But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Ephesians 5

But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:13-14

I continue my study of Ephesians via my participation in a Discipleship (D) Group that is part of my church. For this morning, I move on to Ephesians 5, focusing on initial observations for the chapter as a whole. At the start of this chapter, we see how Paul continues the theme of unity within the church by saying "therefore" (v1).  V1-2 states that our unity should then cause us to be "imitators of God, as beloved children....[a]nd [we should] walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  We are then warned of sin spreading within the church and encouraged to be thankful (v4). We are to avoid partnerships with "the sons of disobedience" (v7) and instead to not just walk in love but also to walk in light as we are a light (Holy Spirit within us) (v8-9).  If we walk in love and light we stand in contrast to the sin of the world and therefore expose sin and draw others to the light as light leads us where we should go and helps us avoid darkness (v8-14).  V15-20 focus on Paul urging us to make best use of our time (v16), avoid sinful traps, and to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit - and Paul gives us more details of how we do this.  The remainder of the chapter - v22-33 - focuses on Godly instructions for wives and husbands.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: What an awesome God You are that You are light and that You guide my path and help me avoid darkness - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing.  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 sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.

Isaiah 58-60

The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 4 (of 5) of week 21, which looks at Isaiah 58-60.  Day 4 focuses on Isaiah 60, which describes a vision of future glory for Israel.  This glory rests on not just freedom from captivity from Assyria and Babylon but also on a coming Messiah Jesus Christ. Isaiah's vision also includes a view of end times where in Revelation it says in chapter 21: "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb (Revelation 21:23)." For today, in the present age, we have hope in the light that Jesus provides to battle darkness and sin.  One day, when the sun and moon no longer shine, Jesus' light will continue to shine...forevermore. Be encouraged in the light Jesus provides!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path - You guide me and sustain me on a narrow path.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such guidance and light.  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.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

Acts 24-26

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Acts 26:28-29

Day 345 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 move further into the New Testament - this morning my focus returns to Acts where Paul has been arrested and taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea and my commentary discusses Paul's defense before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. 

Once again, as I posted yesterday, we see (Acts 26:1-29) Paul boldly proclaim his testimony before Festus and Agrippa. Luke's final recorded statement before Festus and Agrippa demonstrates in Paul what God wants in all of us - a persistent and unwavering determination to be in action to expand God's kingdom...whether it be in words or actions.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1 Thessalonians 1-5

Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 1:10-12

Day 330 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 move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica. My commentary notes: "Paul’s letter clearly addresses Gentile Christians, probably Greeks, who had been converted from paganism. Paul reminds these new converts that they have turned from idols to worship the true and living God, and he exhorts them to continue in purity, love, and labor for the Lord."

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

Paul seeks to have us lead lives worthy of God - that is his wish in Romans 12:1:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Our lives should certainly distract from God's message but instead attract others to Him.  We are to be a light. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are light, truth and King of Kings, Lord of Lords, worthy of my worship and of all beings.  I am amazed that You love me and saved me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  I worry and many 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. 

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.”

 John 12, Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:35-36

Day 312 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 move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on the final week of Jesus' life and ministry, starting with Palm Sunday (Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey) through Monday of this final week where scripture for this morning ends. My commentary* indicates how Jesus enters Jerusalem on Passover which celebrates how blood on the Israelite doors in Egypt spared those inside from a plague brought from God to the Egyptian first born. "As the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus himself is about to be slain for the salvation of all who would recognize and accept the power in his blood....Jesus knows, however, that most of [the disciples] still do not understand the true nature of his messiah-ship and deity, and that there are many more who still do not believe in him at all. As Jesus is now given the greatest welcome of his ministry, his enemies fear his popularity and let him have his day of glory."  As those who oppose Jesus plot the appropriate time to capture Him, Jesus continues to teach, with particular attention on what is about to happen and why.

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

Just as Jesus is about to leave Jerusalem on that Monday of the final week, He calls on believers to focus on what is to happen with His death and they should believe and walk in the light.  The world is full of darkness indeed, and Jesus is the light.  I am reminded of how God is light and His words from Psalms and Luke:

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

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” Luke 11:33-36

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and who is light - without You I would be lost and in darkness, and condemned.  Thank You Jesus for giving me light.  I am not deserving of Your love and the light You are and provide.  My sin is great - including a focus on my own comfort and desires above You.  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.

Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Esther 1-4

Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. Esther 3:6

Day 276 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 my commentary moves to the book of Esther. Unlike Daniel and his friends (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) who openly acknowledged their faith under threat of persecution (see Daniel 3 and 6), Mordecai and Esther did not, and there appears to be some speculation as to why this was, including from the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase).  

Regardless, the Bible is clear that we are to be a light, as God desires us to allow Him to work through believers so that others are drawn to Him.  I know there are many occasions when I fail to allow God to work through me, but I nonetheless hope that more often than not I do and when I don't I repent and grow closer to God and become more like Him in the process. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love You and I seek to become more like You and to glorify You - You are worthy of my love and sacrifice.  You have blessed me beyond what I deserve. Thank You Jesus.  But, again, I am not deserving.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me for my worry and other sins.  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 have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.

