[H]e will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Mark 13:24-37

[H]e will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. Mark 13:27

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 13:24-37, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: God knows all things - the beginning and the end.  Here, He knows what is to happen during the end times and when.  He knows that their will be tribulation and how long it will last.  He is coming again and to take His people - His elect (v27) to Heaven where He is saving a place.  He cares for His people.  He wants us to be prepared and to know the signs of when He returns so that we are prepared.  We must remember His words and His Kingdom as unlike things of this world He and His Word are eternal (vv30-31).  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: People either have no faith or have weak or little faith and are prone to fall away - Jesus does not want any to fall away so He provides many warnings and signs of things to come so that we are ready.  There will be many who are prone to fall away and not be prepared for His return - so we are to follow Jude's words Jude 22-23 where He seeks for us "to have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God's Kingdom and Words last forever and He will return to bring us to Heaven where it will be glorious!  In the meantime, we must be ready and prepared and to tell others to prepare and be ready so that they also will be saved.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.   Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.

So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea.

Mark 5:1-20

So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the pigs; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the sea. Mark  5:13

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 5:1-20, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary - which offers three divisions for this text. Excerpts from the commentary's second (of three) division (vv6-13): 

• The commentary's title for this division is "Jesus Conquers the Destructive."
• Emphasizing vv6-7, the commentary describes how the demonic man threw himself at Jesus's feet, "not [as] an act of worship, but an acknowledgement of authority."  
• "[The demons] knowledge of Jesus’ identity is superior to the disciples’ knowledge, at least at this point in their journey. The demon’s confession in 5:7 answers the disciples’ question in 4:41. The demoniac knows who Jesus is, and he knows his existence is at stake. His time has run out."
• "[The demonic man's] only hope was in a Liberator whose power and authority were greater than what now possessed him. That Liberator was Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
•  "In a microcosm of the battle between good and evil, Jesus gives a preview of the fate of Satan and his demons. The demons, through the voice of the man, keep begging Jesus not to send them out of the region. The tormentor is now the tormented as he contemplates his destiny." See also Luke 8:31 for more details on this account.  They begged and bargained with Jesus - see v12.
• As the man was cutting himself with stones, the commentary insists that Satan was so tormenting this man that he was driving the man to suicide. The commentary points to William Lane who shares that "[f]irst, Jesus recognized the time of the ultimate vanquishment of the demons had not yet come; his encounter and triumph over the demonic does not yet put an end to Satan’s power. It is the pledge and the symbol of that definitive triumph, but the time when that triumph will be fully realized is yet deferred. It must await the appointment of God. Therefore, Jesus allows the demons to continue their destructive work, but not upon a man. The second element is related to this: Jesus allowed the demons to enter the swine to indicate beyond question that their real purpose was the total destruction of their host."
• "The event demonstrates that God cares more for man, whom He created in His image and recreates in salvation, than He does for animals that do not bear His image."  

Jesus has total dominion and authority over everything in the universe, including Satan and evil.  Believers know and can take great comfort in knowing that Jesus has already defeated death and victory over Satan is assured - see also Revelation 20.  We also know that Jesus seeks to save as many as He can and tell us to "have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire" (Jude 22-23). The demon-possessed man was desperate for help but not beyond salvation.  If you feel beyond help, be encouraged!

Comment and discuss this post.

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

The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him.

Mark 3:1-6

The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. Mark 3:6

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:6, which is the text for the third (of three) division per the commentary.  Excerpts from the commentary for the third division:

• "The Herodians show up here for the first time. They do not appear to be a distinct group or political party like the Pharisees and Sadducees. Instead they appear to be wealthy and influential supporters of the Herods and their dynastic rule. There are only three passing references to this group in the New Testament (see Mark 12:13; Matthew 22:16), and they appear each time in a surprising alliance with the Pharisees."
• The commentary shares a subtitle "The Enemy We Fear Most We Will Seek to Destroy."

