“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.

Malachi 4:1-6

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction. Malachi 4:5-6

I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I continue with Malachi 4:1-6, focusing on a commentary-assisted review of 4:5-6, including commentary for this fourth and last division, which the commentary entitles Looking Forward in Hope, Anticipating Restoration, as well as the commentary's conclusion for the entirety of 4:1-6.  Excerpts from the commentary for this division and the conclusion:

• 4:5-6: "Malachi announced in 3:1 that the forerunner to the Messiah would come. We know from the NT that the forerunner is John the Baptist. But he says here in verses 5-6 that there would be another person, another forerunner, to come before the Day of the Lord. We know this forerunner cannot ultimately be John the Baptist because this day ends with fathers turning their hearts to children and children turning their hearts to fathers. If this prophecy was completely fulfilled in John, we might ask why Jesus was still rejected by the Jews. So what is He talking about here? Although Jesus said in Matthew 11 that John the Baptist is the forerunner, something happens in Matthew 17 to prove that yet another Elijah will fulfill Malachi’s prophecy. In Matthew 17 Jesus leads the disciples up to the Mount of Transfiguration, where both Elijah and Moses appear, talking with the Lord." In Matthew 17:11-12 (The Transfiguration) specifically, Jesus shares that "Elijah is coming and will restore everything" and the commentary shares that "the key for our purposes is the future tense “will restore.” At the time Jesus is speaking, John the Baptist is already dead. So we know that he cannot be the Elijah of Malachi 4:5. In addition, John the Baptist cannot be this Elijah because this Elijah is going to reestablish all things. John the Baptist was hindered from doing this because of the wickedness of the people’s hearts.  Thus, Jesus is stating that He is the Elijah-like figure, initiating His kingdom at His resurrection and completing it at His second coming when He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers—a time of great repentance."
•  Conclusion: The commentary shares how Malachi and the Old Testament end by providing both a warning to those who do not fear the Lord and how they will be eternally condemned, and an encouragement to those who do fear God that will see God's perfect justice carried out during end times and how God is saving us from eternal condemnation.  
  

In addition to my commentary's thoughts on Malachi 4:5-6, a quick review of John Piper's thoughts on this text also offer me great encouragement as a father that has been very critical of a son - see Piper's sermon here.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of amazing grace and compassion for me. Thank You!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus.  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.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.”

 Zechariah 2:1-13

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.” Zechariah 2:10-12

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 this morning, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 2:1-13, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  The commentary broadly describes the theme of these verses as "God's desire to restore and rebuild" Jerusalem.  It then shares how this message would have been surprising given how "the city was in such ruin and so unstable that very few wanted to live in it, preferring the surrounding area in Judah" (see also Nehemiah 11:1-2).  The commentary then outlines in detail four elements of God's message for His people:

1. The exiles remaining in Babylon should return to Jerusalem as quickly as possible (vv6-7)
2. The nations that had been harming Israel will be judged (vv8-9)
3. God will bless Israel and many nations through Israel (vv10-12)
4. All people should be silent in the presence of the Lord (v13)
   

The commentary wraps for this text by emphasizing how, "[b]ecause of His love for His people, God placed Israel under His own protective and powerful care....God’s overwhelming love for us that protects us, draws us back to Himself, and renews us is the ultimate root of God’s extreme jealousy for us. He will not let us go, because we are precious to Him!"

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who restores, comforts, protects, and so much more!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.”

 Zechariah 2:1-13

Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, declares the LORD. And many nations shall join themselves to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. And the LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.” Zechariah 2:10-12

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 2:1-13, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text vv1:7-2:13 (1:7-13, 1:14-17, 1:18-21, 2:1-13).  Here, we see another vision - this time of two angels, delivering of message to God's people promising stability, prosperity, and protection from the Lord - see vv1-5. This message of restoration, following a period of captivity and exile in Babylonia.  V6 shares how God will bring about punishment for those who oppress Judah, including Babylonia.  Vv10-12 offer great encouragement to Judah and by extension all of God's people who feel oppressed and separated from God's love.  God's people are to sing and rejoice as God will be in our midst - alas He is as Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, Emmanuel.  We will enjoy fellowship with God as He will always be with us via the Holy Spirit.  God's glory will be such that many nations will "join themselves to the Lord."  How incredible!  What a vision and prophecy of how God will make His name great for all the world to see.  Certainly a message appropriate for Christmas!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being in my midst, giving me fellowship with You.  What an incredible blessing!  I am not deserving of how You live in my heart, and how You send the Holy Spirit to be amongst Your people.  I am not deserving of how I can never be separated from Your love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

