[P]ray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:2-6

[P]ray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Colossians 4:3-4

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 4:2-6, as Paul begins to wind down his letter to the church in Colosse. Here, he asks for prayer and urges the church to be a light to others, not wasting any valuable time.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V3: God is in complete control - go back to chapter 1:15-17 - where God holds all things together.  For more on God's sovereignty, see John Piper's book Providence.  In light of God's sovereignty, it is God alone that opens and closes doors, giving us opportunity to advance the gospel.  V3: The fullness of God contains mysteries that are only completely known upon a believers arrival in Heaven (or upon Jesus' 2nd coming) - see Isaiah 55:8 and this post on the mystery of Christ.  As we hunger and thirst for righteousness and draw near to Him (Matthew 5:6 and Jeremiah 29:13), He promises to fill us and that we will find Him, essentially that He will reveal Himself to us (not fully but progressively until glorification).       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V2: Because God is in complete control and only He knows what is to occur, believers must be watchful (or alert for changing circumstances that need to be addressed via prayer or otherwise accounted for).  At the same time, we know that God is at work hearing and responding to our prayers and He is SO good - as a result we should be thankful in our prayers, assuming a posture of gratitude (in all circumstances - see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). V3: Paul wants believers to understand how difficult circumstances are used by God to advance the gospel - he goes as far to effectively say, please use my difficult circumstances to advance the gospel....and v4 to make the gospel presentation clear giving him the words to say. V5: Believers are to "walk in wisdom" to the outside world, "making the best use of time."  My read here is that walking in wisdom - or abiding (saturating self in) in God's Word IS the best use of time.  Spending time with God in study of His Word and prayer are two of the best uses of your time.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promises that God reveals Himself to those that believe and to us He is progressively revealing the mystery of Christ.  Follow the example of Paul to seek that God use our difficult circumstances to advance the gospel and that we be effective in doing so.  Draw near to God and abide in His Word in study and prayer - daily. Be gracious with your speech. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, and for progressively revealing Yourself to me.  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.

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ[.]

 Philippians 3:1-11

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ[.] Philippians 3:7-8

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 3:1-11 where Paul gives reason for believers to rejoice in the Lord.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv7-8: Christ is valuable - more valuable than anything else we have.  He is the source of our salvation, and as a result we have hope, peace, etc. Everything else in comparison is "rubbish."  V9: Christ is also the source of our righteousness - imputed to us through faith.  This is not of our own doing - we did not earn it.  He freely offered it and softened our heart to see the need to accept it and surrender our life to Him.  V10: Faith in Christ is power as He gives us the same power that resurrected Him from the grave - see also Romans 8:10-11.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All people sin - Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8 - even believers.  Believers - while also sinful - have power over sin and death through Christ and per v2 we must be careful of the sinful influences that exist in the world as these influences serve as a wedge between us and God when we fall prey to the temptations triggered by these influences. V3: Believers today are set apart as God chose us - just as Israel did.  See this John Piper post from DesiringGod.com.  V4: Believers are called to avoid confidence in the flesh but v7 instead in Christ.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to be alert for and to avoid sinful influences that drag us into sin.  Claim the promise that He gives us the same power that raised Him from the dead.  Follow the example of Paul with his humility that he lost everything but gained Christ and put Christ first.  Rejoice in the Lord!   

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation and for the rich mercies You pour out daily for me - incredible!  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.

