And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.” Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!— the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.”

Numbers 21:10-20

And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.” Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!— the well that the princes made, that the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter and with their staffs.” Numbers 21:16-18

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 21:10-20 - God provides water and the people sing joyfully in response.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is with us, He directs our steps (with Israel He guides as a cloud by day and a fire by night (Exodus 13:21), and He provides.  The wilderness is a desolate and difficult place - yet Israel find themselves in a place in v16 called Beer, which in Hebrews translates simply to a "well."  God provides water here.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people respond in song, in essence, worshiping God.  This is a wholly appropriate response to God, who He is and how He provides.  Note also how God seeks for Moses to "[g]ather the people together[.]"  God seeks for His people to worship together. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): When we are in a spiritual wilderness, we should not worry, grumble and complain as Israel has been doing (see text from post yesterday).  We should claim the promise that God provides for all of our needs.  Follow the example of Christ who trusts in the Father to provide for all things (Matthew 6:25-34). Praise God for how He is with us, directs our steps, and provides - even in the wilderness. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves, is with us, guiding our steps, and providing for all of our needs.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from 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 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.

Peace be with you....Peace be with you....And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

 John 20:19-23

Peace be with you....Peace be with you....And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19,20,22

I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 20:19-23, where Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks to bring peace of mind (vv19, 21) to the disciples, first that it is truly Him, so He shows them (v20) the wounds to His hands and side (which was pierced) as He hung on the cross.  Peace of mind was important as well because of persecution of the those identified to be followers of Jesus - if Jesus could be put to death so could anyone associated with Him.  Jesus gives us peace - even in the darkest moments.  He is Light (see also John 1:4, 8:12). Jesus sought to give this peace of mind certainly through His physical presence, but also through the Holy Spirit which He gave to the disciples by breathing on them (v22). Jesus then shares that forgiveness can be given or withheld in v23 although multiple reads of this verse give me pause to discern whether the "it" being withheld is forgiveness or the Holy Spirit from v22. See also this John Piper message for more on this verse. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Following Jesus does have a cost as persecution comes in many forms.  The disciples face imprisonment, physical harm, and even death - as such they locked the doors (v19).  
• 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 fear and worry as this will cascade into other sins.  Claim the promise that Jesus provides us the Holy Spirit and we can never be separated from His love.  Follow the example of those who followed Jesus at great cost - pick up your cross daily and follow Him.  Trust Him as He is the Good Shepherd who loves, cares, and saves.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  I am not deserving of how You save and provide peace - and I know that I can never be separated from Your love.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Mark 4:35-41

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Mark 4:37-38

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 4:35-41, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus, as the incarnate Son of God experienced all of what we as His creation experienced, including hunger, thirst and feelings of exhaustion and fatigue.  He was so tired in v37 that He was able to sleep on the boat during a "great windstorm." God of course knew about the storm as He is all-knowing - so this was part of a design to use the storm as a teaching moment about the disciples lack of faith during the storm.  Jesus tells us to build our house on a rock such that when the storm arrives we are not shaken. See also Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:46-49. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: The disciples had already witnessed several of Jesus' miracles so they knew about His power but when He calmed the storm they were astonished that He had that much power to calm the wind and sea (v41).  This shows an incomplete understanding of who Jesus is - in fairness Jesus' ministry was just getting rolling.  However, for believers of today, we should strive to have as complete an understanding of who Jesus is now - prior to meeting Him face to face upon our death or when He returns.  We need to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and to seek Him with all of our heart. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  Jesus wants us to follow His example of weathering trials by having a steadfast faith...there will be waves or ups and downs of life but we can be steadied by being anchored to our faith in Christ and by resting in His promises (that always come true - 2 Corinthians 1:20).  We should avoid worry - see also Matthew 6:25-34. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is our Rock and Salvation - we can rest and take refuge in You.  Thank You Jesus for the help You provide to steady our faith.  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor how richly You bless.  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 other 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. 

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.

