Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.

Ezekiel 33

Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood. v5-6

About a week ago, I posted about how we will all bow to Jesus as Lord, whether or not we accept Him as Jesus.  Because of this we all ultimately are personally held accountable for our actions.  

Today, I am reminded that when God gives us an opportunity to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and we take it, God will save us from the sting of BOTH sin and death.  Ezekiel's role as watchman (see also v7-9) is to blow the trumpet warning for people to repent to bow to God as sovereign over all.  Just as we are all personally held responsible for our actions, Ezekiel is also held accountable for  his role as watchman.  This is also true for church leadership, parents, etc - all who have a God given role with the church or home.  As spiritual head of my household, I don't take this lightly.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has saved me from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I worry and I am often too harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such 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 and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.

Ezekiel 33-36

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. Ezekiel 34:10

Day 241 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I return to Ezekiel as my commentary* indicates how Ezekiel gets his voice back (see Ezekiel 3:26 and Ezekiel 24:27) as a sign that Jerusalem has fallen: "With this dramatic confirmation of his earlier predictions regarding Jerusalem, Ezekiel sets about once again to take God’s word to the people. He reminds them that the desolation has not yet ended, but assures them that it will end soon, and that the promised restoration will begin. The time for healing will come quickly, and so Ezekiel changes his focus to comfort a scattered and defeated people."

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

God helps Ezekiel understand the judgement that has befallen Israel/Judah and Jerusalem, describing the hypocrisy of God's people: 

As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:30-32

In particular, God calls out Israel/Judah's spiritual leaders: 

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. “‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. Ezekiel 34:1-10

Ezekiel's message is also one of encouragement, including prophesies of the coming Messiah and a New Covenant, for those in exile:

For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness.  Ezekiel 36:24-29

For me this morning, as the spiritual leader of my household, I am particularly convicted to carry out the role God has carved out for me to lead those in my house.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped rescue me from the pit - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues.  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.

He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice....The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?

Job 32-37

He repays everyone for what they have done; he brings on them what their conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice....The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, people revere him, for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart? Job 34:11-12, 37:23-24

Day 259 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 Job as Elihu, who's been observing the interactions between Job and his friends, steps in to address Job in his prideful state (suffering as well):

But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. Now Elihu had waited before speaking to Job because they were older than he. But when he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused. Job 32:2-5

Elihu, like others who are young in age relatively speaking, respectively lets Job's older friends speak but then offers these nuggets which serve to encourage younger believers about how it is the Spirit who speaks and works through us and God works through people of all ages.

“I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’ But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right. Job 32:6-9

Other nuggets, include:

For God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it. Job 33:14 [in response to those who don't see God at work or are unable to feel God talking to them]

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are perfect in all of Your ways, including Your perfect justice - I never have to lose hope that I do not have rewards in Heaven nor do I ever have to feel that all are not accountable for their lives - we will all face You and be accountable....and I know Your ways are perfect.  Thank You for the peace You provide in being perfect and in being with me always.  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily, including pride and other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The First Command from God to Be His Brother's Keeper

Today's reading
Genesis chps 9-11

After Cain killed his brother Abel and after God wiped out all of humanity except Noah and his family, God specifically instructs Noah and his sons to be kind to one another and watch out for one another:

"But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man.Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man." (Gen 9:4-6)

Note the use of the word "accounting" implying that men must hold each other accountable - this is all the more striking because I today had a discussion with two brothers about starting an accountability group. In the above verse, I sense God speaking specifically to me - isn't God amazing!

Right away, we see this accountability at work with one of Noah's sons:

"Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father's nakedness and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's nakedness. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father's nakedness." (Gen 9:20-23)

Although in Gen 11 Noah's descendants disobey the Lord and look to make a name for themselves by building the tower of Babel, we otherwise see the mercy of the Lord and how Noah's sons are blessed in Gen 10-11 for being obedient!

My Prayer: Lord please help be obedient. Let me follow you. I want to love you with all of my heart. Help me avoid temptations to glorify myself but instead you. Lord also help me carry the burdens of my brothers, lift my brothers up, and help me keep my brothers accountable to your instructions. Amen.

Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.

Jonah 1

Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased. v13

Nothing can stop God's plan from coming to fruition.  God is in control and when He sets a plan in motion - nothing can stop it.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  Colossians 1:16-17

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

See also this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God who is before and in all things, You created all things and all things are for You.  I am part of Your creation created for Your glory and purposes.  You have done many miracles in my life - yet I often seek my own will and desires for my life and not Yours.  Thank You for the many blessings but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome my sins 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 Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects from chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, the church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

Ezekiel 32-33

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

Day 246 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues in Ezekiel as my commentary* indicates God commands Ezekiel to take up a lament concerning Egypt, as Egypt is "singled out among the nations as an example of the forces of evil." Ezekiel 32 describes God judgement over Pharaoh and Egypt. Ezekiel 33 describes both God's description of the role of the watchman (assigned to Ezekiel) and how although God hates punishment, it is just for the wicked who choose not to repent.

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

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

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

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

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:18-20

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

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

He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

Luke 8

He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” v21

We are called to love God before anything else (see Exodus 20, Matthew 22:34-40).  We are called to read and study the Bible, to pray, to serve, etc. We need each other - brothers and sisters in Christ - to do this...to support, encourage, and hold each accountable in our efforts - because it is difficult.

Therefore, while we might have earthly family - it those who help us in our walk who are most important - regardless of whether they are blood family or not.

Those who help us put God's word into practice - who help us walk the walk - are out mothers, brothers, etc. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has provided me with brothers and sisters in Christ who support me, encourage me, pray with me and for me, and hold me accountable.  Iron does indeed sharpen iron.  Thank You for providing me with such "iron" and people in my life.  I am blessed.  Yet I am undeserving.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses for 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.

Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians 3

Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 2 Thessalonians 3:12

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning, on week 2-day 2, my focus is a review of 2 Thessalonians 3 assisted by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series volume for 1-2 Thessalonians to unpack the text. The commentary's divisions for this text are spread over two chapters of the commentary where the main idea for from the commentary for 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 is*: "[g]enuinely converted people will bear the fruit of transformed lives," and the divisions/sub-divisions that cover chapter 3 include*:

• They Are Secure in God’s Salvation (2:16-3:5)
• A guarded faith (3:2-3)
• A growing faith (3:1,4)

The main idea from the commentary* for 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18: "Christians have an obligation to hold one another accountable for how they pursue their work and how they relate to one another."  Key excerpts from the introduction of the commentary for this text include*: "[s]urprisingly, one of the greatest dangers to the Thessalonian church was not a blatant attack from people on the outside, but the carelessness and laziness of people on the inside....This is not the first encounter with these individuals. In fact, they appeared several times in Paul’s first letter (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 5:14). Some suggest that these people represent those who have quit their jobs in anticipation of the coming of Christ. Others argue that they were poor members of the church who were taking advantage of the affluent members. Whoever these people were and whatever the reason for their irresponsibility, clearly their conduct and their attitude were adversely affecting the church.  Paul clearly sees the need to address this issue." Divisions from the commentary for this text:

1. Don’t Be Lazy (3:6b-10): We are referred to Colossians 3:23-24 where Paul writes how, regardless of what we do, "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men"; Paul* provides two reasons why Christians should avoid laziness: (a) "Christianity was worthless unless it found its way into the fabric of life....If we take God’s Word seriously, then we will take it to work with us. That is, how we do our work will reflect on the One we claim to worship."  Paul* seeks to admonish "in the strongest words possible" those in the church who are idle. He writes how he has worked and how this should serve as an example.
   
2. Don’t Be a Burden (3:11-12): Paul* points out that idle "individuals [in the church] were becoming a burden to those who were seeking to quietly live out their faith. It’s one thing to be out of line, but it is an entirely different matter when you become a distraction to the entire church."
   
