When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong.

Numbers 5:5-10

When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the LORD, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess his sin that he has committed. And he shall make full restitution for his wrong, adding a fifth to it and giving it to him to whom he did the wrong. Numbers 5:6-7

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 5:5-10, the Lord spoke to Moses and gave him commands to give to the people for confession of sin and restitution.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  God seeks confession - this is something consistent across all of scripture - Old and New Testament.  When we confess, we acknowledge that we are sinful and that we need forgiveness as a means to be reconciled with God.  We also need reconciliation with those whom we impact with our sin - restitution should be considered part of this reconciliation process.  This post from Ligonier Ministries shares that "[t]his aspect of restitution is important because it shows how repentance and conversion always produce tangible results," that such an act (restitution) is the fruit of faith, and "[w]henever possible, restitution follows repentance."      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All sin and are in need of a Savior - this was apparent in the Old Testament and it remains in the New Testament (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8).  Also, sin impacts not just our relationship with God but also our relationship with others as people feel betrayed, wronged, etc. and forgiveness and restitution serves to restore these relationships.  On the flip side, we must forgive others who sin against us.  In particular, unity within the church is key so we are called to bear with one another in love (Colossians 3:13).   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid arrogance and a hardened heart where we don't see the need for forgiveness.  Claim the promise that forgiveness is available to all through Christ. Follow the example of Paul who in humility saw righteousness through Jesus being of more worth than any righteousness through deeds or action - see Isaiah 64:6, Philippians 3:8-9. Confess and repent sin - make things right to be reconciled both with God and others.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You for the forgiveness only You offer.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Mark 14:12-25

Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Mark 14:25

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is per the commentary, the third division of the text from Mark 14:12-25 - vv22-25.  

• Using the Sword Bible Study Method focusing just on the text for today - vv17-21: (1) God in the text: Jesus is once again alluding to his imminent crucifixion and sharing how this is done very purposely as the once for all final atonement for all the sins of humanity for all of redemptive history - see Hebrews 10:11-18. This was God's plan since the beginning and Jesus fulfills all the law and prophecies.  The disciples do not know it yet but the practice of using bread and wine to represent Christ's body and blood has not yet been instituted as Communion or the Lord's Supper - this is the first time. Jesus is also alluding to his coming resurrection and ascension to Heaven to be seated at the right hand of the Father in v25.  (2) people in the text: The disciples are unwitting participants in this first instance of Communion or the Lord's Supper.  (3) Sins to avoid, promises to claim, examples to follow, and commands to obey: We of course know that Jesus's words pointing to his death and resurrection do come to pass as Jesus is Truth and all of His promises come true - see 2 Corinthians 1:20.  We can trust Him and rest in His promises.  

 Excerpts from the commentary for the third (of three) division: 

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "Jesus Prepared a Last Supper That Was Actually a First Supper." 
• See also the others gospels account of the Last Supper and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 and 11:17:34. 
• The Passover meal per Tim Keller (see King's Cross) was the "proper occasion for the Lord's Supper to be instituted": "It included four points at which the presider, holding a glass of wine, got up and explained the Feast’s meaning. The four cups of wine represented the four promises made by God in Exodus 6:6-7. These promises were for rescue from Egypt, for freedom from slavery, for redemption by God’s power, and for a renewed relationship [based on New Covenant] with God. The third cup came at a point when the meal was almost completely eaten." 
• We are referred to Sam Storm's thoughts (start at 5:55 mark) on how with this ritual from the Last Supper "[w]hat Jesus requested, indeed commanded, His followers and friends to do subsequent to His death is nothing short of shocking! It’s one thing to desire that your memory be preserved by your loved ones and that they continue to honor and esteem you throughout the remainder of their lives. . . . But it is altogether something else to command that your friends, family, and followers gather together regularly at a meal not only in your name but with you as the sole and exclusive focus. . . . Jesus commanded His followers, every time they broke bread together, to make Him the central point of their celebration and to recall and re-tell His life and death. Were anyone to make this request of me prior to their death, I would probably conclude that the proximity of their demise had afflicted them with delusions of grandeur and megalomania. Yet, this is precisely what Jesus commanded that each of His followers do in memory of Him!"
• "Jesus brings things to a close by refusing to drink the fourth and final cup. It is the cup of consummation and life in the promised land of God. For that cup He will wait. First, He must drink to the last drop the cup of God’s wrath and justice. Apart from it, no cup of blessing would be possible."