Matthew 6

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew 6:31-32

I pause my study of 1 Corinthians to study DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys Daily devotional, which today, looks at how God knows all of our needs, knows our heart, and desires to provide for all of our needs.  John Piper shares how he is a father himself, albeit of course an earthly father, and this does not compare with our heavenly Father.  With this comparison, Piper describes three ways his knowing does not compare to our heavenly Father:

1. He does not know where his children (grown) are in the present
   
2. He does not know what is in their heart at this current moment
3. He does not know their future 

On the other hand, Piper describes how our heavenly Father DOES know us: "He knows everything about us, where we are, now and tomorrow, inside and out. He sees every need.  Add to that, his huge eagerness to meet our needs. Remember the “much more” of Matthew 6:30, “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you?” Add to that his complete ability to do what he is eager to do (he feeds billions of birds hourly, around the world, Matthew 6:26)."  

We are urged to trust "the promise of Jesus to meet our needs."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You provide for all of my needs, physical, emotional, and spiritual, and I have no cause for worry.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love, bless and provide for 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.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how God provides for all of our needs, and through this devotion, John Piper seeks for us to see how God does this (quoting James H. Taylor) "not only for the eternal salvation of our souls, but also for the practical provision of our daily bread and financial support." Piper uses the Overseas Missionary Fellowship, including words and actions from its founder and the great-grandson of its founder, as well as Matthew 6:33 to illustrate his message.  Matthew 6:25-34 provides a broader message about how we are not to worry - and of course we can avoid worry if we have strong faith that God will hear and respond to our prayers, and He will provide.  We don't know how God will provide but He will (Isaiah 55:8).  Over the past few days, Piper has used Abraham and others from the "hall of faith" in Hebrews 11, in his Solid Joys daily devotion series, to deliver messages on faith.  Today the urge is that we see faith as the "the all-sufficiency of God’s future grace." Piper wraps the devotion today but sharing that "[l]ives of faith are the great mirror of the dependability of God."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and You DO provide for all of my needs, big and small as You know all of the minute intimate details of my life, hold all of these details in Your hands and You love me - this I KNOW.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues...daily.  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 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.

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

Romans 4

No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Romans 4:20-21

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at "faith for the impossible."  In this devotion John Piper refers us to Paul's text in Romans 4 where Paul highlights Abraham as the model for our faith.  Abraham believed in the promises offered by God in the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12), "in spite of all human evidences to the contrary."  God promised to make Abraham the father of many nations, even though Abraham was about a hundred years old and his wife Sarah was barren.  Piper describes how Romans 4:20-21 highlights Abraham's faith as it "glorified God [and]...called attention to all the omnipotent, supernatural resources of God that would be required to fulfill it." As I posted yesterday, Hebrews 11 examines faith and how this well known text (aka Hall of Faith), defines faith (Hebrews 11:1) as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."  Related to faith is worry - something God wants us to avoid.  Worry makes us anxious, and causes us to be impatient or frustrated if things don't go as expected. We all have hopes, concerns, trials, etc. but we can rest (as Abraham) in knowing that God loves us, is faithful and good, always at work in our lives, and able to do what He promises.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You are good and able and I can rest in Your faithfulness and power.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless 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.       

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34

I continue my pause from my studies of both Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to Part 3 of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion on worry.  John Piper uses the Sermon on the Mount to unpack promises #5-7 that Jesus gives us in the text to encourage us in our battle against anxiety and stress. These promises are:

• #5: Matthew 6:31-32 > Piper states, using this text, that we should not feel as if "God is ignorant of [our] needs. He knows all of them. And he is “your heavenly Father.” He does not look on, indifferently, from a distance. He cares. He will act to supply your need when the time is best."
• #6: Matthew 6:33 > Piper states, using this text, that "All the food and drink and clothing — and everything else — that you need to do his will and glorify him. Which might mean his purpose is for you to die for him, but he will supply everything you need to do it for his glory."  Piper also uses both Romans 8:32 and 35-37 to encourage us that God provides for all our needs, that we are never alone as He (through the Holy Spirit) is always with us, and that He enables us to conquer all that we may face.
  
• #7: Matthew 6:34 > Piper seeks to encourage us with this text by pointing out that (using 1 Corinthians 10:13, Deuteronomy 33:25, Lamentations 3:22-23, and 2 Corinthians 9:8) that "God will see to it that you are not tested in any given day more than you can bear," and that He will give you daily strength and mercies, and all the grace you need for any good deed.
  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God and You provide for all that I need, physically, emotionally, spiritually - thank You Jesus.  I need not worry - but I have and I am certain there will be times that I will - please forgive me for my worry.  Help me overcome and turn from it 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. 

