In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace[.]...for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Ephesians 1:7 and Matthew 26:28

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace[.]...for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 1:7, Matthew 26:28

As I continue my preparation to lead worship at the Gardens and The Lodge on Sunday 30MAR (pausing on my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume), I march forward in my use of DesiringGod.com's 40-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die.  Today I read reason #9: For the Forgiveness of Our Sins.  The devotion explores how Christ's sacrifice addressed two problems with sin: 

1. The cycle of sin, shame, and death (Romans 6:23) for sinners had to be broken and the Old Testament sacrificial system could not do what had to be done. As such, Christ shed his blood (once and for all) to forgive believers of sin - all one must do is repent, believe in and follow Christ in a life of obedience to Him (Romans 10:10).  Other than faith and trust in God, no other consideration must be made to God.  The debt we have with Him is settled.  The devotion shares how this provides grace - we get a gift we don't deserve (grace) and we don't get the gift we do deserve (death). See also Acts 10:43, Isaiah 43:25, and Psalm 103:12.
2. The devotion describes all sin as serious - no degree of sin is unserious.  As such while all of humanity is offered grace, a price had to be paid. The devotion shares: "all sin is serious, because it is against God (see chapter 1). He is the one whose glory is injured when we ignore or disobey or blaspheme him. His justice will no more allow him simply to set us free than a human judge can cancel all the debts that criminals owe to society. The injury done to God’s glory by our sin must be repaired so that in justice his glory shines more brightly....That is why Christ suffered and died."

Rejoice in the gift of grace available for you, repent and believe!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an incredible God that died an excruciating death so that I could have forgiveness of sin.  You willingly did what had to be done for not just my salvation but for all of humanity.  You freely offer to those who believe forgiveness of sins and eternal life - what a gift of grace!  Thank You Father God.  I am not deserving of such as gift.  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.

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Mark 3:22-30

“Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” Mark 3:28-30

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:28-30, which is the text for the third (of three) division of 3:22-30 per the commentary. Excerpts from the commentary for the third division:

• "Jesus declares the gracious forgiveness and mercy of God in forgiving sins. “All sins,” literally, “whatever blasphemies they may blaspheme,” will be forgiven. All sinners can find the forgiveness of God if they will come to Him in repentance and faith."
• "However, verses 29-30 note the one tragic and fearful exception. If someone speaks against the Holy Spirit verbally and continually, with willful and malicious intent that reveals a hardened heart beyond the possibility of repentance, there is no forgiveness, and they are 'guilty of an eternal sin.'"
• "In this historical context, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit denotes the conscious and deliberate rejection of the saving power and grace of God released through Jesus’ word and act...The considered judgment that his power was demonic, however, betrayed a defiant resistance to the Holy Spirit. This severe warning was not addressed to laymen but to carefully trained legal specialists whose task was to interpret the biblical law to the people. It was their responsibility to be aware of God’s redemptive action. Their insensitivity to the Spirit through whom Jesus was qualified for his mission exposed them to grave peril (Lane, The Gospel of Mark - The New International Commentary on the New Testament)."
• "The unpardonable sin is to knowingly, willingly, and persistently attribute to Satan the works of God done by and in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, who testifies to these truths in your heart. (1) It is a sin of full knowledge. (2) It is an ongoing disposition of the heart that resists the conviction of the Holy Spirit. (3) It is a verbal act that attributes the works of the Holy Spirit to Satan. (4) It is a willful rejection of God’s grace in Jesus. (5) It is rooted in unbelief. (6) It is a sin a Christian cannot commit. (7) It is a sin not committed by one who is concerned that he may have committed it."
• "There is a boundary of sin where, once passed, there is no possibility or hope of return. Do not even think of going there. Instead, run to Jesus in faith and repentance. You will find open arms there! You will find forgiveness free and eternal."       

