... “[L]et them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”

Jonah 3 

... “[L]et them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” Jonah 3:8-9

I continue my study in Jonah to supplement my church's current sermon series in this book, and today I review Jonah 3 again as I prepare to lead Sunday school this morning on this text. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God created humanity in His image, to bear His image and to live in fellowship with Him.  Yet, during the Fall (Genesis 3) sin entered the world and each one has sin - no one can deny it - and we are all in need of a Savior (Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Romans 6:23). God calls the church to go into the world to preach the Good News of Jesus for people to repent and believe in Him - God's call to Jonah reflected this mission. Key to the Good News is that other than acknowledging your sin, repenting from it, and believing in Him, there is nothing You need to do - God alone saves and then He works in Your heart and life to transform You into more of His image through sanctification.  God displays incredible mercy and these mercies never cease and are new every morning - Lamentations 3:22-23.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Just as with all other believers, there is nothing Jonah did to be worthy of a second chance to be saved - it is God's grace alone that saves.  People often don't see a need for God - hardness of heart, arrogance, etc - or don't know Him enough to love and follow Him no matter what.  In the text today, God reaches the king of Nineveh (v6), and the king then (vv6-9) repented and urged all of Nineveh to repent and call out to God for mercy - this is a true repentant heart.    
• 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 claiming you have no sin!  Claim the promise that no matter who are or what you have done, God's grace is available to anyone who confesses sin and surrenders to Christ as his Lord and Savior.  Follow the example of the king of Nineveh who confessed and believed - and was saved.     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God whose mercies never cease and are new every morning - what incredible grace You offer.  Thank You for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out every day for me.  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.

Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Acts 13:1-12

 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Acts 13:12

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I continue a pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday.  For today, I lean on sermon delivered by John Piper covering Acts 13:1-12.

• Acts is narrative of how the book of Acts is a transition from how God sent His Son Jesus into the world to how Christ sent the church into the world. Churches out to be not in maintenance mode but in mission mode.
  
• Acts 13 is a great example of mission mode. 
• God's mission heart started at Advent to send His Son that extends to His church to save cannot be stopped.  God softened the heart of leaders such as Sergius Paulus who pave the way to lead others to Him (v7, 12). He also removes obstacles such as Bar Jesus/Elymas that seek to stop God's mission (vv6-11).
• The straight paths of the Lord vv8,10 represent God's mission to bring Good News to the world and to bring many to Himself in faith.  God has straight paths - He gives wisdom and He removes obstacles. We pray, we fast, we seek and God provides straight paths. 
  
• The proconsul believed - this is the straight path in this text.  God used Elymas as a means to demonstrate His might to Sergius Paulus.  God uses these obstacles for His purpose to bring about His plan. 
• Grow, press on in mission mode. Don't slip into maintenance mode.
• Don't let the Elymas characters of the world stop you - there are these characters in our lives; trust in God, pray, seek Him and God will make straight a path to His purpose. 
  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God and my Savior!  I have seen how You have made straight the paths in my life to bring about Your purpose in my life.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  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 when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I continue a pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday. For today, I lean on DesiringGod.com's Look at Book video for Acts 13:48 (Part 2 of 2) where John Piper unpacks the text looking at the origin (as opposed to yesterday which looked at both who/what is the decisive cause of our faith and then what the implications are) of the doctrine of unconditional election.  John Piper makes five observations from this exercise: (1) election is not based on foreseen faith, meaning that God does not see a measure of faith and then cause election, (2) believers' faith is owing to God's grace and initiative, (3) believers are rescued from sentencing ourselves to death, (4) the gospel is for everyone (see Acts 14:39 where the Word is preached to everyone and there are some who believe), and (5) we know who the elect are by who believes.  Once again a key takeaway for believers is to share the gospel boldly, not focusing on any outcome, allowing God to be the decisive cause in someone's faith.

