, not caring about you, but instead about your money.  It  highlights in v13 how wealth can hurt you if you hoard, sharing: "[h]oarding riches does not help you; it hurts you. Being stingy with what you have can destroy your family because of your workaholism, it can ruin your health because you do not sleep well, and it can harm your character."  The commentary for this division concludes by sharing how in v17 "Solomon’s final point is that the rich man eats in darkness with much sorrow, sickness, and anger. This man does not enjoy life. He is lonely and has no one with whom to share his wealth. Thus, trying to find satisfaction in money and stuff is meaningless. It never truly brings satisfaction, and then you die." Pursue Jesus, not money and things!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so good to me - giving me what I cannot attain on my own, not with any amount of money.  You give me my salvation and the blessings that accompany such an inheritance - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving...not by a long shot.  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.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 and 5:10-6:12

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 5:10-17, which covers the first division of the commentary chapter titled Money Is Meaningless without Jesus - this first division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Pursuing Satisfaction in Money Is Meaningless.  Ecclesiastes 5:10 cuts to the point immediately and both the commentary chapter and division title aptly encapsulate this verse.  V11 also provides insights into the heart of those who treat money and wealth as an idol - when one acquires goods for his own pleasure but they don't truly provide an advantage to the acquirer.  V12 compares the "sweet" sleep of the poor or modest laborer with that of a wealthy person who might be constantly on the run, worrying about their pursuit of money or wealth.  Vv13-14 shares how money and possessions don't last and can be easily lost - see also Matthew 6:19-21.  Vv15-16 shares how all - regardless of their wealth - will die, and wealth, while it may be passed on to future generations through inheritance, cannot stop death. Finally, v17 shares how "all the days" of a wealthy person - without God - are spent "in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger," implying that without God we remain slaves to sin and condemned for eternity.  Believers can take comfort knowing that with God, He is with us all of our days not just when we are in our earthly bodies, but also with us for eternity in Heaven.  Believers rejoice for having such a Savior!

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.  I am not deserving of how You saved me and made me one of Your elect.  Thank You Jesus!  But again I am not deserving - my sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. Proverbs 13:11

I continue my study of Proverbs with week 11 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 31:10-31.  My focus for today includes questions #5-7 in the workbook, which describe how (1) a Godly woman's confidence is sourced from God (Proverbs 31:21, 25); (2) a primary attribute of a Godly woman is how she nurtures others (Proverbs 31:15, 20, 26-27); and (3) not just Proverbs 31 but the entire book reinforces teaching on Godly wealth and financial stewardship. Ligonier.com provides this post that highlights how believers are called to be good stewards of the gifts God gives us, including the talents He gives us and the fruits of these talents. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and provides for all of my needs - thank You Jesus!  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.

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

1 Timothy 6

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:6-10

I pause from both my study of Isaiah and of Proverbs to listen to today's daily devotion from John Piper's Solid Joys found on DesiringGod.com.  Piper warns us, as does Paul, against covetousness for either possessions or wealth - this is a dangerous snare that seeks to not only pull us away from Jesus but also jeopardize our salvation. As Paul writes and Piper emphasizes us to pick up, we are to flee such pursuits and to take hold of our eternal life (lest we lose it!). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and I know that all things come from You and they belong to You to be used for Your glory.  You provide - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide, bless, and save.  My sin is great - every day it continues.  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. 

Who has purposed this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose merchants were princes, whose traders were the honored of the earth? The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth.

Isaiah 19-23

Who has purposed this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose merchants were princes, whose traders were the honored of the earth? The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth. Isaiah 23:8-9

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 8, Day 5, the focus is on Isaiah 23, where we see judgement on Tyre, a maritime city in modern-day Lebanon that had grown very prosperous and wealthy. My commentary refers us also to Ezekiel 28 for a similar prophecy against Tyre (and Sidon). Idol worship of wealth and power are key sins of Tyre as is pride. My commentary notes as applications to "live boldly free from materialism in this present evil age; to be generous with our money, storing up treasure in heaven; to be suspicious of our flesh’s desire for the next new electronic device. It is for us to see Satan’s hidden presence behind the economic ebbs and flows of human history and to understand that God will judge it finally in the end (Revelation 18). It is for us to heed the warnings against worldliness in James 4:4 and 1 John 2:15-17, and to use the things of this world while not being addicted to them (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)." 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, every good and perfect gift comes from You - You alone provide for all of our needs, physical, emotional, and spiritual.  Help me remember this always and be grateful and not love the world nor conform to the patterns of this world by loving the world.  You have blessed me - I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues.  Help me overcome and turn from this 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 we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs....Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

1 Timothy 1-6

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs....Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:7-10, 17-19