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

Philippians 1:19-30 

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. Philippians 1:27-28

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Philippians 1:19-30 where Paul shares how he is torn whether to die and go to Heaven to be with Christ, or live and serve others in his ministry.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V19: The Holy Spirit is our helper - see John 14:26 - and seals/guarantees our salvation or deliverance from the sting of sin and death as Christ has already won this battle.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V19 - prayers of others are effective to aid us in our time of need - see also James 5:16b. V20: We exist to glorify God and to bring Him all praise, honor and glory. Vv20-21: We should be courageous and live boldly for Him because whether we live or die, we can never be separated from His love and He is saving a place for us in Heaven. Vv22-26: Knowledge of God, prayers, and the Holy Spirit will renew our mind (see also Romans 12:2) and convict our hearts with His will for our lives as Paul expresses confidence that "[he] know[s] that [he] will remain and continue with [the church of Philippi], for [their] progress and joy in the faith, so that in [him] [they] may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of [his] coming to [them] again."  Vv27-28: Believers are called to be "worthy of the gospel of Christ,"  implying that we must deliver value or bear fruit.  Examples provided by Paul of bearing fruit include church unity and loving God and others (being a light) despite persecution or disagreements inside the church.  Whatever suffering we experience is for His sake so that Christ can be seen in us as we gain His strength in our weakness - see also 2 Corinthians 12:9.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that with suffering God's grace is sufficient and that His power is made perfect in our weakness.  Follow the example of Paul who embraced His imprisonment and suffering to advance the gospel.  Know and trust God to have Him renew your mind to understand His will for your life when torn about what to do as Paul was. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You demonstrating Your power in my weakness and for renewing my mind to better understand Your will for my life.  You are knowledge and wisdom and truth.  Thank You also for the assurance of my salvation, and for the mercies and blessings You pour out for me every day.  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.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:25-32 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 4:25-32 where Paul furthers his expectation the believers live based on the new life they have been given (rebirth/regeneration).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V30: The Holy Spirit seals believers "for the day of redemption" when either Christ returns or we are called Home.  See also Ephesians 1:13.  V32: Christ forgave (and continues to do so - see Lamentations 3:22-23) and because we are created in His image we are to forgive as Jesus did (and does).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv25-29, 31: Specific sin is called out, including falsehoods, anger, theft, corrupting talk, bitterness, wrath, slander, and malice. Conversely, we are encouraged to speak truth, do honest work, share with those in need, build up others with our words, give grace, and to be kind, tenderhearted and to forgive others.  These are fruits of the Spirit, similar to Galatians 5:22-23 - evidence that we have "taken off our hold self."   
• 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 the sins listed in vv25-29 and 31 as these give opportunity to the devil to gain a foothold.  Claim the promise that our salvation is guaranteed and sealed by the Holy Spirit.  Love God and love others - and by doing so, take off the old self and put on the new self.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God guarantees and seals my salvation - thank You Jesus! 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.

...[N]o human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:1-12 

...[N]o human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8

I pause my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon to review text discussed by my Friday AM men's group - James 3:1-12.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V8: God alone can tame the tongue.  Our tongue is driven by our heart and our heart is dark and sinful without God.  Only God can transform our heart and life to align with His thoughts and desires.  He sanctifies (makes us more like Him) us, and cleanses us from the inside out.  See also Psalm 51:10 and Matthew 23:25-26.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V1: Teachers (and other leadership positions within the church) are held to a higher degree of accountability than other church members. These are positions of influence.  V2: Pivots to how all people, including teachers, are apt to sin and stumble and James uses our words and speech as an example - in the text today he uses metaphors (bridle/horse, rudder/ship, fire/forest) of the tongue as being powerful and both positive and negative. V8: This is key because we need to understand that our sin, including our speech cannot be made more pure by human action.  
• 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 using speech and words to hurt.  Claim the promise that God alone transforms hearts and lives from the inside out - surrender to Christ as Lord and Savior.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who has transformed my heart and life to think and act more like You.  I know this is You alone.  Thank You Jesus for such a work that I know continues...and also for my salvation, and the blessings You pour out every day for me.  I know my faith is not of my own doing and I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Matthew 12:18-21 and Isaiah 42 

"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope." Matthew 12:18-21

As I have completed my study of Jonah and have yet identified my next study, this morning I use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which examines how Christ is both the Lion and the Lamb.  

