And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!

Mark 3:31-35

And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Mark 3:34

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:34, which is the text for the second division for 3:31-35. Excerpts from the commentary for the second division: 

• "The room is overflowing with those who were attracted to Jesus. They loved His miracles and exorcisms. They loved the show and what He could do for them. Remember, the crowds are never viewed in a favorable light in Mark. Crowds do not follow and stay for the long haul. Individuals do, of their own volition and decision. Hence Jesus looked around at those who were seated around Him."
• "People follow Jesus for different reasons and with different agendas. Some reasons are good and others are bad. Some want Him; others want what He can give them and do for them. Some follow for who He is; others follow for what they make Him out to be. They want someone they can fit into their world, wants, plans, priorities, and preconceived notions."
• The commentary then points us to John 2:23-25 where the text is pointed in this respect - we should not follow Jesus because of we want to follow someone who "can fit into [our] world, wants, plans, priorities, and preconceived notions."  No, we should follow Jesus because He alone saves, and provides life to the full now - unshackled from the slavery of sin.  It's not that we stop sinning, it's that Jesus makes us a new creation and we become more like Him every day until we meet Him in Heaven face to face and the sanctification process becomes complete.    

Jesus is not just a good role model - I made this mistake early in my journey with Christ - I thought I should follow Jesus because He was Holy and I could become more like Him.  While this may be true, it is insufficient - we must acknowledge our sin and that Jesus alone saves us from sin.  We must confess with our hearts our sin, seek Jesus to forgive us and for Him to enter our heart and lives, and we must follow His call for our lives (as each of us play a role in the church and Great Commission). Romans 10:10.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves us and who died for us so that we can have forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and abundance of life now - free from the slavery of sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You 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. 

[A]ll who believed were together and had all things in common.

Acts 2:44

[A]ll who believed were together and had all things in common. Acts 2:44 

I continue my study of The Character of Jesus.  For this morning, I focus on chapter 12: The Brotherliness of Jesus where I highlighted in my Kindle version the following excerpts:

• "[Brotherliness] contains two elements, both of which are essential if we would understand the kind of man Jesus was. Brotherliness carries in it not only a sense of kinship but likewise a disposition to render help. There is a relationship and likewise a helpfulness, and both of these blended into one constitute the quality to which I invite your attention now." 
• "That this trait in Jesus made a profound impression upon his contemporaries is evidenced not only by what his friends have said about him, but also by the criticisms and sneers which he drew from his foes. It was a common taunt of the Scribes and Pharisees that he was a friend of Publicans and sinners, and when he hung dying on the cross the leading men of the Jewish church gathered round him saying with a jeer, "He saved others, he cannot save himself." Both of these accusations are as devilish as anything to be found in the literature of the world, but they are valuable to us in this that they show conclusively what impression this man of Galilee made upon the people of his time. It had been his practice all the way through life to help men. He had been a friendly, brotherly man even to the lowest and the basest of society. That was a characteristic which had created a great scandal and made him hateful to many of the respectable people of his day." 
• By sharing fellowship with the despised and unclean, Jesus "lost his reputation. In the words of an apostle he made himself of no reputation, he took his good name and tore it into shreds and threw it away and all because he was determined to be brotherly. Notwithstanding these men were so base he recognized in them his brothers. They belonged to him and he belonged to them. They were members of the human race, children of the great family of God, and therefore in spite of all that they had done, and notwithstanding all that they were, he treated them as brothers. Not only did this conduct make a profound impression upon the men of Jesus' day, but it has made such a deep impression on all succeeding generations that it has blinded us to a fact that should never be forgotten — that Jesus was the brother of everybody."  
• "It should never be forgotten that Jesus was brotherly toward good men as well as bad men, rich men as well as poor men, respectable men as well as disreputable men — he was the brother of every man."  
• "He subjected himself to the same ceremony of which his fellow-citizens were in need. Nowhere does his brotherliness come out more clearly than in his treatment of the sick. He could not pass a sick man without his soul going out to help him. Pain in its every form appealed to him, misery drew virtue from his heart. A large proportion of all the recorded miracles are miracles of healing. He could not look upon the deaf or dumb, the palsied, the blind, without putting forth his power to help them." 
• "His brotherliness is also manifested in his teaching. He could not look into men's faces without being pained by their confusion, their perplexity, and their misery." 
•  "Without brotherliness there can be no religion that is pleasing unto God. The old law had said that one man must not kill another, but Jesus went far beyond the requirements of that law — he said that calling a man names was also wicked and would bring him into judgment."
• "In spite of all their ugliness and vindictiveness he went on helping them all he could, and when they laid their plots to kill him, he went bravely forward giving help, saying: 'If I cannot help them with my life I will help them with my death. By dying I will convince them that I wanted to do them good. I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me. When hanging on the cross they will understand me as they cannot understand me now. When they hear me praying for them with my dying breath, they will be convinced that I am indeed their brother.'"