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my faith - what a gift it is.  You also give me salvation and so much more - thank You Father God for showering me with such incredible blessings.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13

But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:51-52

While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday.  Acts 13-14 comprise Paul's first missionary journey, as depicted by this map shows - from Antioch to Cyprus, to southern Asia Minor, and back to Antioch.  In Acts 13:16-41 Paul boldly proclaims the gospel to Jews in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia.  Many followed Paul after he spoke and this led to "almost the whole city gather[ing] to hear the word of the Lord" (v44). This led the Jews to be full of jealousy of Paul (and Barnabas his companion) and "began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him" (v45).  This led Paul and Barnabas to respond boldly in v46-47 that because the Jews rejected the Good News, were turning to the Gentiles who "rejoic[ed] and glorif[ied] the Word of the Lord as many as were appointed to eternal life believed" (v48). The Word then began to spread throughout the region (v49). The Jews incited persecution (v50) and drove Paul and Barnabas out.  But Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium (v51) and the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (v52).  We are encouraged to know God's Word as Paul - notice how Paul confidently drew on his knowledge of the Old Testament and Biblical patriarchs/matriarchs - did and to proclaim the Good News boldly.  While we should strive to be clear and bold in the delivery of the Good News, we are not responsible for people's reaction.  If people reject God's Word, we are to continue to proclaim the Good News boldly.  We are to shake the dust from our feet and to continue sharing the Gospel. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and You are my savior!  Thank You for Your Word, the the Good News that helps me know You better, including what pleases You.  I want to please and glorify You because You are worthy and it's because I exist.  I am undeserving of my salvation and how You speak to me through Your Word.  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 have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire[.]

Hebrews 12

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire[.] Jude 1:22-23a

I continue my study of Hebrews, and this morning my focus is Hebrews 12:12-17, and my unaided observations of the text. Here, the text starts (v12-13) with an encouragement to endure and persevere, particularly through suffering, pain, trials, difficulty, weakness, etc. It is God who never leaves or forsakes us (Matthew 28:20) and He provides and strengthens us in all of our circumstances (Philippians 4:12-13). V14 seeks for us to be at peace with everyone and to live holy lives.  V15-17 provide us with an encouragement to share the gospel with others that God may bring them to faith and salvation through Jesus Christ.  The author of Hebrews uses Esau as an example of someone who "despised His birthright" and failed to inherit the blessing of his father Isaac (Genesis 25, 27).  Esau's line ultimately led to the Edomites (Genesis 36) and Jacob's line of course ultimately led to Jesus (Matthew 1).  While God is sovereign and it is He that hardens hearts and softens them, bringing some to faith and others not, believers nonetheless share a responsibility to share the gospel and their own testimony with others.  

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - giving me faith and You sustain and strengthen me - particularly during difficult times.  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.

Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.

Daniel 4

 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity. Daniel 4:27

I continue my pause of my study of Hebrews to study Daniel in conjunction with a disciple/small group study with my church's men's wake up call. This morning my focus is Daniel 4:1-27 as I lean on a commentary for its observations of this text. The commentary highlights three divisions for this text:

• v1-3 It Is Good to Honor Our Great and Sovereign God for Sorrow That Leads to Repentance: these verses describe Nebuchadnezzar's praise of God in reaction to seeing how God rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednago from the fiery furnace (chapter 3); the commentary, in particular notes how the words used by Nebuchadnezzar echo biblical terminology and reflect praise of God found elsewhere in scripture, including Psalm 145
• v4-18 It Is Good When Our Great and Sovereign God Troubles Our Hearts in Order to Get Our Attention: here, the commentary describes the reaction Nebuchadnezzar had to his second dream and how he falls back into old ways going not to Daniel first to interpret the dream, but to his pagan wise men, but as to be expected these men could not and Daniel was then brought in
  
• v19-27 It Is Good When Our Great and Sovereign God Exposes Our Sin and Calls Us to Righteousness: here, the commentary discusses Daniel's reaction to the dream and his inner turmoil upon hearing how the dream reflects how God will punish Nebuchadnezzar - clearly a man whom at this point is someone the commentary shares that Daniel cares about; the commentary emphasizes how believers, when confronted with bad news that we must deliver about someone else's sin, particularly those we care about, we must be prepared to deliver God's message for both repentance and hope

