Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me....And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

 Philippians 4:10-23

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me....And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:11-13,19

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 4:10-23 where Paul completes his letter to the church in Philippi by thanking them for their physical and emotional/spiritual support.  Core to Paul's message is his exhortation that we are fully dependent on God to provide for all our needs and He never lets us down.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv13,19: God provides for all our needs, He strengthens and equips us through the Holy Spirit (the same power that raised Jesus from the dead), who never leaves and forsakes us and lives in our hearts.  With and through Him, we are indeed rich beyond measure.  See Romans 8:11, Matthew 6:31-33, and Ephesians 1:18. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv11-12: Paul describes how, through Christ, he is able to be content regardless of the circumstances - whether it be during periods of abundance or during periods of "hunger...[and] need." This same exhortation - that believers be content regardless of the circumstances - is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  Our conditions and circumstances may ebb and flow but God never changes and He is our rock, He provides for all of our needs, and we can put our trust and faith in Him as He is faithful. See also Malachi 3:6, Psalm 119:89, Matthew 24:35, and 2 Corinthians 1:20. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid lacking faith and trust in Him to provide - do not be anxious.  Claim the promises that regardless of our circumstances, God will provide, He loves us, our salvation is sealed/guaranteed, He never changes, and that He is faithful.  Follow the example of Paul to be content no matter what.  Repent of your sins, and put your faith and trust in Him.   

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for providing for my every need, for never leaving or forsaking me, and for being my rock!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  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.

God is not man, that he should lie,or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

 Numbers 23:13-30

God is not man, that he should lie,or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 23:13-30 -  we see an obstinate Balak who is determined to curse Israel, despite God's will that they be blessed.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God once again makes Himself and His will clear.  He will not curse Israel.  In doing so, He also reveals part of His nature - that He does not lie (He is Truth) and when He makes a promise, He fulfills His promises. God also uses both believers and non-believers such as Balaam - a pagan prophet - and He works through them in both words and deeds to accomplish His will. And once again, we must understand that God's will is not to be thwarted.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: As I posted yesterday, Balak does not like God's word spoken through Balaam so he pushes his will, even though it is contrary to God's will.  See v13 where Balak continues to push Balaam to curse Israel.  Balak is not as wise as Solomon who shared in Proverbs 19:21 "[m]any are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." In vv25-30, Balak, continues to disregard God's will and in chapter 24 (for Saturday) we will God's reaction.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do NOT blatantly and repeatedly disregard God's will.  Claim the promise that God's Truth is eternal, it never changes, and God does not lie - we can rest in His Word and His promises.  Follow the example of Balaam who finally recognizes that He must follow God's will and desires. Understand God's will (Romans 12:2) and pray for obedience and that God make it not burdensome because You love Him and You want to follow His desires because of how good He is. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Your Truth is eternal, You never lie, nor change Your mind, and we can rest in Your Word and promises.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You are faithful.  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.  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.

If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

 Hebrews 11

If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Hebrews 11:15-16a

As I continue to ponder what to study next, my Bible study this morning once again leans on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at saving faith, and what this means.  John Piper uses Hebrews 11, which as much as any other chapter of the Bible gives us examples of this saving faith, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the Israelites that crossed the Red Sea, and Rahab.  Hebrews 11 shares attributes of those have this saving faith, including:

• "died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth" v13
• "seeking a homeland" promised and spoken of in prophecy but not seen v14

Common to all of these attributes is a desire to be with God - to be with Him.  John Piper shares of those seeking this saving faith:  "They had been so gripped by God that nothing short of being with God would satisfy.  So, this is true saving faith: seeing the promises of God from afar, and experiencing a change of values so that you desire and seek after and trust in the promises of God above what the world has to offer."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who lives, never changes, and is always there for me - I can call on You always and I know You listen, respond, and move.  Thank You Jesus - I am not worthy nor deserving of such a God with such mercy.  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.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 3, assisted by the Christ Centered Exposition Series commentary for 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and focus on vv1-8. Per the commentary:

• Main idea: We have been born again to live a new life of good works.
  
• Excerpts from the introduction: Per Millard Erickson (Theology, 955-977), regeneration is 'the other [divine] side of conversion. It is completely God’s doing. It is God’s transformation of individual believers, his giving a new spiritual vitality and direction to their lives when they accept Christ . . . it involves something new, a whole reversal of the person’s natural tendencies.'...."The word [regeneration] itself only occurs twice in the New Testament. One is Matthew 19:28, which refers to the cosmic regeneration in the eschaton. The other is here in the text before us in Titus 3:5.  Paul was vitally interested in both the nature of the new birth and the results of the new birth. He was unalterably convinced that the new birth would be evident in a new life— a new life exploding in good works."
  

