But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Titus 3

 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11

I maintain pause my study of 1 Corinthians and focus on a study of 2 Thessalonians and Titus as part of a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning I read Titus 3, assisted by the Christ Centered Exposition Series commentary for 1-2 Timothy and Titus, and focus on vv9-15. Per the commentary:

• Main idea: We must practice church discipline in submission to the Word of God. 
  
• Excerpts from the introduction: The New Testament has a great deal to say about church discipline....[N]o aspect of church life in our day is more neglected than this one. Indeed, the contemporary church’s disregard for this clear teaching of Holy Scripture is perhaps its greatest visible act of disobedience to our Lord....[W]e have been seduced in a far more insidious fashion. Th[e] subtle slide away from biblical faithfulness can be seen in both practical and spiritual aspects. The effects spread throughout the whole church, but the problem finds its origin at the top, with the leadership, with the pastors....Surely the answer must be found in returning to God’s Word, which gives us the model that provides a way out and the way forward. While Titus 3: 9-15 is not a text deemed as one of the major Scriptures on church discipline, it does provide a foundation for a general treatment of this issue as well as specific counsel for particular situations that demand the practice of this necessary and lost treasure of the church. Here Paul provides five principles by which the body of Christ is to conduct the practice of church discipline.
  

Per the commentary, divisions for this text, including excerpts:

1. Avoid the Foolish (3:9): "Paul describes these troublemakers first as those who engage in “foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law.” He says these things are “worthless.” They are unwise and not worth your time. In his context the troublemakers were Judiazers who added both to the words of Scripture and to the work of our Savior. They debated theological minutiae, created fanciful allegories and mythologies based on biblical genealogies, and added works to the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  Thinking of themselves as the theological elite, spiritual know-it-alls, they tore up and would continue to tear up “whole households” (1:11) if left unchecked. These kinds of persons are not to be debated but denounced and dismissed....Going beyond Scripture, adding to the work of Christ, advocating a “Jesus plus” and a “faith plus” and a “Word plus” theological agenda, these false teachers are “unprofitable.” Nothing good comes from their attitude or their teachings. Avoiding them has as its goal bringing to light their error and their sin. It is redemptive and restorative. It is essential and not optional. The risks are too great. We must avoid the foolish."
   
2. Reject the Divisive (3:10-11): See also Matthew 18:15-20. The ministry of church discipline is mandatory if we are to be faithful to our head, who is Christ. Divisive individuals in the church can be dangerous and destructive and must be confronted and disciplined. With grief, humility, self-examination, and a broken heart, we must confront him and, if necessary, shun and reject him. Following Paul’s directive in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, we must turn him over to Satan with a hope and prayer that the discipline of the heavenly Father (Heb 12:5-13) will bring him to brokenness and repentance and that he will give evidence he is indeed God’s child after all. We have our duty. God has His.
   
3. Follow the Leader (3:12-13): Because Paul would be sending godly, spiritual reinforcements who could handle any troublemakers if more should arise, Titus could set aside this work and move ahead to a new ministry, a ministry that would soon take him to Dalmatia (2 Tim 4:9).
   
4. Maintain Good Works (3:14): Good works must not be neglected - they are a habit of believer's lives. Good works must also meet needs.
   
5. Enlist the Faithful (3:15): Paul prays that the grace God gives supply us with balance, self-control, wisdom, and endurance. By God’s grace and for God’s glory, we will be equipped and enabled to stand and serve, even when the odds are against us and the battle seems all for nothing.
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me Godly brothers and sisters in Christ that serve as models for my own faith.  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You for giving me the encouragement and support I need to live for You.  Yet I am undeserving...I continue to sin....daily.  Please forgive me Jesus...please help illuminate my sin, help me turn from it, 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.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near[.]..But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.