 

For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’”

 Haggai 2:6-9

For thus says the LORD of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.’” Haggai 2:6-9

I continue my study of Haggai - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Haggai 2:6-9, which the commentary outlines as the second division for Haggai 2:1-9. Building on yesterday's post which looked at vv1-5, the text for today further explores God's message for His people as they have repented, obeyed, and experienced God's presence. God further promises that the rebuilding of His temple will be accompanied by a return of all the earth's treasures (which come from and belong to God) to the temple.  The rebuilt temple shall be of greater glory than the original temple which was destroyed.  This message of restoration is found throughout scripture - including Joseph who goes from favored son to bondage and prison to the 2nd most powerful position in Egypt (the most powerful empire in the world at the time), Job, and Peter (who although denies Jesus three times, is personally restored by Jesus.  God restores and renews us - this gives all believers hope.  Hope when we are experiencing great difficulties, when our bodies are decaying, etc. We are not only reborn as Christians, but God carries us through whatever we experience to something that is new and something designed just for us and we can be assured it is good.  See also Romans 8:28. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and restores me by carrying me through challenging times - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how I can never be separated from Your love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering.

Zephaniah 3:9-20

“For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering. Zephaniah 3:9-10

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 3:9-10, which is the text for for division of the commentary for the commentary's chapter on 3:9-20 (six divisions in total). The commentary's introduction for 3:9-20 includes the below main idea for the entirety of the text:

Main idea: "God is rich in mercy and will restore His people to a place of prominence and blessing.

Excerpts from the commentary relating to 3:9-10:

• Division title: "God Will Restore His People"
• "Arguably the most painful book in the Bible, it has not left us excited and hopeful for more. In what has surely felt like one body blow after another, God has chastised His people, called them to repentance, and threatened them with judgment. In all of this, however, we have maintained that His love and justice are the motivating factors for His behavior."
• "This claim of restoring pure speech means much more than just clean language. This is a reference to being purified. It speaks of repentance being accomplished in the hearts of God’s people. From rampant rebellion to penitent humility, the people of Judah have been rescued and redeemed. To be purified means to be cleansed. Purification occurs when we are both forgiven and repentant. The old sin is gone and the future behavior is not the same as the past. The result of this purification, then, will be a readiness to call on Yahweh and worship Him with their lives."
• "Notice two specific ways in which they will respond to His grace. First, they will call on His name. For a people who had previously struggled to trust God, this is a marvelous turnaround. By calling on His name, they are indicating trust in Him."  See also Luke 9:23.
  
• "Second, not only are they trusting God, they are now committed to serving Him—but not just serving Him, they are committed to doing so with “single purpose.” This is, again, far different from the message we heard throughout the rest of the book. These had been a people who were focused on themselves and whose focus was scattered across a host of different ideals and goals. Instead, they are now united in their focus on God and His commands."
• "Gathering us together from around the world, God is redeeming a people for Himself."  See also Revelation 7:9-10.
  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good as Your forgiveness and mercies are new every morning and they never cease!  Your grace - amazing grace - never ends!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation and Your amazing grace.  Of course I am undeserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

Zephaniah 3:9-20

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a unassisted review of Zephaniah 3:9-20, which is the text for next chapter of my commentary.  Zephaniah's message from the Lord up until this moment (chapter 1 and 2 and chapter 3 so far) has been harsh (but warranted) as God renders judgement not just on Judah but also her neighbors.  Judah has been full of pride and spurning God (see Zephaniah 3:1-2).  Now, remarkably, in 3:9-20 we see God's amazing grace - this is a great example of how God loved us (believers) while we were still slave to our sin, softened our heart towards Him and saved us (see also Romans 5:8) - not because of anything we did (see also Ephesians 2:8).  Of the many blessings from Zephaniah 3:9-20:

