Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

 Romans 1

Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:22-23

For my daily study, I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today provides an admonishment to those who turn away from the Creator, focusing instead on creation.  Having just returned from a vacation in the U.S. southwest, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona - both places rich in stunning natural beauty - I can easily see how some may go down the path of worship of creation vs the Creator. Reading the surrounding verses in Romans 1 - beyond what John Piper highlights today (v22-23) - it's hard for me, as a believer, to see how creation does not reflect the Creator and His intelligent design.  I agree with Paul where he writes in Romans 1:19: "what can be known about God is plain to [the unfaithful], because God has shown it to them." Piper also highlights Psalm 19:1-2 where David writes: "[t]he heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." As I did not spend quiet time with God yesterday, I am reminded how easily, even for the faithful, it is to step away and ignore God.  God please restore me to Yourself and keep me close to You!  Help me worship the Creator!  All glory to God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and You are the source of all things in Heaven and on Earth.  Your glory is plain for all to see!  Thank You God how You provide creation for us to enjoy - just one of the many blessings You pour out for Your children.  I am not deserving of this or any of the blessings You pour out for me.  Please forgive me for my neglect of You.  Help me turn from my neglect and turn towards You.  Help me daily run to You and stay near 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 lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

 Proverbs 16

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:33

For my daily study, I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today looks at God's providence over all aspects of the natural order.  Quoting Matthew 10:29-30, John Piper starts by sharing that "[i]n other words, there are no events so small that he does not rule them for his purposes."  Providing another example of God's sovereignty over nature, Piper goes on to quote Jonah and how God "commands a fish to swallow a man (Jonah 1:17), he commands a plant to grow for shade (Jonah 4:6), and he commands a worm to kill it (Jonah 4:7)." He further describes God's sovereignty over the heavens, quoting Isaiah 40:26.  Piper closes today's devotion with a call to "stand in awe and be at peace, knowing that no natural event is outside of God’s wise and good purposes, and perfect control."

For a more extensive examination of this topic, see John Piper's book Providence.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who created all things, is in all things and holds all things together - and You have my life in the palm of Your hands.  You don't need me, and yet even though I am broken, You reach down into the details of my life - and You reveal Your love and grace to me - saving me from eternal damnation.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  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.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

 Genesis 1

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

For my daily study, I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today looks at "the point of creation." John Piper starts the devotion by stating: "God made humans in his image so that the world would be filled with reflectors of God. Images of God. Seven billion statues of God. So that nobody would miss the point of creation."  Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 1:20a where he writes that God's "invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world."  Of course, God created more than humanity - he also created nature and the heavens (see also this video - thanks to Rodney/Angela Britt from Sunday school for the reference).  Everything in creation, including humanity, nature, and the heavens point back to the glory of God.  John Piper provides additional scripture references to amplify his point:

• Isaiah 6:3
  
• Psalm 19:1
  

Piper wraps the devotion by sharing in response to those who wonder why God created vastness of the heavens and earth but left most of it lifeless and empty: "[i]t’s about God. And it’s an understatement. He is more glorious. Greater in power. Greater in scope. Greater brightness. Than all the galaxies combined....God created us to know him and love him and show him. And then he gave us a hint of what he is like: the universe." God is amazing!  All glory to God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truly amazing and the work of Your hands is amazing - including creation!  Thank You Jesus for what You have done in creation and in my life - You are so full of grace and love for me - and You don't need me at all.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  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.

[Y]ou were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 6

 [Y]ou were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20

As I continue to be in between studies, having wrapped up my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today looks at why God created our earthly bodies, or for that matter any aspect of the physical-material universe (as John Piper puts it).  Piper shares that God created everything - including all of creation - for His glory.  Piper refers us to Psalm 19:1 where the psalmist writes "[t]he heavens declare the glory of God[.]"  Piper goes on to explore why God goes to the trouble to create something that is fallen, broken, and full of tragedy and suffering.  Piper says: "[b]ecause his Son paid the price of death so that the Father’s purpose for the material universe would be fulfilled, namely, that he would be glorified in it, including in our bodies, forever and ever."  See also Romans 12:1 where we are called to "present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."  Simply put we exist to glorify God.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who does not need me but nonetheless loves me and saved me - not out of anything I did but purely out of love and grace.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace.  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.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them....“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”...The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Genesis 1, Isaiah 6, and Psalm 19