For believers, we know that Satan is real, and that he exists to distract people from the saving power and eternal hope of Jesus.  1 Peter 5:8-9 is a vivid warning of Satan as a roaring lion seeking to devour.  The Prince of this Age - Satan - seeks to drag others into Hell where he will be for eternity after the end of times - see Revelation 20:10.  That is why Jude 22-23 seeks for us to "have mercy on those who doubt, saving them by snatching them from the fire."  We know that Jesus has already won the victory over sin and death so we can have peace - resting in our salvation. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, what an amazing God You are that You loved me while still an enemy and hostile to You and You saved me!  Thank You Jesus!  You defeated sin and death so that I could have life - now as a new creation and for eternity!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such 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.  

“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 an unassisted review of 4:5-6.  Here, as the book of book of Malachi closes, God delivers a message to Israel that during end times (before the third woe) God will send Elijah and he will bring peace to families.  Keeping in mind the text is not clear to me in terms of God's specific message and application, the words offered are nonetheless encouraging.  First, they are encouraging for those families who struggle with tension between parents and children - I am one of those parents (who isn't?) who experience this tension.  Beyond the implied peace - the outcome of this peace is not clear.  Revelation 11 shares how, during end times, there are two witnesses that share testimony and prophecy, are attacked and killed, but then rise again to Heaven.  A cursory Internet search reveals that Moses and Elijah are these two witnesses, yet I am going to wait until tomorrow for details on what my commentary shares.  The hope is that God uses the two witnesses to offer testimony and opportunities for those who have not already been saved to be saved during end times.  My mind goes to Jude 22-23 where we are commanded to "have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire."  Eternal damnation (Hell) sounds like an awful, awful place and believers are no more deserving than anyone else for their salvation.  We should, given an opportunity, offer grace to everyone and share the gospel hoping that a seed planted will be germinated by God such that others are saved. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy for me - giving me salvation. I know I am not deserving.  Thank You for my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...harshness towards others and harsh talk.  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 [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security.

Zechariah 14:10-21

And [Jerusalem] shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction.Jerusalem shall dwell in security. Zechariah 14:11

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is an unassisted review of Zechariah 14:10-21, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21).  Here, as the text continues to unfold a scene from end times, as the text describes both how God protects those who believe and turn to Him and how God pours out His wrath on those who do not worship Him.  V11 provides encouragement to God's faithful as God promises that Jerusalem will never again face destruction and the city will "dwell in security."  V12 then describes how those of the other nations waging war against Jerusalem will suffer in agony as their flesh, eyes, and tongues rot.  V13 shares how those who suffer this wrath will experience great panic. V14 then moves to describe how God will plunder all the surrounding nations of their wealth. V15 then shares how even the animals of these nations will suffer a plague. V16 pivots to those of all the nations who have survived God's wrath (presumably because they call on His name as faithful) - this remnant will "go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths."  Vv17-19 then shares how those who do not worship the Lord will experience no rain, a plague, and punishment. Vv20-21 conclude the text for this division, and for the book of Zechariah by sharing how bells of the horses shall have inscriptions that read "Holy to the Lord," and how pots used in the temple will be "holy to the Lord of hosts," perhaps suggesting a return to the sanctity of temple rituals and temple tools that might at the time of Zechariah been used for unholy purposes.  While certain aspects of the text are less clear, we should be clear that end times will bring judgement and accountability for all, believers and non-believers alike.  Those who have rejected God will suffer eternally.  We should be motivated to encourage others to avoid this fate - to save them.  See also Jude 22-23.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for the prophecies You provide of end times and how this gives me comfort that You save and are saving a place for me.  Help me Father God be merciful to those who doubt and share the Good News with them persistently.  I am not deserving of how good You are to me Father God.  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 words for me today and every day.