Revelation 4-8:1

Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near[.]..But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. Zephaniah 1:7, Habakkuk 2:20

I resumed my D-Group's study of Revelation using Stephen Witmer's commentary and study guide.  My focus this morning is the conclusion for this week's look at Revelation 4-8:1. One of the key takeaways and "personal implications" from this week is the importance of silence as a spiritual disciplines.  The study shares that: "[t]he silence in heaven at the opening of the seventh seal is sudden and shocking. Throughout Revelation 1–7, we have heard a joyous cacophony of sound reverberating throughout heaven (e.g., 1:10; 4:5, 8, 11; 5:9–10, 12–13). But now, suddenly, silence for half an hour. What’s the meaning of this unexpected silence? The Old Testament background helps us understand. In the book of Zephaniah, God announces his coming terrible, worldwide judgment (Zephaniah. 1:2) and Zephaniah 1:7 tells us the proper response: “Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near.” In the Old Testament—and in Revelation—silence is the horrified, awe-filled, stunned response to the sheer weight of God’s judgment (see Habakkuk. 2:20).*" 

This post from Renovare.org (which I have valued in my journey with Christ) defines the spiritual discipline of silence as "closing off our souls from ​“sounds,” whether noise, music, or words, so that we may better still the inner chatter and clatter of our noisy hearts and be increasingly attentive to God."  This definition convicts me because there are many times when I don't "close off my soul" from the outside world (people, noises, distractions, etc.) and this severely impacts the quality of my time spent with God.  God please help me with the spiritual discipline of silence!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You love me - You have given me the gift of salvation and I have Your Word and the Holy Spirit to help me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sins of worry, etc. persist.  Please help me.  Please help me overcome these sins 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. 

*Witmer, Stephen. Revelation (Knowing the Bible) (p. 14). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

1 Corinthians 4

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16

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 4:14-21. The commentary's* main point for this text: "[t]he church needs spiritual fathers to live exemplary lives and provide gentle, firm correction to help others mature in Christ."  The introduction* shares the blessing of fatherly wisdom - referring to Proverbs 1:8, 2:1-5, 3:1-2, 4:1-2, 6:20-22, 23:22) and how Paul offers this to the church in Corinth.  It* also shares how Paul founded this church and he serves as an "authoritative figure" for the church, just as an earthly father does for his children.  Divisions for the text include*:

1. Spiritual Fathers Have a Unique Relationship with Their Children (4:14-15): Paul only wants what is best for the church in Corinth and right now they need correction to ensure they can stay on the right path.  Paul acknowledges how the church in Corinth has many advisors, including Apollos and Cephas (Peter), but Paul's unique relationship to the church (as founder and primary nurturer of the church) emphasizes one of a fatherly figure and the love that flows from such a relationship.  Paul seeks to live a live worthy of imitation just as son follows in the footsteps of a father.   
2. Spiritual Fathers Provide an Example to Follow (4:16-17): We are referred to 3 John 1:11 where John also writes about imitating Godly behavior seen in others.  Additional scriptural examples include Ephesians 5:1, Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 2:21, 5:2-3. We are urged to follow others to the extent that they follow Christ and of course remember that our primary model is Christ and not man. 
3. Spiritual Fathers Confront Us When We Sin (4:18-19): Paul emphasizes how children need correction and similarly those less mature in their faith - as was the case with Corinth - need correction.  This correction include confronting sinful attitudes, but also sinful actions.   
   
4. Spiritual Fathers Correct Us as Needed (4:20-21): Paul closes the text by providing spiritual correction and discipline and issuing a challenge for the church in Corinth - a harsh rebuke when he sees them again and nothing has changed or warm embraces and a more encouraging visit that highlights positive change in how Corinth has repented of its sin.
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for placing spiritual fathers and mentors in my life that serve to encourage, rebuke, correct, and point me back to Jesus! I am not deserving of how You do this 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 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.

Discipline, Humility and Sacrifice As Means to Glorify God and For Us To Draw Near to Him

Today's Reading
Deuteronomy 8:1-5

Like everyone else, I wonder why I experience difficult times, even for short period of times. Yesterday during my reading/study, I was reminded how I need to be thankful for how God has blessed me, and that I am not deserving given my sin...that God gives despite my sin. I often forget how God blesses me and a chief reason why this is so is my lack of prayer life.

Today, I am reminded that God creates "experiences" for me as a means to discipline me, keep me humble, and see how I am blessed. I walk around all day many days thinking how great I am without any attribution to how God provided. Even without "bad times" I can actually use sacrifice as a spiritual discipline to drive humility and thankfulness.