3. Don’t Be Weary (3:13): Paul* turns to those who were not being idle to encourage them to keep going in their good works in serving the Lord. Apparently these members of the church in Thessalonica were becoming discouraged "by the wayward members and so [were] tempted to lose heart or patience, [so] Paul challenges them to keep doing the right thing." 
   
4. Don’t Be Negligent (3:6, 14-15): Paul* describes that church discipline is critical and that "God expects His people to take an active role in maintaining the purity and guarding the integrity of His church."  Church leadership and the body must be on-guard for idleness and inaction and address it swiftly.    
   
5. Don’t Be Forgetful (3:16-18): In his benediction, Paul* offers a prayer that recognizes that the "Thessalonians were going to need divine enablement to live in the manner set forth in his letters."
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always at work for me - and You give me gifts and talents to use for Your glory.  I am amazed at how You use gifts and talents for Your glory in the church.  Thank You for how You equip me in my role as father, husband and worker.  I am not deserving of Your blessings and love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please 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-Centered Exposition Commentary Series, Exalting Jesus in 1-2 Thessalonians, Mark Howell

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 11-13

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

Day 299 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - focusing on primarily Jesus' teachings, particularly on hypocrisy as the Pharisees and Jewish leaders questioned Jesus on matters of the law while they failed to follow key aspects of the law.  On the question of hypocrisy, Jesus gives us the Parable of the Watchful Servants (Luke 12) which talks to those of us in positions of leadership and influence - and John Piper has a warning for us: "[t]he more knowledge you have of God’s will, the more you are accountable for doing it."

As someone in a position of influence - at least in my own household - I am driven into the arms of Jesus as God can only equip and assist me if I remain (abide) in Him.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped me produce good fruit and I know it is only because of You - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You have helped me produce good fruit - nor am I deserving of any of the blessings You pour out on me.  My sin continues...worry, distracted by the world, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days.

Hosea 3

For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days. v4-5

All of us sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and turn to other Gods from time to time.  Yet we have a God who welcomes us back with open arms – we must first repent and ask for His forgiveness.  God is full of grace and mercy and He will forgive us.  However, even though God forgives us, we will all be held accountable for our actions – either in this life or on the Day of Judgement when we die or when Jesus returns. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace, mercy and second chances – You forgive even though I am undeserving.  Thank You Jesus!  Yet I am undeserving of such forgiveness.  I worry.  Please forgive me 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.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work.

Ecclesiastes 3

I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. Ecclesiastes 3:17

I continue my study today of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my focus is an unassisted review of Ecclesiastes 3:16-17, which is the first division of the commentary chapter titled Politics and Justice Are Meaningless without Jesus (covering Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3, and 5:8-9). In v16, Solomon shares a frustration over how pervasive wickedness is in the world around us - believers and non-believers alike share a desire for justice but often you cannot see justice....this is the root cause for the frustration many will feel.  Yet believers should know that God alone is the Judge and everyone (either upon death or upon Jesus' second coming) will be held accountable for their deeds, and if not saved, will be subject to eternal damnation.  Indeed, that we live in a fallen world rife with sin and wickedness should drive us into the arms of Jesus who helps us see how ever knee will ultimately bow (see John Piper post here).  Believers gain peace knowing that God's justice is perfect - bow to Jesus now and feel the peace that surpasses all understanding!

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 with me, and You give me peace knowing that Your justice is perfect because You are perfect.  Thank You Jesus for this peace and for the many blessings You pour out for me...every day.  I am not deserving of these blessings, nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength 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.

If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.

Malachi 1

If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty. v6

Malachi is the last of Minor Prophets and his message from God is a word of warning for those who have ambivalent towards God, unbelieving that God will be what He says He is and do what He says He will do.

God wants all of our heart and 100% of our lives and devotion - He does not want us to hold back.

In response to questioning from the Jewish leaders regarding what the most important commandment is, Jesus responds love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind.

