Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

John 3:1-21

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? John 3:11-12

I continue my study of John, and today, I start to unpack John 3:1-21 using the Sword Bible Study Method, looking at vv1-15, and tomorrow I will look at vv16-21.   

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: As Nicodemus questions Him, Jesus prefaces His response with "truly, truly" (3x - vv3,5,11).  He does this to emphasize that what He is saying is absolutely true because He is the King of Kings and source of God's Word (see John 1:1).  Jesus then focuses on the important doctrine of regeneration - that believers must be born again to have faith.  See also Ezekiel 36:26 where God alone gives His people a new heart, replacing the heart of stone with a heart of flesh.  There should be no mystery about how one comes to faith - although it works like the wind (v8) in the sense that the timing or circumstances are not known, faith comes from God alone via the Spirit living in our hearts (Ephesians 2:8).  God wants us to have faith - even when we cannot see or comprehend everything.  It is true that many aspects of faith are hard to understand (more accurately not fully understood on this side of Heaven) but there are aspects of faith that should be absolutely clear from both the OT and NT - we all sin, need a Savior, and Jesus is that Savior (see also Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Romans 3:10, Psalms 14:2-3, 53:2-3).           
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People want answers for everything yet people will find it futile because we cannot understand all there is to understand - see Ecclesiastes 1:1-10. Israel (and any other non believer) did not believe even with both earthly and heavenly signs - see also Romans 1:20. 
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid leaning on own understanding (Proverbs 3:5); but instead acknowledge, trust and follow God; belief in Jesus will give new/transformed life and eternal life; we should follow Nicodemus' example and earnestly seek Him and Truth because God promises that if seek Him with all of our heart we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).    

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  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 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.

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

John 2:23-25

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25

I continue my study of John, and today, I further unpack John 2:23-25 using the Sword Bible Study Method, and I summarize my thoughts from both today and yesterday by providing an outline/divisions and main point for the text.  

Main point: Jesus is the Promised Messiah, is self-sufficient, and He wants a relationship with us.  

1. Jesus is the Son of God, and King of Kings - all knowing, all powerful and ever present from the beginning to the end (Alpha and Omega). 
2. God knows what is in the hearts and minds of all of humanity - He sees everything. 
3. Belief in Jesus must be based on an understanding of who He is and that He exists to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God is all knowing, all powerful and ever present from the beginning to the end (Alpha and Omega).  God knows what is in the hearts in men - nothing can be hidden from Him.  God will not commit Himself to nor save those whose faith is paper thin.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People try and hide their motives, beliefs and motives, yet Jesus sees it all.  
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?):  Avoid superficial faith - Know and love Him with all of your, heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:36).  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (Jeremiah 29:13, James 4:8). 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  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 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.

For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Mark 9:30-50

For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:49-50

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:30-50.  Excerpts from the fourth (of four) division (vv42-50):

• For the fourth division, the title is: "Fear of Hell."
• "Our Lord had the strongest possible view of judgment and hell: it is real and it lasts forever. In this context it serves as a warning and a motivation to follow Jesus in devotion and discipleship."  
• "Jesus launches three powerful hyperboles to warn us of sin’s danger to others as well as to ourselves. We know they are hyperboles—not to be taken literally—because the Bible forbids bodily mutilation (Deuteronomy 14:1; 23:1; 1 Kings 18:28; Zechariah 13:6). However, in no way does this diminish or negate the importance of what Jesus is saying. “Things we value supremely, like eyes, hands, and feet—should not stand in the way of eternal life” (Edwards, Mark, 294). Eyes, hands, and feet are all inclusive of what we see, what we do, and where we go. As important as they are, better to lose them than to let them prevent you from entering eternal life and God’s kingdom."  
• Be mindful of sinful influences! "[w]hat our Lord was advocating, therefore, [to quote John Stott], was not a literal physical self-maiming, but a ruthless moral self-denial. Not mutilation but mortification is the path of holiness he taught” (Storms, “Be Killing Sin”)." 
• "Jesus said more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. “Hell” is the New Testament word used for the place of eschatological punishment (Matthew 5:29-30; 10:28; Mark 9:43,45,47; Luke 12:5)."  
• "Picking up on the word “fire” in v. 48, Jesus affirms that “everyone will be salted with fire.” “Salt” is a preservative. Thus all will be “salted with fire” in a manner consistent with their relationship to Christ. For unbelievers it will be the perpetual fires of final judgment in hell. For the disciple it will be the preserving and refining fires of trials and suffering that mark the road to true greatness. This saying is found only in Mark’s Gospel. It must have held special significance for him and Peter." 
• "Salt is good as long as it can serve its purposes. But if it loses its purifying and preserving value then it is worthless."  
• "Be humble, and avoid stumbling or causing others to stumble. Don’t fuss and fight over positions and status. Be a reflection of the God-given peace you have received from Jesus (Romans 5:1). Pull for your brothers and sisters in Christ, not against them. After all, though we may play different positions, all who follow Jesus as Lord are on the same team."