Among His many attributes, God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.  He is all of these things at the same time and much more. In Matthew 12, Christ is described as God's Chosen Servant, and during His ministry, He heals those who followed Him.  In the devotion today, John Piper uses two attributes of Christ - how he is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and how He is the spotless slain lamb of God who lays down His life for all of humanity.  These two attributes are used to depict two seemingly opposite ends of a spectrum - on one hand the lion is ferocious and as an apex predator - no other animal is higher than it on the food chain.  On the other hand, you have the lamb who follows the shepherd and is a portrait of meekness - going and doing as the shepherd leads.  Jesus is both and in the text today, we see an emphasis of His servant-hood and meekness, and how He cares for those in His flock.  All of us at various points in our life are in need of the humble and gentle care described here - we are the bruised reed and the smoldering wick.  We also see others who need this same humble and gentle care.  We are created in His image to be His ambassador during our time here, so believers must allow Him to work in us so that others can see His Light in us and be drawn to Him.        

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

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

Jonah 3 

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

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

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

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God whose mercies never cease and are new every morning - what incredible grace You offer.  Thank You for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out every day for me.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.

Jonah 3 

When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. Jonah 3:10

I continue my study in Jonah to supplement my church's current sermon series in this book.  In the text today, God gives Jonah a second chance to complete his mission to preach to Nineveh, and the city does. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V1: God gives Jonah (and us) second (and third, etc.) chances - He is a God of grace who forgives.  Yet He does not forget our sin - we may still have consequences but we are not slaves to sin nor do we get what we deserve - which is death (Romans 6:23).  He also does not let us off the hook for the mission He gives us - in v2 God gives Jonah the same mission as He did in 1:2.  V10: God responds to the king and the people of Nineveh and how they repented of their sin and believed and He withheld the punishment they deserved - again death.  God is full of grace!
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V3: This time, Jonah did the mission "according to the word of the LORD."  In v5, God's message through Jonah moves the people of Nineveh to believe.  The word and faith even reached the king - vv6-9.  God's Word is for everyone - we are all the same in terms of our sin and need for a Savior.  While the king speculates that God might work to "turn from his fierce anger [so that the people of Nineveh] may not perish," we should not doubt God's sovereignty.  He is in complete control of all Creation, including earthly authorities He places above us.    
• 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 rebellion and when He calls you, say yes to the mission He gives you - do it according to His Word.  Claim the promise of grace that is offered by God and repent and believe and see God work in your life to transform Your heart and life.  Follow the example of Jonah to repent and seek Him.  Serve God and His mission and know that He will never leave or forsake you and will equip you for the mission He gives you.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God whose mercies never cease and are new every morning - what incredible grace You offer.  Thank You for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out every day for me.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:7-25 

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:13-16

I complete my study of Hebrews with a reading of 13:7-25, where we see closing remarks by the author - these remarks include instructions to remember, obey and submit to leaders, to be on guard for false teachings, to seek eternal rewards vs earthly ones, to continually praise God, and to pray.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V8: Jesus Christ and God do not change - see also Malachi 3:6.  He is both eternal and unchanging. V12: Jesus is described as the spotless lamb and final sacrifice through which all of humanity has forgiveness of sin. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv7, 17: God places leaders above us and calls us to submit to their authority and to imitate their faith. These leaders are watching over us and it is of no benefit for us to grumble and complain about them.  V9: There are those who misuse and twist God's Word for their own agenda and benefit (vs that of God) - we need to not just read the Word but understand it - we do so aided by the Holy Spirit, our church, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Vv13-14: Believers are called to sacrifice and "bear the reproach [Jesus] endured," because just as He sought to reign from Heaven, we also seek Heaven as our home. Vv15-16: Instead of the animal sacrifices practiced in the Old Testament, God seeks for us to "continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God" (see also Romans 12:1), through worship of His name and love of others (vs focus on self and our own selfish desires).  V18: We are called to pray for leaders, including the author of Hebrews, such that they "act honorably in all things". 
• 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 falling prey to false teachings and grumbling and complaining about church leadership.  Claim the promise that our home is in Heaven and that God is saving place for us and it will be glorious.  Follow the example of Jesus and offer your body as a living sacrifice - living in such a way (loving Him and others) that brings glory to God and draws others to Him. Do good and share what you have. 