¹ Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. ² Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. ³ He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. ⁴ Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. ⁵ Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

In particular this lesson teaches me:
- God keeps His promises (i.e. eternal life, forgiveness, love, etc.)
- All life experiences are designed by Him for His glory and my good
- In bad times, I need to mindful that provision and relief WILL come from God in His time and from places that are unexpected sometimes
- Man lives on "every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord"

My Prayer: Lord, your plan is an awesome one as I have seen it unfold in my life with blessings and experiences that are rich beyond imagination. I am in awe of how you use me for your glory and I thank you for how you have blessed me. Keep me humble Lord, keep me focused on you, correct/discipline me, and help me understand how I am part of YOUR plan.

Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you, that your eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where you have promised to set your name, that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the pleas of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

Isaiah 54-57

Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you, that your eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where you have promised to set your name, that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the pleas of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. 2 Chronicles 6:19-21

I continue my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series.  My study of Isaiah moves on to day 4 (of 5) of week 20, which looks at Isaiah 54-57.  Day 3 once again focuses on Isaiah 55-56. One of the questions from the study this morning urges us to look at how God refers to His "house of prayer" in Isaiah 56 (see v7) and believers are to see how God wants us to pray - the study refers us to 2 Chronicles 6:19-21, 32-33, 36-40 and 7:12-16. I am encouraged to pray - this is certainly a spiritual discipline where I need to grow.  Please help me Lord develop this spiritual discipline.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who hears all my cries and responds - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You are full of compassion and help me carry my burden.  Thank You.  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.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

 1 Corinthians 5

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

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 5:6-13. Building on commentary for 5:1-6, the commentary* for the text today provides three (3) divisions:

1. Church Discipline Is Grounded in the Redemptive Work of Christ (5:7-8): We are new creations, called out of a life of sin to be holy. Paul's reference to the Passover festival is used to recall how Israel broke free from its bondage in Egypt and Jews celebrate this freedom. Believers are similarly called to celebrate - this time the work Christ on the cross and what it does for those who believe.  Church discipline must be based in an effort to demonstrate lives that are new and transformed - bearing fruit. 
   
2. Church Discipline Must Be Exercised in the Community of Faith, Not the World (5:9-11): Here, Paul shares how church discipline is focused inward - on those inside the church, not on those outside the church. He calls out specific sins of sexual immorality, greed, swindling, idolatry, slanderers, and drunkenness. The challenge is to be "in the world" to seek and save the lost but not be "of the world" where the sinful influences lead us astray. Be on the watch for brothers and sisters within the church that have been led astray. 
3. God Judges Those on the Outside While We Judge Those on the Inside (5:12-13): Paul emphasizes that God alone judges those outside the church so the church should avoid this focus and instead look inward and be on guard for the little bit of leaven that "leavens the whole lump" (v6). We are referred to Galatians 6:1-2 for how we can approach a brother or sister in Christ with "a spirit of gentleness."  The commentary* wraps for the text by sharing how it is not harsh to confront sin in the church: "[o]verlooking sin is not loving; it is sinful. Overlooking sin is not gracious; it is cowardice. Overlooking sin is not merciful; it is dangerous. Overlooking sin is not kind; it is hateful."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You provide brothers and sisters in Christ who help confront my sin and encourage me in my journey with You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me 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.

And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Ezekiel 22

And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign Lord. v12

We all want to experience God and His goodness.  The best way to experience God and not forget about God is to practice spiritual disciplines.  For me the key spiritual discipline is to read my Bible daily. 

God promises that if we seek Him (i.e. though Bible study), we will find Him.  We will also experience God and He will change us - by transforming our hearts and lives to be more like Him. 

