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. 

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?

Mark 8

And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Mark 8:17

This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on how a serving others will result in God taking care of you.  After the miracles of feeding the five-thousand and four-thousand respectively, the disciples began to discuss how they had no bread left for themselves (Mark 8:16).  Yet Jesus quickly points the disciples to the leftovers - see Mark 6:43 and Mark 8:8. Piper exhorts us to serve tirelessly and give generously and not to worry about our own needs as God will take care of those who follow His example.  Piper wraps today's devotional by stating that "Jesus would take care of [you]. You can’t out-give Jesus. When you spend your life for others, your needs will be met." We are referred to Philippians 4:19:

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Comment and discuss this post here.

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

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

 Leviticus 24

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:11

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence  - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the introduction and the first theme for the chapter - We Serve God Daily. In the introduction, the commentary for today summarizes the main idea for Leviticus 24 by stating "God intends for us to live in His presence, serving Him daily, fellowshipping  with Him intimately, relating to Him reverently, and responding to people graciously." It compares God's presence in the Old Testament through the tabernacle with the Holy Spirit that lives in the hearts of believers in the New Testament.  The Israelites met with God in the tabernacle, which served as the physical representation of God's presence (see Exodus 29:42, 25:22).  Believers, on the other hand, have Jesus in their hearts through the Holy Spirit.  The commentary also points out that Jesus will never leave or forsake us, and instead of meeting with God in the tabernacle, believers are often referred to as a temple (see Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19, 2 Corinthians 6:16, and Ephesians 2:21). 

Looking specifically at the theme for today - We Serve God Daily - the commentary examines Leviticus 24:2-4 and God's command to "bring you pure oil from beaten olives for the lamp, that a light may be kept burning regularly." While believers no longer bring oil to the priests to keep the light in the tabernacle burning, the commentary urges us to look at how we are to serve God continually.  Several scriptural examples are provided as a means to exhort us to serve - see also Hebrews 9:14, Romans 12:11, and Matthew 20:28.  

Comment and discuss this post here. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, who lives in my heart, and who never leaves or forsakes me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings!  I have sin...worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

Leviticus 8

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

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

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me through my service in the church!  Thank You Jesus!  You have blessed me and equipped me to serve - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of how You bless me because my sin continues - unintentional sin, arrogance, quick to talk, slow to listen, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comment and discuss this post here.

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

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Jeremiah 1-3:5

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:6-10

Day 205 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 my commentary* shifts to the prophecies of Jeremiah, who is called by God into ministry in 626 B.C. Jeremiah is described as responding to God's calling with "great reluctance": "In fairness to Jeremiah, he may have good reason to be reluctant: At the time of his call he is still a youth, though his exact age is not known. And had he known exactly how much opposition, persecution, and personal rejection he would face over the next 50 years, he would probably have tried to escape his calling, just as Jonah did."

Jeremiah's "mission is to be one of rebuke and judgment [of Judah] on one hand and encouragement on the other. Finally, God promises to be with Jeremiah through the many personal trials he will face....When he begins his ministry, warning against impending national peril, Judah is resting complacently in an unusual period of peace and is soon to experience a brief period of spiritual revival. While Jeremiah is predicting the fall of Jerusalem, the popular message of the priests and false prophets is “peace, peace.” During a period of shifting alliances and great turbulence in the region, "Judah will stand in constant peril, and Jeremiah’s thankless job will be to bring the message of judgment and national vulnerability to a people who do not want to hear it. What an awesome responsibility for this young man from the little town of Anathoth, a few miles northeast of Jerusalem! How amazed he must be to learn that he was chosen for this special mission before he was ever born!"

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

Just as we have seen with other great prophets (Moses, Jonah), God addresses reluctance as He does not allow anything to stand in His way to accomplish His plan including who He plans to use to carry out such plans.  God equips those He calls to serve.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has equipped me in the various roles You have given me as a husband, father, worker, etc.  I know there is more work to do but I have seen the work of Your hands - thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving of Your love and the many blessings You pour out on me.  I worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

1 Chronicles 23-26:11 

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

Day 105 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on David's passing of the kingship to Solomon, and David's initial efforts to organize the Israelites - starting with the Levites - for duties in the temple of the Lord yet to be built.