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them....“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”...The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 19:1

While on vacation in Maine, I paused on my studies of both Isaiah and Proverbs, and tonight and throughout my vacation I will use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotionals - today's focuses on the point of God's creation. Piper writes that God's creation is so vast and so magnificent, both in terms of humanity, the animals, nature, the stars and heavens above, etc. so that it would be difficult to not see an incredible God and His works. Of course, all of humanity and all of creation exists to bring to glory to God - that is stated explicitly in both Isaiah 6:3 and Psalm 19:1.  Although these are not the only verses in the Bible to remark on God's glory in creation, but they represent well the point of creation. As I marvel in creation here in Maine and reflect back on memories, photos, etc. my aim this week is to reinforce how great God is - creation may be just one aspect of His glory, but it is an incredible one!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me...and Your creation is marvelous and incredible!  Thank You for giving me creation to enjoy and to marvel at Your glory!  I am not deserving of such a blessing and all the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me Jesus - worry, etc.  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 sposues 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.

[God's words] are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.

Proverbs 8

[God's words] are all straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Proverbs 8:9

I completed my study of Proverbs for the week, where I examined chapter 8. Today, the commentary focuses on how chapter 8:

•  portrays "wisdom [as]...integrally present at creation...[and how it] points to the eternal Son of God"
•  describes wisdom, and thereby Jesus Christ, as "the way to life...and to miss her is to love death" (v35-36)
• describes wisdom and how "God wove wisdom into the created order so that it would function as coherent system...those who submit to God and His ways-the wise-are able to participate in the rationality at the heart of created things" (v9)

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You provide Your Words - wisdom - and You give me ears to hear and eyes to see so that I can understand and have life. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your Word.  It is more valuable than silver and gold.  Again I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth....." The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Leviticus 25

 And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth....."  The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Genesis 1:28, 2:15

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - God Tells His People to Care for Creation, So We Protect It.  Here, the commentary theme for today focuses on God's commands for us to care for the natural environment God created.  It starts by pointing to the commands God gave Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden to subdue the earth, and to work and keep it.  The commentary then states that "[i]n Leviticus 25 God gave His people a specific way to care for a specific area of land.  He told them to let the land and animals rest every seven years.  God was teaching His people that the lands was their use but not their abuse. They were to respect the land, to be responsible for the land, and to care for the land."  The commentary wraps by highlighting how others may elevate the environment above humanity or to worship the environment as an idol in itself. We are encouraged not to deify nature. At the same time, we are encouraged to avoid exploitation of the land and to consider replenishment and sustainability as "modern ways to implement God's ancient command to give the land rest."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who created the Earth for me to enjoy and provide for me - thank You Jesus!  Your creation is an incredible blessing!  I am not deserving of how You provide such a blessing.  I am harsh with others.  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. 

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

Chapter 17: Pages 221-238, Job 38-41

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:4-7

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 2 "Providence Over Nature" - moving to chapter seventeen "Earth, Water, Wind, Plants, and Animals". 

Here, Piper draws on a comprehensive set of scripture examples to "show God's close attentiveness in directing every aspect of [the] natural world", including earth, water, wind, plants and animals.  Piper believes there are three reasons why we should examine this attentiveness: (1) the natural world is of far greater harm to us then human-kind, and "[w]e need to know the measure of God's providence over the parts of reality that threaten our lives most[;]" (2) for us to have deep conviction in God's providence over the natural world, we need to look more closely at both the "macro" and "micro" level of his "rule in nature[;]" (3) "if we don't see the close attentiveness of his governance of the natural world in Scripture, we will not see his purposes in that governance."