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

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

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

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 9:19-27. The main idea offered by the commentary*: "All preferences and rights are worth giving up to bring others to Jesus."  The introduction* then further develops this main idea by describing "soul winning" and a "simple gospel presentation" called the "Romans Road." It then shares that for Paul, "[s]oul winning was a priority for the apostle, and it should be a priority for every follower of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 Paul allows us to examine the heart of a soul winner."  The following two divisions provided by the commentary* unpack the text in more detail:

1. I Deny Myself to Win Souls for Christ (9:19-23): "Paul gladly flexes and bends to win others to Christ." He is not disobedient to God but he denies himself personally (slave to Christ - do anything to follow His call to bring Him glory), religiously (i.e. respecting, adapting to (but not necessarily practicing when no longer in place such as ceremonial law/sacrificial system), and not arrogantly looking down upon Jewish practices), socially (interacting with the Gentiles), and completely (referring to how Paul will also work humbly to save "the weak" or those who are seeking or new believers but have previously followed paganism or idolatry) for the sake of saving others. 
   
2. I Discipline Myself to Win the Crown (9:24-27): Paul uses the analogy of athletics and winning a competition to describe believers efforts to run a race, endure, and to win eternal rewards. As they endure, believers must exercise both self-control (avoid sin and sinful influences) and self-discipline (practice spiritual disciplines).  We should not act aimlessly but with intention and endure based on God's direction and commands for us.
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace - delivering me from my sin and saving me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and grace.  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.

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.

Isaiah 28-29

The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right. Isaiah 29:19-21

I resumed my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series. Today, looking at Isaiah 28-29, I move along to Lesson 11, Day 4, which focuses on Isaiah 29 and God's judgement of spiritual hypocrisy. My commentary uses a very helpful analogy to see how God cures such spiritual hypocrisy - surgery. "All surgeries involve cutting through healthy tissue to reach the unhealthy....In a similar way, the Great Physician of Souls must often hurt his people in order to heal them."  The commentary then goes on to state the "common themes" of heart issues that "arise in every generation":

• spiritual blindness (v29:9-12)
  
• cold-hearted worship (v29:13)
  
• worldly wisdom (v29:14-16)

We cannot fully understand God's thoughts or ways (Isaiah 55:8), but we should know that God is always at work, and that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).  In Isaiah 29, we should view God's judgement and punishment of Israel as an example of how harsh discipline is often needed for our own good, but that does not mean that God does not love His people and for those that return to Him, He will welcome them just as He does with the Prodigal Son.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - what a great God You are that You welcome us back, even as we sin.  You punish and discipline us out of love - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of the second chances You provide - the amazing grace - particularly the salvation You provide.  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.

Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants.

Esther 5-10

Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it on themselves to establish the custom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year, in the way prescribed and at the time appointed. These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. And these days of Purim should never fail to be celebrated by the Jews—nor should the memory of these days die out among their descendants. Esther 9:26-28

Day 277 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 as I finish a review of the book of Esther. Both Mordecai and Esther acted with courage when it counted and my commentary* points out how "[a]lthough there is no mention of God or covenant or restoration, there is the clear message that God watches providentially over his people".

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

Of importance as well with this story is how God providential protection is recorded for the Jewish nation to remember, as the festival of Purim is to be celebrated annually marking God's work during this period.  Worship is core to our faith and a critical spiritual discipline.  We must remember that God is in control, how all blessings come from Him, and without Him we would be lost and suffer the consequences of our sin - damnation.

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

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.

Psalm 68

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. v19

As a believer, a core spiritual discipline is study of God's Word so that we can understand what it says in an absolute sense (head understanding) and also what God is saying to us individually (heart understanding).  I have for a long time not understood the full extent of the requirements to develop and have a personal relationship with Jesus.  The Bible (God himself - see John 1) is explicit that we love the Lord with all of heart, soul, mind and strength (Exodus 20, Matthew 22).  To express this we should delight in the law of the Lord (Psalm 1) and to develop a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5).  In my view, the Bible is not explicit that we are to daily study God's word but it is implied through various scriptures. 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors[.] Proverbs 8:34

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 12:12-13

Core to answering this question is of course our heart condition - if we truly love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, then we should seek Him as much as possible - daily, but likely more often than this.

My Prayer: Lord, You ARE our daily bread, I depend on You and apart from You I can do no good thing.  I desperately need You in my life.  I know You are with me until the end of the age.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of Your love.  I am broken - I am selfish, lazy, I am impatient, and I worry too often.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62

Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. v8

As a follow up to yesterday's post, we are encouraged to seek God as our refuge.  Today we read that as a means to seek God as our refuge, we are to "pour out [our] hearts to Him".  Prayer is powerful and effective.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Prayer is an important spiritual discipline of all believers - for more scriptural references see here.