Several scripture passages, among many available to us in the New Testament, offer examples of how the body of Christ, or the church, represents the brotherliness of Jesus and how we are to live.  Within the church itself, the local church as portrayed in Acts 2:42-47 represents what God seeks for believers as "having everything in common," most notably a shared passion for Jesus Christ.  No one is higher or lower than anyone else - we are all equally loved by God. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 describes for believers how there is no stronger or weaker part of the church - if one member of the church is in need, other members of the church are there to support and encourage one another.  Beyond the walls of the church, the Parable of the Good Samaritan defines for us Jesus' view on who our neighbor is.  In response to those who urged Jesus to reach out to His mother and brothers who were seeking to see and speak to Him, Jesus replied in Luke 8:21 '[m]y mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.'"  Believe in Jesus, participate in your local church, and experience the brotherliness of Jesus!      

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who is full of incredible compassion and grace, and who provides the local church which demonstrates the brotherliness of Jesus.  Thank You Jesus for my church!  I am not deserving of such blessings nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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. 

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

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

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

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 4:7-12, which covers the first part of second division of the commentary chapter titled Money Is Meaningless without Jesus - this second division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Antidotes to Satisfaction in Money, with the first part referred to as Meaningful Relationships.  The commentary offers one key new insights above and beyond my post yesterday, by sharing in reference to v12 that "no three-cord strand is superior to our Triune God! Never forget. Jesus who was sent by the Father and empowered by the Holy Spirit died for a church, not just individual souls. We were created and redeemed for community, a community beautifully displayed in our Triune God."  To unpack this further, I reviewed these resources - DesiringGod.com: The Trinity of Persons and Cru.org: Understanding the Trinity: How Can God Be Three Persons in One? to help me better understand The Trinity as it is not something I have previously understood well. Rejoice in the Trinity as a perfect example of community for believers!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Thank You God for Your amazing grace and for the community You provide through the Trinity, the church, other believers, etc. I am not deserving of such incredible blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from he side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

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

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

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 4:7-12, which covers the first part of second division of the commentary chapter titled Money Is Meaningless without Jesus - this second division specifically is referred to in the commentary as Antidotes to Satisfaction in Money, with the first part referred to as Meaningful Relationships.  Here, as the commentary titles for the division explicitly highlight, meaningful relationships offer a powerful antidote to the sinful lure, temptations, and empty promises of money/wealth/material consumption.  God designed humanity such that we should live and share our lives together - this was from the very beginning where God gave Eve to Adam in Genesis 2:18 and said "[i]t is not good that...man should be alone[.]" The most important relationship is of course a daily, lifelong and personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Your Savior.  Confess and repent from your sin and accept Him as Your Lord and Savior and He satisfies like no other (see also John 4:14).  Next, our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ bring purpose, meaning and satisfaction as we encourage one another in our journey with Christ towards greater spiritual maturity, as Jesus and the Holy Spirit further the sanctification process.  The hope of course is that our family is filled with believers. Unbelievers can help bring satisfaction to our lives - there is no denying this.  However, our interactions with unbelievers should always be animated by a desire to share the gospel and bring more people to Jesus Christ.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good - thank You for the satisfaction You provide - living water!  Thank You also for my brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage and support me in my journey with You.  I am not deserving of these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.  

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.