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

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Isaiah 51-53

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7

I continued my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series - on Day 3 of Lesson 19, I move on to Isaiah 52. The focus of this chapter is salvation - both for Israel in exile, but also for all nations as v10 states the "eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God" - a clear reference to Jesus Christ.  The study refers me back to Romans 10:1-15 where Isaiah is quoted in v15, referencing how Jesus and the Holy Spirit are used through believers to bring the Good News of Jesus to all.  In Romans 10:14-15 Paul asks - rhetorically - "how are [non-believers] to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless [believers]...are sent?"  God wants all of us the spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who sent His Son to die on the cross for me so that I could have salvation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation - my sins are great and they continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love 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 in that day a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were lost in the land of Assyria and those who were driven out to the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

Isaiah 26-27

And in that day a great trumpet will be blown, and those who were lost in the land of Assyria and those who were driven out to the land of Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain at Jerusalem. Isaiah 27:13

I continue with my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 10, Day 5, I wrap the lesson for the week and end with a review of Isaiah 27, where the study looks closely at Leviathan (Satan) as referenced in Isaiah 27:1 and other scriptures, including Job 3:8, Psalm 74 and Psalm 104. The study also contrasts the vineyard portrayed in Isaiah 5 with that described in Isaiah 27. In Isaiah 5, God laments how He tends to a vineyard (His people), yet it produces no fruit. In contrast Isaiah 27 describes a "pleasant vineyard." My post yesterday describes how God's people do suffer, yet are purified (sanctified). Finally, Isaiah describes a gleaning that occurs during end times where only the faithful and righteous are saved and they gather for worship the One True God during end times. My commentary describes the following applications for Isaiah 27:

• "We should seek to bear fruit for the glory of God through abiding in Jesus 
• The fruit of our lives should extend to the ends of the earth, especially in our zealous efforts to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ to unreached people groups. 
• We should also be zealous to crush the idolatry in our lives—worldliness, sexual immorality, greed, etc. 
• Finally, we should be part of God’s clear “trumpet blast” to the nations, calling the elect from every tribe to faith in Christ, for that great day of assembly, for the worship of God and of the Lamb in the new Jerusalem."

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

Therefore my loins are filled with anguish; pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman in labor; I am bowed down so that I cannot hear; I am dismayed so that I cannot see. My heart staggers; horror has appalled me; the twilight I longed for has been turned for me into trembling.

Isaiah 19-23

Therefore my loins are filled with anguish; pangs have seized me, like the pangs of a woman in labor; I am bowed down so that I cannot hear; I am dismayed so that I cannot see. My heart staggers; horror has appalled me; the twilight I longed for has been turned for me into trembling. Isaiah 21:3-4

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 8, Day 2, the focus is on Isaiah 21 where the study focuses on how God's people sought alliances and refuge from Babylon and its allies but unfortunately, Isaiah warns that these earthly kingdoms will fall and that faith in God is what He seeks (see also post yesterday). Of course there is a broader implication for believers of today that earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but our provision and protection will not come from an earthly kingdom but from Jesus - the One True God. Another key takeaway is how Isaiah mourns for those who will suffer.

Similarly, Paul shares his anguish over unbelieving Jews in Romans 9:2-5 and I am reminded that such anguish should move us to snatch others from the fire (share the gospel per Jude 1:22-23).