1 Kings 22 , 2 Kings 1, 3:1-5, and 2 Chronicles 18-20

For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12

Day 156 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of the divided kingdoms of Judah (Jehoshaphat) and Israel (Ahab and successors). Jehoshaphat's efforts to turn away from sin and towards God, as well as his efforts to do the same throughout his kingdom, figure prominently in my study today.

Ahab is killed in battle (1 Kings 22:29–36; 2 Chronicles 18:28–34), and God rebukes Jehoshaphat for his alliance with a wicked king.  Jehoshaphat reforms Judah's justice system* by appointing Godly judges (2 Chronicles 19:4–11) and by "appoint[ing] some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes".   My focus today is on how Jehoshaphat turns toward God as the Moabites invade Judah (2 Chronicles 20) - his prayer is particularly illuminating with respect to his heart condition.  At the end of the prayer he says:

For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12

Following this last line of the prayer:

All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:13

God responds: 

Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17

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

Ultimately, of course Judah, defeats the Moabites.

The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. 2 Chronicles 20:29-30

True faith in God produces blessings (fruits of the Spirit) and is contagious!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve - thank You Jesus for the many blessings You pour out on me.  I am not deserving.  My sin continues - I am easily distracted by the world.  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 Jesus and for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then [Asa] assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. [Jehoshaphat's officials and certain Levites] taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people. The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.

1 Kings 14-16, 21-22 and 2 Chronicles 13-18:1, 20 

Then [Asa] assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. 2 Chronicles 15:9

[Jehoshaphat's officials and certain Levites] taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people. The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats. 2 Chronicles 17:9-11 

Day 153 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of of the divided kingdoms of Judah (and Benjamin) under Asa and Jehoshaphat, and of the remaining tribes of northern Israel under various evil kings, including Ahab.

Both Asa and Jehoshaphat "did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord" and of note this morning is how Judah's leadership under Asa and Jehoshaphat became a light for others to see, as those in Israel reacted to this light.  

Believers must be a light.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful.  But 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.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Portions of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35

Day 58 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 directives from God through Moses for various civil matters, personal rights and responsibilities - with a focus on fair and honest dealings.

Just as God wanted the Israelites to live in peace among each other as they entered the Promised Land, He wants us to live in peace among ourselves today.  As believers we are to love God and then love others as God loves us.  It is through our lives that we become "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1) - God then lives through us and we can be a light to others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has placed people in my life that love and forgive me as You do - thank You Jesus for Your grace, including Your grace through others.  I am grateful but undeserving.  I sin...and often harsh with others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

"I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Genesis  39-42:5

"I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.” Genesis 41:16

Day 18 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 Joseph's story from when he was in charge of Potiphar's house though his days in prison (falsely accused by Potiphar's wife) to his rise as being in charge of gathering and distributing grain during the periods of abundance and famine in Egypt.

Joseph's story is certainly well known and while there is debate over whether Joseph was prideful, arrogant or dumb, what is clear that once Joseph begins to rise out of the ashes of captivity in Egypt, the Bible makes it clear that Joseph attributes His gifts and the results achieved through his gifts to God alone.

It starts with Joseph's acknowledgement that it would be sinful to sleep with Potiphar's wife - see Genesis 39:9.  In prison, Joseph's gives God the glory for his ability to interpret dreams - see Genesis 40:8.  Once again, Joseph, to Pharaoh, attributes his ability to interpret dreams to God alone - see Genesis 41:16.  Joseph again attributes his successes in Egypt to God in the naming of his sons - see 41:51-52.

The absence of God's mention by Joseph early in his life does not mean he denied God's role in his life.  Yet we do know that God does not want us to keep it secret who He is and what He means to us - we are to be a light...not under a bowl but on a lamp stand for all to see.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving.  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. 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. v15-16

Peter continues to urge us to do good - to glorify God - and to not be frightened over any persecution that may come our way (v13-14).  Even with our testimony we must be gentle and respectful.  

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me abundantly - beyond what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus. Yet again I am not deserving.  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.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. v8-9

Both the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) and OverviewBible.com indicate that this general epistle addressed to believers in modern day Turkey (map) focuses on believers response to persecution and suffering.  In v1-9, Peter reminds us of our eternal rewards that await (v4-7) and how there is a purpose in our suffering (v7). 

In v8 Peter defines faith as love and joy in something "not seen" - I feel compelled to write on this because I would argue that Jesus Christ is real and visible through those believers that live as a "living sacrifice", as a "light", through the church and our brothers and sisters in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit.

I would hope that people see Jesus in me as I see Jesus in others and I FEEL the evidence of the Holy Spirit in me.  I DO have that "inexpressible and glorious joy" and my hope is that others see this in me as real.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who has given me Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, brothers and sisters in Christ and of course everything!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  I gossip, worry, etc. and have other sins...daily!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love him.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance....Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 2

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance....Do not let anyone despise you. v2, 15

Building on my post from a couple of days ago regarding hypocrisy and how we are to be a light to others, Paul encourages Titus to encourage those in his church to live lives worthy of respect and emulation by those who see them.  Paul addresses multiple roles, including older men (of which of course I am at this point), older women, younger women, and younger men.  Paul also addresses and slaves, yet this is a topic onto itself, including a discussion regarding Biblical views on slavery (sin) and joy in work (see also this post) - on the latter MacArthur believes the use of the term slaves in the Bible should be applied to "all employees".   