1 John 4

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:17

I continue my study of 1,2,3 John using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for these books.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of 1 John 4:13-21. John continues his discussion on love sharing first how the Holy Spirit is given to believers and resides in their hearts - v13.  We have faith and testify in Jesus as God and our Savior - vv14-15.  Those who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior - as the Messiah (as Peter did) demonstrate evidence that God is in them and them in God as a child of God adopted by Him - v15.  God loves us, He is love, and if we love Him and others then others will know that we are from God and of God - v16. As we abide in God, love (of Him and others) is perfected in us and this gives believers confidence that we are prepared to face Jesus and be held accountable in our final days - v17. The love we have gives us hope, confidence, peace - fruits of the Spirit (see also Galatians 5:22) - and freedom from fear and condemnation.  No earthly power can hurt us or take our salvation from us - we have a power great than that in the world (see also 1 John 4:4); fear is a measure of lack of faith - see v18. God loved us first and on becoming one of His, adopted into His family as one of His elect, as we abide in Him and Him in us - we love also - v19. The text for today closes with a commandment that we love our brothers and sisters in Christ - we must not hate nor have hardness of heart - vv20-21. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good as You willingly went to the cross, being obedient to death, perfect and sinless, becoming the propitiation for our sin...so that we can can forgiveness from sin, and eternal life with You.  Thank You Jesus for this gift - the greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  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.

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth[.]

Titus 1

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth[.] Titus 1:1a

I maintain my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning, on week 4-day 2, the focus is Titus 1 and a review of this text assisted by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.  The first chapter of the commentary explores Titus 1:1-4.

From the commentary:

• Main idea: The salvation we have received in Jesus Christ leads to a life of godliness and service to God our Savior.
• Excepts from the introduction to the commentary for this text: The text today is "one of Paul’s longest introductions [to any of his letters]....[the book of Titus is] sound in doctrine and zealous for good works are twin themes that tie this short, powerful epistle together....We could consider the theme [of the letter] to be “An Apostolic Manual for Church Planting.” Here is a blueprint for planting and building churches that will survive and thrive for the glory of God." 
  

Divisions from the commentary:

1. We Are Servants of Our Lord (1:1): Paul "demonstrates the humility that should characterize our lives as servants of our Lord." It is noted that while Paul was not of the original twelve disciples, he soon became one Christ's core disciples "'but one abnormally born,' placed into the office at a different time and in an unusual way (see also 1 Corinthians 15:8)." All believers should consider themselves sent by God to go wherever He calls us - this gives us authority to do His calling.  "[Paul] says his apostleship exists for “the faith” (here is human responsibility) “of God’s elect” (here is divine sovereignty). Paul sees no dichotomy, no contradiction between the sovereignty of God and the human responsibility of man....The child of God is to live a sanctified life, a holy life, a pure life, and a godly life. Here the genuineness of the truth of the gospel is lived out for all to see. This speaks of our maturity as followers of Christ and further describes the purpose of our ministry. As servants of God, we exist to seek both the salvation of the lost and growth in godliness in the life of the believer."   
   
2. We Are Secure in the Lord (1:2-3): "Paul understood that radical service for the Lord Jesus Christ must be grounded in a security in Christ that sets us free to serve Him with an otherworldly abandonment that knows, no matter what: I am His!".... Paul here addresses one of the great promises of Scripture, placing all its weight on the character of God. Note the wonderful “chain reaction”! The saving faith of those who belong to God leads to a knowledge of the truth [(the Word)], which will lead to godliness, all of which rests on the hope of eternal life in a God who cannot lie! What a promise! What a hope!"
   
3. We Are Separated unto the Lord (1:4): As the letter's opening salutation mentions Titus, the commentary emphasizes how Paul and Titus (as did Timothy) shared a common faith, and it describes how the word savior "appeared 12 times in the New Testament", 6 in Titus alone, suggesting "[t]he question of who is Savior must have been an issue on the island of Crete." V4 also shares how because of the common faith we share with Paul, Titus, and Timothy, "we are family[, and] we are loved by our Father and our Savior. Flowing from that love are the three Christian blessings of grace, mercy, and peace."