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Matthew 6

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:27-30

I extend my pause this morning from my studies of both Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to Part 2 of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion on worry.  John Piper uses the Sermon on the Mount to unpack promises #3 and #4 Jesus gives us to encourage us in our battle against anxiety and stress. 

In promise #3, Piper uses Matthew 6:27 to encourage us to see the futility of worry.  In promise #4, God wants us to see how much more of a priority we, His children as believers, are relative to the flowers of the field or anything else in His creation.  Piper sums it up nicely here by stating: "[c]ompared to the flowers of the field you are a much higher priority for God, because you will live forever, and can thus bring him eternal praise as his loved children."

In particular, I am encouraged this morning to focus on what God does want me to do - to glorify Him with all of the fabric of my being.  Certainly worry is not God-glorifying...

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My Prayer: Jesus, You indeed are an amazing God who is able to provide for all of my physical needs, emotional needs and my spiritual needs - You are my all in all!  Thank You Jesus!  I need not worry.  I am undeserving of how You provide as I do often 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.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Matthew 6

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:25-26

I pause this morning from my studies of both Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to Part 1 of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion on worry.  Here, across three days of the Solid Joys daily devotion, John Piper uses the Sermon on the Mount to unpack seven (7) promises Jesus gives us to encourage us in our battle against anxiety and stress.  Anxiety and stress is something which I battle, and more often than not, it relates to worry over Zach and Dustin.  This morning my focus is Part 1, which covers two of the promises Jesus offers on worry: 

#1: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25

Piper states: "[s]ince your body and your life are vastly more complex and difficult to provide than food and clothing are, and yet God has, in fact, created and provided you with both, then surely he will be able and willing to provide you with food and clothing.

Moreover, no matter what happens, God will raise your body someday and preserve your life and body for his eternal fellowship."

 #2: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26

Piper states: "[i]f God is willing and able to feed such insignificant creatures as birds who cannot do anything to bring their food into being — as you can by farming — then he will certainly provide what you need, because you are worth a lot more than birds. You, unlike the birds, have the amazing capacity to glorify God by trusting, obeying, and thanking God."

Thank You God for how You encourage in all areas of my life.

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And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.... And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Philippians 4 and 2 Corinthians 9

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.... And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. Philippians 4:19, 2 Corinthians 9:8

Worry over Zach and Dustin often consumes me...over what I will not go into the details.  Yet I know that I should not worry - worry is a sin. Jesus tells us not to worry in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34). Matthew 6:33, stands out this morning as a key verse from Jesus' words on worry from the Sermon on the Mount:

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

I have often said to myself that God is in control and my first priority should be to seek God and grow closer to Him.  This verse this morning, plus John Piper's post from DesiringGod.com on motherhood helps me grow in appreciation the role that Lisa and mothers play - greatly encouraged indeed this am.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me and You DO provide for all of my needs and I needn't worry.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I do worry - please forgive me Father and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Pausing once again from my deep-dive study of Isaiah, today I listened to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which focuses on the extent to which God is dependable - not just through the miracles of the "biggest things" which were promised and fulfilled, such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also through the miracles of the mundane such as the "practical provision of our daily bread and financial support." Piper encourages us to see the message in Matthew 6 (v25-34 focuses on anxiety/worry) where Jesus seeks for us to avoid being anxious.  We are encouraged because God is dependable in the "mundane" details of our life through our faith.  Piper states that "[l]ives of faith are the great mirror of the dependability of God."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is dependable in all the details of my life - large and small...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  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 form 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 you shall do my statutes and keep my rules and perform them, and then you will dwell in the land securely. The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and dwell in it securely. And if you say, ‘What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?’ I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years.