There is danger to holding back - including being held accountable for our actions on Judgement Day.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who gave everything for me - that I could have life and have it with abundance - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I get angry too quickly.  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.  Please 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.  Please 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 the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

Isaiah 30-32

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, I started Lesson 12, moving to Day 2, which again focuses on Isaiah 30. As I posted yesterday, Israel fails to seek protection and refuge from God in the face of a pending Assyrian invasion, but instead seeks an alliance with Egypt.  Despite this, and how Israel heaps sin upon sin by seeking advice from false prophets who only offer only smooth words and positive messages (instead of truth that holds them accountable for their sin - see v30:10), God hears the cry of His people and responds with help. See v30:19-26 for God's response. God does hear our cries and He DOES offer comfort in our pain.

Among the many passages in scripture where God hears our cries, I recall how God heard Israel's cries in Egypt in the book of Exodus.

During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. God saw the people of Israel—and God knew. Exodus 2:23-25

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God - despite our rebelliousness, You hear our cries and You respond - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and love.  My sin continues and it is 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.

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.

Jude

These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. Jude 16

I proceed with my study of Jude using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book.  Today, my study consists of a review of Jude 11-16, with a focus on an unassisted review of the fourth division per the commentary - v16.  Jude, before he pivots to words of encouragement as he winds down his letter, concludes his remarks on the sinful acts of false teachers describing them as grumblers, malcontents (one who is in active opposition to an established order or government), selfish, arrogant, and greedy - all of which are sins referred to often in scripture.  Of course these reflect a heart condition in opposition to God.  On the other hand we have fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23) and David (a man after God's heart - see Acts 13:22).

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 - giving me my faith, a hunger and thirst for righteousness, and brothers and sisters in Christ who sharpen, encourage and hold me accountable.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such 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. 

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

 Ezekiel 15-18

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18:30-32

Day 228 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel. My commentary* describes today's scripture reading: "[u]sing three allegories, God foretells Judah’s imminent destruction. The first allegory shows Judah as a useless vine to be burned. The second is a vitriolic attack against Judah’s unfaithfulness, portraying Judah as an adulterous wife, worse than her two sisters, Israel and Edom, and less moral than a prostitute. The third allegory, using two eagles and a vine, calls specific attention to the personal ruin of King Zedekiah."

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

Several verses from this morning's reading convict me, including:

But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his. Ezekiel 16:15

Question for consideration: how have we taken what God has provided for us and used it for worldly gain and favor and not for God's glory?

 In all your detestable practices and your prostitution you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, kicking about in your blood. Ezekiel 16:22

Question for consideration: how have we forgotten what God has done for us?  We must remember that everything we have and all that we are is from Him alone and not of our own efforts. (See also Ezekiel 16:43)

Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen. Ezekiel 16:49-50

Question for consideration: where do I demonstrate hypocrisy - espousing love with my words but not with action (see also James 1:22-25).

God is full of grace for Judah just as He is with us as He promises a new covenant based on the blood of Christ:

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant with you. So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Ezekiel 16:59-63 (see also Ezekiel 17:22-24)

Finally, just as God does not allow Judah to exonerate itself claiming God is not just because Judah is being punished for sins of those who came before them, God rightly states that each person is accountable for all of his/her own sin and we ALL sin (Ezekiel 18 and Romans 3:23).

Yet we have a God who, through the shedding of His own blood, atones for our sins and gives us freedom from the sting of sin and death.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who sent His Son to the cross so that I would have life - to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. I am not deserving because I know my sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.

Exodus 32

However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin. v34

When we sin - we should understand that God will forgive us if we ask, but we will never escape punishment for we are held accountable at the end of our lives for what we have done and we may even face justice in this life as scripture in verse 34 indicates.

For those who believe they can escape punishment - think again - nothing is hidden from our God who is all knowing.

God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:6-7

We should support and speak truth into one another's lives - see post yesterday.