John Piper refers to fear of God as a preservative against sin.  As long as we stay close to God, we experience His provision and protection.  John 15:1-11 is also instructive.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who saves.  You also protect and provide refuge.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation and how You pour out blessings for me on a daily basis.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such 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. 

But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts. “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate.”

Zechariah 7:11-14

But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts. “As I called, and they would not hear, so they called, and I would not hear,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known. Thus the land they left was desolate, so that no one went to and fro, and the pleasant land was made desolate.” Zechariah 7:11-14

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 7:11-14, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of five divisions for the text 7:1-8:23 (7:1-3/8:18-23, 7:4-7, 7:8-10, 7:11-14, 8:1-17). Here, the commentary emphasizes how God is sharing how His people turned their back on Him and stopped listening to Him and this led their exile and the destruction of the temple.  It shares: "[n]ow, decades later, God reminded the current generation of Jews that the reason they were having to rebuild the destroyed temple and the ruined city of Jerusalem was simply because their forefathers had not listened to Him. God’s judgment in Israel’s history stands as a warning to people who are more intent on obeying their own desires rather than obeying God’s voice."  The commentary then speculates what it would be like if God did indeed stop talking to His people - and even if He were talking, are we as believers listening to Him?  Jeremiah's words to God's people offer great encouragement: "[y]ou will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father, I know You are there - You offer great comfort in all circumstances.  You save.  And I know I can never be separated from Your love.  What incredible blessings!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such 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.

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.

 Zechariah 1:1-6

Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 1:3

I resume my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 1:1-6, which the commentary explores with a chapter entitled Go Home! and three divisions (1:1-3, 1:4-6a, 6b).  Darius is mentioned in v1 and we can recall him also playing a role in Haggai and his God-directed decree (see also this background and Ezra 1) to support Judah's return to Jerusalem from exile to rebuild the temple. The broader message of vv1-6 emphasize a common and very important theme in scripture - repentance and to remain near to God.  God is gracious (amazingly so!) and scripture is replete with examples of this grace with the Old Testament in its near entirety standing out as an example of this grace.  Zechariah delivers a message to Judah to not be like so many of its ancestors who wicked and turned away from God, and as a result they went into captivity and exile.  Judah is called to repent and turn to God, and course to stay close to God.  V6 indicates "they repented." I am immediately drawn to James 4:8a where it says: "[d]raw near to God, and he will draw near to you."  The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 also emphasizes the theme of coming home to God.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is always full of grace and compassion, pouring out such grace daily and ceaselessly - thank You Jesus.  Of course I am undeserving of my salvation and for the grace You pour out for me.  My sin 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. 

[F]or then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD[.]

Zephaniah 3:9-20

[F]or then I will remove from your midst your proudly exultant ones, and you shall no longer be haughty in my holy mountain. But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD[.] Zephaniah 3:11b-12

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 3:11b-12, which is the text for the third division for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total).

Excerpts from the commentary relating to 3:11b-12:

• God has already passed judgement on how Judah (and all of humanity) suffers from arrogance and pride, relying on their own powers for all of their needs - trusting in self vs God. 
• As an act of grace towards Judah, God transforms his people and their heart by giving them humility.  This transformation is "simply acknowledging the truth about ourselves—namely that we are not good by nature, nor are we able to save ourselves. We are mortal, fallible, and in need of help, and because of God’s grace, that help is provided."
• As we do this, we can take refuge in God for all of our needs as the text describes in v12. We are referred to Psalm 91:1-2, 46:1-3. Psalm 46:1-3 in particular describes how, "[a]s a result of their position, under God’s refuge, they were able to face whatever might come with great confidence, peace, and resolve. In a very real sense this is one of the most prominent distinguishing characteristics of the children of God. Our ability to trust in God when the world crashes around us is radically different from the response of the world."
• We are encouraged to seek refuge in God in response to fear and anxiety. See also Psalm 56:3. 