• No condemnation, forgiveness - v11
• Freedom from pride, lies and deceit as sin - v11
• Peace of mind - v13
• Joy - v14
• Protection - v15
• Fellowship with God - v17
• Will make God's people a renowned name (for His glory) - v20
• Restored fortunes - v20
  

Of course, those who remain proud and haughty will not experience restoration as God will remove from Judah's midst those who remain "proudly exultant" (v11).  This is similar to Adam and Eve's separation from God after their sin and the Fall (Genesis 3). What a terrible thing to be separated from God's love at any point - believers can take great comfort in knowing that nothing can separate us from His love (see also Romans 8:38-39).  His mercies are new every morning and never cease (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for rejoicing over me with gladness and exult over me with singing, and for quieting me with Your love...and of course saving me!  I am not deserving....no.  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 say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

Chapter 10: Pages 133-145, Isaiah 37, Ezekiel

“Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes. Ezekiel 36:22-23

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence", starting with Section 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence in the History of Israel" - moving to chapter ten "The Protection, Destruction, and Restoration of Jerusalem". Here Piper starts by stating that Israel and Judah's protection and captivity, and Jerusalem's destruction and restoration were all for the sake of God's name.

He first describes how God "delivered Jerusalem from the hands of of Sennacherib and the prophet Isaiah tells us what God's purpose was in this amazing mercy: 'I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David' (Isaiah 37:35). Before going too far into God's providence during this period, Piper reminds us that there is a correlation between the faith of God's people, their obedience, and the many blessings they received - it's just that we are to be clear that it is "God's zeal for the glory of his name" that God's people experience mercy. Faithfulness as expressed through prayer demonstrates this as Piper uses Hezekiah's prayer (Isaiah 37:16-17, 20) and Isaiah's response (Isaiah 37:21-22, 25) to show how such prayers sought God's glory. Other examples in scripture include Psalms 25:11, 106:8, 143:11, and 23:3.  We even see this in the NT in Romans 4:20 and even Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6:9. Bottom line, God rescues "Jerusalem [both] because Hezekiah prayed and for [God's] own sake", and "these are the same motives."

Piper then moves to the end of God's patience for God's people and even this is for the glory of His name, now in justice and judgement.  Ezekiel is used as the key example and how seven-two times in the book "the prophet says that God does what he does "so that you might know that I am the Lord" and that terrible punishment is meted out and "rooted" in motivation "that you may know that I am the Lord."

Piper uses Ezekiel again to to demonstrate how the grounds for restoration after the exile was also "zeal for his holiness and his name" and "not owing to Israel's righteousness." Piper ends the chapter by ensuring that we know that the point is that "in restoring the fortunes of Jerusalem-and promising an even greater future for Israel than what they experienced in returning from Babylon-God was acting to vindicate the holiness of his name....[this] is not a threat to our joy but the basis of it."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace not because of what I do but because of Your great name and for my joy in the praise of Your name.  Thank You Jesus for the rich mercies You have already poured out for me and continue to pour out for me.  I am undeserving.  I worry, and I am often distracted by the world - please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from my sin, overcome it, and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Luke 9, 22, Matthew 26, and John 21

But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I continue with the story of "Peter: Gospel of the Second Chance*".

*Title of lesson nine from the Max Lucado study.

Max Lucado's commentary* for day three of Peter's story focuses on the Transfiguration and then on Peter's actions when Jesus appeared to the disciples for the third time after His resurrection. At the Transfiguration, Lucado points out Peter's impulsiveness when he offers three shelters to Jesus, Moses and Elijah (Luke 9:33); the text includes how "[Peter] did not know what he was saying" and Lucado indicates that Peter's impulsiveness stems from how we are not to equate any others with God...dangerous indeed.  We are then encouraged to try and better understand the role of the Transfiguration.  We know that in Matthew 16:18 Jesus tells Peter that He will build His church upon Peters efforts and those of the other apostles (see also Ephesians 2:20).  This post on DesiringGod.com describes how the Transfiguration was a foretaste of both the resurrection and how all believers will "be like Him for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).  Jesus is equipping Peter.