Piper pauses to admonish unbelievers and believers alike for how they fail to see God at work in the natural world: "[t]he world and even thousands of Christians give no praise and thanks to God for millions of daily, life-sustaining providences because they do not see the world as the theater of God's wonders." He turns to one of the key purposes of writing the book "is to help Christians live in the radical, free devotion to seeking the kingdom first, because our doctrine of providence moves us to really believe God's control is detailed and powerful and merciful enough to clothe every lily on the planet and give us all we need to live out his righteousness."

We are reminded that the purpose of examining God's role in the natural world is "the glory of God, which we see and heart and taste and feel and smell in it, might be joyfully, thankfully admiringly experienced as part of the inheritance purchased for us by the blood of Jesus."

Finally, Piper wraps up the chapter by using Job 38-41 to help illustrate how we should view God's role in the natural world and how His providence over nature fits into the broader context and discussion of God's providence.  "God used [the] same natural world [that brought so much calamity into his life] to silence Job's blaming mouth and to open his eyes to the countless God-governed wonders which brought him to repentance (Job 42:6) and blessedness (Job 42:10, James 5:11)."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You created the heavens and the earth and all of its inhabitants, you sustain all things and all of the details of everything are planned and held together by You.  I am amazed at Your glory and praise Your glory.  You are so full of mercy and compassion for me and I know You care about the details of my life - thank You Jesus!  But I am undeserving.  I continue to sin yet I don't want to...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. 

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small....All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

Chapter 16: Pages 210-220, Psalm 104

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small....All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time.  When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. Psalm 104:24-25, 27-28

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 2 "Providence Over Nature" - moving to chapter sixteen "The Loss and Recovery of a Theater of Wonders". 

Here, Piper makes it clear that nature is not a mechanical being that was created and runs on its own.  Instead he describes "a picture of God creating, sustaining, owning, and governing the world of nature....[God's] providence is not...by proxy, but instead present and hands on[.]  Piper draws on multiple scriptural examples (including Colossians 1:16-17) but most extensively uses Psalm 104.  

For those believers tempted to lean on science to explain the natural world, including creation, Piper warns: "woe to us if we follow the secular spirit of the age into a frame of mind where God is out of sight, out of mind, and out of our everyday conversation about the wonders of growing grass."

Piper then wants us to understand that nature was created and exists "for the sake of [God's] enjoyment.  Piper draws attention to much of the natural world that humans don't ever even get to see: ...[it] is not wasted, the angels grasp some of.  Someday we may grasp more of it.  But God grasps and rejoices in all of it."

Finally, Piper wants us to understand that nature and the created universe is not just for the sake of God but also for the enjoyment of His people (for our praises of His glory of course).

I am reminded of an excellent book on Creation by Grant Jeffrey - Creation: Remarkable Evidence of God's Design. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and who's creation is incredible and worthy of my praise for Your glory.  I see it daily and I marvel of Your works.  Thank You Jesus for providing creation - I am undeserving that You would provide creation and the infinite number of blessings You provide!  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.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

 Chapter 12: Pages 158-166, Ephesians 1:4-7

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:4-8

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence", moving to Section 3 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence in the Design and Enactment of the New Covenant" - moving to chapter twelve "Christ's Foundational Act in Establishing the New Covenant". 

Piper starts by quoting both Luke (Luke 22:20) and Matthew (Matthew 26:28) from the Last Supper to establish that Christs suffering and death on the cross "was the foundational step in enacting the new covenant." He then contrasts the first and second covenant using Hebrews 9:7, 15, 22 and 10:4 to underscore how Jesus "is responsible for putting the second covenant into effect." 

Piper builds on this to state that Christ's death and resurrection is not only the ground for the second covenant but also the goal - quoting Romans 4:25; Piper's description is that He is both the "price" and the "prize". Piper of course extends this to emphasize that "the ultimate goal of God in his saving providence-namely the praise of the glory of his grace-was achieved through the suffering of the Son of God, who died to delivery us from eternal suffering (2 Thessalonians 1:9) and bring us into everlasting enjoyment of his glory (John 17:24)".  We are then encouraged to see "the obvious" that-using Ephesians 1:4-6-God's plan from the beginning was that "God's ultimate purpose in creation and providence was not that his glory be displayed and praised through means that did not involve the suffering of Son.  The cross was not an afterthought.  It was part of the plan from before the foundation of the world (2 Timothy 1:9, Revelation 13:8)."

