I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

 Numbers 24:14-25

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Numbers 24:17

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 24:14-25 - we see Balaam's final prophecy, one of curses of Israel's neighbors and adversaries, and one of the coming Messiah.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God opens eyes, allows ears to hear and gives knowledge - He alone is the one who softens hearts, inclines ears, and opens eyes to understand God's Word and His will - vv15-16.  Just as God worked through Pharaoh in Egypt, God alone hardens and softens hearts as He works through Balaam the pagan prophet.  God's Word in vv17-24 will be fulfilled as Israel destroys and/or subdues its neighbors and adversaries.  Once again, we must recognize how God is sovereign over all of Creation.  Balaam's prophecy includes a coming Messiah in v17 - star and a scepter.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We must see how God works through all of creation, including through pagan prophets such as Balaam, to deliver His message and work His will.  God often works unexpectedly to get our attention, so we should be careful to perceive how He is in all things at all times.  He is in control. Both Balaam and Balak accept God's word. 
• 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 contradicting God's explicit will - His plan will not be thwarted.  Claim the promise of how God alone softens and hardens hearts - He is in control and sovereign over all Creation.  Follow the example of Joshua and Caleb who saw God is on their side - seek Him and allow Him to be your strength and refuge to overcome Satan, sin and death.  Trust God and seek Him. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You alone saved me - nothing I did earned me grace.  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.

"I can do nothing on my own."

 John 5:30-47

"I can do nothing on my own." John 5:30

I continue my study of John looking at John 5 and Jesus' extended response to the Jews persecuting and seeking to kill Him (which started in vv16-18 and continues through v47).  Yesterday I focused on vv25-29, and today my focus is vv30-47; here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus shares in v30 that He can do nothing on His own - which clearly is not intended to lead us to believe that He is dependent on anyone or anything as He is God (Triune God).  Yet as the Incarnate Son of God who was sent by the Father and about whom John bore witness, Jesus wants the Jews - those seeking to persecute and kill Him - to understand that He is the Promised Messiah spoken about in the OT - the same OT that the Jews supposedly knew intimately.  To reinforce His message, Jesus (see vv46-47) refers us to Deuteronomy 18:15-18 where Moses prophecies about Jesus.  Going back to v30, the point I see Jesus making is that all three identities and persons of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) work together not as one without the other.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: John the Baptist is seen as "a burning and shining lamp" (v35).  Many of the Jews, most prominently the Jewish leaders seeking to persecute and kill Jesus, do not believe in Jesus nor do they have the love of God in them.  They also seek glory for themselves and from one another vs seeking glory from and for 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?): Do not seek glory for yourself - seek glory for God alone.  Claim the promise that Jesus is the one all of scripture points to as Lord and Savior for all.  Follow the example of John who humbly "decreased" so that Jesus could "increase."  Also follow the example of Jesus who did the will of the Father who sent Him.  We are to do the will of Jesus.  Do everything for the glory of God.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God who loves and who saves....You are the Promised Messiah that all of scripture points to. Thank You Jesus for loving me first and saving me.  I am not deserving of such love and salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You 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 I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”

Zechariah 13:2-9

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested.  They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” Zechariah 13:9

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 13:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, the text once again focuses on end times using the reference "on that day" twice in the text 13:2-9 (vv2, 4).  Speaking to Israel through Zechariah, God provides a prophecy of end times where He condemns and idols and false prophets.  V7 shares how God will strike "the man who stands next to me" - a clear reference to Jesus and a messianic prophecy.  Vv8-9 refers to a remnant that God will refine and test as if gold and silver where this refining process removes impurities. Malachi 3:3 also refers to this "refiner's fire" and it describes how the "sons of Levi" will be purified.  While God sees all believers as justified and righteous in His eyes - imputed righteousness - God does not promise that our earthly lives will be free of challenges.  On the contrary - we will face challenges and trials as this is the nature of the fallen world in which we live and inherited from the Fall.  At the same time, God does promise that we will overcome these challenges and trials - see John 16:33.  This promise from John shares and implies that we will overcome these challenges in this life and in the life to come in Heaven.  Key ways in which God helps us overcome include the sanctification process where God equips us day-by-day where we become more like Him through our daily focus on spiritual disciplines (prayer, study of His Word, etc.) and our relationship with Him. God is also with us through the Holy Spirit. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who never leaves or forsakes me.  You also equip me to endure trials and challenges of all kinds.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for the blessings You pour out for me every day.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor these 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.     