Per the commentary, divisions for this text:

1. We Must Be Ready for Good Works (3:1-3): God created and saved us for good works (Ephesians 2:10). "Good works never save, but good works flow from those who are saved."  Paul's call remind to remember commands previously given in Titus 2:11-15.  In Titus 3:4-7, Paul provides seven commands in four categories.  (1) Submit obediently to ruling authorities and obey. See also Matthew 22:21, Romans 13:1, and 1 Peter 2:13-14. "Believers should not be anarchists or rebels. We do not subvert the government or disobey the government unless it brings us into direct conflict with the commands of God (see Acts 5:29)." (2) Serve eagerly (see Galatians 6:10).  (3) Speak gently (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Romans 12:18) (4) Show humility (see Philippians 2:3, 5). We must also constantly be mindful of how God reconciled us to Him purely out of mercy - before we were saved, we were deceived by sin, disobedient, enslaved by sin, 'living in malice'  (Hiebert, 88), living in envy (MacArthur, 149), and we were hateful and destructive.  However, since being saved, we are a new creation - praise God!
2. We Have Been Regenerated for Good Works (3:4-7): God loves and cares for us and He changes us.  "Regeneration consists negatively of removal of filth and positively of a renewing, both brought about by the Holy Spirit. Regeneration washes us, makes us clean through the new birth."  See also Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Ephesians 5:26. God has also come for us (through work of Holy Spirit) and comforts us through justification.  "Having saved us, regenerated us, renewed us, and justified us, He now comforts us with a word about our future. We are “heirs with the hope of eternal life.” This is a reality now, though it is not yet our full possession. There is no question that this inheritance will be received. As a work of our triune God, the Father (v.4-5), the Son (v.6), and the Holy Spirit (v.5), it is a signed, sealed, and settled issue."    
   
3. We Will Be Rewarded for Good Works (3:8): Paul "insists" on his commands and a regenerate believer should bear fruit as demonstrated by good works that are seen as "good and profitable for everyone." 
   

The conclusion of the commentary for the text offers closing thoughts on the text: "Only those who have been regenerated by the power of God, been renewed by the Spirit, been justified by grace, and believed in Jesus and Jesus alone will go to heaven. Yes, we all need a new birth for a new life today and forever. This new life overflows into a life of good works that testify to the goodness of our God and His love for all people in Jesus Christ. This is the power of the gospel. This is the new birth for a new life."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and how saved me and made me a new creation - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a 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 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.

[D]o not grow weary in doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3

[D]o not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Today, I begin week 3 and my focus is an unassisted review of 2 Thessalonians 3. Here, Paul turns from the topic of end times in chapter 2 to primarily a warning against idleness in chapter 3. Before Paul discusses idleness, he asks for prayer as he continues to press on sharing the gospel.  He asks for prayer first and foremost that "the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored" (v1). He then asks for prayer about protection from "wicked and evil men" (v2).  Paul then pivots from asking for prayer to encouragement for the Thessalonians - the church is thriving but still under attack.  Paul shares how God protects against evil (v3).  His encouragement continues as he shares that he has confidence in the Thessalonian church, that "[they were] doing...the things that [God] command[s]" (v4). In v5, Paul reminds the church to reflect on the abounding love of God and "the steadfastness of Christ," as knowing that God never changes, is faithful (see also v3), and He will never leave or forsake believers allows believers to endure difficulties and attacks from the wicked and evil.  Starting in v6, Paul describes his warning against idleness amongst believers, with commands to:

• "keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us" v6
• imitate Paul and the other disciples in how they "did [not] eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor...worked night and day, that [they] might not be a burden" vv7-8
• "do their work quietly and to earn their own living" v12 
• "do not grow weary in doing good" v13 
• "do not regard [an idle believer] as an enemy, but warn him as a brother" v15

Paul concludes with a benediction.

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 for me - You are faithful and never leave or forsaking me, protecting me from harm by arming me in my daily battle against sin and the dark forces of this world.  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 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 to me today and every day.

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM."