Take refuge in the Lord and experience a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7)!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me a heart for You and for saving me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings 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.

Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God.

Zephaniah 3:1-8

Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God. Zephaniah 3:1-2

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 3:1-8, which is the text for the second division of the commentary's chapter covering Zephaniah 2:4-3:8.  The commentary further breaks down this second division into eight subdivisions, and today I review the first four that explore 3:1-3.

1. God’s chosen people are defiled because of their rebellion (3:1): "We have now come full circle. As in chapter 1, Zephaniah again turns his prophecy toward the people of Judah. In similar tone and focused on similar targets, Zephaniah levels devastating judgment from God, to His own people, after clearly bringing justice to those who were His enemies. As Zephaniah leveled the charges against Judah’s enemies, I can only imagine that Judah stood by and listened with pleasure, only to find that pleasure withering under the return of God’s scrutiny....They knew God’s word and had been warned against their disobedience. In spite of that, they continue to revel in their pride and self-confidence, functionally rejecting God and serving themselves instead. This was not unique to this generation of God’s chosen people. No, this is a refrain that we hear repeatedly throughout Scripture."  See also Psalms 106:43.  "The truth is that this constant rebellion, met with constant grace, is our story too. Like the people of Judah, we constantly turn away from God, are consistent in our disobedience, and are critically in need of grace."  See also Romans 7:5. "Apart from the grace of God, we are relentlessly bent toward sin. After coming into contact with God’s grace, we are transformed into adopted children of God, but we still retain our sin nature and find ourselves drawn, at times, back into sin. Thankfully, the grace of God makes it possible to be free from sin, but until Jesus returns to make things right, we will probably never be free from the temptation to sin. The people of Judah were susceptible to that same temptation, only they had succumbed to it and were now buried in it....God expects holiness, and they were unholy (defiled)....They were desperately in need of salvation. See also Romans 3:23. " 
   
2. God’s discipline has not compelled His people to obey (3:2): "[Judah has] been disobedient, they have ignored God’s discipline, they have failed to trust God, and they have not drawn near to God." 
   
3. The disobedience of God’s people is due to their lack of trust (3:2): "[W]hat makes this judgment more troubling is not simply that they were rebellious, but that when they were confronted with the Lord’s discipline, they remained hard-hearted toward Him." See also Romans 1:21-24. 
   
4. The political leaders are ruthless and are devouring the people (3:3): "Not only would they thoroughly reject Him, but they have become so completely rebellious that their leadership is devoid of spiritual life in any sense....The leaders were living for themselves to the degree that they were gladly fleecing their own people, people who had been entrusted to them as a stewardship, and they were now using the people for their own gain." 
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: God You are great and You offer grace for those whose heart is soft enough to receive it...and You are the one that hardens and softens hearts.  Thank You Jesus for softening my heart and making me one of Your elect.  I am not deserving.  My sin continues...and it is great.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me stay near to 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.

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD,“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.

Zephaniah 3:1-8

“Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD,“for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed. Zephaniah 3:8

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a unassisted review of Zephaniah 3:1-8, which is the text for the second division of the commentary's chapter covering Zephaniah 2:4-3:8.  The commentary further breaks down this second division into eight subdivisions. Turning from chapter 2 where Zephaniah shares God's warning to Judah's sinful neighbors and how He is going to pour out His wrath upon them, chapter 3 begins with a warning for both Judah and her neighbors.  V1 describes how Jerusalem is rebellious and defiled, and v2 describes how she listens to no voice, accepts no correction, does not trust in the Lord, and does not draw near to her God.  These verses alone are quite harsh, and while believers may think they do not describe themselves, to a certain degree this may be correct, but all of us are unclean and in need of a Savior because WE ALL SIN and need a SAVIOR.  Jesus is this Savior!  The message is clear: listen to God (read and study His Word), draw near to Him, pray to God (be in relationship with Him and talk to Him), accept His correction (view difficult circumstances in light of what He is doing to mold You or bring about His plan), and trust in God (have no fear or anxiety).  Vv3-4 describe the corruption of Judah's officials, including her priests.  V5 highlights how God is righteous, just, and faithful.  V6-7 then pivots to how God's anger burns against both Judah and her neighbors.  We are exhorted to live in reverent fear of God as He reigns.  V8 then declares a warning to repent and be ready, for when God pours out His wrath during the last days, His wrath will be terrifying indeed but those who are repent, believe in Him and are ready will be spared. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who lives in my heart and life - protecting me from sin and sinful influences.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide refuge and protect.  My sin does though continue and I know there is more work for You to do.  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.