Comment and discuss this post

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

Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:1-6 

Let brotherly love continue. Hebrews 13:1

I move closer to the end of my study of Hebrews, as I start reading chapter 13 - the final chapter of this book.  In the text today - 13:1-6, we see a number of commands related to how we are to love others and treasure God above all.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  God loves everyone and seeks to save as many as possible, because all are fallen and are in need of Savior.  To this end, God wants believers to show hospitality to strangers (vv1-2), to love and serve those who are in prison and mistreated, and to honor the marriage bond by avoiding sexual immorality and adultery - vv3-4.  We must value and treasure God above all, and the text explicitly and specifically seeks for us to avoid the love of money and instead to "be content with what you have" (v5a). Vv5b-6 quotes Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 1:5 and Psalm 118:6 as promises to encourage us to be content as God gives us all that we need, is always with us, and is our refuge and rock.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We are prone to seek our own selfish desires vs loving and serving others.  The hurts and needs in the world around us are staggering - thus God wants us to love Him first then others (2nd most important commandment).  We must put aside and deny ourselves of our selfish desires and go to where the needs are and serve those in need - let brotherly love continue. 
• 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 the love of money (or anything else where you treasure that something above Him).  Claim the promises that God will never leave or forsake you and that the Lord is your helper.  Follow the example of those who love and serve others, including those who go into the prisons and serve those who are mistreated.  Love God, then love others.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who will never leave or forsake me, and You are my helper.  Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Hebrews 12:3-6

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.  And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?  “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12:3-6

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 12:3-6 - the author builds on the previous two verses expanding on the example of Jesus and how He endured to the cross - giving us two ways for us to endure.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus endured all the way to the cross, shedding His blood as He looked past His suffering and death to the eternal establishment of His Kingdom. VV3-4: He is a good example for us as He endured God's wrath for all of humanity's sin on our behalf - therefore our suffering pales in comparison to what Christ endured as He suffered and died for us.  Vv5-6: God disciplines those whom He loves - so we should see our suffering as both training and as love from Him. See also Romans 8:28.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: People often cannot endure difficulties and suffering, but with Christ we can. He is in us and He gives us the same power that raised Him from the dead. See also Romans 8:11 and Ephesians 1:19-20.  If we see Jesus as our example and as someone who is in our hearts and lives, we can endure - reason #1.  We can also endure by seeing suffering as training from God to perfect our faith.  The author of Hebrews uses Proverbs 3:11-12 to remind us how God trains us through suffering and discipline - if we keep this in mind we have reason #2.   
• 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 shrinking back (see Hebrews 10:39) when difficulty arrives. Claim the promise that we God is saving a place for us in Heaven - the New Jerusalem.  Follow the example of Jesus who endured, and gives us the same power that raised Him from the dead.  Focus on Jesus - treasure and love Him more than anything. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who gives me what I need to endure to the end.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You 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.

Christ…will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.

Hebrews 9

Christ…will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:28

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 9  - the author of Hebrews builds on the theme of Jesus is better from previous chapters by describing how Jesus’ sacrifice ended the need for annual ritual washings and sacrifices for atonement of sin.    Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  V14: God saves as He is able to “purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”  V15: Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant of His shed blood, and this new covenant gives believers an eternal inheritance, providing victory over both sin and death. Jesus had to die to give us this inheritance because the inheritance only passes to the children (believers) upon instructions given in the will, and the will of the Father was for the Son to die such that we could receive the inheritance – vv16-17.  The animal blood sacrifices from the Old Testament were needed but only “copies of the heavenly things to be purified” and the death of Jesus represented the heavenly things by offering a better sacrifice (a spotless and final one) – vv18-23.  In contrast to the human high priest an man-made tabernacle, Jesus entered the Most Holy Place - heaven, through His final and perfect sacrifice – vv24-25.  With Jesus, it was no longer necessary for the human high priest to offer annual animal sacrifices – v26. Christ “will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him” – v28.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv8-9: The acts of man to save himself are empty as “gifts and sacrifices [that] are offered…cannot perfect the conscience of the worship.”  The tent erected by man during the Old Testament is also lesser than the temple of Jesus’ body – vv11-12.  We need a savior.  
• 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 trying to save yourself as there is nothing you can do to achieve salvation.  Claim the promise that the victory over sin and death is assured as an inheritance for believers and that at the end of times He will save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.  Follow the example of Christ who submitted to the will of the Father to receive the rich inheritance of Christ.  Confess your sin and surrender to Christ as Lord and Savior.  