Excerpt from the commentary's conclusion: "Grace inspires godliness. Salvation inspires service. Those who understand that God’s love for them and His desire for their salvation originates in eternity past and continues through eternity future will be compelled to love Him and serve Him. They will do so not out of obligation but out of gratitude[.]"

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord You are SO good, and worthy of my worship, love, and service - for eternity. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are good to 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. 

Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

Proverbs 9

Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. Proverbs 9:17

On the back half of my vacation in Maine, I continue my study of Proverbs 9.  Here, my study unpacks how wisdom contrasts with folly. Attributes of someone seeking wisdom include humility and a desire for feedback and instruction (v9-10) versus someone seeking folly who does not fear the Lord nor does he seek reproval or feedback (v7-8).  This is an important litmus test as we journey in our faith.  We are tempted to seek folly as the benefits may seem "sweet" or "pleasant" but we should validate the extent to which our journey is one of humility.  Others should look for fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-24).  We should also surround ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ (Proverbs 27:17) who can help us detect when we fall prey to the temptations that seek to distract us from pursuit of wisdom (vs folly).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and Your path is straight and You light my way and You keep my feet steady - thank You Jesus for helping me stay on the path of wisdom.  I am not deserving of how You lead me and protect me.  My sin is great and I often wander off Your path.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Matthew 26 and Hebrews 12

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Genesis 2:18

I extended a pause on my studies of both Isaiah and of Proverbs to listen to today's Solid Joys daily devotion on DesiringGod.com.  John Piper's devotion today examines how Jesus battled depression (using the night before He went to the cross as the example) and Piper urges us to avoid unbelief and not putting up a spiritual battle.  Using Matthew 26:37-39 and Hebrews 12:2, he points to six ways that we can use to put up a spiritual battle:

1. He chose some close friends to be with him. “Taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee” (Matthew 26:37).
2. He opened his soul to them. He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38).
3. He asked for their intercession and partnership in the battle. “Remain here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).
4. He poured out his heart to his Father in prayer. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39).
5. He rested his soul in the sovereign wisdom of God. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).
6. He fixed his eye on the glorious future grace that awaited him on the other side of the cross. “For the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). 

Note how three of the six related to other people and the other three, of course, relate to God.  God should be first.  God will then point to and connect us to others who will help us in the battle.  Saturate yourself with God and surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ who will help you in the battle.  

From the very beginning - Genesis 2 - we hear from God how "it is not good that man should be alone." I have fought the battle of depression and I know this for sure.  Take Piper's words to heart.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who has given me Your Son, the Holy Spirit, Your Word, and brothers and sisters in Christ who arm me in the battle against this world and depression - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Romans 8:16-17

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter ten The New Way of the Spirit, which covers Romans 8.  My focus today is Romans 8:14-17, which my commentary refers to under the heading The Spirit of Adoption.  Here, Paul describes a glorious relationship that we have with our Savior - He is our Father in Heaven (Paul refers to Jesus as Abba and Father in v15) and we are part of his family via adoption (also in v15). What is also clear is that unbelievers are not children of God, as scripture makes clear that only those who are led by the Spirit of God (and you can't do this without accepting Jesus as Your Lord and Savior) are children of God (v14). All are created by God but not all are part of God's family.  Paul also highlights in v17 how we are heirs - implying an inheritance.  Paul's letters refer to "inheritance" 7 times (most prominently in Ephesians 1) and once by Peter (1 Peter 1:4) - these instances describe something incredible and according to Peter: "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." Believers need to let this sink in on both counts - how we have a Father in Heaven of course who is always there for us, loves us more than anyone ever will, and how He has saved place in Heaven for us.  However, we must also remember that there is a cost which Paul refers to in v17 which indicates "provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."  We may not want to suffer but we know that God is glorified most when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9-11). 

