Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-20

Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

I pause my study of Numbers, to read Ecclesiastes 5 in more detail as a follow up to my men's Friday AM group, and in the text today, Solomon shares how we should fear God in terms of what we say and do, and how God wants us to see wealth and possessions.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Our fellowship with God, and, in particular how we communicate in prayer (including vows) is something we should not treat flippantly.  Yes, God is accessible and approachable, and He wants a relationship with us but we should communicate with reverence, recognizing that God reigns and that we are completely dependent on Him for all things.  God also provides all that we experience, including wealth and possessions.  They come from Him and they belong to Him - James 1:17.  We can and should enjoy wealth and possessions, but we should first and foremost enjoy God as our most treasured possession, that He saved us and we can never be separated from His love - Romans 8:38-39.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Many, as Solomon points out, seek their own agenda when communicating with God - see also Matthew 6:7. We know also that many find contentment in their wealth and possessions vs God. 
• 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 seeking your own agenda when communicating with God and treasuring wealth and possessions more than God Himself.  Claim the promise that God provides for all our needs and we belong to Him and in Him we have a rich inheritance. Follow the example of Solomon who saw that devoid of God, all is meaningless.  Love God and seek Him with all of Your heart. 

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, save, provide and never leave or forsake 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 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.

“Accept these from them, that they may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give them to the Levites, to each man according to his service.”

Numbers 7:1-11

“Accept these from them, that they may be used in the service of the tent of meeting, and give them to the Levites, to each man according to his service.” Numbers 7:5

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 7:1-11, we see the chiefs of Israel give offerings of wagons and oxen (and other offerings) in service of the tabernacle.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Building on my post yesterday on the Aaronic Blessing at the end of Numbers 6, we see offerings of wagons and oxen (v3, and other offerings in v10) made by the chiefs of Israel, and there are all indications that these were free will offerings as we don't see instructions from the Lord to make these offerings.  God seeks our heart, not actions where we go through the motions - see also Hosea 6:6 and 1 Samuel 15:22.  We must remember that every good and perfect gift is from above - James 1:17 - and this should move us to believe that whatever resources we have belong to him, and to be cheerful givers - see also 2 Corinthians 9:7.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Looking ahead through v88, the chiefs of Israel, those who led each of the twelve tribes, set the example of giving freely. This sermon also highlights how no tribe nor any gift they gave was any better in the eyes of the Lord.  We should not feel any less important, nor any less used than another tribe. Everyone's (the exact same gift) gift matters as it is recorded here - repetitively.  
• 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 comparing yourself, your ministry, and your congregation to another - you all matter in the eyes of the Lord.  Claim the promise of 1 Corinthians 12 where we are all one body and we cannot say how one part is lesser than another. Follow the example of the tribe chiefs who each gave freely. Give with a cheerful heart. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and You are the source of all provision.  Thank You for how You provide, bless, and save.  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.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”

Numbers 6:22-27

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:24-27

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 6:22-27, we see the Lord give Moses instructions to pass on to Aaron and his sons to bless Israel - the Aaronic Blessing.  With assistance from RC Sproul/Ligonier Ministries, here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God wants to remind us that He alone is the source of all good things - hence His Name is mentioned three times in four verses - each time He is the subject of the verse as one should read these verses as a statement just as much as one would a prayer and blessing over people. The Lord: blesses and keeps us, He makes His face shine upon us and be gracious to us, lifts up His countenance upon us and gives us peace.  The Lord does and shall do ALL of these things.  His name is also upon the people of Israel and He will (promise) bless them.  See also James 1:17 where the text reminds us of how God gives us every good and perfect gift.  Deuteronomy 28:1-14 lists in details specifically many of the blessings He pours out for us if we obey His Words.  God is SO good - all the time!  The blessing includes an incredible and hopeful wish that one day, all of us will see His face and it will "shine upon you and be gracious to you."
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People often see their efforts as the fruit of their own labor and believers specifically should be very careful not to do this - God alone saves and provides ALL.  
• 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 seeing any blessings you experience as the fruit of your own labor.  Claim the promise that You will one day see God's face and that He will shine upon you.  Follow the example of Jesus who looked beyond the cross to Heaven.  Be humble and know that every good and perfect gift is from above. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God,You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You bless daily and beyond what I deserve.  Thank You!  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.

And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people.