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

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion, beyond what my words can describe.  I know You love me and You are SO patient with me.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my lack of grace for others.  Help me turn from my sin towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  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.  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.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1

As I continue my vacation in Maine, I maintain a pause on my studies of both Isaiah and Proverbs, and tonight and throughout my vacation I will use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotionals - today's focuses on how David claimed hold to God's forgiveness and mercy, yet he was unaware that in His line there would be a path for Him to be "justified" and forgiven for sins through Jesus Christ. Key to understanding of this text in Psalms 51 is that David is seeking God's forgiveness after a colossal sin - adultery with Bathsheba (and subsequently conspiracy to murder her husband).  2 Samuel 12 chronicles how God sent Nathan to David to hold David accountable for this sin.  We all have these moments when we cry to God in the midst of shame and guilt - we have an incredible God who forgives sins. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your incredible mercies and how they are new every morning - I am not deserving of such mercies.  My sin is great and it continues...every day.  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.

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. v26-28

Today's passage reinforces yesterday's post on serving Him and others vs serving our own interests and desires.

James and John with their mother came to Jesus and she sought favor for her two sons - favor above the other disciples.  Regardless of what we may have done or think we may have done - it is not for us to feel deserving of recognition of reward - this is only for God to do.  

We will all be accountable for the lives we lead and judged only by God.  As I posted yesterday, we must be humble - and we must also learn to live with the end in mind.

For us men, we must live as "authentic men".

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who came to serve, including serving me!  I am not worthy of such service and love...I know what You did and do for me (some of this as I can't wrap my head around everything you've done and do).  I am undeserving.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one.

Zechariah 14:4-9

And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day the LORD will be one and his name one. Zechariah 14:9

I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 14:4-9, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 13:2-14:21 (13:2-9, 14:1-3, 14:4-9, 14:10-21). The commentary shares how the Mount of Olives, featured in the text for this division, "occupies a prominent place in the earthly ministry of Jesus. We read in the Synoptic Gospels that Jesus preached His most extensive sermon concerning the future, end times, and prophecy from the Mount of Olives. Recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, it is often called the “Olivet Discourse.” Then all four Gospels tell us that during His last night on earth before His crucifixion Jesus went to the foot of the Mount of Olives, to the Garden of Gethsemane, and offered up His soul to the Father in surrender (Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-53; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-14)."  The Mount of Olives also features in Acts 1 before Jesus ascends to Heaven. In this division of Zechariah, per the commentary: "writing over 500 years before the birth of Christ, Zechariah prophesied that at the climax of the Battle of Armageddon, the Lord will one day personally, physically, and visibly descend to earth at the Mount of Olives, just as He ascended into heaven from that place. At the instant Christ appears on the Mount of Olives, Zechariah identifies six amazing events that will happen:"

• the Mount of Olives will split in two - a sign of God's judgement
• the people of Israel will flee through this newly formed valley to Azal (it is wholly clear where this)
• Jesus will return (second coming) accompanied by Holy Ones, including, per the commentary "God’s holy ones are not only the angelic armies of heaven but also resurrected and glorified believers" (see also references to saints or holy ones at Deuteronomy 33:3; Psalms 89:5-7; Job 15:15, Leviticus 11:44-45; Psalms 16:3; Daniel 8:24).  Matthew 24:30b-31 also describes this return.
  
• The heavens will be transformed as described as light regardless of the hour; God will be the light of the heavens
• Living waters will flow perpetually providing abundant fertility during the millennial reign of Christ described in Isiah 27:6, 35:1-3, and Amos 9:13-14.
• Jesus will be acknowledged as the only Lord and God - there will no longer be other gods or false worship; He will reign and it will be clear.

Believers are encouraged to be ready as no one knows the day or the hour of Christ's return (Matthew 24:36) and on that day all will be held accountable for their deeds. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me, gives me the comfort of knowing that the victory over sin and death is already won, You are victorious, and You are saving a place for me in Heaven.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You 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 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. 

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 12

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. v48

This morning - a sobering message about how we are to use the gifts God has entrusted with us, including the knowledge we have of Him.

More on this from DesiringGod.com: 

Have You Buried Your Gifts?
We Are Accountable for What We Know 

Jesus, help me be in action using my gifts and my knowledge for His glory.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who HAS given me much - thank You for how You have blessed me - yet I am undeserving.  I often am not using my time, treasure and talents for Your glory, and of course I have other sin - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.