It is remarkable that such learned men, knowledgeable of the law, would act in such a way as to blaspheme God's name.  They were so blinded and hard hearted that their own status as supposed experts in the law was threatened by Jesus and this prevented them from actually seeing who Jesus truly is - the one promised in the Old Testament.  Those of us who truly seek to deeply understand God's Word should be careful that such study and the resulting knowledge should not become an idol as it did for the scribes.  We should all remain humble and our humility should acknowledge that whatever knowledge we do have it comes from God and whatever gifts God gives us in wisdom, teaching, etc. also come from God and it is God working in and through us.  God gets the glory - not us!  Thank You Jesus for the mercies You pour ceaselessly.  I pray that I can remain humble knowing that I continue to sin and that it is You alone that forgives, provides, is in control, and deserves the glory.  We exist to glorify God. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who saves and whose mercies never run out and are new every morning.  Thank You Jesus!  You are worthy of all glory, honor and praise.  Please forgive me for my sin as it continues...daily.  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.  

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

 Leviticus 5

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - wrapping chapter five - Five Eternal, Counter Cultural Truths about God, Us and Our Sin - covering Leviticus 5:1-13, looking specifically at the final truth - After Confession and Atonement, God Forgives. The commentary this morning emphasizes how once sacrifice and atonement was offered - God forgives.  See this in v5:10 and 13. It is also emphasized how "atonement is available to everyone" and how regardless of social (see Leviticus 4:27 reference to "common people") or economic status - see Leviticus 5 for how less costly sacrifices are acceptable by God for those who cannot afford a lamb (v5:7) or even two turtledoves or two pigeons (v5:11) - everyone has access to God's forgiveness. The commentary states unequivocally "[n]o one was barred from God's forgiveness."  The commentary then pivots to how worshipers experience joy with forgiveness - we are urged to examine scripture where we see this joy. 

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You forgive.  The joy of forgiveness!  I am grateful for how You forgive...yet I know I am undeserving because my sin - intentional and unintentional - continues....anger, worry, etc. Please reveal to me my sin, forgive me Jesus for my sin, 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.

Yet he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented.

Psalm 106

The theme I gather from this Psalm is one of forgiveness, grace, and love of a God so great that He will always welcome us back if we yield to Him.

⁶ We have sinned, even as our ancestors did;
    we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
⁷ When our ancestors were in Egypt,
    they gave no thought to your miracles;
they did not remember your many kindnesses,
    and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.^[b]
8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,
    to make his mighty power known.
⁹ He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up;
    he led them through the depths as through a desert.
¹⁰ He saved them from the hand of the foe;
    from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.
¹¹ The waters covered their adversaries;
    not one of them survived.
¹² Then they believed his promises
    and sang his praise.  

...

⁴⁰ Therefore the Lord was angry with his people
    and abhorred his inheritance.
⁴¹ He gave them into the hands of the nations,
    and their foes ruled over them.
⁴² Their enemies oppressed them
    and subjected them to their power.
⁴³ Many times he delivered them,
    but they were bent on rebellion
    and they wasted away in their sin.
⁴⁴ Yet he took note of their distress
    when he heard their cry;
⁴⁵ for their sake he remembered his covenant
    and out of his great love he relented.
⁴⁶ He caused all who held them captive
    to show them mercy.  

...

 As well we have the parables of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-32 and of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:1-7.

My Prayer: Lord, You are a God full of love, grace, and forgiveness and it is unimaginable that You love me as You do.  I am imperfect and broken and sinful.  I thank You SO much for Your love, grace and forgiveness and I seek Your forgiveness today for my worship of other idols and for my easily distracted heart.  Please refine and purify me Lord Jesus and transform my heart and my life.  Please make me more like You.

"Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn."

Matthew 13

"Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn." v30

This verse seems to be both a very powerful and a very complex verse.  I don't pretend to understand its full meaning, yet one meaning to me is quite clear: that sin exists, we cannot hide it, and that God will ultimately deal with it.

I certainly need to be mindful of the sin in my life, and not only pray for God's forgiveness regarding this sin, but I also need to ask God for help in turning from this sin.  Forgiveness is just one step with our sin...we also need to repent.  The dictionary defines repent as an action "to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life ".  Repentance may include forgiveness but forgiveness may not include repentance.