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

Zechariah 12:10-13, 13:1

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

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 12:10-13:1, which the commentary outlines as the third of three divisions for the text 12:1-13:1 (12:1, 12:2-9, 12:10-13:1).  Here, once again, the commentary clarifies how the text is a depiction of Christ at the Battle of Armageddon, foreshadowing Christ's second coming during the final days. It also shares how "Israel looks at Christ, [and] the people will realize something that had previously eluded them: their guilt in rejecting Him and their need for His forgiveness. Suddenly, the hearts of God’s people that have been hardened against Jesus, not just for decades, but for centuries and even millennia, will be softened. The rest of verse 10 as well as verse 11 describe the mourning and grief the nation will experience as they look upon Christ. The mourning is compared to that over the death of an only child or a firstborn."  Any reading that depicts prophecy of the second coming of Jesus Christ reminds me of my need to be ready since we don't know the day or hour of Christ's return (see Matthew 24:36) - we must be ready (see Matthew 24:44).  Being ready implies living our days like they are our last (see Psalm 90:12) - not letting up in our race towards Heaven (see Hebrews 12:1).  Such urgency also implies how we are to "snatch others from the fire" (see Jude 23).

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 mercy that never ceases.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  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 great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there.

Zephaniah 1:14-17

The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. Zephaniah 1:14

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is an unassisted review of the fifth division per my commentary: vv14-17.  Here Zephaniah, continues to warn all those in Jerusalem, and in particular those in Judah who have pursued foreign gods (vv4-5, 8-9), not inquired of the One True God (v6), and have become complacent or neutral about God (v12).  Zephaniah warns them about God's coming judgement and how this judgement or God's wrath will be soon and it will be terrifying.  This is a terrible thing to happen to anyone - hence Jude writes how believers should have mercy on those who doubt (Jude 1:22) by sharing the gospel with them with the hope that they can repent, believe and be saved.  Matthew 24 provides Jesus' warning about judgement day and exhorts believers to be ready.  We should not procrastinate in our faith.

Comment and discuss this post.

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

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Jude

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 22-23

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a review of Jude 17-23, with a focus on a commentary-assisted review of the third division per the commentary - vv22-23 - Rescue the Wandering Who Are Lost.  The commentary for this division opens by describing how Americans have "commitment" issues to what scripture asks of us, including daily Bible study and prayer and sharing the gospel with others.  It then challenges us by stating that "[i]f we do not care if people are saved, we might also well consider whether we are saved."  Three types of people are described by Jude where we are called to show mercy and share the gospel: (1) those who doubt, including those who "waver, or struggle with the truth of the gospel and Holy Scripture because of the influence of false teaching. Such persons should not be rejected or ignored, ridiculed or harassed. With compassion and conviction, kindness and firmness, mercy and concern, we encourage them in the truth, patiently pointing them to Jesus and his all-sufficiency;" (2) those in danger, including those that are "situation, so close are they to the fires of hell and eternal condemnation....Sounding the alarm, Jude calls for quick and decisive action. It is almost too late; they are almost too far gone. However, there is still time to rescue them, but we must act now.  There is urgency in Jude’s voice. There is a heightened concern in his heart. I suspect there is a tear in his eye;" and (3) "This third group is in the most desperate condition of all. Having bought into the lies of false teaching, their lives are now corrupted as well. Both in how they think and how they live, they are corrupt, defiled, and depraved. They are a danger to themselves, but they are also a danger to others....Love them, show mercy, but don’t get too close, for even their clothes can defile you if you are not careful. They are carriers of a spiritual disease; sin has broken out all over them. We may still be able to reach them and rescue them, but we cannot get too close, nor can we become like them."  Show mercy!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good how You made me one of Your elect, Your children, thank You for Your amazing grace and mercy - for my salvation.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Jude

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 22-23

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a review of Jude 17-23, with a focus on an unassisted review of the third division per the commentary - vv22-23.  In light of Jude's previous words that warn us of false teachers, and how in v20-21 (see post here and here) where we are encouraged to grow in the scriptures, pray in the spirit, and wait for the Savior, Jude turns to believers to show mercy, first to those who doubt and even to others, such as those who sin and reject God.  I have people in my life that doubt and indeed and I pray for their faith and salvation and I seek to demonstrate mercy for them such that my example of mercy plus my witness to them can play a role in Jesus making them one of His elect.  For those "others" that include those who reject Jesus, God wants us to show mercy to these people as well. Love of God is the most important commandment followed by love of others and no where in the Bible are there qualifiers to say don't love when a person does this or that.  We should always love...even when someone persecutes you.  This is difficult indeed.  We should hate and abhor sin generally and how it enslaves and for some condemns them (when they reject God)...but most of all we should love and it is through this love that mercy appears. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO good...and You are SO good to me....demonstrating both mercy and grace to me...and I am clearly undeserving...my own 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.   