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

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.

Hebrews 8:1-13

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. Jeremiah 31:34b, Hebrews 8:12

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 8:1-13  - the author of Hebrews builds on Hebrews 7 - where the text discusses why Jesus is a better high priest - by describing how the new covenant through Christ's blood is a better covenant (than the first covenant).  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-2: Jesus is seated at the right hand of God in Heaven in a tabernacle not built by human hands.  V3: The sacrifice that Jesus offers is superior to those offered in the first covenant - it is perfect and final - and the those offered with the first covenant were only "a copy and shadow" of the things to come.  As such Jesus fulfilled prophecy.  Vv5-6: This new covenant is better because it "was enacted on better promises." Vv7-9: The first covenant required obedience to the law and God knew the people could not keep this covenant so He had already planned to send His Son and provide for the second covenant.  Vv10-13: With this new covenant, Jesus lives in our hearts and "all [believers] shall know" God as they have a personal relationship with Him.  This new covenant offers forgiveness in sins in a way that the first covenant could not because it required ongoing sacrifices.  With Jesus, the first covenant becomes obsolete and points to the end of times where heaven and earth are replaced with the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21).  VV8-12 quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We are all born prone to sin and everyone needs a Savior - Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid claiming your are without sin and don't need Jesus.  Claim the promises of Jesus and that Jesus is faithful to deliver on all of them.  See Jesus is not only better but better than anything else - He should be Your greatest treasure.  

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My Prayer: Father God, you are an awesome God and King of Kings who is faithful to deliver on all of Your promises.  I am not deserving of how You save and 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 to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 7:1-26

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Hebrews 7:26-27

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 7:1-26  - the author of Hebrews makes the case that Jesus is a better high priest than previous high priests who were imperfect.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is great high priest - similar to the Levitical high priests, but better.  He is guarantor of a "better covenant" (v22) as He is high priest permanently (vv23-24), and is able to always "make intercession" for those who believe (v25). Additionally, Jesus is "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens[, and] "He has no need, like [the previous] high priests, to offer sacrifices daily" (vv26-27). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Those who serve God, including modern day pastors, while held to higher standard than those in the church at large, remain imperfect and should be granted grace.  People should not inappropriately view church leadership - follow the lead of Jesus and worship Him alone. 
• 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 viewing church leadership inappropriately. Claim the promise that Jesus is always able to intercede on our behalf.  Follow and trust Jesus as great high priest. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God and King of Kings whose throne is eternal.  I am not deserving of how You save and are able to intercede forever on behalf of those who call on You.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-5:11

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15-16

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 4:14-5:11 - the author emphasizes how Jesus is a great high priest who is better than one from the Old Testament.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is great high priest, and he became great high priest after coming down from Heaven to become the Incarnate Son of God, and then ascending back to Heaven after His death and resurrection to sit at the right hand of God (v14). Because of how Jesus "passed through the heavens" (v14), we can be certain and confident that our confession to Him saves us (v14) from sin and seals us for eternity.  This high priest - Jesus - is unlike the priests from the Old Testament, as He is able to sympathize with us in our temptations as He was tempted in every way but lived a perfect life (v15).  This gives us that confidence to approach Him in prayer when we need help (v16).  Jesus was called by God to be great high priest (5:1, 5). He is also perfect in obedience (5:8-9), and able to save. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In contrast to Jesus, Old Testament priests were sinful just as we are and had to offer sacrifices not just for our sin but also for his own (5:1-3).  Just as there was during the time when Hebrews was written, there will also be those who are "dull of hearing" (5:11) and deny Jesus. 
• 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 becoming dull of hearing and see Jesus as great high priest able to save.  Claim the promise of eternal life - that gives victory over sin and death - through faith in Jesus Christ.  Follow the example of those who confess and believe and be saved.  Approach Christ in confidence.   