Exodus 3

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." Exodus 3:14

I pause this morning from my studies of Proverbs and Isaiah to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional - which today focuses on believers' "unspeakable privilege of knowing Yahweh as our Father - I AM WHO I AM[.] The words from God in Exodus are pulled from God's conversation with Moses where God is speaking to Moses in the burning bush and telling Moses to go rescue the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Moses, feeling quite uneasy and reticent about such a task, asks God what is he to say when those in Egypt ask who sent him. The devotion refers us also to John 8:56-58 and Psalm 9:10 for us to see how Jesus, when responding to the Jews who were questioning Him, refers to Abraham when He tells the Jews “[t]ruly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." In making this connection, Piper wants us to see that we have the "unspeakable privilege" of knowing - in Jesus - the One True God:

• who exists
• whose personality and power is owing solely to himself
• who never changes
• from whom all power and energy in the universe flows
• and to whom all creation should conform its life.
  

We are urged to not only see how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, and to trust in Him.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are an amazing God - the One True God who created all things, is in all things, is before all things, and who holds all things - including my life - together.  You saved me while I was hostile to You, an enemy - thank You Jesus!  I am of course not deserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings that You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it is daily.  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. 

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts....Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Leviticus 10

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts....Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:6, 8-10

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing with chapter ten - Our Response to God's Holiness - covering Leviticus 10:1-20, looking specifically at the theme - God's People Affirm God as the Powerful Ruler.  Here, the commentary focuses on how God reigns over all aspects of not just our lives, but over all aspects of what is happening in the universe. The commentary looks at Nadab and Abihu's "unauthorized" worship and emphasizes how regardless of any human efforts to assert control or rule over God, He "overrules." We are to see this as good news, something that provides believers peace.  We are referred to Psalm 46:6, 8-10 where the psalmist (of the sons of Korah) exhorts us to be at peace knowing that God is in control.  An additional scriptural reference that describes the extent of God's reign:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:15-20

A memorable Bible moment is when Pharoah lets the Israelites leave Egypt, but he then changes his mind, pursuing the Israelites into the wilderness.  The Egyptian army pins the Israelites against the shores of the Red Sea, but Moses urges the people to be still and to trust in God:

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:13-14

God understands the chaos that exists in our lives - yet we can take comfort that He is in control and He reigns.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who reigns over all aspects of my life - and You provide, protect, encourage, heal, etc.  You are my All in All!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You do of all this.  I worry, and I struggle.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands.

 Romans 16

Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.”  So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands. 1 Chronicles 12:18

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I moved to chapter twenty Christian Friendship, which covers Romans 16.  My focus today is once again v16:1-16, which my commentary covers from another perspective and refers to these verses under the heading How Christian Friendship Is Established. My commentary from today echoes my post from yesterday where I shared how a shared passion for Christ is the strongest bond one can have one another - it is how Christian friendship is established. The commentary states: "[b]ecause Spirit-filled Christians share a common salvation and a shared passion for Christ and his kingdom, people who may have otherwise never spent time together can become great friends.  They can share life together on mission, even though they may come from radically different backgrounds....Jesus, the friend of sinners, creates remarkable spiritual friendships.  The gospel not only changes one's personal identity; it also establishes a new community."

For men, I am reminded how David had his mighty men (see post here) during a time of trial when he was on the run from Saul, who was seeking to kill him.  

Our brothers in Christ serve many roles as I posted yesterday, but today I highlight how they come to our side during a time of need. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has provided me with amazing brothers and sisters in Christ, and in particular, might men, who come to my side during times of need.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  I am often selfish and too often think of myself. 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.

[Josiah] read in [the people's] hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord. The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.

2 Kings 22-23 and 2 Chronicles 34-35

[Josiah] read in [the people's] hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord. The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant. 2 Kings 23:2-32, Chronicles 34:30-32

Day 213 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Jeremiah. My commentary* pauses on a reading of the book of Jeremiah, and discusses the impact of Jeremiah on the young King Josiah, his kingdom in Judah, and even on the remnant of Israel that participated in Judah's spiritual revival under Josiah.  My commentary indicates that despite Jeremiah's challenges with Judah in terms of hearing God's message to repent, "[f]or now, however, the scene changes to a nation on the brink of a thorough, if brief, spiritual revival. Perhaps Jeremiah’s preaching has been more effective than he realizes. (When one plants the seed, he never knows when it will bear fruit.)"

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

Josiah leads the people to repair the temple, and during the repairs, the Book of the Law (given from God to Moses) was found. It is read to Josiah and ultimately to all the people.  What follows of course is what we expect when we encounter God - we must understand that God's word IS God (see John 1) and when we encounter God and develop a personal relationship with Him, transformation occurs...and in the case of Judah (which extends to Samaria or to the northern kingdom) we see spiritual revival.