In v15, Paul reinforces my post from a couple of days ago by charging Titus to live in such a way that you cannot be accused of hypocrisy as this is believed to cause great harm within the church. ng

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who lived a spotless life - yet You willingly surrendered Your life for me - thank You Jesus!  This is the greatest gift of all time.  Of course I am undeserving of such a gift as 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 must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it....They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.

Titus 1

He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it....They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. v9,16

Both the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase), and Overviewbible.com indicate that Paul's purpose in writing this pastoral epistle to Titus is to encourage Titus in his leadership in the church in Crete to prepare, organize, and equip the church there for effective evangelization among the pagans living in Crete.  Paul writes about attributes for elders and focuses on avoiding hypocrisy - we must not believe and say one thing and do another.

We are ALL guilty of hypocrisy to some degree but we must push ourselves to grow and mature in relationship with Christ so that we don't deter others from faith because of the hypocritical lives we lead.

We must be a light to others.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who led a perfect life - yet willingly surrendered Your life for me so that I could have life - to the full in this life and in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and such gifts.  I often sin and fall down, and am guilty of hypocrisy.  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 centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

Luke 23

The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” v47

I can imagine what it was like to see Jesus in real life as the centurion did - it is not surprising to see the centurion react to Jesus' crucifixion - see also Matthew 27 and Mark 15 as he did.  Matthew Henry indicates that there are some accounts that this centurion was named Longinus and that he was healed of an eye disease by drops of blood that flowed from the wound in Jesus' side cause by the spear piercing inflicted by the centurion soldiers.

The centurion's reaction contrasts with the reaction of the Sanhedrin who in Acts 6 seized Stephen, and although they "looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel", their hearts were hardened and perhaps grew more hardened by Stephen's speech (Acts 7), and they ultimately stoned Stephen.

We should not let our hearts be hardened - in any area of our life.  We should continue to pray for soft hearts and humility.  We need to allow Jesus to work in our hearts and lives so that OTHERS can see Jesus in us. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who died for me - suffering beyond my comprehension.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such an act.  I am selfish, etc. and I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me over come 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. 

In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.

Zechariah 8

In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you. v23

As both Israel and Judah rebuild Jerusalem, the temple, and their lives after exile, The Lord offers encouragement through promises of blessing.  The Lord also admonishes the Jews to love one another:

These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord. v16-17

Unfortunately, with all that is going on in the world today, it is difficult to find others who are obedient to God in these ways.  Yet we know as believers that as v23 states if we are a light, others will be drawn to us and God will restore those drawn to Him and make them more like Him so that more can love one another.  The challenges we face in this world are only those that God can solve by giving us new hearts.

Be a light.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You are light and truth and I am drawn to You and through You, I have a new heart and rebirth...and life to the full.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love as daily miss the mark. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.

2 Samuel 6

And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death. v23

I have previously posted on this chapter here and focused on how we should not hide our faith.  Indeed, we should not hide our light:

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.  Luke 8:16

Today, God helps me see how this dynamic plays itself out in the lives of believers in how they choose their church.  Believers (including myself) often "church shop" and focus on whether they like sermons or music, etc.  Yet in the past few years, God has helped me understand that most importantly, our church home should best support a growing personal relationship with Jesus.  We should not be distracted by music or sermons - no church is perfect.  

Michal, unfortunately, focused on David's manner of worship instead of His love of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has blessed me because of my growing hunger and thirst for righteousness.  My cup overflows - thank You for growing my faith and for the many many blessings Your pour for me.  I am not deserving. I worry.  I gossip.  I am easily distracted.  I am selfish.  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.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and everyday.

God is with you in everything you do

Genesis 21

God is with you in everything you do. v22

Abimelek sees God in Abraham. God wants us to be a living sacrifice so that others may see Him in us (see also Romans 12:1).  We must first understand who God is and be obedient to Him (see also Romans 12:2).  In all that we do we must also do it all for the glory of God.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16 

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God full of compassion, mercy, and patience for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I am often not full of compassion, mercy, and patience for others.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  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.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

1 Peter 3

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. v15

We are called to be a light.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16

We are also called to be unashamed of our faith.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:6-8

The Great Commission calls us to bring others to Him so we must be a light, attract and bring others to Him.

I don't know when I will encounter trouble or suffering but I am certain it will occur - I am hopeful that I can be the light that God calls me to be.

My Prayer: Lord, You are a great God and I am deeply grateful that You have come to rescue me, forgive me from my sins and to always be with me until the end of the age. Thank You Jesus.  You are indeed a great God.  I love You.  Please forgive me for my lack of patience and harshness with others.  Help me turn from my sins towards You and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.