Indeed Jesus knew everything that was to happen, orchestrated all of it, and he did it so that we could have life to the full now and for eternity (John 3:16). We must also understand the role of communion.  Another good resource worth checking out is Sam Storms' thoughts on the Lord's Supper and Communion/The Eucharist where he uses 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 as the basis for his commentary.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves...thank You for saving me and giving me the opportunity to fellowship with You now in Spirit and for eternity in Heaven.  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  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. 

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:5-10

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

I continue my preparation for leading Sunday school 15SEP, where our focus will be 1 John 1:5-10 and DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book video series for 1 John.  Today, I listen to a DesiringGod.com podcast episode entitled Is Sanctification the Pursuit of Perfection? which explores 1 John 1:5-10 as well as other text.  A listener calls in asking about two questions (1) how can a believer balance a pursuit of holiness while also moving past failures to be holy, and (2) is pursuing holiness the same as pursuing perfection?  

John Piper starts with question (2) - excerpts from his response:

• In this life, we will not achieve perfection but scripture shares that we are commanded to be perfect (Matthew 5:48, 22:37, 2 Corinthians 7:1, James 1:4).
• Our victory over sin in this life is incomplete (James 3:2, Philippians 3:12)
• In response to whether we should pursue perfection, we should strive for something that only He can achieve, knowing that we will stumble and that ultimately we will be perfected in the presence of God (face to face).
• In our pursuit of perfect holiness in the presence of Christ, let us seek to be as holy as a justified sinner can be.

On question (1):

• We enjoy our salvation when our holiness remains imperfect as described by 1 John 1:6:-9; walking in the light is essential to show that we are being (process) cleansed and during this process we will continue to be sinful; confession allows us to bridge our failures and move forward - regular sincere confession of sin.  
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are Light and Truth and You give me the Holy Spirit, Your Word, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ as a means to not only save me but to assist me and give me power and strength to pursue holiness.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of all of these blessings - my cup overflows.  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 Dsutin 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 prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments[.]"

Daniel 9

I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments[.]" Daniel 9:4

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 9:1-19 as I lean on my commentary for this text, which outlines the following divisions:

I. Let Your Prayers Flow from Your Study of the Scriptures (9:1-2): The commentary referring to v1-19 as "one of the most remarkable prayers in the whole Bible," as it includes "(1) corporate confession of sin and (2) recognition of the greatness, awesomeness, righteousness, and holiness of God as expressions of his character."  Daniel intercedes on behalf of a a sinful Israel.  The commentary shares how Daniel prays based on his understanding of God and scripture, including the Pentateuch and Jeremiah, the latter of which Daniel knew of because Jeremiah preceded him.  Daniel specifically refers to Israel's exile of 70 years (v2) which is from Jeremiah 25:1-14 and 29:1-11. The commentary describes how Daniel leans on prophecy from Jeremiah and does the math - "knows the end of God’s judgment of exile on his people is coming[,]" as he was exiled in 605 BC and the date of his writing here is from 538 BC.  The commentary for this division wraps by sharing that "[c]onfidence in the promises of God did not move [Daniel] to complacency. It drove him to action and to his knees. Immersion in Scripture will energize prayer!" As we grow in understanding of scripture, so too will our prayers "become richer and more soundly based on who God is."

II. Let Your Prayers Humbly Take You into the Presence of God (9:3): V3 gives us a model how we are to approach God in humility as the commentary describes Daniel as he "turned to the Lord with a heavy heart, a burden he could hardly bear," and how his prayer is similar to the prayer Jesus prayed to His Father in the garden at Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-44).  The commentary describes this posture of how to approach God in prayer: "[i]t is truly unconscionable that we would ever think to burst into God’s presence in arrogance or pride, in hubris or vainglory. When we know our sins and the sins of our people, we will approach God on our knees and with our faces to the ground. Only then can we turn our faces to the Lord with our prayers and pleas."

III. Let Your Prayers Be Characterized by Honest and Full Confession of Sin (9:4-14): Here the commentary shares how "[p]hrase after phrase comes right out of Scripture. There are allusions to Leviticus (26:40) and Deuteronomy (28:64) and Exodus (34:6) and Psalms (44:14) and Jeremiah (25:11)."  The commentary describes Daniel's humility and his solidarity with Israel in using "we", "us" or "our" more than twenty times when he confesses Israel's sin.  He knows that Israel's punishment is deserved and he does not exclude himself from Israel's predicament but instead bears their burden as he "feels responsible for the people under his care."  At this point in Israel's exile, the people should be driven to their knees in confession and repentance but they are not - except Daniel.  The commentary appropriately quotes Billy Graham when he says "[t]o get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees."