Speaking for myself, I know I can pray more often and more fervently.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - You Reign!  You created all things, You are in all things, and You hold all things together.  You are WAY better at being in control than I am - my control is a total illusion!  I am so grateful for how You reign because You bless me, forgive me, and redeem my sin for my good and Your glory - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such mercy, grace and blessing...I continue to worry, get angry, and be impatient with others.  Please forgive me and 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.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin...and serve You.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Isaiah 58

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? v6

Fasting is just one spiritual discipline, and we can't pretend to assume that because we sufficiently practice one we are doing what God wants us to do - God wants us to continue to grow.   We also do not want to be guilty of hypocrisy or of not being in action as James 1:19-27 describes for us.  See also post here.

My Prayer Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who lives in me and I have seen how You have produced fruit in my life and in the lives of others.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worthy of such love as I worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  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 praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 10-12, 2 Kings 16, and 2 Chronicles 28 

"I will praise you, Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:1-2

Day 180 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 commentary* describes Isaiah's prophecies (1) God's anger against those who claim to follow God commands for justice but don't in practice (Isaiah 10:1-4), (2) God's anger for Assyria who has overrun the northern kingdom of Israel (Isaiah 10:5-19), (3) how God will save the few faithful in Israel and Judah - referring to them as the remnant (Isaiah 10:20-23), (4) how God will help Israel and Judah overcome captivity (Isaiah 10:24-34), (5) of the coming Messiah (Isaiah 11:1-16), and (6) how Israel and Judah will praise God for deliverance from captivity (Isaiah 12:1-6).

My commentary also discusses King Ahaz's (Judah) response to Isaiah's prophecies: "Ahaz must surely consider Isaiah a crazy dreamer. He probably does not even begin to understand Isaiah’s message regarding the coming Messiah. Moreover, he does not have enough faith in God to believe that he could actually defeat Israel and Syria (and even Assyria, if necessary) simply by trusting God. Foolishly, Ahaz will trust his own military strength instead".

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

Because Ahaz does not fully trust in the Lord - Judah is defeated by Israel and Syria (2 Kings 16 and 2 Chronicles 28) and taken captive by Israel.  What is remarkable about this turn of events is how God convicts the hearts of Israel to return the Judean captives:

But a prophet of the Lord named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army when it returned to Samaria. He said to them, “Because the Lord, the God of your ancestors, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches to heaven. And now you intend to make the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem your slaves. But aren’t you also guilty of sins against the Lord your God? Now listen to me! Send back your fellow Israelites you have taken as prisoners, for the Lord’s fierce anger rests on you.”  Then some of the leaders in Ephraim—Azariah son of Jehohanan, Berekiah son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai—confronted those who were arriving from the war. “You must not bring those prisoners here,” they said, “or we will be guilty before the Lord. Do you intend to add to our sin and guilt? For our guilt is already great, and his fierce anger rests on Israel.” 2 Chronicles 28:9-13

Ahaz's unfaithfulness and how he led Judah into sin is summarized:

The Lord had humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the Lord. Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came to him, but he gave him trouble instead of help. Ahaz took some of the things from the temple of the Lord and from the royal palace and from the officials and presented them to the king of Assyria, but that did not help him. 2 Chronicles 28:19-21

This morning I see God's message how we must  maintain a heart of worship and gratitude towards Him as a core spiritual discipline.

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

The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 35

The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. v18

We must remain present to the Lord.  What we find in 2 Chronicles 34-35 is that during the repair of the temple, the Book of the Law was found.  According to the MacAthur Bible Commentary, it is likely that the Book of the Law went missing during the reigns of Ahaz, Manasseh, and Amon - three kings who preceded Josiah (Hezekiah between Ahaz and Manasseh).

With the Book of the Law missing, I am sure it became even more difficult to remain present to God.  Written copies of it were rare and for one to go missing was likely a big deal - one would think it would surely be missed.

