For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.

Malachi 4:1-6

For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. Malachi 4:1

I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I continue with Malachi 4:1-6, focusing on a commentary-assisted review of the text, starting with the commentary's main idea and introduction to the text and the first division vv1, 3. Excerpts from the main idea, introduction and the first division:

• Main Idea: "The Day of the Lord will bring both judgment and vindication for God’s people, whose present obedience is sustained by remembering the law and anticipating future restoration."
• Introduction: The Day of the Lord: "For believers, Jesus is a source of comfort and assurance of one’s salvation. For those who are far from God, Jesus is the basis for judgment and condemnation. The book of Malachi concludes with God the Judge rewarding the righteous and punishing the unrighteous to substantiate that He always fulfills His promises."
• The Day of the Lord as a Day of Judgement upon the Arrogant: "[Judgement Day] is a day when God Himself will appear and make all the wrongs right. The excitement is short lived for Israel, though, because the Lord declares, “I am going to start with you guys.” The Israelites, expecting a blessing from God, find out God will come “like a furnace.” By God’s own mouth, He intends to cleanse and purify, not coddle. This will happen when the arrogant and the evildoers burn like straw. That word arrogant is synonymous with “prideful.” Pride may run rampant now, but there will come a day when all will be humbled on level ground. In their own minds the people are self-sufficient and independent of God, caring little for Him. A modern-day example would be people who profess, “I can wait to serve the Lord later. I do not need God in my life.” The Lord strikes fear in their hearts with the promise of a future day of reckoning. He will come with recompense for their evil deeds...We should be longing and looking for that day, for it is promised to us. While relatively few modern Christians woke up this morning thinking, “I cannot wait for the second coming of Christ,” this belief consumed the first-century apostles. In reading their writings we witness an intense anticipation, as if Jesus could come back at any moment. Don’t let the gap between His first and second coming overshadow the significance or imminence of His return."

Believers, we do not know the day or the hour so be ready (Matthew 24:36). Follow the example of Noah who spurned the critics of his day and was obedient to God's call.  Also take comfort in knowing that your obedience and faithfulness will be rewarded and God's justice will be perfect for those who do not fear God.

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion for me - delivering mercies everything morning and that never cease.  You also, most importantly, save!  Thank You Father God!  I am not deserving of how You save.  I sin just like everyone else, but You called me to Yourself and gave me the gift of faith.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my sin, for how I can be harsh and critical towards others.  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 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 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 recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.

Isaiah 61-63

I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. Isaiah 63:7

I resume my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 5 (of 5) of week 22, which looks at Isaiah 61-63.  Day 5 focuses on a more detailed examination of how Isaiah 63 depicts judgement day.  My study includes comparisons of Isaiah 63 to Isaiah 61:2, 59:15-16, Joel 3:9-17, Zechariah 14:1-19, Revelation 14:14-20, and 19:11-16.  My study urges me, and all believers to live a holy, Godly life, maintaining faith and trust in God as I prepare for judgement day.  Isaiah 63:7 helps in this regard by constantly reminding myself of all the blessings God has poured out for me - and His steadfast love and compassion. My study also refers me to 2 Peter 3:11-12 as preparation for judgement day:

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father Jesus, You are an amazing God and You are judge and justice - and Your justice is perfect and You are perfect in all of Your ways.  We cannot fully appreciate Your ways and thoughts and know as we live an earthly life, but we can rest knowing that You alone are our refuge, now and forevermore!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, grace, and compassion.  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.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

Zephaniah 1:14-17

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

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

Comment and discuss this post.

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

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - unaided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 3:5-17.  Here, Paul continues to admonish the church in Corinth for its divisions and conflict - with a key challenge being "cult of personality" where believers are incorrectly worshiping teachers and pastors and not God Himself. Paul starts by describing Apollos and himself as servants or instruments of the Lord using the analogy of farming where they are only planting or watering and "God [gives] the growth" (v5-7).  Those who plant and water - and anyone playing a role using spiritual gifts distributed by God - is rewarded by God "according to his labor" (v8). Believers are the workers to build God's temple, some focusing on the foundation, while others build on top of the foundation (v9-10). Paul seeks for all believers to "take care how" the temple is built as we must ensure that Jesus Christ is the foundation (v11). Our relationship with Christ then comes into focus as Paul describes how all believers should strive to build a foundation with Christ as strongly as we can leaning on the Word, the Holy Spirit, etc. to do its sanctification work within us.  Paul warns us that the strength of our relationship will be tested on judgement day (v12-15) and there are some who may perish given a foundation that was never truly built on Jesus Christ (v16-17).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I am grateful for how You have drawn me near to build a foundation upon which I am prayerful will stand the test of Judgement Day.  I know there is more work to do but I am thankful for what You have done so far.  I am not deserving of such grace and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