My Prayer: Jesus, You are the only being that is pure and holy...blameless and perfect.  I strive to be more like You but there is no way I can be You because You have been, You are and You will always be the one and only true God worthy of worship by all beings of all time.  You don't need me yet You not only use me for Your glory but You love me and You care for me.  What a great God!  Thank You that You love me despite my anxiety and stress.  Please forgive me for these sins and help me turn from these sins.  Help me be the man You intend for me.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Chapter 38: Pages 543-554

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) with Part 3 "The Nature and Extent of Providence", moving to Section 8 "Providence Over Christian Living" - moving to chapter thirty-eight "Forgiveness, Justification, and Obedience".

Here, Piper begins (continues through chapter 43) to explore "God's saving providence between conversion and eternal glory." Piper wants us to understand "what [God] command[s] from us and commits to do for us so that we will have vigilance and confidence for every hazard." He then moves on to state that "[t]he provision of God's providence for our perseverance does not begin with the commandments to persevere, or with God's power to help us."  Forgiveness, justification (Christ's perfect righteousness counted as ours) and and obedience are all preceded by both Christ's death (once for all) and resurrection and our conversion. Piper uses Romans 3:28, 4:5, 5:1, and Galatians 2:16, 3:8) to clarify that although justification occurs "the moment we believe...[t]he obedience of Christ, the basis for our justification, was completed once for all before we existed (Romans 5:19)." 

As a lead in to the next five chapters, Piper sums it up by stating that "forgiveness and justification are indispensable starting points for the Christian life. And they form the ongoing foundation of every act of Christian obedience."  We are encouraged to avoid chasing acceptance but instead charged to see that we have already been justified through Christ's blood and our conversion.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who both forgives and justifies me through Your death on the cross - thank You!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great and it will continue until I die - including my sin today.  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 angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by.

 Zechariah 3:1-10

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD was standing by. Zechariah 3:4-5

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 3:4-5, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of six divisions for the text 3:1-10 (3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:4-5, 3:6-7, 3:8-10).  The commentary provides a theme for vv4-5 by providing the following title for this division: God Wants Us to Feel Guilty When We Are Guilty.  It then shares: "God wants us to feel guilty when we actually are guilty, because only then will we bring our guilt to Him and be forgiven. Apart from the convicting work of God, we are likely to keep deceiving ourselves and continuing in our sin, even as our sin destroys us."  The commentary continues by highlighting that it is Joshua's guilt that drives him into the arms of the Lord to seek forgiveness.  God that cleanses Joshua of his sin and then makes it clear by sharing with others that this has been done. The commentary further describes: "[t]here is no lingering doubt in our minds about where we stand with God."  The commentary also emphasizes that we should remain humble recognizing that until we face Jesus face to face on Judgement Day, we will continue to sin and should seek to go to Him for forgiveness (see also Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8).

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 mercies that are new every morning and that never cease.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of these mercies and for Your forgiveness.  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.

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 9

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 9:11-22, specifically looking at the fourth division covering 9:16-22, which the commentary entitles "The Better Blood of the New Covenant." Here, the commentary seeks for believers to recognize the importance of not just what Christ did through His death on the cross but also how He did it.  The commentary first describes how the author of Hebrews uses the analogy of a last will and testament and how it only takes effect upon someone's death.  It then moves to how in both the Old and New Testaments, the shedding of blood inaugurates the old and new covenants.  We are referred to Leviticus 17:11, where blood is described as key to life.  Shed blood, then, is essential as a sacrifice to atone for sin - God's wrath must be satisfied.  With Christ's blood, we have the new covenant and a direct path to God for not just forgiveness of sin, but also eternal life - praise Jesus!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who shed His blood for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace and gift - the greatest gift of all time.  Yet 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.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

Ephesians 1

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. v7-8

Both OverviewBible.com and MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicate Ephesians as a letter written to remind the young church of Ephesus of their identity in Christ and to prescribe how to manifest this identity in their lives - practical advice.  We all need to be reminded of how lavishly God has blessed us - and undeservedly so. 