IV. Let Your Prayers Move to Petition and Pleas Grounded in God’s Character (9:15-19): The commentary describes how Daniel moves from confession and repentance to petition and pleas as he intercedes on behalf of Israel. Daniel requests mercy not because Israel is deserving but so that God's can be seen as merciful and glorified in how He keeps His covenant with His people. Prayer is emphasized as the commentary wraps for the text: "we should note the important role prayer played in the past but also in the present. In the past, in the garden of Gethsemane, our Lord was troubled and wept in prayer as he prepared to take on the sins of the world and to bear in his own body the judgment and wrath of God. But now, as Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25 tell us, we have an intercessor in heaven, a great high priest, who pleads our cause before “the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps his gracious covenant with those who love him and keep his commands” (Dan 9:4).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are great indeed, as Your mercies are great and they are new every morning as You provide not just mercy but also for all things and You are faithful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your mercy nor how You provide.  My sins are great and they continue...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.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 4:14-16, and my initial unaided observations of this text. Given how the text starts with "since then," it seems that this text is building upon not just the previous chapter but all of Hebrews up to this point.  In chapters 1-3, and even in chapter 4, Jesus is described as better than angels, Moses, Joshua, and the author of Hebrews explains why Jesus is better. We are now exhorted to "hold fast our confession." What is interesting here is that God knows all of our sin, so the confession is not for God's sake but for our own as we need to understand the depth of our sin, and scripture reading and study enables this to happen (per v12-13).  Once we begin (this is a journey) to understand the depth and breadth of our sin, we can begin (also a journey) to understand the depth and breadth of God's grace and love for us.  The text today should be taken as an incredible encouragement because of how Jesus is described as not just our Lord and Savior, but also as the incarnate Son who experienced all (note the words "who in every respect") of how humanity is tempted, giving Him the ability to sympathize with us, while at the same time, He is able to dispense grace and mercy.  We CAN and SHOULD approach Him with confidence to seek and receive grace and mercy, including for our own salvation.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who knows everything about me, yet still loves me and is full of grace and mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and mercy.  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.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Leviticus 16

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter fourteen - God Forgives and Removes Sin - covering Leviticus 16:1-34, looking specifically at the sixth and final theme for the chapter - We Confess and Come to Jesus for Reconciliation with God.  Here, the commentary looks at the role of the scapegoat in Leviticus 16:21 and how for believers, Jesus serves as the once and for all (final) sacrifice for our sins.  The commentary then focuses on the role of confession in the life of believers.  We all sin, and God urges all people to repent of their sins and accept Jesus. Confession, the commentary writes, is a core requirement to address the most important question people ask - "what do we do to be reconciled to God?" Those in attendance at The Coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost asked Peter that question in Acts 2:37 and Peter responded without hesitation:  

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38

We confess not only because God asks us to, but also because, out of humility and reverence for God, we know that only God can forgive and take away our sins.  He does so because He is full of grace for us - amazing grace. 

The commentary wraps for this theme by contrasting the Old Testament priest (as described throughout Leviticus and elsewhere) who served as a mediator on behalf of the Israelites, to Jesus.  We are referred to Hebrews 4:14-16, where we read that with the sacrifice of Jesus, believers can approach Him with boldness and confidence so "that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who forgives my sin - thank You Jesus!  Amazing grace indeed!  I am not deserving of such grace - my sin continues - harshness towards others, 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. 

...[T]rain yourself for godliness[.]

Leviticus 13-15

...[T]rain yourself for godliness[.] 1 Timothy 4:7

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter thirteen - Unclean! - covering Leviticus 13-15, looking specifically at the third theme - God Cleanses What We Cannot.  Here, the commentary focuses the ritual cleansing discussed in these chapters of Leviticus; as I have posted the past few days, the Israelites with skin disease needed cleansing because of the sin represented by sickness in general as a reminder of humankind's fallen state since the original sin.  The commentary describes the gradual nature of the cleansing process in Leviticus 13-15 as a number of steps were required and the priest was required every step of the way.  The commentary then moves to the process of sanctification for believers in Jesus Christ, and this process is gradual as well as we grow closer to Jesus through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Key to the sanctification process is confession and repentance.  We must be humble, acknowledge, and admit our sin to God and others as a starting point when we turn to Him.  God can and does cleanse us but we must submit and surrender to Him, and through confession and other spiritual disciplines.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has sanctified me and refined me - thank You Jesus!  I know there is more work to do in my heart, but I am grateful for the work You have done and continue to do.  And I recognize that I am undeserving of such blessings.  My sin continues.  Help me confess and turn from my sin, such as worry, towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  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, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.