With Peter's actions after the resurrection (John 21), Lucado points out how believers in general are prone to fall back into their "old selves" and patterns of behavior.  Peter goes fishing, even though he previously left this life to follow Jesus (see Luke 5:11).  Lucado wants us to see how God is full of grace and He restores us when we fall - He restored Peter and He does for us.  We are encouraged to get back in the game when we stumble.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who restores me time and time again when I stumble and fall.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are so full of grace and compassion.  My sin continues - including worry and other sins.  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 Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Mark 16 and Luke 5

 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This morning, I start a review of the story of "Peter: Gospel of the Second Chance*".

*Title of lesson nine from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day one starts with Max Lucado setting a broader context for a study of Peter - as much as anyone Peter must have felt enormous guilt and shame for denying Jesus three times just as Jesus predicted (see also Matthew 26, Mark 14, John 18).  Yet Lucado points out how, in Mark 16, often referred to as the Gospel of Second Chances, an angel of the Lord - found in Jesus' now empty tomb - directs Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome to "...go, tell his disciples and Peter".  Peter is specifically called out and many speculate as to why, and Lucado believes that he is called out because Jesus wants Peter to have relief from the guilt and shame of his denial - He wants Peter to know that he is forgiven and restored.  Hence we have the popular name of Mark 16 as the Gospel of Second Chances.  Lucado wants us to understand Peter's story and how Peter's second chance is our second (or third, or fourth, etc.) chance.  We should not allow our lives to be defined by bad decisions or sin.  

Specifically for day one of the study, Lucado wants us to focus on the how Peter became a disciple and Lucado uses Luke's account of how Peter became a disciple.  Peter, James and John had been fishing all night on the Sea of Galilee, and cleaning their nets on the shore, when Jesus, who had been teaching nearby, then tells Peter to push out for more fishing.  Peter begrudgingly questions Jesus' request to push out to deep water for more fishing (Luke 5:5).  Of course we know the rest of the story as Peter, James and John capture a haul as big as they've ever seen.  Peter falls to his knees, acknowledges his need for Jesus and becomes a disciple (Luke 5:8-11). Lucado wants to appreciate that we may be tempted to question God's power but we should not and we are also encouraged to see God's power in all things - big and small.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have seen Your power first hand and I know it is great, it knows no bounds, and it is available to me - through You and the Holy Spirit.  I am grateful that I can bring all of my requests to You and how I know You are able.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You provide the Holy Spirit and so much more, including second chances!  Please forgive me for my often harsh treatment of others, particularly co-workers.  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.

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.

Matthew 26

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. Isaiah 45:23

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

*Title of lesson seven from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado highlighting how it was not just Judas who betrayed Jesus on the night Jesus was arrested but all the disciples, including Matthew, and even all believers. Lucado wants us to recognize that all of us at one point or another in our lives have betrayed Jesus.  We are all guilty.  Yet Jesus restored the believers and He restores us.  He rose again, provides us with the Holy Spirit and promises never to leave or forsake us.  What an incredible promise - all this for a broken and sinful group of people who often fall down in trust of God. We should recognize God's grace in light of how we betray Jesus.  He loves us, in spite of our sin.  God loves us in ways that no other can.  We also need to recognize WHO IS IT THAT LOVES US - the God of the Universe.  The Lord of Lords...this should cause all to fall to their knees in worship. 

By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. Isaiah 45:23

It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” Romans 14:23

 

...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth[.] Philippians 2:10

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You are the God of the Universe who knows everything about me, including my sin and betrayal of You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues, including 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.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Genesis 25, 27, 30, 32, 33-41, 41-47, and 48-50 

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24

I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase). This evening, I continue with the story of "Jacob: Wrestling with the Past*".

*Title of lesson three from the Max Lucado study.

The commentary* of day five starts with Max Lucado discussing how although Jacob wrestled with God and grew closer to God from the experience, Jacob nonetheless continued to sin (as we all do) and separate himself from God due to bad and ungodly decisions. He highlights how Jacob married one woman (Leah) that he did not love so he could marry the one he did love (Rachel).  Rachel initially could not bare children so Jacob bore children via Leah and a host of handmaidens and concubines.  Rachel ultimately bore Jacob a son and Jacob favored this son - Joseph and this favoritism only increased what was already an dysfunctional family.  Jacob's favoritism was compounded by his obliviousness and it led to Joseph being sold by his brothers to slave traders.  Lucado encourages us to avoid separation from God and to make Godly decisions through a daily, close relationship with Jesus Christ.