Mark 8:1-26

And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people. Mark 8:7b-9

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 8:1-26.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction for the entirety of the text and for the first (of four) division (vv1-10):

• The title for this chapter of the commentary is "Sometimes We Just Don't Get It," and the main idea for the entirety of the text is "Jesus has the power to overcome our spiritual blindness and open our eyes that we may see."
• "Remembering what we have seen our Lord do in the past should help us trust Him in the present. Unfortunately, we are sometimes forgetful and even hard-hearted (8:17). In spite of seeing the Lord work in our past, we are not sure He can handle our present. We just don’t get it."
• For the first division, the title is: "Jesus Always Has a Plan, but We May Only See a Problem."
• "Once again Jesus involves His disciples in the problem. This is another teachable moment. So He calls them to Himself (v1), shares His heart (v2), and explains the situation (vv2-3). The Twelve respond with a question. It is not one of unbelief as much as it is of their bad location and lack of resources (v4). The implication is, “We can do nothing. What then will You do? Jesus, You are the only hope!” Good!"
• "Twice He has taught the people to thank God for their daily provision and to trust Him as their sole and sufficient resource to give them what they need."

The commentary also emphasizes how repetition is often needed to reinforce an important lesson. In Mark 6 we see Jesus feeding the five thousand, and here in chapter 8 Jesus feeds the four thousand.  The lesson of course is how all good and perfect gifts come from above (James 1:17) and how Jesus provides for all of our needs - apart from God we can do nothing (John 15:5).  We should always be thankful for how God provides, not take it for granted how God gives us the breath of life, etc. See also this post from a study in Leviticus. 

Comment and discuss this post.

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

We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

1 Corinthians 4

We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. 1 Corinthians 4:13

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 4:6-13. As a starting point, the commentary* provides as it main idea for the text: "[b]ecause Christians have received every good thing from God, they should avoid superiority, expect opposition, and live humbly."  It* then, in the introduction, further outlines Paul's intent for the text: "[t]he Corinthians had both a pride and an unbelief problem. They were taking pride in particular spiritual leaders and were arrogant in terms of who they thought they were and what they had achieved. Paul knew how deadly these twin sins can be in the body of Christ, the local church. So he confronts them."

The commentary* then outlines and provides details for the following divisions:

1. Be Careful about Being Prideful about Whom You Follow (4:6-7): Paul first warns the church of Corinth, and by extension all believers, about misunderstanding the "nature" of the gospel, the "role of the Christian minister," and the "attitude of the Christian minister." He starts by sharing how the church leaders live life humbly so that they serve as a model for the church - he builds on text going back to 1 Corinthians 1:10 with analogies referring to the leaders as servants, co-workers, and managers/craftsmen sent and gifted by God. The leaders are mere vessels to advance God's kingdom and unworthy of worship - it is Jesus alone worthy of our worship.  The commentary* writes about the "cult of personality," arrogance/pride, etc. that consumed the church in Corinth: "[Paul] does not want the church to be arrogant, prideful, or puffed up, choosing favorites like worldly political parties do. We need to hear the same warning. Don’t be seduced by the ways of the world when it comes to your leaders."  Additionally, the message on boasting is reinforced as Paul reminds us that all we have is by grace not through our own efforts as "[e]very good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17). As a result we are no better than anyone else.
   
2. Be Careful about Being Arrogant about Who You Are (4:8-13): Paul then moves, using sarcasm and self-effacing language about himself and the other church leaders, to admonish the church about their arrogance and focus on "cult of personality."  He provides a contrasting portrait of the church leaders (spectacle of shame, fools, weak, dishonored, hungry/thirsty, poorly clothed/homeless, roughly treated, mere manual laborers, reviled, persecuted, slandered, scum, and garbage) vs the church body in Corinth and how they felt about themselves (arrogant and prideful). We are referred to Lamentations 3:45 as scriptural support for Paul's reference to the faithful as scum and garbage. Focus on Christ for Your identity - not the world!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - You are an awesome God who humbled himself so that I could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life - simply incredible.  Thank You Jesus!  I am OF COURSE not deserving.  My sin persists...daily.  Please forgive me for my sins of both commission and omission.  Help me turn from such sin, overcome 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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me.

Daniel 4

 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Daniel 4:36

I continue my pause of my study of Hebrews to study Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 4 and my unaided observations of this chapter. Here, once again (v1-3) we see what appears as sincere praise of God by Nebuchadnezzar who witnessed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be rescued by God from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).  We also see Nebuchadnezzar's second dream (4-18), and Daniel's interpretation of this dream (v19-26). Interpreting the dream troubled Daniel, as he knows it foretells harsh punishment for Nebuchadnezzar - Daniel, as a possible means to avoid such harsh punishment, warns Nebuchadnezzar to practice righteousness and to show mercy to the oppressed (v27).  Yet, at least in scripture, we don't see Nebuchadnezzar responding to Daniel's warning.  Instead, we see an arrogant response (v30), and the dream comes to fruition with a "voice from heaven" declaring it will come to pass - v31-33. While Nebuchadnezzar is restored and again praises God (v34-35, 37), he arrogantly attributes how his reason is returned to him, "for the glory of [his] kingdom" (v36).  We must acknowledge how all comes from 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 - You provide for all of my needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual - everything, every day.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide.  My sin is great and it continues.  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.