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who was tempted in all ways but lived a perfect life.  And then You suffered, died, and rose again, giving me - and anyone else who believes - victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving - the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great and it continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 4:12-13 - the author pivots from an exhortation to seek God's rest - lest you fall into disobedience (v11) - to a reminder that while we may think we are not disobedient, we should be very careful to both understand our fallen nature and a holy, able and perfect God who sees everything.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Because the Word is God (John 1:1), we should see God as living and active (v12).  God (and the Word) is also all knowing/omniscient - He is able to discern thoughts and intentions (v12) - and our thoughts and intentions often drive us into sin even though we may feel as if we don't sin (Matthew 5:21-22, 28, and 1 John 3:15). The Word also exposes sin - see Romans 7:7.  He will hold us accountable either in this life but certainly upon death. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All sin and all short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  We often deceive ourselves that we don't sin (1 John 1:8), because we believe we can hide sin (v13) - yet this is this foolish as God sees it all....including sins of commission and those of omission!
• 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 any claim to be without sin! Claim the promise that God not only forgives, but He also saves and sanctifies us - giving us victory over sin and death.  Follow the example of Paul (Romans 7) who recognized his struggle with sin and this drove him into the arms of Christ. Repent and be saved!

Comment and discuss this post

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

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

 Proverbs 13:22, 22:7; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 8:12-13; and 1 Timothy 5:8

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” 2 Corinthians 8:12-15

I continue a pause of my study of Numbers to focus on text that will be discussed Friday morning with my men's small group.  The text today is focused on the second of two sets of five texts that will be used to derive Godly wisdom for a personal situation faced by one of my brothers in Christ. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do learn from the text about God?: God seeks for us to care for and provide for our families - yet we should be careful about wrongly interpreting Proverbs 13:22.  Most importantly is that we pass on to our children a love of God (see also this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com).  We should also be careful about how we use money as an instrument to exercise selfish or evil intent against those to whom we lend money (Proverbs 22:7) - we are to be good stewards of our financial resources and use them for His will.  The broader text surrounding Romans 12:18 is less about financial dealings then it is about how we generally interact with others, including our brothers and sisters in Christ, those who persecute us, and the lowly. 2 Corinthians 8:12-13 does concern how we give financially to others but it's important to also read surrounding text including vv14-15 where fairness is emphasized and corresponding text in Exodus 16:18 where some view this that we should trust God in how He provides and not concerns ourselves with gathering too much for ourselves.  1 Timothy 5:8 does instruct us about righteous behavior about providing for our family, and a reading of the surrounding text focuses on how we are to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ within the church - particularly widows.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Money is a difficult matter for nearly everyone so there is much scripture from which we can draw....the challenge is for us to rightly view this scripture and prayer for wisdom is key. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God is clear that we are not to use our financial resources selfishly nor for evil intent.  We are not to worry about finances as we should claim the promise that God provides.  Follow the example of Paul who was content regardless of need - Philippians 4:11-12.  Trust God and be a good steward of what He provides in our care. 

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You love, save, provide, etc.  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. 

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

 Proverbs 11:25, Galatians 6:2, 6:10, Matthew 25:35-40, and 1 John 3:17-18

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25 

I pause my study of Numbers to focus on text that will be discussed Friday morning with my men's small group.  This text is focused on two sets of five texts that will be used to derive Godly wisdom for a personal situation faced by one of my brothers in Christ. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God does want us to be a light like He is - He seeks for us to bless and do good so that others can see Jesus in us.  We are encouraged especially in Galatians 6:10 to do good "to those who are of the household of faith."  God seeks for us to build up the church as unity and strength of the church is important - this is amplified in 1 John 3:17-18 as John exhorts us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.  God does not like when we see someone in great need - He wants us to attend to the needs who need it the most - the "least of these" (Matthew 25:35-40).      
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  My brother in Christ is struggling with a situation where He is not sure whether to give outside his family or to give within his family.  Both are good and this is indeed a struggle worthy of giving to God to seek His wisdom!
• 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 NOT being a light.  We should also avoid NOT abiding in God and His Word which is the source of all truth and wisdom.  We should claim the promise (2 Timothy 3:16-17) that all scripture is "is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."  We should follow the example of Jesus who gave everything that believers could have life to the full now and for eternity. Do good and be a light.  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for also giving me Your Word that I might fellowship with You.  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 continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”