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has saved me - softening my heart and making my one of Your elect.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a blessing - I fail to share the Good News as You command me to...please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 9-10

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 

This morning/afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter fourteen The Faithful Evangelist, which covers Romans 9:30-10:21.  My focus today is Romans 10:14-10:21, which my commentary refers to under the heading The Urgency of Evangelism.  Paul has focused much of his writing in Romans 9-10 on anguish for the unbelief Jews, how this has not been the result of the failure of God's Word, but instead it has been part of God's plan to save people from all nations Jews and Gentiles alike - starting with a Jewish remnant - not all of the Jews. Yesterday, my post emphasized how it is God alone, faith alone, and grace alone that saves and how our heart condition and zeal for God are key. This morning in 10:14-21, Paul once again leans on the Old Testament (Deuteronomy to demonstrate how we have an obligation and are called by God to share the Good News, but again, by plan and design, there are those who will find God who were not seeking and those who God has shown Himself but did not ask for God (v20, Isaiah 65:1).

My commentary wants us to see clearly Paul's reference of Isaiah 52:7 where those who share the Good News have "beautiful feet" despite how "messengers normally traveled on foot...[and how the feet] might be dirty and smell[y] after a long, hot journey."  Paul continues as he states how (by God's plan and design) that although not all who hear believe (v16), the commentary encourages us to continue to share the Good News.  Paul once again extensively references the Old Testament - see also Deuteronomy 30, 32; Isaiah 53; Psalm 19.

Comment and discuss this post here.

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

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!

Acts 27-28

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:30-31

Day 346 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 sails to Rome based on his appeal to Caesar.  While in Rome, Paul continues to share the gospel during house arrest.

What is remarkable about Paul is his endurance (in suffering) and persistence in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. His voyage to Rome is calamitous from start to finish but Paul uses all of these opportunities to endure and share Jesus either through words or actions.

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” Acts 27:22-26

Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Acts 27:33-36

But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. Acts 28:5-6

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. Acts 28:7-10

He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. Acts 28:23

What a witness!

Regardless of where we find ourselves we should hope and pray that we can demonstrate God as Paul does!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God and Your Word is incredible as I am inspired and encouraged by Paul.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how the Holy Spirit works to give me the Word and to better understand the Word.  I often place my earthly comfort and earthly distractions (idols!) above You - including today!  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.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

Ezekiel 32-33

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved. Ezekiel 33:7-9

Day 246 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 in Ezekiel as my commentary* indicates God commands Ezekiel to take up a lament concerning Egypt, as Egypt is "singled out among the nations as an example of the forces of evil." Ezekiel 32 describes God judgement over Pharaoh and Egypt. Ezekiel 33 describes both God's description of the role of the watchman (assigned to Ezekiel) and how although God hates punishment, it is just for the wicked who choose not to repent.

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

Just as God commanded Ezekiel to be watchman, He did so for Noah after The Flood:

And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. Genesis 9:5

We are also to go out and save others - playing the role of watchmen.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. Matthew 28:18-20

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has saved me!  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You for placing watchmen in my life to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to me so that I could turn my life over to You!  I am not deserving of such love and of the gift of salvation.  My sin continues - worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.”

2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 35-36, and Jeremiah 26 

Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing.” Jeremiah 26:12-15

Day 214 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 Jeremiah. My commentary* describes how Assyria falls, Babylonia emerges, and how Egypt allies with the remnant of forces from Assyria to address the emerging Babylonian threat. Egyptian forces must go through Judah and Israel and Josiah goes out to attack Egypt and is killed in battle (see map below from https://ibiblemaps.com/death-josiah) - (2 Kings 23 and 2 Chronicles 35-36).

Josiah is replaced by his son Jehoahaz who "does evil in the eyes of the Lord" and he is taken captive by Egypt and another of Josiah's sons Eliakim (renamed by Egypt to Jehoiakim) is installed as a puppet king and he also "does evil in the eyes of the Lord".

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

Meanwhile, God instructs Jeremiah to deliver another warning to Jerusalem and is confronted, charged and threatened with death. Jeremiah stands firmly on the strength of God who is able to protect us.

As I posted a couple of days ago, believers are called to be bold and to make public stands for Jesus - even in the face of physical harm or other serious threats to our lives and livelihoods.

I pray that God gives me the strength to be bold.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is able to protect me from harm - thank You Jesus for how You HAVE protected me from harm.  I am undeserving of Your love and protection.  I know I am often NOT bold and this is a sin - I too often cower in my faith.  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.

Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now then, hear the word of the Lord.

Amos 7, 2 Kings 14-15, and 2 Chronicles 26 

Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now then, hear the word of the Lord. Amos 7:14-16

  

Day 172 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) wraps my study of Amos as we see Amos confronted by Amaziah priest of Israel, yet Amos stands his ground delivering God's message of impending punishment for Israel due to her sin and unfaithfulness to God. My commentary* points to wickedness not just of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14-15) but also of the kings that followed, including Zechariah and Shallum - both of whom are assassinated. My commentary* also points (2 Kings 15, 2 Chronicles 26) to Judah, where we see Uzziah fall prey to pride: "King Uzziah, also known as Azariah, has reigned over Judah with great success. But his good fortune is about to go to his head, and he will suffer serious illness [leprosy] for his presumptuousness. Uzziah’s illness will necessitate a co-regent to run the day-to-day affairs of state. In filling that role, Uzziah’s son Jotham is a good leader. But he is not the religious man needed by this materialistic, immoral, unjust, and complacent people".

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

Amos is a great example of standing firm in delivering God's words in the face of opposition.

Peter and John did the same before the Sanhedrin:

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who protects and gives me strength in the face of worldly opposition - thank You Jesus!  Yet I know I am undeserving of Your love and protection because I often feel weak and don't stand firm.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and 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 the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

Jonah 1-4 and 2 Kings 13-14

But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” Jonah 4:10-11

  

Day 166 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 primarily of Jonah, although there is brief mention of how Israel is spared destruction but ultimately responds not by turning back to God but by continuing their worship of foreign gods. Broadly speaking, this morning's takeaway* is "an amazing demonstration of God’s universal grace and divine concern at a time when a rather exclusivistic Israel is in great need of a reminder that, despite being God’s chosen people, their failure to repent actually lowers them to a level of spirituality beneath even penitent pagans." 

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

Most of us know the story of Jonah quite well, yet this morning I see an angle I've not previously understood.  Both my commentary* and this post from John Piper (from 1981 no less) point out how Jonah is sent by God to deliver a message not to Israel or Judah (who by the way needed to repent big time!), but to Nineveh, "a foreign, Gentile city" according to Piper (see map here).  Jonah does not want to go to Nineveh because he does not see Nineveh (relative to Israel or Judah) as deserving of rescue. Piper goes on to use the story of Jonah to exhort us to not "despise" but embrace the "free mercy" of God by playing a role in denying the Good News of Jesus Christ to others.  God wants us to deliver this message to EVERYONE and EVERYWHERE!

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.  Matthew 28:19

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has rescued me - I am grateful Lord Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your mercy and compassion.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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 kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Revelation 8-11

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15

Session #6 of  David Platt - Revelation: The Hope of Glory (requires login which I have though my church) focuses on Revelation 8-11. 

Key Reminder: The purpose of this book, is not to promote speculation about the future; we must be compelled to act in the present. 

Chapters 8-11, use trumpet blasts to warn of coming judgement and to signal salvation/victory. These trumpets use imagery use similar imagery from the Egyptian plagues (Exodus 7-13) and Joshua's victory at Jericho.  These trumpets represent:

• 1-4: systematic physical judgements across creation; do not put your ultimate hope in created things
• 5-6: terrifying personal judgments for idolatry and immorality (8:13); woe spoken to unbelievers throughout Revelation; demonic forces unleashed under the authority of God; third of mankind wiped out (9:15); despite harmful effects of idolatry and immorality rebellion continues (9:20-21) - this is a scene today!
• God is giving the world warning!  Turn from sin!
• God is calling the church to war; we are not at peace time with the spiritual forces of evil.

Revelation written to compel us to act in two ways:  

• Fervently pray for God's kingdom to come
• Fearlessly proclaim God's gospel to all

Our battle is fierce and the spiritual demons want to destroy us.  However, our prayers are effective (8:2) - return of Jesus and judgement is result of our prayers!  Our cries go up and His kingdom comes down!