 Leviticus 5

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. James 5:16

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the theme God Requires Confession of Guilt. Building on my post yesterday that focused on how we all sin, including unintentional sin (omission) and with sin resulting from impure or unholy thoughts (hate, lust, envy, etc.), my commentary this morning focuses on confession once we realize our guilt - it is a critical and daily act that we must bring before God as we repent and ask for forgiveness. The commentary discusses how God's intention for confession in the Old Testament was that it be a visual and public display.  In the New Testament, we read in James 5:16 how we are to confess our sins to one another, implying that we at least confess our sins to those perhaps that we have "injured", but also implying that there are occasions when public confession is also appropriate. John Piper provides a thoughtful post on the matter.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed God as You are gracious and compassionate - providing a path for atonement through Your Son Jesus Christ - who died once and for all.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I have impure thoughts and say things that are harmful.  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 Your 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.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

 Leviticus 5

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the theme Transgressing God's Law is Sin. Here, my commentary focuses on our proper response to sin when we are made aware of our sin.  We are to confess and to ask forgiveness - to seek atonement from God.  God gives all of us a conscience, the Word (the Law) and our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us see our sin. Today's verses mention the words  "realizes his guilt" five times and such emphasis highlights the need for confession and atonement. Several sins are described including failure to speak up as a witness to a crime or "indifferent silence" (v5:1), "prolonged impurity" (v5:2-3), and "an unfulfilled promise" (v5:4). The implications of these sins are discussed, including injustice, extended separation from God, and keeping one's word with regard to promises made to God in the context of marriage vows and other vows made before God. Sin offerings are described, including options for those of lesser means. We should recognize that there are no unrighteous laws, that God's law is perfect - nothing should be added or removed - and that it is only through God that we have forgiveness, reconciliation to God, and an ability to be obedient to God.  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides a means for understanding my sin and for atonement of this sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this or any of the other blessings You pour out for me.  My sin continues - anger, impatience, 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.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Leviticus 3

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - looking at chapter three - Peace with God - covering 3:1-17, looking specifically at the theme We Bring Our Lives to God.  My commentary ends this morning by urging us to look at Romans 12:1 and how Paul seeks to have believers offer our lives "as a living sacrifice."  Leviticus 3 specifically discusses the peace offering and how animals served as a substitute for the sinner as the "wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). The commentary also emphasizes how it was expected that confession of sin accompanied sacrifice and how the sacrificial system (still in place now albeit via Jesus Christ vs Old Testament ceremonial sacrifice) included:

1. acknowledgement of (and confession) sin
2. affirmation that God's just penalty for sin is death
3. acknowledgement of the principal of sustitutionary sacrifice - the animal took the worshiper's place
4. seeking of atonement and peace with God

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who provides a path for atonement and peace with You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You forgive me and provide a path for forgiveness and reconciliation with You.  My sin, of arrogance, worry, impatience, harshness, etc. 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.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin....My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear....For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.

Psalm 4, 12, 20, 25, 32, and 38

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin....My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear....For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Psalms 32:3-5, 38:4, 17-18

Day 124 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and today I start a new grouping "Psalms Expressing a Variety of Sentiments".

Today's psalms focus on how God's mercy demands obedience, how the wicked misuse the gift of speech, prayer for others' welfare and expression of trust, for expression of trust in God and his instruction, the blessedness of confession and forgiveness of sins, and the agony of confession of sin.

The importance of confession strikes me this morning.  David, while certainly a biblical hero, experienced the pain of sin in his life and the Psalms chronicle such pain - in particular Psalm 32 and 38.  John Piper writes that although Christ died "once for all" for our sins (Hebrews 7, 9, 10), we must continue to confess sin - otherwise "we deceive ourselves" (1 John 1:8) - as a demonstration of how we make war on sin in our lives as Paul directs us to in Colossians 3:5.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has died once and for all for my sins and help me fight the daily battle against sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love and protection - my sin continues.  I do thank You for the incredible grace and compassion You pour out for me but I continue to need it daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and ehlp 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 Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Matthew 26

Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” v25

All of us at one point or another in our lives, choose this world over Jesus then we often turn around and deny it...just like Judas does here, like Peter will further on in this chapter, etc.  Whatever pushes us to choose Jesus over this world, whether it be greed, fear, etc. we MUST all acknowledge our sin, ask for Jesus to come into our lives, submit to Him, surrender our live over to Him, and devote our lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) to glorify Him for that is why we exist.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God as You willingly laid down Your life for me so that I could have freedom from the sting of sin and death...You never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am selfish...among my many sins.  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.