Numbers 20:1-13

And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” Numbers 20:12

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 20:1-13 - Miriam dies and is buried by the people in the wilderness, and Moses does not completely follow God instructions to bring water from the rock, and is subsequently punished harshly.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God provides and comforts the people during their time of need - in the face of not having any water, God gave instructions to Moses (vv7-8) to use the staff (see also Numbers 17), and to command the rock to yield water.  Indeed God was able to yield water from the rock, despite Moses not following His instructions completely.  God's plan will not be thwarted.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Alarmingly, we see the people grumbling, complaining, quarreling with, and rebelling against God - see vv2-5.  After all that God has done, including provide and cause both the earth to swallow up Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16) and a plague that killed 14,700, the people fail to trust in the LORD to provide water.  Instead of going to Moses and Aaron to intercede, the people grumble, complain, quarrel, and rebel.  Unless we abide in Him, we will not bear any fruit (John 15:1-10).  Key to the text today is how Moses fails to completely follow God's instructions in v8 to "tell" or command the rock to yield water - instead Moses strikes the rock twice (v11).  V12 describes God's harsh punishment to Moses as he will not be able to enter the Promised Land.  Perhaps one can see such punishment as harsh, but we must also remember that church leaders are held to a higher standard.   
• 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 grumble, complain, quarrel with, or rebel against church leadership as they are God's appointed leaders.  Church leaders should also be mindful how they are avoid not following God's commands - do not add to or subtract from His Word.  Claim the promise that God is Lord over all of Creation, He is faithful, and we can trust in Him to provide.  Follow the example of Jesus who trusted the Father and willingly laid down His life.  Love and trust in Him. 

Comment and discuss this post

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

“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land to which I bring you and when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall present a contribution to the LORD. Of the first of your dough you shall present a loaf as a contribution; like a contribution from the threshing floor, so shall you present it. Some of the first of your dough you shall give to the LORD as a contribution throughout your generations.

Numbers 15:1-21

“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land to which I bring you and when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall present a contribution to the LORD. Of the first of your dough you shall present a loaf as a contribution; like a contribution from the threshing floor, so shall you present it. Some of the first of your dough you shall give to the LORD as a contribution throughout your generations. Numbers 15:18-21

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 15:1-21 - while Israel remains in the wilderness, God gives Moses and the people laws for sacrifices that they are to make upon entry to the Promised Land.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God seeks a relationship with Him and one of complete dependence on Him, recognizing that all that we have is because of Him and not of our own effort - see James 1:16.  Read along with Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the text focuses on how the people are to remember, celebrate, and be thankful for how God rescued the people from bondage in Egypt and brought them to the Promised Land.  God heard Israel's cries, responded and delivered them.  Of course, we should daily be thankful for God, who He is, what He has done, how He provides, and how He saves!  God is good!  Our response should be joyful and we should give as the text directs the people to do - and we are to give freely as a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The people up to this point have been grumbling and complaining and now God is turning their attention to a promise He made and how He is going to be faithful and bring them into the Promised Land.  We need constant reminders of God's goodness and faithfulness - otherwise, we are prone to wander, grumble and complain as Israel did.  God gives us His Word as His Daily Bread and we are to consume it!
• 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 grumbling and complaining.  Claim the promise that God delivers us and He is saving a place for us in Heaven - whatever we are experiencing is temporary and God is good....all the time.  Follow the example of those who responded joyfully upon entering the Promised Land and gave cheerfully.  Consume God's Daily Bread!   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  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.