My commentary encourages us to see this new identity, intimacy, and inheritance. We are part of a "royal family" and have "all the rights and privileges of a natural child." We are also encouraged to see the horizontal dimension of our relationship to other believers - brothers and sisters in Christ. The commentary also wants us to seek our Father's vocation - to be a light as He is a light. Our new intimacy should give us confidence to approach God as the "fear" (v15) is replaced with "acceptance and security."  We know we can come to God with all of our cares and concerns. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessings of adoption!  Amazing - I am not deserving of such blessings and of ALL the blessings You pour out for me - particularly salvation.  My sin - worry, etc. 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.

Amaziah, however, would not listen, for God so worked that he might deliver them into the hands of Jehoash, because they sought the gods of Edom.

2 Chronicles 24-25 and 2 Kings 12-14 

Amaziah, however, would not listen, for God so worked that he might deliver them into the hands of Jehoash, because they sought the gods of Edom. 2 Chronicles 25:20, 2 Kings 14:11-13

  

Day 165 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 the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel as we see both hasten their spiritual decline.  Amaziah succeeds Joash as King of Judah and although "[h]e did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, [he did] not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there" (2 Kings 14:3-4).  In Israel, Jeroboam II succeeds Jehoash and "[h]e did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit" (2 Kings 14:24).

What strikes me today is how Godly wisdom is ignored.  Although Amaziah initially listens to Godly wisdom regarding the required strength of forces to defeat Edom (2 Chronicles 25:6-10) and destroys Edom, he brought back foreign gods and God's anger burned.  The same unnamed prophet challenges Amaziah about such worship and the prophet responds indicating "I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel" (2 Chronicles 25:14-16).  Of course, Amaziah seeks to go to battle against Israel but is defeated. 

We all need our brothers and sisters in Christ to challenge, encourage, and even confront us when we sin. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, and who has placed many men and women of faith in my life who have challenged, encouraged and even confronted me in my sin.  I am grateful that You have done this.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues - particularly worry and anxiety.  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 Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.

2 Chronicles 10-11 and 1 Kings 12-13

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. 1 Kings 12:8

 
Day 151 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) moves from Solomon's reign to that of divided kingdoms of Judah (and Benjamin) under Solomon's son Rehoboam, and of the remaining tribes of northern Israel under Jeroboam, who returns after being forced to flee to Egypt following a conspiracy against Solomon.

I've previously posted on Rehoboam's rejection of advice from the elders that served his father and how it is important to remain humble and accept the wise counsel of others - in particular that of our brothers and sisters in Christ who exist to help encourage us and to help us hold each other to account.

Of particular note here as well is how quickly things can go off the rails once we turn from God - a cautionary tale indeed.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has placed men and women of God who have encouraged and helped me grow immensely in my journey with Christ.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings - yet I am undeserving.  I sin...I am easily distracted by the world.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.

1 Samuel 21-22:5, Psalms 56, 34, 142 and 1 Chronicles 12:8-18 

Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.”  So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands. 1 Chronicles 12:18

Day 90 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on David on the run from Saul - he needs refuge, provision, confidence, etc. - and the Lord provides.  David leans on the Lord (as Psalms 56 and 142 record) and praises Him (Psalm 34) for how God hears and responds to his cries.  Of note here is how, consistent with my post yesterday how Jonathan loved David as himself and provided great assistance to David, we see David's mighty men coming to his assistance.

God of course provides these other men and the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty.  At first, David is leery of the men seeking to join him (1 Chronicles 12:17) but once the Spirit came on Amasai, David sees this as a God-inspired movement and David welcomes these men.

Again as I posted yesterday, we need these other brothers and sisters in Christ, and in particular, believing men need other believing men.  We can recognize these other men by seeing how fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22) manifest themselves in their lives.  We can also see how other men see our heart condition (see 1 Samuel 16:7), and how they discern a shared hunger and thirst for righteousness (see Matthew 5:6, and Acts 2:44).

My Prayer: Jesus, You are indeed an awesome God who loves me and who has provided many mighty men and warriors who have strengthened me in my journey with You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am grateful but not deserving.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me be a mighty man and warrior for others and other men.  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 loved him as he loved himself.