 Romans 2:1-29

For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. Romans 2:13

This morning, I continued my study of Romans.  Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I moved on to the next section Judgement and the Jew: Romans 2:1-29. As indicated yesterday, here Paul focuses on hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders who in Paul's words by "passing judgement on another...condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things" (v1).  Paul also focuses on not (much like James does in James 1) just "hearing" the law but "doing" the law.  Paul warns hypocrites and the unrighteous of what awaits (wrath, fury, tribulation, distress v8-9) and encourages the righteous that glory and honor await them (v10, 12). 

My commentary reminds me that of course hypocrisy is not just a problem for the Jews in Paul's day but for everyone, including believers today. We must all acknowledge our sin, repent and seek holy living and obedience to Christ.  The commentary goes on to discuss eleven truths based on Paul's teaching in Romans 2:

1. God's judgement reflects the reality of the situation - there is only God's standard (v2)
2. God's judgement allows for no exceptions (v3)
3. God's judgement means you should not presume on his kindness but turn to him in repentance (v4)
   
4. God's judgement will result in God's just wrath on the unrepentant (v5); see also Matthew 7:23
   
5. God's judgement is based on what we have really been, sought, and done (v6); seeking God's glory vs self glory is contrasted
   
6. God's judgement has eternal consequences (v7-8)
   
7. God's judgement is pronounced individually (v6-10)
   
8. God's judgement is without partiality (v11)
   
9. God's judgement is for everyone regardless of how they have received the law, either on tablets or on the heart (v12-15)
   
10. God's judgement reaches to the secrets of our hearts (v16)
    
11. God's judgement is in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ (v16)
    

My commentary goes on to describe the "shameful effects of hypocrisy", including dishonor of God. Circumcision of the heart vs physically is emphasized - our heart condition is what matters. V27 is highlighted to demonstrate that "obedient Gentiles will in judgement over the disobedient Jews."  

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You provide Your Son, the Holy Spirit, and Your Word so that I can be saved and sanctified - thank You Jesus!  I know there is more and I am grateful for that as well!  Yet I am undeserving of ALL the blessings You pour out for me. I sin and my sin continues, including worry, etc.  Please 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.

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.

Zephaniah 2:1-3

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD. Zephaniah 2:3

I resume my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For this morning, my focus is an unassisted review of Zephaniah 2:1-3.  Here, Zephaniah pivots from chapter 1 where as messenger of the Lord he shares God's anger at Judah and how God will soon declare judgement and punish Judah.  As chapter 2 opens, we see a pause in tone from God as Zephaniah shares that "perhaps [Judah] may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD" (v3b). God's wrath has yet to come to pass and He is giving Judah an opportunity to repent "before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD" (repeated 2x in v2). Before judgement day is upon anyone - and it will be upon everyone - God gives unbelievers an opportunity to repent and be saved by confessing sin and believing in Jesus.  This is Good News indeed.  Zephaniah 2:3 in full gives us what God seeks from us - humility, obedience to God, and righteousness.   

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 - my sin is great yet You continue to offer mercies that are new every morning and never cease.  Thank You Jesus! Of course, I am undeserving.  My sin IS great and continues daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

 Malachi 4:1-6

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2

I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I start a focus on an unassisted review of Malachi 4:1-6.  Here, the message from Malachi builds on God's warning for those who do not fear Him (see post yesterday). V1 describes this ominous warning: "the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." For those who fear God, vv2-3 offers hope and also shares how they will see justice for the wicked.  We can take comfort that God knows all of our deeds, including our sin and the sin of those evildoers and wicked people who do not fear God.  We may feel that we languish in obscurity, faithfully straining to be obedient to God's Word and to fear, love and please Him.  Yet God sees our faithfulness while also seeing wickedness - believers will be rewarded and the evildoers and wicked will suffer in eternal damnation (Hell). V4 reminds us to hold fast to God's Word and for obedience to His Word.  See also Hebrews 12:1-2.  Vv5-6 shares how God will send Elijah before Judgement Day and how there will be an opportunity to repent and turn to the Lord before final judgement is rendered.  Believers hold fast to the faith!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who reigns and sees all - including my sin, my obedience, and the sin of the wicked and those who do not fear You.  You have saved me from eternal destruction and You will deliver justice perfectly.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  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 my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

