But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved[.]

Ephesians 2

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved[.] Ephesians 2:4-5

I continue my pause of a deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series, to study Ephesians for 3 days per week as I participate in a Discipleship (D) Group that is part of my church. This morning, I maintain a focus on Ephesians 2 as I review the following videos - Ephesians 2:1-3 - Part II and Part III - from DesiringGod.com.  Part II focuses on our pre-conversion spiritual condition - "dead" as v1 indicates. Piper wants all believers, regardless of when and how we came to faith, and how we may recall our pre-conversion life, to fully appreciate that ALL of us were spiritually dead.  Yes there is activity and non-believers may indicate that what the world defines as life exists, but this life is a hopeless condition that leads to eternal damnation (sons of disobedience, children of wrath - v2-3).  Piper elaborates - using 2 Corinthians 4:4, and Ephesians 4:17-18 - how even very smart unbelievers are "spiritually blinded", in darkness, and how their hearts are hardened to seeing the glory of God in the gospel. Part III builds on Part II to further define our pre-conversion spiritual condition of "deadness." He reminds us - using Romans 3:23, 1 Kings 8:46, Psalm 143:2, and 1 John 1:8 - that not a single person amongst all of humanity is without sin. He then uses Ephesians 5:6-8 (darkness), Ezekiel 36:26 (hardened heart), and Romans 8:5-9 (unable to submit to God), 1 Corinthians 2:14 (unable to accept nor understand gospel) to elaborate and further detail our "deadness" before and without Christ.  Clear applications this morning are for believers to be humble and recognize God's amazing grace, for without Christ we would all continue to walk in darkness - not a life any of us wants.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You saved me from my spiritual deadness!  Thank You Jesus - what amazing grace this is!  Of course, I am not deserving of such love and grace.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Gossip, 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.  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.

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Romans 1-3:20

“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3:11, Psalms 14:1-3, 53:1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:20

Day 339 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 afternoon the focus is the first 3 chapters of Paul's letter to the believers in Rome. My commentary* outlines the book of Romans as first Paul’s understanding of the gospel, followed by a contrast to the Law of Moses, then it concludes with various practical teachings.  “The theme of Paul’s letter is that those who are righteous through faith will be those who truly live. Paul begins by examining the judgment of God and the righteousness of God. Under God’s judgment, even the man who thinks himself “righteous” is a sinner without excuse. Under God’s righteousness, even the “sinful” man is justified and reconciled to God through grace. Paul then shows how, through Christ, there is freedom from judgment, sin, the law, and even death. Next, Paul discusses the unique problem faced by certain Jews who are having difficulty believing that the God of the Jews could possibly include the Gentiles in his promises made to Abraham. After laying a deep theological foundation, Paul concludes the letter with practical applications for transforming one’s life to Christian service, and for regulating one’s conduct in relation to his fellowman, to civil government, and to those brothers and sisters in Christ who may be spiritually weak. The thrust of the letter is the superiority of obedient faith over futile attempts to earn salvation through strict law-keeping. Grace is not seen as a substitute for law, but rather as a higher motivation to obey God’s laws.”

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

My focus for today’s reading is on the contrast between the gospel and the Law of Moses, which focuses on external behavior vs heartcondition and an acknowledgement that all sin.  Humility (one of most oft discussed themes in the Bible) once again comes to the fore. I am utterly dependent on God as apart from I am and can do good things.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of love for me. I am humbled by Your love for me – knowing that You know everything about me but You still love me and You loved me first.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I often fail to place You first.  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. 

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Job 8-10

Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24

Day 253 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Job. Yesterday Job's friend Eliphaz addresses him and today we see Bildad seek to comfort his friend Job and to help him understand his suffering.  Job responds to Bildad in Job 9:21, claiming he is "blameless".  Yet Job is not blameless or without sin - none of us are (see Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8).  Pride remains in his life - see John Piper on Job.

Pride and arrogance are powerful sins - this I know from my own life and how these sins impact me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your patience with me and how You have refined me and lessened pride and arrogance in my life...I know there is more work to do, but I am grateful for the sanctification You have done in my life. I am not deserving of how much You love me.  My sin, including pride and arrogance, 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.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

 Ezekiel 24

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Romans 12:1

Day 231 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel. While Babylonia lays siege to Jerusalem, God shares the news with Ezekiel who is in Tel Aviv at the time (Ezekiel 24:2). Striking this morning is the great sacrifice Ezekiel makes as God takes Ezekiel's wife (she dies) and the same language is used in reference to her as God uses for the city of Jerusalem ("delight of your eyes" - Ezekiel 24:15, 20, 25).