Leviticus 25

“Therefore you shall do my statutes and keep my rules and perform them, and then you will dwell in the land securely. The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and dwell in it securely. And if you say, ‘What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?’ I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years.["] Leviticus 25:18-21

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - starting chapter twenty-two - A Theology of Things  - covering Leviticus 25:1-55, looking specifically at the introduction and first theme for the chapter - God Wants to Provide for His People So We Trust.  Here, in the commentary's introduction to the chapter, we are encouraged to see how, in Leviticus 25, "God is the sovereign Lord over all things and He provides for His people, so we trust Him to provide, we worship Him--not possessions--and we obey His commands to care for the created order and to be generous to the poor." Under the heading for the first theme in the chapter of the commentary, it states: "[i]n verse 2, God said, 'When you enter the land I am giving you.'  That was a promise from God.  He was going to give the land of Canaan to them.  It was a promise of blessing.  Hundreds of years earlier, God had promised Abraham that He was going to bless him with many descendants, and He was going to give his descendants the land of Canaan.  When God speaks with Moses here, He is about to keep that promise.  God also told Moses that if His people followed His commands He would provide them from the produce of the land.  In verses 18 and 19 God said, You are to keep My statutes and ordinances and carefully observe them, so that you may securely in the land.  The the land will yield its fruit, so that you can eat, be satisfied, and live securely in the land."  Even when Israel may question where it may get its food, God commands Israel - and all believers - to see how it is God who provides....and to trust in Him. 

The commentary for today wraps by referring us to Matthew 6:25-33 where God commands believers not to worry. The commentary writes: "Jesus told us to seek God first, and He will take care of our needs.  God knows we have needs, but He tells us not to put them first.  He wants us to seek Him and to trust Him first, and He will take care of our needs.  God wants to provide for His people, so we trust."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for how You provide - I am not deserving of how You provide.  I often fail to trust You and fail to observe Your commands.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my disobedience and lack of trust.  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.

All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.

Micah 3-5 

All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. Micah 4:5

  

Day 176 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the prophecies of Micah, as his second discourse* rebukes Israel's leaders and their false prophets and delivers a judgement against Assyria who will soon overrun Israel. Micah's message also includes powerful prophecies of the coming Messiah:

All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. Micah 4:5

I will gather the lame; I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief. I will make the lame my remnant, those driven away a strong nation. The Lord will rule over them in Mount Zion     from that day and forever.  Micah 4:6-7

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”  Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace[.] Micah 3:2-5

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

I am grateful for the peace that only God can provide and praying that our world can experience this peace as well.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who provides peace - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such peace as my anxiety, stress, and worry are often painful - thank You for Your peace but please forgive me for my sin here!  Help me trust in You more and more every day, turn from my sin towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  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.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Psalm 127

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Day 144 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Solomon's contributions to scripture.  Solomon authored both Psalm 72 and Psalm 127 and this latter psalm is my focus today.  With this psalm, the focus is praise for God as the Giver of all things.  John Piper provides this great video and encourages parents to rest in God as the Builder, Watchman, and Protector of our family, and he further point us to Matthew 11:28-30 as parents often need the rest that only He can provide.

I am grateful for Psalm 127 and for John Piper's encouragement based on this psalm - I needed this today.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for how You build, watch over and protect me as a father and husband.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for the blessings of marriage and fatherhood You provide.  I often fall down in these roles.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins in these areas.  Help me overcome and turn from my sins 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 works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy....Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.

Psalm 111, 130, 131, 141, and 146

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy....Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever. Psalm 111:7, 146:3-6

Day 126 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 fearing a loving God is the beginning of understanding, how our only hope of redemption is in God's forgiveness, for prayer for wise use of one's speech, and praise that the God who cares is the God who trusts.

Much of what the world cares about, including for believers, can be considered worldly matters. I am no less guilty of this sin.  I mostly worry about my kids - Zach and Dustin - and whether they will be OK.  I worry whether I am being the father God wants me to be, and Zach and Dustin need me to be - that I have "started [them] off on the way they should go" (Proverbs 22:6).  My hope should not be in my kids but in God - He is faithful and trustworthy and I can bring my cares to Him.

Worry is sinful.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has provided EVERY ti me - I am not without anything.  Yes there are ups and downs and difficulties but You are always there and You always provide. I am not deserving of such a God.  I worry far too much!  I am thankful Jesus for how You provide and for the many, many second chances, but once again I come to You to seek Your forgiveness.  Please forgive me for my sin 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 accept 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.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalm 1, 14, 15, 36, 37, and 39

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

Day 114 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 I start a new group: "Psalms About Righteousness and Wickedness" where David cries out to the Lord regarding the apparent inequity of the wicked who seem to escape judgment and punishment while the righteous suffer.