 Leviticus 24

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 2 Peter 3:8-10

This afternoon, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence  - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the third theme for the chapter - We Relate to God Reverently.  Here, we tackle a difficult question - to what extent should we fear and revere God?  The commentary theme for today looks specifically at Leviticus 24:10-16 and v23 - these verses describe how a man blasphemes God, and how God directs Moses to have the man stoned to death as his punishment, and how then the "people of Israel" carried out this punishment. The commentary discusses how theologians and Biblical scholars stress the need to "balance God's immanence and His transcendence" (see DesiringGod.com on this balance, as well as dictionary definitions of immanence and transcendence).  We must balance our view of God who desires an intimate relationship with us (see post yesterday as an example) with a view of God, as described by the commentary, as "not...a mere mortal man, but...the all-powerful Lord of Hosts, Creator of the Universe!  We must always observe that distinction...God tells us repeatedly in His Word to fear Him."  We are referred to Hebrews 10:31 as one of many scriptural examples that remind us to fear God.  The author of the commentary then writes: "[s]ome people are surprised by the severity of God's judgement of the man who blasphemed.  On the contrary, I am surprised by the extent of God's mercy.  We are surrounded by blasphemers.  At work, at school, and in the media we are regularly hear people scoff at the truth of God's Word, mock God's people, and publicly deny God's existence.  Yet God allows them to live another day, and another, and another.  He mercifully gives them many opportunities to turn to Him in faith.  The commentary then describes how Paul refers to God's "extraordinary patience" in 1 Timothy 1:16 and how Peter wrote about the same thing in 2 Peter 3:8-10. The commentary wraps by examining a question: "[w]ho knows how many opportunities [God] gave to the man described in Leviticus 24?....God's judgement of him was an act of mercy to everyone in the man's life, so that they would not learn to blaspheme from him and go into an eternity of suffering and separation from God.  In eternity God will be treated as holy; He will be worshiped as God.  We relate to God reverently."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who is SO patient with me and full of mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God!  My sin of harshness with others, etc. is great.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

 Malachi 3:13-18

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.  “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. Malachi 3:16-18

I return to my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning my focus is an unassisted review of Malachi 3:13-18.  Here, Malachi records God's message to Israel portrayed as God's response to two of His own rhetorical questions where He rightly judges Israel for "speaking against Him" and for doubting "the profit of keeping His charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of Hosts" in v13-15.  V15 describes how God repeats back the thoughts among the faithful who don't see God's justice, even among the nation of Israel itself as they see "the arrogant blessed," and "evildoers [who] prosper [despite how] they put God to the test and...escape."  The good news in the text, starting in v16, is how "those who feared the Lord spoke with one another," and the implication is that at least some of them confessed and repented of their sin as "the Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed His name."  In v17, God makes another of His awesome promises for those who fear the Lord that "they shall be mine, [and] spare[d from eternal damnation]." The text for today ends with an ominous prophecy and warning where God shares another promise that there will be a day - Judgement Day - when all will be held accountable for their deeds, the wicked will be held condemned and the righteous will be spared (based on this book of remembrance).  See also this post from DesiringGod.com.  Believers of today should take note of how we can easily be rightly accused of the same sins of Israel from the book of Malachi.  Confess and repent of these sins and turn towards the Lord.  Non-believers should also take note and seek a God full of grace and mercy who saves - Jesus Christ.  Come to Him and be saved!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are a righteous God whose justice is perfect and who's grace and compassion is incredible.  I am undeserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings You pour out for me - the grace and mercies that never stop.  Thank You Jesus!  But, again, I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.     

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.

1 Corinthians 3

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 3:5-17.  The introduction of the commentary* for today's text shares the following main point: "God uses his servants to build the church and will judge the quality of each person’s work, but he is responsible for the church’s growth." It continues to describe how the text seeks to ensure all believers are properly focused on loving and serving God in preparation for Judgement Day.