We are holy and blameless in His sight (v4).
We are adopted by Him and been freely given grace (v5-6).
We have redemption and forgiveness of sins in His blood (v7).
He shares wisdom with us (v8-9).

Of course there are so many more ways God blesses us but Paul's words are more than sufficient to give us the humility we need to appreciate who God is and what He has done for us.  It should encourage us to continue to come back to Him.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has lavishly bestowed an unimaginable amount of blessings on me - thank You Jesus - I am overwhelmed by Your love.  Even more so because I know I am undeserving.  I sin daily - not being who You desire for me, I fall down in my 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.

Forgiveness is Available...You Must Repent

2 Kings Chp 22

When we read the bible, truth is revealed to us and we get a sense of how great God is, how much he loves us, how fallen we are, and that we have a God who died for us so we can be free of the cycle of sin, shame, and eternal damnation. 

Here we see young King Josiah who reads the Book of the Law and truth is revealed to him.

¹¹ When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. ¹² He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: ¹³ “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.” (verses 11-13)

Josiah's response is appropriate and it is through God's grace alone that Judah is not destroyed.

‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: ¹⁹ Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse^[b] and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the LORD. ²⁰ Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”(verses 18-20)

Here we see our God and again how truly compassionate he is - while it is not promised that we will not be punished for our sin, forgiveness is always available, but as Josiah shows we must first demonstrate repentance.

My Prayer: Lord, your love truly abounds.  I am thankful for your mercy and compassion in my life and seek your forgiveness for my own behavior, particularly in the area of worry and behavior at work.  Help me with this and help me trust you more.

"Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock."

Leviticus 1

"Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock." Leviticus 1:2

This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing a review 1:1-7, looking at the theme God Invites Us to Meet With Him. The commentary describes the word "bring" in v2 as draw near to God and how God has always provided a path for atonement of sin - that is how much He loves us.  The commentary refers to Genesis 3:1-9 (The Fall) and how God (even with full foreknowledge of their sin) immediately pursued Adam and Eve to remain in relationship with them. We must understand and appreciate the depth and breadth of God's love and how He forgives us.  The commentary offers the following verse as another scriptural example demonstrating how God offers a path for atonement and forgiveness - knowing everything about our sin and knowing full well that our sin continues. 

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.  Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David. Isaiah 55:1-3

Just as God spoke to Adam and Eve (Genesis 3) and how He spoke to Israel and Judah (despite their sinful ways) through Isaiah - offering a path for atonement and forgiveness - He does for all of us and that is through Jesus Christ.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is full of mercy and compassion for me.  Despite my sin, You offer a path for atonement and forgiveness - Jesus Christ!  Thank You Jesus!  The greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

"Lord, teach us to pray[.]"

Luke 11

"Lord, teach us to pray[.]" Luke 11:1

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how God seeks for us to pray.  John Piper helps us see that the focus is not that we should pray - we of course know this - but it is that our prayer should first and foremost recognize our sinful nature and pray for our own forgiveness.  Piper highlights Luke 11:3 and shares that "Jesus assumes that we need to seek forgiveness virtually every time we pray." He then shares that "God does not turn away the prayers of sinners when they pray like this." Piper also uses Luke 11:13 where Jesus calls out the disciples as "evil," to highlight the call to pray for forgiveness. Piper then continues by saying that in Luke 11:13, "[Jesus] meant that as long as this fallen age lasts, even his own disciples will have an evil bent that pollutes everything they do, but doesn’t keep them from doing much good as they rely on his grace and power....We are sinners and we are beggars. And if we recognize this sin, renounce it, fight it, and cling to the cross of Christ as our hope, then God will hear us and answer our prayers."  Humility and repentance are core attributes of faith.  God to Jesus daily recognizing not just that we come empty handed (with nothing to offer but our life as a living sacrifice) but that our hands and lives are stained with sin.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are so good to me - forgiving my sins not just once but every time I ask for it - thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of how You forgive and sanctify me as I turn towards You.  These blessings are overwhelming and I don't deserve them as my sin continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus for my sins of commission and omission...help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