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’

Matthew 7

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Matthew 7:22

I extended for one more day a pause on my studies of both Isaiah and of Proverbs to listen to today's Solid Joys daily devotion on DesiringGod.com.  John Piper's devotion today examines how Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, warns us against a works-orientation that demonstrates pride, "self-direction, self-reliance, and self-exaltation....[Piper goes on to state that] "[i]n all of this, the basic satisfaction of the works-orientation is the savor of being an assertive, autonomous, and, if possible, triumphant self."   Instead, Piper encourages us to demonstrate a faith-orientation that "longs for the joy of seeing God glorified for his capability and strength and wisdom and grace."

We must remember that all that we have and do is a gift from God and that we exist to glorify Him. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know that all that I have and all that I am able to do is only because of You.  You provide for all of my needs and I know You work in my life - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  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 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.

Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised....Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?

Job 1-3

Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised....Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? Job 1:21, 2:10

Day 251 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I start a study of Job. My commentary* starts by exploring how those during the time of the exile are likely to be asking "how can they believe in a God who would allow such suffering? On the other hand, how can they curse God in times of adversity when he has previously brought such prosperity? Is their faith to be contingent upon economic well-being? The ones who must be the most perplexed, however, are the faithful ones who never understood their personal involvement in the first place."

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

My commentary* describes Job as an appropriate character study of suffering as "Job apparently struggled with the reasons for his adversity before coming to peace about it."

The first three chapters of Job describe his prosperity and righteousness, how God allows Satan to test Job, and we see all of Job's children and belongings taken from him.  We also see Job covered from head to toe with painful sores.  Yet Job does not curse God - even though his wife urges him to (see Job 2:9).  Instead his response is instructive for us all.

Humility is a key attribute to demonstrate during suffering as we must recognize, as Job does, that all that we experience is from God so that if He takes it away, it wasn't ours to begin with. 

Every good and perfect gift is from above[.] James 1:17 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has provided everything to me and most importantly You saved me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift as 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 king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”

Daniel 1-2

Day 218 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I pause from Jeremiah and pivot to Daniel, as my commentary* indicates that "[w]hile Jeremiah is having his problems with Jehoiakim, several captives in Babylon are being singled out for duty in the king’s service....Among those chosen is a young man by the name of Daniel, who distinguishes himself by refusing to eat food or drink wine from Nebuchadnezzar’s royal table. For this act of faith Daniel and three others with him are exceptionally blessed by God. After three years of special training they enter the king’s service and are found to excel in understanding whenever Nebuchadnezzar inquires of them."

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

This morning's reading, which focuses primarily on Daniel's ability to interpret a dream for Nebuchadnezzar includes several important takeaways:

Leaving aside how the new covenant with Jesus frees us from obedience to ceremonial law (see

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” Daniel 2:20-23

As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind. Daniel 2:30

But he answered them, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t the gleanings of Ephraim’s grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? God gave Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite leaders, into your hands. What was I able to do compared to you?” At this, their resentment against him subsided.

Judges 6-8:3

But he answered them, “What have I accomplished compared to you? Aren’t the gleanings of Ephraim’s grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer? God gave Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianite leaders, into your hands. What was I able to do compared to you?” At this, their resentment against him subsided. Judges 8:2-3

Day 76 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 call by the Lord to battle the Midianites who were oppressing Manesseh.  Gideon is reluctant and asks for signs from the Lord and the Lord does perform several signs to convince Gideon to serve in battle.  Ultimately, Manasseh, with only 300 men (as directed by God), overtake the Midianites.  Ephraim (to the south - see map) complained to Midian that he did not reach out to them to join him in battle against the Midianites and Gideon responds that it was not him that gained victory but God.

Others are watching us - for various reasons.  They expect us to be angry when we are wronged.  They are expect us to feel good about ourselves when something goes well.  Yet we exist to glorify God.  Many of the Israelites forgot this and the Lord gave them into the hands of the Midianites (Judges 6:1).  When God calls us, it is for His will and His glory.  God calls us to be a light.

Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor. Isaiah 60:21

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You have done great things - including many great things in my life and in those whom I know - I have seen Your hand.  Thank You Jesus for the many blessings You pour out on my life.  Thank You for giving me victory over sin and death - I think of this today on Easter.  I am not not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message fro me today and every day.

Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments....Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.

Exodus 35-39:1

 Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments....Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. Exodus 35:2-22, 36:2

Day 31 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the construction of the tabernacle.

Key takeaway from today's reading include how God desired those who were willing to give an offering of gold and valuables and an offering of labor for the construction.  God wants us to have a heart for Him so this is not forced labor as it was with Pharaoh in Egypt.  A heart for Him results in a desire to be a cheerful giver and to glorify Him with our efforts.  "Willing" is used six times in chapter 35-36 in the context of how God wants us to give our tithes and offerings to Him, including our service to Him.

Everything we possess and all of our skills and abilities come from God and He desires us to use them for His glory.

Every good and perfect gift is from above[.] James 1:17

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You give all of us provision from which to live and skills and abilities You develop in us to serve You - we are blessed!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not put your trust in princes,in human beings, who cannot save.

Psalm 146

Do not put your trust in princes,in human beings, who cannot save. v3

I've been worrying about something to happen in my work life - relying and trusting in others.  Sinful!  I needed this morning's reminder that I should trust in God first and foremost - above others and not idolize others.

God provides for all of my needs.  Moses' words ring so true this morning:

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:17-18

And yesterday's post and posts here also serve to remind me of how God is REAL and that I need not worry.


I need not trust in myself or others above God.

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

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Psalm 34

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. v10

God provides - for all of our needs. 

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:2

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

The implication of both Psalm 34 and Psalm 16 is that WITH God, He provides.  We are to stay near to God, connected to Him.  And we are to do so daily.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

 

Scripture also says that Jesus is our shepherd and that we would be lost without Him.

 

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

My Prayer:  Jesus, You are an amazing God and You have provided all the days of life - abundantly.  My cup overflows.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love because I often chase other Gods or don't fully place my trust in You.  Please forgive me for such sin!  Help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 20

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. v7

It is easy to believe and have faith in people and the things of this world - I am too often guilty of this.  It is much harder to have faith and trust in God.  That is one reason why God HAD to send His Son Jesus Christ because faith on our own is impossible.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

It is also important to recognize that all of what we have is from God - including all of our spiritual gifts, abilities, and material possessions.


Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

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

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

Psalm 16

I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” v2

I am reminded once again how blessed I am - every good thing I have is due to the Lord.  He provides for all of my needs (v5).

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

God is much more than my provider.  He counsels me (v7), He keeps me from being shaken (v8), and I have peace because God will not abandon me (v10).  This Psalm is a good introduction into the many roles God plays in our lives.  I found this reference which provides a broader list.

God wants us to come to Him for all of our needs - when I look at the above list I often find myself going to different places depending on the need.  Yet how foolish I am.  God can handle and help me with anything and everything.

God, please help me go to You for all of my needs.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is able to help in any and all circumstances - You created everything, are in everything and control everything.  You are full of mercy and compassion - for You came for me and died on the cross for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)

2 Samuel 9

You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) v10

A very wise man recommended that I read the bible from beginning to end and not jump into any given book. I can now see why this is very wise indeed.  At the very least, 1 and 2 Samuel must be read together so that we can have the context of how Saul was very jealous and vengeful to David - yet even after Saul's death in today's verses David seeks to do good to Saul and his heirs (and servants!) - reminding me that regardless of how blessed I am (see 2 Samuel 8) my blessings are only through the hand of God and I am to be a good steward with the time, talents and treasures God puts in my care.  We must also be kind to everyone - including our enemies - because we are not in a position to judge who is deserving and who is not.  ALL are deserving of God's love.

In a time of great blessing, David seeks to do good - as we should as well.  Today in particular I am touched by David's efforts because I have my own son with special needs (Down Syndrome).

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:16-17

God please help me be generous.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God whose love and compassion is more than I sometimes can bear or understand.  It is overwhelming.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I too often am harsh with my words.  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 help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Deuteronomy 8

But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. v18

Moses implores the Israelites to remember how God is the source of all the blessings the Israelites experienced:

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. v2-4

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. v7-9

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today. v10-18

Verse 17-18 are key here also because Moses reminds us of how arrogance displaces God from His rightful place as the center of our life and the source of all blessings.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

I pray that God can help me remain humble and to remember how God provides all that I am and all that I have and experience.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of love and compassion for me - Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I fall down and am often arrogant.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help my serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.