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;and I will cut off from this place...those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.”

Zephaniah 1:4-6

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;and I will cut off from this place...those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.” Zephaniah 1:4,6

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, I lean on my commentary for a review of vv4-6. The commentary emphasizes that while God is clearly angry at His people for their idol worship and for turning their back on God, we are not to view God as vengeful.  We are rhetorically challenged to view God rightly.  "God is a God of grace and compassion. In light of that, then, how are we to understand His anger, especially toward His own people?"  The commentary points to Jesus and how in Romans, Paul describes that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1-2). We are then encouraged to see how we are all fair game for God's corrective discipline and referred to Hebrews 12:5-6. Finally, the commentary urges us to see the grace of God in Zephaniah where God's anger should be viewed as an opportunity to repent and return to God.  The Old Testament is an example of God's patience for His people - yes, He did rebuke and punish His people, but not because there were not deserving.  Also, throughout redemptive history, God was faithful in His promises, and He pointed to Jesus and gave people hope through the promise of a coming Messiah.  Jesus is the One.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a God of grace and compassion as You took on flesh and died for me so that I could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  I am not deserving of such blessings!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.  

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;and I will cut off from this place...those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.”

Zephaniah 1:4-6

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;and I will cut off from this place...those who have turned back from following the LORD, who do not seek the LORD or inquire of him.” Zephaniah 1:4,6

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, I move on and do an unassisted review of vv4-6. My first two posts on Zephaniah, covering vv1-3, describe how God is angry at Judah and His wrath and judgement is forthcoming.  In vv4-6, we understand why.  Judah has pursued idol worship, have turned their back on the Lord and no longer seek Him.  This is a message for all of humanity, for believers and non-believers alike.  For non-believers, You are urged to turn to God, to repent of Your sin and be saved to experience the joy and grace Jesus Christ.  For believers, we are urged to go to God daily for his mercies that are new every morning and never cease (see Lamentations 3:22-23).  We must not only be saved but we must continue to abide in Him that saves and develop a daily, lifelong personal relationship with Jesus.  If we don't, we must look long and hard at how we are spending our time, perhaps pursuing earthly comforts and activities and not God. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You for being my personal Lord and Savior.  I am not deserving of such amazing grace that is new every morning and never ceases.  My sin 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 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.

“I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD.

Zephaniah 1:1-3

“I will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” declares the LORD. Zephaniah 1:2

This morning I embark on a new study of Zephaniah and I lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, I orient myself to the book by reading the first three verses and the commentary's introduction to vv1:1-18 which the commentary describes as having seven divisions. V2 clearly shows God's anger directed towards Judah - the southern kingdom of the divided Israel. Excerpts from the commentary's introduction to vv1:1-18:

• Main Idea: The book of Zephaniah is the story of God’s powerful judgment and His equally astonishing grace.
• The people of Judah ignored Zephaniah's call for repentance. "[T]he people of Judah had disregarded God for many, many years and found themselves now being called to repentance, only they seem to have had little interest in turning from their sin."
•  Zephaniah "is the great-great grandson of King Hezekiah. Hezekiah, of course, is known for his illness and request of the Lord for longer life, which God answered by extending his life 15 years. During this time he fathered Manasseh, who would follow him as the next king of Israel. Unfortunately, Manasseh was an evil king who did great spiritual damage in Israel. Following Manasseh was King Amon, who continued Manasseh’s legacy and did not honor God with his leadership. As a result Israel continued to be mired in spiritual decline. Manasseh and Amon ruled for a total of 57 years, and Josiah came to power after Amon. Josiah was a different ruler than his two predecessors; he desired to rule in a way that honored God and that called the people to repentance. Zephaniah was a contemporary of Josiah, and it was in the midst of this environment that Zephaniah began to prophesy."
• Zephaniah was a man of influence due to his family lineage as well as affluence.  Yet his influence was not well received when he called for repentance. The commentary estimates the date of this book as being written from 641 to 622 BC.  
• "The dominant themes of the book are pretty clear. This is a book of judgment, a call to repentance, and a declaration of God’s gracious work on behalf of His people."