Day 350 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 I move further into the New Testament - this morning I read the Paul's first letter after (his apparent*) release from house arrest in Rome. My commentary provides the following summary of this letter: "[i]t is probably from Macedonia that Paul writes to Timothy, who as a young evangelist is facing serious challenges to faith and doctrine within the church at Ephesus. Paul therefore deals with matters of church organization and conduct, particularly regarding prayer; the role of women; qualifications of elders and deacons; support of widows; and proper attitudes for Christian slaves. Paul gives Timothy personal instruction and advice on a variety of matters and warns him concerning both false doctrine and those who would teach false doctrine, whose only goal in teaching is either making money or achieving popularity. The entire letter reflects the tone of a father writing to his son, as indeed Paul apparently regards this young man, Timothy."
 

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

As noted by my commentary, Paul writes about a variety of subjects but this morning, as I am blessed financially, I am struck by Paul's words on money and wealth.  I am to be a good steward of how God has blessed me. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me in many ways, including financially.  I am not deserving for the many ways that You have blessed me.  I worry...and I have other sins.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sins towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel".

2 Kings 5-8, 2 Chronicles 21 

Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel". 2 Kings 5:15

 

Day 160 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 various miracles performed by God, including through Elisha, during the period surrounding Jehoram's (Judah's king) death as foretold by Elijah.

What strikes me this morning is how Gehazi, Elisha's servant, witnesses likely most if not all of Elisha's miracles, yet instead of seeing God at work and turning to Him in faith, greed and arrogance overtake him.  Specifically, Gehazi witnesses Naaman's healing of leprosy (2 Kings 5), sees Naaman's reaction, and how Naaman expresses faith in the God who healed him.  Unfortunately, Gehazi ends of up chasing Namaan's gift offered (and declined) to Elisha...instead of God...and he becomes a leper himself.

John Piper uses this story to warn young graduates of chasing money vs God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve - most of all I am grateful for how You have transformed my heart and life.  I know there is more work to do - my sin continues.  Thank You Jesus but please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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.

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.

Psalm 40, 49, 50, and 73 

People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd (but the upright will prevail over them in the morning). Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself. Psalm 49:12-15

Day 115 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I start a new group: "Psalms About Righteousness and Wickedness" where David cries out to the Lord regarding the apparent inequity of the wicked who seem to escape judgment and punishment while the righteous suffer.

Today's psalms focus on prayers for recognition of true faith in righteous living, for insight over spiritual richness versus worldly wealth, for recognition in how God truly values animal sacrifices and the jeopardy of the wicked, and over the folly of riches compared with the blessings of righteousness.

With everything going on with this covid-19 virus pandemic, it sharpens our thoughts on what really matters.  For me my relationship with Jesus is first and foremost because He protects me, heals me, provides for me, and most importantly, provides salvation - everything that matters comes from Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides for all of my needs and who provides for our greatest need of all - salvation.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You so richly bless me.  I sin daily...I am often harsh with others and I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.....Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours....Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things....Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

1 Chronicles 26:12-29:22

The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.....Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours....Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things....Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 1 Chronicles 29:9,11,12, and 14 

Day 106 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 additional division of responsibilities (gatekeepers, guards, treasurers, officials/tribe officers, judges, military commanders, overseers of possessions/herds/flocks, and the naming of David's closest advisors), David's address to Israel proclaiming Solomon as king and admonition to Solomon to be faithful in obeying/serving the Lord and building the temple, David's delivery of the temple plans, and finally a call to contribute funding to the effort to build the temple.

The people's response (1 Chronicles 29:6-9) was both willing and generous, and praised by David.

We must remember where wealth comes from and that it belongs to the Lord - whatever we may possess is first and foremost to be used to further the work of the Kingdom.  We must hold what we have loosely and give generously.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and provides for all my needs - physical, spiritual, etc. - thank You Jesus!  You have never failed to provide - even in the darkest hours.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for how You provide.  I love You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my sin - gossip, etc. Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You wiht 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.

He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

John 12

He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. v6

In this story (see also Matthew 26 and Mark 14), Mary pours expensive perfume "on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair" (v3).  Judas Iscariot objects, according to John, not based on his care for the poor but because he was a thief.  As "keeper of the money bag", Judas Iscariot's nearness and ease of access to money was too tempting for him to avoid embezzling funds from Jesus' ministry.  This is a warning for us that are blessed financially - to put in place controls so as to avoid growing comfortable with money and ultimately comfortable with spending it vs using it for God's glory.