"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.["]

Zechariah 12:10-13, 13:1

"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.["] Zechariah 13:1

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 12:10-13:1, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  In what appears to be a pivot from a prophecy of final days and the Battle of Armageddon as described in the book of Revelation (see post yesterday), here the text starts by describing how in v10a God "will pour out...a spirit of grace and pleas of mercy" upon seeing the sight of Christ crucified - a messianic prophecy.  God's people are then described - v10b-13 - as mourning and weeping over the crucified Christ. Vv12-13 describe mourning of families "by themselves" suggesting hiding in the face of persecution.  V13:1 then shares how God will provide "a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness."  This fountain is the inexhaustible supply of grace that flows from Christ to believers for forgiveness of sin. See also this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com. I am immediately reminded of Lamentations 3:22-23 where Jeremiah shares how God's love and mercies never cease and they are new every morning. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are amazing and Your grace and mercy is great and it never ends! Thank You Jesus!  I know that am not deserving of my salvation and this inexhaustible supply of grace and mercy.  My sin is great and it is 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.    

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’

Zechariah 12:2-9

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.’ Zechariah 12:5

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 12:2-9, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, the text describes two future scenarios for Israel: (1) vv2-4 describe how God will unleash his wrath on Jerusalem and Judah - perhaps once again portraying how in 70 AD the city is sacked; (2) vv5-9 describe how the clans of Judah will be spared and saved.  Vv5-9 also suggest a messianic prophecy, in particular v8 where "the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David," as the humble arrival of Jesus as the incarnate Son of God (as a baby) represents the "feeblest among them" who rises to become King of Kings. Looking ahead, it is clear this is a messianic prophecy as v10 refers to "him whom they have pierced."  Once again, regardless of the earthly circumstances that surround us, including violence, sin, disease, etc. believers can take great comfort in knowing that we are saved and God is saving a place for us in Heaven - which surely will be incredible as per Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are awesome in all ways and You save!  You have already won the victory over sin and death and I know You are saving a place for me in Heaven!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the incredible grace and blessings You pour out for me on a daily basis!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus 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 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 I became impatient with them, and they also detested me.

Zechariah 11:4-14

But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me. Zechariah 11:8b

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 11:4-14, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17).  While believers should always look at scripture and see how it points to Jesus, I struggled with the text today and leaned into the commentary, which shares how "[i]n essence, God is commanding Zechariah to become a living picture of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Apart from the life of the Lord Jesus, it is nearly impossible to interpret Zechariah 11:4-14."  The commentary describes how God led His people by "three shepherds (v8) and how these three shepherds represent the three types of leaders God gave His people - kings, priests, and prophets.  In one way or another all of these leaders let God down and failed His people - earthly leaders who are broken and sinful who then lead the people astray (see post yesterday).  V8b points to how even though Jesus came and fulfilled prophecy as the promised Messiah, He was rejected by his own people. The commentary also describes another aspect of the messianic prophecy in this text (vv12-13) and how the text here parallels how Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for the same amount of money - thirty pieces of silver (see also Matthew 26:15). Building on yesterday's post the commentary concludes with this warning: "[w]e must not reject Jesus, because He’s the Shepherd we need the most. If we reject Jesus, He will ultimately reject us (Matthew 23:37-38). Rejecting Jesus leaves us with the only alternative: following shepherds who will hurt us. When we refuse to follow the Lord as our Shepherd, we will inevitably follow someone or something that will lead us to destruction."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are my Shepherd and and You saved me, lead me into green pastures, care for me, protect me, and provide for all of my needs.  Thank You Jesus!  I am no deserving of how You bless me. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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 strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.