As a believer - someone with the benefit of having Christ in their heart - I can't imagine life before Christ and how hard it may have been for the people of God to remain faithful to Him.  My reading of God's anger towards Judah and all of humanity at the time of Zephaniah is no surprise and it calls to mind Hebrews 11 - the chapter in Hebrews often referred to as the "the Hall of Faith" for how it describes how those in the Old Testament (see vv13-16 in particular) did not have Jesus but saw Him from afar and lived faithfully believing in God's promises, including the promise of His Son.  The world today may seem as if there is no hope but with Jesus we always have hope, if not in this life, but in the next. Rejoice in this hope!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for going to the cross, willingly laying down Your life for me.  I am not deserving...no not by a long shot.  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.

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

James 4:13-17

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:15

This morning and over the next week, I pause my study of Ecclesiastes to study James 4:13-4:17 in preparation for my Sunday school class where I am leading our discussion on this text.  Before I jump specifically into this text, I think it is important and relevant to set some context for the book of James.  For this aspect, I lean on the John MacArthur Bible Commentary.  The commentary provides this useful context:

• "The recipients of this book were Jewish believers who had been dispersed (1: 1), possibly as a result of Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 7, c. A.D. 31– 34), but more likely due to the persecution under Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12, c. A.D. 44)."
• "The author refers to his audience as “brethren” fifteen times (1:2, 16, 19; 2:1, 5, 14; 3:1, 10, 12; 4:11; 5:7, 9, 10, 12, 19), which was a common epithet among the first-century Jews. Not surprisingly then, James is Jewish in its content."
• "James, with its devotion to direct, pungent statements on wise living, is reminiscent of the Book of Proverbs. It has a practical emphasis, not emphasizing theoretical knowledge, but godly behavior. James wrote with a passionate desire for his readers to be uncompromisingly obedient to the Word of God."

The commentary outlines James as follows, sharing first:"[d]ue to its complexity, there are a number of ways to outline the book in order to grasp the arrangement of its content. One way is to order it around a series of tests by which the genuineness of a person’s faith may be measured."

1. The Test of Perseverance in Suffering (1:2–12) 
2. The Test of Blame in Temptation (1:13–18)
3. The Test of Response to the Word (1:19–27)
4. The Test of Impartial Love (2:1–13)
5. The Test of Righteous Works (2:14–26)
6. The Test of the Tongue (3:1–12)
7. The Test of Humble Wisdom (3:13–18)
8. The Test of Worldly Indulgence (4:1–12)
9. The Test of Dependence (4:13–17)
10. The Test of Patient Endurance (5:1–11)
11. The Test of Truthfulness (5:12) 
12. The Test of Prayerfulness (5:13–18)
13. The Test of True Faith (5:19, 20)

The Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book, outlines James as follows: 

1. Faith Perseveres (1:1-18)
2. Faith Obeys (1:19-25)
3. Faith Loves (1:26-2:13)
4. Faith Acts (2:14-19)
5. Faith Sacrifices (2:20-24)
6. Faith Risks (2:25-26)
7. Faith Speaks (3:1-12)
8. Faith Submits (3:13-4:12)
9. Faith Lasts (4:13-5:20)

Despite the differences in how the commentaries outline James, both generally see James as a book where the author looks closely at how faith is measured, particularly with respect to the relationship between faith and works.  Both also see James as a book offering practical guidance for living as God intends - challenging us to be bold in our faith in how it shows up for others to see. The Christ-Centered Exposition commentary shares this: "[f]aith moves Christians to take steps of radical obedience to make the gospel known all around the world."