Check out this post on DesiringGod.com that posits that Jesus put Judas Iscariot in control of the money bag to teach us what happens when we love money vs loving God.  Scary stuff.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are - You have blessed me beyond what I deserve in all ways - and most importantly by adopting me as Your son.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving as I sin daily.  I worry, I am selfish, and I harsh with my words and actions.  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 Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Luke 19

But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” v8

In contrast to the rich young ruler in Luke 18 who went away sad, recognizing that he could not have both salvation and love/idolatry of his wealth, Zaccheus was willing to give up his love of money in return for salvation.  Note that Zaccheus did not give up ALL of his wealth but 50% of it.  The rich young ruler, in contrast, was asked by Jesus to give up all of his wealth to have eternal life.  The difference between the two from Jesus' perspective was their heart condition and views on wealth. Zaccheus did not place his wealth above God (or even at the same level of God) but the rich young ruler did.  Heart condition matters.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blesses me with treasures that surpass earthly profit.  You are worth SO much more than gold or silver - and You bless me with faith, Your Word, the church, my brothers and sisters and Christ - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such blessings.  I daily miss the mark - I often seek to bring glory to myself.  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.

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Luke 18

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” v29

In v18-30 (also in Matthew 19 and Mark 10), Jesus engages in a conversation with a wealthy man (ruler) seeking to enter the Kingdom of God.  The wealthy man is looking for what he needs to do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus engages with the man who believes he is in good shape early in the conversation when he tells Jesus that he is already following the commandments indicated in v20.  Yet he stumbles when Jesus confronts Him with a challenge (sell everything that He has) that implies He is not following the most important commandments as Jesus describes in Matthew 22:34-40.  You see, the man loves his money and possessions more than God and this is the problem.

We need to love God - first and foremost - above everyone and every thing.

See also this great post from DesiringGod.com.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has paid the ultimate price for me - You suffered a gruesome death...for me.  I can't even fully grasp this yet I know this is true.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such love and grace.  I gossip, and I worry, among my many, many sins...please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin.  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 Abraham replied, Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.

Luke 16

But Abraham replied, Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. v25-26

A stark warning indeed from Jesus who teaches from yet another parable - The Rich Man and Lazarus!

John Piper does a great job examining how our heart needs to change to receive Christ to avoid the fate of the rich man as told in this parable. Piper warns us on the love of money and materialism.  I think how we spend our time is also critically important because selfishness and our own comforts and desires also prevent us from loving God.

Piper puts it this way: "[t]o recognize and receive Jesus for who he really is, we have to will to do the will of God, namely, pursue the glory of God above all other pleasures in our life". 

Key here is that we have to WILL to do the will of God with the definition of "will" being:  "intend, desire, or wish (something) to happen."

This goes to the topic of spiritual formation - and Dallas Willard indicates we need vision, intention, and method for this.  Method involves practice of the spiritual disciplines, including study, prayer, worship, service, etc.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has given me faith and transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!   I am not worth such blessings.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me turn from my sin towards You and 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.  

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.

Luke 16

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. v14-15

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager of course is about money and Jesus warns us not to idolize or "serve" money (v13).  We are encouraged to be good stewards of the blessings God places in our hands.  John Piper encourages us to see how Jesus encourages us to do good with our money for the purposes of God's glory.

We must, just as the shrewd manager did, turn from our ways of waste (of our time, treasure, and talents).  See also John Piper: Calling All Clay Pots.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You are SO full of grace and mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Luke 12

“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” v21

The Parable of the Rich Fool (found only in Luke) starts with a man asking Jesus to help him gain a share of an inheritance (presumably because he is not either entitled or in-line to receive a portion).  Jesus responds with the parable which contains a warning that we must be prepared for Satan to grab hold of our soul should we worship wealth and money.  In the warning, Jesus contrasts focus on wealth and money versus being "rich towards God".  

John Piper has a great post on these very words.

Jesus, please help me avoid focus on money and wealth and help me a good steward of the blessings You have entrusted with me. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God and You have always met my needs - I need not worry.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving because I do worry - about money and about my kids, 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. 

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Mark 10

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” v29-31

This passage is repeated in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  

In a message to seminary graduates, John Piper delivered this sermon.  As these graduates prepared to enter the work world and a life of independence (likely from their parents), Piper was imploring them to treasure Jesus vs the world and to live a "wartime lifestyle" (as does many others such as David Platt).

He warns also to avoid the fate of the rich young man who have a love of money vs Jesus.  Piper gives us two examples of those whose fate followed different paths.

Gehazi and the love of money
Mephibosheth and the love of God

Jesus, please help me live a "wartime lifestyle" and to treasure You above all else.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are as You have blessed me beyond what I deserve - yet there have been times in my life and there will continue to be times in my life when I put something or someone else, including money, above You - please forgive me Jesus!  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 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.