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

Luke 6

But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Luke 6:27-28

I continue my study looking at the life of Paul using John Piper's 30 Reasons Why I Love the Apostle Paul.  Today, I move to chapter four- Unwavering Love for Those Who Scourged Him. Here, John Piper describes the horrific nature of the beatings he was subjected to by the Jews (as he started evangelizing towards them) as shared by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:24. He also shares the historical context of how these beatings were meted out per the Old Testament not as a death penalty but as the maximum extent to which the law allowed for punishment (Deuteronomy 25:2-3). We are encouraged by Piper to imagine the sense of not just the physical agony experienced by Paul, but also to imagine if in Paul's place "a sense of what you might feel toward God and your adversaries, the Jewish people*." Piper describes as amazing that Paul never feels anger towards or curses God, nor does he towards the Jews.  Paul is simply fulfilling his mission given him to preach first to the Jews then the Gentiles (Romans 1:16).  Piper then goes on to describe Paul's love for his kinsmen fellow Jews as chronicled in Romans 9:2-3, 10:1.  Piper wraps the chapter by pointing out how we are carry Jesus's death in our body so that we also manifest his life in our body (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). Paul epitomized Jesus's words from Luke 6:27-28.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are good and You suffered for me - this is love.  I must suffer for others so that in me others see You.  Help me Lord Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are so full of grace for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion - 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 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).

Comment and discuss this post.

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.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Isaiah 14

But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.  And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:20-23

I came back to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  Today, I focused on Isaiah 14, where we focus on Sheol and its discussion in Isaiah and throughout scripture. In Isaiah 14, we see Sheol (or the realm of the dead) and death coming to meet the Babylonian king, as well as the other godless kings from surrounding lands (v9-10).  We also see how the power of those brought to meet Sheol is brought down or humbled to Sheol's level (v11, 15).  In Isaiah 5:14, we read about death as having an "enlarged...appetite," insatiable in its desire to tempt and entice people into a life of sin and eternal damnation (see also 1 Peter 5:8). In Isaiah 28, we see Jewish leaders in a covenant with death and Sheol - unable to see Jesus as the promised Messiah from Old Testament scripture. Additional scriptural examples from my study point to Luke 16:19-31, and other examples to show how Sheol is not only a place that is reserved for those who refuse Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but also a place of eternal torment where one can only enter but never leave. Believers should not only be thankful for eternal life, but also "snatching [others] from the fire (Jude 1:23)."  Believers are also called to persevere in this life, to endure through suffering, etc. as the joy of this life is simply a foretaste of our true home in Heaven where we experience perfect unity and harmony with God.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God who promises both life to the full now and for eternity - thank You Jesus for Your salvation.  I am grateful...but of course undeserving.  My sins continue...many, including anger, impatience, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sins 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 I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and say to this people[.]

Isaiah 6

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and say to this people[.] Isaiah 6:8-9

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  On day 12 of my study, I start an examination of Isaiah 6:8-9. Today, the study asks us to review the similarities from Isaiah 6 to other portraits of God in Heaven during the end times to accounts from Revelation 4 and Ezekiel 1-3. All accounts of end times include at least one common theme - we are to be clear that God reigns over the entire universe, all of its inhabitants, and for all times - before time began and after time ends - eternity.  He is all-knowing and all powerful.  The visions from Isaiah, Revelation, and Ezekiel are all awe-inspiring, and we are to be moved into action to warn others that they must acknowledge Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior.  We must all then be willing servants in the Great Commission (Matthew 28) to "[g]o therefore and make disciples of all nations" - proclaiming the Good News. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who called me to You to be one of Your elect - thank You Jesus!  You also used others as instruments in Your plan to call me not just to You but closer to You so that I could molded into more of Your image and glorify and serve You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin continues - 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.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Psalm 96