Now....onto an unassisted review of James 4:13-17.  Vv13-14 should be viewed as an admonishment for those who fail to both see and heed God in their future plans.  James shares that we do not know for sure what each day will bring - the implication here is while we do not know what tomorrow will bring but God does as He is in control.  He certainly has a plan for our lives and it is our role to understand what this is.  Romans 12:2 is instructive here.  We should be thanking God for each day He gives us and seeking transformation and renewal of our minds to more like God - to think like God so that He can guide our thoughts and steps - we become slaves to God (2 Corinthians 10:5) as His Word is a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).  Similar to Ecclesiastes where Solomon shares how life is meaningless and futile without God, v14 also shares our lives are a mist that comes and goes.  We should view our lives as a part of something bigger - as part of God's plan. V15 turns to a positive statement (vs don't do) where James urges us to seek God's will vs our own. V16-17 then turns back to negative where James admonishes those who do not seek God's will but arrogantly and sinfully follow their own desires.  Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (lean into God and study of His Word) and you are better able to know God's will for your life.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are indeed King of Kings and sovereign over all including all the details of my life.  Thank You for the breath of life today and of course my salvation.  I am not deserving of such blessings as my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  Help me lean into You and be transformed by the renewing of my mind so that I can better know Your will for my life.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  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. 

...[B]ut on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7

 ...[B]ut on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, my focus is on Hebrews 7:11-22, as I lean on my commentary, and how it unpacks the fourth division "A Better Hope in the Perfect Priest," which refers to Hebrews 7:19. This text, and the accompanying commentary draws our attention to how Jesus, vs the Old Testament Levitical priests, is the perfect Great High Priest and how He is able to do what the law never could, nor was it intended to do - He saves. The commentary describes this comparison: "[i]n the old covenant, the law functioned in many ways the Israelites desperately needed, but it could not draw them closer to God. The law exposed the pervasive sinfulness of man and, as a result, the great need for a great Savior. Christ, however, does precisely what the law could never do. He saves. Jesus accomplished our salvation and gave us a new hope—a hope through which we now draw near to God."  Draw near to God!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God!  You save - and I am not deserving of my salvation.  Amazing grace indeed!  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.

It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

Proverbs 25-29

It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25:2

I wrap my study of Proverbs week 9 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 25-29.  My focus for today is the commentary provided at the end of the lesson to assist in the review and understanding of the entire text for the week (Proverbs 25-29).  The commentary provides seven (7) takeaways, using the following text (and other references) as basis for application:

• Proverbs 25:13 (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, Matthew 3:1-3, Mark 1:1-3, Luke 1:76-79) points to a faithful messenger and other scripture clarifies how the OT pointed to Jesus as this faithful messenger.
• Proverbs 28:13 (1 John 1:6-9, Exodus 34:6, Hebrews 4:16) shows how God is full of mercy for those who repent and receive His forgiveness. 
• Proverbs 25:4 (Jeremiah 18:4, Romans 9:21, Hebrews 12:7-11) encourages us to see how God sanctifies His people through the refiner's fire.
  
• Proverbs 25:26 (Ezekiel 34:18-19, Revelation 3:15-16) warns believers against lukewarm faith.
• Proverbs 28:14 (Exodus 4:21, 7:3, 8:15, 9:12, 34, 10:20, Romans 9:1-18, Hebrews 3:7-12) encourages believers to guard against influences that may harden our hearts.
• Proverbs 25:2 (Deuteronomy 29:29, Romans 11:33) seeks for us to appreciate the mystery of God.
• Proverbs 29:25 (Jeremiah 17:5-10) describes how seeking the approval of men (over God) is a snare and idolatry.

Proverbs 25:2, in particular this morning, encourages me to continue to press into my Bible study.  This DesiringGod.com post indicates "[v]ery often, God is not interested in merely handing us the truth; he instead wants us to hunt for it[.]" Believers should relish the hunt!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and Your thoughts and ways are a mystery but You bless those who seek wisdom.  My search for wisdom continues and will will continue until I am home with You but You bless me as I search for truth.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  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.

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Proverbs 25-29

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11

I continue my study of Proverbs week 9 from my study workbook, which focuses on Proverbs 25-29.  My focus for today is questions 5-7 from my workbook, which cover (1) how the lack of self-control leads people into the hands of Satan (Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:16-24); (2) how believers can recognize and respond to a fool (Proverbs 25:28-26:12, 2 Peter 2:2); and (3) warnings about being a sluggard (Proverbs 26:13-16).  The themes and teachings of question (2) and (3) for today are particularly striking this morning for me as the workbook emphasizes how we are to learn and grow in our journey with Christ and how being "wise in own eyes" stymies learning and growth.  We must remain humble to avoid such traps and to grow and mature in our relationship with Christ. Key to this growth and maturity is to draw (and stay) near to God.