Our God is faithful - responds to our prayers.  He will demonstrate His power over the gods of this world. He will vindicate His people amid opposition in this world.  He will extend His mercy to sinners around the world.  He will uphold his justice amid sin in this world.

We must fearlessly proclaim God's gospel to all.  In chapters 8-11, words prophet and prophecized repeatedly used representing how God's people proclaim God's word and truth in the midst of judgement.  Although our suffering is expected, our lives are secure (11:18)!  Out task is prophetic!  Don't stay silent!  Our message is clear!  Our light is unquenchable and our souls are touchable (11:5-6).  Our power is invincible and our death during the end times will be temporary (11:11-12).  Our resurrection will be sure! V15 represents how our mission will be complete and our God will be glorified! We will behold His majesty! His judgement will be final and His servants will be rewarded and His enemies destroyed.  We will be welcomed by His mercy.

My Prayer: Jesus - You are indeed a great God and Your will reign forever and ever and I am grateful that You have adopted me into Your family!  I am not deserving of salvation as I still sin!  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9

To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. v21-23

In chapters 4-10 Paul moves on to practical matters about living, including "dealing with the church’s lack of judgment on sex and legal disputes, marriage, divorce, and virginity, then on to eating meat used for idol worship".  In chapter 9, however we see a nugget of scripture that we can use as a basis for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

John Piper helps us better understand how we are to become all things to all men to save some:

"In freedom, for love's sake, you try to overcome unnecessary, alienating differences that cut you off from unbelievers. In freedom, for love's sake, you learn the Maninka language and translate the Bible. In freedom, for love's sake, you eat dinner together the way they eat dinner. In freedom, for love's sake, you dress pretty much like the middle class American natives. In freedom, for love's sake, you get into their politics and their sports and their businesses.

And all the while you keep a vigilant watch over your heart to see if you are in the law of Christ."

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who became a man and died as a man so that I could have freedom from sin and eternal life - thank You Jesus!  You are an awesome God!  I am undeserving of such love and such a gift.  I sin..greatly...and all the time.  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.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. v24

Paul is leaving Ephesus and saying farewell to the elders there.  He knows that difficulty, hardships, persecution, etc. awaits him (v22-23) yet he is led by the Spirit to focus on God's calling for his life.  We are ALL called to share our testimony and the Good News of Jesus Christ - to our family, and others.  This morning I think of how I must snatch others from the fire.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You have snatched me from the fire - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful - yet I am undeserving.  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.

And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Luke 9

And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village. v52-56

There will always be those who spurn the Good News of Jesus Christ.  The Bible is replete with such people.  We must keep in mind that as I posted a few days ago, faith is a gift from God, so God allows or it is by His plan that some choose not to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  We are not to judge these people - this is God's role - but instead to love these people and in some circumstances to move on in "our mission".  God wants us to be the messenger and we can leave the rest to Him.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God and I am grateful that You put others in my life to share the Good News with me - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such love.  I 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, energy and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.”

1 Kings 22

The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one prophet through whom we can inquire of the Lord, but I hate him because he never prophesies anything good about me, but always bad. He is Micaiah son of Imlah.” v8

God is slow to anger and abounding in love (see yesterday's post), giving Ahab an extended lease on life.  Yet Ahab, amazingly so, fails to see God's grace, he does not turn towards God, and within 3 years (relatively quickly) he dies just as prophesied in 1 Kings 21.  It's possible he could have lived even longer - who knows.

God's patience is not unlimited - see post here and the Parable of the Gold Coins where the "worthless servant [who failed to use and invest coins given to him by his master] [is thrown]
outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth".

We are to persistently deliver the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Yet for those who deny Jesus, God does not have unlimited patience.

Lord Jesus - help me persistently delivery the Good News of Jesus Christ to those I know who are lost.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has rescued me and You love me and are enormously patient with me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love patience.  I worry and I often fail to persistently deliver the Good News to the lost.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.