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! Psalm 96:1-3

This morning, I continued with John Piper's book Holy Ambition.  My focus today is on chapter eleven Music and Missions for the Glory of God, pages 158-168. Here Piper wants us to join the author of Psalm 96 in "extolling and glorifying God as sovereign Creator, Savior, and Judge. For the Psalms ultimately take us to the ends of the earth, with a song on our lips, until the day our Savior returns and receives his kingship among all nations." Piper wants us also to see how Psalm 96 demonstrates the objective of missions by declaring God's glory to the nations, summoning them to join believers, and to warn the nations of judgement that awaits those who don't surrender their life to Jesus. Piper points to how Paul uses Romans 15:9-12 where Paul thoroughly references the Old Testament to show how all of scripture points us to the Great Commission and to be an encouragement for both senders and goers.  

Comment and discuss this post here. 

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

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

Romans 9

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:22-23

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter thirteen God's Word Has Not Failed, which covers Romans 9:1-29.  My focus today is Romans 9:1-5, which my commentary refers to under the heading Setting the State for the Argument: The Tragedy of Israel. Just as Paul shares the great encouragements from Romans 8 (see post yesterday and previous posts), he pivots to sadness as he explores how many of his fellow Jews failed to see Jesus as the promised Messiah.  Paul has "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" (v2) and even goes as far to say that he wishes to be "cut off from Christ for the sake of his brothers" (v3). All of the riches associated with Christ "belong" to them, including "adoption" by God, the covenants given to Abraham and David, the law, the "worship", and the "promises" (v4). From them came the great patriarchs, not only Abraham and David, but Moses, Joshua, and Christ who descended from Judah and His genealogy is carefully documented by Matthew (v5).

My commentary points to how Romans chapter 9-11 reflect a pause in Paul's letter as he moves from hope and the great news of the gospel to the "relationship between Jew and Gentile", God's sovereignty vs human responsibility, and we are encouraged to see these chapters are integral and challenging and should be read as a unit.  The commentary indicates that the big question posed in Romans 9-11 is "[h]as God's word failed?" Paul wrestles with this question as he explores how God's promises to Israel failed to be fully fulfilled in the faith of the Jews as the Gospel became known to them through Jesus. 

My study this morning reflects the start of a multi-day journey to unpack Paul's struggle as he writes Romans 9-11.  

With respect to Romans 9:1-5, the commentary wants to understand the depths of Paul's anguish as v4-5 describe incredible "privileges" available to Israel. V1-5 "set the stage" for the remainder of the chapter as well as chapters 10-11.  For today, we can share in Paul's anguish because while the entirety of humanity has not descended from Israel, we can grieve over unbelief and the resulting condemnation that results.  For ourselves we should find the encouragement we need with fellow believers and BE the encouragement for unbelievers. John Piper's post references Hebrews 3:12-14 and 10:19-25 as key scriptural bases for believers to surround themselves with other believers for encouragement.  Again we are to also "snatch" unbelievers from the fire as well (James 5:19, Jude 23). 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and I am grateful for the many believers You have placed in my life to spur me on in my faith - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of this blessing and for the many other blessings You pour out for me.  My sin of worry and anger, as well as other sins, continue. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

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

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

Day 354 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 I read Jude. My commentary notes: "Jude is trying to combat a widely believed philosophy which denies that the sins of the flesh can affect the soul—a philosophy which, naturally enough, has led to flagrant immorality. In order to stress the potentially dangerous consequences of such teaching, Jude uses both Old Testament and extra-biblical writings (the book of Enoch) to remind his readers of God’s judgment upon the ungodly."

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

I have previously posted on Jude, John MacArthur* provides additional commentary on those deserving of mercy here: "[t]here are several textual variants here which could result in either two or three groups being indicated. They are: (1) sincere doubters who deserve compassion (v. 22); (2) those who are deeper in unbelief and urgently need to be pulled from the fire (v. 23); and (3) those declared disciples of apostasy who still deserve mercy, but are to be handled with much fear (v. 23; included in better manuscripts), lest the would-be-rescuer also be spiritually sullied. Given the manuscripts evidence and Jude’s pattern of writing in triads, three groups is the more likely scenario."