As a follow up to yesterday's post, we must find ways to remain present to God.  We must be in God's Word daily in study, reflection, and prayer - scripture memorization is also a good spiritual discipline.  We should maintain a heart of gratitude.  As part of a heart of gratitude, we should - as Josiah (and Hezekiah) does here - take time on special occasions or holidays to celebrate what God has done for His people and for us individually.

This short book - Practice of the Presence of God - is worth a look (see also here).

Ultimately, we are called (see Romans 12) to be a living sacrifice.

Of course, easier said then done - but with God's help all things are possible.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who is with me always and whose words are in my heart.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such a God.  I worry - far too much.  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 do.  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.

Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God.

Zephaniah 3:1-8

Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the LORD; she does not draw near to her God. Zephaniah 3:1-2

I continue my study of Zephaniah using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book.  For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zephaniah 3:1-8, which is the text for the second division of the commentary's chapter covering Zephaniah 2:4-3:8.  The commentary further breaks down this second division into eight subdivisions, and today I review the first four that explore 3:1-3.

1. God’s chosen people are defiled because of their rebellion (3:1): "We have now come full circle. As in chapter 1, Zephaniah again turns his prophecy toward the people of Judah. In similar tone and focused on similar targets, Zephaniah levels devastating judgment from God, to His own people, after clearly bringing justice to those who were His enemies. As Zephaniah leveled the charges against Judah’s enemies, I can only imagine that Judah stood by and listened with pleasure, only to find that pleasure withering under the return of God’s scrutiny....They knew God’s word and had been warned against their disobedience. In spite of that, they continue to revel in their pride and self-confidence, functionally rejecting God and serving themselves instead. This was not unique to this generation of God’s chosen people. No, this is a refrain that we hear repeatedly throughout Scripture."  See also Psalms 106:43.  "The truth is that this constant rebellion, met with constant grace, is our story too. Like the people of Judah, we constantly turn away from God, are consistent in our disobedience, and are critically in need of grace."  See also Romans 7:5. "Apart from the grace of God, we are relentlessly bent toward sin. After coming into contact with God’s grace, we are transformed into adopted children of God, but we still retain our sin nature and find ourselves drawn, at times, back into sin. Thankfully, the grace of God makes it possible to be free from sin, but until Jesus returns to make things right, we will probably never be free from the temptation to sin. The people of Judah were susceptible to that same temptation, only they had succumbed to it and were now buried in it....God expects holiness, and they were unholy (defiled)....They were desperately in need of salvation. See also Romans 3:23. " 
   
2. God’s discipline has not compelled His people to obey (3:2): "[Judah has] been disobedient, they have ignored God’s discipline, they have failed to trust God, and they have not drawn near to God." 
   
3. The disobedience of God’s people is due to their lack of trust (3:2): "[W]hat makes this judgment more troubling is not simply that they were rebellious, but that when they were confronted with the Lord’s discipline, they remained hard-hearted toward Him." See also Romans 1:21-24. 
   
4. The political leaders are ruthless and are devouring the people (3:3): "Not only would they thoroughly reject Him, but they have become so completely rebellious that their leadership is devoid of spiritual life in any sense....The leaders were living for themselves to the degree that they were gladly fleecing their own people, people who had been entrusted to them as a stewardship, and they were now using the people for their own gain." 
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: God You are great and You offer grace for those whose heart is soft enough to receive it...and You are the one that hardens and softens hearts.  Thank You Jesus for softening my heart and making me one of Your elect.  I am not deserving.  My sin continues...and it is great.  Help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me stay near to You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 6

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

I continue my study of Ephesians via my participation in a Discipleship (D) Group that is part of my church. For this morning, I look deeper at Ephesians 6:1-9, leaning on commentary from John Piper from this video, which focuses on fatherhood - Paul's subject in v4:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

First John Piper indicates how Paul is writing specifically to fathers here in v4a, and only excluding mothers because there is deference to the father as the spiritual leader of the household (see Ephesians 5), and because v1-3 speak to how mothers and fathers work together to raise Godly children given Paul's instruction in those verses refer to "parents" and there is an implied agreement between mom and dad.  Piper also refers us to Proverbs 1:8 and 6:20 where scripture reinforces how mothers are of course involved (heavily) - but there is deference from mom to dad as dad takes primary responsibility for raising Godly children.  Piper then moves on to 4b where the focus is how father's must "bring [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."  This provision is more important than food or other physical provision.  Piper points to Hebrews 12:5-11 where discipline is emphasized in its importance.  Instruction is broken down as both an affirmative but also with qualification in that if you don't do it - harsh consequences await (a warning), and in this case the consequences are eternal damnation.  Fathers are also urged to know their children and their inclinations, and based on this model Godly behavior and Piper uses Psalm 103:13-14 and Colossians 3:20-21 to help guide fathers - and finally to aim at holiness and joy.  See below for a summary from the video.