1 Samuel 18-20 and Psalm 59

...he loved him as he loved himself. 1 Samuel 18:1, 3, and 20:17

Day 89 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on David's continued rise to prominence within Israel, and correspondingly, Saul's growing jealousy and anger towards David - and Saul seeks to kill David.  In the midst of this, Jonathan and David enjoy a flourishing friendship and this friendship is my focus today.

First, God commands us to love others (see Matthew 22:34-40 and John 13:34-35).  Next, we all NEED brothers and sisters in Christ, and in particular men need other men.  It is through unity with others - particularly other believers - where we draw strength.  That is why

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. v8-10

As I posted yesterday, Peter wants us to do good and to be a light.  This message is reinforced in 1 Peter 4 with additional instructions to love others...above all.

John Piper helps us understand 1 Peter 4:8 in particular by pointing out that in the context of the end times, we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ deeply as during times of stress and when faith is threatened - love strengthens faith.

I must do more to love my brothers and sisters in Christ.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You never cease to act and love on my behalf.  I know You will never leave or forsake me and You love me when it feels as if those in the world do not.  You never let me down.  Thank You Jesus for always loving me.  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. v8-9

Both the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) and OverviewBible.com indicate that this general epistle addressed to believers in modern day Turkey (map) focuses on believers response to persecution and suffering.  In v1-9, Peter reminds us of our eternal rewards that await (v4-7) and how there is a purpose in our suffering (v7). 

In v8 Peter defines faith as love and joy in something "not seen" - I feel compelled to write on this because I would argue that Jesus Christ is real and visible through those believers that live as a "living sacrifice", as a "light", through the church and our brothers and sisters in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit.

I would hope that people see Jesus in me as I see Jesus in others and I FEEL the evidence of the Holy Spirit in me.  I DO have that "inexpressible and glorious joy" and my hope is that others see this in me as real.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has given me Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ and of course everything!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  I gossip, worry, etc. and have other sins...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 him.  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 whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 12

For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. v50

As Jesus finished challenging the Pharisees who asked Him for a sign - testing Him - Jesus is informed that His brothers (as named in Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3) and mother are outside waiting to speak with Him.  Jesus once again reminds us of how biological ties are not our priority (God is) and that these ties may not always be what is best for us - yes we are to honor our father and mother per the Ten Commandments, but today's verse, as well as Matthew 10:21-22, indicate that our faith in God is most important and that we should be careful how biological ties get in the way or hinder our faith.  

The formation of the early church in Acts (v42-47 in particular) reinforces Jesus statement today.   

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2:44

Such fellowship, also "unpacked" by John Piper as the kind of fellowship that Jesus believes we should have in support of our faith. 

See additional references or salutations to "brothers and sisters" in Christ by Paul and James.n

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You provide both a biological family that supports my faith as well as brothers and sisters in Christ - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  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.

But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

Jeremiah 11

But you, Lord Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause. v20

Jeremiah serves as God's messenger to the Israelites - warning them of coming punishment.  Yet the Israelites plot against Jeremiah.  This reminds me of the townspeople's reaction to Jesus driving demons from pigs (and restores two men) - see Matthew 8 - "they pleaded with Jesus to leave their region".  When confronted with truth, including truth about my own sin, do I repent or do I run?  Just like the townspeople and Jesus, the Israelites plot against Jeremiah.

We all need brothers and sisters in Christ to call out sin in our lives and to be with us to support and pray for us in our time of need. We need the Nathans, Jeremiahs, etc. in our lives.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides me with brothers and sisters in Christ who support and pray for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  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.  Please 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.

Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.

Psalm 141

Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head.
My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers. v5

David is seeking the protection that we all need that only God can provide - protection from temptation, sin, and death.  See also my post from a few days ago.  Protection can come in many forms - including from our brothers and sisters in Christ, who we invite into our lives to provide accountability.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

God demanded from Noah that he keep "an accounting for the life of his fellow man".

"But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man." Gen 9:4-6

We need others in lives in so many other ways: for confession and prayer, encouragement, etc.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love, compassion, patience, etc. for me even though I am not deserving of all of the love You pour out for me.  Thank You for providing men brothers and sisters in my life to help protect me.  Thank You Jesus.  I continue to be angry, impatient, harsh, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and 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 Lisa 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.