Zechariah 10:1-12

“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them. Zechariah 10:6

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 10:1-12, which the commentary outlines as the first of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17). The commentary highlights two key themes: (1) God's people should be careful to avoid leaders that preach a false gospel and worship a false God, and (2) God is sending a Messiah to regather His people from all over the world.  Vv2-3 use the image of a shepherd who leads his flock astray vs imagery such as found in vv8-10 where God is caring for His flock.  The New Testament contains many warnings about false teachers and teachings and Paul's words to Timothy provide a good example of such warnings - see 1 Timothy 6:6-10. The commentary concludes for this text by sharing: "Zechariah 10 underscores the truth that the work of the Messiah, God’s faithful shepherd, is to deliver, strengthen, save, and care for God’s people. His faithfulness was demonstrated in bringing back Judah from the exile. However, it is significant that this passage, written after the exile, is clearly oriented to the future." This future of course is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who cares for me as a shepherd does, leading me, protecting me, providing for me, and caring for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving 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.

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.

Zechariah 9:9-13

As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Zechariah 9:11

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 9:9-13, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 9:1-9:17 (9:1-8, 9-13, 14-17). The commentary of course discusses the messianic prophecy in v9, and it describes in detail the peace that Jesus will bring.  Of course we know this to be the "peace which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:6-7).  Vv11-13 is also emphasized in how with Christ we have a new covenant (vs OT covenant based on recurring animal sacrifices) based on the shedding of His blood on the cross - see also Hebrews 12:24.  V11 in particular is highlighted for how Jesus provides hope for those in bondage due to our fallen state.  Jesus saves!  This hope calls to mind the interaction Jesus has with the Samaritan woman at the well and for those who drink the water Jesus offers they will never thirst again (see John 4).  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves, saves and is full of amazing grace.  Thank You Jesus.  I know that I have the living water and I will never thirst again...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Zechariah 9:9-13

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 9:9-13, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 9:1-9:17 (9:1-8, 9-13, 14-17).  Here the text builds on how the previous division ended (see post yesterday and day before that) with how God will offer protection to His people.  In the first verse of the division today, we see one of the most well known messianic prophecies - how Jesus will arrive in Jerusalem on a donkey.  Jesus is prophesied not as a conqueror but as a peacemaker (v10).  He will also offer hope (v12).  Of course we know this prophecy - written about 500 years before Jesus' birth - comes to pass.  See also Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19.  Despite how it was written how Jesus was to arrive in such a humble fashion, the Jewish leaders did not recognize Him as the Promised Messiah as they sought a conquering king.  Yet ironically (and more importantly), ultimately Jesus does conquer - sin and death - and this is the victory we should all seek - not one from an earthly perspective that is political and temporary, but one that is supernatural and eternal. Jesus dies, rises again and He will return.  We can take great comfort in knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won! Rejoice greatly indeed!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who has conquered sin and death and who will return!  The victory over sin and death is already won...and You are saving a place for me in Heaven - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.”

Zechariah 6:1-15

“And those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the LORD. And you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” Zechariah 6:15

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 6:1-15, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 5:1-6:15 (5:1-4, 5-11, 6:1-15). The commentary describes the eighth vision from the Lord given to Zechariah and that this vision "indicates that God’s justice was brought to the wicked nations that have oppressed Israel. Following this last vision, God acts to give hope to His people."  It discusses how God's judgement over those who oppressed His people, in this instance specifically Babylonia (to the north), is complete and satisfied (at rest - v8). The commentary then describes how the text offers renewed hope and encouragement for God's people to continue their efforts to rebuild the temple. God will work through Joshua and Joshua will lead God's people. The commentary shares how vv12-13 provide a messianic prophecy referred to as "the Branch" where:

• "He will build the temple of the Lord (v12)
• He will be clothed with majesty and glory (v13)
  
• He will sit and rule on his throne as a priest (v13)
  
• He will unite the role of priest and king, creating “peaceful counsel between the two of them” (v 13)"
  

The commentary concludes by sharing how the text offers both a reminder and emphasizes a promise from God in v15 how we will be blessed if we "diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God." We are referred to Deuteronomy 28:1 where this same promise is made.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who will never leave or forsake me and You offer mercies that are new every morning that never cease!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and of my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa from 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.