"These victims of the apostate teachers need mercy and patience because they have not yet reached a firm conclusion about Christ and eternal life, and so remain doubters who could possibly be swayed to the truth. 23 others save. Others, who are committed to the errors taught by the apostates, need immediate and forthright attention before they are further entrenched on the road to the fire of hell (cf. v. 7) as a result of embracing deceptive lies. with fear. This third group also needs mercy, even though they are thoroughly polluted by apostate teaching. These people are to be given the true gospel, but with great fear, lest the deliverer be contaminated also. The defiled garment pictures the apostate’s debauched life, which can spread its contagion to the well-meaning evangel."

*MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

MacArthur's insights this morning provide great help in emphasizing how we are to not hold back mercy, even for those whom we might otherwise believe are beyond the point of no return with regards to apostasy.  Jude does also emphasize how we are to exercise caution here but we are nonetheless to be generous with our mercy.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is MORE than generous with Your mercy for me - thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving for how You distribute mercy - I worry, lack patience, etc. and I have 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.

“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.

“So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate you. You will suffer the penalty for your lewdness and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.”

Ezekiel 23, 2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chronicles 36, Jeremiah 39 and 52 

“So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate you. You will suffer the penalty for your lewdness and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 23:48-49

Day 230 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 Ezekiel. My commentary* this morning describes what has long been prophesied by Ezekiel and many other prophets regarding the sin of both Judah and Israel.  God gives Ezekiel a message to deliver to both Judah and Israel that my commentary* describes as "probably no more graphic an indictment...in all of Scripture.  Modern readers are almost offended by the candid exposure of two promiscuous sisters, representing Israel and Judah. One gets at least some idea of the degree to which God himself is offended by his people’s infidelity."  My commentary* goes on to describe how "God feels deeply the shame and disgrace that his “bride” has brought him. Her disrespect for his spiritual leadership, her chasing after material satisfaction, and her many adulteries with lesser gods have left him no choice. Israel must be put away until she repents. The time has come. Even now it [siege of Jerusalem] begins."

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

Yes...God is slow to anger and abounding in love, but God's patience is not unlimited (see also RC Sproul on this).  That is why believers are commanded to snatch others from the fire as this "the fire" will be the destination for those who do not accept Jesus - either when they die or when Jesus returns (whichever comes first). 

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 You have snatched me from the fire - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  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, 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 Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy.

2 Kings 24, 2 Chronicles 36, Jeremiah 22, and Daniel 1, Jeremiah 37, 52

 The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place. But they mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets until the wrath of the Lord was aroused against his people and there was no remedy. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16

Day 220 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* describes "The Great Deportation", indicating that "[t]here have been many deportations [to Babylonia] already, and more will follow, but this is to be by far the greatest deportation of them all".

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

After Jehoiakim's death (see post yesterday), his son Jehoiachin succeeds him as king (2 Kings 24, 2 Chronicles 36) and scripture tells us that "he did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father had done".  Jeremiah prophecies that Jehoiachin will be taken captive and "[Nebuchadnezzar] carried all Jerusalem into exile: all the officers and fighting men, and all the skilled workers and artisans—a total of ten thousand. Only the poorest people of the land were left (2 Kings 24:14)." Jehoiachin’s uncle Mattaniah (renamed as Zedekiah) is installed as a puppet king over Judah and he also "did evil in the eyes of the Lord". 

God's patience is not unlimited - yes, He is full of mercy and grace, but we must all act with urgency because we do not the day or hour when Jesus will return or when we will be called Home to Heaven - we must act with urgency (1) for our own salvation, (2) to snatch others from the fire, (3) and to love God and others, etc.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy for me and You gave me the greatest gift of all - salvation.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I often fail to share the Good News of Christ, fail to love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and fail to love others.  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.