The most important commandment (see Exodus 20 and Matthew 22) is to love God.  We grow in our love of God by getting to know Him and we do so by spending time with Him in daily study/prayer. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has surrendered His life on earth for me - thank You Jesus - salvation is the greatest gift of all time. 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 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.

If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell....

Mark 9

If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.  And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell....v43-47

The world is full of evil influences designed to distract us from our focus on Jesus and the eternal.

We must grow our desire of Him through daily study of His Word.  We should also have fellowship with other believers.  

Both of these spiritual disciplines serve to help us be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) as God changes our heart to keep our earthly desires in check.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has transformed my heart and mind, and helped keep my earthly desires in check - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessings - I worry and I daily miss the mark.  Help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  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.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Matthew 24

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. v35

As part of a broader warning about the end of times and false prophets, Jesus warns us of the temporal nature of the things of this world.  Jesus even warns us that some of us will "turn away from the faith and hate [other believers]" (v10).   He also encourages us that if we "stand firm to the end" we will be saved (v13).  

In a world that swirls with chaos, suffering, sin, etc., we must trust and have faith in a God that never changes as He is our rock and firm foundation.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and love NEVER changes - I can trust in You as my rock and firm foundation.  I love You.  Yet I am undeserving of Your love.  I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.

Proverbs 27

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. v9

This morning the key theme, is to seek wisdom from God alone.  In my view, inability to be "coachable" is either a sign that you lack confidence or that you are arrogant. I see it in my own son how he demonstrates a willingness to learn but often lacks the confidence that he will be able to.  Alternatively, I see in other people (and in myself from time to time) arrogance - which is resistance to instruction and wisdom when we feel we don't need it.  Of course, hogwash on this last item as we all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  

God gives us confidence because we KNOW he loves us despite who we are.  He will meet us exactly where we are...in love.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God also wants us to be humble - we all must acknowledge our need for God and not be proud.

My Prayer; Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me exactly where I am - broken and all.  Thank You Jesus for being my firm foundation who never leaves me nor forsakes me and who never changes.  You will always love me!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God.  I am impatient with others and harsh with my thoughts and actions.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength and wisdom.  Give Lisa strength and wisdom.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me lead and serve my family and serve You and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Psalm 119

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. v160

In world where standards - moral, ethical, educational, etc. - keep shifting or eroding,  God stands alone as the source of truth that never changes.  He is eternal and everything about Him is eternal, including His character and His attributes.

Luke 1:37 says: "For no word from God will ever fail".

Earlier in this Psalm it says: 
 

Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. v90

 

James 1:17 says God "does not change like shifting shadows."

 

While our circumstances constantly change, a strong faith and trust in God will prevent us from being shaken.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

 

Of course, when we better understand God and become more like Him (Romans 12:2), our ability to stand firm in our faith SHOULD grow.  

 

See also biblical references to "not shaken". 

 

My Prayer: Lord, You are truth and light in world of darkness...without You I would be lost.  Thank You for being my light, my God, my Lord and Savior.  I am not worth Your love because I continue to worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength. Please heal her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo. Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.

Psalm 102

In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. v25-26

God has an infinite number of attributes that make Him great - words cannot describe the greatness of God - words are simply insufficient.  We must not question nor challenge the greatness of God.  Today one of the attributes of God's greatness is that He never changes - He existed before time and He will exist after the end of times.  He is permanent.  His loves for us never fails nor do His words (Luke 1:37).  He always keeps His promises.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

My Prayer: Lord, I know You are great.  You have poured out Your greatness through Your son, and through Your Word, and through the Holy Spirit.  I know You are with me all of my days.  I know You love me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such efforts - yet You pursue me and keep me, having adopted me and sealed me.  I am marked for redemption.  Thank You Jesus!  I am weak, easily distracted by the patterns of this world. Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.

Lamentations 5

You, Lord, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation. v19

While the world around is continues to evolve and we see our own circumstances change - the one thing we can be sure of Lord Jesus, our God who never changes.  He is a rock.  We can trust in Him, His word, and His love of us.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the one constant not only in my life but in all lives.  Your love for me is boundless and it is forever.  How awesome and how awesome You are!  Thank You Jesus for Your love for me as I am weak and lazy.  Forgive me for this and help me have a greater love for You and strength to be Your servant.  Help me love You with all of my heart, mind, and soul...as You command me to.