 

 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and who gave me incredible children - I am not deserving of the blessings they are - my sin is great and it continues, particularly in how I have left my children down with respect to raising them according to Your design and intent.  I am grateful for how You have forgiven this and redeemed much of it but there is more to be done - continue to work in my heart and life - please!  Help me turn from my sin, overcome it, and turn towards You. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You 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.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James 1

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. v22-24

James wants us to be in action, specifically in the context of our scripture reading - and this appears to be for two key reasons: (1) the act in of itself and its role glorifying God, (2) the application of our scripture reading will help us reinforce both head and heart learning of the scripture - on this latter point Jesus was able to remain pure, holy, and blameless in part because of His perfect understanding of scripture (Matthew 4, Luke 4).  I am in dire need of a spiritual discipline that applies scripture so as to reinforce the learning.  I need to defeat sin in my life.  I know Jesus will save but I know also that I can be more successful in beating sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, pure, holy and blameless.  I am not - I am filthy and in need of cleansing.  You have been patient with me, merciful, gentle, etc. and not punishing me with what I deserve.  Thank You Jesus for Your mercy and patience...and Your blessings.  I am not deserving of the many blessings You provide. Please forgive me for my lustful actions and my indiscretion...help me turn from such sin and 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 my scripture and reinforce my learning.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her cancer.  Please help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.....Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.....

Psalm 70, 71, 77, 83, and 86

From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.....Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.....Psalm 71:6, 17

Day 111 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 focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and I continue with "Psalms of the Troubled Soul".

Today's psalms focus on prayers for the urgency for God's deliverance, for God's presence even in old age, for the comfort of knowing God's record of deliverance, for punishment of oppressing nations, and for mercy in the face of enemies.  Praising God during the good times comes to mind as a critical spiritual discipline.  Gratitude, even for God's blessings from our childhood or from years ago, serves as, according to John Piper, "an essential guardian of the soul, and therefore we should guard ourselves with as gratitude. He goes on to day that, "[e]vidently we are fair game for the devil when we don't abound with thanksgiving".  We must build the muscle of gratitude. 

David does this in the Psalms, with Psalm 71 being my example.  David experienced difficulties, like we all do, and as Jesus promises (John 16:33). Yet David was able to draw upon his heart of gratitude to protect himself and to keep himself close to God.

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

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Psalm 119

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. v97

I posted about scripture memorization last week, and today's verses reinforce the importance of this spiritual discipline.  "Meditating" or reflecting on God's Word all day long blesses us in many ways as stated the verses that follow:

Your commands are always with me
    and make me wiser than my enemies.

 I have more insight than all my teachers,
    for I meditate on your statutes.
I have more understanding than the elders,
    for I obey your precepts.
I have kept my feet from every evil path
    so that I might obey your word.
I have not departed from your laws,
    for you yourself have taught me.
How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth!I gain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path. 

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

    a light on my path. v98-105

When we read and study God's Word, we better understand God, His power and love, His character, and His attributes.  The more I understand God, the more likely I will be able to understand His will for my life (Romans 12:2).  What a great God we have!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love You - the more I know about You the more my love for You grows. I know I need You in my life - badly.  I can do no good thing without You.  I would be lost without You.  Thank You for being a lamp unto my feet.  You bless me well beyond what I deserve - my words of thanks are insufficient for what You do for me.  I need Your forgiveness and protection.  Forgive me for being distracted by the things of this world - by my worry.  Help me overcome and turn from my 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.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer and the side effects from chemo.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach, and Dustin, and serve You.  Help me understand be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.