While Judah suffers her just punishment, we can only describe Ezekiel's wife's death as a "sacrifice" - I can view this as nothing else.  My commentary indicates: "Certainly it can be said that Ezekiel is being asked to give up no more than what God himself will give up one day in order to bring a sign to all the world. Perhaps that itself is the very answer: as Creator of the universe God can and does act in ways that confound man. Death undoubtedly has a totally different significance to God than it does to man. But the immediate mystery is how Ezekiel can seemingly take his wife’s death in stride and continue his ministry. What testimony to any man’s faith this would be!"

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

The reality is that all of our existence is from God and we don't deserve anything other than death - for  "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:32) and "the wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23). 

We must also remember that God wants us to live sacrificially, giving of ourselves first to God and then to others - demonstrating God's love through our lives. Sometimes, the cost is high but God's grace is sufficient.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who grace is MORE than sufficient as You have helped me through many difficult times and I am sure there are difficult times to come - but You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace.  My sin continues - I often fail to love You and others as You command of me.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So Esau despised his birthright.

Genesis  25-26

So Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34

Day 11 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 Abraham's remarriage and death, followed by a brief update on Ishmael and his descendants.  Day 11 concludes with a focus on Issac and his two sons - Esau and Jacob.

We ALL struggle with sin - see Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8.  Much of our challenge with sin lies in the desire for quick temporal gain vs patient endurance and denial of self - OR selfishness.  Such is the case with Esau, who exchanges his birthright for a single meal. 

Jesus refers to this as the "wide gate":

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  Matthew 7:13-14

Those who direct you to the wide gate seek to deceive you - there is only one Way (see John 14:6).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE the Way, the Truth, and the Life - thank You for claiming me as Your own and for adopting me into Your family.  I am blessed.  Yet I am undeserving.  My sin continues - daily.  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.

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

Luke 22

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. v3

John Piper refers to the crucifixion as "history's most spectacular sin" and this commentary shows how Judas was damned to hell for his role in rejecting/murdering Jesus due to his love of money over God.  Yet Piper reminds us that "Satan does not take innocent people captive. There are no innocent people. Satan has power where sinful passions hold sway."

Indeed none of us are innocent and we all sin. We must be aware of the battle against sin we all face.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8

That is why we all need a Savior and Jesus is that Savior. 

God draws close to those who call on Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who suffered and died for me - thank You Jesus - the greatest gift of all time!  I am undeserving of such a gift.  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.

But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.

Luke 19

But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me. v27

Jesus is light, love, grace, etc. - ALL good in that we need these in our lives.  We need truth, we need love, we need grace, etc. as we all sin!  Yet at the same time, Jesus is judgement and this judgement, for those that reject Him, is eternal damnation.  Harsh - yes!  Nonetheless this is the judgement awaiting those who refuse to submit to Jesus.

John Piper has a great post on how he responds to the "horrifying sayings of Jesus".  Piper gives us 10 ways we can respond - and #10 is key: "We are moved, in all our imperfections, as forgiven sinners, to move into the lives of rebels and warn them of their condition, and commend the work of Christ to them, and endure their derision, if by any means we might save some".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love, grace, truth, etc. and I know Your love, grace and truth as I experience these things daily - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such blessings. I know there is more I can do to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others - 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.

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. v7

Jesus, in responding to the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who criticized Him for "welcom[ing] sinners and eat[ing] with them" (v2), encourages us to reach out to those in need.  We must recognize that we are ALL guilty of sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and share this in common with everyone.  It is THROUGH this common bond that we must reach out and serve those in need.

Jesus - please help me be compassionate, see the needs, and meet the needs of others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of compassion, mercy and love for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  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.  

Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

Mark 11

Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” v33 

The chief priests, the teachers of the law and the Jewish elders challenged Jesus and could not with confidence claim that Jesus was not the Messiah, the Promised One.  The world and all of its evil influences challenge our belief in Jesus daily. We can stand on the Bible but I believe we should also stand on what Jesus has done for us personally - we all have a story.

At one point in my life, I believed I had it all and I could do anything, yet God challenged my arrogance and got me to see how He was the source of everything and that I had belonged to Him and came from Him.  God got me to see how everyone needs a Savior and Christ is that Savior.  It has taken many years for me to surrender more of my life to Him and I am still a work in progress - yet I stand today confident that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  He is real and what He has done in my life is real.  I am less arrogant, more at peace, more patient, etc.  

I may be challenged by the world - but with God's help I will remain steadfast and I will not relent in my faith.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  1 Peter 3:15 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing and You are my personal Lord and Savior.  You came to save me and indeed You did more than save me, You gave me life...and blessed me far more than I could ever imagine.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am week 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 understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.