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”

Zechariah 4:1-7

“This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain. And he shall bring forward the top stone amid shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” Zechariah 4:6-7

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 4:1-7, which the commentary outlines as the second of three divisions for the text 4:1-14 (4:1-7, 8-10, 11-14).  Here, Zechariah's visions from the Lord continue to unfold - this time with a vision of a Golden Lampstand as noted by the text's header.  Zechariah is talking with an angel who seeks to have Zechariah focus on a lampstand that is before him.  Per vv1-3, the lampstand is of all gold, has a bowl on top of it, seven lamps, each with seven lips, and two olive trees beside it - one on the left and one on the right. The use of lampstands (see also other scripture references here) suggests a holy place such as the tabernacle or temple, a place where we see the presence of God.  Similarly the use of olive trees suggests provision or abundance, of course provided by God alone as a result of His grace and blessing for His people in return for their obedience to Him. Vv6-7 are key as the angel shares with Zechariah what the significance and meaning of this vision.  The Lord will deliver a message to (and through) Zerubbabel (governor of Judah and through whom Jesus descends - see also Matthew 1) that the almighty God is coming through the Spirit (Messiah) and similar to John 1:23 (see also Isaiah 40:3-4), we are told to "make straight the way of the Lord" suggesting easy passage for the coming messiah - Zechariah's vision shares (4:7) how the wilderness will become a plain.  Accompanying the Spirit will be "the top stone" suggesting the cornerstone - the coming Messiah.  This Spirit will arrive "amid shouts of Grace, grace to it."  This shouting calls to mind similar shouting of hosanna by those greeting the arrival of Jesus on a donkey on Easter.  Believers know that such a vision is indeed a prophecy of the coming Messiah and Jesus fulfills this prophecy!  He is the promised One and Hope!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope that You are and for Your faithfulness to fulfill all the promises and prophecies You make.  You are indeed faithful and I can count on You.  Thank You!  I am not deserving of Your faithfulness.  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.     

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”

Zechariah 3:1-10

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.” Zechariah 3:8-10

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 3:8-10, which the commentary outlines as the sixth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  The commentary shares God Wants Us to Feel Forgiven When We Are Forgiven as the title for this division.  As posted yesterday, the commentary shares how the text, through the use servant and the Branch, describes a messianic prophecy pointing towards Jesus.  The text also describes a stone in v9, and the commentary shares how this stone is referred to elsewhere in terms of pointing towards Jesus (see also Psalm 118:22-23, Zechariah 10:4, and Daniel 2:34-35). As the commentary wraps for the text, it shares that in v10 "[t]he image of each Israelite sitting under his own vine and fig tree is a common Hebrew figure of speech expressing absolute peace (see 1 Kings 4:25; Isaiah 36:16; Micah 4:4). The text moves from Joshua in the filth of his sin to every Israelite enjoying the blessings of peace and harmony with the Lord."

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God that provides a peace that surpasses understanding - this is unquestionable!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings and peace.  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.

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.”

Zechariah 3:1-10

Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your friends who sit before you, for they are men who are a sign: behold, I will bring my servant the Branch. For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription, declares the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day. In that day, declares the LORD of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree.” Zechariah 3:8-10

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 3:8-10, which the commentary outlines as the sixth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  These verses of course offer a clear messianic prophecy - that God "will bring my servant the Branch."  Branch is then capitalized, indicating that this is a specific, named, and significant branch.  God's message will be engraved on a single stone with seven eyes, and this number in scripture is often referred to as perfection, rest, abundance - all attributes of Jesus.  This Branch will "remove the iniquity of this land" and God's people will - through the Great Commission - "invite his neighbor to come under his vine and under his fig tree." See also John 15 where Jesus is referred to as the True Vine.  Thank You God for sending Your Son to seek and save the lost!  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who came to save me!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation!  I am not deserving of such a gift and the blessings that come with this gift.  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 the angel of the LORD solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