Today's psalms focus on prayers for vitality of the righteous and vulnerability of the wicked, foolishness of disbelief and misery of evildoers, characteristics of a righteous person, depravity of the wicked and favor of the righteous, how the righteous poor have no cause to envy wicked, and over difficulty withholding outrage and a reminder of life's brevity.

I often worry - primarily over Zach and Dustin and how they will get on with life - whether they will desire to follow Jesus.  While today's psalms focus on it how it is unnecessary for believers to worry about how the wicked will escape judgement and punishment (they will not), I am reminded how I should not worry...period.  This includes worry over children and their righteousness. 

A helpful post on DesiringGod.com makes a distinction between sinful worry and anxiety versus righteous anxiety which is described as "parents godly concerns over the spiritually dangerous influences their children will face in the world".  The post encourages us to "translate our fear-fueled concerns into prayer requests, weaving them with thanksgiving for graces we’ve received from God and all the promises he’s made to us (2 Peter 1:4), and give them over to God".

I am reminded of Moses words to the Israelites as they saw impending doom when trapped between the mountains on one side and the Red Sea on the other with the Egyptian army bearing down on them: 

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You fight for me...and for Zach and Dustin.  I am not worthy for how You protect me and fight for me...and for my kids.  Please forgive my worldly worry.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You and to be still.  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 an 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. 

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalm 35, 41, 43, 46, and 55

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Day 109 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 I continue with "Psalms of the Troubled Soul".

Today's psalms focus on cries for vindication in the eyes of enemies who gloat,  prayers for the weak and those who suffer betrayal by friends, prayer for insight in the face of opposition, prayers for refuge and strength in the God who rules over nations, and for comfort over the anguish of having disloyal companions. Undoubtedly, these examples of trouble mark just several of many circumstances where we can seek comfort and refuge from God.  I am thankful for sure that I have a God who will sustain me, even in the darkest of times.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. 1 Peter 5:7

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are undoubtedly a great God and I KNOW You love me - I am not deserving of such a God.  I sin...daily, placing other matters above You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such a sin and towards You always and first!  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.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Judges 8-9

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Day 77 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 Gideon's final victory over Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, and the remaining Midianite soldiers in battle.  Upon Gideon's death, we see Abimelek, Gideon's son - who was wicked in the eyes of the Lord (starting with killing all of his brothers except one) as he led the Israelites to prostitute themselves to the Baals.

Abimelek lost his way - he did not choose the path of righteousness as his father did.  Parents, myself included, worry and grieve over lost children.  I pray near daily (I should pray incessantly) for my kids and too often act out of worry which is not prudent.

I am comforted by John Piper's words on this topic.  Piper advises us to "hand over our souls and the souls of our children to the sovereign goodness and wisdom of God and forsake anxiety....We must build our present lives on the gospel and not on parenting successes and not be undone by parenting failures."  Piper wants us to "weave together" the following scriptures:

Romans 9:2-3: I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race...[.]

Romans 10:1: Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I also take comfort in 1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who wants me to cast all of my cares to You.  I KNOW You care for me, and You hear my prayers and cries.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your love and the gift of salvation.  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 mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. v6

As Paul continues to unpack how the Holy Spirit provides freedom, he shares with us another nugget - this time how the Spirit gives us life and peace.  This is particularly comforting because at any given point in our lives we worry about this or that and Paul wants us to be free of these earthly worries - Jesus of course says the same thing in Matthew 6.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the abundance and peace You provide - I am blessed...far more than I deserve.  I worry...too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me 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.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus.  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 the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Luke 12

For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. v30-31

As a follow up to yesterday's post on money and wealth, today my reading continues in Luke 12 with Jesus words on worry - that we shouldn't!

I worry about all kinds of things - money, health, kids, etc.  God has certainly helped me with worry and I am grateful - but there is more room for refinement here!

I do love Jesus words in v30-31, which I have highlighted.  We should not "run after all such things" because our Father in Heaven knows what we need and if we seek His kingdom, [they] will be given to us!  Comforting indeed.

With regard to worrying about kids, which is much of my worry - God has helped me learn that I should focus on MY relationship with Him first and foremost and He will best direct me about how to direct and help my kids.  God comes first.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God and You have helped me enormously with worry - thank You Jesus - yet I know there is work to be done because I continue to worry.  Please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.