The commentary* then outlines how the text includes "three pictures to describe the church of God" and how the text uses each in three divisions:

1. The Church Is God’s Field (3:5-9): Paul seeks to address the politics and conflict within the church at Corinth by explaining that neither himself, Apollos or Cephas (see also 1 Corinthians 3:22) are to be exalted as they are merely servants of Christ doing what God called them to do. The workers are not rivals but teammates working towards the same goal - glory to God.  The commentary* also explains that "how we serve matters. What we do and why we do it matter."  It makes a point to ensure we don't miss v8b and how Paul reminds us that "each will receive his wages according to his labor." Using the farming analogy, Paul then moves to share how even though God's workers - whoever they may be - plant and water the field, it is God alone that gives the growth. We are referred to John 4:34-38 where God is the Lord of the harvest. The commentary* for this division concludes with an admonishment: "[e]xalting a person to divine status is idolatry and robs God of the glory that rightly belongs only to him. Thank him for the service of his servants, but praise him for the growth in his field that only he can give." 
2. The Church Is God’s Building (3:9-15): The commentary* highlights how the text moves from a farming analogy to an architectural one where "[t]he church of the Lord Jesus is his field in which he sends his servants and coworkers to plant, water, cultivate, and reap a harvest. It is also his “building” (v9) where he sends his “skilled master builder” (v10) and other laborers and workers to build with materials of excellence that will withstand the purifying fires of revelation on “the day” of judgment (v13)[.]" We are reminded that Christ is the foundation and the members of the church are to work together to build upon that foundation.  The commentary writes: "[w]e work with good motives, methods, and goals. How we work in and for the church matters. Why we work in and for the church matters."  We cannot forget that Christ is the foundation of the church. The commentary* digs deeper into how Paul encourages Corinth to build on Christ's foundation carefully, using quality materials and methods.   It warns us against efforts that produce little value, particularly in light of how our efforts - all of us - will be judged according to our labor and the quality of our work.  The commentary* provides several key points about this judgement, including (a) this is a judgement of service, not salvation, (b) this judgement involves the quality of our work, not its quantity, (c) this judgement will evaluate both actions and motives. 
   
3. The Church Is God’s Temple (3:16-17): Paul's final division for the text extends the use of a building as a metaphor by referring to the church as God's temple. The commentary* shares four observations made by Paul about the church: (a) we (the church) are His sanctuary, (b) we have His spirit, (c) we are special, and (d) we are sacred.  The commentary* writes about how we are His sanctuary: "[w]hat an amazing statement of their identity in Christ and their status before God."  It writes about how we have His Spirit: "[t]he sovereign God of the universe now dwells in a small, insignificant people called the church." Regarding how the church is special, the commentary* writes how Paul warns the church (v17) to treat God's temple with respect and to avoid the many things that reflect poorly on the church: "[a] focus on entertainment, false conversions, preaching a watered-down gospel, spending resources on fancy programs or impressive buildings, weak preaching, acceptance of gossip and materialism, lack of prayer, loss of missions and evangelistic passion, and much more will drain a local church of its life." The warning here to not destroy the church is a grave one - we are referred to Galatians 1:8-9. Paul's words in this division conclude as described by the commentary* by emphasizing how the church is holy and set apart and this includes both privileges and responsibilities...and God will hold the church accountable for how we do.
   

 The commentary* concludes for the text today by quoting Andy Davis' book The Glory Now Revealed: What We'll Discover About God in Heaven and how it lists ten kinds of good works we should pursue:

1. Anything done for the glory of God (even simple daily tasks; 1 Cor 10:31) 
2. Humble servant-hood (Matthew 20:26-28) 
3. Sacrificial giving (2 Samuel 24:24; Luke 21:3; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7) 
4. Suffering for the kingdom (Matthew 5:11-12) 
5. Advancing the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:19) 
6. Giving to the poor (Luke 14:12-14) 
7. Secret acts of piety—fasting and prayer (Matthew 6:6,18) 
8. Anything done to help those advancing the gospel (Matthew 10:42) 
9. Anything done to help other Christians in any way (Hebrews 6:10) 
10. An honorable life of hard work (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace for me in SO many ways - thank You for the love and grace You pour out for me.  I am undeserving.  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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests.

Zephaniah 1:7

Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. Zephaniah 1:7

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my study focus is a commentary-assisted review of the third division per my commentary: v7. Excerpts from the commentary:

• "The Day of the Lord is a reference to the coming judgment of God. While we find it mentioned a number of times throughout Scripture, Zephaniah is more uniquely focused on it than any other biblical book."
• "The Israelites were guilty of disobeying God, and because of their disobedience, God was clarifying through Zephaniah that a reckoning is coming. There is no one, regardless of class, status, or birth order, who can avoid God’s judgment. This would have been difficult for Zephaniah’s hearers to understand, as those who were part of God’s chosen people might have assumed some sense of protection from God’s wrath. Instead, God puts them on notice that no one can escape the coming judgment. The intent of the declaration, as we will see at the end of the book, is not to terrify them into cowering before God. It is not to punish them for what they have done. God is not lashing out in uncontrolled anger or sadistically dispensing judgment. This reminder of the coming day of judgment was intended to provoke them to remember their place as His chosen ones and to repent and return to faithful obedience. He compels them in this manner because He understands that life is lived most fully and completely when one is living in harmony with God."
• While it is inevitable that some will not, we are encouraged to be obedient to heed God's warning of a coming judgement and take refuge in the salvation that only Jesus provides.  This refuge not only provides life for eternity with Jesus in Heaven, but also life to the full now with the Holy Spirit in our hearts working to mold us into more of His image (sanctification) until we are fully glorified on that day when either Jesus returns or He calls us home.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God full of grace, mercy and compassion.  Your mercies are new every day and they never cease.  You also save and are saving a place for me in Heaven and I can rest in the promises that You make to me as a believer.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Jeremiah 51:59 and 50

 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Day 223 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my commentary* this morning focuses on God's message through Jeremiah to Judah regarding judgement of Babylon. My commentary indicates that "[o]f all the people who need this assurance, it is the exiles in Babylonia who need it the most. Therefore this judgment against Babylon is given by Jeremiah to a staff officer named Seraiah, who is being sent to Babylon on behalf of King Zedekiah."

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

Indeed, while the message to Babylonia is harsh, God's words for Judah are encouraging, including:

“In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord, “the people of Israel and the people of Judah together will go in tears to seek the Lord their God. They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and bind themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten[”]. Jeremiah 50:4-5

In those days, at that time,” declares the Lord, “search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare. Jeremiah 50:20

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah as well. All their captors hold them fast, refusing to let them go. Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is his name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that he may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon. Jeremiah 50:33-34

As believers, we may all feel periods of "famine", "exile", etc. Yet we do have a strong Redeemer in Jesus Christ.  He purchased our lives through death on the cross and when we accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, He gave us in return freedom from the sting of sin and death, and He will never leave or forsake us.  Whatever we may be experiencing is temporary because we know God is saving a place for us in Heaven.

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

You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain.

Isaiah 14-17 and 34 

You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress. Therefore, though you set out the finest plants and plant imported vines, though on the day you set them out, you make them grow, and on the morning when you plant them, you bring them to bud, yet the harvest will be as nothing in the day of disease and incurable pain. Isaiah 17:10-11

Day 181 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 my study of the prophecies of Isaiah. This morning my focus is Isaiah's judgement of Israel and Judah's neighbors. My commentary* reminds me how King Ahaz of Judah (2 Kings 16) "[became] "a vassal to Assyria, paying tribute and doing in effect whatever Assyria demands".  It also goes on describe the implications of Judah's dependence on Assyria and how God uses Isaiah to deliver a judgement and warning to neighboring nations: "[d]ependence upon Assyria has become necessary because Judah is once again vulnerable to the Edomites and Philistines. Although Isaiah knows that invasions by foreign nations are part of God’s plan for punishing Judah, he is also aware that these nations are acting from their own wicked motivations, and that God will ultimately bring about their destruction as well. Therefore Isaiah pronounces God’s judgment against several nations at this and later times".

Isaiah delivers judgements and warnings to "all nations" (Isaiah 34), including Assyria (Isaiah 14), Moab (Isaiah 15-16), and Syria (Isaiah 17).  

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

Once again, as I posted yesterday, I am reminded how important it is to worship and go to God daily so that we can remember all that God has done for us and maintain a heart of gratitude.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has paid the ultimate sacrifice - for me - and You continue to and always will be there for me doing so much for me.  I know that You will never leave or forsake me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I worry, am full of anger and often harsh with others.  PLEASE forgive me Jesus.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 24-25

The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Isaiah 24:5

I return to my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, on Lesson 9, Day 3, the focus continues with Isaiah 24, where we see God's judgement on the whole earth. We examine parallels between the flood and subsequent covenant God made with Noah and his descendants in Genesis 7-9.  God once again unleashes His wrath against sinful humanity in Revelation - and here in Isaiah 24 God seeks to warn Israel about its unfaithfulness, and all the nations for its sin. Such warnings of course are not unique to Isaiah, and my study points out prophecies from Zechariah 14 that warns of "The Coming Day of the Lord." As a posted a couple of days ago, believers should be expectant of such a day, prepared, anticipating, and enduring faithfully. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God whose judgement and justice is perfect.  In Your judgement and justice, we see Your holiness, Your grace, and Your love.  Thank You for saving a place in Heaven for me.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great 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.