And the angel of the LORD solemnly assured Joshua, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. Zechariah 3:6-7

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 an unassisted review of Zechariah 3:6-7, which the commentary outlines as the fifth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  Here, after the Lord removes Joshua's sin - see also previous two posts - the angel of the Lord (recognized by previous commentary as prophecy of Jesus) "solemnly assure[s] Joshua" that if he walks in God's ways and stay obedient to Him, then Joshua would rule in the temple (God's house) and have charge in his courts, which is rule over the government - essentially a religious and political leader.  One should not miss the back half of v7 where the angel of the Lord gives Joshua (if he walks in God's ways and is obedient) "right of access" among those who are standing here, which for believers is all persons of the Holy Trinity - including God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  What an incredible assurance!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You are available to me as promised here - thank You Jesus!  What an incredible assurance.  I am not deserving of such access and the associated 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.

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.”

 Haggai 2:20-23

“Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I am about to shake the heavens and the earth, and to overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I am about to destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations, and overthrow the chariots and their riders. And the horses and their riders shall go down, every one by the sword of his brother. On that day, declares the LORD of hosts, I will take you, O Zerubbabel my servant, the son of Shealtiel, declares the LORD, and make you like a signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:21-23

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Haggai 2:20-23, which the commentary outlines as the third division (entitled God Will Shower His People with Blessing as His Chosen Ones) for Haggai 2:10-23, the next set of verses covered by a new chapter in the commentary.  Here, I fudge on my claim that this is an unassisted review which is only partially true - while I don't lean on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary for this text, I do lean on both Ligonier.org - Teaching Fellowship of R.C. Sproul, and its post here, and GotQuestions.org and its post here.  The latter post describes the signet ring referenced in v23 as a mark by ancient kings to "to designate authority, honor, or ownership."  Further, it shares that "[i]t is important to understand who Zerubbabel is. He is the governor of the rebuilt Jerusalem and is himself of royal blood, being a descendant of David and the grandson of Judah’s King Jehoiachin. Years earlier, Jehoiachin had lost his throne when he was deported to Babylon; in fact, God pictured Jehoiachin as a signet ring being removed from God’s finger (Jeremiah 22:24). Now, God calls Zerubbabel the “signet ring,” but this time it won’t be removed.  In Haggai’s prophecy, God is giving Zerubbabel encouragement and hope. The governor is “chosen” for a unique and noble purpose. As God’s signet ring, Zerubbabel is given a place of honor and authority. God is reinstating the Davidic line and renewing His covenant with David. Judah still has a future as they look forward to the coming Son of David, the Messiah, who would one day “overturn royal thrones and shatter the power of the foreign kingdoms” (v22). Ligonier.org adds: "God's promise to exalt Zerubbabel, that is, one of Zerubbabel's sons, is fulfilled in Christ Jesus, who is David's descendant through Zerubbabel (Matt. 1:1–17; Luke 3:23–38). Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God the Father Almighty, fulfilling Haggai's word."  This morning's study dovetails nicely with the study from our Sunday school class on OT prophecies of Jesus.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and faithful God and I can count on Your Word, as all the promises made in scripture about a coming Messiah came true with You.  ALL of the promises of God find their yes in You (1 Corinthians 1:20).  You are so good and so faithful.  Thank You Jesus for providing and never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of Your love and faithfulness.  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 the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.

Hebrews 8

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. Hebrews 8:1-2

I maintain a pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I continue using DesiringGod.com's Advent devotions where I pick up on Day 12.  Here, John Piper unpacks Hebrews 8:1-2 where the author of Hebrews encourages believers to see how Jesus - particularly as we celebrate Christmas - replaces Old Testament ceremonial practices, shadows and prophecies of the coming Messiah.  Piper writes: "[t]he point of the book of Hebrews is that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, has not just come to fit into the earthly system of priestly ministry as the best and final human priest, but he has come to fulfill and put an end to that system, and to orient all our attention on himself, ministering for us first on Calvary as our final Sacrifice and then in heaven as our final Priest.  The Old Testament tabernacle and priests and sacrifices were shadows. Now the reality has come, and the shadows pass away."  Thank You Jesus for coming into the world so that You could save me from this world!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion.  You came into the world to save me and others from sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  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 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 on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.