Hosea 1-3 

I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” Hosea 2:23

  

Day 167 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 a study of Hosea, a prophet whom God calls to marry a promiscuous woman (Gomer), as this experience is used as an analogy for how Israel sought foreign gods rather than God (Hosea 1:2). Gomer gives birth to three children and the names given to these children - Jezreel or God sows, Lo-Ruhamah or not loved, and Lo-Ammi or not my people - all reflect God's plans for Israel as foreign invaders will overcome Israel.  John MacArthur indicates that for the time being Judah is spared (Hosea 1:7) as God intervenes "on behalf of Hezekiah"(see 2 Kings 19) - this will be covered in more detail in the coming days as my study of Hosea is split across three days.

God's words to prepare Hosea include sharing God's anger with Israel, as well as his plans for forgiveness and acceptance following repentance.

Several key takeaways this morning:
- We must acknowledge where life and our blessings come from - we cannot exist without God. (Hosea 2:8); Israel stopped doing this and drifted away from God. 
- Just as God disciplines Israel, we should view discipline as training.
- Forgiveness awaits those who repent.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has demonstrated unbelievable mercy, compassion, forgiveness and acceptance for me!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...worry and more.  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.

It is Only Through Authentic Humility That We Can Seek Forgiveness

Today's Reading
2 Samuel Chps 13-24

Of course I sin...I am disobedient to the core.  Yet even worse, I am arrogant.  I expect forgiveness...and I often don't even ask for it.   How am I truly to be set free and forgiven if I do not humble myself before the Lord and truly seek His forgiveness.  While David has his moments, he most of the time is humble man, truly remorseful of his sin.  Here towards the end of his reign and life, he seeks to make atonement for his wrongs against God:

“I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.” (2 Samuel 24:10)

And as God carries out His wrath against Israel because of David's wrongs, David once againt prostrates himself:

“I have sinned; I, the shepherd,^[c] have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family.” (2 Samuel 24:17)

And again, David humbles himself to the point where he is not above anyone and he pays his fellow countryman Araunah to purchase (vs seizing it) a threshing floor to be used to build an altar.

So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them. ²⁵ David built an altar to the LORD there and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then the LORD answered his prayer in behalf of the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped. (2 Samuel 24: 24-25)

 
My Prayer: Lord, you are love, compassion, and mercy.  You create these things as an expression of your love for me and I am in awe that you would create these things and express these just for me.  You are truly great and I love you.  Forgive me for my neglect of you Lord Christ as I have worshipped my job and my rest more than I have loved you.  Give me strength.  Give me trust.  Give me energy.  Help me seek you fervently all time the time.

Do not repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord”....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12-13

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord”....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-19, 21

 

This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I started chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which covers Romans 12:17-13:14.  My focus today is v12:17-21, which my commentary refers to under the heading "Leave Vengeance to God." As I posted yesterday, once again, the focus today is for believers to be "counter-cultural." God wants us to act in such a way that others see Him in us.  This of course requires us to submit to Him - through daily scripture reading, prayer, worship, service, etc. - and allow Him to work through us. It is certainly not natural for us to avoid vengeance or even for us to avoid the thought of vengeance; it then goes beyond natural human custom for us to treat someone who harms us with hospitality (v12:20). This requires the Holy Spirit to move within us to cause obedience. I am often reminded of true stories and examples of how God moves in us to draw others to Him through forgiveness - check this out - a classic for sure and a great example of God at work!

Scripture is clear - love and forgive others as God has done for us - see John 13:34 and Ephesians 4:32. 

 

My commentary points to Paul's use of both Deuteronomy 32:35 and Proverbs 25:21 as divine inspiration for Paul in verse v12:17.  We are reminded that God's wrath exists, is real, and He can just as easily exercise His wrath on us (as all are deserving of such wrath - Romans 6:23) - so should be clear that we are to leave wrath and retaliation/vengeance to Him.