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

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

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - Jesus - You are an awesome God who has blessed me and given me gifts and I am prayerful that I have been and am a good steward of these gifts.  I've been blessed by others through the exercise of their gifts.  Thank You Jesus for the church and the role it's played to build up and strengthen my faith.  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.”

Judges 4-5

Barak said to her, “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” Judges 4:8

Day 75 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 the story of Deborah the prophet as she urges Barak to attack Canaanite forces in the north central region of the promised land.  Another woman Jael also gains mention of her bravery killing Sisera, commander of Jabin's (local Canaanite king) army.

Barak is cautious and is not fully convinced that the Lord will give Israel's enemies into his hands as Deborah indicates in Judges 4:7.  Barak is not unlike Moses who in Exodus 3-4 expresses doubt to God about how God will help us through challenges.  Moses even asked the Lord to send someone else to confront Pharaoh and rescue the Israelites (Exodus 4:13).

Most of us have expressed doubt when we've felt led by God to serve - should I really do this? What about this concern or that concern?

John Piper tackles this concern head-on in this great post "How Do I Take Risks Without Being Unwise?".  Piper believes that "the burden of the New Testament is to infuse the faith and love that leans toward self-risk rather than toward self-protection."  His post provides six tests to help sort through this when the question arises.  Helpful counsel for sure.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what words can describe - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings - I am broken and my sin 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.

The Lord also said to Moses, “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.”

Numbers 3-8:4

The Lord also said to Moses, “I have taken the Levites from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.” Numbers 3:11-13

Day 34 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 God's call to the Levites to serve in the priesthood and tabernacle service - offerings are then made to consecrate the tabernacle and then by each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

God calls each of us to roles in His service.  We all have skills and abilities and a role in God's plan.
 
See also 1 Corinthians 12 and previous posts on spiritual gifts.

We must also understand that all of our skills and abilities come from God and they belong to Him - see also post from a few days ago.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me well beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful Jesus.  Yet I am undeserving.  I sin...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 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.

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

James 2

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. v26

While our approach to the Old Testament ceremonial law has undergone a "dramatic change", all of scripture, including the Old Testament moral law, applies.  God has roles for each of us to play and He has expectations for His children.  Yet God does not want to compel us into service - just like He wants us to be cheerful givers (see 2 Corinthians 9:7), God wants us to serve Him with gladness.

Similarly, we are not to grumble and complain.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has given me a new heart and new life - freedom indeed.  I know You are not done with me yet but I am grateful how You have transformed my heart and life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  I worry and I have other sin.  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 Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?”

Matthew 15 

His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” v33 

Jesus feeding the five thousand (v29-39) is of course about yet another set of miracles Jesus performs and it’s also about the incredible compassion Jesus has as he heals everyone and never stops loving us – He thinks about US all the time (v32).  Yet it’s easy to overlook what I believe is one of the more important messages we should take away from this story – it’s also about ALL of the excuses we come up to NOT have compassion on others.  I can’t think of ANY excuses Jesus had when asked to serve others.  In fact, His stated purpose during His ministry was to SERVE: 

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (see also Mark 10:45). 

We are to love others as God love us, so we need to STOP making excuses why we can’t serve others!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who is always thinking about me and You never stop loving me – thank You Jesus.  All the while, I am constantly coming up with excuses about why I can’t serve or love others as You do.  Please forgive me Jesus for such sin and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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.  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.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. v5

As I progress with my study of the major prophets, in Jeremiah we see a recurring theme - a nation that does not heed the word of God.  Yet before we go there, we see Jeremiah's call by God.  Jeremiah, like others, feels unprepared for what God desires for us - see v6.

Moses also felt this way.  Paul knows how serving God can sometimes be difficult and he encourages young Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12-14).  Everyone feels to a certain extent ill prepared to serve when God calls, yet we must understand that God is with us to help us.  It is also important that we serve with others who can support and encourage us.  God gave Aaron to Moses and both Paul and Silas encouraged and supported Timothy.

God will equip us and provide others to support and encourage us as we serve.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You have never left or forsaken me as I have felt Your presence through difficult times - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God as I often lack trust and faith that You are with me.  Please forgive me! Help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself 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.