Daniel 9

 And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator. Daniel 9:27

I continue my study of Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 9:20-27 as I lean on my commentary for this text, which outlines the following divisions:

I. God Hears the Passionate Prayers of His Beloved Children (9:20-23): Here, the commentary encourages us to see Daniel's prayer as a model, including "[w]ho we pray to, what we pray for, and how we pray are ...[as they] are all important to God."  It notes that Daniel "is praying to the right person with the right posture, something that always characterizes real and authentic praying."  It also notes, how, despite being in exile, Daniel is aware of the time of day when Gabriel arrives as being "about the time of of the evening sacrifice....There had been no evening sacrifices at the temple in Jerusalem since it was destroyed in 586 BC. Nevertheless, Daniel still tells time according to his religious calendar. “He still functions on ‘Jerusalem time,’” says Dale Davis (Message of Daniel, 124). Daniel at eighty-plus years of age has not lost his spiritual identity. Yahweh’s clock is his clock."

II. God Has a Prophetic Plan to Bring about Our Salvation (9:24-27): The commentary notes that Israel's exile is not 70 years, but 70 times 7 or 490 years. It shares how there is significant scholarly debate about the details of the prophecy provided here but there is no debate about how it points to Jesus, Jerusalem's destruction and the period to follow, and end times. 

He has risen!

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

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor[.]

Isaiah 61-63

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor[.] Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 2 (of 5) of week 22, which looks at Isaiah 61-63.  Day 2 focuses on a more detailed examination of Isaiah 61. Core to an examination of Isaiah 61 is how we see a prophecy of not just Israel's redemption from Assyria (who took northern kingdom captive during the middle of Isaiah's ministry) and Babylon (who took the southern kingdom captive well after the end of Isaiah's ministry), but also a Messianic prophecy and how Jesus Christ comes to redeem all of humanity from their sins. My study refers me to Luke 4:13-21, and urges a comparison to Isaiah 61:1-2.  This comparison reveals that in Luke 4, Jesus is early in His ministry and in Nazareth reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue.  Jesus reads everything from Isaiah 61:1-2 except how the anointed one will proclaim vengeance.  This is important because Jesus's ministry was not one that was expected in terms of a an earthly conquering king, but of a King who's mission was to defeat sin and death, and to provide hope and salvation for all of humanity, not just Israel.

It is important for us to recognize how vengeance is the Lord's - He is the judge.  This should both give us fear (in our own lives for the sin we commit) and peace (that others will face justice for the sins they commit). 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is Judge - this should serve as a preservative for me to not commit sin, and as peace that all will be repaid for the sin they commit.  Thank You Jesus for these blessings.  I am not deserving of Your Justice, grace, salvation, etc. 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.

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!

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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.

“And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord.

Isaiah 58-60

“And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 58:13-14

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 2 (of 5) of week 21, which looks at Isaiah 58-60.  Day 2 reviews God's words on fasting from Isaiah 58 (see post yesterday) and then looks at Isaiah 59 where God mostly focuses on Israel's sin and wickedness but starting in v16, God points to a redeemer who intercedes on our behalf.  Of course this redeemer is Jesus Christ.  Ligonier provides this post as an encouragement for those who stand for the truth of Jesus Christ in the face of persecution.  The post shares that "...we might feel like giving up and going along with the crowd, but that would be the worst mistake we could ever make. A day is coming when God will no longer withhold His wrath but suit up for battle. He will repay His enemies according to their deeds, not graciously as He did on the cross, conquering us by bringing us over to His side. Instead, the Lord will conquer His enemies on that day by giving them the full measure of His just wrath (Isa. 59:15b–19)."

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My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God - I know You love me and I know You give me life - to the full now, and for eternity in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus 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 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 for Zach and Dustin to point them to You.  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.