Comment and discuss this post.

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

...[L]et us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 10

...[L]et us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on Piper's (and God's) call for all believers to draw near to God.  Piper refers us to Psalm 16:11 where we see a great promise that results from our nearness to God:

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

There are many promises in scripture that discuss the blessings of nearness to God - examples include:

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

 

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 73:27-28

 

Piper wraps the devotion for today by stating: "[God] does not need us. If we stay away, he is not impoverished. He does not need us in order to be happy in the fellowship of the Trinity. But he magnifies his mercy by giving us free access through his Son, in spite of our sin, to the one Reality that can satisfy our souls completely and forever, namely, himself."

 

Comment and discuss this post here.

 

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who blesses me as I draw near to You.  You and Your Word are a lamp to my feet - I am lost without You and I am blessed by Your direction.  Thank You Jesus for entering my heart and life.  I am not deserving of Your love, blessing, and salvation.  My sin of worry persists, as does other sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers....So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90

You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers....So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:5-6, 12

This evening, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper.  Today, the post focuses on what Piper refers to as a "rehearsal for death" where we look at the last day of the year as an opportunity to examine if we were to die today, could we say that we kept the faith (as Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:7-8)...do we continue to run with endurance through all of life's ups and downs - counting the blessings God pours out for us and staying close to him...even pushing ourselves (and others) closer to God.  I pray that I do press on closer to God and stay close to Him.  God, help me number my days!

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God who showers me with blessings every day - with breath and life - to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God!  My sin of worry and other sins continue.  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 we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

Leviticus 26-27

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-three (the final chapter) - Either-Or - covering Leviticus 26-27, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - God Judges Our Unfaithfulness.  Here, the commentary breaks down v13-39, where we see the details of God's judgement awaiting those who fail to heed God's commands as described in Leviticus.  God's judgement and punishment is described in the commentary as a "cycle of judgement five times....He was stating that He would give His people opportunity after opportunity to turn from their sin, but if they continued to be unfaithful, more judgement would come." The commentary points out that Nehemiah 9 writes about God's warnings from Leviticus 26 coming to pass, including God's cycle of judgement that repeated itself five times. Of course, believers familiar with the Old Testament understand that exile awaited those Israelites whose disobedience persisted. The commentary wraps by encouraging all believers to avoid disobedience to God - draw near to Him and stay near to Him. God brings about obedience through a daily, personal relationship with Him. We are referred to 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:10-12, and 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.

Comment and discuss this post here.

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

He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. - Part 2

Leviticus 1

He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. Leviticus 1:4

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing a review 1:1-7, looking at the theme God Provides the Means of Atonement.  My post yesterday, which also looked at v1:4, focused on how our sin requires atonement and today the focus is on how God provides a means for atonement.  This means of atonement as described in my commentary should be taken seriously, and unfortunately the Israelites too often offered sacrifices as empty rituals. The commentary highlights Psalm 40:6-8, demonstrating that God cares about our heart condition, desire for Him, and a desire to please and glorify Him. 

In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.  Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:6-8

We must be prepared to truly repent of our sins and draw near 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 atonement - thank You Jesus!  I need to be forgiven and I need salvation - You provide both!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love - my sin continues.  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.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matthew 9, Mark 2, and Luke 5

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Matthew: Redefining God's Family*".

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day three starts with Max Lucado highlighting how Matthew was not content to simply meet then follow Jesus; he immediately wanted to know more about Jesus so invited Him to spend more time with him at his house. Lucado also points us to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 where we see another tax collector, shorter in stature so desperate to see and meet Jesus that he climbs a tree to see Him and gives half his belongings to the poor.  Jesus recognizes that Zachhaeus is willing to "lose his life" to have Jesus in his.

...[God] rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Lucado then turns to the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. This man sought "a quick fix" or a "checklist" from Jesus vs a relationship with Him.  He wanted validation that he was doing all the right things - he wanted to be justified.  We must recognize that there is nothing we can do to deserve salvation. None of us deserve it - instead the "wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23). However, God freely provides salvation for those who truly seek it.  We must hunger and thirst for righteousness and be willing to deny ourselves and glorify God.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who freely gave me salvation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift and for the many blessings You pour out for me.  I continue to sin - worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.