We then see how Joseph's story indicates God orchestrated good out of Joseph's trials (Genesis 45), and how orchestrates reunion of Jacob with Joseph and restoration of Jacob. Lucado wants us have three takeaways:

1. Always listen to God's instruction and avoid falling into patterns of sin where we repeat mistakes of our past
2. Restoration matters to God and He will shake things up to bring that healing to our lives
3. No matter what evil others intend for us, God can always use our situation to accomplish His good purposes.
   

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who blessed and restored me despite my past sin - You drew me near to You and restored me beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful but again I am undeserving.  I worry, and I put my own earthly comfort ahead of my relationship with You.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.”

Jeremiah 33:10-13, 30-31

“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.” Jeremiah 33:11

Day 233 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 where God delivers to Jeremiah through a dream a message of hope to Judah in the aftermath of Jerusalem's siege and captivity of its inhabitants. My commentary* indicates "[s]o that all will know that the eventual release of the people of Israel is due not to mere chance or changing political winds, God directs Jeremiah to record God’s promises regarding the restoration. Using the prophetic poetry he often employs, Jeremiah makes it clear that it will be the God of Israel who purposely restores his people—nothing else."

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

While God makes it clear that it was Judah's sin that brought about its exile (Jeremiah 30:12-15), the message is overwhelming hopeful and it includes many verses of encouragement all believers can lean on during times of trial (including references to the coming Messiah - see for example (Jeremiah 30:21):

Referring to the exile, God says:

It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it. “‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them. Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. “‘So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’ Jeremiah 30:7-11

Referring to the restoration, God says:

I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. Jeremiah 31:9

[Israel] will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Jeremiah 31:12

I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 31:13-14

Be encouraged!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus You are my hope and great encouragement - I am grateful beyond what my words can describe.  I know You love me and You are full of mercy and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love, mercy, and compassion.  My sin - particularly harsh words and actions continue.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.

Jeremiah 21-22, 34, 32-33

I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Jeremiah 33:8

Day 232 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my study returns to Jeremiah where we review prophecies of Jerusalem's siege. About 10 days ago, I posted on how Zedekiah was installed as puppet king when Jehoiakim's son Jehoiachin is taken captive to Babylonia. My commentary* indicates that with "Nebuchadnezzar’s army just outside the walls, Zedekiah realizes that it is time to consult God. But the answer from Jeremiah is to surrender or be destroyed....Zedekiah chooses not to surrender, and the siege continues."  Zedekiah is told that he will be taken captive himself (Jeremiah 34). Yet, Zedekiah's heart was hardened and as an example of Zedekiah's hardened heart (similar to that of Pharaoh when Moses delivered messages from God - starting in Exodus 5), Jeremiah is arrested (Jeremiah 32) and my commentary describes how during this time God tells Jeremiah to deliver a message of all of Israel is to be restored (Jeremiah 32-33).

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

There are number of takeaways from this morning's reading:

Although Judah failed to heed these words at the time, we are to "[d]o what is just and right".

Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. Jeremiah 22:3-4

God is all powerful, all knowing, and sees all or our sin (and we all sin):

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve. You performed signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours. You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror. You gave them this land you had sworn to give their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey. They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey you or follow your law; they did not do what you commanded them to do. So you brought all this disaster on them. Jeremiah 32:17-23

God offers restoration for those who repent and turn to Him:

‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’ Jeremiah 33:6-9

I am reminded of the Parable of the Lost/Prodigal Son.

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

I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.