I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.

Jonah 2

I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. v4-6

Jonah, like the Prodigal Son, ran from God, and yet God still welcomed him back.  We need to be restored daily...and our confession and repentance, like Jonah's and that of the Prodigal Son will facilitate this.  We may, by sins of either commission or omission, separate ourselves from God...but God gives us freedom from the sting of sin and death through reconciliation with His Son.

Greatest gift of all time.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You offer the greatest gift of all time - freedom from the sting of sin and death and reconciliation through Your Son.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a sacrifice - such love.  I miss the mark 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.

The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord.

Isaiah 59

The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord. v20

We all sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8), sin separates us from God, and we all need a Savior to cleanse us from our sins and to free us from the sting of sin and death. 

Jesus is that Savior and He came in fulfillment of prophecy and because of His love for us.

All we need to do is confess, repent and ask for Jesus to come into our lives as our Savior.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for adopting me as Your son and for saving me from the sting of sin and death...for all that You are and do.  I love You.  Yet I am not worthy of such a God.  Please forgive me of my worry.  Help me turn from such sin towards You and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Please 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.

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

Psalm 73

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. v27-28

God wants us to be in relationship with Him - and this means we must worship, be in prayer with Him, and serve Him - daily.  When we sin, we must confess our sins and repent. When we do so, we are reconciled back to God.  Otherwise, as Psalm 73 states, we remain far from God.  We do not want to remain far from God as once sin catches hold we risk being "dragged away" by our own evil desires.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13-15

  
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loved me and died for me, knowing everything about my sin.  You always welcome me back with open arms when I confess and repent of my sin.  What a God of love and grace You are.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I neglect my role as father too often.  Please forgive me Jesus 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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors—their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me, which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.

Levitcus 26

But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors—their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me, which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. v40-42

God knows we are not perfect - that is why He sent His one and only Son to rescue us from our sin.  God gives second chances - we are to confess our sin, turn from our sin and turn towards Him.

He reiterates His faithfulness to us once again:

But for their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors whom I brought out of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God. I am the Lord. v45

THAT is how much God love us...that He keeps His promises even when we fail to be who God intended us to be.  

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are a great God - You love us despite our sin and You even died for us so that we would have freedom from sin and death. Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I neglect my relationship with You and my role as father and husband.  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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

Exodus 2

Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. v12

We all have sin and it is not wise to attempt to hide our sin - for God knows all of our sin and He is willing to forgive us if we come to Him in confession and with a heart to repent.

God wants us to return to Him - if we earnestly repent, God will help us gain victory over sin. 

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 15:7

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 108:13

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You have helped me gain victory over many sins in my life and I am grateful - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  Other sin continues in my life.  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 do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.

Genesis 4

But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. v7

Sin is indeed crouching at our doors.

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

 

 We can protect ourselves by reading, studying and memorizing scripture.

See Proverbs 2, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 and other verses.  We can also protect ourselves by avoiding those who do not believe and consistently demonstrate willful sinful behavior - we must instead surround ourselves with other believers who can encourage us and be in prayer for us.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

 

 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God who is able to beat sin and death.  You give me this same power and I am grateful Jesus!  Thank You.  However, I often lack complete trust in You and am taken away by sin.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me protect myself through faith and trust in You.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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.

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.

Psalm 32

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.  For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. v3-4

Sin separates us from God and only God can forgive us and restore us.  In today's verses we see from David's experience (and we know from our own), that when we hide our sin, the struggle to keep it hidden is a difficult one and it often leads to other sin (as it did with David). Thus confession is an important aspect of our Christian life as a means to restore our selves to God...and to others.  Additionally, confession serves an important purpose with others as it helps others know us more fully - imagine a world where all of us shared our sin and we became more fully known and hopefully more fully loved as an expression of Jesus love...for us and through us.  The Bible is clear that confession is critical.  See posts here.

On a related note, I was curious about the label of maskil on biblegateway.com for this Psalm, and found this reference which has some great learning about the Psalms...it appears a maskil is a Psalm that teaches you something....indeed.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You have taught me all things..."apart from You I have and am nothing!  Thank You Jesus for being such a gracious God!  I am not worth such blessings as You have blessed me abundantly.  I continue to worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo and radiation.  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.