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of mercy, compassion and forgiveness for me - thank You Jesus!  Of course I am completely undeserving of such mercy, compassion and forgiveness as I have sinned greatly and I continue to sin - worry, anger, harsh words, etc. 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.

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more

Hebrews 10

I think it is safe to say that every day I sin multiple times.   First and foremost is the command to love.  I don't do this.  I don't love as God commands me to love.  This manifests itself in a crummy attitude at work.  If I loved as God commands me to love, I would not be disgruntled every time someone asked me to do something - I would not think to myself "I don't want to do that".  If I loved as God commands me to love then I would not be saying these things to myself let alone to others with whom I work would I? 

And this example is just the beginning.  I badly need Jesus as he is discussed in Hebrews.  Because I sin as often as I do, I need His forgiveness to move forward without being enslaved by sin and regret.  I also need His forgiveness as a way to invite Him even more so into my heart so that I can experience the true heart and transformation that comes with a life dedicated to loving and following Him.

9 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

My Prayer: Lord, Your sacrifice means more than anything else I can ever desire in my life.  There is nothing that compares - no person, earthly thing or earthly circumstance in which I may find myself can ever compare to the richness and the blessing of Your sacrifice for me.  Yet I often take this for granted and I don't draw close to you and I don't trust you or follow you.  Jesus please please forgive me.  Help me fix my eyes on You and help me be a true servant of God.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

Portions of Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

Day 55 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on how the Israelites are to set apart - holy.  Moses' Laws outline how the Israelites are to remain pure and also how persons may be excluded from the congregation (allowed personal worship though).  My commentary* indicates that "[t]hese seemingly harsh exclusions are undoubtedly aimed at denouncing and preventing the practices which cause them".  My reading from today also focuses on those who may take the Nazirite Wow, and Vows of Dedication (of people and possessions).

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

We must remember that we all sin and in doing so separate ourselves from God but that Jesus Christ, through His death on the cross, gives us forgiveness of sin (if we ask) and reconciliation to God.  Jesus never turns anyone away who asks to come to Him.

...for, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

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

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.

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?

Matthew 9

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? v5

My initial question upon reading v1-8 in this chapter was - why didn't Jesus heal the paralyzed man when He first encountered Him instead of just forgiving the man of his sins?

I believe Jesus does this because Jesus wants us to recognize a few key things, including (1) that grace and forgiveness are available to all people regardless of who they are, etc; (2) that our physical circumstances are less important than our spiritual condition.

Too often I focus on my physical (or more broadly my earthly) circumstances which ARE less important.  I worry about too much.  I really should only focus on being right with God and if I have this I should no reason to worry.  This is certainly easier said that done but nonetheless worth pursuing.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are SO full of grace and forgiveness for me and this is a tremendous blessing.  I am not worthy of the love You have for me and the blessings You provide.  I worry far too much.  Thank You that You love me despite my worry but please forgive me for this worry.  Help me love, trust, and obey You with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

"All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Acts 10

"All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” v43

In this chapter of Acts, Peter has a vision from the Lord that he speak of and offer salvation through Jesus Christ to all - Jews and Gentiles alike.  Keeping in mind that this message is directed not just at Peter but to any believer, myself included, the implication is that we are not in a position to deny speaking about Jesus to anyone....regardless of any explanation we may come up with about why we don't.  We must love others as Jesus does (Matthew 22:39).

My  Prayer: Lord, what a great God You are that You are able to love anyone and everyone..and of course suffer and die for all who believe in You.  You offer an amazing gift...and ask only in return that we believe and love You with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.  How cool are You!  I am not worth such a God as You.  I selfish, quick to anger, slow to listen, lazy, selfish, prideful, arrogant, etc.  Thank You that You love me anyway but please forgive me Jesus.  Help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me apply Your message for me today.  Help me spread the news of Jesus Christ as much as I possibly can.