Isaiah 1-5

I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities. I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City. Isaiah 1:25-26

  

Day 173 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) starts my study of Isaiah, whom my commentary* refers to "the greatest evangelistic prophet ever known to God’s people begins an active ministry which will last some 40 years".  My commentary goes on the write: "Isaiah will do for Judah what Joel, Hosea, and Amos have done for Israel: he will tell the people about God’s judgment against religious formalism, idolatry, oppression, immorality, and pride, and also warn them of the captivity they are about to face. Throughout his prophecies Isaiah repeatedly refers to the final day of the Lord, when all people will face judgment like that being brought against Israel and Judah. The imagery is exciting and visionary. Isaiah also looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and Savior, who will redeem all mankind from their sins. For this reason, much of what Isaiah has to say will be as meaningful to future generations as it is to those who live in Judah at this time. Isaiah’s message begins with a condemnation of Judah’s many sins. He insists that Judah’s sins will bring severe punishment, from which neither Judah’s idols nor its leaders can save the people. He challenges the people to come to their senses before it is too late, and to look forward to the last days, when there will be a spiritual renewal and everlasting peace."

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

This morning Isaiah delivers God's message to Judah regarding God's judgment of Judah's sin, and the focus is on empty worship and faith (Isaiah 1), and the sins of injustice (Isaiah 1 and Isaiah 5), idolatry (Isaiah 2), pride (Isaiah 2), sin of its leaders who led Judah into sin (Isaiah 3), sin of its women (Isaiah 3), greed (Isaiah 5), revelry (Isaiah 5), arrogance (Isaiah 5), rationalization (Isaiah 5), and drunkenness (Isaiah). My reading this morning includes reminders of God's grace - that He disciplines those He loves, we should view discipline as training to become more like Him, and that forgiveness and restoration await should we repent.

See also this great post about the danger of rationalizing sin as this is an important reminder of how we allow sin to creep into our lives slowly and it soon takes over.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is slow to anger, abounding in love, and full of grace and mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  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.  

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. v74-75

Jesus told Peter during the last supper (Matthew 26:34) that Peter would disown Him three times before the rooster crowed and indeed this comes to pass as "no word from God will ever fail" (Luke 1:37).  Yet Jesus restores Peter completely and He does for this all of His children - we don't deserve it but Jesus is full of grace and provides forgiveness and reconciliation back to God.

The greatest gift of all time.  Jesus is the reason for the season...

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is so full of grace for me...even though I am completely undeserving.  Thank You Jesus!  I am unworthy...I worry, etc.  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.

In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree, declares the Lord Almighty.

Zechariah 3

In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree, declares the Lord Almighty. v10

This chapter is a beautiful picture and prophecy of Jesus Christ.  First, sins are taken away (v4).  Then in v8-10 Jesus as described as the branch, the stone, and Savior.  

John 15 also portrays Jesus as The Vine and His believers as the branches. 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:9-17

As the Jews emerge and rebuild the temple following exile, they are restored physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  This restoration is made complete and permanent by Jesus Christ.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You sent Your Son - thank You.  The greatest gift of all time.  I am not worthy of such a gift of mercy and grace.  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 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 days are coming,” declares the Lord....I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.

Amos 9

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord....I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God. v15

God's justice is perfect and it is just (see v4 as God sees all of our sin).  His punishment for Israel is also just as Israel proved unfaithful.  At the same time, Israel's punishment is not destruction nor is it permanent.  God will restore Israel and will rise up a King who will be the King of Kings - Jesus Christ - and His Kingdom will last forever.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who reigns with compassion and perfect justice.  Thank You for Your compassion and for mercy - for loving me even though I am broken and sinful.  I am not worth such compassion and mercy as 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 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.

This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will never again defile my holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings at their death.

Ezekiel 43

This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will never again defile my holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings at their death. v7

Ezekiel has a vision of the temple's restoration in Jerusalem.  The temple is measured and described in the same detail that went into the temple's original construction. The physical restoration of the temple is matched by a spiritual restoration.

As I posted yesterday, we are intended to live in unity with God and the statement from God in v7 demonstrates God's intention to fulfill a promise he made to David.   God wants us to have freedom from the sting of sin and death so He provides a path of reconciliation through Jesus Christ - this is love and God is faithful because this is what He promised.

My Prayer: Jesus, what an awesome God You are that You came to die for us.  I am overwhelmed by Your love. Thank You!  I am not worthy of such love.  I worry.  Please forgive me for my worry 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 church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.