Finally, Piper writes that "[e]verything else is subordinate to this plan.  Everything else is put in place by God's providence for the sake of this plan.  The display of the glory of God's grace, especially in the suffering of the Beloved, echoing forever in the all-satisfying praises of the redeemed, is the goal of creation and ultimate aim of all God's works for providence". 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing and of course so is Your grace and You are worthy of my ceaseless praise and worship.  Thank You for the rich mercies You pour out for me.  I am not deserving of such love.  I worry and I am lazy among my many sins.  Please forgive me for seeking my own power over yours and not relying on the peace of Christ.  Please forgive me for seeking comfort in the pleasures of this world.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

Chapter 4: Pages 56-66

 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. Acts 17:24-25

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence", starting with Section 1 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence before Creation and in Creation" - moving to chapter four "The Act of Creation".  Piper describes how God created all things for God - that creation itself and all created things and beings exist for Him and for His glory. Piper points to several scripture passages to illustrate his point:

• 1 Corinthians 8:6
• Hebrews 2:10
• Acts 17:24-25
• Romans 11:34-36
• Revelation 4:11

Even nature exists for His glory as Piper states that "[i]n order for God's purpose in creation to be attained, there must be a world filled with the 'knowledge of the glory of the Lord'.  Trees may clap their hands for God (Isaiah 55:12), but they do not know what they are doing.  Such conscious, joyful knowing and loving and praising is the destiny of man, not nature."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your creation is worthy of glory and my praise - thank You for loving me so much that You gave me and all Your children such a wonderful creation.  I am undeserving of how You love me.  I worry and struggle with gossip, worry, and other 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.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Chapter 3: Pages 50-56 and Ephesians 1

 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence", starting with Section 1 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence before Creation and in Creation" - essentially chapter three.  In these pages, Piper describes providence expressed before the foundation of the world and uses Ephesians 1:4-6 and 11-12 to illustrate God how this is expressed.  I previously posted on how providence is defined as serving for His glory - the "one great end" that distinguishes providence from fate. This morning we see Piper taking this further by stating that God's glory is incomplete without the praise of His glory.  Piper leans on C.S. Lewis, who writes that "[w]e delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is the appointed consummation." Further, Piper explains the "paradox" that exists by statng that "God is the one being in the universe for whom self-exaltation is a form of love.  For [H]e is the only being whose worth and beauty can satisfy the human soul fully and forever.  When God makes [H]is praise the goal of his providence, [H]e is pursuing our full and lasting pleasure.  That is love."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who chose me before the creation of the world - knowing everything about me and my sin - thank You Jesus!  It is indescribable that You would love me as You do.  I am undeserving of course.  My sin, of worry, 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.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Genesis 1

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. v31

The forces of this world want us to believe that science created the universe...yet I believe there is too much perfection for this to be anything other than intelligent design.  God is in control.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

Please help me grow in my faith, trust and love of Christ - the one who is before all things, in all things and the creator of all things.  Christ reigns!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and compassion for me.  You created me...You know everything about me, including my sin, yet You still came for me and rescued me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my selfishness.  Help me overcome such sin and turn from it 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 and cure 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.

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

Psalm 104

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. v24

Once again, I have much to bring to the Lord in praise and worship - my God is worthy!  God's creation is certainly worthy of praise and worship for it is splendorous.  God's works are also deeply personal and they have touched my life and will continue to do so in all of my years.  As I posted yesterday, God's love is amazing.   

All of what God does is for a purpose - for He has made everything "in wisdom".

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Colossians 1:16-18 

 

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...Ecclesiastes 3:1

My Prayer: Lord, You are an awesome God and all that You do is perfect and for a reason - all for Your glory and my good - thank You Jesus.  Thank You for all that You are and all that You do and for all that You will continue to do for me for I know You are an active God always in motion...for me...and that You will never leave or forsake me.  I am not worthy of such a God as 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, 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 her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Please 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.